My Best News for the Day

My morning did not start out right. I had been bothered with the problems in the office and a "Miranda" who had gotten out of control.

Cheryl phoned me a few minutes past 10:00 am to let me know that my bet, David Cook won the American Idol Season 7. I was floored by her news! Thanks to Emillie who broke the news to her. (I so love my friends!)

After yesterday's Final 2 performances and after hearing what the judges said about the two Davids, I psyched myself that David Archuleta will win.

So imagine my surprise when I heard Cheryl's news. I was so happy that I blushed which my officemates pointed out.

Go David Cook!

Thanks to FOX News for these photos.

Overloading on Sarah Jessica Parker

Sex & the City the Movie is happening sooner than I think. I may get to see it before end of this month. Yoohoo!

It would be good to see Carrie and the girls again. I must've started my "obsession" with the girls in 2000. They're the girlfriends I will never have. They're too fabulous for me and the way I live my life.

I remember watching the show on DVD 8 years, when my life was still full of uncertainties. Bad choices in life. Bad girl gone good. Wow, it sounds pretty much like Carrie's life. Although I did not end up with a Mr. Big type, I probably ended up with an Aidan.

Sex & the City is a movie I will see alone or with my girlfirends. I'm afraid it is too girly for my husband.
In time for the release of the movie, Sarah Jessica Parker was chosen to endorse Coca Cola Light, initially for the Japanese market.

Her billboard along EDSA caught my eye right away and soon after I was watching her ad on TV.

Nice eh?

But not enough to make me switch from Pepsi Max to Coke Light. My aunt who works for Pepsi will be so proud of me.

And the Trailer...

Coming sooner than you think in theaters near you.

Enjoy!

Overloading on Sarah Jessica Parker

Sex & the City the Movie is happening sooner than I think. I may get to see it before end of this month. Yoohoo!

It would be good to see Carrie and the girls again. I must've started my "obsession" with the girls in 2000. They're the girlfriends I will never have. They're too fabulous for me and the way I live my life.

I remember watching the show on DVD 8 years, when my life was still full of uncertainties. Bad choices in life. Bad girl gone good. Wow, it sounds pretty much like Carrie's life. Although I did not end up with a Mr. Big type, I probably ended up with an Aidan.

Sex & the City is a movie I will see alone or with my girlfirends. I'm afraid it is too girly for my husband.

In time for the release of the movie, Sarah Jessica Parker was chosen to endorse Coca Cola Light, initially for the Japanese market.

Her billboard along EDSA caught my eye right away and soon after I was watching her ad on TV.

Nice eh?

But not enough to make me switch from Pepsi Max to Coke Light. My aunt who works for Pepsi will be so proud of me.

La Senza Hits Manila!

It truly was an intimate affair as Suyen Corporation welcomed Canadian premier lingerie brand La Senza in a gathering held recently at the newest flagship store in the glamorous Bonifacio High Street!

Offering the most fashionable collection of bras, panties, daywear and sleepwear at reasonable prices, La Senza operates in over 400 stores throughout Canada and over 400 stores in 41 countries (and counting) around the world. La Senza’s expansion has included the United Kingdom, Europe, Scandinavia, Asia, the Middle East, South Africa, Australia and South America. As a leader in the bra industry, La Senza offers pieces with the most advanced technologies and fabrics in the most stylish cuts and colors, while raising the bar of comfort and fit.

Welcoming guests was President of La Senza Joel Teitelbaum, along with Suyen Corporation VP for Business Development Bryan Lim. Also there to lend support and formally unveil the store was First Lady of Taguig Kaye Tinga along with Suyen Corporation President Virgilio Lim, VP for Finance Nenita Lim and Human Brand Manager Suyen Lim. Celebrities like Angelica Panganiban, Krista Ranillo, Ruffa Mae Quinto, Cheska Garcia, Cesca Litton, and Be Bench finalists Michelle Carbonell, Regine Angeles and Kristine Nieto were one of the first to take a look at the stylish new bras, panties, daywear and nightwear at La Senza.

Completing the event was a mini-fashion show held inside the store. Sexy models with hair by Bench FiX and make up from the Face Shop gave the guests a glimpse of the latest pieces from La Senza. Styles included in the mini-fashion show were: luxuriously soft bathrobes, lace babydolls, a black tube mini dress and stylish, sexy lingerie, all from La Senza’s fabulous spring / summer collection!

“With our joint dedication and team effort, La Senza is sure to become a major player in the underwear and lingerie industry here in the Philippines,” said Suyen Corporation VP for Business Development Bryan Lim during the toast he gave to Joel Teitelbaum. And with this, La Senza’s future in the Philippines seems bright.

For exclusive, boudoir-style nightwear, try out the LOVE La Senza collection! Don’t forget to check out La Senza’s newest & very edgy collection Lola & Coco, offering cool loungewear, printed boxers and sexy lace camis! Feel fantastic in La Senza! From ultra chic, sexy bras and panties, to flirty sleepwear, to fun accessories and much more! This spring / summer, La Senza offers stylish bras and panties in bright tropical prints – look sweet in pink, fierce in yellow or sexy in red! All of La Senza’s ultra comfortable cotton and super sexy lace bras are available in the season’s pinks, yellows, reds and blues with matching panties. Discover your true colors only at La Senza!

Thanks to Suyen Corporation for this post-event article and photos.

La Senza Opens in the Philippines!

MANILA, March 2008. La Senza, Canada’s premier lingerie retailer will celebrate the opening of its new and unique shop at Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City on April 2008. This is the 1st La Senza boutique in the Philippines!

Our mission is to provide an outstanding lingerie presentation in a world-class environment. La Senza provides customers with outstanding personal service, while combining quality, fit and value. The merchandise continues to satisfy two areas of consumer needs: firstly, La Senza strives to become the destination specialty lingerie store for all consumers and secondly, to provide a constant range of merchandise relevant to the gift purchaser.

La Senza offers the most fashionable collection of bras, panties, daywear and sleepwear. As a leader in the bra industry, La Senza offers bras with the most advanced technologies and fabrics, while raising the bar of comfort and fit. La Senza lingerie is the ultimate shopping destination for a vast array of exclusive high quality branded lingerie at affordable prices. The LOVE La Senza collection offers exclusive boudoir-style nightwear. For an active lifestyle, the La Senza Spirit collection offers everything for a girl on the go. “La Senza at Home” is designed for sophisticated and modern living, offering luxurious robes, blankets, slippers and much more. Stay tuned for the launch of Lola & Coco by La Senza, an edgy new collection planned to hit stores this spring! All of these collections are offered in a typical La Senza boutique and can be seen online at lasenza.com La Senza owns and operates over 300 stores throughout Canada, and over 400 stores in 37 countries (and counting) around the world. La Senza’s expansion worldwide has included the United Kingdom, Europe, Scandinavia, Asia, the Middle East, South Africa, Australia, South America, and the expansion continues. Further expansion in the Philippines is expected throughout the year and beyond. TriNoma, Greenbelt 3 and SM Mall of Asia are among other stores that will be opening soon.

**Thanks to Suyen Corporation for a copy of the press release and photos.

David vs. David on American Idol 7 Finals

The final two result excites me. I had been hoping for a David vs. David finals.

Way to go America!

David Cook

VS

David Archuleta

I can't wait for May 22nd!

Forty Tips for a Better Life

My co-worker Allan had been forwarding inspirational e-mails for the pas couple of weeks. I envy those people who finds the time to send out e-mail messages, be it forwarded stuff or personal e-mails. I hardly have the time to write each of my friends or relatives.

The world has become a busy and stressful place. Well, for me anyway. Sigh...

So the e-mail on tips for a better life was a good reminder for me - that I should be enjoying the journey through life. And that there is much more to life than work.

The italized sentences after each tip are what I feel about the tip.

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
I tried walking to the bank and to the mall this afternoon, and after a stressful day in the office, it was what I needed.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
Yes, every morning when I start my day reading the Bible.

3. Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep.
No late night shows for me. Sleep is more important.

4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, My purpose is to __________ today.
This is worth a try!

5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
I need more than vitamins for the 3 E's.

6. Play more games and read more books than you did in 2007.
My goal this year is to find the time to read as much books as I can.

7. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, tai chi, and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.
I have been attending the Body Balance class at Fitness First. And I try to talk to God more.

8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.
Sayang, my mother is under age 70!

9. Dream more while you are awake.
No need to remind me about this one as I do daydreaming a lot.

10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
Oh yes...

11. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.
Why not!?!

12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
I'm hoping I made more than three people smile today; I can be very witty with what I say.

13. Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.
I'm getting there...

14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
Amen to that! This seems like a reminder from Joel Osteen.

15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
As my dear brother says, problems/challenges are very expensive ways to learn.

16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
With the rising cost of food, I may be eating like a college kid with a maxed out card in all three meals.

17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy vampires away.
I used to smile a lot when I was younger. Now what happened!?!

18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
I agree!

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
True.. so I'm a work in progress on this one.

20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
Hmmm...

21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
Very true. Especially with Jed. And with work.

22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
I tend to just forget about the past and never bring it up.

23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
I'm happy with the life I am living.

24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
Another Joel Osteen reminder!

25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
This makes so much sense.

26. Forgive everyone for everything.
Not quite but getting there.

27. What other people think of you is none of your business.
And I really don't care what other people think of me except of those very few who matter in my life - my husband, family, and close friends.

28. GOD heals everything, but you have to let Him.
Without a doubt.

29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
I'm hanging on to this words. Looking forward to July 16.

30. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
See... Now why does work gets in the way of friendship?

31. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
Don't keep junk in your life.

32. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
Yes, the Lord made me complete, and He provides for my needs. There's definitely no reason to feel envious.

33. The best is yet to come.
How come I'm singing this.... "the best is yet to come..."

34. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
A responsible adult is professional, in every aspect of life.

35. Do the right thing!
Even if it's the unpopular choice.

36. Call your family often. (Or email them to death!!!)
I always do.

37. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.
I should start writing this in my journal.

38. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
Now let me post this somewhere where I can always be reminded of this tip.
39. Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride. Very well stated.
    

Why Do I Love Him?

In time for our 5th monthsary (wow we've been married for five months!), let me write something about my dear husband. My friend Emillie tagged me in a “meme” for her husband Titan entitled, Why Do I Love Him? While I am fond of answering surveys/questionnaires when I get tagged, I don’t bother tagging anyone after. Tsk tsk tsk..

Going back to the subject about my dearest Jed, why do I love my husband?

• He is God’s answered prayer. After kissing a few frogs, I found my prince. He was worth all the heartaches and lessons learned from my past relationships.
• What great genes he has! I honestly was surprised I ended up with someone as good looking as him. I can’t wait to see our future kids.
• And boy, Jed can sing!! (Please help me in splicing our wedding video so I could upload a clip of his song for me.)
• He was the only person (aside from my family and driver) who had the patience to drive me home to Bulacan thrice a week in the four years we were dating.
• My family, most especially, my mother, loves him because his actions assured them that I will be taken care of and he loves me.
• He gave me the most beautiful engagement ring and the most sincere proposal. It’s exactly what I had been hoping for.
• And when I accidentally flushed my engagement ring down the toilet, he gave me a new one exactly like the one I lost two days after.
• We had the perfect wedding – a small and intimate Christian wedding in the beautiful City of Pines.
• Once in a while, he pulls me out of my comfort zone. I’m the type who wouldn’t try some thing new unless someone assures me its fun, safe, and morally right. He had me experience those missing from my life like traveling to far-flung places, and riding public transportation.
• He stops me from badmouthing and judging people.
• He doesn’t always take my side when I complain about life, people and situation. It was annoying at first that he doesn’t understand my point of view. After a while I realized why he needed to stick to what he stands for.
• He ironed my clothes the first few times I tried to do it that I ended up crying out of frustration. Now I’m very firm that I have to do it on my own, as I’m not going to learn if he keeps on pressing my clothes for me.
• He washes the dishes when he sees I’m exhausted. I added this bit, as Jed HATES doing the dishes even if he says he doesn’t mind doing so.
• He wakes up earlier since we’ve gotten married to go to work as my office hours starts at 8 o’clock in the morning. And on days when he doesn’t need to work, he’d still wake up early to bring me to the office.
• Jed is a sweet man. I love that he is affectionate like me.
• Jed had adjusted pretty well that he knows how to handle my terrible temper, obsessive compulsive ways, and mood swings. He knows it is best to leave me alone.
• He’s the most responsible person for taking care of his father, and the rest of his family. I sometimes feel he takes on too much. Nevertheless I’m happy he is who he is. I am assured of a good future with him knowing his priority is his family.
• I’m learning to know the Lord the way Jed knows Him.
• I used to say I don’t want to grow old and I am scared of ageing but Jed changed the way I think. He took away the fear out of me. And I now look forward to spending the rest of my life – many years - with him.
  

I'm Loving,,,

... a cookbook and my two Bibles. Well, doesn't that sound odd?

Cookbook


The famous Super Edna or Manang Edna came up with her very own compilation of recipes. Edna, who have worked with my former bosses and colleagues at the Embassy of Canada, never fails to whip out an excellent dish at receptions or gatherings my colleagues came up with. Among my favorites are her chili prawns, Neiman Marcus' cookies, Bob's cheeseball, and her blueberry cheesecake. The first run of her recipe book Maid in Manila: Edna's Collection of Selected Recipes was wiped out; I almost didn't secure my own copy. Well, I guess the Lord wants me to cook better meals for Jed so I got hold of the last copy.

I was delighted to pour through the pages of her winning recipes, and daydream that one day I would cook as good as Edna.

At 375 pesos, this recipe book is a gem! I can't wait for the 2nd printing, I will buy a few more to hand out as gifts to my sister and friends who love to cook and have tasted Edna's excellent dishes.

Two Colourful Bibles

Before my wedding, and as I don't a decent Bible I purchased this two-tone pink and black NIV (New International Version) bible. I was happy with it, until I learned from the Small Group I attend that there are more variety out there, particularly those sold by OMF Literature. The OMF store is just a 5-minute walk from where I live.

In one of Samantha's Small Group meetings, I learned about the different types of bibles, and that it comes in different colors, shapes and sizes - to suit every person's needs. I grew up with a knowledge that a bible only comes in the most boring color of black or brown, and the copies we have at home are rarely opened and read. I know how sad that sounded. Samantha showed us her backpack bible (perfect for travel), and the NIV Women's Devotional Bible (a must-have for women).

I would like to bring a pocket bible to Singapore so I made a trip to OMF before my departure date. When I reached the OMF store, I looked like a little kid grinning at the sight of too many books. I do love to read and the sight of books makes me happy.

I couldn't believe at the number of bibles available. It took me a while to choose the pocket bible I want. I'm telling you I had a hard time. I even lined up several bibles to see which one I like the most. I was eyeing the Women's Devotional Bible but it's not what I needed then. Finally, I purchased this NIV Backpack Bible in Italian Duo-Tone.


My new backpack Bible came very handy in Singapore. During those disturbing times, I turn to my bible for comfort. Reading the Word helped me through the challenges of my trip.

I visited OMF again last week, this time to buy the NIV Women's Devotional I eyed then. I set aside some money for it; that kind of bible doesn't come cheap. As I reached for the bible I had been eyeing, I saw that there was another version of the Women's Devotional in a smaller size and different color. It caught my eye because it was in orchid and butter creme - it's pink! I immediately compared it with the first one, and it's the exact same thing. When I looked at the price, this pink bible is cheaper by 600 pesos. I'm sold! I went out of the store happily carrying a pink Women's Devotional Bible.


I now look forward to starting my day reading passages and pouring over God's message for me.

Singapore: Food & Hotel Asia 2008

The office sent me to Singapore for Food & Hotel Asia 2008. While I would normally shout with glee for another trip abroad, I particularly detest this trip. It was pure work!

The Canadian Pavilion housed 29 exhibitors from 2006's seven exhibitors. This meant I had more exhibitors to assist and match them with Philippine buyers. It was great working with my colleagues from Southeast Asia/ASEAN, HQ, and exhibitors from all over Canada. It took a lot of work identifying Philippine buyers from the huge crowd and introduce them to each Canadian companies but well worth it. My boss followed and joined me on Day 3 of the show.

I bonded with my ASEAN colleagues and they helped me deal with challenges.

While the show left me exhausted at night that I hardly have the energy to go out and walk around, I joined my Canadian colleagues in their trip to the Night Safari Wedenesday evening. The 32 Singaporean dollars was worth it. The Night Safari tour with the Canadians was a laughing trip.

I set aside my last two nights to meet with important people -- my highschool friends and Jed's friends.

Malou hosted dinner on Friday night, and we dubbed that evening for her daughter Caitlyn as Playtime with Tita Irma and Gabe. Giselle and baby Gabe came over and they made the evening more enjoyable.

I just adore those two kids - Gabe & Caitlyn.

On my last night in Singapore, I met with Jed's friends Rubi and Grace. The original plan was for me to meet our Ninang Stella for dinner, but she backed out last minute as she needed to take care of her mom. Grace invited us over to her house for dinner. She has two beautiful kids, Bianca and Isaac. Bianca gamely posed for the camera. She's growing up to be a charming girl.

Rubi took me over to where she lives, and we got lost riding the train. I asked her to please let me ride the train not knowing she's not familiar with the stations.

My intention was to shop but I ended up shopping last minute at the airport before I boarded the plane for home. I had to buy Jed his pasalubong in Manila.

I'm just glad the trip was over. I missed my husband in that one week.

Another mission accomplished.

Celebrating My Father's 76th Birthday

If my father were alive, he would have been 76 years old last April 28. My family celebrates every special occasion, and we would not miss Tatay's birthday.

I still miss my father.. I know it's 8 years since he passed away. And I also know that he is happy where he is. But I just miss his presence.

This year, we met for lunch last April 20 at Chocolate Kiss in UP Diliman. Now that I'm married and had moved out of the house, I look forward to seeing my family again. I enjoy catching up with them.

The whole gang stuffed with good food.

On our way out, I saw this whole stretch of sunflowers, and I just had to step out of the car to have my photo taken. During graduation season, UP plants sunflower leading to the Oblation monument.

Since I love flowers, I asked my dear husband to take my photo with the sunflowers.

Arra's College Graduation

My sister-in-law graduated from the University of the Philippines, Manila with a degree in Bachelor of Arts, Major in Organizational Communication last April 18, 2008.

As the rest of the family couldn't be there, Jed & I attended Arra's graduation in PICC. We were there as early as 7 o'clock in the morning. There's not much we could see from where we were seated. My apologies for the photos.

We were so happy and proud to see Arra accepting her diploma. I'm sure the rest of the Arricivita family would have wanted to see her march in a toga and be handed her diploma. Here's the clip I took:

The three of us proceeded to Circles in Makati Shangri-la to celebrate.


For full version of the photos, please visit our Multiply site.

Not So Good Week

I'm having a horrible week. My patience, endurance, etc - you name it - are being tested.

I would have wanted more quiet time. I need more quiet time. If only I am not physically and emotionally exhausted.

I had to be in the office before 7 this morning for something the boss wants done. Sigh...

As I was away last week, I missed reading Joel Osteen's Today's Word. I'm only starting to read through them today. When I opened Todays' Word for April 21, the message is exactly what I need today.

He Gives Strength

Today's Scripture
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak” (Isaiah 40:29).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Have you ever felt backed into a corner about a particular situation, and you couldn’t see a way out? We’ve all felt overwhelmed by the circumstances of life at one time or another. Be encouraged today because the Bible says in Isaiah that when you cry to God for help, as soon as He hears, He will answer you! He will give you strength when you are weary and increase your power when you feel weak. No matter what is going on in your life today, God is greater than any obstacle or difficulty you may be facing. Do you need strength today to overcome a challenge in your life? Do you need power to stand strong in the midst of a storm? Call on Him and He will hear you. The answer is on the way while the words are still on your lips! Open your heart and by faith receive His strength and might, and let Him empower you to live in victory all the days of your life!

The Lord finds away to get His message to me, and make me feel very special.