All is Well

Finally I am able to write again after a few months of hiatus from the blog sphere. I was busy with work and busy preparing for our wedding that’s why I was not able to write for quite some time.

Our wedding went well and my project became less demanding so I have a few time to hit the keys yet again.

Hair and Make up by sir Joey Sadsad

Most of my friends are still surprised by our wedding and I know others are a little upset because they didn't get any invitation for the event. As for me, I can’t see any reason why I should explain. But for the benefit of those who are still upset here are a few facts. We wanted the event to be very small, solemn and personal. We don’t want to feed our wall with cheesy things from the time we were engaged to the time we walk down the aisle because we know pressure will build when a lot of people know about it.

Today I’d like to express my gratitude to the people who made our wedding special. I might not know everything you did but at least I know you did something.

To our families: Thank you for gracing our small wedding. It was such a delight having you all. Thanks for the love, support and prayers offered to us during the wedding day and the days to come.

To our high school and college friends: Thank you for the undying support. I know few were invited but rest assured that we wanted all of you to be there. It’s just that we really wanted it to be small and manageable. Nonetheless I know you prayed for both of us and our future ahead and I thank you all for that.

To our (old and new) office/camping friends: Truly our warmest “Thanks” to all of you! I know you spent so much time, effort and money just to be there and we cannot ask for more. No amount of money can ever repay your hardships and we will forever be indebted. Thank you so much!

To our suppliers: Thank you for making our event beautiful and meaningful. It was always a bliss working with all of you. You made our preparations easy and manageable and I really enjoyed transacting with you all. Super uber thanks!

All is well, blessed and offered.^_^

Suppliers:

• Hill Station – Reception venue (Includes food, cake, table arrangements etc.)
• Joseph Tagle Photography – Photo coverage (We were lucky Joseph gifted us with a free AVP. Thanks!^^)
• Immaculate Concepcion Church – Ceremony venue solemnized by Father Jose Alipio
• May Allen Cachero – Bride’s dress/Entourage dresses
• Flowers by Lhai (including team injury) – thru the efforts of Team Injury headed by Lhai
• Coordination – Katrina de Asis and Jay Mangilaya with the help of everyone from Team Injury
• Pre-nup video – M&J Productions (Mark Louie Dasalla, Jayson Barrientos and Jay Mangilaya
• Bloopers video – M&J Productions with the help of everyone in Team Injury
• Jay Mangilaya – Online Invitation sent to guests 1 month before the wedding.
• Joey Sadsad – Hair and Make-up (Two weeks’ notice)
• Hanbi Mansions – Accommodation (Thanks ate Margie for the warm welcome.)
• Jason – Bridal car supplier in Baguio City
• Jenny Oliva – Thanks for making sure everything is well taken care of.^_^
• Parokya ni Edgar – Thanks for the FUNsign and for the video thru the efforts of Jenny, Belle and Billie (super thanks!)
• Team Injury including Kathlyn DQ and Katrina DA – for everything (You know what I mean.)

Our Summer Weekend in Baguio

After the big event, Paul and I accompanied his officemates in a half day Baguio tour. We were supposed to leave the house by 7AM to go to the strawberry farm but the plan changed when we found out that there were no more strawberries in La Trinidad. Note: Strawberries are abundant during February to March.

To make it easy for them and for us we just went to the usual “pasyalan”. I know, I know walang first timer. But having only half a day to tour Baguio city is really a challenge. And after a very tiring day I just needed to relax a bit and not constraint my schedule with jam-packed itinerary.

First Stop: The Mansion

It was just a few minutes’ walk from Hanbi Mansions to “The Mansion” and along the way people can see the Wright Park with the horses and the stairs. I felt I needed to pump up and flex my muscles because I got tired easily. It was a little nostalgic when I saw a Japanese Corn vendor at the sidewalk and hurried towards it. (Hindi ako nag-alok. Ok fine!) It felt good having something warm to eat in the middle of a cold street. Warmth and comfort it is. So ang ending, I didn't get inside The Mansion gate because food and drinks are not allowed inside. I just waited for them outside while I munch on my Japanese corn. Yum yum! :)

Second Stop: Chocolate de Batirol at Camp John Hay

I really love going here. I dunno if it’s the calmness of the place, the ambiance or the warm chocolate de batirol. I guess it’s a little bit of everything I mentioned and tidbits of some memories.

Our visitors tried the traditional chocolate drink and I think they liked it. They were sipping their hot mix while Paul and I were busy thinking of things to talk about. I am still observing their conversation manners so I’m still a little silent. (Kelan ako naging silent?)

After Batirol we walked up the stairway and found ourselves in a golf course. I was awed when K stood head down (yoga pose I think.) and asked A to take photos of her. In my mind, “Hala ano un?”

After the stunt we went down and passed by Manor Hotel, Mile-Hi hotel and went straight to the Bell House entrance. But after learning that we needed to pay 60 bucks for entrance they immediately turned it down.

Third Stop: Baguio Public Market

Baguio Public Market is always a delight to our friends especially those who were from Manila. There were always a lot of things going around, a lot of things to buy and lots of people to meet (and greet.)

Our visitors bought some pasalubong like Ube Jam, snowballs, honey and peanut butter while Paul wanted to buy a hammock but was not lucky enough for a good find. I bought some home grown grapes instead of a bunch of strawberries. It’s cheaper and I think our visitors didn't know that Philippines is also growing some grapes on this part of the country.

If only we were not traveling to La Union that afternoon I would have bought some veggies for us. 

~Till then! 

The World as I see It

“Naglalakad sila. Wala silang pamasahe.” These were the side comments of a cigarette vendor as we passed by the gas station near our subdivision. Paul and I just smiled and shrug it off. We know that was for us.

We always see other people’s mistakes and shortcomings. We notice every move that other people make. But why can’t we look at ourselves first before commenting about the people around us? Why do we need to belittle other people to make us look better?

I too am guilty of this. But after that stage of my life, I moved on. I should always move on. I guess we all should.

There will be a point in our lives where we look back at ourselves 5-10 years later and laughed about our mistakes. What matters then doesn’t matter anymore. Time will always pass and no one is waiting for us. We always need to move with time.

Well I guess that’s the irony of life.

The good thing about life is we can always change every day. We can always choose the path we take.

To the cigarette seller who side commented about us, well thank you for noticing us. I don’t know the reason behind your comment but I have some assumptions. Maybe you wanted your friend – the tricycle driver – to make good money so you want people from the subdivision to ride from their home to the gas station. Or maybe you want your friend – the jeepney driver – to make good money so you want everybody to take the jeepney.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

At the end of the day, it’s not about what they say about me. It is always how I feel about myself.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Developing a positive self-talk lifts up my spirit. It gives me the feeling that everything will be okay. Things may not turn out as planned but I know God answers prayers in three different ways. I don’t mind side comments since it will be a waste of time arguing with people who do not listen. Remember the saying, “Fools argue to prove they are correct while wise men discuss ideas.”

Random Ramblings

I’ve been wondering what to blog about this March since the month started but until today I’m still not confident about sharing what’s happening around me lately. My facebook page is full of links of places I want to visit (pag nakaraos na ako sa kahirapan) and my Instagram is already at #day78 of my #project360.

I’ve been reading some blogposts to inspire me but to no avail I’m just not into writing my projects yet. I’d like to finish them first before putting them out in the open. As the saying goes, “Do not count your chicks before the eggs are hatched.”

I tried booking some flights to fulfill one of my “Top 12 Things to Do this 2013” but Paul declined since he’d like to relax at home and do some home stuff. Maybe Jen is the right company for my travel escapades this year since we are both thrilled to travel the rest of Mindanao. Unfortunately I have no travel arrangements with either CebPac or AirPhil yet (as of posting).

Last February I contacted an email address for our yearly Outreach Project but until today the person has not responded to my email yet. I thought maybe they received overwhelming donations already that they don’t need our help anymore. I think I must find other groups that can help us help others through engaging in worthwhile activities like what we did in Dueg Elementary School last December 2012.

I am on my 5^th day in level 35 in CC and I still can’t go through it. My friends Bella and Jen are boasting about their levels today but I don’t mind. Because after level 35 I would need to connect my game on Facebook and that I don’t think I will do. I don’t want the game to post anything about my activity hence I will stop playing once I surpass level 35. Let’s just say I’m just prolonging the time I’m spending on it.

“I’m at the payphone tryin’ to call home all of change I spent on you!” Last song syndrome of the month. Ever since I watched the Korean twins in a Supermarket TV the song keeps on playing in my thoughts. Maybe I need to have a copy of their song in my playlist.

I am not going to an outing with Team Injury because a sudden event rocked my schedule. I sincerely apologize to all the people affected by my current decisions and I’ll make sure that I’ll do my very best on the next outings to come.

I will have a dog on June.^_^ Sanyata, my uncle’s dog, will be giving birth this March and I asked him to give me one puppy. He said I can have it on June. Yey! The new pet means I need to think twice before going on a long vacation because the puppy will be left alone with no food or water. It also means I need to go home early so that my pet will not get lonely. I’ll name my dog after the bitch because the name is unique and cute.

So there you go. That’s how random my thoughts are today. No definite direction and no focus. A lot has been happening lately and I need to fix myself and focus. Hopefully the summer heat will end soon so that the cooler air can help me get my head on the game.

Till then.

COL Year Starter Update 2013

Paul and I attended the year starter update of Citisec Online last February 19, 2013 and I have some good notes to share.

They have discussed the factors affecting good Philippine market where PSEi is currently at its 18th all time high.

Factors I noted were as follows:

1. Consumer spending is high boosted by upcoming philippine election

2. Remittances continue to rise

3. Median age of Filipinos is at 23years old

4. Minimum wage is still competitive compared to our neighboring countries

5. Banks' balance sheets are very strong

6. Interest rates are very low

7. Government spending has improved and still improving

In addition, they also pointed out some factors as to why foreign investos like PH today.

1. PH is not dependent on exports so we are resillient to external factors.

2. Consumer spending accounts to 70% of GDP which means people have the means and the ways.

3. Age of population is very young

On the negative side PH is a bit pricey compared to other SE Asean countries

What to do during "all time high" market?

1. Think long-term

2. Put your long-term money only.

3. Set aside money for opportunities to buy more due to corrections.

No one can actually tell when the market will experience correction. So be prepared no matter what.

Continue investing regularly and have a good financial foundation.

Increase your financial IQ by reading books and attending seminars that will train you and give you more knowledge.

Till then.^_^