Sean Griswold's Head Entry

Just for fun, this is my entry to Becca Fitzpatrick's contest in Twitter for Sean Griswold's Head. I wish I have some enchanting story about it.. This picture was taken in Carlo's Pizza during our first trip to Tagaytay five years ago. Hunny was an employee of Trend Micro Philippines that time and this was their team jacket.

Today

Not Enough?

Am I not pretty enough
Is my heart too broken
Do I cry too much
Am I too outspoken
Don't I make you laugh
Should i try it harder
Why do you see right through me?

I live, I breathe, I let it rain on me.
I sleep, I wake I try hard not to break.
I crave, I love, I've waited long enough.
I try as hard as I can.

I laugh, I feel, I make believe it's real.
I fall, I freeze, I pray down on my knees.
I hope, I stand, I take it like a man.
I try as hard as I can.

Am I not pretty enough
Is my heart too broken
Do I cry too much
Am I too outspoken
Don't I make you laugh
Should i try it harder
Why do you see right through me?

Why do you see, Why do you see, Why do you see, right throughme
Why do you see, Why do you see, Why do you see, right throughme
Why do you see, Why do you see, Why do you see, right throughme
Why do you see, Why do you see, Why do you see...
Right through me?

Women's Health Athena All Women's Run

Women’s Health Athena All Women’s Run is open (exclusively) for women ages 16 years old and above. Girls below 16 years old may still register, given that she is accompanied on race day by a registered (same distance/category) female adult.

To win (in all categories) and qualify for finisher’s bracelet (for 5k and 10k registrants), participant must be wearing official race singlet upon crossing the finish line. Official bag must also be used / brought to race festival area to claim free items and services from partners.

Registration fees are Php500 for 3K, Php650 for 5K and Php700 for 10KM category. Registrations are open from February 21 - March 15 at the following venues:

February 21 - 28 : Toby's MOA, Runnr, Planet Sports Trinoma/Glorietta, The Athletes Foot Robinsons Galleria

March 1 - 15 : Toby's MOA, Runnr

 

Ready to Join?

1. REGISTRATION SCHEDULE AND VENUES

Online registration period is from February 21, 2011 to March 15, 2011

Regular In-store registration period is from February 21, 2011 to February 28, 2011 only at the following venues:

• Toby’s SM Mall of Asia – G/F Entertainment Mall, Roxas Blvd., Manila (12nn–8pm, Tel # 556-0445
•  RUNNR – G/F Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City (12nn – 8pm,Tel # 4031787)
• Planet Sports Trinoma – 2nd level, Trinoma cor. North EDSA, Quezon City
• Planet Sports Glorietta – 2F Glorietta 3, Makati City (12nn – 8pm, Tel # 8177896)
• The Athlete’s Foot Robinsons Galleria – 3F Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas Pasig City (12nn – 8pm, Tel# 6363162)

Late registration period is fromMarch 1 – 15, 2011 at the following venues: Toby’s SM Mall of Asia and RUNNR, Bonifacio High Street.

2. REGISTRATION FEES

3km   – Php500
5km   – Php600
10km – Php700

3. IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• The Women’s Health – Athena All Women’s Run is open to women aged 16 years old and above. 
• Only women are allowed to join the race.
• Girls below 16 years old may register, as long as they are accompanied on race day by a registered female adult running in the same category.
• Registration may end earlier than announced deadline therefore, race kits may run out before March 15,2011.
• A valid ID must be presented upon registration. For group registration, a photocopy of any valid ID must be presented by the representative.
• To win (in all categories) and qualify for the finisher’s bracelet (for 5k and 10k registrants), the participant must be wearing the official race singlet upon crossing the finish line.
• Singlet size availability will be on a first come first served basis.
• A disposable timing device called a “D-tag” will be used by all participants during the race.
• Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 finishers of each category(3k, 5k, 10k).
• Finisher’s Certificates will be given to all finishers.
• Finisher’s Bracelets wil be given to all those who will finish the 5k and 10k distances 
• For questions, please contact any of the following RunRio hotline numbers (9am – 6pm): Globe: 0915-7827126 Globe: 0927-3990043

For additional information: http://www.runrio.com http://www.facebook.com/womenshealthphilippines http://www.facebook.com/Athena.Milk

Last week, we (Chi, Hunny and me) were able to watch Tangled in 3D at Eastwood Mall. Though, animated flicks are usually for kids, we have anticipated for the showing and thought it would be something fresh for a change. Well, I am not writing this entry for the said movie though. Raymund (Chi's significant other) was unable to join us because he had to finish projects for work. He has always been a busy dude so he promised  us that he'd make bawi this weekend.

The usual laid back Sunday passed by but we decided to pursue with movie and dinner in the afternoon. Chi and I were sending SMSs back and forth thinking what would be good to watch.. if I remember it correctly, we even both used the phrase "worth watching". So I checked ClickTheCity and saw Adam Sandler's and Jennifer Aniston's "Just Go With It" and watched the trailer on Youtube.

I really hoped for it to be good so we would not waste money and time over something that would just make us feel empty or with no feeling at all after watching. And it was, there is an undeniable chemistry between the leads which is not surprising because they are both good comediennes. Never a dull moment though the story line is really the usual. A romantic comedy for its genre, I can say that it was worth-watching. My rating? ★★★★ out of 5 ★s. 

Here is the official trailer: 

Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Power of Oatmeal

The most indispensable ingredient of all good home cooking: love, for those you are cooking for.
~Sophia Loren

I don't want to blame my genes for not fitting into my jeans, but one thing my Italian mother taught me was how to eat. I was a chubby kid. Every day after school, my mother had a treat waiting for me: a slice of cheesecake, almond cookies or a plate of cannolis. I sipped my first cappuccino in third grade and found the taste bitter unless accompanied by a sweet. Then, I discovered the dynamic combination of taking one sip of coffee for every bite of pastry.

Sundays were the best. That's when we had our big spaghetti dinners, and to this day my mouth waters remembering the bounty of it all. Meatballs, sausages, antipasto, and rigatoni for a pasta backup if we ran out of spaghetti. There were so many people around laughing and talking, it was easy to lose track of how much you were eating. Not that you could get away with enjoying only one plate of food. If you refused a second portion of anything, my mother's response was, "What's the matter? You don't like my cooking?"

I naturally carried this high-calorie diet into adulthood, though I rarely bothered making marinara from scratch. I could never emulate my mother's sauce. Consuming lots of breads, pasta and desserts never struck me as strange or self-indulgent; it just felt like going home.

It wasn't until I hit my mid-30s that I realized something had to change. I had little energy and, because my sluggish body didn't want to do anything, it seemed life was passing me by.

When a friend suggested I start each day with oatmeal for breakfast, I said, "You've got to be kidding!" But this friend looked great and possessed boundless enthusiasm so I took her advice.

I'm not exaggerating when I say oatmeal is one of the few dieting choices I've made to significantly change the quality of my life. It's filling without being high in calories or fat.

I used to get so hungry between breakfast and lunch, reaching for yet another cup of coffee and its charming companion, the pastry. Now, I don't even think about food until lunchtime where I pass on the pasta dishes, knowing I'll want a nap afterward.

After a year of eating oatmeal for breakfast every morning, seven days a week, I lost over 15 pounds. I have more energy to do things, like take a walk after getting home from work instead of plopping down for a snooze.

My friends and co-workers have noted the positive results of good old-fashioned oatmeal. I will admit this fundamental fiber can get boring. Try sprinkling some raisins or shaved almonds in the pot. Top it off with vanilla-flavored soy milk that's high in calcium, low in sugar and you're in for one healthy breakfast treat!

There's only one person in my life who is wary of this new diet. Every time I visit my mom, she pats me on the cheek and asks, "Honey, are you getting enough to eat?" To put her at ease, I'll pull a package of biscotti from my purse. As I sit down at a table with her and dunk one of the family favorites, I don't feel I'm cheating on my diet. Every once in a while, I just need to go home.

Source: Chicken Soup for the Soul: Shaping the New You

********

It is already February and though it is still not the usual time for summer, everyday I find the sun glaring at world (or at  least in my part of the globe) as powerful and imposing as it wants to be. Yep, no doubt about it, summer is here. And what are summers for? Vacays and BEACHES! Keeping the latter in mind, it is about time to  work out and be fit if one longs to wear that Victoria's Secret string bikini one has seen online.

I have read this daily dose on Chicken Soup story on my inbox today. And what can I say? I am one of those people who thinks that oatmeal is either for babies or sick people who can eat normal food because their bodies don't have the capacity to digest them. Yes, crazy I know. I used to like eating oatmeal for breakfast when I was a kid. But now, I feel deprived when I think of eating it. Deprived of eating what I can and want to eat that is. 

Anyway, I would like to challenge myself for 14 days of eating oatmeal for breakfast. Starting today. I hope I can go through with the whole two weeks without backing down on my own challenge. I always see myself as a competitive person so I think (with fingers crossed) that I can manage. :)

The Art Science Museum, SG

The Art Science Museum officially opens on Saturday, 19th February. A new place to visit on May. Yey! When we went to Singapore last year, this was still in construction. I was really curious since is is eye-catching and the architecture was quite superb (even if all I was able to see are steels, steels and steels).

This is a quick description from the site of Marina Bay Sands: 

Embark on journeys through Curiosity, Inspiration and Expression.

Designed as a symbolic gesture of welcome to guests from across the globe, the lotus-inspired ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands is set to become the spiritual home of the burgeoning ArtScience movement, as well as a premier destination for major international touring exhibitions from the most renowned collections in the world.

Embracing a spectrum of influences from art & science, to media & technology, to design & architecture, the ArtScience Museum features over 4,600 square meters of galleries to inspire visitors of all ages, walks of life and from shores near and far.

The Museum’s showpiece exhibition, the ArtScience Gallery, is an homage and introduction to the nascent field of ArtScience. What unites Art and Science is the instinct to observe, connect, take risks and explore new ideas and ways of understanding nature’s wisdom and experiences that shape our culture.  Visitors to the ArtScience Gallery will explore these mysterious connections between the arts and the sciences through three galleries – Curiosity, Inspiration and Expression – thus undergoing their own journey of creativity.

The Museum will also play host to marquee exhibitions curated by leading museums and collections. These visiting exhibitions will be recast through the lens of ArtScience, allowing visitors to experience the creative process and interaction of influences that gave rise to great moments, movements and inspirations in time.

Unique to the region, the ArtScience Museum expresses Singapore’s priorities and ambition to be the exchange capital of the world, providing an internationally renowned forum for the exchange of the latest ideas and theories. The ArtScience Museum is an endowment to Singapore’s creative class, and it is Singapore’s gift to the world.

Friday Getaway at Casa Ibiza

Oh how the Lord moves in perfect timing. As always, I am left amazed. And thank God for technology as well. :)

My brother will be arriving next week for vacation. He is currently studying Nihonggo at Osaka, Japan in preparation for his Masters there. (Another blessing from the Lord) He will be here for at least a month to apply for his visa.We are going to have a pre-birthday celebration for him since he will be back in Japan before his actual birthday and also our elder sister's birthday. Yey!

I tried looking for places to go where we can relax, unwind and bond. First was Camayan Beach Resort in Subic. This is a great place for the kids since it is also near Ocean Adventure. But quite pricey plus the tollway fee would be more than Php700. We would not fit in an SUV for we are 12. So that would be two vehicles plus the gas and toll fee plus accommodation and food not to mention the Ocean Adventure tickets for the kiddos. 

Then I searched over the internet for Batangas Beaches. I wanted it to be in the beach since it feels like summer already. I checked Balai Isabel, Palmbeach Resort and La Luz which are famous Batangas beaches. I almost booked with Coral Beach Club but decided to still weigh my other options. It has to be budget-friendly with comfy place to sleep since we have three kids, as much as possible a beach with pool (like what my mom requested).

I was browsing through Facebook when I saw a friend's post about Casa Ibiza. I have already checked their site before in courtesy of fellow Girltalkers though I haven't really paid too much attention. So here's the deal from Cashcash Pinoy - Only P3,430 for One Night-Stay and Complimentary Breakfast for 6 people in a Grand Villa at Casa Ibiza! The usual rate is Php 6300.  

I bought two vouchers without any hesitation. And am happy with it. Now we have a place, I am pressure-free and I hope we will enjoy our stay. 

Here are some pictures of the place. Will be taking pictures and will post it here after the trip.

For additional information about Casa Ibiza, you can check their site.

They also have a Facebook Page

For inquiries, you can call (02) 2112073.

Early Summer at Tali Beach

I am fond reading reviews and checking the internet for what is new - especially when it comes to places. I always wanted to try something new. And I think, a smart way to do that is to always read reviews first. To save time and money and for enjoyment and total satisfaction. 

I have been an avid member of forums and usually, that is where put all my insights so that I can share experiences - good or bad to other people. This will be my first time writing an actual review of a place. Actually, one of the best summer places I have been to.

It was February 2009 when the cousin of my bf went to visit from US. She mentioned that she wanted to go to the beach. She also brought a friend with her so we decided to pursue the search for a good place. It was also the first official out of town trip without the elders. From what they told me, they usually have an annual trip during summer but it was always with the entire clan. So I hoped  for it to be good one. Chi and I were the ones assigned for the place. We started a month before their cousin's arrival. Twas a little bit hard to get the exact number of the people joining because we have different work schedules and some needed to file for leaves and wait for them to be approved before they can say they can come. 

I checked forums and reviews and found a place in Tali Beach Batangas. I texted and asked if the date was available, the pricing and the amenities we can use during our stay. Tali is a private place owned by different individuals. They allow people to rent it and use all the things inside the house provided that it will be taken care of.

Here is the original email of the owner, Mrs. Becky Aranaz:

The TALI Beach house for rent is across the Main Beach and is a 3 minute walk to the beach. There are 5 air-conditioned bedrooms that are being rented out with the following sleeping accommodations: (1) Bedroom One in the Second Level that sleeps 3 with private bathroom- P3600 (2) Bedroom Two in the Second Level that sleeps 3 with private bathroom- P3600 (3) Bedroom Three in the Second Level that sleeps 3-4 people with private bathroom- P3600- P4800 (4) Bedroom Four in the First Level that sleeps 5 with private bathroom- P6000 (5) Bedroom 5 in the First Level that sleeps 10- Bathroom is outside the bedroom- P12000. Children below 7 years old are free of charge but they will have to bring their own sleeping bags. Room rates include use of kitchen equipment, dinnerware, flatware, refrigerator, coffee maker, blender, oven toaster. There is also a grilling area at the back of the house.  There is a water dispenser so guests may bring their 5 gallon water jugs. Beddings, pillows and blankets are provided. NO TOWELS AND TOILETRIES will be provided. The beach house has a swimming pool and a garage for 6-8 cars. Drivers and maids quarters are separate from the Main house. Full Payment is required upon reservation.  Gate passes for TALI will be provided for , depending on the number of cars entering the subdivision. TALI is a private subdivision so no coasters, buses are allowed to enter.

*******

First payment was done after we confirmed the reservation. Second payment was 3 days before our trip. We deposited the first payment and emailed her the scanned copy of the bank form. Second payment was done when we went to her shop, Aranaz in Rockwell. That was the time when we got the gate pass and the invitation letter to show to the guard.

The beach house itself was nice. It was serene and comfortable. There was a caretaker who helped us unload our things so we can get settled. We were able to use 4 rooms. All air-conditioned. Aside from the beach access, which was a 3-5mins walk from the house, they also have a pool.

Here are some of the pictures:

A view from the second floor

The Pool

Lounge chairs

The Beach

Dining in Second Floor

A Place to Grill

An overnight is definitely bitin. All I can say is that if one seeks for serenity and bonding with friends and family, renting a private beach house is preferred rather that going to a public resort that you need to share with other people. 

I wish to go back to Tali. Maybe this year. :)

Carpe Diem

turn down the lights
turn down the bed
turn down these voices
inside my head
lay down with me
tell me no lies
just hold me close
don't patronize
don't patronize me
i can't make you love me if you don't
you can't make your heart feel
something' it wont
here in the dark,in these final hours
i will lay down my heart
and feel the power if you wont
no you wont
coz i can't make you love me
if you don't

verse:
I'll close my eyes
then i wont see
the love you don't feel
when your holding' me
morning will come
and I'll do whats right
just give me till then
to give up this fight
and i will give up this fight

 

Feeling a bit melancholic yesterday. Well, it is half past twelve in the morning and I have just woke up. Took a bath and ate. Last meal I took was brunch yesterday.

As I read through the lines of the song, I have come to realize that it is not just about love. I mean, you cannot make anyone love you. Or do things for you or decide for things they don't want to.

It is not as if there is no option. There is always a yes and a no. A right and a left. There is always and will always be a choice. That is what free will is about, isn't it?

I have tried to live a life without regrets. I haven't always made the right choices. More often than not, especially when I was young I always took calculated risks. I strive to be a good girl, a proper daughter, a prim lady. It was indeed no menial task for I know in my heart that I have a stubborn streak and there is a rebel inside. So when I take these chances, however right or wrong they may be, I stand up for it. And some times, though it may seem that I'm all tough, my knees will be trembling and my fingers are crossed hoping I made the right one.

As I grew older, I have learned that I have to make more choices. For I can never bring back the past, or as what if, or sulk in the corner and blame myself. Why can't everybody do that? Is it because they have everything to lose and I have none?

To change one's life:  Start immediately.  Do it flamboyantly.  No exceptions.