8 Years After 'I Do'...

Today, J & I celebrate 8 fruitful years of marriage.

We got married on November 30, 2002 which also happens to be Bonifacio Day -- a Philippine holiday to commemorate the birthday of the country's revolutionary hero named Andres Bonifacio. Now there's no excuse not to remember our wedding anniversary!

On hindsight, I just realized we've been a couple for 10 years already...but it felt longer!

Anyway, on our 7th anniversary last year, I made two back-to-back posts about our wedding.  So you have to read this first:

7 random things I learned in the first 7 years

So beginning today, and hopefully every year on our anniversary, I thought I would add one lesson to my list.
Note:  Whatever I decide to add to the list does not necessarily mean they are the 'ultimate' lessons I've learned that year, okay?

I definitely am not a marriage expert. We all know a perfect marriage in non-existent. But we live and learn.  There are just too many to remember and I will try my best to share what most of you can benefit and learn from as well. :-)

Here's #8:

8 Random Things I've Learned In 8 Years of Married Life

8. Accept the things you cannot change
As the Serenity Prayer goes: ...grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; and Wisdom to know the difference.

This applies to everything we encounter in life.  Once you're in a marriage, there will always be things about each other that you wished you could change or improve, or obliterate altogether! And some couples think they can actually change their partners to how they want them to be once they got together.  I've learned that as partners, we can both change, wholeheartedly, up to a certain point. Whether on our own or with each other's support. Choose you battles. It's a matter of accepting what you can't change, difficult as it may, that will allow you to move on, learning to compromise and live with those nuances, and grow stronger in marriage.

Prequel:
7 Random Things I Learned From Planning A Wedding
7 Random Things I've Learned In 7 Years of Married Life here


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Our First Christmas Ballet Concert

"A Christmas Ballet Concert", featuring the Steps Dance Project, combines fluid dance interpretations of classic Filipino Christmas songs and excerpts from Peter Tchaikovsky's classic ballet, The Nutcracker.



We got an advanced Christmas treat last Saturday as my family was invited to this wonderful ballet show by Steps Dance Project, presented by Ayala Malls, in cooperation with Ipanema and Grendha footwear.  I immediately confirmed for the first scheduled matinée show at Glorietta and was quite excited to bring the kids to watch our first ballet concert at the mall.

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Mom-Finds: Wish List of Toys for Christmas

Last Friday of the month:  Mom-Finds / Toys and Gifts

Are you done with shopping for the holidays? Need a few gift ideas for Christmas? I compiled this list of most requested toys from kids ages 3 to 12 as I was drafting my own list for this gift-giving season. These are actual brands and models of toys that came up while I was asking around so in case you are still in a bind as to what kids would like to have these days, then this wish list may help complete your shopping list. 

Eagerly opening his gifts last Christmas 2009

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The Boy is 7

I see that twinkle in your eye

And know some mischief you might try.

I'll watch you grow just like the moon

From slip to fullness, all too soon.

-- Gilson

Just like this poem, my boy always has some mischief he might try -- so playful yet gentle-hearted, very personable and ever so sweet!

Today, my boy turns seven. I still remember a few months back when he began counting down towards this day.   "It's only 48 hours 'til my birthday!", he exclaimed last Monday morning.  He has so many wishes and we promised to fulfill a few of those for his natal day.

He is in "big school" now, facing another exciting stage in his very young life, with more challenges and more independence. It seemed only yesterday that we celebrated his sixth...time flew so fast!  Now I'm the one who's feeling old! :<

Aside from the traditional celebratory Sunday family lunches, we did not plan for any parties. For his birthday, he only wanted toys like Lego and Zero Gravity...and so we bought him what he wanted a week earlier...

...and to eat McDonald's Cheeseburger!!! It's the first time he asked for this on his birthday so for dinner today, we went to the burger chain as he wished.

Savoring his burger and fries at his fave fastfood joint

Candle blowing with his chocolate mousse cake decorated with his Spongebob toy figures

A second birthday cake made with love by Gwa-ma (maternal grandma)

A simple celebration for a simple boy. We are truly blessed to have him as a son.

To my darling boy, HAPPY 7th BIRTHDAY!

A year ago: The Boy is 6.

Note:
Poem above is from the book "The Language of Parenting".


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Mom-Friday is a Nominee for The Philippine Blog Awards 2010

I am so honored to be nominated to The Philippine Blog Awards for Best Home and Parenting Blog!  A  big, big thanks to friends who believed and nominated this site.

I didn't think much about blogging when I started a year and a half ago. All I wanted was to present the many facets of being a mom -- thus the title, Mom-Friday. This has been a creative outlet for me and a tool to share and exchange ideas, and learnings. I still have so much more to discover about the world of blogging. I don't even know enough of the tech stuff, monetizing, and blog terminologies!

Knowing that there are people like you who actually read and appreciate what I do here is enough encouragement for me to continue blogging. And now with this nomination, it's a big bonus already. Now I really have to push further and do better to really deserve this.

THANK YOU very much.


Mom-Friday's first post, revisited.
Who is Mom-Friday?



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Scents By Hayden

This is off my usual post but for my local readers, I am hoping some may find this a bit interesting.

After watching a wonderful ballet show yesterday (watch out for this feature) at the Glorietta mall with the kids, we passed by this small retail kiosk and I thought I recognized this really tall guy hiding under a baseball cap, quietly arranging bottles and gift bags. I quickly pointed to our yaya (nanny) that it's the controversial model (celebrity?) hunk Hayden Kho! And of course you now know what happened next -- picture, picture! :)

As you can see, yaya was start-struck and all smiles, and the kids, oblivious to what was happening, just smiled and went along with the photo-op. I must admit, he was way better looking in person than on TV and print. The charming lad even tried to carry my girl for the picture, convincing her that he's "not a bad man". He failed to win her and ended up just giving her a spritz of the pink cologne. She loved it!

photo from the official website

Eventually, other curious by-standers saw us taking photos and just as we thanked him and went our way, they too recognized the tall man by the counter and had their own photos taken with him.

I admire him for personally attending to the product display and greeting his patrons as he introduced his own fragrance line branded simply as HAYDEN.  It so happens that I recently read about his story from the November issue of Yes! magazine (Philippine edition), and from a newspaper feature. Know more about this controversial personality and read the whole back story here from the The Philippine Star (PhilStar.com).

My yaya was informed by the clerk that the colognes sell for P680.00 per 100ml bottle. I must admit, it does smell so delightful on my girl and the sweet scent enveloped our car on our way home! It reminded me so much of an imported brand but I can't seem to put my finger on it. For those who know me, you can bet this will haunt me for days until I match the Pink scent with the imported brand...(sigh)...

Related post:
Here's the Christmas ballet show that led us to this celebrity encounter :)


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Fun Friday: Make-Your-Own Christmas Photo Cards

Third Friday of the Month:  Hobbies / Arts & Recreation

It's that time of the year when we prepare for the coming holiday season with our gift lists, home decorating ideas, sumptuous party food recipes, and planning fun family get-togethers.  This season also inspires us to get in touch with friends and loved ones from across the miles and have something that we can send them to express our love and share the holiday cheer. I do this with photo cards and gift tags.

For several years now, I've been making Holiday photo cards to send to family and friend as postcards or via email (a.k.a. E-cards or electronic cards).  It's just like scrapbooking, but you're only making one card at a time and not a whole album! :-)

This was our 2009 Holiday E-Card with wacky poses from the kids

I really enjoy browsing through different sites with free templates and wonderful design inspirations. 

After choosing a nice photo of your family, you can layer in the photo as instructed from the site or manipulate your layout through Photoshop. I am now sharing these sites so you too can make your own cards to enjoy and share this coming yuletide season. If you don't want to make one, you can simply order them online!

Here are my favorite resource sites for creative, contemporary and cute card designs.

www.kevinandamanda.com

A treasure trove of original concepts with tutorials and friendly advise and tips!

www.tinyprints.com

Wide choices for any occasion with contemporary designs

www.smilebox.com

Aside from cards, you can also make your own personalized slideshow for sharing

www.hallmark.com

You can't go wrong with Hallmark cards!

Happy card-making! :)


Note:
For personal use only. Not to be reproduced for commercial purposes.
Some designs may have copyrights and would require proper attribution to source. 


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Warehouse Sales, Bazaars and an Expo

A quick post:  
Moms would especially like these...just in time for your holiday shopping. 

Expo Mom 2010 - products and gift ideas for the whole family
Nov. 20, 2010 only

Big&Small Warehouse Sale - moms and kids apparel and accessories
Nov. 16 - 20, 2010

Super Sale Bazaar at The Grove - fashion items
Nov. 19 - 21, 2010

Esprit De Noel Bazaar - products and gift ideas for the whole family
Nov. 20 - 21, 2010

Gingersnaps Warehouse Sale - moms and kids apparel and accessories

Richwell Trading Warehouse Sale - top toy brands, children's shoes and apparel like Barbie, Matchbox, V-Tech, Megablocks, Chicco, Pigeon, and many more

 Creative Trade Center, Calle Industria St. (Libis), Quezon City

Every last quarter of the year, I also look forward to some events happening at SM Megatrade Hall like the recently concluded Toy Kingdom warehouse sale, and the upcoming expos like Philippine exporters' fair, Luzon Trade Fair, and more sales of furniture and electronics, toys and holiday items.

SM Megatrade Hall Events - View schedule of events here

(Photo from SM Megatrade Hall website)

Happy bargain-hunting weekends ahead!

Note:
This post is for announcement purposes only.

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Picture, Picture! Pinoys, Where in the world are you?

I have in my bucket list some of the top tourist destinations in the world that I would like to visit someday, which includes the new seven wonders of the world.  In the meantime, I have to settle for videos and photographs of these amazing places that my family and friends have been sharing with me.

So where in the world are they?


To my loves ones across the miles, and to all Filipinos living and working abroad, here's your chance to share your precious photographs from where you are right now, and you might win free round trip tickets for two (2) to any Cebu Pacific domestic destination!

Check out the complete mechanics of Unionbank's photo-blogging contest below:

Be a fan: Facebook.com/unionbankph

Send in your pictures now!!!

PROMO IS EXTENDED UNTIL DEC. 31, 2010!

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Family Friday: Top Supplements for Healthy Kids

Second Friday of the month:  Health & Wellness / Parenting

Did you drink your vitamins?
Everyday, I was reminded to take my multi-vitamins. The fact that I am not sickly as a child, and until now as an adult, proved that the supplements did work for me.  Having kids of my own, I know that providing a proper diet and right combination of food supplements will fill the needs of my children's developing minds and growing bodies, while boosting their immune system for optimal health.

My favorite chewable vitamins as a kid

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Rockstar Arnel Pineda Goes Natural

International rock star. Talented Filipino artist. Lead vocalist of the iconic American rock band Journey. Family man. Philanthropist. This is Arnel Pineda.

Up close and personal with Journey's frontman Arnel Pineda

With his current celebrity status, to be able to 'meet and greet' Arnel Pineda is a rare opportunity for anyone. So when I received an invitation to an intimate luncheon in his honor, I knew I could not pass up that chance. This would be his final conference before he leaves for Journey's upcoming world tour. Big thanks to Ms. Abbey Tomas of Protégé who facilitated this special media function.

After fetching the kids from school, we rushed and braved through lunch hour traffic, finally arriving at the popular Mann Hann Chinese restaurant in San Juan where the function was held. After a sumptuous lunch buffet, Arnel table-hopped for a tête-à-tête with the select group of media representatives. Luckily, our table was his last stop and my fellow bloggers just began their Q&A when I came in.

My late lunch, after the interview

The very talented Arnel Pineda was warm, engaging and very down-to-earth. He was very open and candid with his stories and shared his passion for music, his humble beginnings, his foundation for underprivileged children, and how hard work and luck paved the way for the success he is now reaping. Having gone through many of life's challenges, the blessings he is now enjoying with his loved ones are truly well deserved. A genuine and naturally gifted Filipino, Arnel was chosen to become the spokesperson for natural health supplements, which can now be added to his many titles above.

The event served as the official introduction of Arnel Pineda as the latest corporate endorser of Nattural Quality Corporation.

The mental and physical demands from his flourishing music career made him more conscious and appreciate the value of clean and healthy living. Arnel is all for safe and natural food supplements to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle, for himself and for his family. That's why he accepted to become the corporate ambassador for Nattural Quality Corporation (NQC)-- a Filipino-owned company that "develops and markets innovative herbal-based food supplements known to contain essential elements that help maintain good health and wellness."

Herbal food and dietary supplements from Nattural Quality Corporation

NQC manufactures the famous Ampalaya Plus, vegetable and herbal supplement that helps prevent and control diabetes (ampalaya is bitter gourd). They also developed Ampalaya Plus Delite Herbal Tea, a healthy beverage with the same benefits as the capsule. Then there's Enduranz, containing tongkat ali which is a natural aphrodisiac for men and helps in male infertility and erectile problems.

With his very active and stressful lifestyle, Arnel Pineda swears by Enduranz, which he brings along wherever and whenever he goes on tour as it promotes men's overall health. Slenda is the company's answer to the growing problems in obesity and weight control. It has an all-natural formulation that contains resveratrol.  NQC's latest product is Renalin, an herbal dietary supplement to help support the kidney.

Arnel entertained media reps and gamely posed for photos

Arnel accommodated guests like mommy Joy for souvenir shots with him

"Nattural Quality Corporation continues to produce health products that aims to achieve their vision -- a better health and improved quality of life for Filipinos all over the world. 

Nattural Quality Corporation (NQC) is a 100% Filipino-owned corporation established in 2000. NQC has its products manufactured in a facility that is BFAD (Bureau of Food and Drugs) registered with CGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practice) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certification." - www.gonatural.com.ph

Arnel with (left) John Lim and Dr. Gerniliano Aligui (right), marketing consultant and medial consultant respectively,
for Nattural Quality Corporation

After the brief rounds of personal interviews, Arnel happily obliged with requests for photographs and signed autographs. He even signed my cookbook (see bottom photo) complements of NQC! Also present were consultants from NQC, and members of the singer's entourage who proudly showed us a preview of the final TV commercial with Arnel as their newest endorser.

"Bibilib ka sa galing ng Pilipino!" -- Arnel Pineda

(Loose translation:  You'll be impressed with the Filipino's abilities / natural gifts! )

Watching the preview of the commercial

View his TVC here! Just play this video:

This was one memorable event for me and my blog buddies, for sure! It's not everyday that you get to meet, and even interact with an international rock star! To quote Arnel: "Mabuhay Pinoy!"

Starstruck moms:  Me, Joy, Pehphot, and Abbey (Photo from mommy Pehpot)

p.s.

After a busy weekend, I tried the Ampalaya Delite Herbal Tea and it was so fragrant, soothing and relaxing. I recommend you try it, even if you are not diabetic like me :)  I liked the calamansi (calamondin) flavor and hint of ginger spice. You can barely taste the bitterness of the ampalaya. Take it hot or cold with a teaspoon of honey and enjoy!  Soon, I will try some dishes from this cookbook by Ms. Susana Guerrero with Renal Diet recipes.

Cheers to health and wellness!

Know more about the health products of Nattural Quality Corporation.
Visit:  www.gonatural.com.ph

Arnel Pineda gives back. You can also support Arnel's advocacies here:
Arnel Pineda Foundation, Inc.

For those not familiar with Arnel Pineda, watch Journey with Arnel here on Oprah, as he sings "Don't Stop Believing", and "Faithfully".  The second one being, as Oprah puts it, "the song that got him the job" (as the band's frontman).


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Foodie Friday: Ensaladang Talong (Eggplant Salad)

First Friday of the month:  Mom-Cook / Recipes

Does this look like a Christmas salad to you or what? 

I used to make a different version of eggplant+tomato+onion salad.  Before, I just toss with a light dressing of vinegar and bagoong (shrimp paste). This time, I replaced bagoong with a vinaigrette, then added dried salted fish flakes and wansoy, as inspired by a very similar dish from Cafe Juanita (a popular Filipino restaurant in Pasig City).

Chopped grilled eggplants, fresh ripe tomatoes, red onions, fried tuyo flakes (dried salted fish) and wansoy (coriander leaves), drizzled with home-made vinaigrette. No rules to the proportions of the veggies, except the eggplant should be the star. One of my favorite side dishes, this vibrant salad brings many dimensions of tastes and flavors that will surely tickle your palate.

Though I'm sure this humble salad is not for everyone, I highly recommend you try this. Aside from chopping up your fresh produce, you only need to fry the tuyo to a crisp and grill the eggplants. Though grilling is still the best, you can also roast or even pan fry it when you're short on time to grill, I did! :-)  As long as your aubergines do not become soggy, you're fine.  The fish flakes give it the salty punch complementing the freshness of tomatoes and onions, with the wansoy capping off this refreshing dish.

Marrying all the flavors together is this simple vinaigrette -- a blend of red cane vinegar, canola oil, and sprinkle of sugar, salt and pepper. You can make your own mix and adjust the taste, as long as you leave a hint of sweetness to the dressing.

Grill, chop, mix. Et voilà! The perfect side dish for an Asian inspired meal.

Give me some steamed rice to go with this and my meal is all set! ;)

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Kid-Style: Holloween Cuties 2010

Holloween hang-over? Well, I'm sure a lot of kiddies out there haven't had enough of their treats yet and are still hanging on to their colorful, over-the-top, or whimsical costumes!

My boy had a change of heart and insisted on wearing his macho Transformer BumbleBee suit (which he has obviously outgrown -- check the hem!) instead of the fairly new Harry Potter gear.  So guess who got lucky to take on the wizard's cloak?

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