TYPHOON ONDOY

With the generosity of my family, in-laws, relatives and close friends,we were able to collect PhP25,700 in CASH & PhP5,000 in KIND for SAN ROQUE,MARIKINA. Melo & I were able to pack 200 grocery bags with the following items per bag:CDO Bingo corned beef,Ligo/555 sardines,CDO meat loaf,Wow Ulam,Nissin mami,80g Alaska milk,200g misua,& matches which we personally distributed last Monday, October 5, 2009.

We pray that we'd have more funds so we can reach out to more people! We're doing it one small step at a time. We are appealing to our friends and relatives here in the Philippines and specially overseas to share their blessings and donate to the Typhoon Ondoy Victims in any way, shape, or form. A little goes a long way.

Please e-mail me at yannimammi@yahoo.com, text me at 09228873161 or leave a message in my FACEBOOK Account if you wish to donate in cash so I can send you my bank account details. You may also send in your donations in cash or in kind to either my house or my mom's house in AFPOVAI, Fort Bonifacio. We live a street apart from each other. Please, please extend your help! There's only so much we can do on our own. We need your help.

THANK YOU and GOD BLESS!

MY DAD!

GENERAL ANSELMO SAYSON AVENIDO JR.


General Avenido is a retired Police Deputy Director General (equivalent to 3 stars) of the Philippine National Police (PNP). He was the Chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) with the rank of Secretary, in 2006-2008. Prior to this position, he was the Director General of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), with the rank of Undersecretary in 2002-2006. He was Undersecretary for Peace and Order and later Undersecretary for Administration, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in 1999-2002. He is a well-rounded person in terms of education, training, experience, outstanding accomplishments, and awards.

He graduated valedictorian from elementary and high school. In 1967, he graduated from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Summa Cum Laude, Academic Star Awardee, and No.1 in class. He finished three (3) master’s degrees: Master of Public Administration, University of the Philippines, as entrance college scholar (1973); Master in Business and Government Administration, Ateneo de Manila University, with honors (1983); and Master of Military Art and Science, United States Army Command and General Staff College, Kansas, USA, also with honors (1984).

He took up basic and high-level military, police and other related courses here and abroad, including the Special Warfare Course and Rough Terrain Airborne Course conducted by the Special Warfare School in Taiwan (1972); Senior Officers Preventive Logistics Course conducted by the US Army Armor Center in Fort Knox, Kentucky, USA; Senior Police Officers Course in Crisis Management conducted by Interpol in Lyon, France (1994); Policing in a Multicultural Democracy and Money Laundering conducted by the University of East London, in London, England (1997); and Senior Executive Course Against Corruption conducted by the International Law Enforcement Academy in Bangkok, Thailand (1999).

He was assigned to different military and police units in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. He occupied various positions in different levels, like Chief of Police, Company Commander, Provincial/District Director, Regional Chief of Staff, Regional Deputy Director, and several key positions at the National Police Headquarters, such as Director for Operations, Director for Plans, Director for Personnel and Records Management, Director for Comptrollership, Chief of Directorial Staff, and Deputy Chief of Administration (No.2 position in the PNP).

He also served in other key civilian positions in government, like Sergeant-At-Arms, Batasang Pambansa (1979-1983); Member, National Intelligence Board (NIB) (1979-1983); Secretary, Sub-Committee on Urban Crimes, Cabinet Cluster “E” (1989); Executive Director, Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC), Office of the President (1999); Consultant and Special Assistant to the Chairman, National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) (1998-2002); Board Director, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) (1999-2002); Technical Assistant, Government Panel Negotiating with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) (1994-1997); and Member, Government Panel Negotiating with the RPMP/RPA/ABB (2000-2001).

He attended several national and international conferences on public administration and on crime and drug prevention and control, and headed several Philippine delegations to these international conferences. In 1993-1994, he served as Secretary-General. Association of Chiefs of National Police of ASEAN (ASEANOPOL). In 2004-2006, he was the Chairman of the Far East Working Group, International Drug Enforcement Conference (IDEC). In 2006, he was the Chairman of the Working Group on Drug Profiling, Anti-Drug Liaison Officials’ Meeting for International Cooperation (ADLOMICO).

He was also faculty member, Ateneo Graduate School of Business (1983); Corporate Treasurer and Board Director, AFPMBAI General Insurance Corporation (1982-1985); Vice President and Board Director, Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund Inc.(1997-2000); and Board Director, AFP Savings and Loan Association Inc. (1999).

Aside from receiving 34 military and police medals, he was selected as outstanding junior officer, field commander, and senior staff officer of the year on different occasions. He was recipient of the 2002 “Cavalier” award for public administration given by the PMAAAI.

He is a true Boholano, having been born and raised in Bien Unido, Bohol. He is married to Agnes Yaptangco Rivera of Hermosa, Bataan. They have three daughters and one son who are all professionals.

HI, I'M JO ANNE, AND I'M A VEGETARIAN!

Say what?

How can somebody like me succumb to the dark side? I, who have had a lifelong love affair with four-legged land animals? I, who associated vegetarian cuisine with grass, weeds and herbs?

Yes, I have deliberately and successfully altered my eating habits. Goodbye meat, hello vegetables and brown rice!

Don't get me wrong, though, I haven't actually gone totally vegan. I am not that disciplined yet. I still eat white meat of chicken occasionally and creatures that live underwater or animals that swim. (No, I'm not teaching pigs to swim!) I just decided to take small steps toward good health and well-being. In short, I am literally sick and tired of being sick and tired.

For those who are wondering what is wrong with me, well where do I begin? Looking back, I still think my health had been pretty normal as a child. There was nothing out of the ordinary with the way I would get sick nor with the way I got well. I had normal childhood diseases like measles, chicken pox, bronchitis, tonsilitis, etc. like everyone else. I was even athletic, active, and a lakwatsera. My cousin from the States, even called me a "fireball."

I may already have had the signs but I guess I just never really gave it serious thought. I simply thought that bruising easily and often without cause, 45-50 days in-between periods, and bursting with energy one day and feeling lethargic the next, was anything unusual.

It was only on my third month of pregnancy that I found out that there was something wrong with me. I had a hard time infanticipating. It was a very difficult pregnancy. I was throwing up more than I was eating. In fact, there came a point when I could no longer tolerate food. One night, I felt my world closing in on me. It was something I've never experienced before. I can't explain how it felt, I was just sure it wasn't right. If not for the baby I was carrying, I would have dismissed it as normal for someone who was pregnant to feel. But I am glad that I asked to be brought to the hospital. The doctors said I was already dehydrated so I had to be confined. I went through the routine tests. Thay informed me that there seemed to be a discrepancy in my blood test results that needed further testing. So a hematologist performed bone marrow extraction on me. Results confirmed what he suspected me of having. I was diagnosed to be suffering from Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP).

I can't explain what it is it on layman's term but this entry from the wikipedia might help: "ITP is the condition of having a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) of no known cause (idiopathic). As most causes appear to be related to antibodies against platelets, ITP is also known as immune thrombocytopenic purpura or immune-mediated thrombocytopenic purpura. Often ITP is asymptomatic, however a very low platelet count can lead to visible symptoms, such as purpura (bruises), or more seriously, bleeding diathesis. A normal platelet count is considered to be in the range of 150,000–400,000 per cubic millimeter (mm3) of blood for most healthy individuals. (note: MINE WAS 21,000 ONLY AT THAT TIME!!!) Hence one may be considered thrombocytopenic below that range, although the threshold for a diagnosis of ITP is not tied to any specific number. Symptoms of ITP include the development of bruises (purpura) and petechiae, especially on the extremities, bleeding from the nostrils and bleeding at the gums, any of which may occur if the platelet count is below 20,000 per mm3.[9] A very low count (<10,000 per mm3) may result in the formation of hematomas in the mouth or on other mucous membranes. Serious and possibly fatal complications due to an extremely low count (<5,000 per mm3) may include subarachnoid or intracerebral hemorrhage, lower gastrointestinal bleeding or other internal bleeding. An ITP patient with an extremely low count is also vulnerable to major internal bleeding caused by abdominal trauma, as might be experienced in a motor vehicle crash. Fortunately, these complications are not likely in a patient whose platelet count is above 20,000. In many cases, ITP's cause is not idiopathic but autoimmune, with antibodies against platelets being detected in approximately 60 percent of patients. Most often these antibodies are against platelet membrane glycoproteins IIb-IIIa or Ib-IX, and are of the IgG type. The famous Harrington–Hollingsworth experiment established the immune pathogenesis of ITP.(IN MY CASE, MY IMMUNE SYSTEM EATS MY PLATELETS).

This medical jargon is gobbledegook to me. All I know is that I was born with it and probably going to die with it. Will it be the cause of my death? I don't know. My doctor tells me to live like a normal person with no restrictions other than common sense. Yet in the same breathe required me to periodically have my platelets counted and warned me to stay away from crowded places as my immune system is weaker that a normal person's.

I took steroids while I was pregnant and way after I gave birth. I blame it for my weight gain and snail-paced weight loss. Even now that I'm already "normal" (meaning my platelet count is maintained above 100,000), I am still given doses every now and then when my platelet count drops when I get sick of flu or something related to my immune system.

Prednisone, the steroids I had to take, I believe, is responsible, solely or partly, for the complications and repercussions which arose from me taking it. I took steroids to keep my platelet count up but in effect, it affected so many of my internal organs. It affected my reproductive system. I had polycystic ovaries. It altered my menstrual cycle. I had amenorhea; I only had my period once a year! On top Hard as we tried, we never got pregnant again. So my OB/Gyn gave me fertility medicines which in effect, affected my liver. It also affected both of my kidneys. I have urolithiasis or multiple stones in both kidneys. Add to that polyps in my intestines and occasional gastrointestinal bleeding everytime I am weak or ate something hard to digest.

But despite and inspite of these afflictions, I am still very optimistic about my future. I am blessed that I was given the chance to change what I could, while I could.

I have no intentions of giving up or of dying, not yet anyway. I still have a lot of plans for myself and for my family. I still have a long way to go to fully recover from the abuses that I inflicted on my body with all the junk and fatty food that I ate in my lifetime. But I'm slowly getting there. Everytime I feel I'm slipping, I just think of my husband, my son, my family and the life ahead of us and suddenly I'm back on track.

Hi, I'm Jo Anne. And I'm a vegetarian!!!

REST IN PEACE MARIE!

To my childhood friend Marie (Maria Tereza Paynor Sia), it was a good fight...I admire your unwavering faith, strength and courage as you battled the Big C. May you now find eternal happiness with our Creator. You will never be forgotten, Marie. We will miss you. We will be praying for you and your family. Rest in peace, my friend...Till we meet again...

HOUSE BLESSING

ATENEO GRADE 4 FATHER & SON NIGHT

AMIEL ALCANTARA...

Hi! Please vote for my brother, Nino and his band Greyhoundz in the NU107 Rock Awards!
(Even if you are overseas, you can still vote!)
Thank you for your support!


VOTE FOR GREYHOUNDZ IN THE NU107 ROCK AWARDS!!!

CATEGORIES:

ARTIST OF THE YEAR (Greyhoundz)

ALBUM OF THE YEAR (Execution Style)

VOCALIST OF THE YEAR (Reg Rubio)

GUITARIST OF THE YEAR (Audie Avenido)

BASSIST OF THE YEAR (Nino Avenido)

DRUMMER OF THE YEAR (TJ Brillantes)

SONG OF THE YEAR (Shoot To Kill?)

BEST ALBUM PACKAGING (Execution Style-Joshua Cesario/Nino Avenido)

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR (Execution Style-Nino Avenido/Pat Tirano)

Log on tohttp://www.nu107fm.com... and register. Cast your votes now!

See you all on November 27 in Silver City Mall in the NU107 Rock Awards and watch Greyhoundz's explosive performance!

FACEBOOK

I have a new Facebook account! Hope you can join me there!

WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND...

DO NOT BITE THE HAND THAT FEEDS YOU

S&R Incident (self-explanatory)

2 September 2008

MR. FERDI VINLUAN
Warehouse Manager
S&R The Fort

Dear Mr. Vinluan:

This pertains to the unfortunate incident which happened today in your store involving me the undersigned, my mother MRS. AGNES R. AVENIDO and MS. THEA SIMON, one of your store supervisors. The cause of the incident was simple enough but the way that your personnel treated us is something that we cannot just let go. It is in this connection that we are filing a formal complaint against your supervisor, MS. THEA SIMON.

We bought items from your store worth Php_______ that we were going to put together as give-away prizes at a private function we are hosting. We were simply requesting that some of the items be put in individual small shopping bags so it would be easier for us to distribute them. The cashier of counter 13, where we were paying, then asked her supervisor, MS. THEA SIMON, permission if she could grant our request. The supervisor then explained to my mom in a haughty manner that it was store policy that they could not give individual bags for all the items. My mom replied that we were going to make give-aways with the items but the supervisor retorted that your shopping bags were not for give-aways! At first I didn’t react because I was observing how the supervisor was handling the situation. My mother then said she understood but she requested if they could just place the loose items and those in cartons in shopping bags instead so it would be easier for us to carry and store them. The supervisor again said it was store policy that the shopping bags were only for items that are not in cartons. I told her that I was the one who put the items in cartons to make it easier to put them in the cart but they had to be placed in shopping bags so they would fit in the car. That was when the supervisor started putting the items in the shopping bags, shoving the items in a rude manner. She had matching attitude and gestures to boot! My mom then told her calmly not to be “bugnot” and even asked what her problem was. Probably sensing that my mom was getting angry, the supervisor then called one of your male personnel wearing a vest to continue bagging the items but told him in a brusque manner to just use two (2) plastic bags for all the loose items. My mom then grabbed the plastic bags from her hand and told them to use three (3) since the items were heavy. The supervisor then walked away unceremoniously. Just as she reached the part where their podium is, she made a half turn and leered at us! My mom saw what MS. SIMON did so she inquired from the store personnel how she could see the manager or whoever was higher in authority so she could report the incident and the actuation of MS. SIMON. They said that the manager was in a meeting. My mom then proceeded to the customer service counter for assistance where she was entertained by a certain MR. ALBERT GONZALES who introduced himself to us as also a supervisor and asked us what the matter was. He was very attentive and courteous to us. We explained to him what happened and requested for the name of the person with whom we could file our complaint. He apologized to us and assured us that the matter would be dealt with accordingly. He then requested for our contact numbers. While we were explaining the incident to MR. GONZALES, we could see MS. SIMON glaring at us! And instead of apologizing, MS. SIMON even had the gall to walk right past us, this time with a smirk on her face! What she was trying to prove at this point we do not know. But what she did certainly offended, antagonized and infuriated us.

Both my mother and I have been loyal and longstanding members of S&R The Fort. We prefer to go to your store not just for your high quality goods but also for your heretofore impeccable service. Not once in our many years of shopping at your store had we encountered a store personnel, a supervisor at that, as rude, offensive and ill-mannered as MS. SIMON. We do not deserve to be treated with such witting utter disrespect and discourtesy. Do we need to throw our weight around or namedrop to get the respect we deserve as customers? We don’t think that is part of your company policy, but just to put our complaint in its proper perspective, may I mention parenthetically that I am the wife of an Army Major of the Philippine Army and my father is a retired 3-star Police General and former Secretary.

What irked us the most was not what MS. SIMON was saying but the manner by which she was saying it and also her body language. “Bastos” is the best way to describe it. We are deeply saddened by this incident. We cannot just let it pass, otherwise many more customers would be subjected to indignity by her.

We are hoping for your fair, expeditious and immediate action on this matter.

Very truly yours,
MRS. JO ANNA R. AVENIDO-AREVALO

** Note: As of this writing, the other supervisors and warehouse manager have since apologized to us (profusely) and assured us that appropriate action will be undertaken about this matter. We reiterated that we are not asking for Ms. Simon to be terminated, just to be taught a lesson. However, they said that she would be suspended pending investigation of the matter.

TEACHING CHILDREN TO THINK POSITIVELY

By replacing worries with desire and faith, you can help your child become happier.

By Patti Teel

While we'd like to believe that our children live carefree lives devoid of concerns and worries, many children become anxious and self-critical at an early age. However, parents can help their children to develop positive thinking, a discipline that can be developed through practice. Children can learn to replace worries with desire and faith, and to think and speak more positively. (In child-like lingo, this would amount to imagining that things will happen the way we want them to, and always saying good things about ourselves.)

Many children are born optimists. They have a wonderful feeling of self-assurance and absolute faith that their wishes and desires will come true. However, other children seem to be born worriers. They may worry about speaking in front of their class, that they are stupid, that no one likes them, etc. etc. Their list of worries can go on and on. Worrying is one of the most disregarded forms of stress. Instead of focusing on what we desire or want, worry focuses on what will happen when things go wrong.

We attract what we pay attention to, but oftentimes children (and adults) don't realize that they are focusing on what they don't want, rather than what they do want. For instance, if you and your child have been sick, you're probably both clear that this is not what you want. However, if you're thinking and worrying about being sick, it's an entirely different perspective than focusing on being well.

When your child expresses a worry by telling you what she doesn't want to have happen, help her to identify and then start focusing on what she truly wants to have happen instead. For instance, if your daughter says, "I don't want to go to the party because no one will play with me," help her to identify what she wants by asking, "What would you like to have happen at the party?" And then, "What if you have fun at the party?" Children who worry a lot are great candidates for visualization and imagery. The truth is, worry is negative visualization and it takes a vivid imagination to imagine such horrible scenarios! Gradually, teach your children to focus on their wants and desires, rather than their fears and worries. Tell stories in which your child faces and overcomes a fear or attains her goal. Eventually she will be able to visualize these positive scenarios on her own.

Think and speak positively

Challenge your child to direct all statements that start with "I am," towards positive statements and goals. Negative affirmations such as "I'm just stupid" or "I'm always sick" are very harmful because they can penetrate a child's subconscious, which accepts them—hook, line, and sinker. Our minds and bodies are not separate entities—they are connected. When a child creates positive pictures and self-suggestion, it can have a beneficial effect on both his physical and emotional health. It sounds simplistic; however, children who picture themselves as happy and healthy will be taking an important step towards becoming happy and healthy throughout their entire lives. Happiness and improved health are gifts that each child can give himself through the power of his own thoughts and imagination.

As parents, we always need to keep in mind that we are our children's heroes and role models. If we are continuously worried and self-critical, our children are likely to be the same. Worrying projects negative energy and it doesn't do you or your children a bit of good. In fact, when children are aware that their parents are worried about them, it projects a lack of faith and they tend to feel more anxious. Admittedly, there are times when our worries are well founded. Even then, instead of worrying and imagining the worst possible scenario, try to focus on the positive outcome that you desire and on actions that can help to bring it about.

FR. FERNANDO SUAREZ : The Healing Priest

Photos with Fr. Fernando taken at my parents new house...

PLANTATION BAY

http://www.plantationbay.com/

STC CEBU HIGH SCHOOL BATCH 1990 REUNION

My son Adrian and I went to Cebu last Thursday, July 10, to visit my husband who is currently assigned in the Queen City of the South. While we were there, I was able to attend a get-together of my batchmates. I saw friends I haven't seen in almost 20 years!!! I haven't had that much fun and excitement in a loooong time...Hope to see them all again...next month!

BLAST FROM THE PAST!!! STC CEBU HS BATCH 1990

Those were the days my friend...

DAD'S PMA CLASS 1967 RUBY SWORD

ANSELMO SAYSON AVENIDO JR
“Jun”, “Junior”, “Ave”
Bien Unido, Talibon, Bohol
Blessed Trinity High School
3rd DISTRICT, BOHOL

Chairman : Cadet Conduct Board, 1c Member : Silent Drill Platoon, 3c
President : Mathematics Club, 1c Debating Council, 2c,1c
Secretary-Treasurer : Mathematics Club, 2c Social Studies Group, 1c
Vice-President : Class Organization, 3c Sharpshooter : US Rifle Cal.30 M1
Academic Star Awardee (Starman): 3c, 2c, 1c Marksman : US Carbine Cal.30
Best Debater: Inter-Company Debate, 1c Cadet Corporal: 3c
Gold Medalist : Corps Debate, 1c Cadet Sergeant: 2c
Cadet Captain: 1st Battalion Commander, 1c

It has been said that “the most desirable type of man is the gentleman.” To this category our man, AVE, belongs.

Gifted with presentable looks and a high degree of intelligence, he is a leader, a true leader. His self-confidence, added with an air of competence, has always played and always will play a very important role in moments which demand quick thinking and fast action. In any endeavor, he feels one must aim at all times for perfection.

He is everybody’s brother. Unassuming and light-hearted but sometimes serious depending upon the circumstances, he is very approachable. With ready smile, he is always willing and able to help anyone. In academics, many have shared the light emitted by the stars he wears.

Jun Avenido is at present the Chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) with the rank of Secretary. Prior to this position, he was the Director General of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) with the rank of Undersecretary. He is a retired Police Deputy Director General (equivalent to 3 stars) of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

He graduated valedictorian from elementary and high school. In 1967, he graduated from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Summa Cum Laude, Academic Star Awardee, and No.1 in class. He finished three (3) master’s degrees: Master of Public Administration, University of the Philippines, as entrance college scholar; Master in Business and Government Administration, Ateneo de Manila University, with honors; and Master of Military Art and Science, United States Army Command and General Staff College, Kansas, USA, also with honors.

He took up basic and high-level military, police and other related courses here and abroad, including the Senior Police Officers Course in Crisis Management conducted by Interpol in Lyon, France; Policing in a Multicultural Democracy and Money Laundering conducted by the University of East London in London, England; and Senior Executive Course Against Corruption conducted by the International Law Enforcement Academy in Bangkok, Thailand. He also attended several national and international conferences on public administration and on crime and drug prevention and control, and headed several Philippine delegations to these international conferences.

He was assigned to different military and police units in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. He occupied various positions in different levels, like Chief of Police, Company Commander, Provincial Director, Regional Chief of Staff, Regional Deputy Director, and several key positions at the National Police Headquarters, such as Director for Operations, Director for Plans, Director for Personnel and Records Management, Director for Comptrollership, Chief of Directorial Staff, and Deputy Chief of Administration (No.2 position in the PNP).

He also served in other key civilian positions in government, like Sergeant-At-Arms, Batasang Pambansa; Executive Director, Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC); Undersecretary for Peace and Order and later Undersecretary for Administration, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG); Consultant and Special Assistant to the Chairman, National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM); Board Director, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA); Technical Assistant, Government Panel Negotiating with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF); and Member, Government Panel Negotiating with the RPMP/RPA/ABB.

In 2004-2006, he was the Chairman of the Far East Working Group, International Drug Enforcement Conference (IDEC). In 2006, he was also the Chairman of the Working Group on Drug Profiling, Anti-Drug Liaison Officials’ Meeting for International Cooperation (ADLOMICO).

He was also faculty member, Ateneo Graduate School of Business; Corporate Treasurer and Board Director, AFPMBAI General Insurance Corporation; Vice President and Board Director, Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund Inc.; and Board Director, AFP Savings and Loan Association Inc.

Aside from the usual military and police medals, he was selected as outstanding junior officer, field commander, and senior staff officer of the year on different occasions. He was recipient of the 2002 “Cavalier Award for Public Administration” given by the PMAAAI.

ME AND JULIA ROBERTS

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities

www.friendster.com

I was in the process of refurbishing my friendster account when I came across this comment from my friend, Bedette. It was touching that this is the way she sees me and knows me. I wonder, is this also the way all my other friends see me? It does sound a little like a eulogy (sorry, Dette) but hey at least I know what my friends think of me while I'm still alive. Thanks Bedette for this comment:

"Si Jo Anne ay isang ulirang ka-Gang yan. Masayahin, matulungin, maaasahan, maalalahanin, madatungin, ma-creative, ma-resourceful, ma-supportive, at higit sa lahat ma-sarap, ma-gana, at ma-hilig kumain. Hehehe... Kidding aside, sobrang supportive na kaibigan yan. Lalung-lalo na sa aming madalas maapi sasabak ng laban yan mapagtanggol sa lamang. Sobrang saya kasama din yan maiihi ka talaga sa katatawa dahil sa mga jokes niya. Sobrang organized din siya hanggang sasakyan niya may makikita kang iba't-ibang organizer sa dami nito wala ka nang maupuan. Kumpleto din sa biscuit, kape, creamer at asukal. Dala ka na nga lang ng sarili mong tasa at mainit na tubig solve ka na. Pero ang pinakagusto ko sa kanya ay yung pagiging totoo niya bilang isang kaibigan. Papayuhan ka niya kung alam niyang medyo naliligaw ka at susuportahan ka naman niya kung alam niyang makakabuti sa'yo ang mga nagiging desisyon mo sa buhay. Kumbaga nandyan lang siya sa tabi-tabi at inaalalayan ka kahit bihira kayo magkita."

THE PRODIGAL BLOGGER

Forgive me friends for I have sinned. My last blog entry was almost two years ago...

Has it really been that long already?! So much has happened, so many things have changed. I don't know where or how to begin. Walk with me as I recall the years that passed...

November 2006
Adrian had his KAB SCOUT investiture last Nov. 17 at the Grade School Chapel. Was supposed to have "Weaning Night" right after the ceremony but I got cold feet and didn't let him go.

Adrian also had his FIRST HOLY COMMUNION last Nov. 26 at the Church of GESU. My baby looked like an angel. Armand and I were chosen to lead the Prayers of the Faithful.

December 2006
Our baby, Xandro, was baptized Dec. 3 at the Christ the King Church in Greenmeadows. Reception followed at the Discovery Suites in Ortigas.
Merry Christmas ( in Valle with the Avenidos) and Happy New Year (in Baguio with the Arevalos)!!!

January 2007
Happy New Car! Out with the old (Terrano), in with the new (secret!)!

March 2007

We celebrated our 10th civil wedding anniversary in Corregidor Island.

Nino and I celebrated our birthday in Grande Island in Subic with our family. Jellyfish season so you get the picture. Armand, Adrian and I stayed for 2 nights at the Subic Park Hotel in a room with an ocean view. Fantastic!

April 2007
By the time we (the Avenidos) decided to go out of town for Holy Week, everything was already fully booked. We ended up in Baguio. We stayed in a rental house of Gedeon Buyco. Spacious living room and kitchen, three big bedrooms. Fully furnished and overlooking the city! Fabulous! Went to PMA, Burnham Park, etc. Even had lunch with the Arevalos in Mario's for my in-laws 51st wedding anniversary.

During this month, we went to Bataan for the Araw ng Kagitingan ceremonies. Actually, Armand attended the ceremonies while I slept in the hotel! We also went to Subic (twice) and Lago de Oro in Batangas for Dad's office (DDB) outing.

May 2007

We finally went to my father-in-law's hometown in Marinduque. It was a very long and tiring trip but well worth it. Had fun! The house was huge with complete amenities. The only walang pakisama is the electricity which conked off midnight till dawn! Joshua, Armand's nephew, stayed with us for vacation. We stayed mostly in our rest house in Bataan. Our Malacanang friends (Marcos time-Dad was with PSC) and Mom's Bangkok group also had lunch in our house in Bataan. Also went to Tagaytay with Kabisig.

My family and I woke up early last May 14 to exercise our rught to suffrage. Voted for...secret! We're still registered in Pasig. We're transferring to Taguig next elections.

July 2007
Adrian celebrated his 9th birthday at home last July 23. I did the decorations myself and even cooked most of the food. We had over 100 guests!!! I set-up the pool in the garden and set-up the living room into a disco. Success!

August 2007
We met Father Fernando Suarez last August 1. He had a healing session in the Army Clubhouse with our family and PMA Class 1967 (He was adopted by the class). July 4 we had lunch with him, his mother and his entourage in a seafood resto in Glorietta 4. It was hosted by our family and Ambassador Jun Paynor's family.

I also had two very successful yard sales. Not only was I able to get rid of my clutter, I was able to get money from it too! It's really true what they say that a man's trash is another man's treasure. Yard sale rules!

September 2007
This month was a milestone in my life as a "techie". Had Smart Bro installed! Finally!

October 2007
Alessandro (Xander, the goosy, goosy gander) turned 1! Party was held at the Big Red Barn in Frontera Verde in Tiendesitas. The guests, adults and kids alike, were requested to come in farm-barn-animal related costumes. Our family (ohana) won best costume! We dressed as cowboys. Guests said we looked like rich hacienderos. Hehehe.

November 2007
We celebrated our 10th year Church wedding anniversary!!! My honeybun and I had a dinner date at Circles in Shangri-la Makati, just the two of us.

December 2007
Our whole family left for the US to attend our youngest sister's wedding to her long-time boyfriend Nico. It was the first time that our whole family (Dad, Mom, Me, Armand, Adrian, Melo, Alvin, Xandro, Nino, Cathy and Nico) was complete! After the wedding in San Francisco, we hired a 15-seater van and went on a road trip. It was like being in PBB! We were together for 3 weeks 24/7! We went to San Francisco, Monterey, Salinas (Hi Tito Alvin, Tita Tita, Janice, Shena, Brian and Nadia!) Carmel-by-the-Sea, San Diego, Moreno Valley (shout out to the Azurins!), Los Angeles, Las Vegas (Hello to Ruellos family and all the PMAyers we met during the reunion), Grand Canyon, etc. It was truly a memorable experience!

January 2008

After shaking off our jet lag, we again packed our stuff for another wedding--Atang and Jorge's much-awaited wedding. Atang is Armand's youngest sister. Congratulations sister and welcome to the family brother Jorge!

February 2008
We attended a fund-raising dinner at the Rockwell Tent for the benefit of the Foundation of Father Fernando Suarez for the poor. He held a healing session after the mass. I finally had the courage to verbalize my hearts desire: another baby. I wanted it so bad I cried!

March 2008
Adrian had his Crossing-Over ceremony. The grade 3 boys were being sent off by the Primary School and being welcomed to the Middle School. Touching ceremony. I silently wished that Adrian wouldn't grow up too fast. If only he could be my baby, my angel, my lovey dovey, my angel boy forever!

My 36th birthday! Nino's too. Yes, we share the same birthday! Just had very late dinner with the family in Dad's Megamall. The next day, we went to Nino's bar KAMPAI in Blue Ridge, Katipunan for his birthday celebration. Jim Paredes of APO, Nino's ex-future father-in-law jammed with Nino. It was a night filled with songs, music, laughter, booze and well-behaved guests...till my dad left! Then it was really time to P-A-R-T-Y!

April 2008

Melo and Xandro left for the Land DownUnder (Good die might) to be with Alvin as he takes up his Master's degree in the University of Sydney. We're most certainly going to miss our Xander!

Had our house renovated. Unlike the past where we had the house repaired to rectify mistakes, this time it was to beautify it. We had the kitchen remodeled--counters demolished, window closed up, new granite countertops, new layout, new cabinets! (thanks Marge and Debbie of DEBARGE Builders for a job well done!), the front doors changed to steel doors with smoked glass to let natural light shine through, folding doors in the covered terrace removed and moved to the master's walk-in closet and bathroom, installed stoneworks in the covered terrace and replaced the billiard table with a 6-seater rectangle dining set. In short, the house had a make-over. Ganda na!

May 2008

Went to Fontana (sponsored by Uncle Miles and Tita Lorna Dela Rosa. Thank you!) in Clark with Armand, Adrian, Ila, Trace, Bogart and Paolo. Went to Subic for merienda passing through SCTEX before going home to Manila.

Armand has been posted to his new assignment in the Queen City of the South. Adrian and I spent 5 1/2 days with him. Why bitin? Armand was asked to go to Aklan with the bosses for a civic activity. Adrian and I had to pack fast and take a cab going to the airport. Well, at least we had the chance to stay overnight at a resort in Mactan (AGI) and go island-hopping before school started. Shout out to my best pal Charina and her better half, Jingo (the ex-future mayor of Dapa-singer-lawyer-columnist-chef par excellence). Daghang salamat for going shopping with me, for cooking for us, for hosting a welcome dinner for us (yummy grilled steak that melts in your mouth), for driving us around, spending the weekend with us at the beach, for everything! Thanks also to DSK Nini G. and Paneh, Charina's sister Claudine, our high school classmate Dawn, for taking time off your busy schedules to see us. Mwah!

Check out Jingo's column in SunStar:

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/06/01/sports/quijano.where.eagles.fly.html

June 2008

Father Fernando Suarez, Nanay, Father Jeff, Tito Greg and Tita Paz Monteclaro spent the night at my parent's new house. Father Fernando slept in the family room, on the very same daybed that I sleep on when I come over! He blessed the whole house before we proceeded to the clubhouse for another healing session with family, relatives, friends and Dad's PMA Class 67 members. He approached me four times and held my tummy and prayed that I'll have another baby. If it is God's will, His will be done! Amen!

It's back to school for Adrian! He is now in 4th grade. His section is Ifugao and his class number is 4, my favorite number! Good luck to both of us this school year!

A WHOLE NEW WORLD

I was going through my old clear book to look for my resume when I saw documents of my "past life" again. It had all my work-related documents: my transcript of records, diploma, resumes, SSS/BIR/Pag-ibig IDs, certificates of employment, appointment letters, letters of promotion, resignation letters, etc. It felt weird seeing those documents again after all these years. For those who knew me when I was still single, you know what I'm talking about. I remember when I was still in college, I couldn't wait to get out of school and join the corporate world. I felt that it was what I was born to do; that it was my destiny. I never imagined being anything else. Specially not a homemaker like my mom. Not that there was anything wrong with being one but the thought just never occured to me. Fast forward to the present, here I am semi-retired being exactly what I said I'd never be: a domestic goddess. Don't get me wrong, I have no regrets being what or who I am right now. I love being a wife, mother and queen of our castle. No I don't miss deadlines, the pressure, difficult co-workers, overtime, low pay, the CASA budget in the bank. But come to think of it, perhaps I do miss certain things like the title (Business Manager, my latest), the friends I made, the recognition I got, the company car, the out-of-town conferences, the morning breakfast meetings, presentations to the likes of Ms. Tessie Sy-Coson (yes, the SM boss) and movers and shakers of Century Park Hotel, the glitz and glamor! I can totally relate to Lynette of Desperate Housewives. Am I ready to go back to work like her? Do I still have what it takes? I feel like a has-been movie star who's insecure and scared to be replaced with somebody more talented, younger and fresher. Why can't I be like wine that gets better with age? If the opportunity knocks again to join the corporate jungle, will I be willing to get out of my comfort zone and take the risk?

I also found a speech I made a lifetime ago for our family friend, Chino Dela Torre for his 3rd year high school class in La Salle. It basically sums up my career. I'm publishing it in full for posterity. Here goes:

Good morning to each and every one of you.

First of all, I would like to say that I am deeply honored to have been invited to be your resource speaker today for your ECONOMICS class. To tell you frankly, I was hesistant at first to accept the invitation of Chino because I feel that I am no expert to the topic on hand. But at the same time I realized that perhaps by sharing with you my own experiences, I will be able to impart, in my own little way, new learning and realizations. I hope that at the end of this short talk, I would have been able to inspire and motivate you.

To begin with, I wasn't sure of what approach or method to use in conducting this talk, but if you'd allow me, I'd like to gear away from the lecture-type-textbook definition of entrepreneurship. Instead, I'll be relating with you my work experiences, my small business and what entrepreneurship is from my own point of view. Then let's draw our definition from there. Should you have any questions, please feel free to ask them.

Isn't it that as a child we are often asked what we want to be when we grow up? As for me, I've always wanted to be a doctor. Unfortunately, it took only one look in my biology test results to make me realize that med school is not for me.

Then I wanted to take up Theater Arts in UP. My dad told me that he's not paying for my tuition if I insist on taking it as a college course.

Good thing we have those exams and battery of tests that the guidance center gives out sporadically. They helped a lot in my course and career choice. I have a very strong personality and the tests clearly showed that I was indeed more inclined to the arts. Thus, I took up Mass Communications in Assumption College.

Like most young people, I couldn't wait to be in the real world so I started working part-time for an AD and Promo/PR firm (Public Affairs Communicators, Inc.) as an account management trainee while I was still in school. Compared to my contemporaries, I was definitely ahead in the league. I would report to the office in my own brand new Honda Civic car, park with the Makati executives (in Makati Stock Exchange building), wear power suits (and vavoom make-up), the works! I thought I had it going for me until I received my first paycheck--P1,050 for half month's work! At that time, my parents stopped giving me allowance so you could just imagine how tough it was. But I stayed on for the experience until I was promoted to Account Executive and copywriter. My salary was eventually raised but the traffic from our house in Q.C. to Makati was taking its toll on me. (I didn't know then that I was already sick with so many things).

I decided to look for an ad agency within the Ortigas area. Luckily, I was accepted right away in THE MARKETING+COMMUNICATIONS GROUP or THE GROUP, an advertising and marketing agency. I again did account management. The salary was much higher and it was very near the house but there was another factor to consider--the working hours. You've probably heard of how weird ad people are but I just couldn't reconcile the fact that they actually take it against you that you have a life outside the office. No wonder most ad people either marry late, are separated or do not marry at all.

It was probably fate but a relative of ours told me that there was an opening in UnionBank and offered me a job. It felt weird because I didn't know anything about banking aside from making a withdrawal or deposit. But I had to be practical. I was contemplating on settling down and really needed a stable job so I tried my luck.

My entry level position was as Business Development Officer. My first few months in the bank were frustrating and confusing, made worse by countless trainings, seminars and revalida. It was really a crach course in banking and finance.

After the training came my baptism of fire. I was given by my boss a P10MM budget. Meaning I have to market the bank to prospective clients and generate deposits. Armed with guts and prayers, I was able to deliver. Perhaps my boss saw that I had potential so he designated me as branch manager of Greenhills branch. At 24, I was one of the the youngest, if not the youngest, managers in the bank at that time. I was hounded by intrigues. Parang showbiz. To prove my detractors wrong, I worked doubly hard to the point of exhaustion. In a year, I was able to deliver much more than what was expected of me in terms of deposit generation.

It was in the bank where I got exposed to different businesses--retail, trading, agriculture, animal husbandry, shipping, manufacturing, lending, black market, name it we encountered it. But I felt like Jill-of-all-trades-master-of-none.

For most people, I have already reached the pinnacle of success, so to speak. But personally, I felt that there was still a void in my life. I wanted to pursue something I really wanted to do, something I'll be good at, something I have complete control of, something which is mine.

I have always wanted to put up my own business but I just couldn't find the right one that suited me. I was lucky because capital was not really a problem because my father and my uncle in the States were willing to help me in financing it. It was only a question of what business I really want to put up.

As a child, I use to sell all kinds of stuff to my classmates but I always seem to lose interest after I've earned a little. I wanted things to be different this time.

I was preparing for my wedding when an idea hit me. Why not put up a full-range wedding accessories store? I myself was having a hard time looking for innovative wedding ideas so I thought why not a one-stop bridal shop?!

At last, I finally found the right business for me but was it the right time? I was already "there" career-wise so I was torn between the glamour of the position and the excitement of being an entrepreneur. I finally had the courage to inform my boss of my plans. He said that I must realize that some people are born to be employees. It was more than enough to challenge me to pursue my plans. I kept my job in the bank but concentrated on fulfilling my goal. Finally, after months of sourcing for suppliers, settling government legalities, documentations, research, feasibility studies, competitive scan, business plans, marketing strategies, etc. and with everything in place, VOWS & KEEPSAKES WEDDING SHOP was opened last October in VIRRA MALL. It's a very small store but with everything you need for a perfect wedding and more.

Having my own business is not easy specially since I'm still employed but eventually, I'd want to be my own boss. Being an entrepreneur is more thst just operating your own business but you take the chance of gaining or losing from the endeavour. Entrepreneurs are people who are unafraid to go where others fear to tread. Someday I would like to prove to my boss that NOT all people are born to be employees.

It doesn't matter how big or small your business may be. It doesn't even have to be fancy and expensive. In fact, the higher the capital, the more risky it becomes. Until now, my business is still far from the break-even point, but with determination and hard work, I'm sure that I'll be able to make it.

The journey towards entrepreneurship may be bumpy and uphill and problems may seem insurmountable along the way but if you feel in your heart, mind and soul that you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur then you will succeed.

THE DAY ANOTHER ANGEL CAME DOWN FROM HEAVEN

Armand and I have always wanted to have another baby. We've been praying to God that if it's His will that we have another child, His will be done. Last Oct. 1, 2006, our prayers were answered but in a different way. We had another baby in the family! No, I didn't give birth again. It was my sister, Melo. They had their first baby, ALESSANDRO after almost 8 years of marriage! It was after super typhoon Milenyo and we were in Cebu that we got the call from mom telling us that she finally delivered the baby after hours of labor. My mom shrieked, "Patay kang bata ka!" Oh my God what could have gone wrong?! I thought something bad happened. Then she said,"kailong ni Alvin ( my brother-in-law)!" Thank God both Melo and the baby were healthy and normal. Like me, Melo also had a very difficult pregnancy so it was a relief that everything went smoothly and that she was well on her way to recovery. To ALESSANDRO, welcome little angel, to our family. We pray that you will grow up to be an obedient, law-abiding, God-fearing, bright, happy and loving boy like your Kuya Adrian.

Mom and I hosted a baby shower at our house (AFPOVAI) for Melo a month before she gave birth. Ehem, ehem, I wonder who did the decor!?

I made this diaper cake for Melo. Yup, it's made entirely of diapers. Everybody thought it was a real cake. Had fun making it. Hmmm I can turn this into another business!

It was a simple, well-attended and fun-filled affair! I prepared lots of games and prizes! The food was sumptuous. In attendance were the Avenido family, our OHANA (our family-Armand, me and Adrian), Ninang Alma (mom's sister), our Assumption college friends and Alvin's mistahs' wives (PMA Class 1996)

Me and our newest angel, Alessandro, in Medical City. We went straight to the hospital from the airport. Didn't care if we smelled like danggit or had otap breathe. We just couldn't wait to see him! He was the cutest bundle of joy with the loudest wail you've ever heard! Check out my ring tone and you'll hear for yourself. Todo bigay talaga si BIRIT Baby!

To Melo and Alvin, congratulations, good luck and welcome to the wonderful world of sleepless nights, endless feedings and soiled diapers!

Don't worry, it's all worth it!

LIFE IS PRECIOUS. LIFE IS SHORT.

It is a cliche but true.

Last Friday night, Melo, Alvin and I attended our friend Pia's husband's wake. Pia is Melo's college barkada in the Assumption. We've known her for years. She's only in her early 30s and already a widow! She and her husband, Jundy Gueco were in Club Noah, Palawan when he died of a heart attack. They've only recently celebrated their 1st year wedding anniversary. He was a bright, brilliant, talented chef and food stylist for FOOD magazine. I even found out at the wake that the concept for KFC's new orange chicken came from him. Jundy and I were not really close but in the few times we've been together, there was never a dull moment between us. We're alike in so many ways, we were both big, boisterous and funny. We'd banter,toss jokes back and forth and laugh at even the most mundane things. He even called me Ate Jo even if he was a couple of years older than me. We knew he was sick and that he lost a 100 lbs or so. But never did we realize that he was that sick. That he would be gone just like that. You could hear people at his wake sharing anecdotes about him. People had only kind words for him. Not because he is dead but because he genuinely was a good person. He was supposed to help Melo in her baby's baptism. She wanted an Italian theme and trusted only Jundy to put together an authentic Mama Mia menu. Now Pia has promised Melo that she would help her for the sake of her future inaanak, Alessandro.

We just pray that wherever you are, Jundy, you are happy and at peace.

TRICK OR TREAT!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Last year, our family (the Avenidos) hosted a halloween party in our house in Bataan. We invited our relatives, cousins, nieces and nephews. Everyone came in costumes, even the adults! I was LILY and Adrian was EDDIE of "THE MUNSTERS!" The guests said we were the "sosyal at mayaman na multo." The most creative, though, is Melo's UNCLE FESTER (of "THE ADDAMS FAMILY") costume. It was the best costume, hands-down! Followed closely by Cathy's SADAKO (The Ring) and Alvin's WHITE LADY OF LOAKAN get-up! I don't know who had more fun, the kids or adults?! We really had a blast! There were so many games and prizes. Nobody went home empty-handed. The decor was to die for! Worth the money and effort! It's definitely an unforgettable party!

TECHNICAL GLITCH...SOMETHING LIKE THAT

Just when I was about to wrap up my latest entry, the system conks out on me! It went pffft just like that. Aaaargh, it was too late. I wasn't able to save it. To think I poured my heart and soul into that entry and now it's gone. Serves me right to ignore the notice that kept popping on my screen: Blogger system will be down at 2PM Pacific Time. I'll never ignore such warning again.

My entry was nothing melodramatic, really. I was just raving how extremely proud I am to have gotten this far in blogging given that I've only been at it for less than a week! Might be a no-brainer for most but for me who's really not a techie, this is quite a feat. I'm actually doing it all by myself, with very little or no help at all from anyone else. And mind you, on prepaid internet connection, too. So needless to say that more than anything, it's my patience that's being stretched to the limit here. What normally takes a few minutes or even a few seconds on DSL to upload, takes forever on prepaid. I usually upload something and leave the computer to eat or go to the bathroom only to come back and find that the connection was lost midway or that the computer hung! @!#$%^&*()*^#%@! Oh it could get pretty frustrating. But then, despite these setbacks, the end result still very much outweighs all the hardships, trials and tribulations I encounter in uploading. Blogging rocks!

As you might have noticed, my latest entries have become a little more sophisticated or at least a little more glossy. I've recently discovered how to upload photos. So indulge me. Expect that in the upcoming entries, I would be barraging you with more photos.

And just as I was about to sign out, I found out about hyperlinking! Whoohoo! Computer geek? Not yet but slowly and surely getting there! I'm on a roll! Bring it on!

Like what Ala wrote in her blog, for those of you who have negative comments, violent reactions or what not, write it in your own blog. Hmph!

PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA

Playground of the rich, retired and gay!

Rode a huge tram that fits about 30 people. It brought us hundreds of feet up the mountain. The view was spectacular that it made me forget I had motion sickness and vertigo! It was simply breathtaking!

With Mom, sister Cathy, Adrian and our hosts Tito Mon and Tita Norie Azurin.

DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA

The happiest place on earth!

With MULAN.

She's PINAY!!

No wonder she was so warm, friendly and accommodating.

All this walkin' and runnin' is killin' us!

Where the heck is the freakin' Jolly Trolley?

Of course, a trip to the happiest place on earth

wouldn't be complete without paying courtesy call to Mickey Mouse!

M-I-C-K-E-Y-M-O-U-S-E!!!!

Main Street USA

Waiting for our train to take us around the place.

Magic Mountain

Nope, we didn't. We were too chicken to ride it!

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD

...WHERE MOVIE MAGIC ARE CREATED!

First there was silence. Then there was a loud crackling sound. After the roar and rumble, this raging waters just came rolling in. They recreate this scene over and over again. Good thing water is being recycled. Just imagine how many gallons of water they'll be wasting if they didn't.

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? Absorbent and yellow and porous is he! Spongebob and the gang welcomed us to Bikini Bottom.

Dashing de-bone-r!

We got a li'l fright from this mummy from

THE MUMMY RETURNS!

WAR OF THE WORLDS

This is the set of the Tom Cruise movie. They crashed a real Boeing 747 plane to make it real, believable and authentic. Even the passengers' stuff strewn around the area looked real. It felt like I was right there when it all happened.

Amazing and awesome!

His majesty the King!

No, it isn't Elvis. It's the hairiest of them all, King Kong! This too looked real.

Freaky!

SHIPWRECKED!

We look
like the
cast of
Gilli-gan's
Island.

Who's
Gilligan?
Skipper?
the
Millionaire?
and his
wife?
(is that
moi?)


the movie star (Ginger)? the professor? and Mary Ann? It's been a year since that veycay but I'm still so hang up on it!

Hinahanap-hanap kita, Club Noah. Ang alon mo'y kay sarap sa tenga. Mga isda mong naglalanguyan, mga corals na nag gagandahan. Take me back in your arms, Club Noah. Promise me you'll never let me go!!!

UNDER THE SEA

Scuba diving in Club Noah, Taytay, Palawan!

This is the life! It was so surreal. I can't imagine why Ariel would want to have feet and live on land. It's simply breathtaking down there. It's different when you're "close and personal" with the marine species that you once only saw in pictures or read about in books. I even saw Nemo and his sea anemone home! It's definitely one experience I'll remember forever. I wish, hope and pray that we'll be able to dive again in the near future. This is one activity that will be on top of my wish list.

With my husband, Armand and my dive instructor who had a very rough time hauling me!!!

OHANA HAVING FUN!FUN!FUN!

LOOKING FOR A GREAT VACATION GETAWAY?

Check out Club Noah Isabelle in Palawan! http://www.travelsmart.net/ph/resorts/Palawan/Club_Noah/

A little pricey and upscale but definitely worth every cent! Our family spent our 2005 summer break there. First we rode the 80-minute SEAIR flight from Manila to Sandoval, then took a 15-minute JEEPNEY ride from Sandoval Airport to a nearby river, then a DINGHY for a 10-minute sail down to the river's mouth and finally a BANCA for 45 minutes or so to the resort. You can just imagine the excitement and anticipation building as we got nearer and nearer our destination. We stayed in cabanas that were built on stilts above the water. There are no TV sets so you can hear the soothing sound of waves and splashes of the fish underneath you!

The resort took care of all our needs. From the transfers, to all the meals (part of the package)--which were set-up in different locations within the island that kept us guessing where the next meal would be--to the various activities that entertained and kept us occupied during our 4-day, 3-night stay there. We did diving, snorkeling, kayaking, island hopping, picnicking, fishing, and sunset watching. What made it truly memorable and special was that we were there with the whole family: Dad, Mom, Armand, Adrian, my sister Melo, her husband Alvin, my brother Nino and his girlfriend Ala Paredes, my youngest sister, Cathy and her boyfriend Nico Manahan, our steplolo Lolo Loy and our bodyguard, Sgt. Pastoral. It's one great vacation that will definitely be etched in my memory for as long as I live! Club Noah rules!

BFF

How can someone so near be so far away?

I'm talking about my best friend, Manang Mac or Manang Best Friend. We've been friends for a looong time. Ten years to be exact. We're more like sisters, really. She's the ATE I never had. We're family. We have so much in common. We even have the same fear--ALUROPHOBIA--or fear of cats! We've gone through so much together. We always had each other to hold on to when the going gets rough and tough. We used to spend a lot of time together, going out or just hanging out at home and catching up on the latest happenings in our (and others') lives. Even with all the haste and hurry, we somehow always managed to make time for each other.

But sadly, lately, we hardly ever see each other anymore. We mostly just send each other text messages or e-mails! As if if we were continents apart! To think that we now practically live just a stone's throw away from each other! With our many roles as women--wife, mother, driver, cook, tutor, caregiver, babysitter, laundrywoman (the list is endless)--and not to mention the demands of work, health and home, it had become close to impossible to physically be together and bond.

I am very much aware that our friendship, as in any relationship, is dynamic. It's never stagnant nor self-sustaining. It's two-way and interactive. It needs constant caring and nurturing.

What I love most about Manang Best Friend is that she always sees the best in people and never fails to affirm one's positive traits. When I'm with her, I never feel I'm having a bad hair day even if my hair's all frizzed up! She's also a person for others. Always of service to everyone, to the point of exhaustion, literally. I've never met a more selfless, giving and generous person.

What about me? How have I been as a friend? I find myself thinking all of a sudden.

I guess I got so caught up in my own world lately that I stepped back from our friendship without meaning to. Has someone else filled my place? I think and feel so! Am I insecure that someone else is doing and being what I'm supposed to? Hell, yes! Am I scared that someone else will replace me as her best friend? Very. Perhaps someone already did. But I have faith in us and all we've been through. It's not that easy to replicate what we have. I may have slackened a bit but I will never let anything or anyone get in the way of our friendship. Have we grown apart? Maybe in distance but never at heart.

We may meet new friends, rekindle old ones or even lose some. But in my heart I know that for our friendship, the best is yet to come.

CEBU & MILENYO

Lapa-lapu Shrine, Mactan Island

I spent the best years of my life--my high school years--in Cebu. I'm really from Manila but my dad is from Bohol. Most of our relatives and my closest friends are staying in Cebu. So Cebu and everything about it is very close to my heart. I'm into anything and everything nautical, under the sea, beach/ocean-themed (obviously). Perhaps as a way of keeping memories of my 3-year stay there alive. From house decor to parties that I create (it's my part-time business, by the way--party decor), these are recurring themes. But no matter how I try to make my menu exciting, I always end up wishing I knew how to make puso, or hanging rice. That would definitely make my parties unique and authentic! Our helpers, who are sisters, were both taught by their mother but they said they left their "puso-making" skills in Bohol when they left for Manila. Pity! I searched high and low for somebody, anybody who can teach me how to make puso but to no avail. Even my visit to Cebu recently, proved futile. I'm very happy to have stumbled on this website Cebu Central with an article on puso with feedbacks from people. Now I know I'm not the only one "obsessed" with puso. Is there anyone out there willing to teach me how to make puso?

Incidentally, I want to say hello to my long-time friends for making our weekend stay in Cebu sweet and memorable. It was the weekend right after the typhoon MILENYO. With no electricity and water, my son, Adrian and I decided to follow my husband to Cebu who went there days ahead on official Army business. To Charina G. Navarro-Quijano (who was recently appointed as judge in Surigao del Norte) and her husband Jingo ( a brilliant lawyer, who's equally brilliant as a singer and chef. Oh and Good luck mayor! He's running next year in Siargao) and their two adorable girls, my inaanak Julia and politico Jenya. Also to Paneh Yap, este Christine Guttierez and husband Gutzie (great to have finally met you!) And lastly to Jennifer Yuvienco, aka Jinggay Chua. Thanks for taking time off from your busy schedule to see me! Great to see you after all these years! Wish we had more time to catch up. Btw, Jen and Paneh, saw your friendster pics. Thanks for including a picture of us together! Sorely missed was Nini Gonzales. As usual, was clueless of date of our arrival, made other plans! Next time ha? Also missing in action was Goldie Romarate. Hey, magparamdam ka naman, day! Special thanks also to Mama Arlene and Tita Jenny who brought us to the airport. Wish we had more time to bond! Next time...

Our whole lives may have changed in a lot of ways but one thing remains the same. It's the friendship, love and laughter that never goes away but stays and grows through the years. Here's to 20 years of friendship and 100 more! DSK forever. Though we may not be together our hearts will take us there for distance can't separate hearts that truly care! See you soon guys!

MY DEBUT

I've been putting this off for the longest time. Creating my very own blog, I mean. I've always wanted a venue or medium where I can write about anything and everything under the sun...I've finally had the time, courage and technical know-how to create one! I wish I had my baby sister, Cathy, to help me out. But she's living in the US now so I had to do this all by myself. After all the trial and error, I'm proud to say I did it!