Happy Father's Day Daddy-Yo

I just couldn’t let this Daddy’s Day end without writing something about our Daddy dearest. 

People who have known me or our family so well would definitely agree when I say that our Father wasn’t a Perfect Father to me and my 2 siblings or even a Perfect Husband to our Mom. The transition of our lives from Childhood to Teenage stage was barely even witnessed by our father. There were many happy memories that we only got to share with our Mom and even had a lot of sad and tough times we had to surmount without him. 

When you are younger, you only have such little ability to grasp what is really happening yet all you can do is to hope and pray for things to go back to normal. But as you grow older and you go through life and its many surprises, you learn to understand and accept that things sometimes goes out of hand, plans fail, feelings change and people come and go. You will know when to stop hoping for things that seems unlikely to happen but you start building dreams, move on and move forward. 

Like what we all did. I finally stopped hoping for our family to be complete again when I was in college. I guess it’s because of the fact that both our parents have long accepted and moved on with their own lives. But then again, God really has his own way of granting your prayers even at the times when you have given up on things..but of course we also have our Father to thank with for realizing his faults, asking for forgiveness and finally deciding to make things right. Also to our Mother for accepting him back again and giving him another chance not to be a Perfect but a Better Husband and Father to us three. The 13 long and challenging years of our lives with his bare presence seemed to have just never existed. We may have been all grown and matured persons when he came back to us but the child within us felt unimaginable happiness. 

Mom and Dad with their Grand children Eana, Miko and MM

This post is for our Dad, we pride ourselves in saying that it’s not only during this kind of occasions do we get to express how much we love and value him as our father. He may have been physically and mentally absent during our growing up years but he is making it up to his grandchildren now.  

­­There are still moments of him asking for forgiveness and feeling guilty of many things he could and could have not done in the past and we never get tired of telling and showing him that we love him just the same.

Yes, he is not PERFECT and so are all of us. Despite all the odds, We still love and will continue to love him nothing less.

He’s one of the best blessings one could ever have.

Happy Father’s Day Daddy-Yo, We always pray for your good health. We Love you.

If It Wasn't For You

 

We wouldn’t be strong…

if it wasn’t for your strength and inspiration.

We wouldn’t be this giving…

if it wasn’t for your generosity and selflessness.

We wouldn’t be this loving…

if it wasn’t for your unconditional and unfailing love.

We wouldn’t learn the true value of life…

 if it wasn’t for your teachings.

We wouldn’t learn how to stand up after every fall

if you didn’t let us stumble.

We wouldn’t soar high

 if you didn’t let us fly.

We wouldn’t have this life

                If it wasn’t for YOU

We just couldn’t imagine life without YOU

 Happy Mother's Day Mama! We Love you beyond words.

Happy Childhood

For me a happy childhood doesn’t necessarily mean having plenty of toys, fancy clothes, dreaming of becoming a princess and believing that life is like a fairy tale. Happy Childhood for me means creating memories out of the simple things that you have no matter how lame and simple they may be and taking them with you no matter how grown up you’ve become. I know I blogged about one of my saddest childhood memories (click here) but I would also like to share the happy and memorable days of my childhood. 

 

Drama Queen – I just spent almost half an hour browsing on Youtube, hoping I can find the clip of an old Spartan Slippers (now known as Islander) TVC, so I can share it here, unfortunately I didn’t find any. The story of the commercial focused on the girl named Criselda who regrets not buying Spartan as her pair of slippers. In nthe scene she was holding the spoiled footwear, weeping while delivering the famous line “walang tibay a maasahan”

Funny how I would always imitate Criselda and her heartbreaking skit in front of my mother and aunts. Yes, I memorized all the lines and deliver them verbatim, complete with all the acting while holding a pair of slippers in my hands. 

Kikay by Nature – my sister often teases me that the reason I did not grow taller was because of not having my afternoon siesta religiously after school. Unlike her, I prefer to stay up and watch TV, waiting for Ricky Reyes show on channel 9 where he had this make-up tutorial. I would always pullout few of our mother’s cosmetics and would drag our Grandmother to sit and serve as my model.

I really didn’t have fondness for huge doll houses, fluffy stuff toys and fabulous Barbie dolls as a little girl. I loved playing like a bank teller, while wearing my mother’s shoes and clothes with my childhood friend April.

Inglisera Wannabe – when I was younger I’m always caught by my mom and sister talking to myself in front of the mirror. Yes, I did that a lot (Lol)  but I wasn’t just talking to myself in Tagalog. When alone, I liked playing like an English-speaking-rich kid back then. I was always in awe every time I get to see English movies and I kind’a liked the idea of being well-versed in English, parang ang sosyal at ang talino lang ng dating.hahahaha!

Looking back all these memories made me realize just now that the characteristics I’ve shown as a little girl are still within me. 

No more acting though, but over thinking drives me to become too emotional oftentimes. I still have that fondness over styling and grooming as I feel that it is within our powers to create not just an impression for others but also for our self-worth. I am not as articulate as what I have wished to be, not even a smart aleck but I am continuously seeking for self-improvement. Being part of the elite is such a far-fetched dream but I wouldn’t want to settle for anything less, I work hard to buy the things that I fancy.

Reminiscing all these memories never fail to make me happy, I will take them with me wherever life takes me, they are my happy thoughts and they are worth more than fancy toys and Barbie dolls.

Rock Star Chic

My Sister's "Party Like a Rock Star" themed Birthday celebration last Thursday was a blast.

I'm glad to have come up with the idea despite the fact that Rock isn't really my sister's thing. Thank goodness for ever supportive and cooperative friends who are always "game" on any of our (me and Mars Janice) crazy and fun party ideas.

As the brain behind this themed party I have to make sure I go by the requirement of sporting a Rock Star ensemble for the occasion.

Pulling off a rock star style isn't really that complicated. As long as you have some black shirts, faded-ripped off jeans, leather jacket kept in your wardrobe and some gaudy accessories to go perfectly well...you are good to have that rocker look.

I know this ain't a Fashion Blog, and resembling a "Fashionista" peg isn't really the whole idea of me blogging about my Rock Star outfit for the occasion.

Hence I decided that whenever I have time (just like now, I've been making the most out of my idle time at work to blog and read blogs) I will write about the things of my liking, be it about gadgets, shoes, bags, clothes, food, movie, tv series or anything that I fancy and defines my personality. And this is just one of them.

I love organizing and conceptualizing themes to make ordinary occasions extra-ordinary, fun and memorable. Asking the guests to dress up for the occasion can really be a biggie especially to those who's really not into these kind of things, but it really means something for the celebrant seeing most (if not all) of his/her invited friends, colleagues or relatives dressed up. It goes to show that like you, they are also willing to be a part of the memorable occasion and have FUN of course.

Behold my ROCKSTAR GET-UP for the occasion

Outfit:

TOP - Old plunging black Mango (I painstakingly ripped off  the front lower hem to become more sync in  rockstar image)
BOTTOM - unbranded faded denim mini skirt which i got for a very reasonable price at the thrift shop nearby our place few months back.
BOOTS - Charles & Keith  3-inch suede boots which I get to wear only during winter season.
ACCESSORIES - Dangling hoop earrings (Splash; QR15) , Long black beaded necklace (Splash; QR20) , black necklace with Fly pendant (loaned from Mars Janice) and black bangles (from Mhela)
MAKE-UP 

Face: MAC Primer + MAC Foundation + MAC DOLLYMIX shimmer blush
Eyes: MIKYAJY Black I set combined with Purple eye crayon
Lips: NIVEA cherry red (mat finish)

I'm letting my sister upload the pictures from the party in her FB page...after all it was her birthday, not mine.

                   

One last thing, Kuya Dong is a perfect example of the person I mentioned above who's not into dressing up for themed parties but he surprisingly nailed it for showing up impersonating one of the greatest Rock Star ever; JOHN LENNON.

A Letter To My Sister

Dear Ate,

Today unfolds another year of your life. We both know birthdays could not be any happier when celebrated with the family. Truly nothing beats the joy of spending this special day with our parents and your kids especially no matter how simple the celebration may be. But this year is another birthday away from them. It is sad, I know. No matter how familiar we’ve become in this situation, in this environment and culture there will always be days and nights when homesickness will just strike you through.

I know you already know by heart how much I love you as my sister. Like any other siblings, we have had a lot of misunderstandings and differences but I’m always glad how we always find our way to patch things up at the end of the day. Looking back, I am proud of us for not holding any grudge towards each other no matter how petty or major our misunderstandings had been.

Thank you for not just being a sister but a friend too.

Thank you for all the support.

Thank you for the love, care and understanding.

Saying Thanks can be uttered conveniently; to any one at any time and any place. We may be unaware of how frequent we say that to our family, friends, colleagues or strangers on our day to day living. It can be expressed with much and heart-felt sincerity or even with unimaginable sarcasm.

I can thank you for a lot more reasons; we have shared so many memories and surmounted a lot of trials together even at our very young age. And we still have our lifetime to create more memories and to thank each other for.

Today I just realized the one thing I have never told you before.

I would like to take your birthday as a perfect opportunity to express how much I AM PROUD OF YOU for being a Mother to your Children.

I need not to elaborate because you know it to yourself that you are a Good Parent to them. You may not be physically present for them most of the time, but you always ensure to make them feel your unfailing unconditional Love.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ATE.

I will never trade you for any other sister here or in another lifetime.

I love you.

With So Much Love,

Ada

P.S.

 

I was looking for a perfect quote about sisters and what I found cracked me up:

“More than Santa Claus, your sister knows when you’ve been bad and good” – Linda Sunshine

 

The Big LEAP

Few days ago I have taken the 2^nd biggest Leap in my so-called career life (so far). First of which was deciding to leave home and embrace this seemingly heroic role of being an OFW here in Doha, Qatar and work for LINEAR CONCEPTS (former name; now it’s called LINEAR ASSOCIATES).

After 4 ½ years of working in an Interior Design Firm managed by a Singaporean Couple (names not to be disclosed), I have finally decided (and when I say decided, it means FINAL, IRREVOKABLE, NON-NOGOTIABLE.) to leave and take on a new opportunity that easily landed into my very eyes. The first attempt was July 2010 and was just some sort of a scheming strategy to force my request for increment. By the way it worked. (Insert evil laugh here). 

Though the decision gives me such happiness and relief, I cannot deny the fact that whatever knowledge I have acquired related to some bits and pieces, basic and technical aspects of Interior Design, Architectural, Exhibition, and Construction…major credit goes to this company and the people I have worked with.

I would like to consider this post a little bit of my “Tribute” for LINEAR ASSOCIATES that will feature and somehow take me down the memory lane of some of the most memorable events and experiences and people who have made my entire 4 ½ years a remarkable one.

Projects

Some Photos / Perspectives of the major (if I may say), physically and mentally stressful yet rewarding and memorable projects I was involved with.

Oishi Sushi Japanese Restaurant - The very first project.

This was when I started to have a little grasp about reading and understanding lay-outs, elevation, furniture plan, construction terms, materials and etc.

I worked for this project under the supervision of my Marketing Manager. This is one helluva highly budgeted project because this is a private office of the sheikh. All his furniture were ordered from Italy and costs millions when converted to Philippine Peso.

Sout Al Khaleej (QTV) - a project where the special glass used keeps on breaking. Without exaggeration, I ordered the special glass from Thailand at least 10 times. (whew..what a waste!)

Al Mashata Beauty Center and Spa - 90% of the materials used for this project were procured from overseas (Thailand, Singapore, China, Turkey, India)

Mercedes Benz Stand for Qatar Motor Show 2012 (January) - My first and hopefully not the last experience to handle and manage exhibition project.

Birthdays

Photos of all 4 Birthdays I celebrated with Linear Family

I may look slimmer back in 2008 but why do I feel like I don't look good in these photos???

Very special thanks to Papa D. for the caricature he made me. I will keep it FOREVER.

Thanks to my Supplier friend for the cake :)

Travels

I have had 2 All-Expense-Paid Travels during my tenure with Linear.

First was actually just to leave Doha temporarily as my business visa already expired. 

January 2008 was my first time to visit SINGAPORE. Too bad I lost (or maybe accidentally deleted) the very few photos I have during my stay there. So I don't have something to share over here.

Second trip was January 2010 bound to ISTANBUL, TURKEY with my boss. The trip was mainly to visit the automatic revolving door supplier I found and do a little bit of materials sourcing. Since I was with my boss (who by the way walks too fast in her classic red rubber shoes while I endure the pain of walking with my high heeled boots) I also didn't have much chance to take as many photos I can or at least enjoy strolling around the beautiful city. Nevertheless, the trip was a very memorable one for me as I experienced and actually felt the freezing yet exhilarating coolness of Snow that has fallen over me on our way back to the airport during our last day. If I'm not with my boss that time, I could have lingered further outside to enjoy the snow, and even just for a while, I felt like my cheeks are all so rosy (feelingera lang).

Due to heavy downpour of snow, our flight going back to Doha was cancelled and all the passengers were booked in Sheraton to stay overnight.

Friends and Colleagues

Another very important reason why I stayed with the company is the happy and tight bond I have established with my colleagues.

Despite the language barrier, it's still good to work with your fellow Asians as our cultures and beliefs are somehow similar with each other..most often even our physical features (I don't know if it's any good but I am often mistaken as Singaporean too whenever I'm with my bosses or vice versa)

Some photos together with our Thailander, Malaysian, Singaporean and Chinese Colleagues

First New Year celebrated away from home.

We all had lots of Fun!

And of course, the people who I don't just consider as my colleagues but as my own family here in this foreign land. 

I will miss seeing you guys everyday in the office, our chit chats every morning while preparing coffee, our gossiping, kulitan and tawanan.

BFF Mhela - The everyday "Damsel in Distress"

Nette- My room mate for the longest time, confidant and now figure conscious buddy.

"Boss Chief" Charles - my brother John Pratts (chos!)

Couple Kuya Berns and Ate Yvette - mga malambing na aso't -pusa.

And of course the Man I will miss the most.  Mr. Dong Tan a.k.a PAPA D. He may look serious but trust me, he's the most funny among the men of Linear which is really ironic because he cracks nothing but old and corny jokes. He has always been the person I can seek for serious advice.

Photos of the Original Housemates.

 

Soon, I will be taking on a new job, work with new people and embrace new challenges but I will forever be grateful for all the knowledge and experiences I gained all throughout my tenure with the company. It has given me this confidence to step out of my comfort zone and take on another risk.