Gift of God Christmas Party 2016

The Gift of God Catholic Community is close to my heart because it is the organization which kept our family intact despite the obstacles that challenged our strength and unity.

Last year, I also had the chance to attend their Christmas Party which was held in one of their members’ residence. (Read entry here: http://missvalenzuela.blogspot.com/2015/12/the-gift-for-families.html)

This year, the group decided to have their party at St. Jude Court, Malinta, Valenzuela City. It was a good venue choice because it’s very neat and spacious; it’s safe for the kids because it’s fenced and gated; chairs and tables were readily available for borrowing at the barangay hall nearby; it’s accessible to public transportation; etc.

At first I didn’t know that my parents would ask me to join them because I’m not a group member. But when they started preparing their grandchildren for the party, common sense told me that they would need an extra hand to look after the kids. So, this year, I joined the party again – to babysit, which I didn’t mind of course. 

It was a simple yet well-organized party, and I must say that this one was handled better compared to last year. Gifts were pouring, there was ample food, and games were all enjoyable! On the side, I took the opportunity to take pictures of my family to document that precious bonding moment.

The Christmas Party that the Gift of God Catholic Community was a good reminder to me that if there’s one thing in my life that I can be truly proud of, it is having my parents who remained together for more than three decades now – as they  were lucky to achieve their “forever.”

Snacks & Ladders Bonding

Every Christmas, I find time to meet my college friends who are my children’s god parents. This year, we opted to dine at Snacks and Ladders in Maginhawa, Quezon City, perhaps with Ken having in mind that my kids will be joining. (Another bonding story with my college friends: http://missvalenzuela.blogspot.com/2015/12/christmas-time-is-reunion-time.html) 

The restaurant was truthful to its tagline, “the happiest place in Maginhawa,” because the moment we came in, my son Vladimir had been ecstatic to play its humongous chess board right beside the parking lot. My daughter, Hillary, followed her big brother and enjoyed playing with the pawns too.

Chess Players

I noticed that the people who hang out at the place are mostly teenagers – rich, thinking, decent kids —like the kind of kids that study in ValMaSci (This is compliment, hahaha!).

Play Area

The walls of the resto have shelves that display their available board games and toys that are either for rent or for sale. My good friend, Julie, accompanied my son to get a Jenga, which is my son’s dream toy. Ken, Vladimir’s godfather, also patiently played with him.

Ken & Vladimir playing bouncing balls

Hami playing with some colorful Tetris blocks

We had a lovely night spent. Vladimir received a toy, a wristwatch, and activity books from his godparents, Elmi and Ken; while Hami received a kitchenware set from her godmom Golda (it’s a totally perfect gift for Hami because she loves to play with spoons). I already told Julie that she will be the next godparent of my seven-month unborn baby in my tummy, which she gaily responded with “ssuuurrreee!”

                At first, I was hesitant to go to Maginhawa. Good thing I changed my mind because that not-so-explored area turned out to contribute a fine experience for my children. This 2016, we had happy holidays indeed!

Matchy-matchy Fashion in a Budget

When I was still in college, I used to enjoy budget shopping every Christmas and yet I was able to buy gifts for all the people who are close to my heart – my immediate family. With just 500 pesos, I already have something to wrap for all of them.

I also reckon one time when I was able to buy one set of Christmas outfit with the same amount of budget at the then existing Ever Gotesco in Caloocan City. My bargain wardrobe consisted of one off shoulder blouse for 100 pesos, one maong pants for round about 250 to 280 pesos, and brown, kinda heavy, wooden sandals at 100 pesos also. I was then accompanied by my cousin, Kuya Chrisvert. (That time, I was earning a little extra for selling Avon products to my classmates.)

Now that I’m a mom of two, I am happy to experience being my old self when shopping – a budget shopper who pays in cash and not through credit cards. I used my Christmas bonus to buy matchy-matchy outfits for myself and my kids: white top, blue maong shorts, and white sneakers. (I was doing mental Math while I was putting the clothes in the cart, haha!)

After the Christmas Mass

Thank God, my kids are good looking. They can pull off the plain clothes they wear. (Sorry to brag. I'm the mom. You understand, right? Hehe.)

For some reason, I am always mesmerized to see people wearing the same outfit whether they’re partners or parent-and-child. My latest inspiration were the photos of foreign parents with their “mini-me” children in their fabulous and similar get-ups which I just saw on Facebook a few months back.

Perhaps, I have adopted this particular inclination for uniform outfits from my mama.

My Mom & Her Grandkids

I remember when my sisters and I were little, she would often shop clothes of the same design for the three of us.

There was also one time when I joined an elocution contest in kinder, my mother hired a dress maker to create doll dresses for me and my sister Lavinia. Both of us were in red. Mine was bloody red, hers was polka dotted red.

While relaxing at my sister's place a few days ago, we were also happily reminiscing our childhood in Bicol. We were having a good laugh at how mama used to buy Kerokeroppi shirts and shorts for my siblings and my cousins for Christmas. On our way to the church, all of us cousins (eight kids) were like on a parade because we were wearing alike outfits. It was real fun! And I think we were getting public attention. Perhaps the people were thinking that mama and papa didn’t practice family planning because my cousins could really be misconstrued as our siblings too. Haha!

Until now, mama and papa still often wear their classic white tees and maong pants when attending church masses together. They ain’t flashy when it comes to style but as their child, I find them cute and sweet as I look at them from a distance. Isn't it nice to see couples who wear similar shirts outdoors?

During Vladimir’s 5^th party, I have also demonstrated my love for matching outfits. On his minion-themed, his dad and I wore yellow shirts and maong pants.

Vladimir's 5th Birthday (2014)

I wish for more matchy-matchy days with my children for it always brings a lovely feeling to the old soul in me.

Christmas Pictures of My “Love Team”

P.I.O.

The team that I love which caused me ups and downs. The team that honed my skills for five years. And the team that continues to teach me how life is.

When I resigned from Citigroup a couple of years back, I was torn between two job applications: I applied at the Registry of Deeds (national government agency) and the Public Information Office (local government unit). Although the former guaranteed higher compensation, my heart fell for PIO because I knew it was the place where I could finally use what I learned in college as a Speech Communication major. I was right. And I liked best the writing part.

I enjoyed my work so much that I felt that I gradually became workaholic. I used to feel that I had more sense of fulfilment at work rather than when I’m at our house. Then I had a domestic problem. And I had office concerns too. Despite my constant issues, part of my heart still belonged to PIO. I still opted to stay even if there were times I feel like I’m better off resigned.

What I feel for PIO is like being totally in-love with a partner who is too difficult to understand, yet too difficult to let go because it’s my comfort zone and it’s the only thing that satisfies most of my life’s passions.

On December 23, I attended our simple Christmas party at the Town Hall of Valenzuela Town Center. I only took few pictures for I know that most of my officemates will also use their camera phones to capture the moment. With the few shots I had, I’d like to share the story of my team in seven pictures:

1.       We’re naughty and nice.

It’s a plain background – a tarpaulin and few gift prizes for the games.

If you will look at the text on the tarpaulin, it says “Plantation Bay, Cebu City.” Pun was intended there because number one, until the last minute, we didn’t know our party venue considering that we were the local government’s events unit (Haha! The irony); number two, some of my officemates wanted to make our absent-officemates believe that the team got a free travel package from our big boss as an incentive because we’re “great”; and number three, we wanted to elicit the reaction of people from other “extravagant” departments when they find out that we’d still have to take plane ride just to get to our party venue. Despite these so many corny motives, at the end of the day, we just wanted to ward ourselves off the bad vibes that recently lurk around our office domain.

2.       We’re each other’s piece of cake.

This cake was baked by Kuya Jocar. It looks nice, isn’t it? It tasted good too. This cake is like the members of my team. We’re artists and office personnel who are beautifully created by God to serve one purpose – to deliver public service. We may not be perfect, but we’re stronger when we’re united.

3.       We see light amidst darkness.

Like this chandelier shot, our office shines beautifully in the eyes of many departments. We are their artists and documentarists. We often get involved in nasty controversies yet we remain functional and productive.

4.     Most of us got balls.

       Literally and figuratively.

5.       We accept challenges with smiles on our faces.

Sometimes I wonder why certain bad things had to happen in our office. Before, we were all happy and united. Times changed, some horns bloated and some monsters were born. Despite these, a lot of us still choose to shrug off the bad vibes every day. All of us put our happy faces on. It’s a very useful mask. *Grin.

6.       We laugh at green jokes (some don’t).

Our artists are funny men who often crack green jokes. Although a lot of us can grasp these, there are some who don’t appreciate it.

7.       We’ll go where our circumstances will lead us to.

Our office experience is just a slice of our mundane lives. No matter how much we wanted to stick around, we couldn’t avoid being shaken. So while we’re here, I suppose we’re just enjoying our journey.

Team PIO, hang on…

For The Sugod-City Hall Folks

     I appreciate Facebook posts that remind the netizens that the birth of Jesus Christ is the reason why we celebrate Christmas. While it’s perfectly okay to plague the social media with pictures of parties attended, gifts received, foodies prepared, movie festival entries, and the likes, I think each Filipino Christian should focus more on the family unity part as symbolized by the Holy Family, rather than the fun worldly activities associated to Christmas.

       Yes, I have heard it several times that it is the capitalists’ fault why we view the Christmas season in a different light. While it is not entirely a bad thing to spend a lot during the holidays because workers receive 13^th month and nth pays plus bonuses and gifts anyway, I’m just a little sad that not all adults seem to understand WHY we have Christmas.

       My motivation for writing this blog entry is my consistent Christmas experience at the city hall for four years. I have noticed that every year, strangers would just barge inside our office to ask for gifts or money from the employees, and that they would roam around like supervisors going from one table to the next. While it should be nice to give and share blessings, if almost every day of the Christmas week you will be approached by people you don’t know, it somehow feels disturbing for some reasons:

1.       Not all government employees receive high salaries and a lot of them are even broke. Whenever I see people approach an officemate who I know is struggling financially, I itch to tell the stranger “spare him/her.” But of course it’s impolite to utter that so I just keep quiet.  

2.       Government employees are not politicians. They do public service but they are not privileged to have access to funds just like the elected officials. Not because the politicians’ offices have readily available gifts to share to the voters, other offices are prepared too. The extra pay we receive is sometimes used to pay off debts or is already earmarked for family expenses.

3.       It’s unpleasant to feel that you’re being outsmarted. Perhaps since it is not my nature to ask money from people I don’t know, I find their gesture too bold and uncivilized. Imagine a stranger approaching you with palms wide open to ask for gifts or money, wouldn’t you feel awkward? I’m quite certain that some of you would have this little voice inside your heads saying, “Why ask money from people around when you seem to be fit to work?”  

4.       It’s painful if you’re unable to give. Who doesn’t want to share your blessings most especially if you have more than enough? But if you’re the type of person who always worries about fund shortage for the bills that constantly come in, who wouldn’t be annoyed of the financial liability right in front of your face?

       This sentiment may elicit negative feedbacks because there are really kind-hearted people who are able to share even if they’re financially unstable. Kudos to them! In one way or another, perhaps they are surviving just fine. But for those who really have to keep their cash flow under careful watch, they must agree with my sentiment, hoping that the sugod-city hall folks every Christmas would not office-hop, because they’re breaking our hearts (and our pockets) big time.

Have a Break, Enjoy the Sembreak

Going back to school made me realize that I have deteriorated in speed in terms of producing a paperwork output. When I was still in college, I would finish a paper in 30 minutes and would still get graded with flying colors. Now, considering that I am a professional writer in our humble locality, I couldn’t seem to match the pace of my other classmates in masters. I came to realize this when my professor asked us to conduct a qualitative research. I noticed that despite that my classmates were loaded with more M.A. subjects than I do, and they’re employed too, they were still able to submit their works on time and they could present really nice reports. I’m left wondering why they can do everything required and I cannot. I guess I need to revamp my time management strategies, if I actually have that at all. Haha!

I entered graduate school with the confidence that I can get through it with ease. I was wrong. I realized that what I got into is not a simple battlefield. This endeavour requires full attention, focus, and a lot of budget. Since I’m pregnant right now and I don’t want to sacrifice my unborn baby’s safety, I would always ride on a taxi for transport just to get to school, which here in the Philippines is too costly.

I’m still sleepy as I’m writing this blog because for the past two weeks, I have been spending sleepless nights completing my research at my makeshift study room. I have asked my mom to sleep beside my daughter during night time because I needed to do my paper. Even if it breaks my heart to not sleep beside my child, I suppressed my wanting to be with her because my professor would only grade the finished product, not the ordeals that a mother-student would have to go through just to come up with something.

So finally, I can breathe, thank God. Today officially marks my sembreak in graduate school.

At this point, even if I feel messed up, part of me is hoping to improve myself better. I feel like I’m reverting back to my childhood days when I used to daydream of the things that I wanted to do. I’m torn between pondering if I am really at the advantaged end since I am now making money for myself; or I am far behind because until now, I am still dissatisfied with what I have.  

Shrug off the bad vibes. Ugh. I’m really sleepy.

After several tiresome projects and concerns, I think my body is just telling me to rest for now. There are more things to do… ZZZzzzzz… 

‘Tis the Season to be SEPHORA Glammin’

     If there’s one thing that I like best about being single again, I’d consider learning how to use make-up as the most beneficial to me. During mornings that I wake up feeling ugly, I simply turn to my make-up set and put a little color on and voila! My “feeling ugly” day is whipped away in seconds.

     This Christmas, I am not very excited at all to attend parties because I’m big (I’m six months pregnant to the same dad of my two kids, and soon they will be three). But then I recall that glam is not only for skinny girls. It is also for all the women out there who thinks and believes that they are gorgeous too. It’s a state of mind.

     It was announced earlier in the office that we will have a Christmas party soon. It’s going to be an overnight affair of merry-making in a private pool somewhere here in Valenzuela. One of my dear old friends joked that he couldn’t wait to have a glimpse of my flawless and varicose vein-free legs again. Haha! Funny guy. His comment lingered a bit and so I thought, yes I may be big but I still have that sex appeal even if I’m very, obviously, pregnant.

     I’m the kind of woman who’s into neither flirting around nor getting men’s attention but I suddenly felt excited that I can still catwalk and collect compliments from my admirer-friends. I didn’t get three crowns in beauty pageants some 12 years ago for nothing. Hahaha! And well, we just love giving compliments to one another to keep us happy and united at work.

     For our upcoming Christmas party, I checked the photographs of pretty and pregnant Filipina celebrities online for some inspiration. I got particularly interested in Andi Eigenmann’s look on a cover magazine in 2011. She looks dazzling, happy, and reserved on the photo – the kind of look that I would also like to have for myself.

Source: http://www.noypistuff.com/

     We have the same mestiza feature so I think her choice of make-up colors would also suit me well. Since I’ll be attending a night party, I might have to experiment a bit. I’m looking forward to use SEPHORA products to make sure that I will look radiant at our party.

     I’m on my early thirties and signs of ageing are inevitable. Again, good thing there’s make-up, and here are my simple make-up tricks:

     First, I simply conceal my facial skin imperfections. It would be nice if I could cover my entire face with BECCA Ultimate Cover Complexion Crème.

BECCA Ultimate Cover Complexion Crème

     I am also convinced of the power of HOOLA Bronzer to enliven my face even better.

HOOLA Bronzer

     This is my ultimate wish: to use the ZOEVA Rose Golden Luxury Set of make-up brush for my eye shadow and for my brows. Filling my brows with dark brownish color works for me.

ZOEVA Rose Golden Luxury Set

     I was taught by my old, self-acclaimed, make-up guru-friend to wear pinkish lip color to look younger. That's the same shade Andi was wearing on the magazine. For my lips, I prefer to use TOO FACED Melted Matte Liquefied Long Wear Matte Lipstick – Misso Pretty shade.

TOO FACED Melted Matte Liquified Long Wear Matte Lipstick

     I could go ahead and complete my desired Barbie-like face by applying TWO FACED Love Flush on the apples of my cheek. It worked for Andi. I'm quite sure it would work out fine with me as well.

TWO FACED Love Flush

      To finish off, I would simply apply put final touches of face powder to look fresh, softer, and ready for fun!

     Imagining all these stuff, I can't wait to to start collecting compliments again to feel better about myself.

     Do you also want to look good and fab on your upcoming Christmas party? Shop more make-up products on Sephora PH here!

My Daughter’s Second Birthday

I realized that it is true that the eldest children usually experience the best memories.

Unlike my daughter’s older brother who celebrated his birthday at Shakey’s restaurant when he turned two, my daughter simply had hers at the park. It was just a simple morning picnic. I was contemplating of making her birthday celebration as a post-zumba party but since it rained, we just had a simple breakfast together with my relatives. I ordered a Peppa Pig-themed chocolate birthday cake online at Kaykeshopper. It was a simple yet very picturesque event.

Kuya Vladimir & Nathalia having their morning jog here: 

Actually, ours was just the second leg of my daughter’s birthday celebration. The first part was held in Pampanga when my cousin, her “mimi,” took her to co-celebrate the event with my cousin Pearl Anne’s birthday on November 13. Hami had her own cake-blowing moment there, next to Pearl’s.

Apart from the two birthday celebrations my daughter had, I also bonded with my kids the following day at the mall. 

I shopped for their Christmas outfits while I still had the moolah from my 13^th month pay. This Christmas, the three of us – Hami, Vladimir, and me – will be in terno. We’ll wear white tops, maong shorts, and white sneakers. I can’t wait to see our cute photographs together soon!

(Also read: http://missvalenzuela.blogspot.com/2016/12/matchy-matchy-fashion-in-budget.html)

Nothing beats the happiness I feel whenever I’m with my two beautiful kids. Soon, there will be three of them. I hope, Hami, my soon-to-be middle child will grow up adorable and upright. I love you, Hami! 

Single Moms Are Super Moms

What I like about my job being a writer for the government is that I get to have a glimpse of other people’s lives.

Yesterday, I interviewed a pretty single mom for my article to be published on our local magazine. I was able to talk with her mother first and I noticed that despite their economic hardship, their Filipino values of hospitality and respect were still conscientiously observed in their humble abode. Upon seeing my interviewee’s kids, the grandma urged the two little girls to come to me to pay the traditional “pagmamano” as a sign of courtesy.

I was moved by their very accommodating and transparent nature. Since I also sensed that my interviewee could be my potential informant for my academic paper, I invited them over to the People’s Park. I was contemplating of giving them a simple treat at Jollibee.

I maximized the opportunity that I had with them. I urged them to visit the social welfare office, which had been consistently providing them with financial assistance, and fortunately, she was able to stumble upon the good news that the single mom is recently accepted for the Cash-For-Work program. It’s a program wherein an indigent person will be given the chance for a 10-day employment and after rendering service, he or she will receive more or less Php 3,500. My lady-interviewee will be assigned to help in the repacking of Christmas baskets for the holidays.

She was also given food assistance during the time of our visit.

After the visit and photo opportunity we staged at the social welfare office, we proceeded to the park for a photo shoot. I can see from the faces of her daughters that they had fun playing at the park for a little while. Before sending them home, we ate at Jollibee.

It was a pleasant sight to witness the excitement of the children when they requested for french fries and chicken joy. (I suddenly missed my son.)

During our conversation, I realized again one bright side about being a single mom: it’s better to go solo that be with someone who will just always stress you out. And by the way, single moms tend to become more beautiful because they get to have more “me-time.”

Hoorah to all the single mothers out there!

Sudden Decrease in My Happy Hormones

I was happy last night because I was able to eat in a posh restaurant, Mary Grace, which was part of my bucket list. I dined out with a new priest friend who just finished his report that day in our masters’ class. It’s nice to have a breather from all the tiring and worrisome experiences I’ve had lately.

Today I’m a little overwhelmed with all my tasks at hand – I still need to write one more feature article for our Valenzuela Ngayon magazine, I have to do editing stuff for the same, I need to pay attention to my tedious qualitative research, I have to review for my upcoming exam, my daughter’s celebrating her second birthday on Monday (which is also my examination day for my MA) but I haven’t prepared anything for her because there are still bills to pay, etc.

I want to buy a humongous CHOCOLATE without hurting my tooth.

I’m trying to recall how to be a person of gratitude again so that I could concentrate on things that matter over little concerns that can be ignored anyway. I need peace of mind.

Perhaps my drained disposition today is because I lack sleep due to the loud snoring of my brother and my daughter’s repeated wailings last night.

Whew.

I’m wearing my bloody red lipstick now. I’m about to finish this blog in a few. I promise to reward myself with sweets after lunch. And I’m hoping that my good friend Tim will meet me later for some intellectual exchange of thoughts.

Dear Friday, I’m lazy today but please be good to me.

A Review: The Power of Positive Thinking

Today I have just completed reading my constant companion – a book entitled, “The Power of Positive Thinking” written by Norman Vincent Peale. This was lent to me by my cousin, Ate Bambi, who had been a sounding board at the time when I was still down.

This book helped me lot in my workplace and in my personal life in general. It is composed of 13 chapters and I think it is best read according to your choice topic, depending on your mood for the day.

Its 13 chapters are:

1.       Believe In Yourself

2.       A Peaceful Mind Generates Power

3.       How to Have Constant Energy

4.       Try Prayer Power

5.       How to Create Your Own Happiness

6.       Expect the Best and Get It

7.       I Don’t Believe in Defeat

8.       How to Break the Worry Habit

9.       Power to Solve Personal Problems

10.   When Vitality Sags, Try this Health Formula

11.   How to Get People to Like You

12.   Prescription for Heartache

13.   How to Draw Upon That Higher Power

To make sure I’m not missing out any chapters I attached a post-it on its inside cover to track the chapters that I have finished.

I don’t think it’s still out in the market but if you get the chance to get one, I guarantee you that it’s going to be a soul soothing read! It will help you break free from whatever emotional turmoil that you may have. Even if you read it over and over again, you will continue to feel enlightened.

My Second Favorite Day of the Week

Apart from Sundays, which I consider my non-negotiable family day, Thursdays are also sacred to me because it’s my “me-time.” Unlike Sundays which are our strike-anywhere-funday-with-kids after attending the holy mass, my Thursdays have to be prepared for – it’s my once a week master’s class.

Thursdays.

It determines what stuff I should be doing on my Saturdays, whether I should go to the library to study or render overtime at work so I could write an article.

It is my once a week opportunity to check different dining places in Quezon City area.

It’s my mall ratting schedule to check cool stuff and to buy little gifts for myself.

It is my all-about-me day.

With all the responsibilities I have right now – mother to Hami, writer for Valenzuela City, business owner of Sucaba Link, Master of Arts student, and everything else in between – Thursdays have become my breather, and my time to ponder about my life.

On my way home last night from Trinoma, I was trying to reflect if I’m headed to the right track. Almost instantaneously, my mind answered me back, “Do not fret. You may find yourself in a grey area right now, but surely your investment on your masters would take you somewhere someday.” I concurred because I’m also tired of overanalysing anyway. What is important I guess is that I’m surviving each day alright and I have my parents who are still supportive to me.

And for keeping myself resilient, here’s my little self-reward yesterday, Thursday.

Pinoy Food at Landmark

My 33rd Birthday: Hitting My Reset Button

I don’t understand why a lot of people give a fuzz when asked about their age especially if theirs is already past the 31 calendar days. I’m unsure if I’m actually inclined towards that mentality as well; somehow, I feel like having nearly little time too to catch up on my ideal what-should-have-could-have-would-have-might-have-beens.

My 33^rd birthday feels like a rebirth. Before the 29^th day of this month, my mom asked me for my birthday plans. Of course, with my load of responsibilities at this point, I have nada. I told her that I’d rather use my remaining penny for my bills because I don’t have extra. She just nodded. Although I suppose, if she has extra too, she would be willing to cooperate on the preparation. But there’s nothing really to prepare.

I spent my birthday in Quezon City. It was an ordinary day that was quite productive and meaningful.

I arrived at SM North lunch time and I opted to try eating at a new burger place. (I saw there Ditse Cynthia’s family, who were just from an athletic bonding activity, and a workmate from PESO, whom I chit-chatted a bit.) The burger place in Annex started to piss me off because their food serving time was extremely long! Even if they gave free nachos and the manager has excellent PR skills, I would always think twice before eating there again. LESSON LEARNED: NO MATTER HOW GOOD YOU ARE, IF YOU’VE BEEN FAULTY AT ONE POINT, YOU’D HAVE A HARD TIME GETTING BACK SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN DISAPPOINTED.

Second stop was BDO. The line was super long as always. Good thing I remember I’m pregnant. I was able to skip the line and was serviced faster at the special lane for senior citizens, PWDs, and pregnant women. Although of course, it was also queuing there, at least I was still able to get my transaction done faster. LESSON LEARNED: DON’T BE DISHEARTENED RIGHT AWAY. USE YOUR MIND TO SEEK OPPORTUNITIES THAT RIGHTFULLY BELONG TO YOU.

Third stop – MassComm library – and it’s closed. My main purpose for going to UP was to return the two books I borrowed there. At first I couldn’t believe what I was just reading on the bulletin board. But what can I do? Nothing. I thought of going home right away. I also decided to check another library. I did the latter. On my way to the CAL libe, I looked around for symbolic icons that would be nice to post on Instagram. I saw the Chicken Feet which I have totally ignored all my college life in UP. There I got the symbol three and three! LESSON LEARNED: EVEN IF YOU HAVE WORKED SO HARD TO ACHIEVE SOMETHING, IF IT’S NOT FOR YOU, IT AIN’T FOR YOU. LOOK AROUND. THERE MAY BE GIFTS FROM THE PAST THAT CAN COMPLETE YOUR PRESENT. BUT THEN AGAIN, YOU’LL NEED TO HAVE A KEEN EYE.

The Chicken Feet

My fourth stop: The Main Library. After finding out that MassComm libe was closed, I went next to the CAL library, which was also closed. I was already getting annoyed. I told myself, “Great. So this is my 33^rd birthday – nonsense.” Again I started to think of going home but something inside me kept on saying, don’t give up just yet. So I went to the main library. It was open! Yes! My efforts are not wasted! On top of these, just when I thought that it closes at 4:00 pm, it’s actually 5:00pm! I got an hour extra. Even if I was unable to revisit the archives, at least I was able to re-experience how it is to spend my time in my favourite library in the world. LESSON LEARNED: NO MATTER HOW BAD THE SITUATION MAY SEEM, IT WILL CHANGE. DON’T GIVE UP EASILY. 

Study Time at the Main Library

Trinoma, last stop of the day. I phoned my mom to check if she’s attending the prayer meeting. Affirmed. She told me to join her at the anticipated mass. I declined because Sundays are sacred to me. (It’s my solo-parent-nuclear family’s Lord’s Day and family day. Vladimir is always expecting that after attending the mass, we should be elsewhere to spend quality time together with his sister Hami.) I told her that I will stroll at the mall a bit and let her know if I’m already on my way home.

I went to Landmark first to buy some beauty items. Then I proceeded to the National Bookstore. I checked for some art materials for my scrap book but most of the things I see are also available at my mom’s school supplies store. I wanted to buy colourful pens but I still have aplenty. Finally, I bought myself a nice birthday present, an inspirational book written by Marc V. Lopez – Hit Your Life’s Reset Button: You Can Start Again Today.

While eating pansit at the food court, I started reading the book. I felt like the book was talking directly to me. Its strong birthday message to me was, NO MATTER HOW WASTED YOU THINK YOUR LIFE HAS BEEN, YOU CAN PRESS YOUR LIFE’S RESET BUTTON ANYTIME BECAUSE THE LORD HAD SAYETH, ‘YOU AREPRECIOUS IN MY EYES AND GLORIOUS!

My gift for myself wasn’t just the book I bought and the girly stuff I purchased. I also spent time with my kiddos the following day at home. Hami is already getting more active! And Vladimir is also forming a tighter bond with my brother, his Uncle Gerson. Every time my son is at my place, he would be playing Wii Yu with his uncle and they would talk as if they’re buddies.

I capped my me-day watching Disney’s Hercules cartoon. It’s a love story. The film made me realize that EVEN IF ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS MAY SEEM TO BE NOT MY CUP OF TEA, I SHOULD JUST BE THANKFUL OF THE BEAUTIFUL MOMENTS THAT HAPPENED AND ENDED, AND AT PRESENT, ENJOY LIFE TO THE FULLEST. THIS IS HAPPINESS AT 33!

Sundate with Tito Gerson and Kids

Since I moved back in to my parents’ house, it had been my habit to treat Sundays as important, non-negotiable family date time with my children. Yesterday was a good one.

After attending the holy mass, my kids and I, together with my brother and nephew, went to Trinoma to chill a bit. I was initially planning to take Vladimir to Timezone, have a simple lunch at Trinoma, and buy myself maternity pants at Landmark.

For a single mom who is just making ends meet but could not afford to trade off Sunday to a monotonous day, I couldn’t stop mentally computing how much I have been spending from one stop to another. I was actually waiting for that moment when I could quit worrying and just fully enjoy what we were doing since my kids were having fun anyway. That momentum arrived when I finally bought my selfie phone a new case. It was rather costly but it’s nowhere available in Valenzuela so somehow, the positive experience fully charged my draining happiness meter.

Aside from the personal stuff I bought, I was also happy that my son was able to play again at Timezone, his favourite part in Trinoma. My daughter also enjoyed walking and running on the aisles with Diether while I was checking on some maternity garments (Hami’s fun time is far cheaper than Vladimir). Gerson and Vladimir checked some newly released toys and games for Wii-yu. They purchase Mario Brothers. When we arrived home, they played it right away until I asked my son to prepare for bed because he has classes the next day.

"I am your mother."

Mario Cart for Wii-yu

Proud solo parent family

Our Sunday family bonding was a whole lotta fun. But since I spent a little too much that day, I’m thinking of making our next Sunday less expensive but equally fun. We might go artsy.

Allow Me To Humblebrag

“Humblebrag.” I saw this word few months ago from a friend-writer’s tweet. So this is the appropriate term for some of the netizens’ habit of posting expensive earthly possessions on social media, captioning it with “feeling blessed.” Hmmm.

Indeed, I’m a little irked every time I see a Facebook friend boast about something ostentatious, most especially if I happen to know the person as a certified attention seeker. I just opt to view the humblebrag as something positive because perhaps, the person posting the “stuff” is simply sharing his happiness. After all, isn’t it that we should be glad for others' joy? Especially if they achieved something without stepping on somebody else’s foot.

I hope I am not humblebragging that I’m sharing here what causes me profound happiness at present. This has something to do with my great pride of being able to help a student make her education expense a little more bearable by hiring her as one of my temporary internet shop aides.

Here’s the letter I recently received:

Since I handled our small internet shop in Malinta, it has always been my mission to hire working students. I want to be of help to diligent students in finishing their studies by providing them access to unlimited computer and internet use, while also granting few allowance based on their service rendered.

More than any colorful and neatly done certificate of appreciation that I have ever received, this letter is far more valuable for me. It was sincerely written and it validated my sense of hope, that despite the many wrong decisions I made in my life, I’m still able to do something right.

Journaling Towards Healing

It’s the time of the year when I have to bury myself again in grade computation. I have 21 units this sem and I have more or less 50 students per section. I’m teaching technical writing and I have to check over 300 papers. Deadline of grade submission? This Friday. Oh by the way, I have to attend my master’s class tomorrow and I have to write Tagalog articles for a local magazine. I have just come out from the hospital from gastritis and I am still working on some other personal and office concerns. Whew.

I have been told a couple of times by people who are older than me that I should just chill and not worry too much. Although I’m trying my best to exercise what they tell me, it’s quite difficult to do. I really need an inexpensive outlet where I could express my self-love. While it’s good that I can write for writing is therapeutic, I’m looking for another no-brain-required diversion since writing is also my profession. I want to stop overthinking.

Actually, the purpose why I’m writing now is because I’m inspired to do journaling just like what my Christian officemates are doing. In our recent casual conversation, they said that when you meditate through journaling first thing in the morning, you get to acquire positive vibes. And I need a humongous dose of this right now.

King and I.
With the young guy who's jolly on the outside and spiritually mature on the inside.

I’m physically tired. But since I love what I’m doing, my being workaholic is my addiction that I couldn’t seem to quit from. If I bury myself to work until my mortal body refuses to function, is this still a form self-love? Hmmm. So, the way I love is the same way I self-destruct?

I want a massage.

Light For Somebody Else’s Storm

There’s typhoon today and there are no classes in all school levels. I hope my fellow Filipinos in affected areas today will not be devastated again. Today’s weather condition is related with what I want to share: storm.

I was speaking with a good friend earlier who’s on the verge of quitting our MA class. I told him not to. While we were chatting via Facebook messenger, a thought struck me: Failing is a blessing in disguise. Why? Because in failing you are humbled, and you get to see that there is more to life than pursuing what you want. There are many ways to be happy.

SIDE NOTE: What will make me happy today? I want to go to Templora and I have my facial treatment there but since money is tight right now, I scanned my beauty kit instead and contented myself with my Celeteque instant wrinkle smoothing cream and in2it BB make-up cream to conceal my zits. Feeling beautiful daily can really do wonders. I believe you should feel good on the outside so that you would also feel good inside despite the storms that consistently bring havoc in your life.

I opened my lappy and scanned some pics that are worth sharing. I stumbled upon this photo which was taken when a highschool close friend visited me at work. We both applied for a solo parent identification card so we could get another additional seven days off from work through the solo parent leave benefit. 

This photo represents another reason why I don’t want to quit working at the city hall – I get to help others through assisting them in accessing the government’s social services. (I get to have an instant date too!)

From time to time, I would be receiving private messages from acquaintances asking me stuff that they want to know. Good thing, through being a news writer, I have already built rapport with a handful of office personnel here at the workplace, that’s why providing help to other people is often possible. Sometimes though, I get a little grumpy when askers would give me very limited time to process their requests. Of course, I have to prioritize my job over the favors that I would have to coordinate for them. Usually, I would just take a deep breath, and thank the Lord that at least I get to help others, then attend to their requests anyway. I hope others could understand that even if I’m a government employee, I do not have authority in everything. I have limitations too. But of course I’m always willing to extend aid.

Deep in my heart I really want to have that “purpose-driven life.” My work here at the government satisfies that self-actualization need. While I wouldn’t deny that I have my own storms right now, I’m glad to claim that I’m doing better now because I am capable of becoming somebody else’s light in occasional moments of darkness.

Hotel Stotsenberg

One nice thing about working in the government is that you get to travel to places for free. Just this year, I was able to stay in two hotels in Pampanga through our Gender And Development (GAD) Technical Working Group (TWG). I blogged about the first one on August 21, 2016, entitled “Seminar At Grand Lewis Hotel.” This time, I’m going to share about Stotsenberg Hotel.

Link: http://missvalenzuela.blogspot.com/2016/08/seminar-at-lewis-grand-hotel.html

With My GADmates

Health Food: sunflower seed shared by Tita Vicky

GAD TWG went there to finish documenting the DILG requirements from our group. Our team was able to accomplish what we’re supposed to do ahead of time. Unfortunately, I had here my first gastritis attack. On our seminar’s second day, I stayed at my assigned room and rested. I felt something strange but I ignored it.

The following day, I heard my GADmates sharing ghost stories about the hotel. Georgia, our gay member, shared with us that the hotel used to be a military camp during the American occupation in the Philippines. My colleagues started talking about seeing the ghosts of a grandpa and his grandson, and a white lady and a black lady somewhere at the second floor. I was also stunned upon finding out that there were no occupants at the room beside ours, when my roommates and I were just complaining that the ‘family’ on the next room was noisy and inconsiderate to our peaceful night’s sleep. The team agreed that we’ll never book again in that haunted hotel.

Anyway, regardless of this one of a kind experience, I’d like to share some pictures that you might find lovely about the place, just in case you decide to brave it there.