Bonne Année!!!

The Oceanic Craze

Guess which local tourist spot we checked out last week? The Philippines sole state-of-the-art oceanarium -- Manila Ocean Park!

Like the thousands of thrill-seekers whose curiosity was piqued, nelson and I decided to finally see the incipiently famous marine-themed park standing behind the ancient Luneta Grandstand.

Feast your eyes on such aquatic beauty!

With love from the ocean-arium...

On a Sunday Mawnin'

Since I've been sick for two friggin' days, I missed the company Christmas party where the TV production crew and the big bosses had a one-night-only bottomless booze session at the Hard Rock Café in Makati. Isn't that the bummer of all bummers in a season of countless bottles of beer and merriment? Anyway, there's obviously more to come, so I ain't moping.

Hmmm, I've noticed this blog has got way too many widgets it's starting to lose its personal touch. Eventually, I'm dissing some page elements that only brag about my stats and slow down the page load time. The reason this site was born out of boredom in 2005 in the first place was that the author direly needed to vent out nagging thoughts and hovering opinions and document indispensable memories as they come along, not to showcase how many stalkers I've accumulated. I'm not implying I hate the visitors. You're always more than welcome to snoop. :-)

So Many Dreams, So Little Time

I've been cursed with the passion to do a zillion things in a lifetime. Have you ever felt like aching to achieve multiple goals all at once? The enthusiasm and positivity keep me going, though there are moments when the checklist becomes a mocking piece of paper that can push you over the edge.

Even before graduating from college, I knew I would end up in the media. There was just no other line of work that could satiate my appetite for writing and public speaking. And then there's also this strong urge to sing on stage every now and then. So imagine how frustratingly torn I was between trying out for Repertory Philippines and focusing on getting my foot in the door in a reputable television network.

Somehow, my father made me realize that performing can be done for free, I could do it any time on any given day. Heck, we can all sing in the shower. But not everyone has the opportunity to influence the world.

As if a strong force was steering my destiny, broadcasting opened its doors and I had the chance to do traffic reports on FM radio for a while. Papa was thrilled when he learned he could finally hear his little girl gab away on air. The journey prior to snagging the job wasn't as smooth as you'd think though. I spent months e-mailing copies of my CV and hopping from one radio station to another just to drop off audition tapes regardless of the actuality of any vacancy.

Post radio, print media effortlessly lured me to make use of my obstinate pen. It was one of the best learning and working experiences I ever had. Writing for a weekly women's magazine honed my interviewing skills with the privilege of rubbing elbows with rock stars, heartthrobs, highly-fueled career women and other prominent latter-day icons. Mundanely satisfied with a posh career, I wanted to do more.

I set a deadline for myself for landing my dream job on TV. Just when I was on the brink of making a big leap, God revealed a detour and I had to toil while assuming the role of an account manager at big-time sales company. Hell yeah, the money was pouring in, but I was inarguably unhappy.

Everything happens for a reason. I didn't cease believing that His plans are way better than mine. I got lost and He showed me that little spark inside of me, that strength we usually don't think we have unless we hit the wall really hard and fall face-flat on the ground. Until this day, I can't believe He has eventually given me what I ardently asked for. I've clambered my way to get into the television industry, and I wouldn't have done it if not by the Lord's grace.

I'm not stopping here. Aside from exerting tremendous amount of effort to be the ultimate mom and paramount wife, there's way too many tasks to get done, and a whacking number of dreams to work on. Who says you can't have it all? Nothing is ever impossible.

A Weekend Birthday Bash

My baby bro just crossed the realms of teendom and gallopped into the sunny marshlands of adulthood!

A small birthday dinner took place at Burgoo, Robinson's Galleria, where a family of seven toasted to the dawn of Krissanto's dashing transition from wily little kid to full-grown man. Yahoo!!!

God Is Good!

I would like to take this moment to effervescently thank God for the promising job offer I got yesterday. A broadcast media company is taking me on as a production manager! I've prayed resolutely and unceasingly for this opportunity and He has finally answered.

My spirit is incredibly teeming with joy. I feel that He wants me to talk about this blessing in every possible way, and encourage all of you out there to NEVER STOP DREAMING and STAND FIRM IN THE LORD. He listens and knows what's in your heart.

Psalm 111
Full of honor and majesty in his work,
and his righteousness endures for ever.
He has caused his wonderful works to be remembered;
the Lord is gracious and merciful
He provides food for those who fear him;
he is ever mindful of his covenant.
He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the heritage of the nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all of his precepts are trustworthy,
they are established for ever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant for ever.
Holy and terrible is his name!
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
a good understanding have all those who practice it,
His praise endures for ever!

What Am I Up to Today?

"Risking my life to save people I hate for reasons I don't quite understand. Gotta Go!" -- Homer J. Simpson in 'The Simpsons Movie' (2007)

Another downright hilarious quote I find relevant to my own personal diurnal battles. Homer may not be a model citizen, but he does a pretty damn good job at pointing out life's ironies.

Something to Quench Your Thirst

This entertaining tag is from 'Sweet Nothings.' Let's have some fun as I answer questions from A-Z and pass it on to more blogger pals.

A.) Attached or single? — Blissfully attached.
B.) Best friend? — I have several: Connie E., Rachel E., Shiella C., and of course, my honey bunny, Nelson.
C.) Cake or pie? — Cake. Blueberry cheesecake, to be exact.
D.) Day of choice? — Friday, Saturday & Sunday. I Love weekends!
E.) Essential item? — My trusty Nokia mobile phone.
F.) Favorite color? — Sky blue.
G.) Gummy bears or worms? — The only difference is the shape. I'd say, both.
H.) Hometown? — Marikina City, the shoe capital of the Philippines.
I.) Favorite indulgence? — Books! Plus anything sweet.
J.) January or July? — January. It's in between the Christmas gifts and the beach season.
K.) Kids? — One daughter -- Zakeisha Kathley, my sole adorable little angel at the moment.
L.) Life isn’t complete without? — Faith in Jesus and the manifestation of our love for him.
M.) Marriage date? — December 16th
N.) Number of magazine subscriptions? - We only buy when we feel like it.
O.) Orange or apple? — Sunkist!
P.) Phobias? — It used to be spiders. I can't think of anything right now.
Q.) Quotes? — "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)
R.) Reasons to smile? — The smallest blessings that come my way.
S.) Season of choice? — We only have two here -- wet & dry. I choose dry.
T.) Tag 5 people - Arlyn, Isabelle, Alma, AJ & Azlina.
U.) Unknown fact about me? - I'm a hopeless perfectionist.
V.) Vegetable? — Lots!
W.) Worst habit? — Oversleeping when I have the chance.
X.) X-ray or ultrasound? - Ultrasound.
Y.) Your favorite food(s)? - Definitely Chinese and Japanese cuisine.
Z.) Zodiac sign — Libra

A yummy breather: Alma of 'Reach Beyond Your Limits' has given me The Lemonade Award.



More than just a mere portrait of a refreshment stand, such a thirst-assuaging award signifies the basic necessity in any strong or budding friendship -- a daily dose of Vitamin C, or "Communication."


Who needs more lemonade? I believe next in line is MsRay. She takes care of her readers without failing to show some TLC. Bottoms up!

Remembering Papa

My father showed me the meaning of selflessness.

To my mom, he was absolutely human and less than perfect, but he made her feel that he loved her unconditionally, and left her a reason not to forget.

To his kids, he was unbearably overprotective, though we now comprehend why he chose to be intermittently hated rather than letting us be. He never relieved himself of the burdens and paternal duties in situations that called for him to be weak.

To his friends, he was the best intuitive ally. He often saved them without asking for anything in return.

To the rest of the world, he's simply somebody who passed away. Others will go on without giving a damn. But I tell you this...

There once lived a man who was zealously eager to give up his own happiness, if that meant seeing his wife and children smile.

Ma and the greatest papa ever in happier days

We miss you, papa. It's been four years today and we've never felt more emotionally famished every time you cross our minds.

Crazy About Feng Shui

I was on my way home from ama's (Chinese for grandma) place in Antipolo, Rizal, with my honey, mom and Zakeisha last night when we decided to grab something to eat at a nearby 7-Eleven. While ma and Nelson were paying for three sets of egg and pork tocino meals, I scoured the magazine stand for some useful reading, and laid eyes on this...

The Year of the Rat is slowly, yet inexorably making an exit. I've always been into Feng Shui, though I haven't really taken time to learn more about the traditional tactics in dealing with the various potent forces of the universe and align our ways of living with the natural flow of energy (as what Feng Shui concerns itself with). I just had to have the 2009 Feng Shui Magazine.

Predictably, the kid in me who always gives in to curiosity stayed up late until only a few pages were left to devour. I learned a thing or two before dozing off:

1.) Mirrors in the house should be sparkling clean and strategically situated. They stave off negative energy but it's always important to take note of what you see when you look at your reflection. If you stand in front of it and could barely see the lower half of your face, or if leaking faucets, a repelling mess, or sharp edges of furniture pointing at you are visible in the mirror, then you should consider hanging it somewhere else where the view's much more pleasant.

2.) I-Ching is an interesting way to attract good fortune. It involves tossing a coin six times, determining the frequency of the Yin and Yang, and referring to a table of trigrams and hexagrams for its meaning. I know, it's slightly complicated, but I'll definitely try it one of these days.

3.) The clutter in your living room keeps positive energy from entering your home. It is highly advised to do a cleansing ritual after tidying up your humble abode with an array of options to choose from ranging from hand clapping to salt cleansing.

4.) Electromagnetic frequencies or EMF's (emitted from electronic devices such as PC's, microwaves and boob tubes) decrease melatonin production in our bodies. Melatonin is a hormone that helps prevent moodiness, depression and sleeping problems. Therefore, it's best for children to watch television from at least 3 feet away if you want to obviate emotional disturbance.

5.) The Year of the Ox will be fortuitous!

Arrgh! I'm such a sucker for Feng Shui right now, especially with 2009 looming. I'd appreciate it if you have anything to share.

Fighting Crime, Trying to Save the World

...Here they come just in time, the Powerpuff Girls!

It's a week of badges! I'd like to say "Thank you" to MsRay of 'Woman on a Journey' for presenting me with The Power Blog Award. It's always an honor when someone who's equally fond of writing about life and its intricacies appreciates my tiny nook on the net.

To uphold the rules of receiving such merit, I hereby entrust this spunky regalia to the following power bloggers in my circle, on this 15th day of November, 2008:

• Ria
• Bingkee
• Umma
  

Keep up the Pinay Girl Power!

And I Was Like, "What Is The Pink Sisterhood?"

Three days ago, I glanced at my blogroll and the title of one of the newest entries Enchie had posted caught my eye -- The Pink Sisterhood. In the back of my head, I thought maybe it was a rip-off of the 2002 chick flick 'Divine Secrets of the Ya-ya Sisterhood.' I went to her site and found out it was more than that (silly me). It was a socially pertinent tag that's worth passing on to those who really care. To boot, I've been binded with a responsibility.

The Pink Sisterhood was created in the spirit of the 'The Breast Cancer Awareness Month,' which is actually October, but is intended to circulate on-line for as long as it could to increase awareness and encourage early detection of the infamous killer disease.

In April 1997, my Aunt Linda passed away after suffering for almost a decade from this illness. Since then, all the ladies in our family have been more precautious (and paranoid, if I may say) with regards to wearing the right brassiere or resisting any physical activity that might lead to inflicting pain anywhere near the chest area, aside from constantly checking for lumps.

I understand the importance of this tag, so I'm giving this to each and every woman who visits my site and reads this post. Originally, seven people should be tagged, but I think more people should spread this around to support breast cancer awareness.



It really doesn't matter if you're a he or a she. If you fervently believe in the cause, feel free to post this emblem on your blog and write about it. Do your thing.

Snapshots from a Wedding

God intended November 9th, 2008, to be one of the most spectacular days in the lives of Henri & Rolyn Fernandez. The skies were a tad gray, but all 360 guests felt as if the sun had never shined brighter while two souls' union was made solemn and official at the San Agustin Church in Manila.

The second we arrived at the concrete-laden parking lot the of the ancient sacred landmark, the rain began to pelt and the bride was on the verge matrimonial surrender as the doors of the church opened to receive a beautiful wife to be (Yes, we were late. Blame the ineffectual traffic system in the metropolis).

The Holy Ceremony

When Rolyn cascaded down the red-carpet aisle in her Filipiniana-inspired Edd Sy wedding gown to the tune of Ikaw (You), heads turned and gazed in awe, and the ceremony of the year rhythmically took place in a tear-jerking motion.

The vintage jaguar has just dropped off the belle.

Here comes the bride...

Her entrance as effortlessly dramatic as possible

This is really it...

Wedding vows always come with blessings from sponsors.

A sweet kiss to kick off a thousand days together

It's official! Ladies and gentlemen, meet Mr. & Mrs. Henri Fernandez!

The Grand Reception

After the wedding rites, the bridal entourage and invitees headed to the Coconut Palace at the CCP Complex for the dazzling R.S.V.P. event.

The newlyweds arrive with a sparkle.

The master of ceremonies, Albert Sumaya, renders a song number while the couple dances the night away.

Love is in the air.

The author singing a heartfelt Pangako [Promise]

The bride and groom take a moment to pose with good old friends.

It might as well be called a high school reunion.

Memories galore!

Here's a little something my hubby and I got as a souvenir from the Sac-Fernandez nuptials:

Congratulations, President Obama!

An ambitious and optimistic citizen of a struggling democratic country salutes you!

We trust that you'd continue to unswervingly inspire all nations with your admirable moral fiber.

10 Reasons Why I Should Smile Today

1.) Halloween weekend was divine.
2.) I'm currently in a complex process of renewing my faith in God.
3.) Blessings come in all shapes and sizes.
4.) It feels dandy knowing I was able to help someone in dire need.
5.) Cetaphil is a miracle cleanser.
6.) Each day is an opportunity to start all over again.
7.) I'm a sucker for simple pleasures.
8.) My husband thinks I'm the sexiest thing alive.
9.) I won the lottery! (Just kidding.)
10.) The Smile Stone Award from Enchie.

With mirth, I flash an iridescent smile at the following famed bloggers who light up their readers' lives and the ruckus-filled blogosphere: Ria, Bingkee & Mel.