Wednesday Inspiration

Photo from womensenews.org

KL   : Manood naman tayo ng movie!
KL   : Tagal na natin hindi nanonood eh
Noel: Anong gusto mo?
KL   : Kahit anong meron ka jan!


This was the scenario last night when I was asking Sweets to watch any movie.  Sometimes if I feel like I want to be relaxed and inspired I watch movies.

Good thing that my husband has "Wreck It Ralph".  I really do not know anything about this movie but since I really want to watch a movie then I don't think there is any issue with me.

Initially I thought that it was just one of these animated movies for kids (Yes! I admit that I am old) but it's more than that!  Being me (always looking for inspiration), I did find a moral from this wonderful movie.



It's really true that TRUE and SINCERE HAPPINESS is something that money cannot buy; it is something that stature cannot provide.  It is priceless and it is something that will make us smile no matter what!

So if you feel that you are not happy with your life right now, start to count the things that money can't buy!

Xoxo

Beauty and Brains: Ara Arida

It has always been my weirdest dream to be a beauty queen! I know I have the confidence; (hahaha! Nung nagsabog ng confidence si Lord, marami rami akong nasalo) However, when you talk about the physical requirements (height, weight, nose?) I don't want to waste my time to try out because I know I am better off at the backstage. Not that I am discarding myself but I know where I fair. :)

Given this, I do not pay much attention to any beauty pageants.  I just learn from the news who won whatever title, may it be Ms. Universe, Ms. International and so on and so forth.  But this year will be different!  I will be watching Bb. Pilipinas 2013 because my cousin (okie second cousin :D) is one of the candidates.

I don't care whether she gets the title or not, the fact that she was chosen to be one of the candidate from the 150 beautiful girls who auditioned is already an honor.  This is already a life changing event and a very proud moment!

If one of the candidates was my uncle's - second cousin's - son's - daughter, then I would still be proud.  At least someone from my blood line has the edge to become a Beauty Queen.  Since she is my second cousin then I am definitely more proud.

Ara (as what we usually call her) is a typical girl who is very smart and knows what she wants in life.  Being part of the most prestigious Beauty Pageant in the Philippines is definitely a cherry on top of a cake, but I know that this is just the beginning of everything!

Whatever Ara is achieving right now, it is a result of hard work and dedication.  It is not something that you will get over night, it takes time, effort, belief and commitment!

To see more of Ara: 
- Official FB Page 
- Norman's Blog: Bb Pilipinas 2013: My Early Favorite 

We are proud of you Ara! Whatever the outcome, you are already a WINNER! 

 

Xoxo 

 

Monday Inspiration: One rainy afternoon!

Yesterday, we were just supposed to have a frap for the hot afternoon. We asked Reo and Joel to go head home and we will just follow because we are still rushing for our candy crash marathon.   

A couple of minutes later, we noticed the rain and it was pouring so hard.. Hmm what to do next? We went out and were pondering if we will brace the rain and run fast! I mean very fast!

We then sat just outside Starbucks and I got a bit irritated bacause of the rain. I told Sweets that it would be best if we stay inside the cafe and wait until the rain stops.   Sweets insisted to stay outside, he said that if we were outside we will be able to see if it stopped raining.  Me, still not convinced, looked inside the cafe and saw a sofa widely waiting for us.  Then I said, "punta ako sa loob don kita intayin". Finally Sweets agreed to go back inside. :D

It was more comfortable to wait inside rather than outside. It was noisy and hot outside, while its cozy and cold inside. Perfect place to wait for the rain to stop. 

Thirty minutes later, it's still raining! I guess this is one of the longest thirty minutes as far as raining is concerned.  It's okie if it rains, only if we were in the comforts of our home! Sigh! But what can we do? We had no other choice but to stay here!

Rather than hate myself for not bringing an umbrella or blame Sweets for not bringing an umbrella, I chose to be silent.  I do not want to linger on "what could have been done".

Instead I made myself busy with Candy Crash and FB! After a few minutes, I lost all my lives in CC and have browsed through all FB posts.. Hmmm.. what's next. Then I just patiently waited and did my favorite thing! Take pictures!!

This is a very simple scenario that you can apply in almost any bad situation.  If something is not working out the way we planned it to be, then we better be cool!  Instead of focusing on "What could have been" we need to focus on the possible solution or work around.

Xoxo 

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Oh it was by Birthday!

How can I forget the most important day of the year? My birthday!
This was the day where my parents got very excited to see their little bundle of joy! Where all the angels sang and all their eyes wide open to see how cute I was!

I don't want to start to brag but I was really cute when I was a lot lot younger.  As een super duper cute to the max that all of my aunties, uncles, and cousins would like to carry me.  Ganon ka cute! ^_^  I won't post any picture because I will let your imagination do the thing!

Well after all those years, I know I have grown into a fine young woman.
I can say a lot of adjectives about myself but I choose not to, my family and friends know about it already.

Probably I was so busy about a couple of things and almost forgot to write about this very special day.  I was very blessed that I was able to celebrate this special day in the Philippines.  Blessed enough to celebrate it with my two families - DIAZ and FERNANDO family.

Everybody was present and that was the best birthday gift ever!  For us Filipinos, if there are celebrations, eating is the first in the list of to dos!  Sharing the food and stories with your loved ones is one of the best thing to do in strengthening relationship and I do not wish to forego this tradition.

Not sure if everyone is aware but my sister and I shared the same birth date.  Nope, we did not share the celebration but we were really born on the same date ~ January 4.  In case you are asking, we are 15 years apart! Awesome isn't it?? One celebration for two birthdays!

I do not intend to elaborate all of the things that I learned for the past x-years, but I know that I did learn a lot!  I wish to thank all of the people that has been part of my wonderful life ~ those who gave their appreciation and thanks, those who have hurt me and rejected me!  Those who have accepted the weird and crazy me ~ You know who you are!

I thank all of the people who are still actively part of my life now and giving color to my being.  Thank you all for everything!  I cannot elaborate further as I will be lost for words!  (feeling nanalo lang sa Miss Universe).

I cannot thank all of my family and friends but ofcourse I have a top list!

Mama Inday and Papa Gary:
Sa walang sawang pag suporta! You know what you have done to make me the person that I am right now and I am very blessed to have you as my parents! 
I cannot explain how thankful I am but I hope that in my simple ways, I am able to give back!  Both of you are very special to me so please take care of yourselves! Wag pasaway!

Mama Lena and Papa Nestor:
My "wala akong masabing" parents in law!  Para ngang hindi in-laws eh, they are literally my second parents!  I am the luckiest person to have these two wonderful and awesome in-laws.  Parang barkada lang and the level of love is just unconditional.  They made my marriage life so beautiful and I cannot thank them enough for (1) bringing Noel into this world (2) accepting me as their daughter ~ with all my weirdness and craziness!

 
To my brothers and sister! G-Boy, Mika at Louise:
I am happy to be part of this crazy siblings!  When we were a lot younger I was like their worst nightmare because I am really acting like an "Ate".  However, as years go by (althought I am still acting as their Ate), it feels like we are all "barkada", talking about anything under the sun, laughing at the most non-sense matters and making fun of everything.  I think humor is the best part of our relationship. 

I thank the two Kuyas (G-Boy and Mika) because they act as the "Ate" while I am away.  They are my family's guard, doctor, preacher, reporter and they are doing a good job! 

I thank Louise for being the toy! Hahahahah! Toy meaning, someone that is making Mama and Papa busy.  Since Gboy and Mika are both grown up already, Louise is the one that keeps them busy!  A very good student both academic and non academic! Aminado ako na hindi mana sa ate! :)

Would you agree with me that we all look like we are at the same age bracket?! :D

Lastly but definitely not the least!

The ever wonderful and all in one love of my life ~ Noel.
He gives color to my life! I think that is pretty much self explanatory!
If the wife is happy, meaning the husband is doing his job! Hahahah!

 

Life is short, but I know how to enjoy my life. One step at a time.
Simple things, simple joys!
Give thanks!
Be contented!
Give back!

Thanks for sharing your life with me and I hope to share the laughters with you!

Xoxo

This is what I call conviction!

In our life, we will always reach the crossroad wherein we need to take a decision whether to go or not to go with something.

Sometimes, it takes courage, belief, confidence and a lot of determination to reach for what we want and I think this video below is the far most inspiring video for me as far as courage, belief and confidence is concerned.

 

I hope that you would agree with me that this kid is going to be a rockstar!  At his age, he sang and played the guitar with all his heart even if he cannot say the lyrics.  I find it funny and cute to watch him but if you will analyze deeper, there is more to this video :)

Just my Saturday thought for all of you!

Xoxo
 

Happy Friday: Being a kid again!

What is the difference between a child and an adult?  Aside from their physical size and wisdom, one thing that I like from being a child is being able to play without thinking of anything.

I must admit that every time I see a child play, it's very contagious.  I can't help but smile, simply because you can genuinely feel the excitement and joy in what they do.

This is one behavior that (whether we like or not) diminish as we grow old.  It feels like we are very busy about earning and living then sometimes we forget to inject some fun in what we do.  Sometimes, it always help to step back, think and reflect on what we can do to make our lives worth living and a lot of fun. 

One thing is to do the things that we enjoyed doing when we were a child.
Play without limits and play just to have fun and nothing else.

My husband and I never fail to amuse ourselves with playing!
Last 2011, we played in the park - What is in the air? 
Last 2012, I was a bit addicted to FB games and iPad games - Let us Play
Last 2012, my husband turned back time when he watched "Voltron"

Just last night my husband and Joel played the old time favorite "Family Computer".

Honestly, I did not have the chance to play Family Computer when I was younger (probably Mama and Papa wants us to focus on studies) but I still had an amazing childhood experience.

We (my husband and I) thought that since we already have our own money then might as well indulge with this fun and basic game.

I don't think children now a days will enjoy "Family Computer" but I am pretty sure that our generation will!

I played my favorite game, Super Mario Brothers, but unlike when I was younger, I can only stay in front of the computer for 30 minutes. :D

My last note: Let us enjoy life like as if we were little children, not worrying about anything, just playing, eating, sleeping and enjoying every moment that we have.

Love life always!

Xoxo

Have you even been BROKEN HEARTED?

Like your whole world was crushed into pieces and you don't know the next best thing to do with your life? Well, one way or the other we all went through a heart breaking experience.

I am not only referring to relationships between boyfriend / girlfriend, husband / wife.  I am referring to all types of relationships whether it is friendship or filial relationship.  It can be a lost of something important to you, like your job, your house or even your favorite pet.  It can be a betrayal or a lie.

We all go through heartaches and what do we have to do after that heartache?

There is this Five Stages of Grief but it does not limit us on what we can feel every time we encounter heart aches.  Each stage is important but the best of them all is the last stage which is Acceptance.

Well this is my opinion, because life is like a cycle, it's like a never ending circle and we will all go through the same emotions over and over again.    Once we have reached the acceptance stage then it's time to take the next best action which is to move on.

Moving on is not an easy thing to do, like what a song once said.
However, there are actions to take to make it easier.

1. Smile a lot - I do not mean smile for no reason at all (coz that looks crazy).  What I mean is, we need to smile for the simplest thing that we see everyday.  Like if we were about to cross the street and the car stopped to let us cross.  A simple smile to extend "thanks" to the driver.  Smile while you are ordering a value meal burger at your favorite fast food.

2. Spend more time with the people who matters to you a lot - For me this is my family and very special friends. Spend more time with them and have a lot of laughs.  It will definitely help lighten your mood and look forward to more laughter with them.

3. Be thankful - the mere fact that we are breathing means that life is all worth it.  We do not want to spend our lives frowning and ranting. There are a lot to be thankful for and we need to acknowledge that.
(for my Thank you list - read here!)
 

Then eventually, after all those tough times, we can say that we are all strong!

I am here with you through the good and the bad! Happy Smiling!

Xoxo
 

I know, I know.. Valentines would not be complete if...

We don't EAT!
 

Last year, this was our Valentine
This year it was pretty simple, the minute I woke up and realized it was Valentines Day, I immediately greeted Sweets a "Happy Valentines".

After a little bit of coffee, we both prepared to come to work.
Then before we leave, we took some pictures.

Sweets know I am up for something but he only found out when I posted it via FB :D

While at work, we decided to have lunch together.
Since we are working 6 train stations away, we decided to meet halfway (well i think 2/3 way in my advantage).  We had lunch at Midvalley.

Since Feb14 is a special day for couple and we don't know what to do and where to eat, we decided to try this new restaurant.

Just a simple lunch with a lot of stories and laughter.  We were talking about our next out of towns. Hehe..

Food was nice, very much filling.

Then here is our menu.

It was definitely a Burpp-lentines day!
Aside from the flowers and chocolates ~ another best thing about Valentines Day is the food!

Xoxo

Happy Friday: Where do you want to go?

Earlier this year I have been talking to a number of people and with that I was beating myself into understanding what I want do with my life.  

Am I happy with what I am doing now?
Do I find purpose and fulfillment?
Is there something missing?

While I was reminiscing and thinking about the things that I would like to achieve, I remembered one scene from the Twilight Saga - Eclipse.

 

It was a very simple graduation speech but it really made sense.
Even if this was a high school graduation and I already passed it, one way or the other I know I will walk down that journey of confusion again and again.

What do we need to do now to find our purpose? 

1. Find happiness in what we do - we can never be fulfilled if we are not happy
2. Take each challenge as a stepping stone in achieving our pot of gold
3. Be helpful to those who does not seek help
4. Stay focused in what you want to achieve in LIFE and you will never go wrong
5. LIVE a HAPPY LIFE - by smiling all the time - let your eyes smile and the people around you will feel the love.

~~~~~~~~

We all have our purpose in this planet, some may have found it and living it but some may still be reaching in the dark.  It is still not too late - we just need to start to find our purpose now!

As for myself - I know deep in my heart of hearts that it is to make you all HAPPY :)

Talk to you all soon!

Xoxo

 

Chinese New Year in Cameron Highlands! ^_^

Every month, we (Sweets and I) always look at the calendar and checks for any upcoming holidays. Last January, we (Sweets, me and friends) planned to spend the Chinese New Year Holiday out of KL.

This year, we have decided to say "Gong Xi Fa Cai" in Malaysia's most extensive hill station, Cameron Highlands.  This spectacular place is a 3 and 1/2 hour ride from KL.  

We were very excited about planning this trip:

- Reo already booked a wonderful place to stay

- Sweets already reached out to the owner of the car that we will rent

- We already researched for our itinerary

- We already computed for our budget

What else was missing?  Uh-oh! We forgot that it's Chinese New Year and that it will be very JAM (traffic) going up the Hill! Learning these facts from our local Chinese friends came in a bit late and we were all set to leave!

So how? We literally thought of trashing the idea to go to Cameron because we do not want to waste our time with the jam. Hmmm..  Sweets called me and we discussed about the situation, my thoughts were: 

"We will never know how jam it is until we go and check for ourselves".

Then we all decided to go on!

February 8:

- 9pm - Sweets, Reo and Joel went to Pavilion Mall to pick up our rented car (Avanza)

- 10pm - dinner in preparation for the long journey

- 12mn - we started our exciting journey

This was our first time to have a long drive in the middle of the night and thus there were some situation here and there but we were still able to reach our destination.  

February 9:

- 4:30am - we reached Exit 137 and we looked for the nearest Gasoline Station to stay a bit and wait before we proceed to Cameron

- 6:00am - several vehicles were already moving their way to Cameron and thus we decided to proceed with our travel

- 7:00am - we reached our first destination.

Cameron Valley and Bharat Tea Plantation!

Imagine that the sun was just about to rise and you will see a green view that smelled so fresh.  It was one perfect way to relax the body and the mind.

It was just 20 degrees but I was like "brrrrr" @_@

We took the chance to take a lot of photos since we were the only people there.  The Tea House is yet to open at 8:30am but we went ahead to eat our breakfast there ~ while waiting for our tea.

I was able to appreciate this wonderful tea.  Sweets and I got the Cameron Valley Tea, with milk and sugar and it was definitely relaxing.

While we were on our way to our next destination, we came across Cameron Lavander.

From the name itself, we were welcomed by lavander flowers!  Aside from the flowers they also had fresh lettuce and strawberries.

Our next destination was at the Bee Farm, then followed by the Raju Hill Strawberry Farm.

After our lunch, we headed to check-in to our apartment!

Our apartment was from Hong Kong Hotel, but it was actually situated at the Crown Imperial Court.  The apartment has three rooms (each has a single bed and a queen size bed), pretty huge sala and dining set, good kitchen with utensils.  I highly recommend it! Very nice!

I would like to thank Reo for finding this awesomeness place!

We settled down at around 1pm and we decided to sleep for a bit and continue our journey by 6pm.  Who would not want to sleep with these sweet comforters! Hmmm!

The view from our apartment was just amazing! The landscape of the mountains, the blue sky and the night market was very inviting to look at!

At exactly 6pm, we were all set to continue our journey.  It was cold but the heat of the Night Market was so irresistible we can't wait to jump in.

From our apartment, it's just 5 min walk to the Night Market and if you can see from the image, it was an entire strip.

There was an area for street food, fruits, drinks, clothes, souvenirs, plants and a whole lot more!

I can spend the entire night in this place! I won't get bored! :D

Moving on! After eating a lot of food, drinking sea coconut, buying plants, honey and key chains, we headed home!

After bringing all our items back home, we rested for a bit and then went back outside to have our dinner :D

This was the night market!  
 

 

We had steamboat! Yes we drove all the way to Cameron to have steamboat! Interesting, isn't! ^_^

After dinner, we called it a day!

February 10: Rise and Shine!

Our first destination was at the Sam Poh Temple to give thanks and to wish for more! :D













After our prayer, we went back to our apartment to pack our things and check out.  We had our lunch at Hong Kong Hotel.

After lunch, we headed to Parit Falls. Before exploring the view we had some photo opps.

We walked all the way around the mountain side, only to find out at the end of the trail that Parit Falls was not there!

Instead of being sad, we took the chance to eat, laugh and tell stories.

When we got back at the start of the trail, we saw Parit Falls! Yey!

What an amazing two day journey! We were so happy to have this time of our lives.  We all enjoyed it and we are already planning for our next trip.  Hopefully there will be more of us.  The more the merrier! :D

Till our next trip! See you all!

PS: Budget per head for this two day, one night trip is RM200. If you want to buy more souvenir and food then better bring more cash :D

Xoxo