As with most Filipinos celebrating Christmas, December 25 is traditionally a family reunion of sorts. Not a big one. Just the usual suspects - my parents, brother and his wife, my aunt and uncle from Cainta (mom's youngest sister) which includes 4 kids (my cousins), their spouses, and 5 grandkids, and my aunt and uncle from Gen. Trias (mom's oldest sister). This time, we were also joined by family friends - Peter, (a German who married a Pinay) who also happens to be a ninong at our wedding, his wife, ate Fe, and two kids who are my godchildren. On top of the relatives, we have 9 helpers (2 are mine, 1 my mom's, 6 are with my cousins and aunts) and a driver. All in all, there were 34 people in our house.
Every year, I and my cousins would agree on what the menu is and will assign everyone a food item to bring or cook. Sometimes, all the cooking are done in my and my brother's kitchens (we live right next to each other). Fortunately, this year, my assignment is salad (greens) for lunch and originally, pasta, for afternoon snacks/early dinner. However, I insisted that I will cook goto and tokwa't baboy instead, to which everyone agreed with enthusiasm.
So, for the salad, I prepared mixed lettuce and arugula, diced ripe mango, cucumber, turnip and pop beans. I prepared two dressings - one is from Sonya's garden (hence, the Tagaytay trip on the 23rd), and the other, Honey Mustard from Gourmet's. It was a hit! The salad bowl was wiped clean!
For the goto, I bought ox tripe the day before and slow-cooked it to make it very tender. Then I cooked the goto using a mix of regular rice and sticky rice. I added turmeric and kasubha (poor man's saffron) for color and flavor. For the tokwa't baboy, I used sliced pork liempo which I boiled the previous day, then roasted in the oven on Christmas Day so it's crisp-tender. I prepared the sauce from scratch and added slices of celery and green finger chili's. Again, the goto and tokwa't baboy are big hits!
It was another happy Christmas celebration. I was also very happy that I got to play with my niece Jana.
Can't wait for New Year's eve!
Showing posts with label December Dailies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label December Dailies. Show all posts
December Dailies 2009 - Day 24
Today is the time for last minute gift wrapping and shopping. Ariel and I drove as early as 6:45am to the SM Bacoor Supermarket to buy food items for the Noche Buena. Then I slaved away in the kitchen the whole day to cook for both the Noche Buena feast and the Christmas Day celebration with my cousins.
By 9:00pm, I started roasting the baby back ribs in the oven. It was tender and ready for the hot coals by 11:30pm, just in time for the midnight feast. I also prepared some buttered corn, baked mashed potatoes, grilled boneless bangus (fish is a must have for my dad), almondigas soup and macaroni salad. My brother and his wife arrived at 12:30am in time to join us for dinner.
At 1am, we exchanged gifts and took some photos. My parents and brother left at around half past one. Ariel and I stayed a bit longer and had some wine and cheese. Then it was our turn to exchange gifts. No surprises there. We got each other things we both want. In fact, Ariel was with me when I bought his Northface Backpack and Onitsuka Shoes, while I gave him the contact details for the local vendor of Copic Markers.
All in all, it was one fine Christmas Eve. When I was growing up, we didn't celebrate Noche Buena. Christmas Day is a bigger occasion as it was the time for a mini-reunion with some of my cousins, aunts and uncles. When Ariel and I got married and we didn't have a house yet, we would join Ariel's parents on Christmas Eve and then join my side of the family on Christmas Day. But when we built our own house, we started our own Noche Buena tradition. Our parents, siblings and their families now join us for Noche Buena.
My feet were aching by the time we got to bed. I was standing up in the kitchen practically all day but it was very rewarding to see the satisfied faces of my family as they partake of the feast I prepared for them. Looking forward to next year's Noche Buena!
By 9:00pm, I started roasting the baby back ribs in the oven. It was tender and ready for the hot coals by 11:30pm, just in time for the midnight feast. I also prepared some buttered corn, baked mashed potatoes, grilled boneless bangus (fish is a must have for my dad), almondigas soup and macaroni salad. My brother and his wife arrived at 12:30am in time to join us for dinner.
At 1am, we exchanged gifts and took some photos. My parents and brother left at around half past one. Ariel and I stayed a bit longer and had some wine and cheese. Then it was our turn to exchange gifts. No surprises there. We got each other things we both want. In fact, Ariel was with me when I bought his Northface Backpack and Onitsuka Shoes, while I gave him the contact details for the local vendor of Copic Markers.
All in all, it was one fine Christmas Eve. When I was growing up, we didn't celebrate Noche Buena. Christmas Day is a bigger occasion as it was the time for a mini-reunion with some of my cousins, aunts and uncles. When Ariel and I got married and we didn't have a house yet, we would join Ariel's parents on Christmas Eve and then join my side of the family on Christmas Day. But when we built our own house, we started our own Noche Buena tradition. Our parents, siblings and their families now join us for Noche Buena.
My feet were aching by the time we got to bed. I was standing up in the kitchen practically all day but it was very rewarding to see the satisfied faces of my family as they partake of the feast I prepared for them. Looking forward to next year's Noche Buena!
December Dailies 2009 - Day 23
2 days to go before Christmas! Although we didn't do much shopping this year, I think we've got everything covered. I stopped stressing about getting everyone (as in every single one!) a gift and just focused on who mattered the most to us. And we got them covered. So today, I was more concerned about getting the right food on the table for Christmas eve and Christmas Day. I forced Ariel to drive us to Tagaytay so I can check out Santi's, Gourmet's and Sonya's and pick up a couple of things for my menu.
First stop was Sonya's where I bought 2 bottles of their salad dressing. It's what keeps me going back to Sonya's. In fact, I managed to convince Ariel to have lunch there. We had a wonderful time! Lunch was perfect as usual. Great-tasting healthy food and beautiful ambiance!
I also picked up a bottle of pop beans, and a pack of salad greens. My lunch assignment for Christmas day is covered (I'm in charge of serving salad).
Then we made a quick stop at Santi's in Silang where I picked up a bottle of Pinot Noir, a bottle of Beaujolais Red Wine and some cheeses. Last stop was Gourmet's. They didn't have a lot on the shelves so I just picked up a bottle of their Honey Mustard Dressing and a bottle of hot laing.
When we got back home, I finished wrapping all the gifts and just relaxed a bit. Can't wait for Christmas!
First stop was Sonya's where I bought 2 bottles of their salad dressing. It's what keeps me going back to Sonya's. In fact, I managed to convince Ariel to have lunch there. We had a wonderful time! Lunch was perfect as usual. Great-tasting healthy food and beautiful ambiance!
I also picked up a bottle of pop beans, and a pack of salad greens. My lunch assignment for Christmas day is covered (I'm in charge of serving salad).
Then we made a quick stop at Santi's in Silang where I picked up a bottle of Pinot Noir, a bottle of Beaujolais Red Wine and some cheeses. Last stop was Gourmet's. They didn't have a lot on the shelves so I just picked up a bottle of their Honey Mustard Dressing and a bottle of hot laing.
When we got back home, I finished wrapping all the gifts and just relaxed a bit. Can't wait for Christmas!
December Dailies - Day 21
Aileen, Nollie, Kristen and I tried a new restaurant for lunch today. It's called Kitchen's Best and they serve yummy Pinoy dishes. I tried the Rellenong Bangus which is among the bestsellers and it was described as having 100% bangus, unlike other rellenos that usually contain extenders like ground meat and bread crumbs. It was yummy!!! We ended the meal with a slice of Mango Sans Rival which is heavenly. Crunchy meringue layered with butter frosting and mango bits. Perfection in every bite.
Aside from the mouthwatering dishes, I also liked the country inspired shabby chic interiors. I love the dainty chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and the white wooden chairs with red cushion. Very cozy.
And the food fest has officially begun. I don't know if I can survive the holidays with the same (already bulging) waistline I have now. Tsk, tsk. I'd better postpone shopping for clothes to January.
Aside from the mouthwatering dishes, I also liked the country inspired shabby chic interiors. I love the dainty chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and the white wooden chairs with red cushion. Very cozy.
And the food fest has officially begun. I don't know if I can survive the holidays with the same (already bulging) waistline I have now. Tsk, tsk. I'd better postpone shopping for clothes to January.
Deceber Dailies - Day 20
Every year, we look forward to watching the Christmas Cantata at our Church, and today is the day! Armed with my DSLR and zoom lens, we climbed up the stairs to the balcony to get a full view of the stage. It was a beautiful presentation with an even more beautiful message. Jesus came to us as a baby in a manger on the first Noel. He will come again in His full glory to gather all the saints in the last Noel.
I thought it was an apt reminder of the true meaning of Christmas as it is so easy to forget what with all the commercialization and trivialization of this holiday.
5 more days!
I thought it was an apt reminder of the true meaning of Christmas as it is so easy to forget what with all the commercialization and trivialization of this holiday.
5 more days!
December Dailies - Day 19
Today is gift shopping and wrapping day! I actually love doing it if not for the stress of rushing everything. Surprisingly, SM City Bacoor was not packed today. We were able to park near the entrance. There were no lines in the supermarket cashiers. Ariel and I each had a big cart which we filled with food and beverage items that will go into our lootbag for our village and condo guards, maintenance, and admin staff. Then we headed off to the department store and boutiques to buy gifts for relatives and family members. It was exhausting!
At home, we immediately packed the loot bags and then I headed upstairs to wrap gifts and make gift tags. I used leftover kraft paper from last year to wrap the gifts. I enjoyed making the gift tags from heavy board paper which I stamped and then colored with markers (can't wait to get Copics for Christmas!).
After a long day of shopping and wrapping gifts, it was time to relax with hubby over two episodes of Flash Forward. Sigh. The Season is over and we will just have to wait for Season 2 next year.
At home, we immediately packed the loot bags and then I headed upstairs to wrap gifts and make gift tags. I used leftover kraft paper from last year to wrap the gifts. I enjoyed making the gift tags from heavy board paper which I stamped and then colored with markers (can't wait to get Copics for Christmas!).
After a long day of shopping and wrapping gifts, it was time to relax with hubby over two episodes of Flash Forward. Sigh. The Season is over and we will just have to wait for Season 2 next year.
December Dailies 2009 - Day 18
This week had been so stressful for me. Everyday left me so exhausted at night, and longing for more sleep in the morning. It was too hectic that on this day, for the first time in 128 monts, I forgot our monthsary. I left the house early to catch an 8am meeting. At 10am, Ariel texted me to greet me a happy 128th monthsary. Crap!
Some people might find it cheesy to celebrate monthsaries. Or maybe they are just turned off with the term. But how else should we call it? Anyway, we don't make a huge production out of it. There are months when one or both of us would have a gift for the other. But most of the time, we just go out on a date - have dinner, watch a movie, get a massage, etc. Tonight we went out to dinner (at Pazzo), shared a plate of pasta and a pizza, and then went home and watched 2 episodes of Glee.
Happy 128th monthsary honey!
Some people might find it cheesy to celebrate monthsaries. Or maybe they are just turned off with the term. But how else should we call it? Anyway, we don't make a huge production out of it. There are months when one or both of us would have a gift for the other. But most of the time, we just go out on a date - have dinner, watch a movie, get a massage, etc. Tonight we went out to dinner (at Pazzo), shared a plate of pasta and a pizza, and then went home and watched 2 episodes of Glee.
Happy 128th monthsary honey!
December Dailies 2009 - Day 17
Exhausting day! But it ended nicely with dinner at People's Palace. I, Joycee and Nollie met with Gabby who's getting married next week. It was great to catch up a bit and share the hottest chismis. And I finally satisfied my craving for Phad Thai since I never got to eat it in Bangkok! Love the food at People's Palace!
I was also pleasantly surprised to find a comment on my previous post. The comment came from Virlanie Foundation! Since it was written in Tagalog, I thought Marvin (one of my Virlanie contacts) wrote it. I emailed him and confirmed my guess. So sweet of him to leave a message. And how on earth did he find my blog? Go figure!
I was also pleasantly surprised to find a comment on my previous post. The comment came from Virlanie Foundation! Since it was written in Tagalog, I thought Marvin (one of my Virlanie contacts) wrote it. I emailed him and confirmed my guess. So sweet of him to leave a message. And how on earth did he find my blog? Go figure!
December Dailies - Day 16
On Day 16, I had the privilege of spending a few hours at the Drop In Center of Virlanie Foundation. I had a great time interacting with the kids, some of whom have been abandoned and/or abused by their parents. Most of them were polite, well-behaved, helpful and very appreciative. They are very articulate and most of them socialize well with adults. I am impressed with how Virlanie is taking care of these kids.
One image that really moved me was when we served early dinner. We provided Jollibee rice, chicken and spaghetti, corn dog, squidballs and kikiam, ice cream, and Coca-Cola beverages (choice of Minute Maid, Real Leaf Iced Tea, Coke, Royal, and Wilkins Distilled Water). At one point I saw a young boy in his early teens (around 14) not touching his food. I went up to him to ask him why he isn't eating, but before I could ask, I saw that he was busy feeding another boy - a special needs child, probably just a few years younger than this boy. I was so touched at the genuine care and selflessness of this child that I choked up and literally walked away before my tears betray my emotions. Later on, I saw a colleague take over feeding the special kid so the other child was able to enjoy his meal.
I was also moved by the dance numbers given by these kids. In the early stages of our preparation, I was frantically looking for volunteers who will perform in front of the kids. I thought it would be great to provide them with some form of entertainment. Fortunately, our media partners volunteered to give a dance number. But then, the kis also prepared not one, not two, but three performances. There could have been more if we had time. At that point in time, it was hard to see who was the giver and who was the receiver. I believe at this very moment, the saying that "the more you give, the more you will receive" was very true indeed.
This day, I did not only see my colleagues in the act of giving to the less fortunate. I also saw some of these "less fortunate" kids give so much of themselves to us, and to their friends in the Drop In Center. It was a day I will not soon forget.
One image that really moved me was when we served early dinner. We provided Jollibee rice, chicken and spaghetti, corn dog, squidballs and kikiam, ice cream, and Coca-Cola beverages (choice of Minute Maid, Real Leaf Iced Tea, Coke, Royal, and Wilkins Distilled Water). At one point I saw a young boy in his early teens (around 14) not touching his food. I went up to him to ask him why he isn't eating, but before I could ask, I saw that he was busy feeding another boy - a special needs child, probably just a few years younger than this boy. I was so touched at the genuine care and selflessness of this child that I choked up and literally walked away before my tears betray my emotions. Later on, I saw a colleague take over feeding the special kid so the other child was able to enjoy his meal.
I was also moved by the dance numbers given by these kids. In the early stages of our preparation, I was frantically looking for volunteers who will perform in front of the kids. I thought it would be great to provide them with some form of entertainment. Fortunately, our media partners volunteered to give a dance number. But then, the kis also prepared not one, not two, but three performances. There could have been more if we had time. At that point in time, it was hard to see who was the giver and who was the receiver. I believe at this very moment, the saying that "the more you give, the more you will receive" was very true indeed.
This day, I did not only see my colleagues in the act of giving to the less fortunate. I also saw some of these "less fortunate" kids give so much of themselves to us, and to their friends in the Drop In Center. It was a day I will not soon forget.
December Dailies 2009 - Day 15
35 years ago today, my mom and dad started living the rest of their lives together. They are as different as night and day but they complemented each other perfectly. I am so blessed to be brought up by an amazing couple - a left-brained mom who taught me logic, rules, structure, accounting, saving money, doing household chores, and a right-brained dad who taught me about God and faith, the joy of reading stories, the art of drawing, painting, photography, and other crafts. Because of them, I am who I am today. I praise God for the privilege of calling them my parents and I pray that they may have more happy years of serving God together.
December Dailies 2009 - Day 14
Ariel is out of town today til Wednesday. :( I did a bit of book shopping for my cousins, nephews and nieces. Since I was all alone, I had to carry the heavy books from Greenbelt 4 (Powerbooks) to Greenbelt 1 where I parked. Anyway, since I bought a lot of books, I got my Powerbooks Planner after just a few visits to the store. This one's a keeper. I love the content - although the exterior can still be improved. The faux leather cover looks exactly like that - faux leather. I wish it looked a bit more authentic.
Today, I got the shock of my life. It's Christmas next week!!! Gasp! Where did time go? I'm still all stressed out with all the requirements I have to fill before the Christmas break. Not to mention that I am not even halfway done with Christmas shopping. Why does this happen year after year after year? Sigh.
So, do you know what you'll ask Santa for Christmas? I haven't made up my mind. I want the Singer Sewing Machine but the model I prefer is out of stock. So I'm thinking maybe a couple of lighting equipment for photography. But I also like Jessica Sprague's new class on Adobe Illustrator. So difficult to choose! Help!
Sweet dreams everyone!
Today, I got the shock of my life. It's Christmas next week!!! Gasp! Where did time go? I'm still all stressed out with all the requirements I have to fill before the Christmas break. Not to mention that I am not even halfway done with Christmas shopping. Why does this happen year after year after year? Sigh.
So, do you know what you'll ask Santa for Christmas? I haven't made up my mind. I want the Singer Sewing Machine but the model I prefer is out of stock. So I'm thinking maybe a couple of lighting equipment for photography. But I also like Jessica Sprague's new class on Adobe Illustrator. So difficult to choose! Help!
Sweet dreams everyone!
December Dailies 2009 - Day 13
I got my Starbucks Planner today! It's my second, the first was the first planner they ever released. Anyway, this isn't really for me since I already have my Belle De Jour Planner. It's for hubby!
Ariel and I met with another couple today to discuss business prospects. Very promising.
And just before this post, Ariel and I got a massage. We used the massage oils I got from Harnn. I also used some aromatic oils for the burner which I got from Harnn during our Phuket trip in 2007. Yummy!
That's all for today! Tomorrow is the start of a very busy week for me (like the past few weeks weren't!). And hubby will be out for three days! Sigh. I just got back and now it's his turn to go.
Ariel and I met with another couple today to discuss business prospects. Very promising.
And just before this post, Ariel and I got a massage. We used the massage oils I got from Harnn. I also used some aromatic oils for the burner which I got from Harnn during our Phuket trip in 2007. Yummy!
That's all for today! Tomorrow is the start of a very busy week for me (like the past few weeks weren't!). And hubby will be out for three days! Sigh. I just got back and now it's his turn to go.
December Dailies 2009 - Day 12
No more shopping! No more Thai food (the hotel's version isn't good anyway). Just a heavy breakfast of chicken congee with all the goodies on top - century egg, pork floss, salted duck egg, spring onions, Chinese sausage, and something that looks like a cross between tapa and pork tocino. To complete the package, I had a cup of coffee and two glasses of Grapefruit juice - my staple breakfast beverages during my entire Bangkok stay.
After breakfast, I embarked on the challenge of squeezing in all my stuff into my gigantic luggage - all the things I brought with me, and all the newly acquired items. Of course my life would have been easier if I just pulled that extra zipper that would expand my luggage, but NO, that would signal defeat. So I took on the challenge of putting some extra load into my already bulging bag and SUCCESS! It's a lot heavier than when I arrived in Bangkok, but still the same size.
At 10am local time, we pulled out of the Shangrila driveway in a sleek BMW to get to the airport. It was a cool Sunday morning and the traffic was very light. The drive to the airport was comfy and took only about 30 minutes. At three hours before take off, the line to the check in counters was already very long. Thank God for the business class counter it only took us a minute to check in. The worst line was at the immigration. It was packed!!! It was a bit of a wait but after that, we were free to roam and do a bit of pasalubong shopping.
Our plane landed at the NAIA terminal 30 minutes ahead of schedule. We were first off the plane and past the immigration counter, but the luggage took a while to get out. Sigh. By the time I got into the company rented car, I was really spent. I couldn't wait to get home and savor the Sinampalukang manok that I asked our helper to cook for me.
By 7:45pm, I was enjoying a quiet dinner at home sans Ariel who was out for our annual barkada party which I skipped. Anyway, he was back before midnight and found my surprise under his pillows - a bottle of Chanel Allure Homme Sport perfume which he loves.
Then it was time to sleep.
After breakfast, I embarked on the challenge of squeezing in all my stuff into my gigantic luggage - all the things I brought with me, and all the newly acquired items. Of course my life would have been easier if I just pulled that extra zipper that would expand my luggage, but NO, that would signal defeat. So I took on the challenge of putting some extra load into my already bulging bag and SUCCESS! It's a lot heavier than when I arrived in Bangkok, but still the same size.
At 10am local time, we pulled out of the Shangrila driveway in a sleek BMW to get to the airport. It was a cool Sunday morning and the traffic was very light. The drive to the airport was comfy and took only about 30 minutes. At three hours before take off, the line to the check in counters was already very long. Thank God for the business class counter it only took us a minute to check in. The worst line was at the immigration. It was packed!!! It was a bit of a wait but after that, we were free to roam and do a bit of pasalubong shopping.
Our plane landed at the NAIA terminal 30 minutes ahead of schedule. We were first off the plane and past the immigration counter, but the luggage took a while to get out. Sigh. By the time I got into the company rented car, I was really spent. I couldn't wait to get home and savor the Sinampalukang manok that I asked our helper to cook for me.
By 7:45pm, I was enjoying a quiet dinner at home sans Ariel who was out for our annual barkada party which I skipped. Anyway, he was back before midnight and found my surprise under his pillows - a bottle of Chanel Allure Homme Sport perfume which he loves.
Then it was time to sleep.
December Dailies - Day 11
Earlier today, I had a sudden feeling of homesickness, it almost made me cry. I think I just got to a point where I am too physically and mentally exhausted that I have become emotional. Not to mention that I got my period yesterday - thankfully, both light and painless. I texted Ariel right away and told hime I really, really miss him. That's when my eyes started to tear up a bit. Good thing no one noticed.
Anyway, the workshop is over. It had been a fun three days. I would say this is the most fun workshop I've had since I joined Coke. The set up is very light and informal, and the facilitators kept emphasizing playfulness as a key element in creativity. Think feather boas and funky shades all over the training room. No tables, no powerpoint shows, lots of colorful pens, and a lot of pointless energizers. Nonetheless, it's a lot of hard work, and it left us really exhausted physicall and mentally.
We finished a bit early today, so by 4pm, I, my boss Agnes, and a colleague from China (a guy!) headed off to the mall for a quick shopping spree. I really didn't get to buy much - just a little trat for myself and a surprise pasalubong for hubby.
We were back by 6:30pm (1.5 hours are spent on the road roundtrip) which left us about an hour to freshen up a bit before our Italian dinner - the best meal I've had in this hotel.
Signing off to continue packing. Will take a warm soak in a bit.
Can't wait to get home!!!
Anyway, the workshop is over. It had been a fun three days. I would say this is the most fun workshop I've had since I joined Coke. The set up is very light and informal, and the facilitators kept emphasizing playfulness as a key element in creativity. Think feather boas and funky shades all over the training room. No tables, no powerpoint shows, lots of colorful pens, and a lot of pointless energizers. Nonetheless, it's a lot of hard work, and it left us really exhausted physicall and mentally.
We finished a bit early today, so by 4pm, I, my boss Agnes, and a colleague from China (a guy!) headed off to the mall for a quick shopping spree. I really didn't get to buy much - just a little trat for myself and a surprise pasalubong for hubby.
We were back by 6:30pm (1.5 hours are spent on the road roundtrip) which left us about an hour to freshen up a bit before our Italian dinner - the best meal I've had in this hotel.
Signing off to continue packing. Will take a warm soak in a bit.
Can't wait to get home!!!
December Dailies - Day 10
Today is much more exhausting than the previous days. I guess the lack of sleep in the past days is catching up on me. Fortunately, our day ended a bit earlier today. We had a cruise along the Chao Phraya river and enjoyed buffet dinner and some drinks. The food isn't so great but the ambience and the company definitely made up for it. And the view along the river was amazing.
Anyway, short post today. Will take a warm soak and then go to bed. Yawn.
Anyway, short post today. Will take a warm soak and then go to bed. Yawn.
December Dailies - Day 9
Yesterday, I bought some bath products from Harnn and last night, I took a quick warm soak where I tried the bath salts I purchased. I was tired and a warm bath was all I need to sooth my aching muscles before I go to bed. It was amazing. Love the Asian smell!
Anyway, I had about 5 hours of sleep and I had a very hectic day. I just got back to the hotel 10 minutes ago from fieldwork! So tired! But it has been a fun day too! We - with my 3 groupmates - had an amazing dinner in a Thai restaurant (can't pronounce or spell the name!) and we ate with the owner's son and a guy who was a fashion stylist for local movies. We also got to interview a radio DJ of a local radio show on location in their radio booth, the Marketing Manager of MTV Thailand, and another DJ in a top rating radio station. And just when our energy levels are about to drop to zero, we rode in the tuktuk to get back to the hotel and we were treated to an exhilirating ride! The four of us (one local, one from China and one from Australia) squeezed into one tuktuk and our driver drove like a maniac in the highway (we were probably doing at least 60kph - we were passing by a lot of cars!) and we hung on for dear life. We were all laughing the whole time but in truth, I was terrified! Nothing like a brush with death to awaken every cell in my body.
Lots of food shots for my DD album. :D
Fun day! But exhausting! Off to another soak tonight.
Anyway, I had about 5 hours of sleep and I had a very hectic day. I just got back to the hotel 10 minutes ago from fieldwork! So tired! But it has been a fun day too! We - with my 3 groupmates - had an amazing dinner in a Thai restaurant (can't pronounce or spell the name!) and we ate with the owner's son and a guy who was a fashion stylist for local movies. We also got to interview a radio DJ of a local radio show on location in their radio booth, the Marketing Manager of MTV Thailand, and another DJ in a top rating radio station. And just when our energy levels are about to drop to zero, we rode in the tuktuk to get back to the hotel and we were treated to an exhilirating ride! The four of us (one local, one from China and one from Australia) squeezed into one tuktuk and our driver drove like a maniac in the highway (we were probably doing at least 60kph - we were passing by a lot of cars!) and we hung on for dear life. We were all laughing the whole time but in truth, I was terrified! Nothing like a brush with death to awaken every cell in my body.
Lots of food shots for my DD album. :D
Fun day! But exhausting! Off to another soak tonight.
December Dailies - Days 7 & 8
As predicted, I had a very long day on Monday. At 5pm, we had a company activity at the Mandarin Hotel which ended past 8pm. Then I headed back to the office to finish off some work that needed to be done before I leave for Thailand. By the time I got home, it was almost 11pm. We've arranged for our suking masahistas to come at 11 for a bit of Swedish massage. I almost cancelled it because I wasn't sure if I can make it home by 11, and besides, I had to finish packing. Good thing I decided to push through with it because my body was aching all over and I badly needed that massage. An hour of blissful kneading later, I was up and putting the last few items into my luggage - good thing I actually started packing Sunday night.
I was up at 5:45 this morning to prepare for my flight. The car rental (a Toyota Fortuner) came to pick me up at 6:45 and I was at the airport by 7:30am with 3 hours to kill. Business Class check in was a breeze and in a few minutes time, I was enjoying a warm bowl of congee at the Mabuhay lounge. I ate too much - 2 helpings of congee, a pandesal, a slice of white bread, a cup of coffee and 3 glasses of orange juice. That's what 3 hours of doing nothing does to me. I cannot just sit there and stare at nothing. I had to do something, and that something is food! By the time I boarded the plane, I knew I would spend most of the flight going to and from the rest room. I just had too much liquid in my body too early in the morning. True enough, I must have made at least 6 bathroom breaks throughout the 3.5 hour flight. In fact, as soon as I entered the plane, I had ot use the lavatory. Same thing happened just before deplaning.
It has been a while since my last visit to Thailand, and it's my first time in the new airport. From the outside, it looked fantastic. Inside though, it looked very industrial, maybe even like a warehouse. I thought the lighting can be improved to make it brighter. It was very crowded, too! We had to wait behind a long line at immigration.
I was picked up by the Shangrila car - a very nice BMW. A guy would probably know the make and model, but not me. It was very comfy! That's all I can say about it.
A lady welcomed me and a colleague into the hotel. I was surprised when I was led straight to my room. I didn't have to check in at the front desk. A small bag with 4 cans of Coke and a welcome letter from the training organizing team were waiting on the desk. I love the room, it has a beautiful view of the pool below and the Chao Phraya river. It is even better at night (I'm facing the window now!).
Anyway, within 30 minutes of checking in, I was already out with a colleague to go to the shopping mall. We grabbed a quick ...err...lunch(?) at around 4pm, and then went to a shop called Harnn to buy a few items for a colleague. I first encountered this brand in Phuket a few years back. I purchased a few aromatic oils back then in a small stall at the Phuket airport. I had no idea it is a big brand in Thailand, and the store we went to today is huge, and has a spa in it. Anyway, I ended up buying lots of bath products (I love bath products!) - like bath salts, body scrubs, massage oils, etc. Love, love it. Well, our shopping spree started and ended there, because our bags are too heavy to lug around. We decided ot head back to the hotel and just rest a bit before we go out for dinner with the rest of the training participants.
At 7:30pm, we boarded a van that took us to the home of the MS & I director for Southeast and West Asia, where a feast of Thailand and Indian vegetarian dishes was prepared for us. It was a great dinner - but I was exhausted and sleepy from lack of sleep the previous night.
Funny that the page in my December Dailies album dated today is a simple envelop with some stickers and die cuts on it. I figured since I'd be travelling, I won't be able to say much, or even take photos, and that i'll just insert my borading pass and other ephemera from today. But I had lots of nice photos today including a shot of the magnificent view from my window. I guess i'll just have to find a way to put them in. Can't wait!
Long day tomorrow!
I was up at 5:45 this morning to prepare for my flight. The car rental (a Toyota Fortuner) came to pick me up at 6:45 and I was at the airport by 7:30am with 3 hours to kill. Business Class check in was a breeze and in a few minutes time, I was enjoying a warm bowl of congee at the Mabuhay lounge. I ate too much - 2 helpings of congee, a pandesal, a slice of white bread, a cup of coffee and 3 glasses of orange juice. That's what 3 hours of doing nothing does to me. I cannot just sit there and stare at nothing. I had to do something, and that something is food! By the time I boarded the plane, I knew I would spend most of the flight going to and from the rest room. I just had too much liquid in my body too early in the morning. True enough, I must have made at least 6 bathroom breaks throughout the 3.5 hour flight. In fact, as soon as I entered the plane, I had ot use the lavatory. Same thing happened just before deplaning.
It has been a while since my last visit to Thailand, and it's my first time in the new airport. From the outside, it looked fantastic. Inside though, it looked very industrial, maybe even like a warehouse. I thought the lighting can be improved to make it brighter. It was very crowded, too! We had to wait behind a long line at immigration.
I was picked up by the Shangrila car - a very nice BMW. A guy would probably know the make and model, but not me. It was very comfy! That's all I can say about it.
A lady welcomed me and a colleague into the hotel. I was surprised when I was led straight to my room. I didn't have to check in at the front desk. A small bag with 4 cans of Coke and a welcome letter from the training organizing team were waiting on the desk. I love the room, it has a beautiful view of the pool below and the Chao Phraya river. It is even better at night (I'm facing the window now!).
Anyway, within 30 minutes of checking in, I was already out with a colleague to go to the shopping mall. We grabbed a quick ...err...lunch(?) at around 4pm, and then went to a shop called Harnn to buy a few items for a colleague. I first encountered this brand in Phuket a few years back. I purchased a few aromatic oils back then in a small stall at the Phuket airport. I had no idea it is a big brand in Thailand, and the store we went to today is huge, and has a spa in it. Anyway, I ended up buying lots of bath products (I love bath products!) - like bath salts, body scrubs, massage oils, etc. Love, love it. Well, our shopping spree started and ended there, because our bags are too heavy to lug around. We decided ot head back to the hotel and just rest a bit before we go out for dinner with the rest of the training participants.
At 7:30pm, we boarded a van that took us to the home of the MS & I director for Southeast and West Asia, where a feast of Thailand and Indian vegetarian dishes was prepared for us. It was a great dinner - but I was exhausted and sleepy from lack of sleep the previous night.
Funny that the page in my December Dailies album dated today is a simple envelop with some stickers and die cuts on it. I figured since I'd be travelling, I won't be able to say much, or even take photos, and that i'll just insert my borading pass and other ephemera from today. But I had lots of nice photos today including a shot of the magnificent view from my window. I guess i'll just have to find a way to put them in. Can't wait!
Long day tomorrow!
December Dailies 2009 - Day 6
Growing up, we didn't have a lot of Christmas decors around the house. My parents are pracical people and they taught us to value the real meaning of Christmas than to dwell on the material and commercial aspects of the season (No Santa's for us!). We also didn't celebrate Noche Buena. On Christmas morning, we would go to our lola's house to celebrate with the clan. We exchange gifts, feast on a glorious lunch (valenciana, lumpiang shanghai and halayang ube were the staples), but the highlight of the fay is really enjoying time with our family. We play games, share stories, and just hang out with each other. Now that I am all grown up, my hubby Ariel and I started our own traditions. We kept the old family customs but we spiced it up a bit by creating a festive atmosphere through colorful Christmas ornaments, twinkling lights and a Noche Buena feast. Since Noche Buena is still a few weeks away, we are content to enjoy the season relaxing at home surrounded by physical symbols of Christmas. While these are material things, they remind me of God's unwavering love and His desire for us to live a full life. So every time I look at them, I say a prayer of thanks for all the blessings, material or otherwise, that He so generously showered upon us.
December Dailies 2009 - Day 5
This time of the year, our Christmas tree is already up. We usually put up the tree the first weekend after All Saints Day. Every year, we buy a few pieces of tree ornaments to add to our old collection. This year, we haven't had the chance to shop for new ornaments. Also, I decided not to use some of the very old (and dated!) ornaments so our tree is still a bit bare. The photo above is one of my favorites from last year. Hopefully, we'll be able to get good ones this year.
December Dailies 2009 - Day 4
Another one of those hectic days - seems to be the norm this past few weeks. I'm leaving for Thailand Tuesday next week so I'm tryign to do as much as I can at work to prepare for my absence. I kinda dread the trip since I know I will have to attend to work in between sessions (I'm attending a training session) which means I might have to work in the evening. Sigh. But as my friends say...keep the eye on the prize. Just a few more days of this craziness and it will be Christmas break soon.
So, off to the good stuff. After the stressful day, I went to The Spa for a massage. I have a gift check that expired Dec. 5! It's a good thing I decided to check the date just the night before! And even better that the Greenbelt branch can accommodate me. I also decided to get a mani and pedi at The Spa so I don't have to transfer to Piandre after the massage. Anyway, bad decision since The Spa's mani and pedi services really SUCK big time! On the other hand, the massage was heavenly! And since it's the main reason for my pit stop, I guess I'm pretty satisfied. But I'm never going back for nail treatments ever! Piandre is still the number one salon for all my beauty needs. LOL!
Hopefully, I'll manage a more Christmasy entry by tomorrow. :D
So, off to the good stuff. After the stressful day, I went to The Spa for a massage. I have a gift check that expired Dec. 5! It's a good thing I decided to check the date just the night before! And even better that the Greenbelt branch can accommodate me. I also decided to get a mani and pedi at The Spa so I don't have to transfer to Piandre after the massage. Anyway, bad decision since The Spa's mani and pedi services really SUCK big time! On the other hand, the massage was heavenly! And since it's the main reason for my pit stop, I guess I'm pretty satisfied. But I'm never going back for nail treatments ever! Piandre is still the number one salon for all my beauty needs. LOL!
Hopefully, I'll manage a more Christmasy entry by tomorrow. :D
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