Coming home...

I was getting ready to have dinner with my college friends last Friday when I began to feel a sudden excitement and soothing calm. Then I thought to myself, "I guess this is what the word homecoming means". The thought of seeing and being with these people whom I consider life long friends and family once again really made it feel like I was 'coming home'.

And why wouldn't I feel this way when it was these people I studied, partied, disagreed, cried and rejoiced with back in college - the best 3 years of my life (3 years because of the trimestral system). And even years after college we remained friends and allowed ourselves to be part of each others lives.

I remember in those days we even made a plan to meet up for lunch once a month. Obviously, with everyone's busy schedule, the monthly plan has become an at least twice a year event (sans getting together for our kids' birthday parties).

This dinner was particularly special because we celebrated Dada winning her company's international achievement award which will be taking her to London in a few days. For me, aside from celebrating Dada's success, it was my first time to return to Kit's house after Reyster passed away and it was a part of my process of coming to terms with his passing. Even if he was not physically present, I was so sure he was there with us.

I was happy that at least our core was in complete attendance. It's usually difficult to get everyone to attend and actually stay. We arrived at Kit's around 8pm and were treated to her yummy home cooked lamb chops, liempo and a variety of pasta dishes. Then we shared on oreo cheesecake with cookies and cream ice cream on the side (ooh, i can still remember the taste!). Afterwhich, our ever so creative host Kit prepared and served mojitos. In between all of these we shared stories, updating each other of current events in our lives.

What was enjoyably surprising was that after all these years, there would still be stories that would come out that the other members of the group didn't know of, and it's these stories that would allow us to piece together little bits of information that would complete another story or an unresolved mystery(for that night, it was Torts on the hot seat). We laughed so hard, couldn't stop the tears from flowing down my cheeks.

This went on until about 1:30am. Rob and I had an early morning the next day so even if I didn't want to leave, we had to go ahead, leaving the rest to reminisce and continue the night.

I left Kit's house that night feeling as if I was leaving my family after a reunion. And as I initially felt, that's just what it was, a homecoming.

I look forward to the next time we meet up, with tissue in hand, ready for another round of hard laughter, with tears. It always feels comforting to come home.

A young boys dream comes true

In our household it is normal to hear slapping of slipper soles on the floor. One slap, then another. This goes on and on. When you follow the source of the noise, you will find a 6 year old boy making phantom basketball shots. When he isn't doing this, he is making real shots in his small court in the backyard, or at RFM when we play on Sundays.

You could say that our son Rocco is hooked on the game. From playing on the PSP, to watching old videos of Michael Jordan, to watching La Salle play in the UAAP, he has developed a passion for the game that neither Rob or I had when we were his age.

Call us proud, doting parents (as we are of our kids), but we see a potential that may or may not be, and I believe it is our duty to nurture and encourage (without unhealthy pressure) it. When you ask him who his idols are, two names are mentioned, Michael Jordan and DLSU's Jvee Casio.

So when we heard that the Green Archers were going to attend Mass at Rocco's school, we decided to hear Mass there as well so that Rocco could get see and possibly meet his idol. After the Mass the players were gracious enough to sign autographs and pose for photos.

We walked up to Jvee and asked for a picture and autograph.

Then a small voice softly said to Jvee "I want to be like you". We then saw a shy but heart warmed smile from his idol and he softly answered "Wow, thank you."

After that surreal encounter, Rocco wanted photo's with the other members of his favorite team, and the players obliged.










As parents, we were just as happy so see the dream of a young boy come true on a warm Sunday morning.

UAAP Men's Basktball Season is over

The UAAP Men's Basketball Championship for Season 71 is over. Crummy that there's nothing to look forward to on TV every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

Congratulations Ateneo. You have a real good team this year and you played well. We had so many chances to score and close the gap, but again, the shots just didn’t fall. It just wasn’t meant to be.

Personally, I am happy that our team got this far and anything more is just gravy. But never did I imagine that it would end this way.

In all my years of playing and watching basketball games, I am usually not one to blame the officiating. But on this occasion I’m in shock at how the game was manipulated by people other than the players and in such blatant fashion. If they wanted to decide the outcome of the game, then they could have spared us all this drama.

It’s not that Ateneo does not deserve the victory, they do. But what gets my goat is that our team was not even given a chance. The officiating controlled the game rather than letting the players play. Calling that second technical on Rico decided the outcome of the game. And what was it for? Something that LOOKED LIKE taunting! I painfully watched the replay of the game just to see if Rico Maierhofer did make a dirty finger on Rabeh AL Husseini, you would see Maierhofer doing that same signaling to his teammates for most of the game, and at that instant right before the refs called the T, he was signaling at Jvee Casio.

So, I wonder if the ref will get suspended for that? Throughout the season, referees were suspended for making supposedly erroneous calls (incidentally on teams playing against La Salle). This one should take the cake, but since the Commissioner is from Ateneo, let's see if any form of action is taken.

Though it may seem sweet to Ateneo, I can't help but feel that this victory is somehow hollow because someone else helped win it for them. Still, enjoy your victory. You deserve it if we will base it on the whole season. NOT on this game.

I feel most for Jvee Casio. I saw his game face (one I don’t remember ever seeing before) when he received his Mythical Five award. And I saw the frustration and the mumbled words (which looked like “patay ako”) when he got his 4th foul.

I commend the team, especially those that stepped up until the very end. Keep your heads up! We are all proud of you!

The intensity that most of us have been waiting to see from our team was shown in the 1st quarter…now THAT was La Salle basketball (a little over emotional maybe, but that Animo, the hustle, the desire was there)…it was what I have been waiting to see all season long…but it possibly came too late…and as we saw, didn’t last long enough.

And as we have done in the past, from the ashes we must rise up and learn from this. Massive player build up/training should be priority. Is it possible that we were caught flat footed because most were still celebrating last years victory? May be, may be not. But it’s definitely a wake up call.

Nevertheless, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Let’s give it to the Blue Eagles to relish this one as it will be another few years before they feel this way again.

278 days to go until Season 72!

It will always be ANIMO LA SALLE!

a new addition to the family

Nope, that isn't Snoopy. It's our new baby! A 3 month old Siberian Husky named Shadow. A birthday gift to my brother but since dogs aren't allowed in his condo, he had to leave Shadow at home with us to the delight of everyone in our household. He now joins our reliable askal Ampon.



Though he is a real hyper pup and wreaks havoc now and then, he has brought much joy to us, just like a new baby. We were able to teach him to sit, lie down and jump up. He still loves to bite or nib since he is still teething so we have to keep directing him to his chew toys.

We went to Tiendesitas a week ago to look at other Husky's and we saw this real huge one. We hope he would grow that big (obviously not thinking about his food requirements by that time). We are also thinking of having him train as a a search and rescue dog. I heard their breed are good at that. For now, he is the darling of the house.

Solar Sports All Access???More like Solar Sports All Commercials!!!

"Buti pa si Onyok at Monsour, mas mahaba pa ang sinabi."

This was the hilarious text I received from a friend as she referred to the commercials that showed former Filipino Olympians talk about their experiences. This came after seeing a literal several second GLIMPSE of the RP contingent as they paraded for the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. I think we saw them in about 2 blinks of an eye.

At least her text brought some humor to a very irritating and frustrating evening. After waiting for this night for some time now, it ended in a very anti-climactic manner.

With all the commercials that Solar showed (and is still showing at the time of this writing) during the live coverage of the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Olympics on C/S (RPN 9), they were probably late in switching over to the live coverage and missed showing the RP athletes as they came into the stadium and was introduced by the announcer. The most we saw was Manny Pacquiao holding the flag, and he isn't even a participant!

We were actually fooled by Solar when they practically showed the entire artistic program prior to the parade of athletes. Once the parade began, so did the continuous and recurring commercials.

Was the motto of Solar for this coverage "let's show a barrage of commercials but hide it behind the name: "Live Coverage of the Opening of the Beijing Olympics!" ?

The entire telecast seemed like more of a slot machine for Solar! A total disservice to the Filipino people!

What I don't get is that Solar probably made a killing already with the pay-per-view tie ups with different cable operators. They had to bombard the coverage with sponsors. Fine, they need to make money. But why couldn't they even get the showing of the RP athletes right??? That's what the Filipinos watching were patiently waiting for, and they fumbled it. I even saw more of the Moroccan team than our own. Tsk! Tsk! Tsk!

Special TV Broadcast? or Special Commercials Broadcast?

I don't understand why you couldn't think of your fellow Filipinos and just had a scrollbar at the bottom of the screen so sponsors could just appear there? This event happens once every 4 years and you couldn't even give a decent broadcast to your fellowmen.

And don't tell me that I should've availed of the pay-per-view. After seeing the line-up of sports...duh?it isn't worth my Php2,500(and besides, my area isn't serviceable).

My sentiment is that we were robbed of witnessing probably the best Olympics Opening Ceremonies ever.

Now the question is, will Solar redeem itself in the coming days. I highly doubt it...KA-CHING! KA-CHING! KA-CHING! While the viewers are left memorizing the Coke jingle and Gran Matador commercial.

I wonder if it would've been different had SkyCable got the rights to the coverage. I'm pretty sure they would've done a better job at in the least, timing the commercials. I used to feel sorry for Solar when they were supposedly booted out from Sky. But after what you guys did tonight..hay naku!

Okay...at least you showed the lighting of the torch until the fireworks display without a break. But then even before the ceremonies ended, you just had to take another break.

I wanted to see our athletes. That was their moment and you took it away from them by giving in to your sponsors! What a way to support Team Philippines guys!

I just hope someone looks into this. As usual, kawawa nanaman mga Pinoy.

Rocco's first UAAP game!

It really isn't a surprise that Rocco has become fascinated with basketball. What with Rob and I being passionate players ourselves (okay, maybe I am more passionate than Rob - we play every Sunday at RFM). Within the last month, he has made it a point to join us at RFM so he could try shooting in a real court as opposed to his 7-foot goal at home. When he found out that some UAAP games are played at the Phil. Sports Arena (which is 5 minutes away from our house), he excitedly asked if he could watch a live game and see his idol, Jayvee Casio .

Yesterday was La Salle's game against UP and so we trekked to the ULTRA to have Rocco witness his first UAAP game - live. You could see the excitement in his eyes, even if at times he was trying to conceal it. La Salle won of course, but it didn't matter what the score was, it was enough that he got to see his idol and the rest of the players plus sing the Alma Mater song. He even imitated the players as they prepared to take free throws. As a parent, I was so happy just to see him beam with joy. It's one of those proud Mama moments. You never know how this will affect his life later on.

I haven't been to a UAAP game since the La Salle-Ateneo game last year(which La Salle lost). Fortunately for us, most games this season are played at the Phil. Sports, but tickets are still hard to come by. These are the times I miss the perks of being on the women's team - free access to the playing venues and most especially, joining the team dinners after their game. Those were some of THE best times!

You might wonder why out of all the games, we chose the vs. UP game -- well, we also wanted to enjoy the halftime show of UP. They always put on an entertaining show. Where will you find the spectators of the opposing team cheering for the UP dancers? That just shows how talented and entertaining they are.

The next game was UE vs. FEU. Rocco was in awe just watching Elmer Espiritu of UE make one dunk after another during the round robin, but he lost interest once the game started. We headed home after the 1st quarter (watched the rest of the game on TV, and boy! what a game it was!). Rocco is hoping to watch another game and no way are we going to deny that request. To see the same excitement in his eyes will be well worth it.

let's talk couch potato

Okay, so I haven't really been talking much about my relationship with my TV and DVD player. Not to worry, Rob so approves. In fact, he's pretty much in on the whole thing. And I call my blog Couch Potato Corner? Fine, fine...I AM A COUCH POTATO! Though I do share the TV time with my kids, most especially Rocco, who is just mesmerized with "Shaun the Sheep"(downloaded both seasons), and it is pretty funny!

Charmed is waaay over. And as I wasn't really able to catch up with Dawson's Creek and Gilmore Girls, let's skip talking about that. Heroes needs no further discussion, but can't wait for Season 3.

Everyday is like...what's on TV? Ever since I was granted a TV in my room (which was around high school), it was, what's on? what did I miss? My teacher in college, Ayi Magpayo asked us one day why we liked watching TV. My answer, though he didn't seem to appreciate it as it wasn't probably the idea he was driving at was "I just didn't want to miss anything", and it still holds true today.

I TV surf. Checking if there's breaking news on CNN, any interesting topics or guests on Oprah and Ellen, documentaries on history, weather, earthquakes and volcanoes on Discovery or NGC. 6:30pm is news time then on to what programs are on for the night. Monday there's House, Wednesdays and Thursdays are American Idol (when it's on) and CSI. The other days are pretty much random. But every night from 9-10pm is E-News and The Daily 10. I don't mind watching re-runs on HBO or Star Movies as long as I like the movie.

For quite a while now, I've been hooked on One Tree Hill and recently Gossip Girl(and Rob is too--I can't watch new episodes without him). I am also at the beginning stages of Summerland (a pretty interesting take on parenting).

One Tree Hill began similar to Dawson's Creek with a bunch of high school kids either in love or fighting all the time, but has evolved beautifully into a mature take on life. Unlike its contemporaries like The OC, etc. which are still stuck on sex and switching partners(yecch!), OTH has gone beyond that (yes, they began that way) and transcended into a weekly "food for thought" about life and love. Kudos to the writer's for it's evolution. And may I say that the epilogues or afterthoughts (mostly done by Lucas, Chad Michael Murray's character) really get you thinking. It's on it's 5th season and personally, I think its at its strongest (and little Jamie Scott played by Jackson Brundage is soooo cute!). Plus they have 3 things I am passionate about - basketball, writing and music! Can't wait until September when it returns for Season 6.

Gossip Girl on the other hand, is like "Clueless++" in TV series form. As a mom, I was a bit concerned with the storyline and its target audience. All the sex, deceit and elitism I feel, is too much for young audiences. Suffice to say that I don't let Alexa watch it yet. But as an adult, it's pretty interesting to watch. Season 1 just ended and Season 2 also starts in September.

So with those 2 shows on a break, what now? Still waiting for Heroes. And, I still need to catch up with Summerland so maybe I'll do that first.

Bugs away!

When my parents separated, my Mom, Davey and I moved into our house in Pasig sometime 1979. I remember that it looked so old-Spanish and I was so amazed at the lazy susan dining table we had. A few years later, Mom renovated the house to make it look more modern...more French-inspired.

When I was in high school, we had a termite problem. The reason why I knew we had one was because they began eating into the encyclopedias on my book shelf (yes, I said encyclopedias!no computers yet back then). My Mom called the exterminators who took care of the problem.

Since that time, I don't think we ever had a termite control service. Within the last few years I've been feeling the house rot away. It is so apparent that any movement or footsteps made upstairs resonate throughout the entire house.

And so, with the help of my brothers, I was able to put together some money to have the house treated. It's a good thing that my neighbors recommended Tita Ludy Magtibay's Systematic Pest Control services. They arrived this morning to do the treatment.

What I appreciated with this company is that Tita Ludy was on hand to supervise the job. She was pretty meticulous. Aside from that, I found out that the treatment not only covers termites, but ants, cockroaches and other pests as well. Talk about a God-send!

They were done after about 2 hours, while my kids and I were at the mall (to keep them away from the fumes). We got back in the afternoon to find dead or dying cockroaches which needed sweeping up. Instant effects! I just wished we could have had the treatment done sooner as there were areas of the house not visible to us that were just eaten away by these pesky pests!

For those home owners, just because everything looks a-okay on the outside doesn't mean things aren't rotting or being eaten away on the inside. Better have it checked early before it's too late and you end up spending more.

For those like me who search the web for most of their service needs, I just want to be helpful and post their contact details for your reference. Systematic Pest Control offers free inspection and estimate. You can reach them at the following numbers: 842-1083/0917-5010666/0917-5010660/0906-3013637/0920-9014373. You can also email them at ldm_858@yahoo.com or syst_pestcon@yahoo.com.ph

For now, I'll be able to sleep much peacefully knowing that at least for the next 2 years, our home is termite-free!

our house comes to life

The number of cousins I have in Manila are about as many as the fingers on my hands. The majority of them are in Zamboanga. Recently, some of them traveled to Manila for different reasons and our house suddenly sprung to life.

The past months have been quite busy here at home. With my cousin Jaffy staying with us as he was awaiting a kidney transplant, to present as he recovers from the operation.

Early this month was my other cousin Cocoy's graduation from Law School. It is a big thing in our family as it seems that the most accepted and respected professions are doctors and lawyers (I am neither). Cocoy's family flew to Manila to witness the commencement exercises, including his brother's Bougette (first time in Manila) and Mick. It was fun having them around and I know Rocco enjoyed the most as he is for some reason drawn to his three Uncles. Plus of course, how could I ever forget that Sunday...that one day of gluttony we had in Unc Bim's house...literally eating from sun up to sun down(just so sinful!). Imagine, non-stop eating from lunch and ending the day with Yellow Cab pizza and their lo and behold ICE CREAM! I think I gained easily 10 pounds on that day.

Since the graduation, the house was slowly vacated as Bougette and Aunt Georgette (their Mom) had to go back to Zamboanga last week, while Uncle Boy (their Dad) and Mick stayed on for my Unc's medical procedures. After enjoying their company for two weeks, they left yesterday. Jaffy is still here and so is my Mom who is watching over him. The house was suddenly not as busy as it had been and I somehow miss it. And with Jaffy and Mom planning to return to the province this May 16, the once busy household will again become a quiet one. How time flies when you're having fun and it seems that our home just won't be the same without them.

Jun Lozada must leave LSGH

I have no political affiliations at the moment. I believe that majority of Philippine politicians are corrupt. I don't believe a thing they say. Sad, but true. I am still hoping for real change but until we Filipinos start voting wisely, this change will not come soon.

After Chavit Singson, my first reaction is that anyone who comes out now spilling dirt on someone else is just as dirty, has his own political agenda and should not be trusted. This is my opinion. Years of deceit and political blunders has just molded my mindset this way.

Coming from a family of La Sallites, and being an alumnus of DLSU, it is but natural that I would want my son to be a La Sallian as well. And so he is. We all know that the tuition at LSGH is very costly. The school year has ended and we are still making tuition payments.

When Jun Lozada was first reported to be "seeking shelter" at the Brother's house at LSGH, I was quite concerned with the security situation in the school. Naturally, I was thinking more for the welfare of my son and the other students more than the safety of Mr. Lozada.

I was advised that LSGH hired additional security just for Mr. Lozada. If this is true, I honestly hope my tuition payment was not used as part of that. I also heard that during the high school prom, the students had to walk the length of the parking lot to the ramp of the gym due to the security limitations brought about by Mr. Lozada's stay. School activities are limited to a certain time due to the 'curfew' set, also due to the security situation. Imagine the inconvenience this guy is creating at the school.

I firmly believe that Jun Lozada has worn out his stay at LSGH and should find alternative shelter. Perhaps go home. What I don't understand is that, if Mr. Lozada claims that there are threats to his life, why in God's name would he be doing the rounds of Manila schools, and then Iloilo and Cebu???!!! This is very suspicious to me.

I am also afraid that the La Salle brothers, whom I have the utmost respect for as some also happen to be close friends, are too close to this issue. Too close that the issue just might blow up in their faces and affect their credibility and the very institution they stand for.

I am sorry. I just don't trust Mr. Lozada because I see him as a crook who got off easily by blowing the whistle on his partners in crime. Inunahan lang niya sila para maabswelto. This does not make him a hero, nor someone to look up to and idolize. This is a mentality we Filipinos must learn to let go of. He should not be given celebrity status. He should also pay for his actions. I do agree that prolonging the proceedings in the Senate are a waste of time. It's actually getting pretty boring and the political agenda's of some of the Senators are so obvious that it really does look like grandstanding. Let's bring it to the proper forum. Bring it to court and if they are confident that there is enough evidence, it would not be that easy to manipulate the court, or at least, the educated viewing public.

If GMA really wants to show that she is against corruption, she must be willing to give up her husband to be investigated. If she is in on it, prove it and oust her-legally.

This is so tiring. As a member of the LSGH parents association, I demand that Mr. Lozada be removed from LSGH premises prior to the start of the next school year. I don't see why my son, and the other students be put in harms way for this man. I just don't see it. He has what, 3 or 4 sons enrolled there. I thought he was broke? Very suspicious.

Just wanted to share the feelings of a concerned parent.

Another year older

I turned 36 last Sunday. Rob asked me if I was happy. I could only shrug my shoulders and give a wry smile.

I find it really weird that I always feel melancholic during and around the days that lead to my birthday. It has been this way ever since I was about 10. I have been trying to dig deep down to find out what could have caused me to feel so depressed in the hope that I could acknowledge and get over it. Was it events during my childhood? Is it the anxiety over getting old? Funny thing is, no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to shake it off.

It bugs me because I want to be joyful, I want to FEEL it. It bugs me even more that I have to force myself to perk up because I want to share the joy of my family. But I don't really feel it. Believe me I've been trying. Calling Dr. Phil?...

Could it be a fact of life that birthday celebrations are just really meant for kids? One where you are excited to receive presents, have people genuinely sing the Birthday Song? Feel the magic of it all. Could it be as one gets older, it should no longer be a celebration? A countdown maybe?

No. I refuse to think of it that way. I want to think and believe that it is a celebration of ones milestones. How far you have come. How much you have contributed to making this world a better place. Maybe that's just it. I don't feel like I have done much yet. I don't feel completely fulfilled. Maybe I equate it too much with money. Maybe my idea of a celebration is something I have not been able to do yet. Perhaps I am expecting too much? Expecting something magical to happen. Maybe I'll always be a kid at heart.

Even if I feel so somber, I am definitely thankful. Thankful for another year. Thankful that I can still celebrate it with my family. That I am still here, and that there are people that love me enough to actually celebrate. I really don't know what it would take for my feelings to change. I just hope I can figure it out soon, because I really don't want next year to be just another birthday...maybe I can try a different approach next time. We'll see...

Generation Gap

With all the cold and snowstorms happening above us in China, we have been fortunate that the cold air from up there blows down to us here in Manila. It's been nice and cool lately...the perfect weather for colds and flu. There's this bug circulating in the house. I caught it first, now Alexa has it. Good thing I was able to take some precautionary measures and was able to avoid a full blown cold, cough and flu. What bums me is that I missed Jason's Combo Dance class at my gym this week. It's something I look forward to every week (aside from Sunday basketball).

Anyway, Mom and Aunt Jean flew in from Zambo. We had breakfast this morning and as usual indulged in their usual pastime...talking about other people. It was funny that as I sat there listening and exchanging views about marriage, parenting and everything else, I could not help but notice that no matter how hard we try to bridge it, there will always be a gap that generations just cannot reconcile. It's not that its a bad thing. I guess it's just that each person is comfortable with their own time and experiences that anything different would seem outrageous and extraordinary.

Is it that as we reach a certain age, we stop trying, or refuse, to learn about new things and experiences? We limit ourselves to that which are familiar and 'safe'.

As I listened to my Mom and Aunt react with horror at youth behavior today, I could sense within myself the feeling that, at least with them at this point, the old will stay with the old. I wondered if I will also feel the same about Lex and Rocco once they become teenagers. I mean, I would like to think that right now, I am making a conscious effort to know what is happening out there so that I will be able to understand and deal with it once it starts hitting closer to home. It's a fervent hope.

If I were to compare today to "my generation" a couple of decades ago, there has been so much change...how much more with my Mom's generation? But if I really think about it...it is just evolution. Everything was and is still connected. During my time, technology was just on the verge of bursting out. We didn't have mobile phones or computers, or the internet. But I wouldn't say it was less happy times than it is today(except that we were much younger and didn't have to worry about work and bills, etc.). I kinda liked the idea that we looked forward to going out to play with friends, hours of endless conversation on the telephone, Saturday morning cartoons, etc.

Today, at least for Lex, it's texting or chatting, watching MTV and going to Starbucks (go figure). But I know that in a few months, she will want to start going out with friends, and then--parties. I know eventually I won't be able to stop her. But with all the vices that are becoming increasingly socially acceptable, the only thing I can do is equip her with the knowledge that will allow her to judge and decide for herself. I'm pretty sure I'll still raise the roof now and then, but I guess it's only normal because I care for her. I still hope with determination that I don't cut myself off from the evolving world. This is now the world my kids are in. I can't reject it. I have to somehow find a place for myself in it so that I can still stay close to them and not be relegated to wallpaper. It may be a daunting task, but I have to try. For their sake...and mine.

It All Works Out...

So, yeah, I hardly slept the other night. I was so bothered by my blunder, even if I kept reminding myself to be kinder to myself(did that make sense?).

I mean, from experiences in the past I know now that no matter how bad things get, it all works out in the end. I still needed to bug myself so that I would at least try not to be so careless again. At my age, it seems to be happening more frequently(scary thought huh?).

Anyway, I did not find the receipt. But Lex and I headed out to Greenhills anyway to buy her shoes and try to refund the game. Wonders of wonders, the game was available and so we were able to do an exchange instead, even without the receipt! TYL!!! It all worked out!

By the way, I have added a new element to my site, the 'My Song of the Week'. Since I love music, I will be sharing my favorite stuff and maybe you'll like it too. This week it's Newton Faulkner's "I Need Something". First, you should check out how this guy plays guitar--awesome! Next, listen to his lyrics. I hope you'll feel hopeful and inspired as I am every time I hear this song.

Frustrated And Baffled!

Aaaaaahhh....I'm so flummoxed!!!(frustrated)

Ever had one of those days where you just can't figure out where you left that darn receipt that you need to take back to the shop for a refund??!!! I've been in panic the last few hours wracking my brain, trying to find the receipt for Alexa's Game Boy game that we had to return because although it says High School Musical on the sticker and box, the game itself is Pokemon. Since the HSM game was out of stock and we've been waiting for a month now, I decided to just ask for a refund.

It's one of those days where you want to kick your own behind...and to think I was just holding it a few days ago because I called up the shop to follow up on the refund prior to actually going there. I'm so bummed out! I think, my blood pressure has been up as I can feel pain at the back of my neck.

I did ask the help if they possibly threw it out. They're not saying...as if they would in a case like this.

I wonder if the shop will accept even without the receipt. I mean, I have been conversing with them for a few weeks now. Wonder if there is a law that says the receipt is not required. I mean, I know the exact date when we purchased the item so I guess they can check their copy right? Aaaaargh!!! I have a head ache...I just hope I'll be able to sleep tonight and by some magic, I'll be able to find it tomorrow.

Man down!

It's a sad day for the movie world.

It has been reported that Heath Ledger was found dead at his Manhattan apartment. He was 28 and has a 2 year old daughter named Matilda (by actress Michell Williams).

Reports are still sketchy and there is still no confirmation as to the cause of his death. A bottle of sleeping pills was found by his bed but we won't know the real story until the autopsy is completed.

Rob and I love the movie "10 Things I Hate About You" (most especially the part where he sings "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You")-this is actually one of our so-called 'Classics', as well as "A Knight's Tale". I was blown away by the actor's performance in "Brokeback Mountain". It's a shame we will no longer be able to see this actor grow into the big star that he was meant to be. I'll bet that there will be no end to the speculations as to why he died. And I'm pretty sure it will somehow be related to River Phoenix's untimely death years ago.

This is indeed another big loss for the film industry. Another case of gone too soon. May he rest in peace.

7 years...7 years...

My parents separated when I was 7 years old. Growing up was pretty much like a roller coaster ride. Weekdays with Mom, weekends and summers with Dad and my older brothers. You could call it pretty dysfunctional, but by some miracle, me and my brothers turned out all okay and in a sense...normal. Sunday was always lunch at Moms, and even if Mom is now in Zamboanga permanently, my brothers and I still continue the Sunday lunch tradition (minus Davey who now helps out Mom in Zambo).

Today, Mike's car was in the shop and so I had to pick him and Louie up from their respective homes. It is a great comfort to have them living nearby and I could never picture having it any different. After a quick stop at the grocery, we headed to our house, or what I would like to call every Sunday as "Chub City".

This lunch was extra special as we were celebrating Rob and my 7th year wedding anniversary! Rob prepared a Mongolian style lunch, and it was great! I then brought the boys home and rested for Sunday basketball with the guys at RFM.

Hmmm...seven years...doesn't seem so long ago. But then I see Rocco who is now 5, and then I say, yes, 7 years. I've been wondering about that "itch" that most couples talk about. I mean, we did have that period of adjustment, even if we have been friends for 14 years prior to getting married, you never really know someone fully, even if you already live with them.

I would say that it's been a pretty exciting journey. Living a life with someone... with a promise of forever(APOF!). Now, its difficult picturing life without him. My kids have a father and a mother, and that's how I pray it will always be. This is one journey that I hope will never end, at least not until we breathe our last breath.

I remember being much younger and saying to myself that after seeing what happened to my parents, I would much rather never marry, nor have kids. Well, 5 years plus 7 years later, I look back and say a prayer of thanks. Things really have weird way of working out.

Now I look forward to 7 more...and 7 more after that...and 7 more after that...and...

Rocco's Purple Star!

No classes for Rocco because it was Report Card Day! He was so happy that he did not have to wake up so early today. We brought him along with us as we planned to take him to Fun Ranch after getting his report card. Unfortunately we could not take Lex along as she had school.

Last quarter he was short a point of garnering a Purple Star or 2nd Honors and I was hoping that this quarter he would be able to get it. And he did!! In addition, he was again given a Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Conduct. That's our boy! I am so proud of him! I am so proud of our kids!! That made the trip to Fun Ranch a celebration of sorts. Too bad Alexa was not with us.

It was my first time to go there and I guess since it was still a school day, there was not much people around (a parents paradise!=) woohoo!)

We had lunch at the Big Red Barn. The menu was close to those of TGIF and Burgoo, but still wanting in terms of taste. After lunch, we headed to the bumper cars. Rob and Rocco shared a car while I took another one. Since Rocco is very much into cars (and planes, and Star Wars, etc, etc.), it was not surprising that he would enjoy this ride. We also went to the Bumper Boats and then to the Arcade
...and then back to the Bumper Cars. The complex is quite small and there is only so much to do. But it does have potential...I'm just not sure how they can sustain the operations during school days. The rides are also quite pricey...Php 50.00 for 3 minutes per ride..but as a parent, that amount pales in comparison to that big smile on the face of your little one.

From there we walked over to Tiendesitas in the hope of finding Wii or PS2 games on sale. Instead, we stumbled upon this toy gun shop, and Rocco's prize for his achievement? A shotgun toy, just like his Kuya Miggy's. He also had fun seeing all the dogs on display at the pet shops. Being an animal lover myself, I could not take my attention away from the cute Akita pups. A few minutes later, Rocco was so excited to go home to play with his prize.

I think it is the silent wish of every parent that their kids do well in school, and in everything they want to do. It is not so much gaining awards...that to me, is already a bonus! And at this moment, I do consider our family blessed. Alexa is doing good as well. Both are healthy, happy and safe. I know there will always be the hope for something better for them, but for now, this is what brings me peace and much happiness. Thank you Lord!

A Prayer For The New Year

I'm looking up at the night sky, watching the colorful display of fireworks from all around. I momentarily turn away to greet my loved ones a Happy New Year and once again return my gaze to the sky.

As I marvel at the displays in the heavens, I say a silent prayer that this 2008 be a good year for everyone. That each one may be blessed, that each one may have peace. That each one may have just a little more patience, a little more tolerance for each other. That we can all learn to respect each other amidst our differences. To live and let live. That those who need be enlightened, be healed, be comforted, be given hope.

With all the adversities, strife and events that make you question 'why?'. May we continue to have faith and hope that there is always something better in store. It may not come today or tomorrow, but if we continue to live our daily lives, it will soon enough come to us.

Happy New Year everyone. Wishing us all the best for 2008! Hey! It's the year of the Rat! It should be my year!!! Can't wait!