Saturday, November 21, 2009

To bike or not to bike

that is the question.
Saw this  at sm and let yuan tried it. haha.. 
Im half-hearted. I promised myself not to splurge on things that dont matter.
but. cute eh.. and love ata ni Yuan. So help me decide.. hehe..

Visit my link and vote!


Thursday, November 19, 2009

Youngmom's Learnings 2

On hygiene & sanitation.

When I was in 3rd year college I had an amoebiasis & suffered from major stomach ache, diarrhea, fever, and weight loss (which I thing was a blessing..haha). Same culprit attacked Yuan’s stomach in his 3rd month which surprised all of us since were overprotective of him & his things. I just learned the cause when I do the sterilizing of his bottles myself (because my then helper resigned), since the Farlin sterilizer Im using is automatic, I lifted the body and saw the murky water almost overflowing. Hindi pala nagpapalit & naglalagay ng water ang bruja. Since then I never let the helper touch Yuans bottles.

And just to attest that once you caught an amoeba, you’ll have it for life, my amoeba pet was triggered by the isaw I ate in Boracay. While Yuan had it again 2 weeks ago. Here are some of my suspects :

1. Rubber Ducky & family
Yes its fun to have them at bath time but also store water in them that your baby might drink.
When I cleaned al of them, water still drops with greenish-moss-like something inside.


2. His Fisher P blocks
Its colorful & bulky, but once you leave it for days , dust & dirt will surely be there.


3. Walker’s toys
Most walkers have detachable toys, be sure to clean them atleast once a week and you’ll be surprised on the dirt you’ll collect.



4. Teether
As early as 6 months old, babies start to grab and swallow anything. It’s the teeting period and of course we give teethers. Make sure its always clean & stored in a clean, safe place.

All four of them, and now 1&2 said their goodbyes to Yuan for now.
Im sleepy. Guess have to end here nalang muna.

Monday, October 19, 2009

JZ's Christening

Im thrilled to be chosen as one of the godmothers since its my first inaanak to a friend (at Paolo’s side) coz none of my superfriends in h-school nor college have had their child yet. Yes.. no need to emphasize, im the first (& proud) mom in my circle.. hehe..



James Zachary Catembung Lopez is the 3-month old angel of our friends Jen and Joseph. Baptized yesterday, October 18, at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Canlubang Laguna.

I would like to commend the officiating priest for being ‘sarcastic’ & a bit joker (haha) for the crowd to respond and be attentive. What’s worth mentioning are his lecture to godparents :

1. Memorize and remember both the complete name and spelling of your inaanak;
2. Visit your inaanak once in awhile;
3. Be there when parents need help or your assistance;
4. Be a good example to your inaanak;
5. At Christmas time, wag magtago; the kids will visit you not just for the gifts or money but just for them to ‘bless’ or mag-mano.

Don’t worry Zach (I preferred Zach talaga. hehe), I mean JZ , Ninang Marg & Ninong Pao will be the one to visit your house since mama-masko din si Yuan sa inyo. Hihi..



Reception followed at their residence where sumptuous lunch was served. Yuan enjoyed the balloons and JZ’s big tarp, while baby JZ slept for awhile and when recharged entertained his guests.

Congratulations Jen & Jlo for having JZ, savor every moment with him while still a baby, coz one day you’ll wake up he’s already having drinking sessions with Yuan and their friends. Hihi..


Monday, October 12, 2009

Youngmom's Leanings 1


Being a first time mom entails many learning experience to help me become better - whether in shopping baby stuff, food, cleaning bottles, bathing, or making him sleep. Yuan is now 7 mos & 14 days old and he’s becoming a little playful & precocious . He loves going out and seeing new places & faces. Every time we bring him along I learn new things that will help me become a better mom:

Baby’s Day Out
Do’s:
1. Always make sure that your baby bag contains all the essentials:
a. Bottles & milk (of course!)
b. Baby wipes (for poop & clean-up)
c. Diapers
d. Bib (and for me atleast 2 lampin)
e. Toys and teether
f. Alcohol/sanitizer, powder (for hot weather & emergency nappy rash)
g. Baby cologne
h. Extra clothes (depends on the time, but usually if it’s a day out, 1 pair of sando & shorts; if night, socks,jacket/longsleeves,pajama, & cap/bonnet)
2. Aside from milk, don’t forget to bring extra bottle for his water, he might eat something sweet.
3. Do bring a small pillow for long travel.

Don’t’s
1. Wear plunging necklines (believe me!).
2. Use too much perfume and makeup.
3. Wear too much accessories (dangling earrings, bracelet, necklace)

That’s it, just 3 for each though I know I will keep on updating this as Yuan & I have more to learn from our escapades.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Mrs. Dela Cruz for a year now.


I’ve never heard anyone say “You’re perfect for each other” or “Match made in heaven kayo”. True. Were opposite, in many ways. But here we are, 7 years of knowing each other, 1 year of being married, & 7 months of being young parents.


We may differ in our points of view, manners, interests, but we complement each other. We fill in each other’s shortcomings. We adapt to become a better person not necessarily to be a changed person. So since its our anniv, let me share some of the smallest to greatest learning I had in my one year of being wifeymarg:

a. Give way. In conflict, try to stoop down and humble yourself;
b. Admit your mistakes, especially ‘pag huli ka na;
c. Take turns in arguing, learn to keep your mouth shut;
d. Sorry is better expressed with a tight hug and a starbucks;
e. Don’t hide anything, especially your finances (lalo na if hindi ka talaga magaling magtago.hehe);
f. Shop and window-shop alone, if you don’t want to be rushed;
g. Lessen your brat-mode, don’t keep on insisting something that you know isn’t feasible;
h. Before making any decision, consult your better half, or you’ll end up fighting;
i. Listen. Listen without preparing any counterargument. Besides no matter what, kampi kame ni Bubu ko, were on the same team.
j. Don’t forget to have time together, like how you used to be when still bf-gf status;
k. Surprises keep the romance burning.. haha..

There you go, these are just few of the things im learning. Its hard to juggle my roles now, but the headache, I tell you is all worth it!


Woohoo! I love you Hon, thanks for giving me both heaven and hell.
You rock my world!

Saturday, September 26, 2009

All about my Bubu

I was tagged in facebook, but I decided to answer here:

Here's a chance to see how well you really know your husband, wife, fiancé, boyfriend or girlfriend. Cut, paste and fill in the answers, then tag your friends... Shoot, you know what to do. The real challenge is to send it to your loved one to see how right you really are.


My ex-boyfriend for 6 years, husband for a year.
Lets see if I could still vie for 'wife of the month' hehe..

Since we are to celebrate our first anniversary as Mr. & Mr Dela Cruz, I have decided to take this quiz. Yes, in the midst of Ondoy's unforgivable and devastating visit.

Here it goes, dont correct me, I should know better (nyak):

1. He's sitting in front of the TV, what is on the screen?
- Prison Break or WWF (which I found too morbid to watch) often he switch to Discovery or HBO.
2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad?
- Thousand Island (just the basic)
3. What's one food he doesn't like?
- the fatty stomach of bangus, which I like, ha! :p
4. You go out to eat. What drink does he order?
-pineapple juice, large share kame.
5. Where did he go to high school?
-Don Bosco Canlubang (ad maiora natus)
6. What size shoe does he wear?
- 9-10”
7. If he were to collect anything, what would it be?
- lenses ng SLR (which sticks to ‘were to’)
8. What is his favorite type of sandwich?
- anything that’s overloaded
9. What would he eat every day if he could?
- Mr. Chips, Oysters
10. What is his favorite cereal?
- not a cereal kid, but he likes Koko Krunch
11. What would he never wear?
- elephant pants, Dickies clothings
12. What is his favorite sports team?
- sports ba yung WFF?
13. Who did he vote for President?
- dont wanna say but he’ll definitely vote for hNINOY (I seconded)
14. Who is his best friend?
- aside from me (naks), he hang out with Stip & Gee most of the time
15. What is one thing he wishes you wouldn't do?
- aside from ‘sex with other guys’ , become losyang.
16. What is his heritage?
- Spanish (sa Dad), Malay-ko (sa Mom)
17. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind of cake?
- Cake flavoured with Alcohol 
18. Did he play sports in high school?
- football, basketball
19. What could he spend hours doing?
- watch tv (such a tv rat), drink..drink.. did I say drink? Haha.
20. What is one unique talent he has?
- that’s for me to know. Ha!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Lazy Tuesday

I'm pondering on what topic to write, currently reflecting on the week that passed but to no avail, I just realized nothing much happened that is worth mentioning.. hmm..

Im quite excited though for the weekend and next week!

First, this weekend, on Saturday that is, is our Badminton tournament.. Yep! A pseudo tournament at that, since I haven’t even played with my partner. It will also be the birthday celebration of my sister-in-law. Heypi Birthday Ate Sandy! Mama prepared a hearty menu for dinner and I cant wait.

Second, since it’s a weekend, no work! Ha! Im always looking forward to that. Have enough time to play and blab with my boys – Yuan and Pao.

And of course, for next week I have two super exciting events, my college reunion and boracay!!!!

Im thrilled when I received a message that we’ll be having a reunion on the 26th (Saturday). I haven’t seen most of them since graduation, although some of my superfriendz went to my wedding and drop by at Tagaytay when I was pregnant. Pao and I were thinking of joining only the gimik after but hey, joining the reunion itself might be fun as well.

So there, since our flight the next day (Sunday) is at 5am, we’ll spend the night somewhere and go to airport via cab nalang. Hope we wont forget our e-tickets. Jeez!

That’s all for now. Tomorrow is another day, hope something happen that is worth blabbing here.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Yuan's Baptismal Celebration

06.07.09

Ive been longing to blog Yuan’s baptism, so here it is:

Originally, I was thinking of baptizing him simultaneous to his 1st birthday. But he’s growing really fast and at 3 months he’s quite big. I realize how big he could get at 1 year old and will no longer be cute on his baptismal suit. So there, after weeks of planning and preparation, we set the date on the 7th of June (Sunday) at St. John Bosco Parish Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Invitation
For the invitation layout, I chose blue and green, the layout was done by Paolo’s sister thru Digiscrap. I have it printed as photo and just added the site map. For those who can only be reached thru email, I have another version of the invitation with other stuff like more of Yuan’s photos, which I sent thru email.

Godparents and Guests
I want godparents to feel very special, since they are the “chosen ones” hehe.. So instead of visiting them to formally ask to be Yuans godparent, again I utilized the email. Sent individual presentation to each of the Ninongs and Ninangs. Im glad all godparents made it to the ceremony. Of course we are also grateful to see our family and friends grace Yuan’s big day!



Church and the Ceremony
Parishes nowadays are strict. They have so many requirements:
a. Parents should be married in the catholic church
b. Both parents should be Catholics
c. All godparents should also be Catholics
d. All godparents and parents should attend the seminar
e. Etcetera..etcetera

Thank God coz at St. John Bosco, theyre not that meticulous, though we were questioned since we had a garden wedding, so technically not a Catholic celebration. We haggled and made friends with the parish secretary and buti nalang Bosconian (yes, were both Catholic since birth) si Pao. They talked about the priests they both know. And voila! She allowed us to have Yuans baptism there. Thanks Tita Esther! My regret was they don’t allow special celebration, so we have no choice but to have it together with other celebrants as well.

And there, at the event itself, we were surprised that the should be solemn ceremony looked like a “binyagang-bayan” sa sobrang daming biniyagan. So for you guys planning for a baptism, look for a church that allows you to pick your day and go solo.

Photography
This need not to be expensive or spend out for. Just use your resources and ask a family member or friend to cover the celebration for you. As for ours, one of Yuan’s ninong is a photographer; Pao’s sister has an SLR, so there we have two sets of photographers! My only regret was, since the church was too crowded and the ambiance not really good, we failed to take photos of godparents holding Yuan – you know, the traditional photo-op.

Venue and Catering
We had several options for our venue. First we scouted several restos. Restos are a practical choice if you have limited guests with budget range of 25K-40K for 50 pax. But in our case, we need a bigger space. One of our choices was the clubhouse, these are cheap alternatives price range is at Php2,500-3,000 + catering. Try San Jose Village, Sta. Rosa Estates, or South Forbes (they have accredited caterers). We resorted to the St. John Bosco Hall. It was such a perfect venue – indoor, air-conditioned, just beside the church, comfort rooms are clean, and cheap at Php4, 500.



 

We had Golden Verina for our catering. Their service was good, ample serving, and they’re really prompt. The only downside was they didn’t provide a contract and made some price adjustments at the last minute. The whole package was at Php25,000. You may reach them at (02) 823-0878 look for Tita Carmen.

A special AVP presentation was also shown and it really tickled my heart – to see my pics when I was still pregnant and later its Yuan’s big smile!

Cakes and Souvenirs
The cakes were from Anna Banana’s which was perfectly done, and really yummy. Big thanks to Ate Mich for shouldering the cake and cupcakes! We love you Ate Mich! We also had Mernels cake!




For the souvenirs, godparents received cupcakes from Anna Bananas, and relatives and friends - Yuan’s hand sanitizer. You may call Michelle at 0929-6886848.

So there, we want to thank everyone for coming to Yuan’s baptismal celebration and for all who have extended their help! For those who didn’t make it thank you for the blessings. God bless!!!!


Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Cam Sur Getaway

07.11-14.09


Why I love going places? Because its like peeping at a kaleidoscope full of different figures, colors, and patterns that seems to be endless. To every trips we had, I bring home memories, facts, insights, learning’s, cultures, friends, & self-discoveries, that made me realize there’s gotta be more to life.

And long for more.


On my additional circle of galang-friends:
Sad. Hindi ito ang original cast, few have backed out according to Pao (Well at Php500 b/f trip, why not?) pero syempre we made it worthwhile. Though sabit lang ako, and will always be identified as “Paolo’s wife” (drama) I’m still overwhelmed at knowing these people & be part of the adventure:

a. Mike: Akala ko happy-go lucky, but I discovered a man of humility & responsibility;
b. Reese: Cat woman in the flesh, I cant believe she has adopted 19 cats out of pity;
c. Jaemie: A ziplock freak and is always prepared;
d. Ryan: Sabi nila hindi outspoken, my belief was shattered during our island hopping ( Si Manong namana ksi.. hehe);

On the things we did:
Though the items in our itinerary was not as many as the one we had in our CDO-Camiguin trip, I certainly enjoyed this one too due to its practical adventure:

a. Ang dami naming tric-rides which is really fun, all 6 of us in one tric;
b. Rode a not so ok bus, but twas cool kasi feeling ko nsa province talaga ko,
c. Going to the ruins, nag-hire kame ng isang nananahimik na jeep, na hindi naman talaga for hire;
d. We tried knee-boarding at night at CWC coz we’ve waited till the “pros” are done (I guess you’ll do the same);




e. Sa palengke kame namili ng pasalubong and syempre home-made pili bars by Mike’s Mom;
f. Going to Caramoan, we rode a ferry, but the catch was bubuhatin ka ng mga “buhat boys” para makasakay ka, I was at awe seeing Mike & Ryan first to go, I thought trip lang nila, then 2 men picked me up, hehe.. wala pala kong choice;
g. At no extra cost, we have visited the place where Survivor series was shoot, that’s local tourism;
h. We went to this bar for a nightout and whew such a very awesome performance from these chikkas; a night of envious and insecurities coz ang se-sexy talaga ng mga vaklush!

On our food trips: The food…food.. ahhh food…

Day 1
Breakfast Jollibee Paseo: Burger Steak Rice Meal
Lunch @ Anne’s place: The famous bicol express, sweet n sour fish, chopped liempo, porkchop, ensaladang pipino, super fresh buko juice, overlooking Mt. Mayon;
Dinner @ Mike’s place: ginataang gulay na may malalaking shrimp; laing;
Nightout @Hollywood: Pica-pica of calamari, tacos, burrito, cake complimenst of the club, Red Horse beer;

Day 2
Breakfast @ Mike’s place: pansit na masarap, coffee
Lunch @ Caramoan: Chips, chips, chips
Dnner @ Lutong bahay, Caramoan: 4 sticks of barbecue, bicol express, laing, soda

Day 3
Breakfast @ Lutong bahay, Caramoan: longganisa, egg, coffee
Lunch @ Gastroff Steak house: Haay, as I look back, nagugutom nako.
Dinner @ CWC: Stuffed Squid, plus nakitikim sa pinangat at chicken inassal;

Expenses: Fare Thanks to the Go-Lite promo of Cebu Pacific, we got it at 500 per head (2-way!), Manila-Naga, though weve waited for months since February pa sya booked. Transpo there were cheap since, as Ive mentioned, our means of transpo were tric-jeep-bus-ferry.

Food Either you splurge or skimp. But the food were all worth the price! I totally recommend Gastroff Steakhouse and try the foods at CWC. P1,350 for 6 of us!

Lodging e had big savings since we stayed at Mike’s place for 2 nights. At Caramoan, the room was at 300+ per night. At CWC, its 1,200 a night (for 3), so Pao & I had a separate villa.

So there guys, in general Cam Sur was a total adventure, hope you could come and check it out as well!

25 things before I hit 30

(these are just selfish desires at random thinking)




1. An addition to our family - My baby girl Maria (still thinking her 2nd name) at the age of 27, that makes Yuan 3 years old;

2. Buy 4 sets of wristwatch –I think that’ll be a good investment hehe.. taas kilay ni Pao for sure; (Bu, this will remind me that time is gold and that I should move a bit faster J);

3. Splurge on accessories, bangles, earrings, plus bags, luggage bags (kasi nga di ba maraming travel, wohoo!), can I add new sets of clothes especially when Im back in shape? Hehe.. Its not bad to spend for yourself naman kaya I have to have #9;

4. Travel..Travel..Travel – Plan namin ni Pao na mapuno ng pic namin yung Philippine map na nasa closet. And take on a Cruise vacation;

5. Makapag-travel abroad – hehe mag-eexpire na passport ko wala pa ding tatak.. poor me L

6. Master Excel, and be able to make an application of whatever sort before I die (freak I know);

7. Buy our own house at hmm.. basta here in Sta. Rosa going to Tagaytay;

8. Buy a car / family car (I share #7 with Pao hehe);

9. Find and settle at a more lucrative job or be an entrepreneur on the side (food biz, RTW, stuff, pets);

10. Extreme diet and exercise after baby girl; Play badminton again and be a pro, join tournaments and win!

11. Head to the beach and wear a skimpy bikini (proud of my stitches) after I achieved a fabulous

body from #10;

12. Read at least two (2) books, fiction/chic lit/self-help/whatever basta book, in my quest for continuous learning hehe;

13. Plan or host (‘plan’ nalang maciadong magastos pag ‘host’) events, parties, children parties, costume parties, wedding, baptismal, fiesta, xmas party hehe, kahit ano basta gusto ko magplan.. I enjoy the nitty-gritty of it, then I’ll blog about it, and be useful sa mga mag-host of such parties;

14. Spa – sauna, foot and paraffin wax (no foot scraping please), facial & body scrub, full body massage, sleep. Whew. This can’t wait.

15. Attend family day at Yuan’s school and be a competitive mom sa mga parlor and sport-y games hehehe.. Mang-aaway ng teacher pag pinagalitan si Yuan.

16. Volunteer to Gawad Kalinga and help build those houses, haay, college pa gusto ko na to, I just don’t know how, when, where, and with whom; Or celebrate my birthday at one of the orphanage houses together with family and friends;

17. Mag-lector/commentator ulit sa churc, kasi di ako pwede mag-choir;

18. Meet up with my college friends, high-school friends (hmm sort of a reunion na din pero gusto ko batch by batch – barkada, classmates, then batchmates) and of course my Gardenia friends, PYM friends, mga Elena apartment-mates;

19. Be a regular blogger, net freak, and organize my documents sa lappy-toppy, along with I-Tunes, kahit walang time;

20. Drive Yuan to birthday parties, costume parties, Fun Ranch, Zoo, picnics or what-have-you;

21. Master at least 5 dishes I can be famous of, with my own-style, yung pwedeng ipa-patent, consider having Shrimp Pesto ala Mariana (nyehh);

22. Pay a regular visit to family and relatives and have a feast;

23. Master 5 songs, as in yung almost memorize na and in tune, para pag nag-videoke, mauuna ko mag plug in ng songs ko. Hehe..

24. Get overly-drunk with friends in the beach, then do stupid things like hmmm.. I guess you’ll never know the extent of what you can do when you’re drunk. Im sure with CESTIMA or Orcom peeps to. Haha!

25. I just realized whenever Im making a list, pinaka-mahirap yung last Hmmm.. of course how could I forget, save and invest.. Invest and save!

Resurrected

After years of hibernation from the cyber network haven, I'm back!

The last time I logged in to really do some stuff here is uhmm I really cant remember. Birthdays, Christmas, New year, a few storms, and people came and left.

A lot of things happened and have changed, let me share ten:

1. I got married to a wonderful person inside-out making me a happy Mrs. Mariane Glorioso-Dela Cruz now.
2. I have proven that my genes (and Pao’s) produce good results seeing my 4-month old Yuan’s cuteness and healthy being (now that’s bragging J)
3. My hair is shorter than I ever had before.
4. I have gained a lot. 120 lbs vs my pre-pregnancy weight of 97 lbs (shopping clothes no longer a habit)
5. I now reside in Canlubang (with my in-laws and Pepper).
6. I seldom see my family due to some issues whatsoever.
7. New colleagues at Isuzu, new circle of friends, I still keep the old ones of course (I just wish we still have the luxury of time to meet often)
8. Pao & I (with some friends) have toured some scenic places in the country. Hopefully in the next 7 years international naman with Yuan (older para ma-appreciate naman nya). Yey!
9. Whatelse? Hmmm.. I have a new signature. Haha..
10. I have a new blog!

So long, until I find the luxury of time to share some thoughts again.
Chillax, Life is good.