sunnysideup Thank you series: Ending the year with Free Donuts :)

This year, I finally got to experience rewards from a few of the local brands I've long supported. Particularly:

*a free Jollibee meal for registering in Globe's paperfree billing
*monthly rebates for being a loong time subscriber of Globe
*free movie tickets from Citibank for minimum purchases of Php1500 or
*coupon discounts from Starbucks (miss my old branch in Pasong Tamo extension)

*free donuts from Krispy Kreme again for minimum purchases of Php1500 via Citibank (Got this today!)

Before the year ends, I wish that I get more rewards next year. I promise to be more mindful of promos. I'm a loyal customer yet I never took the time to maximize the offers. Maybe target a new and free mobile phone as I badly need one before my current one gives up on me.

sunnysideup finds: My Art Bag

I was feeling artsy-farty this week and so yesterday I finished another DIY project - my new art bag. I had the sudden inspiration to do this because of my hubby's old throwable and wornout denim jeans. He said he wasn't using it anymore so I decided to recycle it.

Now it's the perfect art bag for me, because it fits my sketch pads plus it has so many pockets to accommodate my tools (pens, eraser, etc).

Front

Back

I enjoyed working on this project so much that I also decided to glam it up with sparkly beads.

Front

Back

What do you think? :)

sunnysideup perspectives: My Hubby's New Sport

Since last year my hubby has wanted to play football. Everytime we were on vacation in Manila we would always watch the football games of Arenaball Phils held at the Marikina Sports Center. Finally, now that we are back and based in Manila, he has.

In the last few weekends, he has been trying out for a position in one of the teams. He would always go home with bruises and slightly swelled muscles, but still with a grin on his face. I don't really understand why most men are always interested in highly physical sports. Then again seeing how happy he is every practice and tryout day makes me appreciate his new love. Of course, I am still worried that he might get hurt, but as they said, it's part of the game - it's tackle football.

Still congratulations to my hubby for finding his sport and being drafted as an Offensive Lineman. I'll be there always to watch and support you in all your games. I'll be your stage wife LOL. :)

Here's a snapshot of my hubby during Tryouts. (photo taken by one of his teammates)

Well, maybe I will even consider joining Flag football in the future. Maybe it will be a new way for me to exercise, on top of my gym or jogging days. Then again, that will be in the future. In the meantime, I'll try drills with hubby first to see if I can hack it or if I'll enjoy it. The truth is I've never been interested in football before but since his passion for this grew, I've been learning the game - rules, roles, lingo, etc.

I've noticed that since we've been married, the longer we stay together, the more our interests and hobbies begin to be similar. We've also learned how to be more understanding and tolerant of our differences and weaknesses. We're maturing together and growing happier.

Anyway, for any of you guys interested to join Arenaball Philippines' Football, check out their rules and tryout guidelines. You can also checkout their team's FB page, they are still drafting players for the upcoming season. :)

sunnysideup finds: Customized Cartoon Cards

It's almost Christmas and I have a new project...personalized cartoon cards. I made a few sets for me, my friends and family. I'm going to use them as cards when I give out our holiday gifts.

It's just a fun new way of giving gifts this holiday season that adds that touch of personality and uniqueness in our tokens.

Let me know what you think :)

Oooh...and if you want one I can make one for you. I can just send you finished jpeg file or I can also print them out for you. Email me and send me your picture with a list of your hobbies or interests and the number of pieces you want or the jpeg file size you need. I'll reply to you with a quote and time frame. I can also make cards that are regular and non-holiday themed which you can use for any occasion, even birthdays.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Thank you series: I Love Talks with my Dad

No matter how old I get, I will always value the time and talks I spend with my Dad. Sometimes I just rant, sometimes I just listen, and sometimes we work on errands together. It's just so refreshing really.

When I was single and under my parents wings, it was always convenient. We were always together and I had easy access to his love, protection, and wisdom. Now that I'm married, life has gotten busier so time for serious talks are lesser and more precious.

Today was one of those special days. I accompanied my Dad in some of his errands and we've managed to make today - a stressful day - into a special father and daughter moment.

Thank you God for today. :)

Thank you series: A New Blog Header

For the longest time, I've been planning to change my blog header. This is actually the original plan I had 2 years ago but only now did I get to make it. It's a very simple look - a photo of me capturing my quirky side with my blog title on the side.

Scroll to the top of the page. . .

That's me with pink feathers, oversized sunglasses and a star-sparkly head band? What do you think? :P

sunnysideup finds: A Reason to Celebrate

During times of crossroads and challenges it's helpful to get inspiration from videos and books. I've always believed that it's always about our perspective and thoughts. We see what we want to see, and hear what we want to hear. Sometimes, however, during times of weakness and doubt hearing words of wisdom from the "older and wiser" is very much enlightening.

Just a few day ago, I visited a friend and she invited me to watch a DVD copy of "Celebrating What's Right with the World." It's a video by Dewitt Jones, a National Geographic Photographer. I loved it! It validated a lot of my thoughts and encouraged me to continue my chosen path. Of course as a photo enthusiast myself, his art and photos helped drive the message further. I can truly relate and I look forward to my future travels and opportunities to see more of the world.

Anyway, the video is truly worth watching. Here is a preview of the video from Youtube by DVDpro but it's better to watch the whole thing.



For more information on Dewitt Jones and the video, you can also visit his website.

sunnysideup perspectives: The Gift of Travel

When I have children, if there is one privilege or gift I would give them, it would be the gift of travel. Of course needless to say, I also want my children to go to the best school, attend summer workshops, play and appreciate every moment of their childhood . . . etc. I want to help and provide them with the opportunity to discover themselves and be the best they can be.

I just came to thinking that who I am, how I view and live life today was greatly affected by my exposure and travel to different places and countries. Big thanks to my parents, former employers, and my hubby, I was able to visit difference parts of the globe, particularly countries in Asia, Europe and North America. Travel not only brings joy and pleasure, more importantly, I think it provides us with a bigger perspective - it makes us more openminded, knowledgeable, and even tolerant of differences in culture, beliefs and attitudes. It challenges our original beliefs and truths - those we learned in school, organizations, and churches. Travel can help create and develop our views, beliefs and personal truths. It allows us to experience life in different ways. It reminds us that the world is not us and it does not revolve around us. We are just a part of a whole and there is so much more to see, understand, and enjoy.

Thank you series: Friends hold your hand as you chase your dream

Especially since the day I got married, the one constant in my life is change. Not necessarily bad or tragic but change anyhow. When I was single, I had full control of my life, my career and decisions. On a hindsight, it was convenient and easy. It was more about ME.

As I got married, opportunities for change came pouring in. Some exciting, some scary. One of the major changes included our relocation to China. With that move came my chance to become a fulltime expatriate housewife with part-time work as an English Tutor/Teacher.

It was a pivotal moment where I decided to jump face forward in the unknown. This is just one of but the many changes and "growing up lessons" of my life.

I won't go into too much detail, I just want to basically say that aside from my husband and family, my childhood friends, were with me through the years. No matter how busy, moody, or unavailable I was; they were there. They were there to push and hug me (at just the right moments). They were there to always hold my hand.

My friends were always there to hold my hand. Just as I, will always be there to hold their hand because that's just how we do it. We hold each others hand - whenever and even if.

Thank you series: Refreshed from a 3-day weekend with hubby

Simple things make me happy. Like:


- a feel good friday night relaxing while watching a feel good movie
- a drink of wine while overlooking a great view
- going out on our 100peso (equivalent to 2 USD) challenge dates. That means getting to spend just that much on a date and focusing more on the company rather than the environment or things.
- a cup of vanilla ice cream (sugarfree of course)
- a hug from my hubby
- a compliment from a friend
-drinking my favorite coffee or milk tea
- a comical moment with my dog



and of course,



- a long holiday weekend that provides quality time to reconnect and talk and relax. Something I just had last weekend. It was refreshing :)



Hubby knows how tired I was so he cooked and helped me clean the house. Thanks babe. I'm now fully charged for the week ahead. :)

Sunnysideup finds: A Chance to Win a FREE SEAT in a Video Production Workshop

My friend, an industry practitioner and professor, is planning to conduct a VIDEO PRODUCTION WORKSHOP on Oct 2010. She needs a little help on her choosing which topic to teach. She wants to understand what people will be interested to learn. Your help will be most appreciated, just simple answer this online survey.

In exchange you can get a chance to WIN A FREE SEAT in the WORKSHOP.
FREE SEATS will be given to the best survey respondent.

*Best thing about this is that the seat is transferable. So if you are not available you can give your slot as a gift. Thanks in advance for all the help :)

**Oooh by the way though, the workshop will be help in Manila. Which means free seat is only viable for Manila-residents

For more information on this, you can also visit her blog.

sunnysideup perspectives: Buying the Right Rubber Shoes

Not until I felt pain in my ankle did I realize the importance of buying the right rubber shoes. I have to admit that I never paid much thought when buying in the past. All I needed to know was that it felt good, looked good and paired well with my gym clothes. Yeah I know, too girly.

Since we relocated back to the Philippines, my hubby and I, having been into running. We usually run on weekends and since then I realized the need to really buy the right one for my feet. Funny thing is what used to be a 10-15minute purchase for me in the past, now became a 1 hour activity for me. As I was choosing and trying you on a number of shoes at a sport shop in The Fort, I can see the impatience brewing in my hubby hehe :) But it was all worth it. My hubby and I came out happy with our purchase. I so so love my new running shoes and I thank my hubby for convincing me get this pair. It's perfect! (It even comes with an option to add a sensor that can track and record my runs.)

Thank you series: My Hubby's Chocolate Truffles

I just love my hubby's truffles. :)



I've had the honor of being his taste tester, the downside however is me gaining weight. Good thing is he already customized a recipe for me - dark chocolate truffles infused with coffee and with less sugar. (Haha, writing my fave flavor just reminded me of . . . me - ordering coffee in Starbucks. :P )

Thank you series: Our online shop is up (body-friendly clothes available)!

My childhood friends and I have always spoken about wanting to have a group business. And finally here it is. We just started a small online shop called Style Fetish which allows us to work together and use our talents while bonding. Our store features clothes that are body-friendly, beautiful yet affordable. We hunt and offer items that are meant to complement and flatter your body.

As a group we are not models with a size 2 body, but are regular "everyday" women who love to dress up so we understand that we women come in different shapes and sizes. We know how important it is to understand our body shape and choose clothes that accentuate our assets. Sometimes no matter how chic or hot a dress is, it may or may not be necessarily look good on us. Read more on how to work with your body type at our site or look at our collection.


Happy Shopping!

sunnysideup finds: My Jumping Dog!

I thought I lost my dog last week. He went missing for a day and a half. He has a knack for jumping and we’ve done almost everything to keep him in the house. Still, sometimes I can’t help but laugh at him. I’m stressed with his jumping but at the same time I find it so amusing and amazing.

Here's a video of him jumping.

sunnysideup finds: My Red Shoes!

A few months ago, I found this unique pair of shoes. It's designed by a Filipino and makes use of pure leather for the shoe and tire rubber for the sole. I just love it's unique design - sort of like the fusion of a gladiator shoes and ballerina shoe.

There are several colors to choose from but I chose the bright red - my current favorite color. I noticed that a red bag or red shoes can always spruce up your simple attire. I've used this in several of my travels.

By the way, I bought my pair in a shop in Eastwood. It's in the floor below the cinema of the first mall/old building.

MESSAGE FOR THE SHOE DESIGNER: I just adore your shoes! One quick suggestion though, please improve on the sole. Maybe you can add some cushioning inside. Although the comfort of not wearing a shoe is there, the thinness of the shoes sometimes causes slight discomfort: I can feel the stones, the roughness of the floor, even the heat or cold of the floor. :)

Thank you series: My first 3k run!

I've noticed the steady increase of organized runs in Manila. Since last year I've been wanting to join and finally hubby and I got to join our first ever run last weekend, it was the Slimmerun event. This will be the first of our many runs to lose the "happy couple" and "winter" weight we've gained in China.

'The crowd gathers as we wait for the go signal!'

'In the middle of running I just had to pause and take a picture!'

I'm a newbie and this is my first try. My next goal is to join the 5k, then the 10k and finally hopefully join trekking/ marathon events. I've always had a love for active outdoor activities but before all that I'll head of to the gym as I need to get back in shape.

By the way, kudos to the Slimmersworld team for a great event. It was a great start for me and I definitely enjoyed the event - even the marketing booths ala free taste centers. :)

Looking forward to other organized runs this year! By the way, if you're interested to see schedules of running events, you can checkout http://www.takbo.ph/, it's an online community for Filipinos.

sunnysideup finds: One-of-a-Kind Oil Paintings and other Great Summer Deals

If there's one thing I never thought I'd enjoy that would be going to the malls Handyman DIY section and Home Decors. As a young kid my mom would literally have to drag me to convince to me to enter the shops but now I can stay there for hours looking for the best organizer cabinets, carpets, bathroom fixtures. Needless to say the price should be good.

Anyhow now I'm so into home decor and I feel so greatly accomplished having been able to furnish and make our room so comfortable and cozy at a friendly cost. Thanks to the 50% sale on curtains at Robinsons East Mall I only spent Php1200 to purchase 3 60x60 curtains, 2 pairs of brackets plus 2 pillow with cases for accent. I did recycle our old rod but it wasn't bad or shabby. Plus a small yellow spotlight on the side definitely makes the room more cozy. I still have more plans to accomplish for our room but so far I'm happy with the initial results.

My hubby on the other hand also got a great deal with his 32-inch LG Fully HD LCD TV purchase. Not only did it come with a P10,000 discount for cash purchase we also got freebies like a free Samsung DVD, a free Genius speaker and TV wall brackets. If you're wondering why so much sale and discount apparently there are low sales in Televisions since most appliance purchases are Aircons. Make sense huh!


TIP: So if you want a good deal on LCD's buy it on Summer when sales for TV's are low and Airconditioner sales are high.

_ _ _ _ _ _

Oooh by the way, an artist friend of mine is selling some of her One-of-a-Kind Oil Paintings. Her oil paintings are perfect accent pieces for your offices or homes. Prices range from Php3,000- Php15,000.


Here's a group shot of the collection.

For more details on her paintings please visit her website or send her an email.

Sunnysideup finds: Purple is the dog!

In one of our trips to Coloane, Macau my hubby and I were seated outdoors savoring our very delicious desserts from Lord Stowes...and then I spotted this dog. :P

It's just sooooo cute and adorable. I just couldn't help myself but take pictures. The dog was not camera or people shy. I even think it was using it's charm to get us to give him a treat. :)

Note: I still wonder how it got it's purple. Was it an accident or the artistic style of it's owner? :P

Sunnysideup Perspectives: Goodbye to China (for now)

I’m back! My hubby and I left Mainland China last March 26 so here I am back in my hometown and back to blogging. My blog posts have been intermittent, well even nonexistent since the blocking of blogspot late last year.

In China I learned and observed much about their people, food and culture. There were times when I had to adjust and adapt to some of their ways but overall the experience was interesting and worthwhile. As a newlywed who decided to settle in a foreign land with a language I am not able to speak nor understand, my first few months were challenging. I initially felt like a fish on land, but looking back I will always value these moments because it made us closer as a couple. At the same time the relocation taught and reminded me of wifely values and traits like humility, adaptability, selflessness, openness and thankfulness. I am grateful to have had time to experience and focus on being a wife - a fulltime housewife - with lots of quiet and relaxed time on my hands. It actually felt like a 2 year summer vacation for me.

Anyway this entry marks my return to blogging and soon corporate life. There is so much to share having missed blogging for months. That said, expect that some of my upcoming posts will be about the experiences I had during the half of last year.

And so, let me end this article by enlisting the top 10 things I will be missing in China.

#10.Cooler Weather. Being back in my home country -one that is located in the equator, I definitely miss the fact that I don’t need airconditioning for months.
#9.Our rented apartment which became our home for a while, I just love everything about it - the glass windows, the view of the nearby mountain, the man-made waterfalls below us and the noisy frogs singing at night.
#8.Photo perfect places and things. I think I took thousands of photos during my stay here in China.
#7.My evening walks with hubby. It’s daily our time to bond and talk while exercising.
#6.Shitake Mushroom and KiatKiat Oranges. I just can’t enough of this.
#5. Their yummy steamed dumplings and meatballs which we usually buy at the grocery on weekends.
#4. Bread, Bread, Bread. I don’t know what it is with Madeli and Cai De Xuan but everytime we pass by these stores the smell is just so good. It’s like the Pied Piper hypnotizing the rats.
#3. Pasta by Papponi and Cheese cakes (especially the Japan Cheesecake and Cappucino Cheesecake) by Tiramisu.
#2. Our new friends and Catan playmates Victor, Janna and Jonette

and...

#1. Milk Tea/Nai Cha. My ultimate favorite drink. I’ve tried several brands from MTR, Comebuy, AH-2, EDO. Each one with it’s own distinct taste I’ve come to adore.

Thank you series: My 3-day Island Adventure at Nagsasa, Zambales

It's been a while since my last blog. It has been a challenge for me to maintain this blog as I only get to post entries when I'm in Manila or on trips that give me unblocked access to blogspot.

Anyway, before I digress any further I just want to share about my weekend trip to Nagsasa, Zambales. We spent 3 days and 2 nights in this place. We had a tour guide assist us since this is our first visit there. Our trip would have been better though if we had hired a better one but the place made us forget all the hassles we experienced with him. If you plan to take a guide choose someone who is highly recommended by your friends, you can even skip taking a guide and just hire the local aetas and town folks. Do a little research and make sure you have a rough idea of the costs so you will be fair in tips and payments.

As for the place, it was simply astounding and awesome. Only in Nagsasa will you find both sea water and fresh water. In one area, all you need is turn around to see both sea and river. Take a 20-30 minutes trek and you'll end up in an area with waterfalls.

How to get there:

1. Take a bus in Victory Liner in Caloocan with San Antonio as Destination P256 (more or less)
2. Take a tricycle ride in San Antonio to Pundaquit P20/head (more or less)

3. Take a 1 hour boat ride from Pundaquit to Nagsasa P2500/5 pax, P2000/3 pax (more or less)

**In going back to Manila, make sure to prebook or make arrangements with the boat and tricycle drvers. Inform them the day and time you wish to be picked up. It is necessary that you make the arrangements in advance since the island is secluded and boats are not readily available.

A few more tips and reminders:

1. Visit the local market in San Antonio for fresh fish, meat, fruits and vegetables. Buy all you plan to eat and cook for the duration of your stay.

2. Bring money to tip the locals. They are very nice and friendly. They will not charge you much but a tip of gratiuty will be most appreciated - it improves improves their source of income and will help them maintain their land.

3. Bring camping gears like a tent, sleeping bag, flashlight/portable light, drinking water, medicines/first aid and a portable cooking stove (that is if you dont plan to make fire or grill your food). If you have motion sickness, drink Bonamine or other remedies you take for dizziness. The boat ride is quite long so best that you come prepared.

4. Bring your camera. Once you are there you can't help but take photos of the place, the sunset, the stars etc.

5. Be prepared to be incommunicado. There is no electricity, cell sites/signal or internet access. (Yes, this is indeed a great place to disappear to :P but seriously this is the place to "get away from it all")

So if you are an adventure seeker a beach person or a fan of survivor this just may be the chance for you to live and feel your "survivor dream" :) So grab your back pack, your all terrain shoes (for land and water), your camera and your rugged and adventurous attitude. There is 1 toilet and 1 shower area so be prepared for moments when water supply is scarce. You might even need to skip that much needed bath or shower.

And finally, a message of concern. If you plan to take this trip anytime soon, please be eco-friendly and help maintain the beauty of this place. It's sad how man can visit and enjoy a place and yet destroy it simultaneously with no regard or respect. So as you visit please, please leave only your footprints and take only your memories. Respect the beauty of the land and the indigenious land owners of the place - our fellowmen the Aetas.

Remembering my Mom

Today, January 31, 1010, marks my mom's 10th death year anniversary and in my own little way I just want to remember and honor her memory. I want to thank her for everything - her unconditional love, unending support and numerous sacrifices. Wherever you are I just want you to know that I will always miss you. I miss the concern, the protective paranoia you had over me, the sweetness, the times you took care of me when I was sick, the times you spoiled me, the girl talks and advices. I know we disagreed and clashed sometimes and may have given you a hard time, but I listened -I always listened. There is no guide to being a perfect parent and I know that you did the best you could. Sometimes I wish you are still here to guide me but I know that you are now happy and enveloped in love and peace. I now that your purpose on earth is done: you've done your part, made your mark, and I thank God that you are my mom.

I love you Mommy!