Last Week in Review

I've been up since 11:30 PM. I can't go back to sleep anymore so I might as well put these thoughts of mine into writing.

It's Monday already and the start of Week 19. Remember last week, I posted my weekly planner spread for Week 18 and Week 19? Well, here's the post-Week 18th page:

The aftermath of Week 18.

What can you say about my week page? As I have mentioned before, it's mostly work-related and my personal entries or activities were only added on tiny spaces in between my client's appointments and other office-related stuff. I'm going to share to you what transpired during this week:

Monday - this is usually my "checking-in" day with my clients. Since I have a 3-day off, I make sure to follow-up on my clients by calling them, checking-in on their conditions, and try to determine if all went well during the weekend. I usually ask about their current physical and medical conditions and monitor their treatment processes. For this particular day, I had 3 client calls only.

Tuesday - Ahh..this was Didi's 44th birthday. The original plan was to go to a comedy bar and celebrate with small and selected friends. But since, it's the height of the election fever, every one has their own red alert statuses and we decided to have a home celebration on Friday instead. Here's my birthday message to my loving husband over Facebook with matching video that I made over Blackberry:

Who knew that the day you were born 44 years ago today was the day the stars would laugh in the face of fate, for they knew they had already planned a match for you✨

You are my advisor when I'm lost, you are my clown when I'm unhappy, you are my companion when I'm lonely, you are my all in all.

Thank you for being a very supportive and loving husband; for being a number one fan and cheerleader to our children, and for taking good care of us despite of all the hardships and tests of life. I pray to God that He will continue to give you the spark of life, the endurance, and vitality to go on till we see our children grow old together.

I love you infinitely beyond all the galaxies!

Wednesday and Thursday - As my weekend is fast approaching, the amount of work is also increasing. I reviewed medical reports and provided status update reports, called doctor's offices to schedule medical appointments for our crewmembers then called them to ensure that they attend these appointments, and tried to contact a doctor in Argentina to discuss a medical management. I really don't like Thursdays!

I was reminded by Facebook that it was Sr. Marilyn's birthday. She's my former Dean and a musical genius who can play several musical instruments. Several years ago, I wrote a poem in honor of her birthday.This time, I decided to write her a letter: 

Dear Sr. Marilyn B. Bacsain Dc,

I remember vividly the first time I met you during our choir practice for our Capping and Candlelighting ceremony. Boy! I was so nervous of missing a note because we have to repeat the whole song again until we finally get it right.

Yes, you are that person who do not settle for "Ok na yan" philosophy. You always make things perfect, pristine, in order, organized, and leaving no trace of breadcrumbs in any undertakings that you are involved in. A lot of people misunderstand (and not like) you because of this - that perfectionism attitude. Nonetheless, this is the best thing that I learned from you -- Always strive to be the best and not settle for just "Ok na yan".

I will never cease on thanking you for all the wonderful experiences that we shared together and thanking God that He allowed me to meet and learn from you. Happy, happy birthday to you! I pray that you will be more blessed than ever....

Love you! heart emoticon heart emoticon heart emoticon heart emoticon heart emoticon

Friday - I slept for 5 hours only and then Gabie and I went to SM to buy our mini-birthday meals for Didi. I did not cook any fancy this time because I was so tired from all the week's work. I also paid our PLDT and electric bills.

We had crispy pata and pancit canton from Kuya J's, the pork and shrimp siomai from Rustan's supermarket, my own version of Dynamite, and the Chocolate Indulgence cake from Red Ribbon. Plus 2 bottles of Franzia California Red Wine to cap this celebration. 

Saturday and Sunday - lazzzyyyy days....well, it's a long weekend for us since Monday, which is today, is National and Local Election Day. Last Saturday, each political parties went out to stage their last campaign rallies and by the looks of it, it is already expected that there's going to be heavy traffic on the road. We stayed at home, watched movies, and the news after that. As I have said...lazzzyyyy days!

Oh, before I forget, Sunday is Mother's Day! Here's what I wrote for this occasion:

10 Superpowers that Mothers possess:

1. We have X-ray vision that we see microbes whenever you touch unidentified objects.

2. We have heightened senses that allow us to anticipate what's going to happen.

3. We have the strength of Strennua and can carry loads of groceries, baby bags, and other shopping bags at the same time.

4. We have the angst of Bellona and will fight for our children until our last breath.

5. We have the wisdom of Athena, as we teach our children the knowledge that will bring them wealth as they grow old.

6. We have the patience of the monks as we can hold on to anything thus allowing everyone to be at peace. But if all goes unwell, you can always go back to #4.

7. We can be at 2 places at the same time -- believe me, we can do that.

8. We have been taught by the world's Master Chefs that we can cook and whip delicious food for our family to eat even if the ingredients are not complete.

9. We have developed special skills like speaking different language, deciphering wall paintings, and sing like opera singers.

10. We have the biggest heart that we give our children all the days of their lives.

Ain't that cool? Happy Supermom's day!

So, that's all folks! I hope and pray that today's election will be peaceful and whatever will be the results, I pray that we will all be blessed.

Our Sarsa Bar and Kitchen Experience

I can't sleep! This has been my weekend struggle since I started to work in the US time zone. My whole family are already deep in their slumbers, yet I am still wide awake and can't get Morpheus to visit me. Maybe he don't love me anymore. Oh well, better put this insomnia to a better use. Let me tell you about this local restaurant that we went to last weekend.

This summer season is by far the hottest temperature I've encountered. You surely don't want to go out and feel the scorching heat of summer if the heat index is at the staggering reading of 42-51 degrees Celcius, right? But last weekend was an exemption. The whole family trooped to SM Mall of Asia to meet our very dear friend Wendell, who is also Ninong to our second daughter Mika. He surprised us that he's visiting the country at this time of the year, so we decided to have some catching up moments with him. 

Sarsa Bar and Kitchen

We went to Sarsa Bar and Kitchen located at the second floor of the Entertainment Complex. It's also our first time here and I just have to experience what they have to offer. Sarsa Bar and Kitchen is owned by Chef Jayps Angelo. He's not only famous among circles of restauratuers, but he's also among the judges in the Master Chef Pinoy Edition TV show before. I have read from internet reviews and was also featured in Kris TV, that this new restaurant is serving local and traditional Negrense cuisine with a modern twist. So we finally had the chance to taste their food! And of course, allowing our dear friend to eat his favorite country meals by heart. We ordered a lot of food but I only got to take few photos of them since everybody was already hungry and can't wait to eat them. That's alright, Just visit the place and get the chance to taste their food.

Here are our delicious photos:

That's their Kinilaw Corner.

Crispy Pata

Crispy hito sa gata

Sizzling Kansi. The bone is literally cut in half so that it will not be difficult to extract the bone marrow. Can you see that whole bone marrow oozing with goodness? Yummmmyyyy!

Special Batchoy

Sinuglaw.

My habit of taking the ceiling shot.

I wrote a caption on what were they doing here. Read it here: http://bit.ly/1VZlVXm 

For their full menu and prices (as of this writing), please check below:

Overall, the food was splendid! I really love the sizzling kansi and crispy hito sa gata. Serving time was also very quick. We ordered several food items and yet all of them were served immediately. The place is also very homey and child-friendly. And because of this, I'll give them 4 stars for the food, service, and ambiance.

Let me know if you have been to this place and what's your favorite food.

Staycation Escapade at Armada Hotel

Last February 26th was the 18th birthday of my eldest daughter, Mary Gabrielle or Gabie as we fondly call her. We did not have the usual cotillion party and lavish preparation. We decided to have a staycation instead at Armada Hotel. Here is our short but sweet escapade.

Armada Hotel is located at the heart of Ermita, Manila. We booked for the Deluxe room with 2 queen-sized beds for the duration of 3 days 2 nights accommodation.

Photo grabbed from Travelbook.ph

Happy Birthday, Aryanna Mikaela!

Last February 4, my second daughter, Aryanna Mikaela, celebrated her 15th birthday. It was a class and working day for all of us so we get to celebrate it last Friday where I prepared Baked Penne with Bolognese and Bechamel Sauce, Turbo Chicken in Pandan, and Crispy Tadyang ng Baka.

I can't believe that she's already 15 years old. As the old adage goes, time flies very fast.

I created a slideshow below using Smilebox. Most of the photos date back five or six years ago. My motherly-hormones were acting up when I made this photo slideshow. Well, that's life. We have to accept that our children are growing up pretty fast and we have to make the most of our time together as long as they are with us.

Happy 15th Mika!

This photo slideshow customized with Smilebox ARYANNA MIKAELA A collage of wonderful experiences! Remembering how you were born, as if it was only Yesterday that We heard your first cry. Our little precious Athena, Our "Little Lady Tate." Now that you will be facing  Novel challenges, and experiences Another round of showing to the world your incredible being! More than ever, as you continue to traverse life and If We can only hold your fate, We will Keep you here in our hearts so that no one and nothing can harm you. Amidst all these,  We know that you can make it. Every now and then, your sweet smile and endearing ways Linger in Our tiring mind, taking away All our worries and burdens. Beautiful and charming MIKA, your  Enigma will surely enthrall the world. Nobody could detest you, much more Grudge you. Because you are like a SWEET ANGEL, so pure and meek.   Never forget that WE ALWAYS LOVE YOU         and will ALWAYS BE HERE FOR YOU...  Hope you love this post!

Our Sunday at Harbour Square

Sunset at Harbor Square

Wow! It has been ages since my last post. I was so busy with work that I never really visited my blogs and get to update them religiously.

Well, I'd like to revive my blogging habits by posting our latest adventure. Last Sunday, April 12th, we decided to take a break from our hectic professional lives and went to Harbor Square.

We dined at our favorite Filipino restaurant, Dencio's, and ordered some ice cold beers, meals, and talked about life, work, children, at marami pang iba. :)

Most of the shots here were taken by Mika and she has a keen eye for details. (She used my Blackberry Passport)

The View

The rays of the setting sun adds glamour to our shot. Thank you Mika!

My #SuperMarvelBaby

#Echoserangbata looking around and trying to digest everything that is taking place around her.

Say Hi! Miggy! #SuperMarvelBaby

Hinde naman masyado malaki ang mga mata nyo no?!

Lovely faces of my two lovely daughters.

Our January 1st

I captured one!

Our New Year's Eve celebration was a blast! Having our daughters with us this Holidays made it more meaningful. We prepared a simple Media Noche. I cooked spaghetti, macaroni salad, roasted chicken, and we still have leftover Chinese ham from Christmas.

Since we are staying at the 6th floor, we enjoyed looking at the different fireworks display. The dark sky literally lit up as 12:00 midnight comes to close 2013. Maxime enjoyed watching the whole fireworks effects. She kept on saying "fireworks!" (in toddler tone) every time there's a firecracker that will lit up in the dark sky.

The Following Day

We woke up at 8:30 AM. Arnel and I decided to fix our little space from last night's mini-celebration. Who would want to start the year with chaos in the house? We're still quite full from last night's feast so we decided to have our coffees instead. By 10:00 AM, we readied ourselves to go and meet my cousin, Ate Laarni at SM Megamall.

Because there was hardly no heavy traffic, we arrived at Megamall in a much earlier time. So we decided to roam around and window shop. The SM Department Store is closed but most of the stores in the mall were open.

Its good that SM Megamall have this Rent-a-Stroller service. Since we brought along Miggy, we decided to rent a stroller for him. Unlimited use of stroller was at Php200.00 (till the mall closes). But if you opted to use by the hour, its Php80.00. Not bad, right? We took the unlimited time instead.

Our Starbucks Moment

Earlier on, we had the chance to stop by Starbucks and the six of us had our first Starbucks moment as a family. Arnel and I ordered our brewed coffee (they had Colombia brew at that time) while Gabie had Strawberry and cream frap, and Mika ordered for Java Chip frap. Our naughty Maxime had her Starbucks lollipop. I told her sisters not to give her a sip of their drinks because she can be too much to handle if she takes more sugar for the day.

Our Mini Reunion

Finally, we met Ate Arni and Becbec. They are my first cousins from my father side. Ate Arni is a nurse from the US. She's having her vacation right  now and she's meeting for the first time our little munchkins ~ Maxime and Miggy. Though the meeting was only for a short time, we're able to talk about our lives and catch-up on things. I'm glad that we started the year this way.

Hope to see you soon again!

Here with Ate Arni and Becbec, my cousins. We ordered Chinese.

Dance with My Father

I know you already heard (and loved) the song Dance with My Father. Almost all brides-to-be include this in their list of possible songs to be played on the day of their wedding. I get teary-eyed myself whenever I hear the song. You know, if you have a very strong emotional bond with your father, this song can melt your heart to pieces. 

Yesterday, as I was trying to search for some files in my laptop, I stumbled into these movie clips that I recorded last May 5, 2013. This was the baptism of Maxime Danielle, our 3rd daughter. She was 5 months old then. The background song that you can hear is not the song that I am talking about, although the singer is my brother ~ Kristofferson J. Conlu. But I get so emotional seeing this clip that I told my dear husband, that they can use this as their "throwback videos" when the time comes for their wedding day. My husband gave me a smirk instead. 

After Two Years...

Here's the Part 2 of their Father-Daughter dance. This was taken last November 10, 2013 in our new place here in Manila. The number they presented here is actually a quick recording their noontime antics. It's all natural and we enjoyed replaying it every now and then. Even Maxime plays it over a hundred times already and gets to laugh at her clumsiness.