A Wonderful 2016!

2016 was WONDERFUL!
This place described everything about what happened this year and let me tell you how.


1. Fresh Air - this is HIS love for us. To always keep us safe and keep us warm.  Reminding us that without HIM, we will be nothing.


2. Big Trees - these trees were behind us -- this signified our family, our parents.  Whom all throughout the year was with us no matter what.  They were our support system and they continued to guide us.


3. Clear Blue Sky - this is how we (Sweets and I) look at our everyday lives.  That ultimately, after everything that happened, there will always be a clear day to remove all our worries and fear.


4. Decorative Plants - this year, we met a lot of people and we've realized how they played a part in our lives.  Some were thorny, some were flowery and some were plain people riding along the way.


5. Small Nipa Hut - this year was all about building our own home and this year was significant in making it all happen.


6. Couple Shirt - (which by the way was given by Mama Inday) means that we (Sweets and I) were together and we will be there for each other -- that our decisions will always be one same as our love for each other.


7. Healthy Soil - That no matter how far we've grown in our careers and in our lives, we continued to be grounded.  This coming year will be no less than the same and will continue to bring joy most especially to those in need.


8. Rocks - most of the time they were stumbling blocks but we made it a point to make it as decorative as possible and see the beauty in it.


9. Lamp Posts - one way or another, we both became a light to someone and we are proud of it.  It's as simple as sharing our time and effort to those who need them the most


10. Straight Path - saying that this year we knew where we were going and that the coming year we will continue to follow that path, TOGETHER!


How about you, what's the story of your 2016?
Was it exciting? I'm sure it is!
My two cents: What happened this year was a done deal -- it's either we learn from it or we continue to live the PAST!


Happy New Year Everyone!!

Christmas Hangouts

Christmas is the time of the year where in we have an excuse in spending a little extra money for our family.  Sometimes, we even save starting January to make sure that we have extra cash come December -- because this is really the season for merriment, gifts and eating (a lot!).

Now, we do not want to splurge all that cash so in as much as we want to spread cheers to our family, we also need to be careful on how we spend every penny!  The best (and yet boring) advice that I can give is to stay at home -- i will have a separate post on that so watch for it.

Of course, our kids, nephews, parents would want to spend a little outdoors.  Let me share some places where you can enjoy the Christmas Season and yet not destroy your wallets.

1. Amusement Parks -- these are the bomb especially for kids and they will definitely enjoy because there are a lot of rides (indoor and outdoor), food and games.  Visit the amusement parks that are near your place because you do not want to spend almost half of the day with traffic.  You can try to check these sites:

   a.Enchanted Kingdom (Sta Rosa Laguna)

   b.Star City (Pasay City) - they have e-ticket that makes booking easier

   c. Sky Ranch (Tagaytay)

   d. Liwanag Park (Meralco) - this one is free of entrance :)

   e. Ayala Triangle Lights and Sounds Show

2. Food Markets -- if you and your family loves to dine out and wants to have a lot of selection in one place then this is the place to be.  You have Banchetto in Mandaluyong (Delivery Bay of Robinsons Forum) and Quezon City (Outside Araneta Center).  You can also visit Greenfield park where they have food stalls every Friday and Saturday nights.

3. Shopping Malls -- this is the ultimate wallet breaker if you cannot contain yourself.  You and your family can enjoy the malls by simply looking at their Christmas decorations and I assure you that they will not fail.

4. Bazaars -- I consider my self the tiangge queen and bazaars are heaven to me.  I have seen a lot from the internet and you can also look at them here:

    a. World Bazaar

    b. Trendsetters Bazaar

Ultimately, our goal is to spend time with our families this Christmas Season and these are some of the things that you can do.  Enjoy!

Xoxo

Happy Friday: Christmas Feels Like

As simple at it is, I think it's best to put up that Christmas Spirit in our homes. Every year, Papa will always prepare our simple Christmas Tree and as time went along, Louise and Mika prepared it.  Some years back this was our Christmas Tree but this year, Louise and I decided and pegged for a simple Orange and Gold themed Christmas Tree.

I feel that ribbons are still missing but I believe this is a good start -- I think we can still improve next year.

How about you? are you "Into" Christmas already? Few more days left and I'm sure you are all rushing with your Christmas Shopping and Christmas decorations but always remember the reason for the season and it's important that we know how to share our blessings to others. 


We don't need to have a lot of money to be able to buy gifts for our loved ones, actually, what's more important are the things that money cannot buy -- classic example would be the TIME that we can give to our loved ones -- the memories that we can spend with them is something that can be cherished forever! All we need to capture that memory is to take a video or picture of the event and the memory will last forever. 


These are the things that sometimes (well maybe most of the time) even rich people would want to receive.  So this Christmas -- give the gift of TIME, ATTENTION and GENUINE CARE!

Xoxo

Christmas Greetings from Meralco

Every Christmas, I always get to see the lights of Meralco as we pass by Ortigas Avenue.  I always peak from the window and tried to see what's inside.  This year is different because I get to see what people were actually talking about every Christmas.  How beautiful it is when you visit Meralco!


Last week, their Christmas Lights were officially opened.  I am not certain of the theme but based from what I saw, they've highlighted different tourist spots from different countries -- Inside you will see the likes of the Eiffel Tower from Paris, Twin Towers from Malaysia and Ms Liberty.

Let me share with you a glimpse of the lights and sounds inside :)










If you want a simple feel of Christmas without breaking you wallets and at the same time have your kids enjoy a simple train ride then this is the place for you!  They also have food bazaars and I bet you will all have a wonderful time!


Enjoy their "LIWANAG PARK"!
Weekdays                                                  6:00pm - 10:00pm
Weekends & December 25 to January 1        6:00pm - 11:00pm




Xoxo

My best Relaxing Gift! Ever!

Christmas indeed is the best time of the year -- this is the season where it's too easy to share whatever it is that we have because we want to share happiness and joy to the people we love.  Last night was one of the best nights! Why? I got a wonderful treat from my brother -- Mika!


Out of the blue, he asked, "Te, gusto mong magpamasahe?" I made a dramatic response by saying "Mika, gusto mo akong ilibre ng masahe??".  He didn't expect that I would agree! But hey! why should I let go of that "rare" opportunity -- when i know it's his first "LIBRE!".


San Pablo (Laguna) already has an array of Spas and Massage Parlors and with it's cold weather it made it even relaxing.  That night, Mika chose to have his treat at Sparadiso.


I'm from Laguna and this is the first Spa that I've been.
It's not your usual Spa (in the metro) but it's unique.  Let's see why..

It's an old home built to cater a Spa (massage and nail care).
While we were waiting for our turn, we stayed in a private room

and we sipped our tea -- I am uncertain though if it's a tea or a hot calamansi juice -- either way -- we loved it.

We had Aromatherapy for our massage.  It's an hour and a half massage with scented oil.  We both enjoyed it!

It's very homey and the interiors were all warm and cozy!

A great gift to kick off this Christmas Season!
Again, Mika! I am proud of you and I wish you continue to be mature and blessed! One step at a time!


Xoxo

Tips to Keep Calm this Season!

Two weekends to go and it's Christmas. Are you prepared? What if not? Because you are so pre-occupied with work, school or at home.  Don't fret - i have here a list of what to do if you only have a few days left.

1. List them down - list every Christmas activity that you will be attending.  You have to consider your budget and your time.  We want to attend in every activity there is but in this time of year where we only have 4 weekends, you have to learn to PRIORITIZE.  Also, there is an entire year to meet with all your friends and family -- think of those who are only available during Christmas (like Balikbayans).

2. Prepare another list - list of people that you want to share your blessings with.  Christmas is the time of sharing and there is always gift giving but REMEMBER it doesn't need to be expensive.  Because of our busy schedule it is likely that you will go to the mall (to buy your gifts) only once, therefore, it is imperative that you have this list at hand.  It would help to categorize your post into 6 segments. 
See sample below:

Male - Kids / Female - Kids
Male - Adults / Female - Adults
Couples / Titas and Titos


3. Personalize it - i really find it hard to think of a gift to give. I always go for personalized gifts. I feel that it's closer to my heart.  Also, there are vendors who can create personalized gifts all in one (no need to go different areas in the mall).

Lastly, SMILE, SIT BACK and RELAX! It's the time for cheers and joy so we should not stress ourselves!

I'm ready for Christmas! How about you? 

Xoxo

Tiyo's Farewell: You will always be remembered!

Tiyo Nardo said his final words last Saturday, September 3, 2016.
He is now in the arms of our Lord and is looking over us!


Though this is not really an ultimate farewell because it is only a farewell for us people on earth.  It is a message of hello to the angels in heavens and our other relatives who joined our Creator way back.

Tiyo lived a great life -- I can tell even if I am not his super apo!
I am actually his apo sa kanyang pamangkin!


Because we lived in one house and I used to see him everyday I know that he lived a great life! I am not saying a perfect life bur a great life!


He saw how his children grew and became parents themselves.
He felt how much his grandchildren loved him and saw how great people they have become!


A realization for me that not everything that shines is worth millions or thousands of pesos.  The simplest thing about FAMILY relationship is what makes our LIVES priceless.


REMINDER: Now if you still have your parents with you, or all of your loved ones for this matter -- SHOW them that you LOVE them!  Show them how successful you've become because of their love and support -- these are the things that money cannot buy and will surely make them proud how they have raised responsible people!


Again to Tiyo! You are now in a better place and I know you will look over us!
With Love --


Hernandez Family!


Xoxo

Movie-nspiration: Zootopia

It was 2013 when I last wrote something about a Movie-nspiration.  I don't know what happened to me or what kept me busy but I know I should do Movie-nspiration more often.


I always like to share my thoughts (I am not an expert) with the hopes that one way or another, it can help or even inspire someone.

I would like to talk about Zootopia, a 2016 3D movie about none other than animals :)


Let me share with you some of the things that made me smile about this movie and these are things that we can apply in our daily lives.


Our Parents will always support us!

They are our number one fan and they will try their very best to make sure that we will live a happy life.  There will be times that they will try not to let us go because they don't want us to be harmed but whatever our decision will be, ultimately, they will be there to support us.  Always remember that our parents are our number one support and we should continue to get their support even if we are all successful in life.


No matter how slow you are, what's important is that you are moving forward.

Like Flash! He may speak slow but he is determined to complete his sentences no matter what!  So in life -- if you feel that you are not getting the best of yourself and that other people are getting ahead!  Do not stop JUST keep moving and you will achieve your goals!


Your bestfriend is your bestfriend no matter what!

I have found my bestfriend in Sweets.
He is always there to cheer me up, he is my number one fan and also my number one critic.  He brings out the best in me and I know that no matter how stubborn I am, he will never leave me and so am I!  So if you don't have one yet, take the time to realize who your best friend is!


I hope you can get something from what I just said! :)


Xoxo

Bravery: Admitting that you can't do something!

I can't make my own coffee!

Coming from a person who really loves her coffee, this statement is almost unbelievable. I was once shy to admit it but I finally did!

We are all human beings and we are not perfect even if we all want to be perfect.  There will really be things / traits that we can't have and the best thing to do is to move forward and admit it.

However, admitting that you can't do something should not stop there!
It then should be the start of learning something new!


I have tried several times but I just can't seem to copy that perfect mix that Sweets is doing for me.  Thus I always rely from Sweets to make that coffee for me.  I know, if I will practice I can learn how it is perfectly mixed but who would want to learn if you know that someone else is lovingly making it for you?


Tamad lang!


Bottom line: In our everyday grind, not all the time we are the hero.  There will always come a time when other people are greater than us and that's fine.  Even I do not want to live a perfect life, because a perfect life means not living at all!


Xoxo















 

Happy Friday: Everybody Wins! 3 points how I did it!

Before we ended FY16, our team had our annual year-end activity and it was none other than a sport called "Bowling".  If you are aware, it's Sweets who loved this sport and I am a mere cheerleader -- had some problems at my back and thus was not able to even play.

Anyways, I think it's a great game choice because we all do not want to get sweaty under the heat of the sun -- Bowling Alley are air conditioned :)


We all can play but we were not experts and thus everything that happened was all about having fun, building relationship and TRYING (yes trying!) to even hit one PIN.


Lucky for me -- we were all normal  (mediocre) players -- not being able to hit a single PIN was like a norm -- haha! 





Come awarding day -- I was surprised that I was one of the top scorers! I
 even had an award for the "MOST NUMBER OF STRIKES" --- yes MOST NUMBER na ako ha :) If you would ask how many? I had two strikes!!

When I was telling Sweets -- i think what's going on at the back of his mind was:
"2 LANG?" --- "Well Sweets, hindi ako expert na kagaya mo!"


Learn more here --> Sweets Played Bowling!







ANYWAYS -- this is just my introductory story for the main story!
My realization is that -- in everything that we do, if we put our hearts in it, it will result to good things!


Like for this particular event that I was not even competitive because I really do not know how to play but only to find out that I indeed played well! ^_^


Simple things that I would like to share so that "WE ALL WIN".


1. Do not expect -- Do your best but do not expect for something in return.  Then if you will be rewarded because of what you did -- it will feel GREAT!


2. Communicate -- Tell something! Tell the people around you what you want.  How you want things to go and you will definitely get what you want -- Side note: you have to be patient of course!


3. Do not compare -- This is the greatest mistake one can make!  You will never be happy if you will compare yourself to others! Look at what you have achieved, what you have and BE HAPPY!  Remember, whatever it is that you have now that you are taking for granted, someone is praying for it!


Xoxo

Happy Friday: CF and OG HR and CMT Year-End Event!

This is my team!
We work hard but we also play hard!
Have you ever been in love with so many people? I would assume yes!
I am proud to say that "I love this Team" -- in lowlights and in highlights-- we all stick together and I hope we will continue to be like this in the coming years!


Also in teams, communication is key to a healthy working (personal) relationship.  When it's work then we all work but when it's time to have fun (and eat) we really play it hard! :)


Good job guys!


To also recognize our team -- our leads have prepared a simple program for all of us!


Clap! Clap! Clap! Everyone!
Continue to deliver and help the team!

Recognizing performance is really an engagement driver and I hope that it contributed to your engagement :)


What's best way to celebrate a great FY16 is to feast and eat!

I told you before that we really LOVE to eat!

Looking forward to another fruitful year with all of you!


PS: A separate entry shall be created to highlight the bowling event + awarding!


Xoxo

Happy Friday: Who is locked with Who?

When do you say you are locked with someone? something?
Was it when you got hooked? got married? got hooked with work? Got a bestfriend?

I say "When you decided to!"

I have been married for 6 years and sometimes people ask me if we ever get into a fight.  Like an intense fight.  I would say "YES" -- BUT -- I am happy to have that with Sweets!

When you say "I am locked with Sweets" - people might initially interpret it as losing my freedom to do anything that I want and vice versa!  

This SHOULD NOT be the case when you say you are locked with someone.

I am locked with Sweets for the following reasons: 

1. We share the same values - we know what we know is right and we fight for it.  Like family comes first and everything else follows.

2. We talk about our differences and how we hate it about each other - being locked up with someone means accepting the imperfections and loving them despite of.  But not letting the day pass by without telling the other person why you got frustrated or angry.

3. We communicate - zero communication is the worst thing to happen in a relationship.  Slowly losing the importance of this C word means slowly detaching from the relationship.

4. We have concensus - being locked up with another person doesn't mean that you have to agree to every word that they say. It means stating your ground, listening to their side and deciding and agreeing as a matured couple on what works best for both of you.

5. We recognize our self worth - means to say that we take care of ourselves and we know our importance as an individual.  We take time to think alone, we take care of our own families,  we meet up with our friends and we take care of our career. Truly being capable of loving oneself means being able to give love and understanding in return.

So, have you figured out if you are indeed locked up with someone? 

Xoxo

Where to get the best Inspiration?

Monday again! YES!!! Who said this?

Well in my super old post (Why I liked Mondays) i mentioned there the reason behind this chosen behavior and now I would like to share an interesting thing that i have sighted. 

Normally, in movies or real life office situations, for offices and desks we usually see a lot of pictures on the desk. It can he seen posted on the table or you would have photo frames lines up there just across your line of site.

I am guilty of this, there was a time when i had a white board in front of my desk and i used to pin my family picture there.  Why? I guess you know the answer right! I want to be inspired!  Well now it's gone because i don't have a whiteboard anymore and we need to have a clean desk policy.

What i will share is simply inspiring.. We normally see pictures and frames at office desks right.. If you have a corner roon then most probably it's placed in your wall mounted cabinets or rolling bins.  This one is pretty interesting because he doesn't have a desk or a corner office but he has his dashboard! 

For some drivers i see their pictures in their wallets or their screen shields but this is an incredible site for inspiration. Frames in his dashboard and I was simply amazed by this effort.

It was my first time to see such act of inspiration and i know that for Kuya Driver, wherever his steering wheel will take him, he knows that he is doing his job for his family. 

How about you? Where do you get your inspiration? 

Xoxo

Happy Friday: A Reminder!

One time my husband and I was on our way home while discussing some stuff that matters to our lives and then suddenly this.


I zoomed my eyes and took my camera to immediately make this shot.

It was in my phone that I read the entire message at the back of this tricycle and I was in awe.  I totally agree with this message and why do we have to see this message at the back of a tricycle while we were driving a car?


Have we (Sweets and I) thought of this? Us who is capable of buying the things that we want in life?  Have we thought that happiness is inward and not outward??


My point is: In life - we will always want something! Something that we feel will make us invincible or will make us famous.  But have we thought, even for a moment, that the simplest things are those that should always matter and should make us happy? 


What are those simple things that money cannot buy? Here are my thoughts:


1. Your relationship with your family - the memories you've shared together.
    May it be a simple meal together at home, jamming and singing time.
    Simply listening to your mom or dad as they share their stories.
    Helping your siblings with their school or life problems.


2. Doing what you really like to do - your passions! If you want to do journals!
    If you like to be healthy then run, if you like to sing then do so!
    It's a bonus if you love what you do at work! <I AM!>


3. Removing the negativities in your life - no explanation needed!
    We are all old enough to know. *Wink*




Quoting the small text above:


" Beware! Don't always be wishing for what you don't have.  For REAL LIFE and REAL LIVING is NOT RELATED to how RICH you are".


This is an eye opener that I would like to share to everyone.
Happiness is within us an what other people tells us! :)


Xoxo

Happy Friday: What you don't usually see!

 Do you know where this is?

Yes, this is in Albay, this is the Cagsawa Ruins.
You know why it looked different?
Because this is the part of the Cagsawa Ruins that is facing Mayon Volcano.  Isn't is a "Beauty" still?


Every time we hear the landmark "Cagsawa Ruins" we always incorporate it with the beautiful view of Mayon Volcano behind it.

But I would like to highlight that even without the view of Mayon Volcano, the Cagsawa Ruin is still a "Beauty" on its own.


My point:


This is a simple illustration that "not all the time" what you see is what you get. 


Meaning:
One may be as frail as a flower on the outside but is as thorny as rose thorns on the inside.
One may be as noisy as a fireman siren on the outside but thoughts are as deep as the ocean.


You can trust your guts yes on the proper way to treat people around you but it is worth thinking that one should be observant to really hear what is not said.


Points to ponder:
How confident are you that you really know the person you are sitting with?


Xoxo

Samuel's Plate: A must in San Pablo!

I'm from San Pablo Laguna but ever since I got married, i rarely go home. These past few months I always see posts from my family that they were always eating at Samuel's Plate and i got curius.

Thus when we celebrated Father's Day I suggested that we all eat there so that Sweets and I can also have a taste and review of what this food haven can offer. 

Outside view is good, they have enough parking space outside their establishment and they are located in a not so crowded area.

On the inside, you will be welcomed by their bar and pastry stand! Hmmm!! You can indulge with some drinks or two (They don't have softdrinks).

 They haven't had their formal opening yet but this place was already a hit! 

From the image below you can see that they can fit around 50-70 pax all in one.

When we went there, there were only 2 floors but we were informed that a 3rd floor is a to be opened soon!

First is some appetizer to kick off the taste buds.. We had Nachos (ultimate favorite of Sweets).

They also gave a free appetizer which was good as well!

White bread dipped to their own mix of oil, soy souce and some herbs.

Another appetizer was the Mozorella Croquettes.

Then on the the main dish.

Sausage and Mash -- you got there three types of American Sausage and mashed potato.

We also had Braised Short Ribs!

Then Tilapia Parmigiana that had mouth watering cheese on top of it.

So deadly!

We had Pan Roasted Salmon Steak.

True to its name -- Krispy Kare Kare!

Then the salmon.

As mentioned earlier, they do not have carbonated drinks and thus we had water!

 Sharing with you as well their menu. So when you go there you have already reviewed their menu and you can odder immediately.

 Nevertheless, you can always ask their friendly staff on their best seller and you can never go wrong!

It will always be a great thing if good food are shared with loved ones!

Super hit as always!

 They serve their own pastry for desserts and you should also try them! 

Another satisfied customer!

Xoxo