White Christmas

My dreams of a white Christmas have come true. Today we drove up the snow-capped mountains of New Mexico to experience what yuletide carols describe as "winter wonderland." We were all wrapped up like burritos, my family and I. The sun was up and fiercely glaring, but you couln't really feel the heat. The air was biting cold. We hopped into our rented van with Uncle Fred behind the wheel, and drove off to New Mexico. We made a stop at the White Sands Park. Yup, you guessed it right. White sands everywhere - fine and powdery - like the ones you can find in our pristine Philippine beaches. The only difference was this place in New Mexico wasn't a beach. It was the desert. After a quick picnic lunch, we were ready to see some snow. My folks and I have never seen real snow before. So we were all very excited.

We could see the mountains from several miles away, their tops covered with snow. The drive up was truly scenic. We passed by pine trees, tall and majestic, with dustings of snow on the branches. Unfortunately, I couldn't take a good picture because we were moving fast. The best I could do was to take all the view in and etch it on my memory. It was all so beautiful. I felt like we were running through a forest of Christmas trees!

We made a stop at the entrance of the Lincoln National Forest, just before entering the tunnel. There was a cliff overlooking the rocks and the trees down below. Our Uncle Fred held our arms tight as we tried to look down the cliff. We took a couple more photos and off we went higher up the snowy mountain. Our second stop was at a park where people sat on rubber tires and glided down the snowy slopes. The view from there was breathtaking. Pine trees all over, and so much snow! My sisters and I showered each other with snow, and the little flakes felt cool and tingly as they landed on my cheeks and on the bridge of my nose. It was such a wonderful experience.




Plus, we were given a treat! We actually spotted deer! Uncle Fred said he had been up the mountains lots of times before but never saw deer. It was everyone's first time. I guess we brought Uncle Fred some good luck. We stopped by the road and took photos. We weren't allowed to go near them so our cameras had to do that for us.




We would've stayed for hours if only we stood the freezing temperature. But it was more than regular Filipino first-timers could handle. I wanted to make angels, but it was just too cold and I could barely feel my toes. We ran back to the van after a few minutes, to the warm sanctuary of a heater. But we had a lot of fun. A White Christmas experience that I'll never forget, that's for sure.

Awesome Disneyland!

We're spending the holidays in the US, my family and I. The first stop of our US tour was Disneyland in Los Angeles. It's such an incredible place! I can't even begin to explain how magical the whole place is. We spent two days at Disneyland and Disney California. During the first night, we were able to catch the Christmas Parade at Disneyland. It was spectacular! The last character that came out was Santa Claus. As soon as I saw him, I cried and waved happily at him. When Santa said, "Do you believe in the magic of Christmas?" I yelled out an emotional, "Yes!" I felt like I was five again, in a cartoon wonderland, where all wishes and dreams came true. Disneyland is indeed the (2nd) happiest place on earth. The 1st happiest place of course is in the arms of the man who's lovingly and patiently waiting for me to come home.

I'll upload photos soon as I find the time. Merry Christmas!

:)

Dear Pam..

I just wanted to say thank you so much for the colorful scarf. It's one of the very best gifts I got from a friend this year. Now you might say it's just a scarf. But you taught me how to wear one. You carefully thought of the right gift for my trip. That extra effort made all the difference. So, super thanks, Pam.y! I know I wasn't able to spend time with you this week. But I promise to bring home a Mickey for you. Big hug! :)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Christmas is friendship!














































Christmas Dinner / Despidida at Congo Grill Tomas Morato. Jeje, we missed you!


...and being with people that make you feel cared for and special. When surrounded by true friends, it's just like having Christmas everyday!

:)


----------


Simbang Gabi started this morning. With barely two hours of sleep, my beau Alvin and I joined the rest of the BFQC community who were willing to wake up really early for the 4am mass. Alvin wanted us to catch the first four dawn masses before my flight to the US on Saturday. I love doing this tradition with him, so kahit puyat and pagod, go pa rin.

The Youth Choir sang beautifully this morning. There was a Christmas chill in the air. The church pews were all occupied by families, couples and friends. I couldn't help but feel quite sentimental. There was a strong feeling of positivity and togetherness among everyone gathered in the church this morning. I saw it as a manifestation of God's undying and unconditional love for us. After everything we've experienced this year - the recession, the calamities, the crimes, the hardships - here we were, healthy and alive and anticipating Christmas Day with joyful hearts. Because we know that despite the tragedies, God always gives us a reason to keep the faith. Families intact and hearing mass together, friends and neighbors greeting each other with smiles, couples holding hands. I remember glancing up at Alvin, and he smiled at me and planted a kiss on my forehead. The gift of love. The gift of family. God's blessings are overflowing. His presence ubiquitous.

After the mass, we had a picnic breakfast of puto bumbong and bibingka. I had a few minutes to spare before I drive to work for my 6am show, so we stood outside my house, eating with our fingers and sharing hushed laughter. It was the most perfect way to start the day. Makes you look forward to waking up super early again the next day.

Thank you, Lord, for this beautiful life. You are, indeed, so good.

:)

I am his muse...

...and he never fails to make me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world. Every single day.

Photography by Alvin Carilo.

Just got off the telephone after an hour of making kwento with my Tita Monette, my dad’s sister who lives in the US. We’re spending Christmas and New Year with them in the States. That’s why she has been ringing me up non-stop to remind me of the things she wants me to bring, the most important ones are magazines with Piolo Pascual’s photos. She’s in her fifties, and she’s still crushing on stars half her age.

I’m having mixed feelings about my spending the Holidays in the States. Part of me wants to stay here with my beau. We’ve been spending Christmas and New Year together for the past nine years. Walang palya yun! So we’re both feeling quite sad. It won’t be the same if we’re apart.

Another part of me is thrilled, though. We grew up with my dad’s sisters, Tita Monette and Tita Ayette, until they migrated to the US when I was in the fifth grade. So that was the last time we saw each other. I’m finally getting to see them again after 18 years! It’s exciting! Usually we just call them up during December 25 and January 1st. Now we’re actually going to be there with them to open presents or play in the snow!

For those who can’t physically be there with their families during the Holiday season, the best way to still feel their presence is to share warm conversations with them on the phone. I know many people resort to chat, YM or email to send their Yuletide greetings. But personally I believe that nothing beats hearing their voices on the telephone, hearing their laughter and cries of joy. Your PLDT Landline can give you that clear connection with your loved ones abroad. Not just during this festive Christmas season but all year round!

Now if you’re reading this from outside the Philippines, let me give you some good news. If your relatives here don’t have a PLDT landline, you can actually get them one. You can apply for a PLDT landline for your family here in the Philippines through PLDT Online. The good thing about this new feature is that you can get them a line from wherever you are, by just conveniently logging on to the PLDT website and clicking away. Plus, you get a 2$ voucher! It’ll be a really nice Christmas present for your loved ones here in the Philippines. Now they won’t have reasons anymore not to call you!

Check out PLDT Online now and surprise everyone back home with a “rrrring”!

Special thanks to the sponsors!

December is the peak season for hostings and celebrations and looking fabulous! So far, the two big events I've had are the Mossimo Christmas Party, where once again I hosted with my ex-partner Rye (of U92), and Wave 891's Urban Music Awards Jump-Off Party. My beau, Alvin, was the official photographer for both events. I have yet to post his shots. Here are some photos from friends. It's always fun to have a reason to dress up oh-so-glamorously! :)

The best thing about being a radio DJ - you get all the perks for free! Whee! Special thanks to Burgundy Collection for the fab black Audrey Hepburn gown and the hot pink cocktail dress. My pearls were courtesy of Accessorize (and courtesy of my dearest friend, Tita Mags!). And of course, my hair and maekup courtesy of Essensuals Toni & Guy. My makeup artist, Steph, never fails to make me look like a queen. Lots of love to my sponsors, for making my December all glittery and glam!

:)

Wave 891's Urban Music Awards Jump-Off Party

Wave 891 is paying homage to the artists and the songs that make up the local urban music scene. The metro's most influential R&B station brings you the URBAN MUSIC AWARDS. The first of its kind in the history of Philippine radio.

The Jump-Off Party happens on December 4, 7PM at the Eastwood Central Plaza.
A gathering of all the nominees. One big party. One big venue. All leading to the biggest and most exciting event of 2010 - The Urban Music Awards Night.

The very first URBAN MUSIC AWARDS will be streamed live over PLDT MyDSL Watchpad. Wave 891 thanks its partners - PLDT MyDSL and American Rag.

It's gonna be a super fun show, so make sure you clear your calendars and party with us.

For a complete list of nominees, visit www.wave891.fm. Vote for your favorite nominee for the People's Choice Award. Text WAVE(space)891(space)UMA(space)your vote and send to 2968.

See y'all. It'll be awesome!

:)

Running on 2 and a half hours of sleep...

...and still running! Tomorrow is the big day - Wave 891's Urban Music Awards Jump-Off Party. We've been working on it for weeks now. Sablay a bit in some things like the billboards that were supposed to be up since Monday. We'll have them all raised up by next year na lang to hype the UMA awards night on January 22. We're now rushing things last minute, but I'm seeing good results so I won't allow myself to be a bitch of a critic, and just use what's left of my energy to squeeze the last few drops of creative juices outta my head. I'll stay positive. We'll give you an awesome show. We always do. Sus! Lovely DJs in hot, sexy outfits pa lang, panalo na! Tee-hee!

:)

*blush* encore!

During a meeting with one of our Big Bosses:

Big Boss: Do you already have plans of getting married, Anne?
Anne: Yes, sir. My boyfriend and I plan to get married by next year.
Big Boss: Ah, so soon?
Anne: Sir, matanda na po ako. (smiles)
Big Boss: Why? How old are you?
Anne: 30, sir.
Big Boss: Seriously?
Anne: Yes, sir.
Big Boss: Talaga? All this time I thought you were just 23 or something.
Anne: (bigger smile this time) Wow. Thank you, sir.

And this is where I blush (again). I'm mentally doing happy cartwheels. Another confirmation that I don't look old! Now the rest of my month is made.

:)

*blush*

During the PLDT Watchpad event I hosted over the weekend, while chatting with Denise (of PLDT):

Denise: How old are you, Anne?
Anne: I'm 30.
Denise: (shocked expression) No way!
Anne: (smiles) Yeah. I'm 30.
Denise: I thought you were like 24 or something. I thought you were my age!
Anne: Wow, thank you for the compliment. Isip bata kasi eh. Hindi pa nag-mature yung utak ko. (laughs)

And that's the part where I blush. Tee-hee. Confirmation that I don't look old. That's enough to make my week.

:)

Sigh.

Lately, I've been feeling the following:

- small
- insignificant
- unimportant
- lost
- restless
- weird

2009 hasn't been very good to me in terms of income, career and other small stuff. Then this morning I woke up to the realization that this year really isn't my time to shine. It's my time to be happy for other people who are having a great year. It is kinda weird to feel like this when the year is almost at an end. Maybe deep inside me I was kinda hoping that things would pick up towards the later part of '09. It hasn't. But that's okay. I get it now. This year is for me to sit back and applaud the accomplishments of other people. I may not have been given a big part in this stage play called life this year. But here's hoping that come 2010, I'm going to find my place, my piece, my purpose.

Found this on this week's PostSecret blog:






















Whoever sent this, thank you! It calmed me somehow. When I'm feeling low, I'll just have to remember this message: I am part of something wonderful, God's grand plan.

:)

Take a listen!

I am loving Jay-Z's eleventh #1 album, The Blueprint 3. If you haven't got a copy yet, go grab one. Hey, make sure you get only the original. Respect the artists and their music, be it local or foreign.

I have a number of favorite tracks in this album. So Ambitious (feat. Pharell), Young Forever (feat. Mr. Hudson), Already Home (feat. Kid Cudi) and Death of Autotune. And let's not forget to mention the song he shares with Alicia Keys, Empire State of Mind. Take a listen!

Way to go, Sandra Bullock!

Caught this article on Female First:

Sandra Bullock says her selfish attitude is what's made her happy.

The 'Speed' actress - who is married to motocross enthusiast Jesse James - admits she has always put herself first and doesn't worry what anyone else thinks, even if they correctly advise her that her actions are wrong.

She said: "I never did anything according to what anyone else wanted. That's why I think I am happy. I do everything 100 per cent - even my stupidest missteps. I know when I'm getting ready to mess up, I'm going to do it full-on."

Sandra also revealed she always speaks her mind because she doesn't want to get taken advantage of.

She added: "I have to fight every single day to live my true life. I don't ever want to come home saying, 'I should have spoken my mind. I shouldn't have let someone say something that I didn't feel was right.' "

You go, girl! Trying to please everyone is exhausting. So why should I?

Slow down, baby.

I don't know if anyone noticed how beautiful the moon was today. I stepped out of the house at 5:15 in the morning. I stopped short as soon as I saw the moon. It was incredible! According to the Lunar calendar, it was a full moon last night. But it had been raining and you couldn't appreciate its fullness. This morning, though, it was a sight to behold. Big, bright and magnificent, the moon stood out in all its glory, a bright ball of light in a sea of stars and gray clouds.

I wanted to rush back inside and grab my camera. I already spotted the perfect angle and, with my SX10's powerful zoom, I knew I'd be able to capture a good shot of the scene. But I was thinking of the time. If I stalled, I would be late for my show. So like the rest of the metro's mere mortals, I rushed to work. I was berating at my inner self for not taking the time to get just one snapshot. What are the chances of me seeing the moon in that glorious state again? It might not happen again.

It's a lesson I've learned and would like to share. People say we should stop and smell the flowers. We really must, actually. All of us lose ourselves in the nitty-gritty of everyday life. We get too busy to stop for a while and look around and appreciate the beauty of the world around us. Have you ever realized that for most of us, it takes a lot - expensive, shiny, hi-tech material things - to take our breaths away? It's a sad thing. We forget to appreciate the wonders of the elements, the air we breathe, the blue skies in the morning, the bed of stars that covers us at night. I can imagine God feeling very disappointed at us for our complete disregard of this wondrous gift He has given us - our world.

Aside from this, we have become too busy to count our blessing. When was the last time you sat back to reflect on what you have? There are so many things to be thankful for! There really isn't any time to be depressed about things we don't have, if you think about it. That's probably what God wants us to know, when the moon is bright and full, when you wake up to merry chirping of birds outside your window, when you chance upon the marvel of a shooting star or the beauty of a rainbow. Life isn't always about contracts and business meetings, making money, getting ahead, moving forward, climbing corporate ladders, working like crazy. Life is also about taking slow steps, breathing deeply, sand between your toes, basking in sunshine or watching the sunset, picking flowers along the road, laughing 'til you cry, running with arms outstretched and the wind blowing through your hair, staring quietly at the full moon. Most importantly, life is about listening to God, catching His messages and finding him in everything and everyone. When our days have become mazes and whirlwinds and rat races, what can save us are the moments where we stop and smell the flowers.

Surely there is something in the unruffled calm of nature that overawes our little anxieties and doubts; the sight of the deep-blue sky and the clustering stars above seems to impart a quiet to the mind.
- Jonathan Edwards

Why I love my job?

Because we always have an awesome time!



Wave 891 jocks Janice, Jason and Anne at Dolce Super Club. Celebrating The Black Party - Wave's Halloween event for '09.

:)

Let's talk about sex!

I was browsing through a college textbook on Ethics. As I read the Marriage section, I chanced upon this line: "Although much focus is being put on sex, sex is not that important in a happy marriage."

My initial reaction was the same as my beau Alvin's when he read it, a resounding WTF!?! Whoever wrote this book was probably a virgin, or wasn't getting any. Hence the need to justify the lack of sex in that author's life.

How can you even think that the act of lovemaking is not an important aspect in a relationship? Sex IS important. I read somewhere that it helps strengthen the bond between partners. When a man reaches an orgasm, his body produces a hormone of some sort that makes him feel more bonded to his partner. Isn't that a good thing?

In order to prove this incredulous textbook author wrong, I did some research and gathered a few facts that will show that sex is important. We're not just talking about marriage here, but also the overall health of an individual.

From health.discovery.com:

"A good sex life is an important part of an individual's overall health," says Mark Schoen, Ph.D., director of sex education for the Sinclair Intimacy Institute. "People who have a good sex life feel better [mentally and physically]."

Sexual activity is 25 percent to 300 percent greater for married couples versus the non-married, depending on age. The 1998 University of Chicago report that compiled available sex research also concluded that intercourse is more frequent among couples in happier marriages.

Strategies for Keeping the Spark Alive

* Treat your partner as if you're dating
* Romance your spouse outside the bedroom
* Plan a date night
* Talk with your partner
* Listen to your partner
* Understand your partner's sexual needs and desires
* Keep physically fit and attractive for your partner
* Maintain perspective on sex as life ebbs and flows
* Resolve any underlying conflicts as they will spillover to the bedroom
* Have fun and engage in foreplay, whether that's kissing, sexual banter or anything else
* Be adventurous and creative in and outside the bedroom
* Exercise, preferably together
* Stop smoking and get your partner to quit
* Watch your weight and cholesterol
* Consider seeking specialized treatment from a specialist if behavioral changes don't work

My thoughts on this: If sex weren't important in a relationship, why would researchers and doctors come up with strategies to keep the spark alive? They wouldn't even bother, nor care if your sex life died.

From www.everything.com:

The Importance of Sex in a Happy Marriage

Within a marriage no other aspect of your lives together is as sacred as your sexual expression. If sexual relations diminish or disappear in a marriage, without an understanding and mutual agreement among the spouses, this is a major danger sign for the marriage.

Within your sexual relationship there is emotional healing to be found for both of you. Healthy sexual expression heals, restores, and energizes. The healing comes when the two of you permit each other to become the most vulnerable and emotionally expressive that each can be. Loving sexual expression is the place where you come together in joy, pleasure, gratitude, humor, and dancing bodies. The smart couple does not allow this sacred space to be assaulted. The partners in a healthy marriage protect this place above all because of its power and healing quality. Sexuality is the glue that holds the couple together when you would prefer to just walk away. Once sexuality is disturbed, emotional healing must occur if the marriage is to continue in an intimate manner.

From www.ivillage.com, Michelle Weiner-Davis, MSW:

Sex is very important to a marriage. Just ask the one out of every three spouses who's in a marriage where there's a sexual desire gap. That is, one spouse is desperately unhappy because this person isn't having sex nearly as often as he or she would like, and the other wonders, "What's the big deal? It's just sex." But for the spouse yearning for more touch, it is a big deal. Sex isn't just a physical release, it's about feeling wanted, connected and loved.

When this sort of misunderstanding occurs, intimacy on all levels fades. Couples stop spending time together, snuggling on the couch, engaging in meaningful conversation, laughing at each other's jokes. Friendship is replaced by resentment, hostility and a painful distancing. This puts marriages at risk of infidelity and/or divorce. But the good news is that regardless of the reasons for a sexual meltdown ‑- whether it's due to biological, personal or relationship issues ‑- excellent help is available. Anyone wanting a more robust and passionate love life can have it.

From www.ivillage.com, Dr. Ruth:

I think sex is the glue that holds a relationship together. If one or both partners is sexually frustrated, that's likely to wreak havoc on the relationship, often in ways that the couple doesn't even realize. They may be snapping at each other over other matters when the real conflict stems from problems in the sexual arena. The more discord there is in a relationship, the less likely it is that the couple is going to want to have sex. This in turn establishes a vicious cycle that causes not only the couple's sex life, but also the relationship, to spiral downward.

Another pitfall of an asexual relationship is that all physical contact can eventually cease. Hugs and kisses aren't a substitute for sex, but such physical contact is also a necessary component of a healthy relationship. If two people are acting like roommates, then after a while their reasons for staying together become increasingly questionable. For these reasons, it's vital for couples of any age to be proactive and to keep the fires of passion burning. If their sexual fires become completely extinguished, slowly but surely their relationship will die out too.


Don't get me wrong. Sex isn't the only important thing to consider for a marriage or relationship to work. There are other things like love, understanding, acceptance, support, faith in each other, compromise, etc. But for you to take out sex from the list of important factors that contribute to a happy and satisfying bond is absolutely absurd. To teach this to college students makes it even worse. There are wonders brought about by sex and intimacy. I think it's sad for a person (especially one in a relationship) not to realize this universal truth. Sex that is willingly shared by two people who love each other is magical, it strengthens the bond, it makes your smiles for each other sweeter, your hugs tighter, your laughter more frequent, your outlook more positive, your patience and understanding longer, and generally, your marriage life (or relationship, for those who are not married) better.

Now for those who are still dwelling in caves and think sex is taboo, here's something that might change your mind about it.

From www.webmd.com:

10 Surprising Health Benefits of Sex

When you're in the mood, it's a sure bet that the last thing on your mind is boosting your immune system or maintaining a healthy weight. Yet good sex offers those health benefits and more.

That's a surprise to many people, says Joy Davidson, PhD, a New York psychologist and sex therapist. "Of course, sex is everywhere in the media," she says. "But the idea that we are vital, sexual creatures is still looked at in some cases with disgust or in other cases a bit of embarrassment. So to really take a look at how our sexuality adds to our life and enhances our life and our health, both physical and psychological, is eye-opening for many people."

Sex does a body good in a number of ways, according to Davidson and other experts. The benefits aren't just anecdotal or hearsay -- each of these 10 health benefits of sex is backed by scientific scrutiny.

Among the benefits of healthy loving in a relationship:

1. Sex Relieves Stress

A big health benefit of sex is lower blood pressure and overall stress reduction, according to researchers from Scotland who reported their findings in the journal Biological Psychology. They studied 24 women and 22 men who kept records of their sexual activity. Then the researchers subjected them to stressful situations -- such as speaking in public and doing verbal arithmetic -- and noted their blood pressure response to stress.

Those who had intercourse had better responses to stress than those who engaged in other sexual behaviors or abstained.

Another study published in the same journal found that frequent intercourse was associated with lower diastolic blood pressure in cohabiting participants. Yet other research found a link between partner hugs and lower blood pressure in women.

2. Sex Boosts Immunity

Good sexual health may mean better physical health. Having sex once or twice a week has been linked with higher levels of an antibody called immunoglobulin A or IgA, which can protect you from getting colds and other infections. Scientists at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., took samples of saliva, which contain IgA, from 112 college students who reported the frequency of sex they had.

Those in the "frequent" group -- once or twice a week -- had higher levels of IgA than those in the other three groups -- who reported being abstinent, having sex less than once a week, or having it very often, three or more times weekly.

3. Sex Burns Calories

Thirty minutes of sex burns 85 calories or more. It may not sound like much, but it adds up: 42 half-hour sessions will burn 3,570 calories, more than enough to lose a pound. Doubling up, you could drop that pound in 21 hour-long sessions.

"Sex is a great mode of exercise," says Patti Britton, PhD, a Los Angeles sexologist and president of the American Association of Sexuality Educators and Therapists. It takes work, from both a physical and psychological perspective, to do it well, she says.

4. Sex Improves Cardiovascular Health

While some older folks may worry that the efforts expended during sex could cause a stroke, that's not so, according to researchers from England. In a study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, scientists found frequency of sex was not associated with stroke in the 914 men they followed for 20 years.

And the heart health benefits of sex don't end there. The researchers also found that having sex twice or more a week reduced the risk of fatal heart attack by half for the men, compared with those who had sex less than once a month.

5. Sex Boosts Self-Esteem

Boosting self-esteem was one of 237 reasons people have sex, collected by University of Texas researchers and published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior.

That finding makes sense to Gina Ogden, PhD, a sex therapist and marriage and family therapist in Cambridge, Mass., although she finds that those who already have self-esteem say they sometimes have sex to feel even better. "One of the reasons people say they have sex is to feel good about themselves," she tells WebMD. "Great sex begins with self-esteem, and it raises it. If the sex is loving, connected, and what you want, it raises it."

6. Sex Improves Intimacy

Having sex and orgasms increases levels of the hormone oxytocin, the so-called love hormone, which helps us bond and build trust. Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and the University of North Carolina evaluated 59 premenopausal women before and after warm contact with their husbands and partners ending with hugs. They found that the more contact, the higher the oxytocin levels.

"Oxytocin allows us to feel the urge to nurture and to bond," Britton says.

Higher oxytocin has also been linked with a feeling of generosity. So if you're feeling suddenly more generous toward your partner than usual, credit the love hormone.

7. Sex Reduces Pain

As the hormone oxytocin surges, endorphins increase, and pain declines. So if your headache, arthritis pain, or PMS symptoms seem to improve after sex, you can thank those higher oxytocin levels.

In a study published in the Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 48 volunteers who inhaled oxytocin vapor and then had their fingers pricked lowered their pain threshold by more than half.

8. Sex Reduces Prostate Cancer Risk

Frequent ejaculations, especially in 20-something men, may reduce the risk of prostate cancer later in life, Australian researchers reported in the British Journal of Urology International. When they followed men diagnosed with prostate cancer and those without, they found no association of prostate cancer with the number of sexual partners as the men reached their 30s, 40s, and 50s.

But they found men who had five or more ejaculations weekly while in their 20s reduced their risk of getting prostate cancer later by a third.

Another study, reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that frequent ejaculations, 21 or more a month, were linked to lower prostate cancer risk in older men, as well, compared with less frequent ejaculations of four to seven monthly.

9. Sex Strengthens Pelvic Floor Muscles

For women, doing a few pelvic floor muscle exercises known as Kegels during sex offers a couple of benefits. You will enjoy more pleasure, and you'll also strengthen the area and help to minimize the risk of incontinence later in life.

To do a basic Kegel exercise, tighten the muscles of your pelvic floor, as if you're trying to stop the flow of urine. Count to three, then release.

10. Sex Helps You Sleep Better

The oxytocin released during orgasm also promotes sleep, according to research.

And getting enough sleep has been linked with a host of other good things, such as maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure. Something to think about, especially if you've been wondering why your guy can be active one minute and snoring the next.

See where I'm getting at? Sex is an amazing thing. And a good, healthy sex life definitely makes a difference among couples in a relationship or marriage. So lights off, drapes down, lock the doors and unplug the phone. Let the lovemaking begin! Here's to a great sex life and a happier, healthier you! Cheers!

:)

P.S.

My doctor-friend, Doc Harry, advises not to go beyond 3x a week though. Too much sex can take its toll on your health. The immune system weakens is one thing I remember about this topic. You can catch Doc H on Wave 891's The Breakfast Duo with Anne and Jada, Mondays and Wednesdays at 8AM.

Quoting Jay-Z:

The motivation for me is them telling me what I could not be.

- So Ambitious, The Blueprint 3

Thank You!

October 20 is officially National Thank You Day here in the Philippines. This morning, people from Toblerone-Kraft visited our station to let us know about this very special yet still not so popular holiday. They brought Jada and I bars and bars of Toblerone and a Goldilocks Toblerone Cake. In return, we thanked them on air!

And before this National Thank You Day ends, let me just express my sincerest gratitude to my family, my hubby, my friends, and all those who are or have been a part of my life. Life is wonderful when you're surrounded with people who love and care for you, sincerely.












Here I sing a line from Dido: And I want to thank you for giving me the best day of my life.

Your turn to say "thank you!" Go ahead, spread the love!

:)

Miggy's is Love!

We were in Parañaque the other day to attend the burial of my beau's lola. RIP, Lola Letty.

On the lighter side of things, we discovered that there was a Miggy's Taco Bar way over that side of the south! Syempre na-excite ako. There used to be a Miggy's branch in BFQC. Doon kami unang nag-date ni Vin! Nagkakahiyaan pa kami kumain noon kasi bago pa lang kami. Every time we took a bite of food, we looked away. Harhar! Anyway, for some reason, all the Miggy's branches we knew of closed shop. We thought wala na sa buong Philippines but lo and behold! There's one lone (and probably the original) Miggy's in BF Parañaque. Winner! So we all had dinner there - me and my man, mom-in-law Tita Vee, and Tito Rey. Imagine the utmost delight that coursed through me soon as my teeth sank into the uberly delicious tacos, cheese flautas and chicken quesadillas! There is absolutely nothing like Miggy's.




Too bad I didn't bring my camera that day so I wasn't able to take photos. Sayang! But my beau and I will definitely go on a road trip just for that. Now we have two places on our dayuhin-para-lang-kumain list: Miggy's in Parañaque and that awesome resto in Pampanga! Wheee!

:)

M-150 Unleashed!

When going to the gym becomes an absolute chore (and believe me, it does), it helps to boost your energy with a bottle of M-150. This morning I did just that. I had a resolve to exercise 5 days straight this week, after loading up on carbs during the weekend. So when I woke up this morning without the usual stamina, I gave myself a push with M-150. Thanks to their product manager, Anne Bernardo, for the stash of these great-tasting energy drinks in my office. My radio show partner, Jada, and I guested her on our show last month to promote the event they were launching.

This event was the M-150 Unleashed Northern Adventure Race that I wanted to join myself. I talked about this on a previous blog entry. Incidentally, Wave 891 was the official radio partner of this race. I wasn't able to register, but my co-djs and Turbo Time hosts Lindy Magnaye and Mike Potenciano were able to join. Luck them! Long drives excite me, and I found the idea of driving from Manila to Baguio to Subic absolutely thrilling! But I couldn't go so I had to settle for live updates over Wave 891 and race results posted on www.m150.com.ph.




For those not in the know, the M-150 Unleashed Northern Adventure Race was perhaps the most exciting motoring event of 2009. It was a strategic race with checkpoints, which you needed to finish in the least time and within the limits of the law. The pit stops were situated in Manila, Baguio, San Fernando, La Union, Dagupan and Subic.

The race happened last September 19. Around 50 teams participated in the event. I remember that particular Saturday started with bright sunshine until early afternoon then it started pouring like crazy until evening. I was following the race updates on the M-150 website. The rain was beating down so hard that afternoon that the teams could hardly see the roads. But the weather did not stop them from getting to their destination. A team or two ran out of gas during the race. And an empty gas tank wasn't the only obstacle. Some teams were already running on empty stomachs later in the day and couldn't wait to get to the finish line. It was an awfully long drive but M-150 kept their energies running steady.

The big race was capped with an equally grand party in Subic. I'm sure the happiest faces that night belonged to the winners. Team Dorifto and Team Gateau de Manille placed 2nd and 3rd, respectively. The team that bagged the 50K grand prize and bragging rights as the Champs was Team DKC, made up of Arnel Carlos and Nino Sarte. I don't know them but congratulations to you, guys. You can guest on my show anytime. :)

It was one helluva road trip! I bet it was tiring but super fun! Too bad I missed it. But I remember their product manager telling me that M-150 might plan another race after this. Now I have got to join that! Also, since Jada and I are such running fanatics, we suggested a marathon for the next M-150 event. It would be perfect because M-150 is a fantastic energy drink that helps fuel up runners and people who are constantly active. (Speaking from experience.) I'd definitely sign up for that!

You can check out the M-150 website for more updates and photos. I took the liberty of borrowing a few snapshots from the site to post here.










Congratulations to M-150 for a very successful event. We'll be geared up for the next race!

Thinking out loud...

In a newspaper article the other day, I read about a young girl who asked her teacher, "Nasaan si Bro?" Her family was one of the many victims of the Ondoy calamity. Where was "Bro" during the time heavy rains tore through the skies and floodwaters rose to heaven in a matter of minutes?

My buddy and radio show partner, Jada, and I discussed this over breakfast. This was one of the reasons why she does not let her daughter watch certain television shows. I personally think it's quite misleading. It's not right to show God in such fashion where he responds to every beck and call of a child. Adults know that not all prayers are answered. But this is not to put God in a negative light. Not all requests are granted because God has something better planned for you. Or at least that's what our faith / religion teaches. So when a child is so used to seeing a Higher Being constantly answering a tv character's prayers no matter how trivial, he's convinced that Heaven works exactly that way. When Ondoy came beating on their rooftops, the little girl called on "Bro" to save them, or their house probably. But apparently, He was nowhere to be found. Hence the query.

In so many ways, God was present during this ordeal. Many families were saved from the wrath of the typhoon. Villages may have submerged completely in floodwater, but many were able to climb up or swim to safety. This is already a miraculous manifestation of His love. However, many also drowned and died. And although it may seem that He did not answer the prayers and pleas of help that came from those who died, we know that God has His reasons. We know that the Lord is in full control.

I believe that when God says no to a certain request (and believe me, little girl, "Bro" does say no to prayers once in a while), He is trying to teach you something. He wants you to understand something. Or He has a grand plan, something better than what you are asking for. It doesn't mean that He has forsaken you. God will never forsake us. He just has something different in mind for you. And like the saying "Mom knows best," God knows what is ultimately good for you.

This is what we should teach our children. First, always pray to God. But He doesn't always answer your prayers. Why not? Because sometimes what you ask for is not as magnificent as what He has in store for you. If only He could reveal in an instant all the wonderful things, all the beautiful plans he has for each of His children. But where's the fun in that? And how will you learn? Everything is given, revealed, and will unfold in His most perfect timing. That's His promise.


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Now that we're already talking about God, let me just share my thoughts on Dan Brown's new novel, The Lost Symbol. I personally love Dan Brown. I have read all his books, from Da Vinci Code to Deception Point. I guess I'm more of a mystery-conspiracy theories-scientific discoveries kind of girl rather that a chick-lit-chick.

The plot revolves around the search for a symbol, a hidden word, that will open the portals to an Ancient Secret or some Great Truth that, if revealed, will change the whole world as we know it. It's unwise to believe things that occur in fictional works, but one Noetic Science discovery is something I do believe in. Our thoughts have mass. And our thoughts are able to will something to happen. This has been told to us in many self-help books. The power of positive thinking. Setting your mind on something you want, and the universe will conspire. Mind over matter. The Secret. It's fascinating, and believable. The mind truly is powerful.

Our faith teaches us that if two or more are gathered together in prayer, then God hears them and heeds their call. Their prayers are answered. I truly believe that this is because the strength of many thoughts united in one goal, many minds working together in one direction, produce a force so strong that it wills what we are asking for to happen. I can't really describe it in a very good way. But if you read the book, you'll get what I mean. This may also explain why typhoon Pepeng changed its original course and skipped the places that were already badly hit by Ondoy. Yes, God worked a miracle. And also because so many Filipino people were united in prayer. We willed the typhoon not to hit us. We created our own reality. It's amazing what the mind can do.

Well, basically, that's just a small part of the whole story. It just got the wheels in my head turning. I recommend The Lost Symbol if you're hunting for an exciting read.

On change...

The month of September brought about a lot of changes. Some fast and abrupt. Some slowly brewing. Sometimes change brings about fear, disturbing the peace. At one point, I found myself troubled by all the changes. I wanted things to stay the same. My safety zone was a good world to be in.

But after a lot of thinking, I said to myself that maybe the best thing to do is embrace the changes that life throws at me. Instead of going against the tide, maybe one should follow where the new current leads. Change is inevitable. New shouldn't be feared. Like a typhoon that rampages, then leaves the plain with cleaner air.

A lot of things have changed. Even until now, I'm watching some things slowly transforming, or disappearing. Things we've gotten used to. Old things I thought were permanent. Truth is, nothing is permanent but change.

And I say to life, bring it on! I shall embrace these changes and hope that all these would bring about new learnings and better experiences. It's time to step out of my comfort zone. Welcome all that's new. New thoughts. New ways. New roads. Shake hands with new people and look at new faces. Build new ties. Hop on a new bus.

Time asks no questions, it goes on without you,
leaving you behind if you can't stand the pace.
The world keeps on spinning,
you can't stop it, if you try to...

- You Gotta Be, Des'ree.

In the midst of these changes, I am thankful for the few precious things that remain steady, steadfast and permanent. To this I sing a line from the famous Beach Boys song: God only knows what I'd be without you.

Sending out an SOS!

If you wanna help by donating or volunteering or both, here are the places you can go to. I'm reposting helpful info from RJ Ledesma's FB page. Media people, let's do our jobs and spread the word!

- MEGATENT along Meralco Ave. beside Renaissance Towers in front of Alexandria. They need goods and volunteers to help in packing and distributing. If you can lend them pushcarts / trolleys, that would be very much appreciated.

- ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya
* 13 Examiner, West Triangle QC
* Scout Bayoran, near Rembrandt Hotel and in front of Alex III

- Wave 891 / Jam 88.3
2nd Floor, Strata 2000 Bldg, Emerald Ave. Ortigas Center, Pasig

- HABITAT FOR HUMANITY will be holding a mini soup kitchen in two Pasig evacuation centers. They are in need of volunteers to help distribute the arroz caldo they'll be preparing. Sched is Oct. 2-4, 6am to 2pm. For info, call or text 8973069 or 09178260881.

- All 7-Eleven stores

- All Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf branches

- Fitness First Clubs (except Eastwood and Metro East)

- WHITE SPACE, 2314 Chino Roces Ave., Pasong Tamo Ext.Makati

- UP MOUNTAINEERS targeting areas that haven't been reached yet by the government and media. Send donations to Power Up Tandang Sora or call 0926-7234914

- ANGEL BRIGADE CENTER at The Fort, across Pacific Plaza Towers. In need of donations and volunteers.

- Donate BLOOD to the Red Cross and help save lives of Ondoy victims in need. Call 143 for details.

- Send donations to the Red Cross through SMS. Text RED (amount) to 2899 (Globe) or 4483 (Smart). You can donate 25, 50, 100 or 300 pesos.


Tune in to my show, The Breakfast Duo with Anne and Jada on Wave 891, 6-9AM, for more updates and helpful info.

Happy to help!

:)

A Saturday to remember...

It was a normal-looking rainy Saturday morning when I woke up early for my French class. I figured there was a storm but I never thought it would turn out to be one of the most unforgettable experiences I would have in my thirty years of existence.

Almost the entire French 5 class braved the heavy rains and went to UP Diliman that morning. We could barely hear our teacher Cinddi's voice because of the angry pouring outside. A few minutes before noon, my Dad already called me up and told me not to go home yet. Our street was flooded, and even my big SUV wouldn't be able to make it through. Water already made its way inside the vehicles of my brother and sisters. That has never happened in all the eighteen years that we've lived in BFQC.



My brother's XTrail and my old car, Sweet Cheeks, now Adie's. Plus my other old car, the Getz, now Andrea's. All three took a swim.


My friends couldn't go home just yet, as news of Katipunan being flooded already were sent by their families through text messages. So we all trooped to Bahay ng Alumni to have lunch at Chocolate Kiss, with high hopes that somehow the rains would stop and we could get home after a few hours. But the few hours stretched on until 10:30PM. We were stranded big time. My beau, Alvin, tried to make his way home after work. To no avail. He ended up joining me at Bahay ng Alumni.

We sat on hard wooden benches, telling stories and playing games. The laughter eased a bit of the panic and frustration we were all feeling. Alvin was beside me all the time, and that gave me a sense of calmness. We were like refugees huddled together in a dimly lit corner, sharing rations of crackers, cheese and bananas that my classmates managed to buy at the UP Coop. When night time fell, the mosquitoes swarmed in. Cellphone batteries were slowly starting to drain. The rain quieted down by 8pm. After two hours, Shiela's husband came to fetch her. Alvin and I were ready to go home. I offered the others a place to stay. Our home was spared from floods and power outage, so it was the best place for them to spend the night. After spending ten hours at Bahay ng Alumni, it was such a relief to come home to family, warmth, comfort and food!



Taken at 10PM. UP Bahay ng Alumni. Anne, Alvin, Cinddi, Rocky, Connie, Edna, Ian, Liezl, Shiela and Dan - All smiling despite the experience.


But I know that our experience is nothing compared to the suffering that so many people have gone through. I was already getting updates on Twitter about the floods, people getting trapped and stranded, Provident Village residents on rooftops. Cars and houses being swept away. Villages completely submerging in water. It was terrible! I couldn't help but whisper grateful prayers to God. Yes, we were stranded for ten hours. But we were kept safe and dry. We were lucky.

Typhoon Ondoy brought about disaster, destruction, and so much loss. They say it is the worst rainfall in Philippine history. It is even more disastrous than the Hurricane Katrina that hit the United States in 2005.

Lifted from Inquirer.net:

"The 15th weather disturbance that hit the Philippines in 2009 dumped a total of 455 millimeters of rain in Quezon City alone in 24 hours, compared to the 250 millimeters of rain that Hurricane Katrina brought to New Orleans in Louisiana in the United States in 2005."




photo courtesy of www.boston.com


As of 8:30AM today, the death toll has risen to 83. 300,000 people displaced by the typhoon. Many areas are still flooded. Many families are still not rescued. Many are still missing. 95 million pesos worth of crops in Calabarzon were destroyed. Although the nation is in a mourning state, it is heartening to see everyone uniting with but one goal: to help. Donations of cash and relief goods are continuously pouring in. People here and there are volunteering to help in any way possible. Even Filipinos abroad are sending their support from different places across the globe. It's a marvelous thing to watch. A clear sign that the bayanihan spirit is not dead, and will never cease to exist.

Weather reports say that another storm is brewing two to three days away. I say we beat Nature with Prayer. The force of a whole country in prayer is far stronger than any force of nature. Our God is a merciful God. Never will He forsake us.

My heart goes out to those who have lost so much in this terrible calamity. Prayers promised. My family continues to donate relief goods to different rescue teams and organizations. Let's all help. There is a relief operation center near you. Give what you can.

During trying times like these, there is one line from the Bible that holds true: GOD WILL MAKE A WAY WHEN THERE SEEMS TO BE NO WAY.

September updates...

I think many of you would agree that one of the most unpleasant of life's experiences is those trips to the dentist. I just came to visit mine. In all fairness, Doc Trina is such a lovely lady who's always smiling and treats you warmly like an old friend. So it lessens the dread of the whole open-your-mouth-wide ordeal.

So I had teeth cleaning. I was so proud of myself when Doc Trina told me that my teeth and gums are A-okay! No need for fillings or root canals. Thank you, God!

Now, I'm smiling with confidence!

:)


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I can't believe you're saying goodbye, partna! Rye has been my radio partner for the past, what, four years? Until we were placed on opposite ends of the day this year. I remember our last boardwork as Wave 891's Drive & Grind duo. I cried on air! (Sorry, couldn't help it.) Now my long-time partner is leaving for good. It's sad, really. But I'm happy for him. There are so many wonderful opportunities coming his way, he simply can't let them pass. Good luck, partna! It's been such a pleasure working with you!






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Dear Bespren,

30 ka na din! But it doesn't really make any difference. Our ages are but numbers. We don't feel old at all, right? And damn, we're even hotter than we were when we were younger! Look at how the men in our lives go gaga over us! :)





But seriously, I wish you a birthday that's not only happy but joyful. I wish you lots of love, peace of mind and heart, good health, beautiful experiences, success and plenty of money! You've been through a lot in the past year, and look where you are now - in a better, happier place, where you're loved and free and most importantly, stronger. I pray that this is now the end of all the heartaches and troubles, ad the beginning of your journey to a truly beautiful life. I'll be here with you every step of the way, through good and shitty times, you know that.

Happy birthday and God bless you, Len. Love you! Dampa when you get back!

Going crazy over...

...the classic white shirt.



Crisp, clean, timeless. Paired with my fave denim shorts. Flats on a regular day. Wedges when I'm feeling extra confident about my legs. Boots when I want to stand out.

Every girl must have one. Or in my case, five. Like shoes, you can never have enough.

:)

For Alvin...

whenever you hold my hand,
i know that i'm safe from harm,
i know my heart is home,
i know i'm where i should be in this world,
i know i'm yours.

whenever you hold my hand,
i know it's true
that true love does withstand
every test, every trial,
true love braves every storm,
true love lives for all time.

whenever you hold my hand,
i see the future so clear,
no more worries or fear,
i see days always leading to good tomorrows,
i see me and you.

whenever you hold my hand,
i know for sure,
to hell with what others think or say,
love escapes them anyway,
i know this is more real than they,
i know this love is for always.

this is love,
this is home,
this is us.
i know.
your hand holding mine tells me so.

happy birthday, love.
090909

Love is...

...me and him.




"The best part of the day is waking up and finding you there."
Likewise, love.

:)

Shoes schmooze!

Found this entry on this Sunday's Post Secret blog...




I can totally relate, actually. I'm a sucker for shoes. Right now, I have about fifty pairs of different kinds of shoes, sandals, flats and slippers. The shoe drawers my dad had made especially for all my footwear are now crammed and everything that can't fit into them anymore are lined in neat rows under my dresser. I don't really wear all of them. Some I don't even like anymore. It's just nice to look at.




My recent purchase are these leather boots from Aldo. Props to me for not buying them on impulse when I was at the Megamall branch. It took me a week to decide whether to get them or not. They were very expensive, and I wanted to be really sure I wanted the pair before I shell out the big dough. Now, they're all mine and I absolutely love, love, love 'em! Plus with all the raves I've been getting, I'm convinced it's worth every peso!

:)

Need for Speed!

My dad handed me the reins to his Kia Sorento about three months ago. I wasn’t excited at first, because my purplish blue Honda Jazz and I have been inseparable buddies for more than two years. But after a week, I was converted! V6, 24-valve, double overhead cam, 3.5cc engine – my new ride was a roadrunner! All of the sudden, this chick wasn’t driving anymore. She was flying!

Yes, folks, I am a mad woman behind the wheel. I don’t mean reckless. I just drive fast. There’s something exhilarating about it, you see. Stepping on the gas pedal with exactly the right pressure to make you zoom forward, leaving the other cars behind to eat your dust. Snaking your way through traffic and getting ahead. Add to that the fact that I am a girl, and you know how people think majority of female drivers are either slow or dumb or both. No, sir, not this babe.

So now my Sorento (which I aptly named Prime) and I have become fast friends. We breeze through Commonwealth and Edsa every morning when I rush to my 6AM radio show. We race against time and traffic, and I get excited everytime I feel his powerful engine reverberating within his strong body of silver steel. You get your high from a caffeine fix. I get mine from speed.

That’s why I’m thinking of joining the M-150 Unleashed Northern Adventure Race. We’ve been airing the radio plug since last week. It’s a big race formulated by this new energy drink called M-150. If you haven’t heard the plug yet over Wave 891, it’s a point to point race from Manila to Baguio to San Fernando, La Union to Dagupan all the way to the finish line in Subic. Cool, huh? You have to finish the race the fastest BUT without breaking the law. Meaning, staying within the speed limits. I know, that made me groan, too. But hey, this isn’t a race for outlaws anyway. And as long as there’s no fuel efficiency involved, I’m in! The winner gets 50K cash and products and goodies from M-150 and their partners. 50K! Yeah! Eyes on the prize, baby!

The radio plug says you have to form a team of 2 or 3. So there’s me and Prime. Now I just have to sway my beau into sitting right next to me while I drive like mad. That shouldn’t be so difficult, right? Yahoo! Just writing about this is already getting me pumped up and excited! Should I or should I not? I’ll have a heart-to-heart chat with my probable co-driver after this. And of course, there’s the screening! This is probably for the M-150 people to check if you’re sane and safe enough to join. Hmm... I’m sane, I’m safe, and I’m a radio DJ. Can that be a plus factor? :)

The Project Launch and Screening will be held this Saturday (Aug 29), 9pm at the Greenhills Shopping Complex. The Northern Adventure Race is on September 19. Don’t ask me for more details, please. Just click this link – m150unleashed.multiply.com.

You up for it? I know I am. Ready...set...vroom vroom!

On the up and up!

It really isn't just about a floating house.



Love. Togetherness. Family. Friendship. Loyalty. Trust. Fun. A sense of adventure.

Put all these together and life will always be on the up and up!




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And here's something that really lifts me up!




Being with my fave little girl, Izbel.

:)

The month in a nutshell...

Time flies so fast, doesn't it? It's August! Just a couple more days to go before the "ber" months start. Grabe, Christmas na! Here are a few updates on what transpired during the past few weeks or so.



After months of sheer anticipation, we finally got to watch Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Awesome movie! Though not as spectacular as the book. Many events were edited out, some of which I believe were quite significant and should have been part of the movie. It would have been fun to see Luna on the big screen as Quidditch commentator. In the book, she kept on forgetting the names of the Slytherin players, or got distracted saying nice things about Gryffindor chaser and friend, Ginny. We didn't see Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour in the movie, which makes me wonder how these characters will appear in the next flick. Their engagement was announced in the sixth installment, and Bill was gravely wounded by werewolf Fenrir Greyback. He will be appearing with a mighty scar on his face in Deathly Hallows, with a fondness for rare steaks. Snape as the Half-Blood Prince wasn't highlighted that much in the movie. For those who have not read the books, his story, a glimpse of his past, would have given you a better understanding of who Severus Snape really is. Why is this important? Because you will find out in the end that his character is one of the most magnificent and memorable individuals of both literature and film.

Nevertheless, the movie was all-in-all a spectacular one. It successfully and masterfully brought important scenes to life, particularly the death of Albus Dumbledore. It visually and emotionally captured each viewer, HP fans and non-followers alike.

Being the avid Harry Potter fanatics that we are, my girlfriends and I met up for a post-HP dinner two nights after we watched the premiere, where we had mugs and mugs of our own version of the popular butterbeer. :)




Melodramatic Facebook statuses brought us together again after a week. A spur-of-the-moment dinner at Baliwag Visayas Ave. The girls and our partners. Nadine and Jeje wanted to air out their woes of the heart, and Kath, my besty Len and I responded promptly like rescue teams for the distressed. There wasn't any time to lament, though, as we spent the evening laughing 'til our tummies ached. Cheers to friendship!




I finally found a trainer for my Lab pup, Lily Potter. As-Zoo Dog Training Services, owned by Den Valenzuela. I was able to get a good deal for Lily. So now she and our Boxer Princess are taking up basic and advanced obedience training at home. Can't wait to bring Lily out to see my friends, or have her jog by my side in UP Diliman on a Sunday morning.




My family and I got our US Visas! Woot woot! Quick and easy, too. But before you go thinking that the Americans are pretty lenient now, let me just tell you that there were more people who got denied, more people who walked out with dejected faces. At least from the batch of applicants that were interviewed before us. So I guess depende talaga. I think if they see the desperation on your face to leave the country, they will say no without any hesitation. We were approved without much questioning, probably because it was crystal clear on our faces that we did not want to live in the US and we had every reason in the world to come back home. Disney World, here we come!




Over the weekend, my family, my beau and I trekked to Enchanted Kingdom. AICS Family Day, just like last year's outing. The weather was terrible, but we still had loads of fun. A lot more fun this year, too, because Alvin was with me. Yey!





Looking forward to plenty more happy moments in the months to come!

:)


P.S.

9 years and 2 months since the day I said "yes!" The world will always spin every time we touch. I love you!

:)

I have received compliments from friends, telling me how different my aura is lately because of the positive vibes I exude. Thanks for the nice words, friends! I've been immersing myself in positivity. Quite naturally, you radiate with such refreshing light, and people notice! Cool. :)

I'll let you in on what I've been doing to achieve this effect:

1. Pray more often.
2. Exercise regularly! I go to the gym three to four times a week. And physical activity is the key! Regular exercise means regular release of endorphins which means a happier (and better-looking) you!
3. Never sweat the small stuff! "Don't worry, be happy" goes the song. So true! Why worry? Let go and let God! :)
4. Go out with friends more often. Spend time with positive people. And when with a negative crowd, try to be positive enough for everyone.
5. Have sex more often! (Aahh..my favorite part! Teehee.)
6. Be less of a critic. It's really not fun being a critic all the time, unless you are a critic by profession. Being less judgmental helps.
7. Be a kid more often! Laugh out loud! Enjoy the simplest things. Have fun!
8. Life is what you make it. So make it wonderful!

Like they say in a shampoo commercial, "Try it, and see the difference."

:)

Lighten up, will ya?

A colleague told me that only brainless gits would enjoy watching Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen. Well then, I guess I'm proud to say I'm part of that society of dimwits because I found the flick quite nice. It wasn't Oscar material, true. The plot wasn't very complicated. But hey, it is a movie based on a cartoon. (A cartoon for kids, at that.) Why expect to be intellectually stimulated? You should've seen Schindler's List instead. Or better yet, you should've stayed home and worked on a crossword puzzle. Or played chess.

I was impressed by all the technical stuff of the movie: the sound effects, the graphics, the way the robots transformed. And the story wasn't so bad, too. They just focused too much on Shia and Megan, though. There could've been more "transforming." But overall, it was still pretty cool and entertaining. And yes, I enjoyed it. In fact, my beau and I are going to watch it again later! Yey! To the brainless society out there - let us unite! Hahaha!

And to you who's so wound up it's a wonder you can still breathe, take it easy! Life isn't all about solving complicated things. Sometimes it's fun to sit back, kick your shoes off and laugh out loud like a little kid! (And enjoy the shiny robots, too!)

:)

Whattaman!

I stepped out to buy something to drink. When I got back to the radio booth, he was suddenly there. Hiding, at first, under our console while my two partners tried to act nonchalantly. Then, like a wonderful jack-in-the-box, he stood up with a big grin and said, "Hi, baby!" Or was it "Surprise, baby!" I honestly don't remember. I was too busy being happy.

"I have a meeting in the area. But I wanted to start my day with you."

You, my love, are the most wonderful thing that's ever happened to me.


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Preparing the prelim exam for his PDPR class, I asked him curiously what his questions were. Laughing, he let me in on the list in his head:

What is your name and why?
If you're not here, where are you?
Who is the tallest among the seven dwarves?
How many wood can a woodchuck chuck?
Who is Billie Jean? Is she my lover?
How come every time you come around, my London London bridge?
Whatcha gonna do with all that junk inside your trunk?

This is one of the reasons why he is the man for me. He never fails to make me laugh.

:)

Run, baby, run!

While others sleep-in on a Sunday morning, we RUN!




Vin, Adie and I were all up and about at 4am, ready to join the GIG Run '09 event at UP Diliman. But we missed it. They already ran out of race kits since Saturday. Since the three of us were already geared up to run, we decided to just have a fun run of our own, like what my beau and I did two Sundays ago. Jada and her hubby Mike met up with us, and we had our little groupie go 'round and 'round the UP Oval. 6km! Not so bad.



After that, the usual breakfast treat of skinless-longganisa-log at Rodic's. Winner!




The three of us (me, Vin and Adie) signed up for the Runnex Running Clinic that's there every Sunday morning. 10km running for free! Since we're really getting into the habit, and enjoying it too, we joined the group.The hard part is waking up super early every Sunday to run. Kaya yan!

:)