looking back

I thought I’d never write here again especially that the last entry was almost three years ago by now, tho I mentioned before that I can’t keep up more than one blog at a time I love to look back at the first ever blog that introduced me to some many things, so many possibilities and a million and one experiences that I keep account because there’s this blog to remind me how far I’ve been. Far does not mean success of the blog really but the journey it took me and the happy thought it brought about.

The blog started because I really wanted an online journal, the foodie and travel thing actually were just icings to the cake, what I wanted from the start was to document my life while I’m still at my stable mind, to recollect bits of my childhood, the awkward teenage years, my early beginnings at the corporate world and so the mid-life crisis. J

Tho mostly photo essays and babble then I was dismayed when someone hacked the account and deleted many parts of my story. You just don’t know how much time I invested and researched went by to finish a single post. Anyhow, as I begin the third blog at the early part of the year I realize how blogging has changed me, I learned from my own mistakes mostly. And it feels good when you realize how you’d become better each day.

Taking it slow. I’d like to but with the recent bedlam and unpleasantries and loss of a love one I’d like to satiate my need to express the pain, I need to write more to communicate my thoughts, I need to keep myself occupied to stop my brain from reeling over and over again on what happened.

In pain. I am and I don’t know how soon my road to recovery is.

Lost. I pray night and day that God will not forsake me at this difficult time that God will lead the way and carry me should I become weary along the road.   

I’d like to believe that I’m okay each day as I leave home, Christmas is fast approaching, 100 days from now and people are counting. I’d like to embrace the holiday and be excited as it come other than there are plenty of issues on my palm and I need brainwaves to sync right. I’m not allowed to do mistakes.

Enjoy happy days! 

–january

the Holiday post

One month from today would be my favorite holiday –it’s Christmas Day! And like every year I’m excited of the long prep onto that day. Yes! the kid in me would be forever in love with Christmas trees, lanterns, gifts, Noche Buena feast and Santa Claus. It’s the day for everyone to be merry and happy so the old folks should not consider it for kids alone. Probably on a more grown-up thought we see that it’s the time of the year to pay it back, to forgive, to love more and to make wishes come true. So this year I want to wear a Santa’s hat and be Mrs. Santa for a day!

 

For the past 3 years husband and I normally comes up with a small charity event for neighbors in Makati but with last year’s series of events including the very hectic Christmas month we have to discontinue. Nevertheless we organized a small party for our house helps who deserves an appreciation for the service and attention my family gets back from them. For me more than anyone else they deserve the treats as we don’t make a distinction of which they are or what they do, they are considered as part of the family. They aren’t perfect, they commit mistakes every now and then but it’s an accepted reality that nobody is perfect. And being the family I consider my only treasure I want to start my little charity with them. After all, I should start making these two my favorite quotes from now on “Charity begins at home” and “Family first before anything else”. I’m not cooking up something big but I believe no matter how small it may be it would help them and their family. Remember that it’s the thought that would always count. Anyhow, we are targeting a small feat on the 24^th and I hope everything will happen as how we wanted it to be.

 

Another handiwork I’d to happen is to gather all my in-laws side in one roof for a night of catching up over a bountiful of feast that we will all share together. I love the fact that we normally reunites with them once a year during Holy Week but it would be more fun if we’ll have this get together during Christmas time. I look forward to see everyone around. Now, we still have the maternal side get-together, the E-cousins Christmas tradition (which I’m afraid may take a hold back again), party with my Piltea family, another party with my girls at work, I’m not complaining it’s that I’d be one busy bee as Christmas Day come close.

 

 

By the way, you don’t need to spell shopping to me. I’ll do it in one big day!

 

Merry Christmas everyone, I’ll save Christmas Day for B!

 

 

 

 

 

Love,

JLau

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

howdy?

Heeyah! I’m shortly backed after five months, actually not from any kind of hiatus as you all know I am maintaining a separate journal here. I miss blogging in blogspot but somehow cannot afford to write here regularly. My sorry.

Anyway, to my friends (and to my “stalker”) who stayed subscribed to this blog, I am very well. Life has been good the past two years though health may not be fitting like those early years. Leoncio and I remained a picture of a happy couple always ready to give our big palate a treat. J Kiddin’ aside, we may have gain weight briskly but we remained to be the same being inside –affectionate, bighearted, supportive, humorous and selfless. Meanwhile, our big baby B continues to be her adorable self to family and friends and despite our physical separation she remained to be our dearest.

Travelling is another love. Aside from the fact that we love to travel by land, we love to fly and we’ve been to two major destinations this year. To update, we have one more to go before the year end.

While everything is going smooth in our home, I somehow miss the life outside – the nightlife, vacations and coffee chats with friends. I miss my girl friends and my P boys! And I look forward on seeing everyone, if ever you find this post emotional as is please ring me so we can catch up. J

I won’t make longer verses here but you are always welcome to come back!

Happy weekend to everyone dear!

TOT’s 11th of 12 Holiday Goodie Giveaways: Executive Suite Stay + I ‘Like’ Hotel Elizabeth Tee!

Yes, I am joining because…

“I want to win the 12DaysOfChristmasGoodieGiveaways Overnight Suite Stay at Hotel Elizabeth from Trip or Treats.”





Hotel Elizabeth Goodie Giveaway from TOT


 

FREE Astoria Boracay accommodation! from Hit A Bargain!

Check out Hit A Bargain! FREE Astoria Boracay accommodation!

http://hitabargain.com/2011/07/14/free-astoria-boracay-accommodation/

hello there!

A year ago I moved to wordpress to continue my writings and to start a new beginning. Though, I almost shut down this page I ceased the idea. Why would I do it? Why would I wipe out something I started, something that gave me merits, something that I can call my own? I was shaken by my resentment but not for long. I should not have wasted a single second musing on people, things and happenings that weren’t important after all.

While this blog will remain active, my life continues, my journey will go on…

Please visit the new leaf of this page,

THE MONTH OF THE HEART OF WINTER

And thank you to everyone dear! :D

CAVA Handbags x DE Giveaway! by Drowning Equilibriums

Yet, another freebie is out from Drowning Equilibriums (so generous and I love it!).

These times at stake are CAVA bags, a favorite bag brand of the author, which I find chic and looks sturdy. And I would agree, yea, it looks expensive dear!

There would be 3 winners for this promo that will be taking home a CAVA bag of their own.

I love this red messenger bag!

How to get one? Click HERE!

Contest ends on August 31, 2011

FABMANILA x DE Giveaway! by Drowning Equilibriums

I’m back from a long pause and to start of let me feast your eyes with on-going promos online, which yours was a former fanatic (probably until now :D ) .

Read on,

Drowning Equilibriums, the blog, is giving away freebies and freebies for all dear readers. This one an installment of the author’s Big Birthday Blowout, which happily is a team up with FABMANILA! Happy Birthday :D !

The giveaway would be fabulous items from desk organizer, to tote set, to weekend set.

And I love to have this set for me,

Joining is easy, so I need to start mine now. Mechanics as follows:

1. Must be a follower of my blog via google connect/bloglovin.

2. Follow Fabmanila on TWITTER, FACEBOOK, MULTIPLY.

3. Share this giveaway on your blog, twitter or facebook. Please tag Fabmanila. (include URL in your comment/entry)

4. Leave your name & email below.

As simple as that folks, join now as this promo contest will end on Aug 31.

For more info about this promo, please click HERE.

lucky me :)

Finally, the announcement was made and I am happy to share the good news to everyone. My entry to Hit A Bargain!’s FREE Stay at MICROTEL Boracay’s Double Room Accommodation! made it again this time! It was my luck to be chosen and enjoy the  Microtel Boracay‘s 3 days/2 nights accommodation for two. Isn’t it great? Though I have no idea about the validity of this complimentary stay, husband and I were thinking of December just in time of our 5th Wedding Anniversary. This could be a second honeymoon for us :)

Thank you to Hit A Bargain! and Microtel Inns and Suites for this uber wonderful promotion!

Share your Bonifacio Global City story and win P3,000 electronic GC!

For promo mechanics: http://www.annalyn.net/2010/07/19/share-your-bonifacio-global-city-story-and-win-p3000-electronic-gc/

Ibayo by Barrio Fiesta, Menu

Winners of BASILIO’s Exquisite Lunch Specials

I won at Hit A Bargain!

Congratulations to the 30 winners of BASILIO’s Exquisite Lunch Specials!!!

Winners below were chosen, not only based on comments made, but, the value of sharings done about this freebie promo and completion of contest requirements.

List of Promo Winners:

http://hitabargain.com/2010/07/01/congratulations-to-the-winners-of-basilios-exquisite-lunch-specials/

Thank you Hit A Bargain! and Basilio’s :)

 

Home is where Microtel is in exciting Boracay Island

I was introduced to Microtel Inns and Suites in summer of 2004. It was not in Boracay but in Baguio City where my friends and I decided to spend a weekend break. It is Microtel’s proximity to major roads and accessibility to Victory Liner that convinced us to book.

my photo souvenir of Baguio City with friends in 2004

Generally, our two-day stay was pleasant; the cool climate was perfectly set off by the warm accommodation.

And it was all six years ago. These days going on a vacation is a little lavish considering the high spending associated with our daily living however for me it is essential that once in a while we take a break from the metropolitan to loosen up.

And the way I see Boracay from photos and forums, it is the absolute destination, a traveler’s paradise you may call.

Getting to Boracay Island is not the usual 12-hour bus ride I am used to when traveling up north; it requires a 40 minutes plane ride, 90 minutes bus trip and another 30 minutes boat ride.

The plane ticket alone is a bit heavy on the pocket, so, getting a decent hotel is another big challenge.

Discovering Microtel Inns and Suites is a real value for your money. They provide affordable and competitive rates without sacrificing the quality of service, which is by the way, designed to cater both business and leisure travelers.

As first timers to Boracay would be, definitely, I would go for comfort and Microtel being known for consistently providing this impression would be my choice. For somebody like me who detest the usual action-packed night scene, Microtel’s ideal location at Station 1 will surely offer peace and quite accommodation.

At daybreak, the much wider Diniwid Beach would be great for morning strolls with less beach goers. Privacy would relatively much felt here.

In addition, Microtel’s beachfront access is another plus point in experiencing the finest sand and crystal clear water, which Boracay was well known.

I would totally enjoy the relaxation of window seating on late afternoon and getting the best view of the blue waters, the sunset and the people as they do their things. For me, this is the best opportunity for life’s reflection while doing a quick post of the breathtaking happenings at the scenic island Boracay.

And ending the night with the smell of fresh linens with equally comfortable healthy-for-the-back chiropractic beds guarantees a peaceful good night sleep.

Like I told you, I have not been to Boracay and I will not settle for anything less neither anything so luxurious, so, definitely I would put Microtel on my list for that comfort and intimacy of hotel living available at such great-value. Those eight years in a row recognition is evidence of being the finest when it comes to guest satisfaction. And for me, that is more than enough reason to say that nothing would still beat Microtel’s spot in experiencing Boracay to the fullest.

Location and Contact Information of Microtel Inns and Suites Boracay HERE.
***Photo credits from microtelphilippines.com, victoryliner.com, istaygreen.com and my shoebox :)

FREE Stay at MICROTEL Boracay’s Double Room Accommodation!

Exclusive to Hit A Bargain! Facebook members (click here to sign up), MICROTEL BORACAY Hotel is giving away not just 1, but 2: FREE 3 Days / 2 Nights Accommodations for two in a Double Room with breakfast amounting to P35,100 (P17,550 per 3 days and 2 nights)!!!

HOW TO JOIN: Blog about Microtel Boracay regarding: “Why do you think Microtel Boracay gives the highest satisfaction in terms of experiencing Boracay to the fullest?“ You may submit multiple entries (by leaving comment/s below with a working email address), but, may only win once.

More info about this promo, click HERE.

Deadline of entries is on June 30, 2010. Official announcement of winners will be on or before July 15, 2010.

promo winner is…

Click HERE.

Basilio's FREE Lunch Specials

Exclusive to Hit A Bargain! Facebook members (click here to sign up), BASILIO’S Restaurant is giving away 30 Lunch Meal Specials for FREE!!!

(click to enlarge)

HOW TO JOIN: Tell us why do you think BASILIO’S Restaurant’s Lunch Meal Specials stand out from the crowd. You may submit multiple entries (by leaving comment/s below with a working email address), but, may only win once.

More info about this promo, click HERE.

Deadline of entries is strictly on May 30, 2010. Official announcement of winners will be on or before June 15, 2010.

back to Heaven...

This is my second time to dine at H&E and this is our, Oliver and I, first dinner here together. You see if Oliver kept on saying how picky, I am these days, the more he is. Anyway, I must be followed di ba hon?? hehehe…

During that November dinner with my sister, I left the ordering part everything to her. And this time without her, I thought I could come up with a new set, so, I really tried but I ended up getting the same plates of pasta and deep-fried seafood bounties.

Our set,

Seafood Basket

This is the same appetizer Che and I had, perhaps this one would be a favorite from now on.

Shrimp Pasta in Saffron Cream Sauce

It was a lot creamier this time, and I love it especially the shrimps. I gave two thumbs up for this one and I hope the creamy sauce would be consistent.

Toblerone Mousse Cake
dark chocolate base, toblerone mousse, dark and white chocolate shavings, raspberry syrup and chocolate ganache

This time I saved some space for the sweet something and Oliver had this for me.

We shared the big slice of this mousse cake that concludes our dinner date.

Though prior going to Ayala Center I was telling Oliver that we should try 8065 Bagnet, the place was jam packed so we drive away. And made the right decision this time, I love, love the creamy pasta.

So, you think this offering from H&E is worth to try.

Monday to Thursday only

Friday to Sunday only

Midnight Special!

for more info you may follow the link http://www.philippineairlines.com/home/home.jsp

to-do-list and my sweet cravings

It's Friday once again and tomorrow is the start of another long weekend away from work…yehey! Though the announcement was kind of late to plan anything, at least I would have plenty of time lazing around.

I wanted to drive home to Cavite but for sure, Oliver would say no, so, never mind I will not insist anyway. I created a short to-do-list this weekend to guide my tickly foot…

Shop a little: Maybe I will give Greenhills Shopping Center a visit over the weekend or a possible trip to Pasig at the Gingersnaps Sale :)

Dine somewhere: I would love to try Ristras for their heavily filled Mexican Burrito or Frazzled Cook for their Seafood Paella

Give Bea a walk: Planning it on Sunday night at Boni High, I will not tell our little girl yet oh, I mean big. because she may got too excited. For now, let's keep it a secret :)

That would be for now unless something more interesting and feasible comes along over the weekend.

I will leave you with my sweet cravings too this time (photos from our last Starbucks visit)

Chocolate Old Fashioned Doughnut

A slice of Chocolate Cake


Have a sweet weekend everyone!

Grace Bldg. on Fire!

Last Monday during lunch break, I was one of the many who went running our way out of our office building to avoid suffocation. There was fire just besides our office building, which prompt everyone to vacate the workplace. Imagine, during the holy hour of our lunch break when everyone is taking lunch at the pantry and the rest was taking a short nap, some really panicked and some remained calm until the fire was put under control.

By the way, the commercial building that was on fire was Grace Building, which is a driveway away from Limketkai. Thank God, there was no casualty.

I went on shooting some of last Monday's fire, here is it...

our office building is after that Eastwest Bank signage

closer shot

fire fighters arrival

view across Grace Building in Ortigas Avenue

and the traffic it created during that hour

Our company announced an early work call off that day, so, I went home early to get some needed rest.