Missing the Old Christmas Tradition

Sorry for neglecting you lately my dearest site.  Christmas season is always a busy season!

I'm a true blooded "probinsyana" thus I'm so accustomed to traditions - from respecting elders to celebrating events  and coming home to the province wherever you are during Holy Week and Christmas season.  Never to be missed is celebrating Christmas with the whole big family.

I remember when I was young while we were living in my grandparents' home,  we were asked to hang our socks then every morning starting on the 20th. We will wake up with our socks full of candies or chocolates.  We believed that they came from Santa.  We are wondering why our elder cousins, uncles and aunties are laughing at us.  We had no idea that they came from my Mom.  We are so proud that we have been good thus we have received gifts from Santa. 

Christmas carols have been playing beginning September.  The air smells fresh and the wind is so chilly.  You can't sleep without jackets and thick blankets.

The day before Christmas day, my lola, mom and aunties are so busy preparing for our Noche Buena.  We always have fruits, asado, menudo, maja blanca, sopas, nilaga and ham on the table even if apples and hams are so expensive back then.  Our apples came directly from the US since one of our uncles sent us.  All of my immediate relatives from my father side arrives to celebrate with us.  The house is so jam packed.  There are non-stop chatting, eating and singing.

On Christmas eve, we all go to the church to hear the mass. Christmas mass then is being held at 11PM and will finish in time for Christmas.  I remember wearing a jacket as we walk to the church since the wind is really chilly that time.  After the mass, we will have our Noche Buena and chat till wee in the morning.  We will have hot chocolate while chatting and playing.

We have to wake up early on Christmas morning since a lot of people will arrive to pay respect to our grandparents and we are excited to show our playmates our new clothes.  Everyone who arrives is surely bringing something for us - usually food.  Everyone also is required to eat.  We as kids on the other hand are also required to go to our relatives' homes to pay respect to the elders as well.  We were accompanied by our cousins to go to our godparents' homes to get our gifts.  We are also required to eat so we end up going home so full.  Every monetary gift we received (which is the usual gift) then were given to our Mom without asking her where she will put it.  It's an SOP to give her the money.  Everyone seems so kind.  Everyone is smiling.

For the past few years, these traditions are fastly changing and fading beginning when the elders are saying goodbye one by one.  This year, only a handful had visited our home.  I didn't also go out to visit some homes as I'm so busy cooking for my visitors.  I have not heard any Christmas carol being played.  The temperature is quite hot. 

Christmas today seems being celebrated just for the family alone.  Celebration is confined on your own family unlike before that you think of the whole clan.  Though there is still a lot of family gatherings but celebrations become shorter and shorter.  Is this because of a harder life?  migration? change of religion?  or change of attitude?

It's quite sad to think that the true spirit of Christmas is fading.  I still want my next generation to enjoy and celebrate Christmas how it should be celebrated - with the whole family and being thankful for the birth of Christ and for the blessings that have been received for the year.  It should always remain as a reminder for us that there is someone who is born and died for mankind.  I still wanted to see the elderly and children smile during Christmas day.

Mersmerized by the Phantom of the Opera

who is not familiar with this mask????

Watching a grand musical play has been in my bucket list since I was in college.  It was quite impossible for me then since (back then) only few foreign musical plays are being shown here in our beloved country and the tickets are really expensive.  I can't even buy a formal wear back then.

Tis the beginning of Christmas season...

It’s the 1^st day of “BER months”!  Here in the Philippines this means the start of Christmas season.  Yipeeee!!!!  Don’t you just love Christmas???

During this season, I’m always on my festive mood, aside from the shopping mood ; ).  Christmas season always has a big effect on me.  I always love Christmas! I feel so energetic and ecstatic.  It seems I’m always looking forward for something big – nah the bonus is not that big (but I’m still so thankful of it)!

Since Christmas means not just the birth of our Saviour but of reunions and giving gifts as well.  And I belong to the people who take shopping with all my heart.  I'm always excited to shop for gifts.  For some it's an energy sucker but for me it's my energy booster.  I enjoy finding something for someone special to me and my family.  With this hobby, I came up with  some ways on how to make Christmas shopping more enjoyable.

Let me share you my shopping tradition:

1.  Beginning January of each year, I always make a list of the people that I should give with a gift.  I always update this year every January.  This is in Excel format (the best way I tell you).
2. On that list, I also include the estimated amount that I can spend.  This is the hardest part – budgeting.  You must know your budget and put a budget.  Christmas means giving but not being bankrupt.  It is still proper to have some money left for the rainy season.
3. Also on that list are the possible gifts that can be given.  I based this on the personality and character of the person.  It’s hard for me to give to relatives compared to my friends.  The reason is obvious I guess.
4. Year round, I buy things that I find to be “good as a gift”.  This way, I don’t need to rush during Christmas season.  I have a box intended for these future gifts.  I also make a list on this (so I won’t forget!).
5.  My recommended shopping venues where you can find affordable but nice stuff:

5.1   Divisoria – if you have the patience and determination, go here.  Almost anything you need is here.  Just be aware of your belongings while shopping as this is a haven for pick pockets.

5.2   Greenhills – a lot of nice stuff at affordable prices.  I love finding export over runs here.   Clothes you find here are of imported brands with local prices.  Just beware of imitations please!

5.3   Tiangges/Bazaars – during Christmas season there are a lot of these.  You can find unique items and delicious food here.

5.4   Online shopping – Zalora, AVA, multiply, etc…a lot of choices I tell you.  But it would be better if you have an idea on the retail cost of each item so you will not end up paying for more.

5.5   Malls – just be patient in window shopping and I’m sure you will find something worthy.

5.6   Bakeshops – if you cannot make up your mind on what to give, food never fails to bring delight to anyone. 

5.7   Entrepreneur friends or officemates – Christmas means business.   A lot of people have a lot to offer.  You just have to be alert on this as stocks can be easily gone.

5.8   Home-made food or crafts – if you have the skills then a personalized gift is way better than a bought one.

Aside from gift giving, I would also suggest that you create a Christmas tradition for your family.  For our family, we always hear the mass before our Noche Buena.  After Noche Buena comes the opening of gifts.  Kids love this part the most.

I read from a magazine that it has a good effect for kids to have a Christmas tradition.  They will remember this till they are grown-ups.

Advance Merry Christmas everyone!!!!!!!!!!!

Dining: Mesa - Filipino Modern Flavors

love it here...

On my 2012 birthday, I opted for a very simple celebration with my hubby (since it's a weekday and kids are at school).  I just asked him to accompany me for a "Makati window shopping" since it's been ages since I visited this area.

Shenzhen: Around the World in a Day (Windows of the World)

the entrance

One thing that the Chinese are well-known for is for being great imitators - from branded apparels, toys, arts, technology to just about anything.  No questions asked! It's quite amazing how dedicated and patient they are in studying something to create a replica of it.

There is a park in Shenzen that is being flocked by tourists where this mastery can be seen - the Windows of the World.  I remember during our HK tour in 2003, this was included in our package but only in the entrance.  We have no time to enter it that time. I even thought that it was just that and I'm so wrong.  I'm so blessed that this is included in our ZTE training.  Since it was a 23-day training, we have three "gala weekends" here.  For three Saturdays, we were brought to different parks. Sundays were our laundry and rest day.  I have not seen a church nearby so no Sunday mass for me.

Yes! There's such a person called "a Good Samaritan"




photo from Cath Kidston's website

 

Last Friday on my way home, the lazy bug hit me.  I left my umbrella on my office table.  When I reached the ground floor of our office.....Viola!  it's raining cats and dogs.  Still so lazy of me to go back and get an umbrella, I opted to play hide and seek with the rain.  I was able to ride a jeepney, still a little bit dry and hoping that the rain will stop when I reach my destination.  But heavens gave me a big lesson.  When I alighted the jeepney along Quezon Ave., the rain was so strong.  I have no choice but to walk in the rain, hoping to catch another jeepney fast.

After 10 mins. of soaking in the rain, I'm now looking for a taxi since jeepneys are quite scarce.  Suddenly a man with an umbrella approached me.  Oh God!  please not a hold-up-er.  To my surprise he offered me an umbrella till I boarded a taxi.  For about 30 mins. he was holding the umbrella for me and waiting for me to get a cab. 

And I thought that there are no more Good Samaritans around....

Photobooks - A great way to compile pictures

my sixth photobook project

The only disadvantage for a traveler and photo addict of living in a digital world is managing the ton loads of photos taken from travels, parties, events and anything interesting.  

It's More Fun in the Philippines - the Lego way

I am always fascinated with 'toys for boys' - from cars, construction trucks to Lego building blocks.  Maybe I'm a male in my previous life ^_^.

For the past few months, Lego is showcasing exhibits with different themes at the Block in SM North EDSA.    Fortunately, my office is near this mall so I was able to witness every exhibit.  Unfortunately, I was not able to take pictures from the previous exhibits.  But for this year's Philippine Independence Day celebration, I made sure to have a souvenir.

the exhibit with on lookers

Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort, Batangas

a view of the stilts cottages

Located in Calatagan, Batangas and 3 hours drive from Manila, the resort offers a peaceful and relaxing vacation.  Its name was derived from the cottages that were built above water. 

Pamana Restaurant, Tagaytay: A Family Legacy Restaurant

the facade

I have known this restaurant from magazines and TV shows.  Since then, I've been planning to visit it.  So when I accompanied my balikbayan bestfriend and her family to a Batangas outing, I've recommended to stop by this place.

An adventure in Sagada

Last February of 2010, while net surfing, I stumbled upon Manila-Banaue-Sagada-Baguio-Manila tour package through Travel Advocate.  Some of my officemates and friends were also interested so I booked for a travel tour for six people.  This package included transportation, overnight accomodation, tour and food.  I thought this was a steal for P4,800.00/person.

me and hubby at echo valley

A Tribute for Ima

For this month, I would like to dedicate a post for my dearest Ima who just turned 60 this May 20th.  I'm so grateful to the Lord that she has reached this age, still strong and healthy.  I wonder if I'll reach this age, with the human life span now becoming shorter and shorter.

Ima is the second to the youngest of five children.  They were orphaned at a very young age.  Thus, enduring hardship is a part of their lives while growing up.  At a young age, she is already working for the family.  It was in her workplace that my Dad met her.

At age 16, still innocent and oblivious to the world, she married my Dad (a senior of 12 yrs.).  I don't think she knew the idea of marriage that time since she has no experience of any relationship yet.  I don't even think that there was courtship of some sort.  Undeniably, she married my Dad for convenience (as planned by her Step Mom).  At this age, I was just starting my college life - full of dreams and optimism.  The idea of marriage still terrifies me then but no longer innocent of a girl-boy relationship.

At age 19 she had her first born child (technically second, including her previous miscarriage).  I can barely imagine how she handled being a young Mom - giving birth, waking up early and taking of the kid while doing household chores at the same time and dealing with my Dad's difficult family members.  She gave birth (via CS) to three girls; me as the middle child. At this age, I was still enjoying college life, friends, parties and having a boyfriend.  Though I'm so aware of marriage, it is still not included in my plans.  At this age, I already knew that I would be an office girl prior being a mom. Makati will be my first working location (which by the way happened!).

When I was starting my elementary schooling, my Dad left for the Middle East to earn for the family.  From then on, Ima became the mom and dad of the family.  When I'm in third year college, my Dad left us for good.  With three kids still in school and jobless, Ima had to face another  battle; that is to send us to school and attend to the family needs alone.  I can remember how hard life then.  I have to get some work in school to support my other school needs.  My eldest sister needed to look for a job as well after graduation.  Good thing, there are still some blessings coming our way.  All three of us were able to finish college.

She was not able to finish secondary school but she is an intelligent person.  She loves to read.  This is one trait that I got from her.  I learned from her that a person can widen her horizons through reading.  She can go places and be somebody even without leaving her place.  I remember when I was in high school, we are all in a hurry to finish lunch so we can lie down and read pocket books.  We love the Barbara Cartland and Sweet Dreams series.  I always imagine that I'm a princess with a prince to sweep me off my feet. 

One undeniable character of Ima is that she has a huge heart for everyone.  She easily pities kids and people that are in need.  She is always ready to give a helping hand.  In fact, she has nurtured and took care some of my cousins.  Our home is like a foster home.  We always have a cousin living with us.  Children and some relatives come and go.  We are not rich and we just make ends meet.  But my Mom, even she doesn't have enough money for the family, she never said no to someone who needed help.  Even if some people are taking advantage of her, she will just say "the Lord will take care of them".  She never had a bad blood with anyone.  She never curse or complain even how tired she is.  Maybe, this is the reason why we, her children, never learned how to curse.  We are always reminded to be polite and respectful of other people.  For her, as long as a person is alive, there is always hope.  She always believe that everyone has a good side.

When I have children of my own, Ima was there to help me.  She nurtured my first three children.  I can say that they are lola's kids.  No matter how hard for her to travel every week from and to Pampanga and Manila, I never heard any complaints from her.  She just took care of them.  Sometimes she even give us financial assistance.  I'm not even giving here any monetary compensation.  She knew that we are having a hard time.

She is not a perfect person (who does?).  She has her own short comings.  She have hurt us in some ways as well, but those short comings are so nil compared to the sacrifices and good things she did for us.  Until now, with her fragile body, she is still beside us whenever we needed her.  I don't even need to ask for her help since she is always there.  I feel so blessed because of her.

To you Ima, who is always my pillar of strength...I love you so much!  Words are not enough to express how grateful I am for everything you has done and continue doing for us. 

Happy Happy 60th Birthday Ima!

I wish you good health and another 60 years with us.

Coron: Its beautiful lakes, islands, lime stones and beaches...

Amazing Coron!!!!   

Coron is unique because of its lakes, islands, unique rock formations and powdered white beaches.  There will be no dull moment in here unless you opted to stay inside your room.

Coron: Simply Enchanting!

For Windangan's 2011 travel (our third annual group travel), we opted for Coron, Busuanga, Palawan.  Who wouldn't want to see and experience this for real, right?



The famous Kayangan Lake:  Photo credit to my hubby

Bible Stories Book for Kids (and Adults, too)

interesting to read inside out

My youngest daughter is now interested in reading stories and lately on Bible stories.  She's beginning to ask me to tell her these stories which I can only narrate a few.

Make-up Brush Guard ( A must!)

Lately, I'm being addicted to online shopping.  How lovely it is to find items that were not commonly found in malls!  Isn't it great to do your shopping without leaving your home?  How lovely it is to find items that were not commonly found in malls!  Beware though, you must know how to control thyself from execessive shopping.

the variety pack for Php 250.00 (6 pcs.) - enough for my few brushes 

Lessons Learned from Discount Vouchers

As moms, we are always on the look-out for sale, discounts and promos.  Imagine my excitement upon learning discount vouchers being offered online.

While surfing the net last year, I stumbled upon Metrodeal's offer for Cheesecake Factory’s 10^th year anniversary promo – 50% off on best seller cheese cakes!  Isn’t that great???  I checked on the branches’ locations and there is one in Tomas Morato (convenient for me).

Imagine my disappointment when I went to Tomas Morato branch to learn that I still need to call and reserve for a cake.  I was supposed to have this cake on Apol’s 11^th birthday.  No choice, so I went to Red Ribbon for my back-up plan.  It was my fault anyway for not making a reservation.

Then after two weeks, I called to claim my vouchers since I have two and still haven’t used any.  I’m dying to eat a cheesecake!  I got my second disappointment.  I learned that there is a branch assigned for each voucher.  Unfortunately, mine is in Glorietta!  WTF!!!  This is really frustrating already.  I seldom go to Makati since it’s very far from home and the office.  I only go there for a company visit, with free service of course!

With these mishaps, I was not able to use my discount vouchers since it's so incovenient for me to go to Makati.  That is Php1,200.00 loss for me.

This is not the first time that I was disappointed with discount vouchers. First was with Dezzato Moichi restaurant.  I bought 5 vouchers for my birthday.  I’ve checked the photos online and found the ambiance and food appealing.  But to our surprise, the food doesn’t taste good.  It was a bad way of celebrating my birthday.  My kids even complain of not being satisfied with the food (until now, when they remember that event).

Today, I saw my Citibank billing statement and found out that they charged me additional Php 250.00 (as  a service fee) for items amounting to Php398.00 that I availed through Ensogo.  It turned out, I only had a discount of around 10-20% instead of supposedly 50%. 


Are discount vouchers not good?  Not really, you just have to be aware of the fine prints.

To avoid this from happening again, here are my tips (based on my own (not-so-good) experience):

• Be sure to read very well all the policies and details incorporated on the offer.
• Check very well the locations where you can claim the voucher.
• Be sure that the restaurant, brand or any establishment that offers the discount is well known.  At least you knew what to expect.
• Check the validity period.
• Think 1000x before buying travel vouchers since you can only claim the plane tickets when there is a promo and available seats.
• Check with your credit card provider; if there are service fees for every online transactions made.
• Have self-control in availing the offers.  You might not really need the offers anyway.

Discount vouchers can give us big savings, but we have to be aware of all the terms and conditions and consequences before availing one.  You might end up paying more.

--------------------------------------

www.ensogo.com.ph

http://metrodeal.com.ph

www.cashcashpinoy.com

Into the Deep (My 4th Intro Dive)

Chasing Nemo

I had apprehentions in doing this for the 4th time since I had a traumatic experience on my last dive.  That was also in Batangas.  At that time, there is a strong underwater current so it was hard for me to be still  and breath properly. I was gasping for my breath and my mask is being penetrated with water.  I was not able to complete the alloted time and fear has defeated me already.  So there's no choice but to go up and surrender.

But I have to conquer that fear.  And this is one opportunity that should not be missed.  So off to my 4th intro dive. First step is signing a waiver.  Sabi nga ni chyng (www.chyngreyes.com) - "malakas ang loob ng may insurance".

Finding Peace in Mabini, Batangas

Keeping up with the daily needs of life can leave one's body and mind exhausted.  With my unforgiving body now (blame it on the age!), a weekend getaway is a pure bliss.  And blessings come in unexpected moments. 



tranquility...

Israel Trip: Dining in Tel Aviv

The only words I can describe dining in Tel Aviv - healthy, bland and expensive.  This is not the place for my gastronomic treat.  I think I lost some pounds during my stay here (but doubled when I returned home...or maybe I'm just dreaming...haist!).  Most of their foods are either grilled or eaten raw.  Another thing I noticed, they are served in huge proportions; to think that Israelis have great bodies.  Where do they put them????

-Day 1 Dinner-

We dined in a hamburger joint along the shore.  I'm overwhelmed with the servings.  The burger looked small in the picture though.


I was able to finish only half on this plate...

The shakes and drinks are huge as well.  The shake is more than enough to fill my hungry stomach.  This humburger meal alone costs around 100NIS, that is Php 1,300.00.  Fortunately, all our meals were shouldered by our host company.

Israel Trip: Jerusalem - The Dead Sea or Sea of Salt

Our last stop for that day is Dead Sea.  We have requested this to be included in the tour package.  Thus, Jerusalem trip is only half day tour and the other half was spent in this super hot place.



the sea of salt



The Dead Sea is 377 m (1,237 ft) deep, the deepest hypersaline lake in the world. With 33.7% salinity, it is also one of the world's saltiest bodies of water.  It is 8.6 times saltier than the ocean.  This salinity makes for a harsh environment in which animals cannot flourish, hence its name.

Israel Trip: Jerusalem - Western or Wailing Wall (Part 4)

After Sepulchre Church, we headed to the Western or Wailing Wall.  This is the last part of our ancient city tour.

The Wailing Wall has been a site for Jewish prayer and pilgrimage for centuries, the earliest source mentioning Jewish attachment to the site dating from the 4th century.  They believed that since this is a part of the original temple, this is the nearest place to where God resides.

These days, not only Jews visit here to pray.

the wailing wall with the fence..beyond the fence are the people praying

Israel Trip: Jerusalem - The Garden of Gethsemane (Part 3)

the Church of the Nations or Church of Agony

Gethsemane means “oil press”.  At that time, this is where the oil was pressed from the olives harvested in the Mount of Olives.  It is located on the slope of Mount of Olives.

Israel Trip: Jerusalem - Via Dolorosa Pilgrimage (Part 2)

As one who is born and raised as a Catholic (and finished my primary and secondary schooling in a Catholic school), I am so familiar with the Station of the Cross.  We always commemorate the suffering and death of Jesus Christ to save mankind.

The tour within Jerusalem walled ancient city is called the Via Dolorosa pilgrimage (the Traditional way).  I think most of the package tours here follow this route.  So let's start with the pilgrimage. Pardon me if I may have missed to take pictures of some of the stations as I'm not listening to the tour guide.  Ako na talaga ang pasaway!

Station 1: Jesus is condemned to death.

Station 2: Jesus took up His cross.  This is located in the Chapel of the Flagellation. I think we didn't go here.

Station 3: This is where Jesus fell for the first time under the weight of His cross.

Station 4: This is where Mary watched her son go by the cross; located now in the Armenian Church of Our Lady of the Spasm. Again, we didn't go here.

Station 5: Simon of Cyrene was forced by Roman soldiers to help Jesus carry His cross.

there is a spot there with a hand print

Israel Trip: Jerusalem - the Holiest Land (Part 1)

July 15, 2011 (Friday).  Yipee the 5-day training is finished!  This is what we are anticipating to do since Day 1 – visiting the Holy Land!!!

A piece of history (from Wikipedia): 

During its long history, Jerusalem has been destroyed twice, besieged 23 times, attacked 52 times, and captured and recaptured 44 times. The oldest part of the city was settled in the 4th millennium BCE, making Jerusalem one of the oldest cities in the world. The old walled city, a World Heritage site, has been traditionally divided into four quarters, although the names used today—the Armenian, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim Quarters—were introduced in the early 19th century. 

The Dome of the Rock within the ancient city.  This is where the first temple originally stood.

Only in Jerusalem that Christians, Muslims and Jews unite.  I wonder why they can't do this in other areas.

Israel Trip: Jaffa - an ancient city port

Ah Jaffa!  I’m simply awed by this place!

Jaffa – Yaffa to the Arabs; is believed to be one of the oldest port cities in the world.  This is being used since the Bronze Age (3300-1200BC).  Yes! It is that old.  It became part of Tel Aviv in 1950.

I have researched on places to visit in Israel and this is one on the list so I bugged my colleague to accompany us there. 



Isn't it magnificent???

Clark, Pampanga: The 17th Hot Air Balloon Festival

After four years, we have returned with friends.  We made sure to witness the early morning balloon flights since we missed it the last time. 



Here we are...

Israel Trip: Tel Aviv Sunsets

 One thing I enjoyed most in Tel Aviv is just walking along the beach since our hotel is located 5 mins. from it.  Since the sun is up until 9PM, we had longer time in discovering what this city has to offer.

When the sun is setting down, you will have a glimpse of a beautiful sunset.  Here are some of my shots for you to enjoy:

people enjoying the beach...

 

Israel Trip: Tel Aviv (mixture of old and new)

It was a “not so good” Monday morning of July 4, 2011 when my Boss suddenly called me.  Obviously, he’s not in the mood so I was hesitant to talk to him (he might scold me due to my tardiness!).  He just told me that there is a training in Israel and since I’m the one handling the equipment, I will be the one to be sent.  I need to get my passport and coordinate with concerns so the necessary documentation be processed immediately….and departure is on July 8.  Is this a joke!!!  God! This is a wonderful joke. Don't you just love being surprised with a good news?

So off to Israel…

First thing in mind????  Not the training of course! But Holy Land!  My mom and I used to dream about going to Holy Land for a pilgrimage..and now here it is!!!!  And everything is FREE (without filing for a leave)!!!!  So for four days, I was full of excitement.

After almost two days of travel – PHL to HK (3 hrs.), 5 hrs. lay-over in HK, HK-SWZ (12 hrs.), 6 hrs. lay-over in SWZ and SWZ-ISR (5 hrs.)…here we are…….Hello  Israel!!!

the Israel flag...

A simple prayer

Let me start this blog with a simple prayer...

"Guide me Lord, that I may be an inspiration to others."