Schlürp

Want MILK TEA?

Try Schlürp. Its one of the newest beverages in the market today.

So far I have tried the brewed EARL GREY TEA flavor.

I definitely like how it tasted. Most especially, I've been a tea drinker of Twining's Earl Grey Tea. Its a favorite. I can say I am a little biased on my comment here. Its just way too delicious. Not too sweet. Just the right blend. It made tea drinking one good hell of an experience. Cause as we all know, many people don't like tea because of its odd, bitter like, kind of bland, soil, leafy taste. 

One more thing I love about this product is their chewy jellies. So awesome.

HEALTH BENEFITS of this Earl Grey tea:

(from: http://www.livestrong.com/article/97747-health-benefits-earl-grey-tea/)

- has plenty of antioxidants, boosts immune system

- has flouride which helps fight tooth decay & protects you teeth from cavity

- has calming effect on people; good for depression, stress, anxiety, moodswings

- improves digestion

- good for colds & flu

 Thanks to schlürp. It made milk tea experience so cheap (compared to other milk teas) & yet so delicious and nutritious. For only 59php (300ml) in your nearest 7eleven branches, you can bring this wherever you go.

TRIVIA: Wondering this is called EARL GREY. It was named after Earl Charles Grey, prime minister of Britain in the 1800s. The how and why? I don't entirely know. Ive read stories about it.

Big Better Burgers (BBB)

My fiancee told me that they're going to have lunch at BBB, Pergola, Sucat.

G: "What's BBB?"

B: "Big Better Burgers"

G: "Oh, I see, is it better than ZARKs?

B: "I don't know. Lets just have dinner here later so you'll know the difference."

G: "OH, I JUST LOVE TUESDATES" :) 

So, he told me he'll meet me at the Waltermart near Fortunata in Parañaque. There's another branch there.

I ordered Hahalapeño Burger (152php),  Skin On Fries(60php) and Dill Onion Dip(20php).

He ordered Mushroom Loco Burger(152php).

It was a good tasting burger. I can say, this can compete with Zarks. The 1/3 lb grilled burger patty was juicy. The garnishes were fresh. All the wonderful flavors explode inside your mouth down to the last piece of the burger. Everything about the burger was delicious. Except the fries. The fries were too oily and not drained. The dip is good as well.

Definitely, I'm coming back for their BIG BETTER BURGERS

They also have other PREMIUM BURGERS:

- BBB ONE THIRD POUNDER      115php

  > lettuce, tomato, dill onion mayo

- BBB ONE THIRD POUNDER WITH CHEESE     132php

  > cheese, lettuce, tomato, dill onion mayo

- DOUBLE DARE     179php

 > two patties, lettuce, tomato, dill onion mayo

- DOUBLE DARE WITH CHEESE     196php

 > two patties, cheese, lettuce, tomato, dill onion mayo

- BACON BARBECUE BURGER     152php

 > bacon, grilled onions, barbecue sauce

ENJOY! :) 

My Love for Books

PHOTO FROM:  http://www.openbooktoronto.com/sites/default/files/obt/illustrations/bookstack.jpg 

Recently, I had this addiction and I could not stop. I don't want to stop. 

I found it very amusing and interesting. I think I found my real passion. I know numerous people who are guilty of this too. And I am not ashamed of it. In fact, I am proud I found myself something worth doing, and worth my time. 

It is READING. READING BOOKS.

Years ago, I felt the sudden urge to read. It was  like a calling to me. I followed my instincts and gratefully it took me to a bookstore. I don't know. 

Before this incident took place, I just find myself in a bookstore whenever I am in a mall.  Its like a favorite spot. I always check on books, always checking but not buying them. I don't know what stops me from buying them. I have the money, but I think, that time, I don't have the courage to finish just one. 

But just as I thought, the enemy is inside me. I am the one stopping myself. I want to get through it. So for the first time, I bought one. 

When I started reading the book, I became more happy about myself. I was able to beat my own fear. The feeling was kind of revealing. To cut it short, I was able to read and finish the book in 2 days. Even though I was happy that time, I was regretful as well.  I let time slipped away. If I just started doing this earlier, perhaps I already read a lot of books.

NOW, I always read books. I do what i love most. Trying to catch up with the lost time.

SEPTEMBER 2011 was when I started reading books. Now its September 2012. And I'm proud I was able to read a lot of books of different genres. 

I am lucky, I lived in a time where there's PDFs, Epub, Ebooks etc. Now, there ain't a reason for me not to read and continue my passion. But still, I encourage everyone to buy books if you have savings, just so for the author's intellectual property. I am indeed guilty of downloading free ebooks. I am sorry. But to be honest, I really love hard bound/ hard cover books than soft copies. I don't know why. Perhaps, its because I could feel the story more, or the idea of reading per se.

I started at least one book every month, depending on my mood then my love for books grew and matured. From then on, I continued reading and reading. 

Perhaps the only thing that could stop me from reading is when I become blind. 

Some of the books I was able to read (not in particular order):

Purpose Drive Life by Rick Warren
A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
The Science of Mind: A Philosophy, A Faith, A Way of Life by Ernest Holmes
Everything Changes by Jonathan Tropper
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff by Richard Carlson
Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen
For One More Day by Mitch Albom
Fifty Shades of Grey by EL James
Fifty Shades of Grey Darker by EL James
Fifty Shades of Grey Freed by EL James
The Five People you meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
Would you like Fries with that by Mike Silva
Walk like a Chameleon by Gary Aumiller Ph.D
The Law of Attraction for Love by Debbie Frank
Finding Hope when Life's Not Fair by Lee Ezell
The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom
The Fault in our Stars by John Green

Must-Be Habits

Photo from onlydieraa.tumblr.com

Indeed, I am one lazy girl.

I should motivate myself more because my efforts are not enough.

There are two things on Earth I find very boring & perhaps, quite impossible at times:

1.) Drinking 8 glasses water  (I don't know if i am just the one troubled by this habit)

2.) Combing my hair not too often (Don't get me wrong, of course after I take a bath, I comb my hair, after that no more. I just use my fingertips to get them where they should be. Even my fiancee noticed this. )

I don't know if I'm just too busy that I can't accomplish this kind of things.

Well, true enough I've been practicing it. I bought a new hairbrush and I always placed it on my desk so whenever I'm doing nothing, I could brush my hair, and I count 10 before I stop. 

I also bought a new tumbler, NEON PINK, so I could just SEE it. I wrote a note and stick on it saying "DRINK ME".

I hope this crazy ideas will work eventually. 

I am positive that time will come, it'll become my habit as well :)

GOODLUCK to me! 

Words of Wisdom: Never comment on a person's increasing weight or expanding waistline

Never comment on a person's increasing weight or expanding waistline.

"Tumataba ka!" 
"Ano yan, pakwan?" (Pointing at someone's tummy)
"Lumalaki ang tyan mo..."

Atbp.

Comments yan ng mga gustong mabugbog, makainisan, mapagalitan o mapintasan din in return.

More than anyone else, yung may katawan ang nakaaalam ng masaklap na katotohanang yon. Hindi ka nya kailangan para ipamukha yun sa kanya.

Hold your tongue. Do not display your foolishness; Never make such comments unless you're super close to the person, you're really, really concerned and that YOU HAVE EARNED THE RIGHT to speak on the matter."

-by Pastor Ed Lapiz

No more explanations needed.

PLAIN TRUTH served at your mouthful & offensive comments.

Quitting Social Networking Sites

PHOTO FROM: http://luxuryholidaysgreece.co.uk/facebook-twitter

It has been five days since I deactivated my FB and T account.

Many people might question me why, since these two mega social networking sites are one of the easiest ways to connect to other people nowadays.

My number one issue: SECURITY

I just don't know whether I'm safe on these sites. The information & pictures I have posted there. Are they safe? Could other people use it against me or not. Could they check if someone's hacking my account or someone just created a bogus account of mine. 

(Paranoid, freakazoid me) 

One example is my sister, she has a legit account on FB, she was just surprised to find another account in her name, with her picture on it, mostly all that could be found on her legit account. It's scary. There are a lot of posers there at FB, because you could simply make an account whenever you want to. Worse is, that bogus account adds also the friends she has on her legit account and posts status that were really not true at all. You know, there are basically advantages and disadvantages.

Same thing with T. One friend of mine has the same issue. He was astonished that her girlfriend find another T account in his name and his picture and tweeting nonsense. Her girlfriend thought he was cheating on her. Good thing they fixed the issue.

My next issue: IT BORES ME NOW

Yes. It bores me. If I am correct, these two social networking sites started last 2009. Ever since, I always update. and see other people's status and whatever. It is just plain boring now.

You'll see one friend went to this place, and then your other friend, then the other. Same cycle. You'll also see who's bitchy to pose their slutty pictures on FB so they could attract men. You'll see the emo-type where all their post are like suicidal. You'll see different types of people here. 

You don't need to call or text your friends because you can see them on FB and T.

It really bores me now, because everyday, when I come to office, its the first thing I see and unfortunately the last one. Its like FB and T took my life, the way I live my life. I imagine myself when there's no social networking sites like this, I can say that I am more productive that time. I am more happy. More alive.

My next issue: BEWARE: IT IS A TEMPTATION; COULD LEAD TO CHEATING 

ROOT OF EVIL: It can ruin your relationships.

(Hey, I'm not saying ALL will do this. It is just POSSIBLE)

Do I have to explain myself further.

Here's the thing. 

Story #1 
You are in a relationship, then suddenly you see you ex's account, then you added her as a friend. You keep on stalking her account, eventually, you'll remember all the moments you had with her in the past. You miss her. You'll chat with her, share same thoughts. She's heartbroken. You'll comfort her and you agreed to go meet her. BOOM. Cheating.

Story#2
You are married, then suddenly you see you ex's account, then you added her as a friend. You keep on stalking her account, eventually, you'll remember all the moments you had with her in the past. You miss her. You'll chat with her, share same thoughts. She's heartbroken. You'll comfort her and you agreed to go meet her. BOOM. Cheating.

OH, what I want to point out is this. Whatever your relationship status may be, cheating is cheating. Be careful. And please take note of the next sentence.

STAY AWAY FROM FACEBOOK AND TWITTER WHEN YOU ARE MAD.

My last issue: THIS IS ME and MY FIANCEE's OPINION

WE both decided to deactivate our FB and T. We have our own reasons. 
We want to live normal lives-- happy lives. More time to rediscover ourselves and other people not through these social networking sites.

PS: FB and T (you know it)

September 26 2012

September 26 2012

What awaits me on my 24th Birthday?

I do not know.

I do not know whether I'll be happy or not. I had a lot of unpleasant memories on my birthday. On one cartoon comedy show that I always watch every morning, my favorite character Stewie once said "Why I should not be happy on my birthday? That's my victory-  into coming out of this world."

I don't know whether I'll consider myself a VICTOR.

I have too many things too accomplish before I could say that to myself. In fact, some people say I am indeed hard on myself. Well, I won't deny that.

I am always like this, striving for perfection or should I say close to perfection.

I am in complete disarray of what's happening to me. 

All my frustrations are eating me like a vengeful monster.

Perhaps, this feeling was just a mere result of my bitter past. Okay, I get it, one should not live in the past. But, what if that past was the turning point, its a discern action that brought me this painful reaction. It molded me, it taught me to survive, it taught me how I should be protecting myself. Cause who else will?

I call it defense mechanism.

I therefore conclude, there's a certain kind of sadness or pain inside me whenever I remember my birthday.

And today, 20 days left before my birthday. 20 long days. 

I hope this year. There will be a CHANGE. A good one or preferably a BETTER one.

I am nothing without my eyeglasses

I am nearsighted and I have astigmatism.

I am dependent of my eyeglasses. Let's call my eyeglasses "E". Without E, I am an ordinary specie in this vast universe living a half empty life.

Here's the untold legend how I first came to meet E.

I was in 4th year college that time, my bestfriend Z, asked me if I could accompany her to the optometrist at the Ideal Vision there at our favorite hangout: SM Mall of Asia

After our classes in the morning we went to MOA, she had been checked by the optometrist. After her eye examinations, the doctor told me, why dont you have your eyes checked as well, you don't have to pay, its free. 

When I heard the word FREE, a light bulb appeared above my head! CHING! 

Lets give it a shot!

Shortly after my eye exam, the doctor came out smiling at me. I was wondering, and I said to myself whats wrong with meeeeeee????? 

And she said, "Your eyes are far worse than your friend! You have astigmatism too." And I am like, "I didnt notice that my eyes were this dysfunctional or blurred." She said I got used to it that is why I didnt noticed it.

Ohhhh well, I told my mother what happened that day, I explained everything to her. i convinced her that I really need those eyeglasses. The next day, she gave me enough money so I could buy my eyeglasses. 

I am not excited at all. I am going to wear eyeglasses.

When one sees a person with eyeglasses, they usually associate it with the words "old" and "matured- looking." I was bothered with my self image. 

We both came back to MOA to buy our eyeglasses, there were another set of eye examinations done to us (more specific), to check what is our eye grade , afterwhich we chose the frames we want, I picked the red one, half frame. it's MILKICOLOURS. I love it.

That is the first one, then I have another, another and another, I cant even remember how many Es I bought already. Some were broken because I slept into it, some were destroyed inside my bag, some bitten by my dogs like dog treats. 

What I just noticed was, as time passed by, my eye grade is gradually increasing.

So as my migraine, without my Es on, I feel like the world's tearing apart. 

Iloveyou E :) 

My current E. SWISSPLUS, super lightweight :)

Shih Tzu: Juana's Furbabies

June 1, 2012: It was a beautiful day, I was busy cleaning my room because I have just moved in into our new house. Juana & I are just watching TV the whole morning and after few hours later, My Auntie Michelle with my cousins and their helper came by to visit me. Juana was 60 days pregnant that time, it was her due date.

Meanwhile, My Aunt Michelle noticed that Juana's getting anxious, she's scraping the floor and she just defecated twice. I knew that was the sign she was already under the labor process . She laid in one corner trying to fight the contractions. I began to pick up the materials needed. Actually, I was so excited I piled up the materials in one plastic container ahead of time. There were set of gloves, surgical scissors, alcohol, cotton balls, cotton buds, newspapers, clean clothes, rags,  and syringes.

I watched Juana during the whole labor process. Closely monitoring her contractions and always trying to comfort her. After quite some time, I saw a bulge on her sex organ. It was like a hard lychee. I thought that was the amniotic sac. It popped out of her and water came, the smell of it is like blood. 

I washed my hands, don my gloves and just minutes after, I saw the first puppy coming out of her. It was a glorious feeling after all. I'm super excited at the same time anxious, hoping all the puppies were all alive, and nothing wrong would happen to Juana. I'm afraid that time because Juana could not push the puppy out, so I assisted her. Gradually, I'm pulling the baby out, little by little and its showing progress. 

One puppy came out, I broke the sac because Juana didn't, I teared it open, suctioned its nose using a needless syringe, and finally its breathing..... SIGH..... The happiness I felt there was incomparable. I was teary eyed. The umbilical cord is still attached to the baby, I cut it and then i used the scissors to gently pull the placenta out of her.Its a male puppy. I named him WAN, because he's the first :)

After 30 minutes, I saw the contractions once again. Same thing, I saw the second puppy (female named HEART), I assisted her, then the 3rd puppy (female name MOCHI). I thought there were only three puppies. I cleaned her up, then removed my gloves.

The moment was so perfect. I am so happy for Juana, and her puppies. Juana's licking all of them, its like she's cleaning them. 

Not after 30 minutes, I saw contractions again. And I said to myself "OMG, there's more!" 

I ran to get my gloves. I watched Juana cried as the last puppy came out of her, perhaps, because of the pain she felt after the whole birthing process. The fourth puppy (male named MICKEY) is the biggest of them all. I thought he was dead already because right after I opened the sac, he's not showing any movements at all, he's not breathing. But soon as I aspirated his nose, he began to show signs of life. Next came out was another placenta. And by the way, he's my favorite. He's so special. I was very scared that time. I knew its almost one hour that he's inside and he could be in distress. But fortunately, with God's Grace, he's alive.

I cleaned Juana and her puppies as well and placed them in this huge box.

Here are some of the pictures I got after Juana's delivery :)

Royal Canin: Dog Encyclopedia

I love DOGS, I want this for my birthday!I want this bad that I wrote a blog for this encyclopedia. 

Here's how it happened. Yesterday, after buying some supplies at Watsons, I dropped by Pet Express to check some good deals for my furbabies. Instead of looking for dog foods & treats, I spotted this dog encyclopedia near the counter, I went near it and browsed it. I knew it, the first time my hands held it, I said to myself "I WANT THIS. I WILL BUY THIS." My excitement that time went from 60% and now going for a jaw dropping 100%.

Now, this staff came next to me, perhaps he felt my undying interest with the encyclopedia, I asked him " How much is this?" And he said "Maa'm, sorry it is not for sale." And I said to myself "Oh noooooooo!, with all the cursing !@#$!!!!". My excitement went from a 100% to a -10%, it feels like something died inside of me. With a calm voice, I asked him once again "How do I get this encyclopedia then?" and he handed out this colored leaflet. He said "You have to win it through a raffle draw." And I was like more cursing! !@#$ !@#$ !@#$, I was never lucky on raffle draws. 

I stared at the leaflet for quite some time. I read it again. And again. 

~Get a chance to win one of the 100 LIMITED EDITION ROYAL CANIN DOG ENCYCLOPEDIA (My thoughts: CHANCE???- f***, limited edition- more f***)

~Get 1 Raffle Coupon for every purchase of any 1.5kg Breed Health Nutrition Products (My thoughts: 1.5kg of products would cost around 600php, if i buy 10, it will cost me 6000php, they'll give me 6 coupons, is it enough for me to win this??? HELL, NO. With 6000php, perhaps I could buy this book already)

With my denial, I rushed outside Pet Express, and I found myself walking inside The National Bookstore, i went to the counter if they have this encyclopedia and they said no.

My growing frustration makes me sad.

I checked Google, if Amazon, Ebay, Sulit, Ayosdito have this encyclopedia. But no. None of them.

And now, I've decided. I'll buy just one product and that will give me one coupon, and let's see.If its for me, then I'll win it. If not, maybe someone is more deserving than I am.

LAW OF ATTRACTION. Good vibes :) 

My mantra: I'll win this encyclopedia! I'll win this encyclopedia! I'll win this encyclopedia!

Lugang Cafe

It is the 1st day September, our 40th monthsary, it could just mean one thing, another glorious date with my fiancee :) 

Usually, I am the one who is very excited about our date nights, I usually do the preparation and everything. This time (for a change), I have been researching about good, old fashioned restaurants in Intramuros and luckily, I found one (thanks to the witty Google), which is the Ristorante Delle Mitra. We were supposed to eat here, not till on that afternoon my fiancee suggested that he wants to eat at Lugang Cafe. 

So goodbye Ristorante Delle Mitra and HELLO Lugang Cafe :))

We were long fascinated by this Restaurant. Every time we pass by this establishment, I always tell him that I love the different chandeliers, the walls and everything.  I also love to watch them closely as they make dumplings. I think for one to be able to make a good dumpling, he should be consistent and passionate about what he's doing. Just saying.

(I DESIRE to become a culinary chef as well). 

We both thought that it's quite expensive to eat here. At first, we were intimated because many Chinese eat here all the time. I'm afraid that my fiancee wont like the idea of eating here because he's not a fan of Chinese Cuisine. 

But we both decided to give it a try :)

When we went there, we were on the waiting list, fortunately, the receptionist had been very accommodating to us, she gave us the menu and we sat on the couch. Actually, we can't decide what to eat because we don't have any idea, there was no pictures on the menu given to us. Now, I am frustrated.

After 3-5 minutes, my name was called and we sat just across the exit door.

They gave us another set of menu (now, I am delighted) There were pictures of everything they have on the menu :) 

Best thing here is the quality of service they provide to their customers. The speedy service, really fast, they always follow up the foods you ordered. Its nice for the price you pay. The staff were very friendly. The ambiance was great. 

We ordered:

 STEAMED PORK XIAO LONG BAO (7 pcs) 188php

 see all that juice inside, its very delicious :))

SPICY BEEF AND TENDON NOODLE SOUP (good for 2) 250php

THREE-CUP CHICKEN (GOOD FOR 2) 290php

COKE WITH KUMQUAT 130php

ALOE JELLY IN HONEY LEMON JUICE 130php

We loved the food.

I can say, this is one of the best gastronomic experiences we had.

And we are coming back for more :))

Caleruega Church, Nasugbu, Batangas

The Caleruega Church also known as the Transfiguration Chapel

This church lies between the boundary of Alfonso, Cavite and Nasugbu, Batangas. When we went here,  my fiancee and I just took a bus from Baclaran with a Tagaytay signboard, we paid 75php each and after almost one and a half hours of travel, we reached the Olivarez Plaza where we found jeepneys bound for Nasugbu, Batangas. Just tell the driver that you are going to Caleruega Church, then they'll drop you at Batulao (Landmark: Evercrest Golf Club Resort). By the way, jeepney fare up to Batulao is 25php each. 

Evercrest Evercrest Golf Club Resort 

Upon reaching this golf club resort, you'll see tricycles waiting nearby. Tricycle drivers will ask you to pay them 25php each and then they'll give you their numbers so you could text them if you're leaving the church already. I think the tricycle terminal is 1-2 kilometers from the church. 

MASS SCHEDULE & PARKING REGULATIONS

There is an entrance fee worth 30php, for maintenance puposes

First thing you will see, is this beautiful fountain :)

And this is the Admin Building, at first, I thought this was the church already. 

This is Caleruega's famous tagline. Close to Nature, Closer to God.

KOI Pond

This is the hanging bridge going to the tent chapel but unfortunately we weren't able to reach it, because its like an uphill trekking and the day we went there, its very muddy. So we decide not to go there anymore. Instead, we went back to the Admin building so we could see the church.

 Before you could reach the church, you'll see their retreat center and their cottages. 

By the way, this might be helpful to those who plan to visit here.

Caleruega rates:

Use of Conference Hall:

- Veritas Hall - 1,000php/hour plus 7,500php/day for the use of aircon

- Gazekubo - 1,000php/hour plus 5,000php/day for the use of aircon

Meals:

- Breakfast,Lunch or Dinner - 200php/person/meal

-AM or PM snacks - 75php/person/snacks

2- Day stay (Inclusive of 6 meals & 4 snacks)

Dormitory- 1,250php/person

3 in 1 Room- 1,450php/person

Family Room- 1,450php/person

Two in One- 1,650php/person

Solo- 2,150php/person

Hermitage- 2,650php/person

Plus 750php/day/room for the use of aircon

Overnight Stay (Inclusive of 3 meals & 2 snacks)

Dormitory- 800php/person

3 in 1 Room- 900php/person

Family Room- 900php/person

Two in One- 1,000php/person

Solo- 1,250php/person

Hermitage- 1,600php/person

Plus 750php/day/room for the use of aircon

After the long walk, we reached the chapel itself. The view is very overwhelming. 

To those who plan to get married here, the use of the chapel would cost you 15,000php (inclusive of chapel sound system, CD player, organ & sacristan but exclusive of choir & floral arrangement). Caleruega can also provide a priest to solemnize the wedding, and its up to the couple's generosity how much they will allot for the priest's stipend .

Inside the church :)

View outside the church

That's it :) Thank you! I hope you enjoyed reading my blog :) 

For more details about Caleruega Church, you can reach them on this contact nos. 0921.270.9890 & 0921.830.4226