cat got your tongue?

Today's a big day for Ken and Yan, not because it's the Chinese New Year,
but because today's the grand opening of their newest endeavor - Cupcaken.

As the name implies and if you haven't noticed yet, Cupcaken specializes in
cupcakes.

Aside from cupcakes, Cupcaken also serves coffee! And in an Illy cup (Yan
says that's so much better than the starbucks cups and mugs..)

We also had a group of foreigners check out the place, they say they passed
by a while ago and Cupcaken was still closed, so they came back. Funny
thing, these guys know how to speak in Cebuano! :)

And one more thing, Cupcaken is not just a run-of-the-mill cupcake store,
they also have couches for guests and groups who would like to be more
comfy.

They also accept orders, I think.

So come and visit us soon, Cupcaken is located on Banawa Street, beside
Nuat Thai. (If your going from Katipunan street, then it's before you reach
Paseo Arcenas.)

Today's a big day for Ken and Yan, not because it's the Chinese New Year, but because today's the grand opening of their newest endeavor - Cupcaken.

As the name implies and if you haven't noticed yet, Cupcaken specializes in cupcakes.

Dear Phoenix,

It's already 2012, almost your birthday!  :)

It has been an absolutely fulfilling 2011 for me and your Daddy. We have watched you grow up from this tiny baby who just squeals and cries when needed, to this tall, long-legged baby who now drools on everything, walks like she has no tomorrow and says "cat" even while looking at a dog.

You may have not noticed but there has been so much that happened last year. One was of course, you were born, then Mommy got assigned somewhere farther and left CIAD in good hands. Daddy also got a new job and I think is still enjoying it. :)  You now have more batchmates in church, you prefer Tita Brenda over the other people in the Nursery and your Tita Yanyan is already carrying your cousin even before your Tito Ken can open CupcaKen.

Your uncles and aunts are also doing better, even though Kaye is already spamming our FB accounts with her k-pop thingy. Kuya TJ now has a job, he doesn't want you calling him uncle, you know. Kuya Bryan gained more weight and is now back in Ipil, God knows why. Papa and Mamu, as they want to be called, are doing better also, they have been the most excited grandparents this Christmas since we went there for a vacation. (And they still despise your Daddy for printing "Lolo" and "Lola" on their shirts!)

You also met several ate's this year. One of which, the oldest, kinda pinched your arm and since then denied it. Two other ate's passed until you met your Ate Phebe, who is now taking care of you. You have been so behaved up until you discovered you can very well want something and cry if you can't get it. Ever since you wandered about the room and the sala and the kitchen of Papa and Mamu's house, you have been enjoying giving a full exercise to me, Mamu and now your Ate Phebe. You want to walk around too much, and sometimes even run (and crawl-run, if there's such a word!). You now almost always want to get out and look for cats, or dogs, roosters or chickens, and this was when you started saying "cat" and "dog", "shi-ehn" and "fin-esh". You learned to kiss your reflection when asked to "kiss Phoenix" but you won't kiss Mommy nor Daddy (which is frustrating by the way...) What else will you surprise us with, in the days to come? :)

So there, as I said, it was a lovely year, and hopefully, 2012 will be so much better!



Still waiting to hear you say our names,
Mommy and Daddy

Remittances from Filipinos working overseas are at an all-time high. And no, it’s not just because they’re sending back US dollars, Saudi Riyals, Euros or Japanese Yen; but because our modern-day heroes are sending back what’s known as social remittances.

Social remittances refer to ideas, practices, identities and social capital that flow from receiving to sending country communities. It was coined by sociologist Peggy Levitt in her book “The Transnational Villagers and she describes social remittances being transferred by migrants and refugees that are exchanged by letters or other forms of communication that includes phone, fax, the internet or video. She suggested that social remittance affects family relations, gender roles, class and race identity, as well as have a substantial impact on political, economic and religious participation.

This concept isn’t something new for the Philippines. In the 1800s, this was already seen through the newspaper La Solidaridad and the novels of Jose Rizal. Like them whose ideas paved . In the 21st century, blogging is the new form of social remittance of Filipinos working and living abroad. Through their blogs they are publishing their stories online to inspire others. They also advocate for causes, help others and muster support from their readers to help effect change in their own little ways.

With globalization, Filipino migrants are beginning to realize the power of harnessing the potential of social remittance. They may be students pursuing a higher education, a professional with a white-collar job or a migrant working as house help; but all of them have something in common: an economic goal and aspiration.

This year the Pinoy Expat/OFW Blog Awards or PEBA 2011 is geared to recognize the contributions of Filipino bloggers abroad. This year’s theme is dubbed as "Ako'y Magbabalik, Hatid Ko'y Pagbabago." (I Will Return, I Will Bring Change) as Balikbayans not only send back their monetary remittances; but social remittances as well.

For this year PEBA opens a new blog search called PEBA’s Any Blogger, Anywhere for all Filipino bloggers in various categories, at home or abroad. This year’s blog contest will look into narratives as to how returning Expats/OFW will make use and share their social remittance or their talents, skills and fortunes to bring change to their families, communities and country. Expats/OFW bloggers who will be joining the contest will be required to write a blog entry on the said theme. There is also an ongoing blog contest for OFW supporters.

For 2011, VIPinoy, a service and perks for overseas Filipinos and OFWs offered by Ayala Malls is the biggest sponsor of PEBA. Ayala Mall is providing Trinoma Activity Center as the venue for the awards nights on December 9, 2011 and Market Market as venue for its photo exhibit from December 9, 2011. PEBA is equally supported by one of its long time partner NOKIA and communication giant Globe Telecom.


PEBA will exclusively invite some 200 guests who can make their reservation and confirmation/RSVP of their attendance through VIPinoy Lounges in the different Ayala Malls and the awarding will be watched by a thousand or more and will be telecast live for OFWs to watch.



For more information regarding PEBA, please visit http://www.pinoyblogawards.com/.

Every year-end, all companies do their budgeting for the coming year. This means, actual expenses as of the cut-off date are collated, evaluated and then a budget for the following year is drawn from the proposed projects and actual operating expenses as assessed previously.

It just so happened that our company first gives all department heads to "propose" their own budgets. But then, these are subject to checking and revising and correcting, of course, by the Corporate Officers, before it gets approved.

So how come I'm writing these down? Because I'm irked. Annoyed. Irritated. That some of the department heads think that once they have proposed something, it becomes law. Hello?! What's so hard to understand that we still have to go through the checking process and the approval? Our budget cannot be approved if it didn't pass the qualifications or limits set by the authorized "approvers" - who in this case is the Corporate Finance Officer. How come you all sound so irritated that your proposed budget went down? Tell me, would you rather have the same budget as last year because we didn't budge and accepted the limits set by Management? Or will you be willing to accept the new proposed budget and stop blaming me because the figures you're seeing now are significantly lower than what you proposed beforehand?

I know. It's law that everyone should hate the Finance Manager. But hey, is this YOUR money we're talking about? Isn't this the company's? Isn't this the owners' money you're planning to spend relentlessly?

Gimme a friggin' break...

I do. I miss blogging. Not the deadlines or the research, but just jotting down, typing away... Just like that.. I kinda lost the touch after giving birth since my Phoenix is a handful, but I totally want to go back to blogging again. For one because it just loosens up my brain a bit just enough to get me going with my tasks again. Two, it kinda gives a little jiggle to my head just so the creative juices will keep on seeping through the tiny little cracks so I don't lose it at all.

Hmmm.

And I also miss the cha-ching I sometimes get from blogging. *smirk*


Don't mind me though. I'm just bored.

Hoorah, we're being audited. Again. (Sarcasm intended)

Apparently BIR's targeting hotels for their 2010 audits and behold, we're a
hotel. *facepalm*

I thought what we first submitted to the boss had mistakes, but lo, there
were only interchanged columns in our excel file. Haha! But still, it had
to be corrected to be "correct".

Anyway, I'm way too sleepy, and our pc's mouse surrendered and wouldn't
move, so I'm ticking away using my mobile phone. And if you're reading
this, then blogging via email in Blogger still works. :)

Cheers!

Hmm, based on the impromptu calculations that were not the normal thingys asked for during these types of meetings, it's a BIG loss.


At least we profited in terms of calories. Thanks to F&B. Haha!

(Taken at the South Road Properties)

I just saw a nice post from Leo Lastimosa's google+ profile, and I found it intriguing that a person with a misunderstood reputation such as Bob Marley can be capable of saying such things...


Here's a very good example..

"He’s not perfect. You aren’t either, and the two of you will never be perfect. But if he can make you laugh at least once, causes you to think twice, and if he admits to being human and making mistakes, hold onto him and give him the most you can. He isn’t going to quote poetry, he’s not thinking about you every moment, but he will give you a part of him that he knows you could break. Don’t hurt him, don’t change him, and don’t expect for more than he can give. Don’t analyze. Smile when he makes you happy, yell when he makes you mad, and miss him when he’s not there. Love hard when there is love to be had. Because perfect guys don’t exist, but there’s always one guy that is perfect for you." — Bob Marley

I have been thinking of writing something for Tom for the last 2 days... We had just passed by our 2nd wedding anniversary and so far, things have been going greatly. We haven't had any big problems by the grace of God, and also, we now have a sweat pea baby Phoenix who occupies most of our time nowadays...  :)

But setting all these aside, including the fact that he also posted something on his wall that almost made me cry, the above quote would most probably engulf all what I had to say about him for more than 9 years of being together (okay, I didn't count the break! :> )..




:-*


ps: for other quotes from Bob Marley, try visiting this link.

After a tiring basketball game (which of course he didn't play full time for, because of leg cramps), he passes the time updating his fb and stalking others'...

And by the way, January, I already saw the pics.. ;)

Hey, hey, hey!

How's everybody?! I know it's been ages since my last post.... And to fill everybody in on the developments, here are some bits and pieces (and what a good time to update, it's the first day of September!):

1. Phoenix is already 6 months old (there she is!).
2. I was assigned to a new office, holding a new position, having new challenges, and facing new people. Hearing new and fantastic blog-gable bloopers... ;)
3. We're now past our 2nd wedding anniversary. Yay!
4. I still don't like seaweeds. Blech!

I'm actually due on February 12, but we're really just waiting for labor pains right now since Doc Cyd told us during our last check-up that Phoenix's head is already engaged so we just prepared the diaper bag we're ready to haul over to the hospital just in case it happens (labor!) all of a sudden.

I didn't think I needed to take pictures, so bad of me, since actual pictures of the contents of the diaper bag and the bag itself can help you visualize it more.

Anyway, I'll just enumerate them so you, whether you're the one pregnant or a friend, or a sister, or maybe even your mother, would have an idea what to bring to the hospital for the big day!

• Diapers. lots of them. Because newborns will pee and poop almost every hour after birth. It's sorta their cleansing thing. So bring lots and lots of diapers since hospitals here in the Philippines might provide only 2-3 pieces for your baby.
• Hooded towel or a hooded receiving blanket. I'd like to believe the baby would like a comfy and warm blanket with a hood so his/her head will not be cold too.
• Soft blanket/covered mat for the baby to lie on.
• Wet wipes and cotton balls. To clean up that chubby butt after pooing or peeing.
• 70% Ethyl alcohol. Maybe to disinfect the chord stump or something, it's the nurses that ask for this though.
• Cotton buds/ear buds. This too, the nurses will ask for this, together with the,
• Baby wash. Because they will give your baby a bath before giving him/her to you.
• Baby clothes. Be sure to bring those white cotton newborn baby clothes and some others of your choice. Something he/she will be comfortable in. Make sure they're not so thick, so the baby won't be soaked in sweat.
• Socks, mitts, cap. For protection and comfort. Make sure you've removed the stray threads, just bring scissors with you so you can trim them off just to make sure.
• Wash cloths, bibs, burping cloths. Of course, for wiping off milk for the chin or cheeks, protection for burping or from accidental spills/vomiting.

Well, basically, those are the essential things to bring to the hospital for THE big day. Don't forget mom, you have to pack a bag of your own too. Don't forget to bring extra undies, sanitary napkins or adult diapers (whichever you prefer, I'm bringing napkins with me), comb, toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant, perfume/cologne, toothpaste, soap and/or shampoo (it's a hospital, so better be ready than sorry), change of clothes - those that are comfortable for during and after labor and birth (Tom and I suggest for moms planning to breastfeed, bring something with buttons so the baby can have easy access to milk) and also clothes for going home.

Don't forget to bring slippers too, include socks if you're the type who gets cold easily. For walking around during labor and also while you're inside the room after birth and for going home. You should even bring a towel or washcloth for of course, freshening up. You can also bring extra pillows and blankets for you to be comfortable after giving birth, and also for your husband or partner or guardian - whoever's going to be with you - to use at night or while waiting for the baby to be brought to you inside the room.

**Anyway, here's a photo of some of the stuff we've gotten from Ate Jovie, I've packed most of them into my diaper bag, except for the pump. I'll have to remember to bring that.

Maybe you're looking for something online that'll give you a lot of ka-chings for so little effort? Why not try Paybox.me?

So what's in it for you?

With Paybox.me, you start with a $25 balance and it's absolutely free. PayBox will add up to $20 per day to your account for participating as we prepare to launch our new service. You get $10 per person you refer to PayBox. You'll be an EarlyBird user—before PayBox opens to the public and you'll help shape the development of the best payment system ever designed for the Internet.

In short, you could have hundreds or thousands of dollars in your account by the time Paybox.me launches!

I joined Paybox on December 1, and so far, my account already has $400.08... and counting!!! ka-ching, ka-ching, ka-ching! (That's about P17,203.44 using P43 conversion rate!)

And if you're turning your cynical self on right now and asking with raised eyebrows, "where on earth can I use that money?" Just hang onto your seats because they're all making it worth your while. And if I'm interpreting it correctly, their developing something like paypal, which can be used for buying and selling online. So just imagine how much you can shop using all that money!

If you're interested, join in.... Here's the link to their site or just click on their logo below.

Breathe in, breathe out.

I was just minding my own business, killing the sleepiness I'm feeling this time in the afternoon when I decided to check on my twitter account. Lo and behold, a twitter-er mentioned me and a post I did on what I wanted for Christmas.

@WOMWorldNokia had this tweeted,

Cathy’s (@BrazenLass) Christmas wish this year: a Nokia C7!http://bit.ly/ekk2WJ

Now, ain't that nice?! The post was written by CeciliaD. Whoever you are, thanks for linking to my post...  :)
Here's a snap of that page, just click on it to enlarge.

As many of you already know, I'm pretty much with child right now. Some say it looks like it's about to pop any time now, but if you ask me, I think there's pretty much enough time for this baby to still practice contractions and stretches and funny movements right until her ripe old time to "pop" out.

So what I've been doing most of the time now is imagining what I would be doing at home during my maternity leave - aside from taking care of the baby, of course. And if you haven't noticed yet, I blog, a lot, so maybe I'd be doing more of that or maybe just picture-taking or filming whatever it is that catches my interest by February or March because we currently still don't have our very own internet connection at home. It maybe more of my pretty little angel or some of her "adventures" so to speak.

So I ask, do I want a Nokia C7 for Christmas? Or maybe you're asking, why does she want a Nokia C7 this early if she's just wondering what to do in February?!

Why on earth not?!

First and foremost, the Nokia C7 is really shiny - and shiny things just make me want it more. It's made of polished stainless steel and glass - perfect for catching my Phoenix's attention for pictures, right? It has 3.5" high-resolution display, and what's cutest is that it's a touch screen thing also! Awwww....

What else caught my attention? Imagine two months (because that's how long a maternity leave is) without your usual office internet connection - no facebook, no twitter, no email, and no blog! So how can you post those lovely pictures and crazy videos you'll take with the Nokia C7's 8 megapixel camera?!

Nokia C7 has a lovely lovely feature - it has integrated social networking sites, particularly facebook and twitter. Which means I'll be alive and online most of the time - updating my status every now and then, getting comments or whatnots for pictures and vids. Oooohhhh... Fancy that!

Oh, and imagine getting lost in the village - if that's even possible - Nokia C7 has GPS.  :)


Still wondering why I'd like a Nokia C7 for Christmas?!


*photos from Nokia Europe

At last, my pretty girl has finally allowed me to catch some of her movements on cam.

Because I', wearing a patterned dress in the video, just watch out for distortions on the patterns...  :)



I also had this thing made to cover up the ugly "vase" I used for my office plant. Plus, something pretty special to look at every now and then..

Tom & I both think this was a better investment than buying just a crib.

*forgive our floor though, we haven't had the time to "renovate" just yet*

instructions

Tom assembling the thing

still on it!

frame's done!

added the mattress and removing ugly sticker

finished! with sample beddings and a guest..  :)

We can now conclude that we both love love love SM Advantage Card now!  Lol!

I wrote a poem. And I kept it hidden for more than 3 years. Anyway, just bear with me.

Seeking the one thing I cannot find
Leaves me wondering and wishing for the light
Staring at the stars and the moon shining
I wander back to the past that has left me broken

Staring at nothing, talking to my shadow
Looking beyond the world around me I see
There's a hand guiding me, touching my hand
Saying, it's not yet time my child, it's not yet time.

Don't push too hard, don't force it upon you
Open your heart and feel the pain
The pain of losing will make you strong
Stronger and wiser beyond your years.

It's not yet time my child, it's not yet time
The person you're longing for may not even be right
But this thing I know since the day you were born
All these were bound to happen because I planned it all.

My plans for you I cannot reveal
The journey to the end you might not take in
The cries, the pain, the tears you may not want today
But be assured I'll soon wipe them away.

The path I made for you I did not make smooth
You need the pebbles my love, to make you strong
The rocks are there for you to learn
That there are times you shouldn't move them to clear your way.

The way is not easy, it has always been that way
I made it that way so you can see
That the life I prepared for you is not a luxury for free.

Be strong my child, don't worry too much
The pain you feel right now will soon pass
The road you go through us not all that
It will soon smooth out, I promise you that.

Don't fret my child, I feel your pain
I hear the cries, I see the tears
Don't be afraid to admit you failed
Because one day this failure will be your strength
One day you'll see your life and look back
You'll see the path that you once trod
You'll realize how rugged and how crooked it was then
And say to yourself that all was worth it Father, thanks again
At that time you'll be better and then you'll know
Success is sweeter when you know you fell
And that there were these days that you hated how it went.

Lol. Emo.

Yep, I joined this contest as I mentioned in one of my previous post. And it was just last night that they tagged me with their wall post, which is found here.

If you can remember, but I'll just repeat it anyway, I mentioned that to show support to the contestants, a LOT of LIKEs is needed. And you all now see where exactly I'm going here. Would you please LIKE their page, and LIKE that wall post?!

For convenience, I'm posting the links here so you all wouldn't have a lot of difficulty looking for the links or the buttons:

• Johnson's Page:  http://www.facebook.com/johnsonsbabyPH?v=wall
• Baby Shower Contest Mechanics: http://www.facebook.com/johnsonsbabyPH?v=app_4949752878
• Wall Post to LIKE:  http://www.facebook.com/johnsonsbabyPH/posts/134049479983214

This contest runs until January 2011. Just in time since Phoenix is due in February. lol! *I sound so confident!*

Anyway, thanks everyone! Share this to all your friends too. Don't worry, liking Johnson's page won't spam your wall with lots of posts, they're actually a quiet bunch in FB.

Pwetty please with sugar on top?! Thanks!


ps: Aside from liking, kindly say a little prayer too. It sure helps..  ;)