Must Be That Girl!

The Year 2011

2012-01-13T10:42:00.000-08:00

So what stood out for me in 2011? I guess nothing much. But in 2011...

1. My mother turned 73! Because of her delicate condition, each year that passed after her stroke became more meaningful and special.

2. A cousin got married! Best wishes Cuz...

3. And behold! Super Metro Mandaue turned into the Pacific Mall...

Mas Dako Mas Nindot - Mandaue Metro

2010-10-11T18:02:00.000-07:00

Mas Dako Mas Nindot (Much Bigger Much Better)!

Things are indeed getting exciting here in the North Road area of Mandaue. The Management of the Metro Supermarkets chain decided to spruce up their Mandaue Branch, pushing it to the same level with SM Supermarket or Metro Ayala.

Metro Mandaue used to look like an old warehouse disguising as a supermarket. It was dark and cramped. But now, it is well-lighted and indeed much more spacious. I thought it can accommodate the shoppers better this time. Surprisingly, it seems the number of shoppers also increased as the store gets bigger. Nevertheless, we are still thankful and appreciative of the major changes - and we look forward to more exciting things in store for us.

I think this is a good move on the part of the Metro Management because there is a very big market in the Consolacion and Liloan areas with all the subdivisions and villages sprouting around like mushroom.

Rebirth

2010-10-09T10:31:00.000-07:00

Nanay loved to putter around plants. I used to complain that we have too many plants to take care of. But she wouldn't listen. And the plants flourished under her loving care. When she suffered a stroke and could no longer take care of her plants, it was not surprising that her plants withered away and died.

Now I missed her puttering around her little garden. I would have given anything to see her move around again and do her favorite activities. I wouldn't care if we would be swamped with plants, as long as it makes her happy I would be happy too...

So after some consideration, I decided to try and re-plant somethings. I wanted her to see flowers when we let her out in the porch for a little sunshine. It was not easy, the plants did not cooperate at first. But thankfully, the rains did.

And one day, when I looked outside - I can see the flowers blooming... and the leaves were greening... it was not much, but for me it was the prettiest sight to behold.

I saw a rebirth.

In many ways my blog suffered the same fate. For sometime, it withered... and died a little. But there is always the chance of re-birth. At this point, it might need a lot of effort - but I will try my best to give it life once again...

Sshhh! Somebody's Sleeping...

2009-08-12T20:54:00.000-07:00

Nanay (my mother) has fallen asleep – finally! And that afforded me a little time to tinker with my blog. Didn’t realize it’s been months since my last post. I have been wanting to write for a long time, but every time I would sit down, some important matters would suddenly crop up and it had to be attended to immediately. (Sigh!).

Actually I still have some reports to finish, but the internet connection is terribly slow and I have a very difficult time opening sites and uploading stuff. Rather than get angry with Globe, I decided to go visit my blog. But the funny thing is - I don’t know what to write anymore. I have a lot of things in my mind but I don’t know where to begin.

These past months that I was not able to write I turned to reading a few blogs (mostly those of friends, because I do not have the time to read all of my favorite blogs anymore). I enjoyed reading them. Made me wonder – did my friends or my readers find my blogs enjoyable too? Uhmmm, I can only hope they did!

There are a number of people who can weave magic with words and come up with something funny and interesting, sometimes thought provoking, and then – there are those who could write moving stories that pinch our hearts. I hope one day my stories would fit all of those description, but I must admit that would be fat chance. But if I could not be all of those, at the very least – I wanted to be able to touch some hearts. That is my goal…

The Year That Was (2008)...

2008-12-31T12:15:00.001-08:00

I do not believe that there is somebody who can really tell what a new year will turn out to be. But when my mother suffered her second stroke last year on January 1, 2008 – I guess I already had a strong feeling about how the year was going to turn out.

Sure enough, we weaved in and out of the hospital for most part of the year. And the state of our finances was like the aftermath of a hurricane of the worst magnitude – ruined, tattered and in shambles! If this had happened when I was younger, I would have been terrified. But thankfully it happened when I was at a certain age where I could take things in a stride and simply say, “It could have been much worse”!

It was not great optimism at work. It was rather some kind of resignation or perhaps acceptance that it is the natural order of life - to weather financial roller coaster rides, and having responsibilities for as long as we live!

There will always be great lessons from the past. Sometimes we learn from them, other times we do not. So what did I learn from the year 2008? Hmmm… I guess it is more of a realization that caring for an old parent is not a sacrifice or a misery. There are more spaces now in my heart for caring and loving beyond romances or personal gratification. I think I could say that our family is lucky enough in a sense that we are given the chance to show our mother how much we valued and loved her. Not all people have that chance…

Far More Than Mere Appearance...

2008-12-30T03:10:00.000-08:00

After the lavish holiday parties, it is not surprising if we find ourselves scrambling to apply damage control to diet programs which were temporarily shelved. Most badly affected would perhaps be the figure- conscious ladies who are probably feeling some additional inches here and there. But hey! There is no reason to panic. If there is already an existing diet program, simply go back to it, work out a few additional exercises if needed, and just move on with your lives.

The problem is, sometimes we like to take shortcuts in order to attain immediate results (especially common among the younger set). We have heard and read so much about some people taking on diet pills, or sometimes embarking on crash diets in order to lose weight fast. However studies have shown that it is not advisable to lose weight too fast, unless advised by the doctor. When we are not getting enough of the required nutrients or we take off an entire segment of necessary foods out of our diet, it can have damaging effects on our health.

Today, we have many choices of weight loss products since they are so readily available in drugstores or even in online shops. Some companies though like Herbalife, offers weight management products care of its vast network of independent Herbalife Distributors by way of direct selling. However in tune with the times of E-commerce, they have also set up the Herbal Nutrition Network to provide websites for its distributors. These sites also provide information about the other health products that they are offering.

But how effective and safe are these weight loss or weight management products? When it comes to dieting, it is very important to remember that looking good should always be, second priority only to improving physical condition. Choosing a healthy way to lose weight is still an essential part of any dieting plan. That is why it is very important to know about the risks and side effects of a product any of us will plan to use. Our doctors, available medical reports, as well as the internet are good sources for additional information. After all, our aim is far beyond having a pleasing appearance but having a good healthy body and a good life!

Photo Credits: Google Images

In Times Of Economic Crunch...

2008-12-29T06:10:00.000-08:00

Sometime ago, when my younger sister got her first credit card she was ecstatic! And that was not yet it! The moment she became an existing cardholder made her qualified for other credit cards as well, thanks to the promo of other credit card companies. At that moment, she thought she was going to levitate towards shoppers’ paradise. The thought of swiping here and there, and walking out of the mall with lots of shopping bags in tow, was of course heavenly! That was some time ago, she is now back on earth and had paid her dream, with a hefty sum!

Truth is getting a credit card requires much financial responsibility as well as understanding. Since a credit card allows us to make purchases without outright cash, and makes us pay for them over a certain period of time, is in effect actually a form of borrowing. And we all know that there is always an interest attached to borrowed money.

In good times credit cards are a boon, because it gives us convenience and is safer to carry around compared to cash. It even establishes credit history for us. But during hard times, I think it is impractical to own numerous credit cards. In order to save, it is wise to keep a few considering that we have to pay annual dues to maintain them. I prefer to keep those with higher credit limits and ditch those that have lower credit lines. Considering a Credit Card Balance Transfer and moving outstanding balances from high-interest cards to low interest credit cards, also translate into further savings.

Hard times make us think twice about keeping numerous credit cards, but maybe it is time to let go of some of them. When we are overwhelmed by many credit card options, and it is difficult to make a choice on what cards to keep, we can always refer to an online card comparison tool. It makes making credit card reviews easier and faster. In fact the comprehensive data, news articles, and easy to navigate website makes even first time cardholders gain a clear understanding of the credit card business.

Photo Credits: Google Images

Sky Experience Adventure in Cebu! The Sky Walk Extreme

2008-12-28T01:43:00.000-08:00

For those who do not want to take the thrill ride, Crown Regency has also launched the Sky Walk Extreme, which allows one to walk the outer rim of the hotel tower on four-foot wide walk path with no hand rails. The walk path is found on the 37th floor of the hotel tower.

There is no reason however to fear since, each walker will be hooked on an overhead safety harness system, the same one used in James Bond movie stunts. Trained mountaineering and rescue teams will be there to assist the walkers in order to ensure their safety. The Skywalker can accommodate ten people.

Aside of course from the tingling effect experienced from sitting on the ledge, the same effect can be felt when walking on the glass walkway, because it surely feels like walking in the sky!

Photo Credits: skyexperienceadventure.com

Sky Experience Adventure in Cebu! The Edge Coaster

2008-12-28T00:37:00.000-08:00

For Cebu visitors, balikbayans, and even the locals - this time aside from the beautiful beaches and the Sinulog, there is another interesting thing to talk about Cebu! Somewhere in what was once known as Jones Avenue, now Osmena Boulevard – very close to Fuente Osmena is Crown Regency Hotel and Towers. It stands at a majestic 38 stories high commanding a splendid view of uptown Cebu.

What is very interesting is that, just recently (11 December 2008), it has launched its Sky Experience Adventure, a height defying amusement facility for the whole family in Cebu.

First, it features the world’s first Edge Coaster. It is the world’s very first and only amusement ride of its kind. Consider: the Edge Coaster goes around the edge of the building’s 38th floor while riders are strapped onto a rail seat. The riders will be rewarded here with a breathtaking view of the city.

However the Edge Coaster has another trick that will take your breath away – you can pull a lever that can tilt your seat up to 55 degrees making you feel like you are falling from the sky. Definitely heart stopping!

It definitely is not for the faint of heart! For those who want to defy their fear of heights - it is a Dare!