On Being Typhoon-Ready

Pedring was scary and brought back the horror of Typhoon Ondoy. If Ondoy's power was 'water', Pedring's was the 'wind'.

It was so cold out that I decided to have my two boys "dress up for the occasion".

Here's their Winnie the Pooh hooded jacket: with the hood...

... and without it.

Morgan wants to make sure he's super protected so he brought his umbrella. This was taken after his workout, thus, the dumbell.

Yeah, yeah, I know I'm cute!

Quarter turn so that you can check out the outfit completely. 

That's all folks!

On The Philippines' Next Top Male Models

My two sons, Marriot (my panganay) and Morgan (my little one) in their matching outfits

Let's do a fashion show, shall we?

The boys lining up for the fashion show

Let's start with Morgan...

Happily chomping on his toy, a green ball that matches his outfit 

Strike a pose!

I'm bringing sexy back...

Marriot's a bit of a smug and just wants me to share one photo.

Proud of his outfit

The boys resting after the show

Now time to go "backstage" (a.k.a Inside the house)...

Whatcha lookin' at???

Don't you wish your dog was hot like me?

Over and out!

On Meeting the "Napa"s

Me, Tito Buddy (Mac's Papa), Tita Patty (Mac's Mama), my Mama, my Papa and my hubby-to-be

Since this is the first meeting of our families, we decided to have shots taken from almost every angle, with Mac and myself, switching positions! Yey!

This is Tita Tess (my Mama's sister and our Ninang come wedding day) and Mac's Tita B-Girl (who's really cool and super duper nice). Instant BFFs na sila!

Today turned out to be one of the best and most special moments of my life. Mac and I were finally able to get our parents' blessings on our decision to get married next year. It was the first time that our families met, and Mac and I cannot stop raving until now! I am so blessed to have such wonderful parents and an equally amazing set of future in-laws.

I will be a 'NAPA' on March 28, 2012. I will now have two families, and I cannot thank the Lord and Mama Mary enough for giving me this blessing.

Our relationship started with a lot of challenges and we are both so proud that we have conquered every hurdle. Unbelievable! And in a few months' time, God will bless our union and I simply cannot wait!!!

THE PAMAMANHIKAN
Mac's family arrived a little after 2pm. He was with his parents, two sisters (France and Em), France's husband and baby, Titas B-Girl and Angie and Mac's adorable cousin Isabel. Mac's third sister, Chin, was at work.

From our side, present were my parents, my brother Mike, my cousins Karen and Kelvin, my Tita Tess and my Tito Chit. My youngest brother Mark is in Cebu for work. But he kept calling to also get updates.

We had yummy paella, beef salpicao, baked macaroni, lumpiang ubod, biko and maja blanca.

Introductions were made. It was not awkward at all. It felt so easy and just overall, magaan. Everyone had stories. Our parents got along perfectly. I heard exchanges of "mare" and "pare" a couple of times. Mama kept calling "Patty" to her side. I'm just overwhelmed with joy.

After several minutes, Tita Patty signaled for Mac to talk to my parents. Mac asked for my hand in marriage (yes, ganito ka-special and formal) and asked for our parents' blessing. The four of them happily gave that to us. Mac and I were in heaven.

Mac and I also showed his parents the place where we'll be staying after we get married.

So everything is pretty much set. I can't believe it!!!

MOMENTS OF LOVE
1) Tita Tess instructing me to give Tita B-girl my cousin Jen's (Tita Tess' daughter) Facebook account.

2) My brother Mike being so supportive and shaking hands with Mac's Papa and giving Mac's Mama a kiss on the cheek. He went to mass and when he came back, he was surprised to see that they've already left. He asked for updates and chatted with me, really showed me that he loves me.

3) My cousins, Karen and Kelvin, helping out with the food preparations and being present on this special day.

4) My Tito Arns (Karen and Kelvin's dad) calling to congratulate me.

5) When everyone had gone, I was left with my Ma and Pa. I asked them again... "Okay lang talaga na magpapakasal na ako ha." To which they both gave a resounding yes. Papa followed it up with "para na rin makita pa namin ang apo namin." This is it na talaga!

It's just been a wonderful day. I wish my grandparents were also here to see this. And my Cuz Jen who's my maid of honor.

Mac is God's choice for me. He is indeed the wisest. Thank you Lord for making this all possible.

FOR MAC
And for my husband to be... I love you more and more as the days go by. I cannot wait to be married to you! It's undeniable... you are perfect for me. Thank you for making me the happiest girl in the world!

On Ma

It's been a little over three weeks. She's better. She LOOKS better, at least.

Unfortunately, it's getting tougher each day. Seeing her "not fight" and getting weak, not being able to stand up on her own, eat her food or even rush fast enough to make it to the bathroom is just killing me inside. Just like my lola when she got really ill, getting thru Ma is a challenge. They hardly say anything. When you ask them, they answer with one liners. May nararamdaman ka, Ma? WALA. Gutom ka na? HINDI. Malungkot ka ba? HINDI. Anong gusto mong kainin? HINDI KO ALAM.

I haven't been going to work. Ever since she got confined last August 8, I have been watching her like a hawk, 24/7. I thank God for giving me such a reliable team, that even if I'm not physically at the office, the factory is up and running efficiently. I thank God for an understanding fiance, who has been so supportive and makes it a point to visit Ma. He even gave her a beautiful basket of flowers last Saturday. We don't go out anymore. And that's okay. I want to dedicate my time and all my efforts to taking care of Mama.

But today was just really rough. After 2 bites of her dinner, she refused to eat any more. It's been like this since she got sick. I burst out my frustration. I know I should not have done that, but I am just so dismayed that she is not fighting. Her recent tests show that she's alright. No worries. It's psychological, I am sure of it. And that is what's more challenging.

I consider my taking care of my family as my greatest achievement. Not my company or any other merits that I received in my lifetime. THIS is my yabang piece when I get to face God one day.

But today, I pray for strength. Lord, I pray that you give Mama the will power to fight her depression and whatever it is that's bringing her spirit down. I want to see her smile again. God, I would do anything for her to get back to how she was, radiant and positive and the strength of this family. Please Lord, I am begging you.

And please give me more courage, and patience, and all the hope you have in your bucket. I surrender this trying time in our family to you. I know you will send us a miracle.

On Our 5-Day "Vacation"

Finally!!! We can get to go home already! Mama's been in the hospital since Monday. Doctor said it's urosepsis. As per the Journal of Global Infectious Diseases, "Urosepsis implies clinically evident severe infection of the urinary tract". Since she's diabetic, having this is high risk.

This is my happy face. So glad this little, unexpected vacay is over. But before that, I would like to thank our sponsors...

McDonalds for our lunch or dinner. It's a stones-throw away from Las Pinas Doctors. Good ol reliable fast food.

Nissins Yakisoba for the instant merienda.

Axion for making sure that our utensils are kept clean. I seriously hate using plastic forks and spoons.

Apple for my MacBook and iPad that has kept me company at night. Angry birds... you rock!

Absolute Mineral Water. Mama needs to drink plenty of water for the infection to heal. Absolute... the official water of Hayden Kho.

I have also discovered two shows that I now find "entertaining" since the TV is on 24/7 to keep me company.

The Biggest Loser. I am cheering for Larry or Leigh. No special reason. I just liked them the first time I saw them.

Sisid. This is part of GMA's Dramarama sa Hapon, directed by Mr. Ricky Davao. I like Jackie Rice's acting. The bit now is very 'Marimar' where the poor girl hooks up with an old rich man, who shall eventually play a vital role in her revenge to those who wronged her. Still, it's good TV. So, go.

Lord God, I hope we don't ever have to go back here (I am blogging this in our hospital room) and I thank you for watching over my mother and making it possible for our family to have the means to take care of her.

And as a final note... I hope they improve the hospital food. Goodbye, Las Pinas Doctors! Hello, tiptop health for Mama!!!

On My So-Called Twitterworld

I love Twitter. Maybe because even before everyone started talking about it, I was already in it. This was around the time that @aplusk (Ashton Kutcher) was still lording it over Twitter.

Now it's all about Lady Gaga and Bieber. Anyway... I like it when I'm one of the first ones in a "new environment". Compared to Facebook, Twitter is fairly simple. Post something in 140 characters or less. Share it with your followers. That's it. I like the format.

I currently have 642 followers. Not bad. When I review the ones that follow me, I get a big smile on my face knowing that most of them are Filipino. So when I rant in Tagalog, ayos lang.

I have so many "favorites"! Most of which come from @jon_avila (for obvious reasons), @FedererLive (because they always post super nice pictures of Roger), @idillionaire and @TheNotebook for their quotes and just tweets from those who give me a nice compliment. It's such a feel good community. When you want news, see what people all over the world are talking about, or just plain fun like participating in #sentisabado (reminiscing about the good ol' days), then Twitter is where you should be!

I've had milestones on Twitter too! I remember making it to 'Top Tweets' when I made a commentary about the passing of former President Corazon Aquino. Grant Hill sent me a direct message. John Cusack re-tweeted my question and answered it. Had a nice tweetversation with Senator Bongbong Marcos. Jon Avila (again) DM-ed me his BBM ID. @mlq3 (Manuel L. Quezon III) and @bongbongmarcos followed me back. Mga ganyan.

A lot more of my favorite people ACTUALLY FOLLOW ME BACK ON TWITTER!

Wanna know who they are? Then keep reading... (and start following them too!)

@tonyocruz

Mr. #sentisabado himself! Tonyo is the go-to guy when it comes to social issues. I rarely see him send just one tweet at a certain time. When he's online, he tweets a lot. I like his #tonyoasks 'segment' where he asks us, his followers, about random thoughts like "Ano'ng mga maliliit na bagay ang nagpapasaya sa 'yo? (What are those small things that make you happy?)" or "How much do you spend for mobile phones in a single month?". He's very interesting. Thanks for the follow back, Tonyo!

"Sir" @ramonbautista

Wit and machismo rolled into one. He hosts "May Tamang Balita" on GMA News TV and starred in one of the NESTLE Kasambuhay Habambuhay Short Films. That was where we saw each other for the first time.

Me: Sir Ramon, ako si brainbeam.

RB: Uy, ayos ah, dito pa tayo nagkita. Ang dami mong inaaway sa Twitter ha.

Me: Hahaha! Oo nga.

RB: Ayos ka!

When @JannelleSo (host of Kababayan LA) wanted to interview him in LA, I hooked the two of them up. To think at that time, Ramon and I only knew each other thru Twitter. He DM-ed me his contact number in LA and Jannelle was able to interview him. Winner!

Ramon is not a heavy "tweeter", but once he tweets, SULIT ang paghihintay (Worth the wait, definitely!) Ka-abang abang ang kanyang mga tweets. Always well thought of, mega witty, short but oh-so-sweet.

@chuckiedreyfus

If you do not know CHUCKIE (now CHUCK) Dreyfus, then you're probably not an 80s baby. I took notice of Chuck's tweets during the elections. His commentaries were honest and highly entertaining. He's a great dad and a very loyal husband to his wife. He has super adorable kids! He posts their pictures once in a while. An ideal husband and very sincere.

He also shares about his incredible weight loss. Astig.

Almost got him as resource speaker for an event. Unfortunately, it did not push thru. But I am looking forward to seeing him in person real soon.

@jenniepperson

Exemplary mother, wife and style-setter. Unlike Chuck, my project with Jenni pushed thru. Got her as expert for one of our events. Met her. Love her. She gave me this nice platu-platuhan set as a gift after our 4 events together. She's a darling! If you want to talk food, fashion and family, SHE is the go to girl. You will absolutely adore her! She's a mix of posh and kabadingan and she is always at the majorly important events. Go to her blog and your life will never be the same: www.jenniepperson.com! Her followers are collectively called JENNIration. Winner!

@elvinelvinelvin & @ssowy

Two of the funniest guys on my Twitter timeline. Met Sherwin at a Tweet Up and the guy is SUPER nice. I have yet to meet Elvin who incidentally is an officemate of my kabarkada! Small world. This guy deserves a Tatt award.

@tweetearl

If I had a Twitter Fan Club, this kid would be president. He's still in high school. Imagine my age range! Hahaha!

He is a huge supporter of PNoy, member of his student council and always sends comments about my tweets like we're buddies. Nakakaaliw lang siya ng bongga! Very sweet boy.

@jon_avila

Every princess has a prince charming. He is mine. Hahaha! He's already taken in real life, mind you, but if you check out my favorites, you'll know why I adore this guy.

@JannelleSo

This woman and I go waaaaay back and we found each other again on Twitter. Worked with her when my Agency was still servicing the PBA. I now report via phone patch on her show every Wednesday morning (Manila time), talking about Yahoo Philippines' top trending topics. Every time she visits Manila, I'm one of the first to know and we'd go out. She mostly tweets about her guests on the show, her work and verses from the Bible. She's beauty and brains talaga. Parang ako. CHOS.

I follow 266 people on Twitter, each with something exciting to share. My Twitterworld is amazing, I must say. And I can't wait to see who will follow me next. @johncusack perhaps? I wish.

On Shit and Men on Men Action

Last July 22, I took my entire team to the CCP for their first-ever Cinemalaya experience! I was even able to convince my Admin Director, "Bru", to go with us. It was a girls' day out!

My personal Cinemalaya experience started last year when I donated financial aid (not a lot, mind you) to one of my best guy friends ever, "Stanny" (I am Carrie), or Alem Ang in the real world. He co-produced the movie "Ang Panggagahasa Kay Fe" (The Rapture of Fe), which won the grand prize in the Digital Category in the 2009 Cairo International Film Festival. My name's in the credits part at the end. MY NAME HAS BEEN TO CAIRO!!! Hahaha!

This year, Alem and Alvin (director of Panggagahasa) once again made movie magic with their Cinemalaya entry "Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwaang Paa" (The Dance of Two Left Feet) starring the gorgeous Ms Jean Garcia, and gay lovers (?) Rocco Nacino and Paulo Avelino. Nice pairing! They'll make a power couple in real life.

Here's Jean Garcia UP CLOSE and personal. (Thanks to my fiance for taking this picture!)

And one of the producers, my dearest Alem...

And the breakout star of the movie, Rocco Nacino, being surrounded by the media and Cinemalaya supporters after the premier.

Before watching the premier of Sayaw (by the way, my name appeared twice in the credits!), we also watched Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank (The Woman in the Septic Tank) by Marlon Rivera and Chris Martinez. I believe the highlight of my Cinemalaya experience was captured in this photo...

We actually got to meet them! Alem introduced us and I was seriously starstruck! Their movie was stellar (Alem, I love you but their movie was just wicked funny!) and Eugene Domingo was, well, brilliant. :) If they make a Part 2 and tag it "Ang Babaeng Mukhang Septic Tank", I would volunteer to be the lead! I can just imagine being on their set and laughing hysterically the whole time (ala tunay na baliw).

As for Sayaw, it had a lot of "kilig" moments, believe it or not, and I loved how poetry and dance was weaved beautifully together. Add the fact that the dance coach of the movie was one of my ballet mentors, Eli Jacinto! Hell yeah!

Both movies are testament to how awesome and exciting the Philippine independent film industry is.
I can't wait for next year and hopefully, I'd be able to catch more flicks.

To the Cinemalaya organizers, MABUHAY KAYONG LAHAT!!! Until 2012!

On My Bicol Adventure 3: Mac's Home

I would always tease Mac that he is "Heir" to the "Abaca Slippers Empire". Mamalola and Papalolo's primary source of income is this. Awesome, right? Check out the raw materials of those beautiful abaca slippers that you buy from Divisoria or Baguio or pretty much everywhere where Filipino crafts are sold.

Mamalola made one for me ON THE SPOT! Suh-weet!!!

Now this is Crella with Mamalola. She's Mac's adorable cousin. I did a mini photo shoot with her...

Here's Crella with Papalolo!
And then... the cutie pie arrives... little Faustine, who was also, ready for the camera. Let's do this!