A trip down memory lane...

Last week, almost everyone on Facebook started changing their profile pictures to images of cartoon characters that reminded them of their childhood years. It was supposed to be a drive against child abuse. I doubt though that it was an official project targeting a good cause. Some even thought it silly, like my Dad who laughed at the photos we posted. But the campaign made him recall the cartoons he used to watch back in the 60s and 70s, even if he didn't dare post it on his page. It caused quite a stir, with almost 90% of my friends following the trend. I found myself browsing through my friends list more frequently, just to check out the cartoon pics that people posted. Some would even reveal the person's age, if he or she chose a character that was quite old.

Now that this whole cartoon thing is trending, and today is the last day of the campaign, allow me to share with you a glimpse from my past. These were the cartoons I used to watch when I was a kid. I remember waking up early every Saturday morning to catch my favorites on TV. Of course, every kid loved Sesame Street and Batibot. Here were the other toons I was hooked on.


Super Book and Flying House were one of my all-time favorites. It was also probably the easiest way to introduce children to Jesus and the Bible.


I simply adored the Care Bears. I used to have a sticker album when I was a kid, gifted to me by my Lolo Efren and Lola Gaya. It was a big, expensive book, and the stickers were bright and glittery. I also remember having Care Bears jammies from the States. Another memory I have of this cartoon is the time when my Tito Gil (bless his soul) brought me to the cinema to watch The Care Bears movie. He even bought me a set of colorful stickers after the show. That was about two decades ago. Now people are still loving these cute bears and all the positive vibes they throw out. An absolute classic.


To make kids eat their veggies, particularly spinach, just tell them to watch Popeye. Oh yes, that worked for me. And it made me crave for burgers, too. :)


I never really totally understood the plot of G.I. Joe, but I still watched it regularly when I was a kid. I honestly thought the most gorgeous lady on the show was The Baroness.



I remember watching this cartoon with my siblings when we were kids. We lived in San Juan back then, in our little townhouse. I remember having a Smurfs coloring book, and when I finished up all my blue crayons, I'd just paint them with a different color.


"I am Adora, He-Man's twin sister, and defender of the crystal castle. This is Spirit, my beloved steed." Oh yes, I know this line by heart. That's how much I loved this cartoon back then. He-Man was on my list, too. :)


Who didn't watch Captain Planet? His long hairdo and the bluish hue of his skin were enough to get every kid hooked. And of course, The Real Ghostbusters! I had a huge crush on Egon Spengler!


If there's one cartoon series that made me cry with every episode, that was Princess Sarah, dubbed in the vernacular and shown on Channel 2. I hated Lavinia with all my heart, but I always thought she was so much prettier than Sarah. And of course there's Lottie and Ermengarde and Miss Minchin...


I was a huge fan of the X-Men cartoon series as well. My favorite character: Ororo Munroe, better known as Storm.

Disney movies are timeless! My favorite was Sleeping Beauty. Until Belle of Beauty & the Beast came along, I thought Aurora was the prettiest Disney princess.


I never quite understood why the Wicked Queen was so envious of Snow White. Yes, the magic mirror said she was the fairest. But not the most beautiful. And definitely not more beautiful than the Queen. I never liked the chubby girl with the ugly outfit and the irritating, high-pitched voice. The Wicked Queen was my favorite, in all her sophisticated bitchiness.


I changed my profile pic on Facebook to an image of Wonder Woman, complete with her magic lasso. Why? I've always wanted to be Wonder Woman. Back in kindergarten, my friends and I would play a game where we pretended to be members of the Justice League. I wanted to be the raven-haired heroine with the invisible jet. But my gay classmate would always beat me to it. Wonder twins na lang daw ako. I can't remember the name of that boy. But I remember how I wanted to punch him for disrespecting my favorite cartoon character.


So, what was your favorite cartoon? Go change your profile pic. You have until today to join the fun.

:)

Updates...

Finally found time to blog. So many things have happened already since after the wedding. So let me roll out the stories. Where to start? How about September 8, 2010 - our Big Day.



The raw photos have finally arrived. Terry Uy and his team did a wonderful job documenting our wedding from preps 'til after everyone was drunk and merry and ready to go home.

Getting ready to say "I do!" Preps were done at The Grand Terrace.

Who else to trust my face with but my good friend and makeup artist extraordinaire, Cheryl Cabanos. This girl never fails to make me look breathtakingly beautiful.

Vin and his parents - Dr. and Mrs. Noel and Veronica Carilo.

Here's my awesome family, posing at my Dad's awesome house! Tee-hee! Asis Family FTW!

Wedding rites held at the Holy Spirit Parish in BF Homes, QC.

I arrived a few minutes late because we were busy taking family photos at home. So Vin did some poses at the church while waiting. Our theme was based on Disney-Pixar's UP. So the decorations were all colorful balloons and flowers.

Yes, I am not ashamed to admit that I am a Daddy's Girl through and through.

I am his. He is mine. 'Til death do us part.

Instead of the usual showering of rice or flowers after the ceremony, we had a colorful flight of balloons. It was lovely! And God blessed us with good weather, too. Cloudy, but no rain. With just enough breeze to carry the balloons up, up and away!

As the guests made their way to the reception venue, Vin and I had a little photoshoot at the BFQC park.

Reception at The Grand Terrace along QC's Commonwealth Avenue.

We didn't want anything plain and common, so ours was a theme wedding inspired by the love of Carl and Ellie in the movie UP. We had a big and beautiful cake made by the famous Jill Sandique and her very talented students from French Kiss restaurant. My good friends Direk Jet, Direk Rod and DJTeam Inc. were our organizers, and they did a fabulous job turning the Palma Hall of The Grand Terrace a sight to behold.

As part of our souvenir, we had a photo booth courtesy of Litrato Juan. My buddy, Jada, is one of the owners, and she gifted me and Vin with their fun, fun services. Their booth was busy even after the party ended. Saya!

We didn't have time to go on a big honeymoon trip after the wedding date because of our work schedules. Our Boracay trip was scheduled one month after. October 28, we flew off to the beautiful island to stay at two of Boracay's top hotels - Discovery Shores and Shangri-la. It was a super engrande honeymoon!




Discovery Shores was lovely, a far cry from the small hotels we've stayed in during previous trips to Bora. The staff was very friendly and always ready and willing to answer your questions and give what you need. Vin and I were impressed with the impeccable service, and the way we were treated like VIPs every minute of our stay. I met the manager, Mr. Jun Parreno, a long time ago through our mutual friend, Mags David of Mossimo. (Tita Mags was the one who gifted us with accommodation at Shores!) It was a delight to see him again, and the ever so gracious Tito Jun even surprised us with wine and cheese in our room as a congratulatory gift.



After three days at Shores, we transferred to the next hotel - Shangri-la Boracay, hailed as the best Shangri-la in the Philippines. And after seeing the much praised place, I would have to agree. Vin and I were breathless with excitement as soon as we got there. Since I was a Shangri-la Golden Circle member, our room was upgraded for free. We got a room almost three times bigger than the one we had at Shores, with a jacuzzi on our private balcony facing the sea. It was heaven!





Shangri-la was indeed a paradise! However, if impeccable service and a warm, pleasant staff are what you're after, I would recommend you stay at Discovery Shores. Vin and I were surprised and a bit disappointed when we saw that the Shangri-la personnel were not as welcoming as the people from Shores. The latter had more heart, I guess. A more personal touch.

But all in all, it was a terrific honeymoon treat. Six days in Boracay, staying in very expensive hotels, no work or stress in mind, having the time of our lives - a honeymoon made in heaven!

:)

35 days to go before Christmas! This is going to be our 11th Christmas together, and our 1st one as husband and wife. And we just set up our very first tree! Wheee!



A 6-foot slim one, with red and gold flower trimmings and an angel on top. It isn't grand, but it's full of LOVE! Happy Christmas! :)

Vin and I plan to get pregnant next year. We're still enjoying married life - just the two of us. It gives us a warm feeling, everytime we see photos of our friends and their babies. That's going to be our next project, but all in God's perfect timing.

Life is so beautiful, don't you agree? I hope you're feeling it, too.

:)

That's me!

Just some of the TV commercials that I voiced.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ld2LQFY_cuQ Skinwhite Lotion – coffee shop

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYC_3Fv-smE Palmolive Naturals – soft

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWoV4_VDMUY Palmolive Naturals – shine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isvE42uJW1k Block & White Lotion

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S63CvMnYYeU Ever Bilena Body Butter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqSi_iikHpA Chalk Magazine event tvc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYM3f4EW97M Chalk Magazine monthly tvcs

I love being a voice talent! :)

Counting the days...

...21 more to go to be exact. Just when you want time to speed up, it suddenly feels like it's moving at a snail's pace. Sigh. Our honeymoon trip is making me this anxious. I am just so excited to finally get away from work, stress, the hustle and bustle of everyday city life.

Some days when things get too hectic or tension-filled at work, I sit alone in my office, close my eyes, and picture me and my husband holding hands and wading in knee-deep, crystal clear water, white sand between our toes, sun glistening on our tanned skin.

We fly off on October 28. Destination: Boracay, where two prestigious hotels await. Can't wait. My butt is literally writhing in anticipation. Teehee. While I wait and count the days, I stare longingly at this...

Watch this!

I found this on Youtube. My very first dubbing project with Twenty Plus Studios - SECRETO DE AMOR. Circa 2004-2005. I got the lead role, Maria Clara, and my leading man, Carlos Raul, was voiced by my good friend Jess the Blade. The project was directed by Direk Liza Cornejo. When I found this clip, I felt myself drift back to many years ago, when I was still quite new in the industry.

Before Twenty Plus, I was already doing projects with Roadrunner. My very first telenovela with them was that Ian Veneracion-Vina Morales-Eula Valdes series. I was a newbie, but I won the bida role! I got the part of Vina Morales. Wow. Trip down memory lane.

Dubbing is LOVE!

:)

Here's hoping...

A true leader has faith in his people. He believes in their capabilities. His faith in them is unwavering. He gives them chances to grow and spread their wings and shine. He gives them the chance to become leaders, too, someday.

A true leader is a diamond in the rough. In time, we will find ourselves someone who can really lead us. Someone who is not easily swayed. Someone who has the courage to say what's on his mind, and is never afraid to be honest. Someone who will not look for a scapegoat for his failures and wrong choices.

For now, unfortunately, we have to settle for the one who does not have the capability to lead or inspire. But though he disappoints with his incompetence, let us not be disheartened. Let this not bring us down. The failure of the King may be a heavy burden to bear, but it cannot shake the strength of the army. Let us continue to give our best, fight every battle with passion, give what we are expected to deliver. Let our hearts remain steadfast, with the hope that someday, a true leader worthy of our love, respect and loyalty will rise.

What I've learned so far...

Being married means re-discovering your partner all over again in some ways, even if in our case, Vin and I have been together for a decade. Living together in one roof will show you little things that you never saw before. And I think the keys to make things work are love, communication, adjustment and compromise.

We lovingly adjust to each other's little quirks and OC-ness. Vin doesn't like spillage on the lids of ketchup bottles or peanut butter jars, so I keep them clean. I'm a messy cook, with dishes strewn all over the sink and peelings piled on the countertop. Vin cleans everything up, so my kitchen remains spic and span. When eating toast, he simply scrapes the surface of the butter lightly to keep its rectangular shape, so I follow suit. I eat ice cream straight from the tub and cake straight from the box, and he now does the same. I cook, he cleans, I wash the dishes, he wipes the table and the place mats and refills the jar of lemon water and takes out the garbage. He picks up after me, I pick up after him, without so much of a grumble.

At the end of the day, when the lights are all turned off, we whisper a prayer together and hold hands while we sleep. It's wonderful. The greatest challenge now is to keep our marriage this beautiful as time goes by. We're taking things one step at a time, learning things by the day, enjoying each moment and celebrating every little progress. Our adventure is just beginning and so far the ride has been terrific. I believe the secret is to let God take the wheel and trusting His itinerary.

:)

Becoming Mrs. Carilo

September 8, 2010 was our Big Day. After being boyfriend and girlfriend for ten years, Vin and I finally tied the knot and are now officially Mr. and Mrs. Carilo.

It was the perfect day to get married. It was Mama Mary's birthday. And we were blessed with such lovely weather. We were surrounded by our families, relatives and friends, mostly people who loved us and cared about us. They say one can never have a flawless wedding. True, ours had some minor glitches. But all in all, everything was absolutely beautiful!

More wedding photos to be posted soon.

After a quick mini-honeymoon (our REAL honeymoon is scheduled next month), Vin and I finally moved into our new home. How does it feel like? Not so different. Only now I get to wake up next to the man I love every single day of my life.

I'm going through a bit of an adjustment phase though. I've lived with my parents for 31 years. Now I'm super missing my Dad and Mom, and my siblings, too. I miss the noises in our old home, my Dad's booming voice, my Mom singing in the kitchen, my sisters and my brother making kulitan. I find it quite lonely sometimes, being away from them. To comfort myself, I remind myself that the old house is a mere stone's throw away, just a 3-minute drive away (5-minutes if you get stuck in Don Antonio traffic). I know I'll eventually get used to this new setup. It's gonna take time, but everything's going to be alright.

Thank you to everyone who helped and supported us during the months and weeks leading to our Big Day. A lot of my friends "sponsored" the wedding by giving free services. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart! And I know it was a working day, so thank you to everyone who took a leave just to be part of my Big Day. God bless you! :)

This girl is married, and oh-so-happy, in every sense of the word.

:)

Check out more wacky shots at www.litratojuan.com

Bridal Shower Surprise!

I had an awesome bridal shower surprise last night at Centerstage Tomas Morato. I got there late because I had to sleep off a raging migraine. When Alvin and I entered the videoke room, I was greeted by my family, Len and Mike and my friends from French class. Such a happy gathering of the people closest to my heart! Nadine and Jada arrived a few minutes later. We had an overload of food, super fun games (courtesy of Len! Thank you!), and goodies galore! My sisters Adie and Bek took care of designing the labels and prettifying the prize cupcakes and candy souvenirs. And just this morning, Mom and Adie told me about their trip to Tomas Morato to scout for a good venue, braving the rain, too! I was super touched! I am loved in so many ways. Thank you!

It was a wonderful night! Not the typical un-wholesome kinda party, but fun-er! Super thanks to everyone who shared their time (and singing prowess) with me last night. I had a blast!

Mike, Len, Bride-to-be Me!, Adie, Ant, Bek and Mommy. Thank you! :)

Mes tres amis! Merci beaucoup! :)

One of the games played was this one. Making a wedding gown out of tissue paper. This was the winning team: Jada and Edna as designers and Nadine was the model.

Awww... antok na si Mommy. :)

So who says your fiance can't be part of your wedding shower? Tee-hee! Excited to be his missus. :)

Thanks, Mommy, Adie, Bek and Len! Love you!

:)