yours truly
Mitch, Auntie Beth, Sonny
everyone
winner shot
Happy 2008!!!
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Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 30, 2007
2008 in a few...
It's been generally a SAD year for me. But there are some happy-happy joy-joy and fun, fun, fun moments. Like I've seen my father a few months ago after so many years (almost 2 decades!). Or that I'm having the longest, although "forced" vacation. Or that I'm meeting new, interesting and inspiring people (they don't really know who they are). Life has NOT been kind to me these days. But then, I still have my family (the remains of it), a few chosen friends (i knew who my real friends are), and my sanity (a miracle!) to go by, and at least be thankful for. When there's life, there's hope, right? That's what I am going to do in 2008. To still hope to make it. Because I can.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Yummy Treats (part 2)
Cupcakes by Sonja's Red Velvet
Krispy Kreme!!! Sweetness to the max...
Special Dark Chocolate Donut and Original Frozen Blend
Special Dark Chocolate and New York Cheesecake Donut
Mama's Mango Float
Krispy Kreme!!! Sweetness to the max...
Special Dark Chocolate Donut and Original Frozen Blend
Special Dark Chocolate and New York Cheesecake Donut
Mama's Mango Float
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Here's How My Christmas Went
1. My bro Mitch and I went to Auntie's Beth place and feasted on left-over spaghetti, which we already ate yesterday (along with lamb chops and salad).
2. Auntie Beth, my cousin Sonny, Mitch, and I went to Eastwood and watched Enteng Kabisote (haha). While killing time, we took some pics of Santa, etc. on display.
with Auntie Beth
with Mitch and Sonny, after much coaxing
3. Feasted on KFC and filled out Auntie's Starbucks card with the Christmas drinks. Nakalibre kami ng Toffee Nut Frappuccino, which I still have yet to consume.
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas...
2. Auntie Beth, my cousin Sonny, Mitch, and I went to Eastwood and watched Enteng Kabisote (haha). While killing time, we took some pics of Santa, etc. on display.
with Auntie Beth
with Mitch and Sonny, after much coaxing
3. Feasted on KFC and filled out Auntie's Starbucks card with the Christmas drinks. Nakalibre kami ng Toffee Nut Frappuccino, which I still have yet to consume.
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas...
Merry Christmas!!!
From the bottom of my heart, I wish everyone a blessed and fun-filled Christmas. Forget all your troubles for a while (I will most definitely try) and take time to enjoy this special day with your loved ones.
Happy Birthday Jesus!!!
Friday, December 21, 2007
When it rains, it pours... Hard!!! (part 2)
For the first time in months, I am truly DEBT-FREE!!! Well, except for those which I'm not really obligated to pay but I'd like to but couldn't right now. A big sigh of relief. Now I can sleep more and hope for better things which needs a lot of prayers.
Better come up with a plan in 2008. Which is in a few days away.
Better come up with a plan in 2008. Which is in a few days away.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
When it rains, it pours... Hard!!!
I've been cash-strapped for a couple of months I was already worried how I could survive Christmas. But early blessings abound. I can go shop full-blast now. And leave some for rainy months, as always. Thanks Papa and bro! And Mama too for still giving me whenever I need some.
Next year I am going to look for a real job.
Next year I am going to look for a real job.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Yummy Treats
I am slowly giving in to temptation this coming holidays.
The Banoffee Pie is now my fave dessert from Red Ribbon. And I want more!
These Belgian chocolates from Marks and Spencer's are too gorgeous to eat. But it didn't stop me from sampling them one by one.
And of course, my fave Christmas Starbucks drink--the Toffee Nut Frappucino. Love, love, love!!!
The Banoffee Pie is now my fave dessert from Red Ribbon. And I want more!
These Belgian chocolates from Marks and Spencer's are too gorgeous to eat. But it didn't stop me from sampling them one by one.
And of course, my fave Christmas Starbucks drink--the Toffee Nut Frappucino. Love, love, love!!!
Saturday, December 15, 2007
What happened yesterday?
The DSL connection is soooooo sloooooowwwwwwwww.... It's bad enough that Mama "accidentally" had the lines cut, yesterday I can't check my mails after the PLDT guy had our connection fixed. Multiply is one of the few sites up and running. Did I miss out something? Was there an earthquake somewhere? Oh, well. I'm blogging again now. Which is good, right? Hmmph!
UPDATE: Systems all go!!! Yay!
UPDATE: Systems all go!!! Yay!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Still Enchanted
I just watched the movie Enchanted.
Disney's latest offering is a combination of its past films with a twist of the New York life. It had the signature singing, storytelling, and of course, the predictable fairy-tale ending. Only that it's not a typical fairy-tale ending.
I basically watched it for the laughs. I lost it when Giselle (played by Amy Adams) started to sing in a New York park and people simply followed her around. Amy Adams is the one to watch for.
And there's Patrick Dempsey. It's nice to see him not wearing scrubs this time. He's still a dreamboat, even if he plays a divorce/d lawyer.
James Marsden who play Giselle's Prince Edward is simply hilarious. And Susan Sarandon as the stepmother was a class act.
It was a treat to see Idina Menzel, who I expected to sing. She did not. (OT: I also love her "Wicked" partner, Kristin Chenoweth.) Another bonus is that my American Idol Carrie Underwood sang the movie's theme song, "Ever After".
The only thing I didn't like was the climax of the movie, which looked a little G-rated for me. That's when I realize that I'm still watching a kids movie despite all its innovations. Oh well. Happy, happy, joy, joy...
Disney's latest offering is a combination of its past films with a twist of the New York life. It had the signature singing, storytelling, and of course, the predictable fairy-tale ending. Only that it's not a typical fairy-tale ending.
I basically watched it for the laughs. I lost it when Giselle (played by Amy Adams) started to sing in a New York park and people simply followed her around. Amy Adams is the one to watch for.
And there's Patrick Dempsey. It's nice to see him not wearing scrubs this time. He's still a dreamboat, even if he plays a divorce/d lawyer.
James Marsden who play Giselle's Prince Edward is simply hilarious. And Susan Sarandon as the stepmother was a class act.
It was a treat to see Idina Menzel, who I expected to sing. She did not. (OT: I also love her "Wicked" partner, Kristin Chenoweth.) Another bonus is that my American Idol Carrie Underwood sang the movie's theme song, "Ever After".
The only thing I didn't like was the climax of the movie, which looked a little G-rated for me. That's when I realize that I'm still watching a kids movie despite all its innovations. Oh well. Happy, happy, joy, joy...
Monday, December 10, 2007
Mineral Makeup Weekend - Part 2
When : Dec. 15- 16, 2007, 9AM-7PM
Where : SANTA’S CHRISTMAS BAZAAR @ La Vista ( Q.C. )
For more info, just follow this link.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
More Q and A's
1.What's the best love story you've ever watched? somewhere in time. such a classic
2. Do u think you're ok? yup. really.
3 . Song playing at the moment? no music at this time
4. One song to describe current relationship? na na na na na na na na...
5. Accessories you usually wear? watch, necklace, bangle sometimes
6. Fave color(s)? pink!!! and purple/lavender recently
7. Ever donated blood? nope. too scared
8. Last place you went to? amina bldg in t. sora
8.5 . Saan ka pupunta mamaya? - neighbor's place for block rosary
9. Last person u went out with? mom
10. The most exciting sport? all of them
11 . Ever had a permanent tattoo? nope
12 . Movie u want 2 watch? enchanted
13 . Any piercings? sa ears lang
14. The most romantic gift ever received? flowers
15 . Act on stage before? sort of
16. ??? huh?
17. Danced with your loved one before? secret!
18. Ever wished you could turn back time? yes! but i will probably do the same things
19. One song that's meaningful to you? dami... my life is defined by music
20. Last person you met for the first time? can't remember
21 . What will you be doing tomorrow? church... duty free... then back to church
22. Ever thought of robbing a bank? sometimes
23. One thing you totally regret?? yun na yun
24. Do people like you? sana
25. What was the last game you played? connecting straws with kids and facebook's griddle
26. Someone who means a lot to you at this moment? dami
27. The color of your mobile phone? gold. wish it were pink though
2. Do u think you're ok? yup. really.
3 . Song playing at the moment? no music at this time
4. One song to describe current relationship? na na na na na na na na...
5. Accessories you usually wear? watch, necklace, bangle sometimes
6. Fave color(s)? pink!!! and purple/lavender recently
7. Ever donated blood? nope. too scared
8. Last place you went to? amina bldg in t. sora
8.5 . Saan ka pupunta mamaya? - neighbor's place for block rosary
9. Last person u went out with? mom
10. The most exciting sport? all of them
11 . Ever had a permanent tattoo? nope
12 . Movie u want 2 watch? enchanted
13 . Any piercings? sa ears lang
14. The most romantic gift ever received? flowers
15 . Act on stage before? sort of
16. ??? huh?
17. Danced with your loved one before? secret!
18. Ever wished you could turn back time? yes! but i will probably do the same things
19. One song that's meaningful to you? dami... my life is defined by music
20. Last person you met for the first time? can't remember
21 . What will you be doing tomorrow? church... duty free... then back to church
22. Ever thought of robbing a bank? sometimes
23. One thing you totally regret?? yun na yun
24. Do people like you? sana
25. What was the last game you played? connecting straws with kids and facebook's griddle
26. Someone who means a lot to you at this moment? dami
27. The color of your mobile phone? gold. wish it were pink though
Friday, December 07, 2007
Roseology - about me, well not much
Let others know a little more about yourself, repost "_______OLOGY"
Q: What is your wallpaper on your computer?
A: Christmas tree in the living room
Q: How many televisions are in your house?
A: 4, 1 defective
BIOLOGY
Q: Are you right-handed or left-handed?
A: right
Q: Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
A: nope, at least not yet
Q : What is the last heavy item you lifted?
A : some books
Q: Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
A: No.
CRAPINOPOLOGY
Q: If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
A: yes, so i can prepare whatsoever
Q: If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
A: just Rose
Q: What color/s do you think look best on you?
A: red, but i'm taking to neutral colors recently
Q: Have you ever swallowed a non-food item by mistake?
A: not that i can remember
Q: Have you ever saved someone's life?
A: not physically
Q: Has someone ever saved yours?
A: not yet
STUPIDIOLOGY
Q: Would you kiss a member of the same sex for $100?
A: it depends
Q: Would you allow one of your little fingers to be cut off for $200,000
A: no way!
Q: Would you never blog again for $50,000?
A: oh yes
Q: Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?
A: no
Q: Would you, without fear of punishment, take a humans life for $1,000,000?
A: no
DUMBOLOGY
Q: What is in your left pocket?
A: no left pocket right now
Q : Is Napoleon Dynamite actually a good movie?
A : what?
Q: Do you have hardwood or carpet in your house?
A: hardwood
Q: Do you sit or stand in the shower?
A: stand
Q: Last time you had a run-in with the cops?
A: i hope not in my lifetime
Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?
A: i'm grown up now
Q: Who is number 1 on your top 6?
A: God, abover everything else
LAST...
Q: Friend(s) you talked to?
A: classmate
Q: Last person who called you?
A: fellow lector
Q: Person you hugged?
A: tricia, hehe
Q: Last person you kissed?
A: let's not talk about that
FAVORITOLOGY
Q: Number?
A: 18
Q: Season?
A: summer, not too many choices
CURRENTOLOGY
Q: Missing someone?
A: of course
Q: Mood?
A: crappy
Q: Watching?
A: nope
Q: Worrying about?
A: results
Q: What is your wallpaper on your computer?
A: Christmas tree in the living room
Q: How many televisions are in your house?
A: 4, 1 defective
BIOLOGY
Q: Are you right-handed or left-handed?
A: right
Q: Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
A: nope, at least not yet
Q : What is the last heavy item you lifted?
A : some books
Q: Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
A: No.
CRAPINOPOLOGY
Q: If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
A: yes, so i can prepare whatsoever
Q: If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
A: just Rose
Q: What color/s do you think look best on you?
A: red, but i'm taking to neutral colors recently
Q: Have you ever swallowed a non-food item by mistake?
A: not that i can remember
Q: Have you ever saved someone's life?
A: not physically
Q: Has someone ever saved yours?
A: not yet
STUPIDIOLOGY
Q: Would you kiss a member of the same sex for $100?
A: it depends
Q: Would you allow one of your little fingers to be cut off for $200,000
A: no way!
Q: Would you never blog again for $50,000?
A: oh yes
Q: Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?
A: no
Q: Would you, without fear of punishment, take a humans life for $1,000,000?
A: no
DUMBOLOGY
Q: What is in your left pocket?
A: no left pocket right now
Q : Is Napoleon Dynamite actually a good movie?
A : what?
Q: Do you have hardwood or carpet in your house?
A: hardwood
Q: Do you sit or stand in the shower?
A: stand
Q: Last time you had a run-in with the cops?
A: i hope not in my lifetime
Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?
A: i'm grown up now
Q: Who is number 1 on your top 6?
A: God, abover everything else
LAST...
Q: Friend(s) you talked to?
A: classmate
Q: Last person who called you?
A: fellow lector
Q: Person you hugged?
A: tricia, hehe
Q: Last person you kissed?
A: let's not talk about that
FAVORITOLOGY
Q: Number?
A: 18
Q: Season?
A: summer, not too many choices
CURRENTOLOGY
Q: Missing someone?
A: of course
Q: Mood?
A: crappy
Q: Watching?
A: nope
Q: Worrying about?
A: results
Sunday, December 02, 2007
A Filipino Christmas
Note: This article was published in the December 2, 2007 edition of the Our Lady of Consolation Parish newsletter. This is from the original text.
Christmas is just a few weeks away! It has been said time and time again that Filipinos celebrate the longest Christmas, where Christmas songs are played as early as September. The festivities officially start on December 16, with the first day of the Simbang Gabi, and ends on January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany.
Let us look into some local Christmas symbols and traditions that add color to this special holiday.
Simbang Gabi
Christmas celebration in the Philippines will not be complete without the Simbang Gabi (Misa de Gallo). These nine-day novena masses are devoted to the Virgin Mary, which are celebrated either at dawn or in the evening in order to accommodate the country’s predominantly Catholic population. These masses signify one’s devotion to his faith and sacrifice to God. However, it is also believed that God would grant the wishes of the faithful if they complete the novena masses.
The masses end on Christmas Eve, with the celebration of the Misa de Aguinaldo or the Midnight Mass.
Christmas Star
Known as the Star of Bethlehem, the Christmas star announced the birth of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of Matthew narrated that a star guided the three wise men (magi) to Bethlehem where the child Jesus was born.
In line with this, a star is often placed on top of the Christmas tree representing the Star of Bethlehem. Filipino homes and buildings, in particular, are adorned with at least one star-shaped lantern or parol, symbolizing the welcome of the Messiah.
Belen
The belen is considered as the oldest Filipino Christmas symbol, showing the infant Jesus on a manger surrounded by his parents Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and their flock. This symbol was derived from the tradition of real people and animals recreating the nativity scene introduced by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223.
Panuluyan
The Panuluyan (looking for lodging) is a street drama reenacting the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. This is performed on Christmas Eve, usually before the Midnight Mass. Derived from the Mexican posada, this tradition was introduced in Mexico by the Spanish missionaries.
Caroling
One of the most cherished Filipino Christmas traditions is the singing of Christmas carols. A group of carolers whether family, friends, or members of an organization, visit several houses and sing familiar Christmas tunes. They usually carol for fund-raising purposes or just for the fun of singing. Homeowners respond by the giving of cash or even by inviting the carolers into their homes for a feast.
Noche Buena and Family Reunions
The Christmas season is also a good opportunity for holding big family reunions. Filipino families, in particular, gather starting on Christmas Eve to partake the Noche Buena or the traditional dinner, usually after attending the midnight mass.
On Christmas day, the families visit the elder members to pay their respect. Children, along with their parents and relatives, also visit their ninongs and ninangs (godparents) to receive their aguinaldo (gifts).
Gift-Giving and Manito Manita
We all know that Christmas is a time for gift-giving for the kids and kids at heart. In fact, the first gifts were those given to the child Jesus by the three wise men—gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
A popular local gift-giving tradition is the Manito Manita, also known as Monito Monita. The rules of this Filipinized Kris Kringle vary from the required value of the gift to the theme of the day. Participants draw lots the names of the recipients (babies), which should not be revealed until the final exchanging of gifts. The fun part of Manito Manita is for these baby-recipients to guess the identity of the giver.
Other Symbols:
Christmas Tree – Adorned with Christmas lights and ornaments with an angel or star on top. The modern practice of decorating trees was said to have originated in Germany, although Protestant reformer Martin Luther King was argued to be first to start the tradition by lighting the tree with candles.
Santa Claus – A character associated with bringing gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. He is also known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, or Kris Kringle. Many cultures describe the origins of Santa Claus, one of the earliest being that the character is based on St. Nicholas, known for giving gifts to the poor. Today, Santa Claus is more popular as a secular Christmas symbol.
Christmas Lights – For Christians, the Christmas lights symbolized that Jesus Christ is the “Light of the World”.
These Christmas symbols and traditions are very much alive and are practiced in our country and in our respective communities. With all the preparations abound this holiday season, let us remember their significance on our lives, as well as the reason why we celebrate Christmas—to commemorate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. A meaningful Christmas to all of you.
Christmas is just a few weeks away! It has been said time and time again that Filipinos celebrate the longest Christmas, where Christmas songs are played as early as September. The festivities officially start on December 16, with the first day of the Simbang Gabi, and ends on January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany.
Let us look into some local Christmas symbols and traditions that add color to this special holiday.
Simbang Gabi
Christmas celebration in the Philippines will not be complete without the Simbang Gabi (Misa de Gallo). These nine-day novena masses are devoted to the Virgin Mary, which are celebrated either at dawn or in the evening in order to accommodate the country’s predominantly Catholic population. These masses signify one’s devotion to his faith and sacrifice to God. However, it is also believed that God would grant the wishes of the faithful if they complete the novena masses.
The masses end on Christmas Eve, with the celebration of the Misa de Aguinaldo or the Midnight Mass.
Christmas Star
Known as the Star of Bethlehem, the Christmas star announced the birth of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of Matthew narrated that a star guided the three wise men (magi) to Bethlehem where the child Jesus was born.
In line with this, a star is often placed on top of the Christmas tree representing the Star of Bethlehem. Filipino homes and buildings, in particular, are adorned with at least one star-shaped lantern or parol, symbolizing the welcome of the Messiah.
Belen
The belen is considered as the oldest Filipino Christmas symbol, showing the infant Jesus on a manger surrounded by his parents Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and their flock. This symbol was derived from the tradition of real people and animals recreating the nativity scene introduced by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223.
Panuluyan
The Panuluyan (looking for lodging) is a street drama reenacting the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. This is performed on Christmas Eve, usually before the Midnight Mass. Derived from the Mexican posada, this tradition was introduced in Mexico by the Spanish missionaries.
Caroling
One of the most cherished Filipino Christmas traditions is the singing of Christmas carols. A group of carolers whether family, friends, or members of an organization, visit several houses and sing familiar Christmas tunes. They usually carol for fund-raising purposes or just for the fun of singing. Homeowners respond by the giving of cash or even by inviting the carolers into their homes for a feast.
Noche Buena and Family Reunions
The Christmas season is also a good opportunity for holding big family reunions. Filipino families, in particular, gather starting on Christmas Eve to partake the Noche Buena or the traditional dinner, usually after attending the midnight mass.
On Christmas day, the families visit the elder members to pay their respect. Children, along with their parents and relatives, also visit their ninongs and ninangs (godparents) to receive their aguinaldo (gifts).
Gift-Giving and Manito Manita
We all know that Christmas is a time for gift-giving for the kids and kids at heart. In fact, the first gifts were those given to the child Jesus by the three wise men—gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
A popular local gift-giving tradition is the Manito Manita, also known as Monito Monita. The rules of this Filipinized Kris Kringle vary from the required value of the gift to the theme of the day. Participants draw lots the names of the recipients (babies), which should not be revealed until the final exchanging of gifts. The fun part of Manito Manita is for these baby-recipients to guess the identity of the giver.
Other Symbols:
Christmas Tree – Adorned with Christmas lights and ornaments with an angel or star on top. The modern practice of decorating trees was said to have originated in Germany, although Protestant reformer Martin Luther King was argued to be first to start the tradition by lighting the tree with candles.
Santa Claus – A character associated with bringing gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. He is also known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, or Kris Kringle. Many cultures describe the origins of Santa Claus, one of the earliest being that the character is based on St. Nicholas, known for giving gifts to the poor. Today, Santa Claus is more popular as a secular Christmas symbol.
Christmas Lights – For Christians, the Christmas lights symbolized that Jesus Christ is the “Light of the World”.
These Christmas symbols and traditions are very much alive and are practiced in our country and in our respective communities. With all the preparations abound this holiday season, let us remember their significance on our lives, as well as the reason why we celebrate Christmas—to commemorate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. A meaningful Christmas to all of you.
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