sAd nEwS

"Hun patay na daw si Michel Jackson", first words dear hubby uttered as soon as I woke up. To which replied, "Ows, at naniwala ka naman jan sa text"....

I then went downstairs and opened the television to CNN.

Nge, so it's true pala.

RIP MJ...

bAd dReAmS

I've been having really nasty scary dreams lately. I don't know what's causing it. Over active imagination?

Scary dream 1:
Big manlike owl trying to catch me.
Scary dream 2:
Flesh eating Zombies.
Scary dream 3:
More flesh eating Zombies.

Whatever the reason may be, I hope these nightmares would stop. Remedy: Thinking of happy thoughts and praying to God.

hApPy FaThEr's dAy!

Thia picture was taken when Joaquin was just a day old. One can see how happy and proud Papa Ednel was and is up to now.

Joaquin's list of Thank yous to his PApa:

1. Thank you Papa for hugging and kissing me every morning as soon as I wake up.

2. Thank you Papa for playing basketball with me every night.

3. Thank you Papa for letting me sit on your lap and hold the steering wheel while you drive.

4. Thank you Papa for giving me chocolates all the time. :)

5. Thank you Papa for giving P20 to Yaya so I can play basketball at Hypermart.

6. Thank you Papa for letting me sit beside you in your chair.

7. Thank you Papa for letting me drink Iced Tea when I finish my pizza! Yey!

8. Thank you Papa for buying groceries so Mama can cook lots of yummy foods!

9. Thank you Papa for playing "tickle time" and "tago" with me.

10. Thank you Papa for tucking me in your arms when I'm sleepy.

You are the bestest Papa in the whole wide world! Mama and I love you very much! Happy Father's day!

jOaQuin's 1sT wEeK aT scHoOL

Since my classes will start on July 21st, Nel will be at sites with work, and my Mom will take over my workload in the office, we decided that it is best to Joaquin to be enrolled in a playschool rather than always be at home alone.

Enrolled our little one at Rafoux Playschool, here in our village :) He is in pre-Nursery level. He cries whenever I leave his side, but Teacher Rachel says it's normal and soon Joaquin will adjust.
Oh and he got his first star!

IcE cReAm

Since we've been very good in following our rule of limiting our eat-outs, Nel decided to reward himself, Joaquin, and Yaya Imee with ice cream! Hahahahaha! Nothing fancy, just your friendly neighborhood Mang Nestle Ice Cream :)

Papa even made Joaquin choose what flavor he wants! LOL

Result: a very happy 'hyper' messy Joaquin. LOL!

scHooL sUppLiEs

Every year, my siblings and I look forward to our annual trip to National bookstore, for new school supplies. I just love the smell of new notebooks, new pens, new bags, new crayons, and the likes. I love it when my Mama would inspect our loot and shake her head in disagreement on our choices of colorful-character-filled pads and pens. LOL! Then comes in the bargaining part, reasoning with Mama why we need these stuffs and why we would absolutely die if she doesn't buy them! LOL! LOL! LOL! Those were the days.

Now I stormed in National Bookstore, filled with tons of guarded parents and excited children. No, I didn't come in with my Mom today to purchase school stuff for me. I came in to purchase school stuff for my Joaquin. My original plan was to make a beeline for the rolled up plastic covers, but then I just had to check on the displays of pens, papers, and notebooks. Again, I looked at the parents and children, then it hit me... I miss this scenario. I miss this experience. Call me crazy, but I felt my eyes getting misty. Darn! Me crying at National Bookstore, geesh! The tables have turned, I am not the excited kid anymore, I'll be the guarded parent! I silently held a chuckle, well at least, I'll know how to bargain with Joaquin in the years to come.

jOaQuin's 1sT wEddiNg pARTiciPaTion

Joaquin's 1st wedding 'gig' was of course documented. He was the ring bearer of Sarah (my dear encoder), and boy was he adorable!

At home, playing just before leaving. Still in good mood.

At first Joaquin was adamant on not wearing the barong, he would throw tantrums all the time, and would try to rip it apart (OA noh!) LOL! He claims it was 'makati' and all, so we had to result to bribery and the likes, hahaha!

Cranky with his barong on

It was a blessing that we arrived way early (i misread the invite!), hence I was able to practice Joaquin on his 'tan-tan-ta-tan' walk.


Then he got tired from all the practice walking, so he fell asleep 15 minutes before his turn!

And to our horror! we discovered that his pants was ripped right in the crotch area! Waaah!


After all the 'hula-baluha', Joaquin's 1st wedding participation was a success! At 2 yrs. old, he was able to do it on his own. And I'm one proud Mama :)

jOaQuin, ThE yOunG TaUrUs

Young Taurus

Children born under the sign of the bull are calm and pleasant, consistent and practical. Being cuddly and affectionate, Taurus children enjoy physical contact. Endowed with a gentle nature, they can nevertheless be extremely stubborn.

Taurus is ruled by Venus - the planet of love and beauty - and Taurus can be seen as the most sensuous of the signs. The little ones are sensitive to colors and sounds and to a harmonious environment; they care about what they eat and wear and appreciate the finer things in life from early childhood on.

Taurus children won't be bullied into anything they don't want to do. If they feel forced they turn stubborn and won't give in to anything and anybody and will always hold their ground.

Most Taurus children are likely to have a naturally beautiful singing voice and a very melodic way of speaking. They should be encouraged to take part in any musical activity offered, be it singing in a choir or learning to play an instrument.

Collections and possessions are rather important to Taurus children and they love toys and things they can collect. They even like to take on little chores for money and save what they earn. They can become little money makers at a very early age.

Taurus children are extremely loving and sensitive. Physical signs of affection are especially important, and they enjoy receiving huge bear hugs from an early age. Taurus' are strong, and they will learn to make the best huggers in the world.

In general, your child is loving, generous, tender, sensitive, and for the most part, well behaved. Just make sure you don't push him too hard or force him into anything he doesn't want to do. He will process things on his own time.


Get your child's profile here

It's aLL in The C!

Got this from Jen's blog

Rules: It’s harder than it looks!

Copy to your own blog, erase my answers, enter yours, and send to as many people as you can.Use the first letter of your name to answer each of the following questions.

They have to be real . . . nothing made up!If the person before you had the same first initial, you must use different answers. You cannot use any word twice and you can’t use your name for the boy/girl name question.

1. What is your name: Con

2. A four letter word: Corn

3. A boy’s name: Constantine

4. A girl’s name: Cassandra

5. An occupation: Cashier

6. A color: Canary Yellow

7. Something you wear: Capri pants

8. A food: Cantaloupe

9. Something found in the bathroom: Cotton buds

10. A place: Canada

11. A reason for being late: Cramps (Menstrual)

12. Something you shout: Crap!

13. A movie title: Curious Case of Benjamin Button

14. Something you drink: Coke Zero

15. A musical group: Cardigans

16. An animal: Cat

17. A street name: Capetown st. (where I used to live!)

18. A type of car: Camry

19. The title of a song: Can we still be friends?

oNe LoveLy bLoG

Got this award from mommy Yvonne . Thanks sis for the award!




Here's the rules for this award:


- Accept the award and place it on your blog together with the name of the person who has given it to you and their web-link to their site.

- Pass the award onto 15 other blogs you have newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for the award.

I have just one:

Mommy Jen: My Coffee Day

ThReE yeArs nA pO kAmi!

Since Nel will not be here on our actual anniversary, we had a pre-celebration at CYMA Eastwood.



We wanted to celebrate just the two of us, but we just didn't have the heart to leave Joaquin behind. And you know what, it was even more fun!

To ThE rEadERs

Hope you can help me out.

Scenario: I suddenly can't view my blog through my laptop. ISP: Sun broadband. It just displays Page Load Error when I'm trying to view it. My friends can view it with their respective PCs and ISPs.

I have done the following: Cleared my browsing histories, caches, cookies, and authenticated sessions. I even uninstalled and reinstalled Mozilla Firefox, but still to no avail.

Please, any suggestions on what actions should I take?

Help!

TagAyTAy

Mama decided to treat her Mom (Mommy Conse) and Papa's Mom (Mamang) to a simple Mother's day getaway in Tagaytay. And did I tell you that it was a spur of the moment idea. We went there without even Ednel knowing it! LOL! But I eventually told him, of course! We invaded Tita's Chie ultimate country home near Tagaytay Vista. It was such a lovely place! Wishing I could have one a as well. Just imagine, an airy bungalow with a loft and mezzanine, with the sounds of birds chirping and all. And when you are cooking and in need of herbs, just go to the garden and there you will find abundance of fresh basil, tarragon, dill, etc! etc! etc! My ideal place!

hApPy mOTheR's dAy!

I woke up and stared at Joaquin for the longest time. He doesn't fail to make my heart flutter. I am so so in love with this Little Wonder. He is the 'essence' of what a Mother's day is.

We celebrated Mother's day at Rockwell where we checked out ExpoMom bazaar. Highlight: we were able to join in a bubble show! Yey!

Then we had lunch at CPK, which by the way, didn't have any Mother's day special promo. Hmph! LOL.

Sorry for the expression! He just tasted the lime! LOL!

Then to cap it off, we visited both our Mom's!

With the Cordovas and With the Versozas

HaPpY biRThdAy hUnniE!

Celebrated hubby's birthday by...

1) First and foremost, hearing mass at Padre Pio's church along Libis.

2) Had a sumptuous lunch at Claw Daddy's

3) Capped it off with dessert, milk for jOaquin, and coffee at Starbucks.

Happy Happy birthday PapA! we Love you!!!

hApPy TwO yEArS oLd JoAqUin!

April 24: Today, my bundle of joy officially turns two! I woke up and stared at him for the longest time and thanking the Lord for the immense happiness this little being continuously gives us.

We heard mass and went out for dinner at Texas Roadhouse, where Joaquin loves the clam chowder and Santa Fe nachos (of course, give the birthday boy what he wants! lol).

April 26: We had a mini-celebration at Lolo Ed and Lola Linda's place with our family and relatives.






I saw this post from mommies, and I'd like to do it as well. This is my personal gift to my baby... My letters to Joaquin.


Dearest Biggie Boy,

Hi anak! Today you officially turned two years old. I can't believe how much you have grown. From the very dependent small infant to a very independent big boy that you are now. I just love the way you sing our lesson-songs, dance the songs from Tita Viel's phone, dribble the ball with both left and right hand with Berto, wear Papa's shoes, compete with Papa's chocolates, eat whatever I cook for you, and say how 'sarap' it is. Your Papa and I can't stop from laughing whenever you say your full name, address, our names as well, where you will study, and a lot more! You are so 'madaldal' just like Mama! Haha! I can't forget your facial expressions the first time you encountered hot (which I am terribly sorry that I didn't blow enough the soup!), sweet, and sour. I can't stop getting awed at how fast you pick up our lessons. Your rendition of Bahay Kubo is the best there is! Haha!

But do you know anak what the bestest thing that I absolutely love? The way you call us Mama and Papa. I will not exchange it for anything in the world, to know that you are ours.

My prayer for you Anak, that you'll grow up to be the best God-loving person there is. My prayer for us, that Lord gives us infinite years to watch you, guide you, and love you more each day.

-Mama-

pUrSe TaLk

Got this tag from Mommy Jeng :)

1. Post a picture of whatever bag you are carrying as of late. No, you can't go into your closet and pull out your favorite purse! We want to know what you carried today or the last time you left the house.

2. List how much it cost. And this is not to judge. This is for entertainment purposes only. So spill it. And if there is a story to go along with how you obtained it, we'd love to hear it.

3. Tag some chicks. And link back to this post so people know why the heck you're showing everyone your bag.

An MFG bag, costs around P700. I like big bags since I can put anything and everything in it, especially if you have a toddler. lol! I wish I could post my other bag, since I can shore lots of stories regarding it, but I have to follow the tag rules.

I won't be tagging anybody, since I believe almost everybody I know did this tag :)

bOrACAY 2009

We had a blast a Boracay. It was just the three of us. My very own family.

Mama and Joaquin at the airport

Joaquin's 2nd plane ride, and his 1st tricycle ride!

We stayed at Le Soleil de Boracay


Mama and Joaquin's sweet moment


Mama had a humongous cup of coffee at Cafe del Sol, while baby had a drink as well. lol.


The two tabatsingtsings of my life :)

I highly recommend taking a vacation with your family (read: less yaya). It is truly a bonding experience. I can't wait for or next stop!

hOLy wEEk

I always get asked on how do I spend my holy week. When I was still single, the Cordovas usually spend it at home. We usually attend processions on Holy Wednesday and Good Friday, since we are in-charge of one 'karo'. Holy Thursday is reserved for the 'Visita Iglesia', wherein we target a minimum of 7 churches. But since, I have my own family and Joaquin is just one active lovable toddler, balancing is an act we need to master. hahahaha!

Holy Week with Joaquin and two clans madly in love with him meant, juggling and rushing from one family to the next. It became a reunion, fiesta, and eating galore of sorts since this is the only holiday (aside from Yuletide season), that the families are present. Some may criticize how come we didn't observe fasting and the likes (which I think is impossible with all the celebrations), I believe Holy Week goes beyond that and is more than that. What is important is that the family is together in faith and in love.

IF a ChiLd

I've seen this poster hanging in my parents' room since the 1980's. I've never really given it much thought, until today.

Sharing with you this lovely reminder on child rearing...

If a child lives in criticism
He learns to condemn

If a child lives in hostility
He learns to fight

If a child lives with ridicule
He learns to be shy

If a child lives with shame
He learns to feel guilty

If a child lives with tolerance
He learns to be patient

If a child lives with encouragement
He learns confidence

If a child lives with praise
He learns to appreciate

If a child lives with fairness
He learns justice

If a child lives with security
He learns to have faith

If a child lives with approval
He learns to like himself

If a child lives with acceptance and friendship
He learns to find love in the world

uNdERwATeR cAm

Check out these water shots by my cousin.

Makes me want to buy one in time for our Boracay trip!

FCA week12: cOokiNg meThodS 4

I can't believe this is the last day of classes! Chef Mike didn't disappoint us though.



On last day's menu: Beef Stroganoff (so this is how the original recipe is, with gherkins!), Potato Gratin, Spaetzle, Baked Tomato, Horseradish and Smoked Salmon Crushed Snapper Fillet, and Beef Wellington (which was so easy to make!).



Aside from missing the great Chef Mike Oberle (he was pirated by a new culinary school), I'll be missing most my new found friends...

(L-R) Tess, Jen, Me, Robert, Griff, Lawrence, Gina

sAnTiaGo FaMiLy oUTinG

It's been 3 years since I last joined the annual Santiago Family Outing. Why? Well in 2006, elders discouraged me from traveling since my wedding was just around the corner at that time, plus I don't want to get dark (sayang ang glutathione! harharhar!). In 2007, I was about to pop with Joaquin (remember I was ordered mandatory bedrest on my 34th week). And In 2008, Joaquin was about to turn 1, so I don't want him to get dark in time for his grand celebration. So for this year, I eagerly awaited for the outing.

We even had a pictorial :)

March 29-31: Santiago Family Outing is always an event to look forward too. To those who know us, Santiagos are a wacky bunch! Non-stop laughter, eating, and games all throughout. And when we are together, all titles, accomplishments, known associates, etc... are erased, meaning... it's purely playtime!

ThE gRadUaTeS II

Now it's the kids' turn to take a bow on the stage.

Ninna: graduated March 25 King: graduated March 28

These are our lucky charms. Can't imagine our lives without them. To Ninna and King: Congratulations! and we love you both dearly!

FCA week11: cOokiNg meThodS 3

Chef Gerd is really one talented chef! And we are going to miss him.



For this final session with him, we cooked Osso Buco Milaenese, Gremolata, Polenta, Roasted rack of Pork with red wine Rosemary Sauce, Coq Au Vin, Bouillon Potatoes with Parmesan Cilantro, Panfried Lapu-Lapu Fillet, etc...

jOaquin at 23mOnThs

One more month to go, then my baby will enter the so called 'terrible-two' stage.



Joaquin's new tricks and tactics:
> Copies our expressions! Like 'Ano ba yan!', 'Bahala ka', 'Haler', etc... (so we really have to be careful of what we say! He really picks up fast!)
> Loves singing 'Bahay Kubo', especially the part '...sitaw bataw patani...'
> Forms fragments or half a sentence like 'Mama ubusin yan' (referring to one last bite of bread on my plate)
> Loves to dance Ayer, Low, and Single Ladies (hahahahaha! and withi distinct moves per song).
> Can differentiate sweet, sour, salty, and spicy with matching facial expressions. hahahaha!
> Loves reading books, especially the one with animals.
> Counts in tagalog (currently, his favorite number to always say is 'tatlo')
> Understands and follows simple commands like 'Joaquin pls throw this in the trash', 'Call papa, tell him we are going to eat na', 'Joaquin pls tell yaya to bring more juice', etc....
> Loves swimming!
> The passion for food is evident! hahahahaha. Eats on his own.
> Knows the concept of 'tampo'. He just fell asleep, so I immediately got up to take the opportunity to bathe. He woke up suddenly, cried when he didn't see me besides him. When I came back, he snubbed me! When i tried to pick him up, he literally said, 'AYAW!' with emotions. hahahaha!
> Can be bribed, especially if you have chocolates on your side!
> His 'joaquin vocabulary' is just amazing!

No matter what they say regarding the 'terrible-two' stage, Joaquin can never be terrible in our eyes. I can't wait for Joaquin to discover more the world around him. Everyday is just magic! I can never thank the Lord above for giving me this experience. That we are capable of this unconditional love. Nel and I are so blessed indeed!

gRadUaTiOnS

Weekend of graduates...

March 21: Little sister Viel graduated from 7th grade at St. Paul Pasig! yey! Family had lunch at Fridays.
March 22: Brother RC took his turn on the stage. Graduated from highschool at LaSalle Greenhills. Family had simple dinner at House of Minis.

Now that I am a parent myself, I understand more the happiness that my parents are feeling whenever a child of them finishes a milestone his/her life. I can't wait for my turn with Joauquin. How will I feel if he graduates from Kindergarten kaya? Hahahahaha! To my siblings: congratulations! love you exagg!

HaPpY biRThdAyS

After culinary school last night, we went straight to Zhou for Brice's 1s birthday celebration. Can't believe this beautiful baby is already one! How time flies indeed! As everybody can testify, Brice is such happy happy baby and I am sure she will be a great ate to her future sibling due in November :)

Brice with cousin Celina

After Brice's birthday, we rushed to Ugong for cousin's Osep 15th birthday celebration. Camera went low on battery, darn! Anyways, not only was it Osep's birthday but we all got a surprise as well... Cousin Empoy finally proposed to Cre (his girlfriend of 3yrs) at Santuario Church! He literally knelt on one knee and proposed infront of St. Joseph (patron of good husband), and infront of Cre's family. How sweet can this get!

FCA week10: AsiAn cooKing 3

Since it was our last Asian cooking session, Chef Manoj was so in the mood that he even had a rice cook-off for us.






We cooked chap shae, mustard beef, steamed lapa lapu, stuffed tomatoes, beef with broccoli, etc...






I'm surely going to miss Chef Manoj's Asian Class. We really learned a lot!

ChRis finaLLy cOmeS oUT

My friend Christmas, whose confidence level is something I wish I had, posed for Cosmo magazine wearing a swimsuit, that made everybody gasped in surprise, had this to say...

L-R: Gene, Tin, Joaquin, Me, and Christmas

I've FINALLY Come Out!
Sunday, March 8, 2009 at 12:21am

It has been more than two weeks. And I've seen the 'outcome'. So now I can (I think) safely say what the thing I've been keeping secret was all about: I am in the March issue of Cosmopolitan Magazine. Modelling NO LESS than a one-piece suit.

I know, i know. Gulatan itow. Haha! I actually was offered a similar 'gig' a year ago. But I just thought I couldn't bare the thought of coming out -- published -- in bathing suit. What a way to 'come out' right?! But this time, I gave it only probably a minute of thought then told Cereb I'm giving it a go. My reason: I'll try everything once.

I think me pushing 30 has a lot to do with the decision. I haven't done something scary in a long time. During the photoshoot done sometime early February, I wanted to just back out right there and then. The girls I was with were all young and skinny! Perhaps it was age, but as I engaged in conversation with them, I realized two things: one was how old I was compared to them (since they were mostly just in their early 20s) and how much this whole thing was of a different purpose for me.

For them it was all about themselves. I wanted to roll my eyes each time they talked about how fat they looked, and how much they already gained 10lbs and how their stomachs looked big. I think I did raise my eyebrows a few times (involuntarily, I'm sure as my eyebrows have a mind of their own) because in general, I just really raise my brows when I hear already-skinny girls complain about them 'getting fat'. For me, this whole posing-in-a-bathing suit was my way of coming out and coming to terms with who I am and celebrating my uniqueness.

I have always been fat. I couldn't even imagine how life would be if I were thin. I know I would probably have an easier way in the love department, or perhaps be a celebrity, or perhaps married to some rich guy from a prominent family and running a clothing line. But as ME, I don't know how different I would be if I were thin. But somehow, I never let my frame stop me from being the person I wanted to be and know I could be. I would dress the way I want (though admittedly I did go through the matronic stage when I was in high school because my mom was dressing me and she wanted me to hide my flaws -- and there was a LOT!) but now that I'm older and know what works, I wear what I want as long as I feel good in it. Sometimes, I wear what I want even if I suffer the consequences of having to stuff my gut in corsets and that body stocking thing -- if it means me feeling better and confident and looking sexy -- at least to my standards.

We all pay a price for beauty. In my case, I'm thankful that tucking my stomach and hiding my arms and legs are all I have to think about. It would be more difficult if I had to hide something more evident -- like my face, LOL!

I got sick and tired of hearing 'maganda ka sana kung payat ka' or 'ang ganda kaya lang ang taba'. I still hear that nowadays but it doesn't bear any weight at all. SO WHAT if I'm fat? I won't be a hypocrite and say I don't want to lose the weight. Of course I do. I would give it all if I can lose my arm flags so I can wear halter, sleeveless tops. Or loose the cellulites on my thighs so I can wear short shorts and show off my legs which I think aren't bad at all; Only they're too big. (LOL!) But I love food too much to make that effort. I would love for Dr. Belo to give me help on those areas for free, but for me to ACTUALLY do something about it... errr....

These days everyone is just trying to be fit and (right) trim. Even my company has sponsored a year membership to Fitness First to which I will avail of when I get a pair of rubber shoes -- me not owning that only shows how much I DON'T engage in physical activities, LOL!

More than loving my body, I love myself. I am proud of what I have accomplished. I am proud of how people of all sizes have somehow found something inspiring in me when I look the way I look despite the weight. I think I have transcended fashion by making a statement and finding the best looking clothes available in 2 or 3XL that won't look like something your grandma would wear (for that I am grateful to lines which have designed great outfits available for sizes 2 to 22). I think there shouldn't be any design made for skinny people and designs made for fat people. Aren't we all fighting for equality now? The election of Obama as President should make us all realize that things ARE different now. If people were able to look past race and color in the name of change and leadership, then we should also be able to look past shape and size.

I'm all for whatever makes people happy. If you are happy being you, then that is great. If you think something should be improved, then go ahead and do it. I am happy being me. I am not saying I think I'm perfect, because obviously, I am not, but THIS IS ME. The celluiltes, double chin and big arms do not define who I am as a person. It is a part of me, yes, but these flaws make me human.

Life has made me wiser than my years, the jeers of being fat since I was a child helped make me the strong person that I am now. I think it will still take a lot of years before societies all over the world accept that people come in all forms without the mockery. People never get content anyway. Either you're too fat or too thin. So which way to go, right? But for now, in my lifetime, I do what is best for me, never being told of what looks beautiful and struggling to BE that which society defines as beautiful.

Like I said in the mag, I am beautiful because I am different. If I were thin, I would just be beautiful (naks!) and nothing more. Being BIG makes me more interesting, makes me stand out (coz I'm hard to miss out -- vision-wise, haha!) and it just separates me from the rest.

Now that the mag is out, I am even prouder of myself. I know some people will make a mockery out of it, but I didn't do this for bug-brained imbeciles. I did the magazine for all those who are intelligent enough to appreciate that women do come in all shapes and sizes and STILL are beautiful! I did this for the women who are insecure about their bodies and beat themselves up in the gym trying to lose their bilbils. You can never be too fat or too skinny or too dark to do WHATEVER you want to do. As long as you are confident and happy with what you decide on.

Celebrate your femininity! Celebrate your body! Nothing will be as liberating knowing you don't need anyone's approval on how to look because YOU like what you see. And YOU don't owe ANYONE an explanation because you KNOW you ARE Beautiful... with a capital B!

Cheers to you Chris! You have inspired a lot of women. I'm so proud of you! Love yah!