Isay in Oz

I've Moved

2006-09-05T23:09:00.000+10:00

It has been wonderful staying with blogger for sometime. But I now moved to a new bloghome - http://isayinoz.wordpress.com.

See you there!

Kumustahan (Hello) 2006 in Melbourne

2006-08-08T00:44:00.000+10:00

Last Friday I went to see a Filipino concert - my first time to see a show in Melbourne where it showcased Filipino talents. I was with my friend Mrs H and her husband. Hubby dear had to stay home as he was recovering from a nasty flu. Nevertheless, it was good he didn't come as I didn't think he would appreciate the show at all. It was all in Tagalog - syempre pa. Mr H was bored to death (he's Aussie) but he was happy to see his wife very happy - hysterically happy watching the show.

The show was called "Kumustahan 2006" with the Apo Hiking Society, Nanette Inventor and Geneva Cruz. The choice of venue was excellent as it was in the Hamer Hall, National Arts Centre. I'd normally go to see classical shows and opera performances.

The front act was performed by 3 Melbourne locals and they were great, except one guy had to wear barong with grey trousers and white shoes! Horrible to look at really. And when they had to wear smart cazh, they're just so uncoordinated. Nyways, what they lacked in the fashion department was compensated with their excellent rendition of Pinoy songs.

Nanette Inventor's comedy focused on the life of OFW's and it was indeed hilarious. We were laughing at every sentence she utters. Her powerful voice was perfect for her rendition of the "beerhouse" love songs (songs by Imelda Papin); Filipino folk songs and other pinoy classics.

The former Smokey Mountain girl, Geneva Cruz, has really grown to be such a talented and very sexy lady. She sang songs by Beyonce and she pulled it very well. She was a great dancer too. (For sexy photos of Geneva click here. The black short jumpsuit with fuschia ruffle bust trimming was what she wore in her first set of performance.)

The APO performed ALL their best OPM songs and it just brought back so much memories...We were singing along with them and I can't believe I still know most of the lyrics! At some point I felt nostalgic and homesick, remembering what I was doing when those songs were popular.

One of the highlights in the show that I liked was the presentation of Wow Philippines song and advertisement. I think this ad is perhaps the best one done to showcase Philippines. It made me very proud. After the show, we decided to get our programme signed and have a close look at sexy Geneva. Mrs H bought the DVD and CD and me being pinoy kokopyahin ko na lang yong binili nya. On the way home in the car we just had to play the CD and sing-along as our Aussie driver (Mr H) tried and hard to ignore us and our conversations in Tagalog.

Dior Gourmette

2006-07-12T00:00:00.000+10:00

I've been looking for this Dior gourmette limited edition silver bracelet for sometime. I realise that's why it's called "limited edition" - it sold out the first hour it launched last year here in Melbourne. Why it's special is - it's not merely a chain, it's actually a lipgloss container - the Dior Addict Ultagloss. Last week I checked the counters at Myers in Chadstone and lo and behold! The Dior gourmette is on the shelf. 5 minutes before the shop was closing I asked the sales consultant if I may try it on. It was a bit tight but she said she can add some links, which she did except it was too loose. I didn't get the chain but I will next time... (Note the Dior gourmette ring on the right - gorgeous!)

2 Weekends of Retail Therapy

2006-07-10T22:19:00.000+10:00

Why is it that when I start saying "I'm not really interested in shopping at this point in time", I actually head out to the shops? A couple of weeks ago hubby and I had this "serious" conversation about our life - I mean, seriously taking stock of how we spend our time outside work. I remember saying that given the free time I have, I'd prefer to stay home and watch tv or read magazines or sort through my things, blah, blah, blah. Anyway a week ago hubby needed some help from a male friend (he was doing some DIY work in the laundry putting in cupboards and some storage space) and so I asked his wife to come along with me and do some grocery shopping whilst the boys work.

On the way to the market, we passed by some shops and some were on sale. We couldn't refuse the calling of the mother ship - "Sale, sale, sale"! We didn't buy the first hour as we had to have lunch first. Then off to the Asian store to buy ingredients for the night's hot-pot meal Hongkong style. On the way to the parking lot, I saw the Sunglasshut shop which also sells watches. Now I wanted to buy another casual watch but then the sales consultant mentioned that their sunglasses were also on special, if I decide to buy a watch. My girlfriend was already trying on the glasses while I was checking the watches. I ended up buying an Anne Klein silver watch BUT I couldn't refuse not to buy this Prada sunglasses - it's a category 2 so it's perfect for winter season. Smooth edges and wraps perfectly. Love the brown tint as it matches my hair highlights. Yes, I'm a brand sucker - and I love that it's PRADA!

And I said - that's it! Enough shopping for this month as I spent my week's pay for the 2 items already. Nah-ah! Last weekend, hubby says he still needs P's help. So Mrs H and I head to Chadstone. I saw this full-page ad on the Saturday paper and I thought that we should check this "history making" sale... pronto! while the boys do some more work.

Five hours later, Mrs H and I came out of Myer with goodies - Casa Domani drinking glasses, underwear, shirts, blouses, perfume and make-up. I absolutely loved the Kennetch Cole Black for women! Mrs H works for the company in-charge of a number of American perfume brands, one of which is Kenneth Cole. I love Kenneth Cole's range of accessories but I was surprised with this scent - delicate and feminine with a modern twist. Plus, her boss gave me a free weekend bag and lots of assorted sample cologne vials - which is really sweet ;) of him. The following day, Sunday, I felt the need to go back to Chadstone and look for a new pair of knee-high boots. I ended up browsing through the racks of MNG (Mango Shop) and got this jacket chaqueta vld voil in black and a couple of blusones. I came home and told hubby dearest in his daggy outfit workgear - "Look what you just bought for your lovely wife!!!"

I'm Back!

2006-07-07T00:05:00.000+10:00

It has been about 5 months since my last post and the prisoners at the Fox River State Penitentiary are finally breaking out. The final episode will be aired next Wednesday here in Oz. The truth is, I've already been checking updates on the Fox site. I know - we're so behind here when it comes to tv programming.

Back to blogging - I hope. I really wish that I'll have a post a week; but given my priorities at the moment, blogging is definitely not on top of my list. Like now - I'm supposed to be doing some reading and drafting an outline. But instead I thought of checking out my "old" blog and suddenly I felt the need to update it. It felt good browsing through my archives and reading about my life in the past.

For now though - this is my only entry. So hi & hello to family and friends who come and visit my blog (including those who don't leave comments! :) I promise to update it regularly...

Cheers!

I'm a Wentworth Fan!

2006-02-17T22:46:00.000+11:00

Ok, so I'm a certified Wentworth Miller fan. I surfed the net for some photos of Miller and these are tops in my list; I especially like the B&W photos done by GQ magazine... I can't find much info about the guy but I came across this article when he was promoting The Human Stain in Denver (I'm not sure what year). Here's another article on Miller published in August 2005.

Amazing story - his persistence did paid off. He says that he used to be "the xerox guy" doing temp jobs in the entertainment industry before landing a great role in The Human Stain. Anyway, I think Miller is hot and sexy. Thank goodness for the big break in Prison Break! Suddenly he's the hottest guy on Oz tv. I just hope that he'll get excellent breaks from here on.

A bit of trivia on Miller: He is of African American, Jamaican, English, German, French, Dutch, Syrian and Lebanese descent. That explains the good looks!

(The photos were picked from several sites so thanks to whoever posted them...)

Prison Break & Wentworth Miller

2006-02-16T23:16:00.000+11:00

Love this new show on Channel 7! It's like Swashank Redemption, except Prison Break has got so many twists in it that I can't wait to see the next episode. (It's like reading Ludlum + Clancy + Baldacci!) And an unknown actor called Wentworth Miller is just too COOL playing the character of Michael Scofield. The pilot episode got me hooked. The conspiracy act behind Lincoln's (played by Dominic Purcell) case and Michael's plan to break his brother out of prison is enough reason to say that this tv series is WORTH WATCHING. Below is the show's plot for your info: (Photo on the right courtesy of yahoo.tv.com)

Michael Scofield is a desperate man in a desperate situation. His brother, Lincoln Burrows, is on death row and scheduled to die in a few months for a murder Michael is convinced Lincoln did not commit. With no other options and time winding down, Michael holds up a bank to get himself incarcerated alongside his brother in Fox River State Penitentiary. Once he's inside, we learn that Michael -- a structural engineer with the blueprints for the prison -- has hatched an elaborate plan to break Lincoln out and prove his innocence. Senior correctional officer Bellick offers some prison wisdom as Michael arrives. Then, with the help of his cellmate Sucre, Michael begins to align himself with a disparate group of prisoners -- including former mob boss John Abruzzi, and Charles Westmoreland, a man some believe to be the infamous skyjacker D.B. Cooper. On the outside Michael has only one ally, his defense attorney and longtime friend, Veronica Donovan -- who is Lincoln's former girlfriend. Meanwhile, Lincoln's 15-year-old son, LJ, is now adrift without his Uncle Michael's positive influence. (Executive Producers: Paul Scheuring, Dawn Parouse, Marty Adelstein, Neal Moritz and Brett Ratner.)

Wentworth Miller

This kid is HOT! He is not the typical good-looking actor but his looks and demeanour fits perfectly to his character, Michael. Rough and rugged and yet deep and seems sensitive... Although Miller doesn't have much dialogue in some of the episodes, his eyes speak volume in every scene where he is in. I don't find his tatoo sexy at all but his character does. Scofield has a structural engineering degree, magna cumlaude! How hot could that be?

Miller was born in the UK and was raised in Brooklyn. A graduate of Princeton University with a degree in English literature, Miller sang in college and traveled the world performing with the school’s famed a cappella group, the Princeton Tigertones. He does not have a long resume but Miller landed guest spots and earned attention on the series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Popular.” Since appearing in “Dinotopia”, and “The Human Stain,” Miller has appeared in the vampire feature “Underworld” and had a recurring role this past season in the drama “Joan of Arcadia.”

(Photos courtesy of fox.com; Prison Break airs every Wednesday 8:30pm on 7)

Busy @ Work, Etc.

2006-02-15T20:29:00.000+11:00

(Photo: Lake Garda, Italy, 2004)

January 29th was my last post and it's now mid-February... OMG! it has been a couple of very busy weeks for me.

February 4th, Saturday I hosted a Chinese New Year party at home and I've invited a few people from the church, a couple of colleagues from work and their partners, and good neighbours. Of course we had to celebrate the Chinese New Year - so I served the traditional meals - whole chicken (sans the head and the feet as my Aussie guest may be very shocked with it!), whole fish (snapper), long noodles, meals made with oranges and for the Aussies, some bbq meat and salad. And lots of booze as usual. It was a simple party and I got to know more of our neighbours (from the house at the back, at the rear and across). And I was glad to have invited some people from the church; I had to reciprocate their kindness as they always invite me to their place. From work, I got to be very close with two ladies - a Taiwanese and an Aussie - so I asked them to come to my party. Ms Taiwan brought his Russian husband and the couple is awesome; they're fun to be with and seems to be very genuine and sincere. They did help me entertain some of my guests... The Aussie lady is special too as at work she is good to me and she offered to bring homemade cake and pastries!

The week after I was just plain busy at work as I had to make up some hours for a day's leave. It has been a long time since I had a proper, normal job; meaning a 9:00 to 5:00 as I have been living a tai-tai for sometime and at one point did freelance work. But it's good to have that routine as it actually forces me to GET UP early in the morning and DO SOMETHING worthwhile during the day. That translates to = get paid for doing something and not just do shopping! At night, I was busy WATCHING the new season tv premieres! Lots of excellent shows in Oz right now. See, I really know my priorities!

Of course there are important things on my plate too but sometimes I choose to handle the urgent or things that I JUST WANT TO DO NOW. Like in a few minutes I have to run to the couch and see my favourite show this season, Prison Break...

Ciao!

Kung Hei Fat Choy!

2006-01-29T14:05:00.000+11:00

Today is the beginning of the Chinese New Year, but the Feng Shui predictions begin on February 4. It is the Fire Dog Year. Here are some tips for the new year from my Feng Shui master:

To benefit from luck this year, place a water feature in the North, the East or the Southeast.
Place a dog image gazing at the moon (preferably a dog that looks like gold or metal as metal produces water) in the North for good income and money luck; in the East for good career advancement luck.
For zodiac signs who will not have a favourable year, it is best to lie low. The Dragon, Rooster and Horse have different kinds of bad luck to contend with, while the Sheep is also indirectly afflicted but it not so serious.
The Rat will have a good year although he should be careful of betrayal from friends.
The Tiger and the Ox will enjoy good heaven luck and will benefit from unexpected windfall luck.
The Rabbit enjoys excellent career luck and will emerge winner in a race to the top. There is success luck for the Rabbit.
The Sheep and the Monkey will enjoy completion luck and can lay the foundation for future prosperity. So he can start new ventures.
The Dog and the Boar will benefit from peach blossom luck, which suggests love.
The Rooster will have misfortune luck and should protect itself from the wu wang (Five Yellow star) energy by wearing or displaying the five-element pagoda.
The Horse could get cheated, while the Snake and Dragon might succumb more easily to illness this year.
This year's more auspicious colours are blue or black to indicate yang water energy.

And here some passed-on traditions from mom:

On new year's day, DON't do any cleaning so as not to sweep away good luck (I advised my brother to just tidy-up but no cleaning. Yesterday, even with a painful right foot - I'm experiencing some athritis-related pain - I did my usual domestic chores; laundry, vaccum, mop, some dusting of knick-knacks, thrown garbage, etc. I was exhausted but at least I've cleared the mess before the new year. I got rid of all the bad luck and now ready to welcome the new year.)
After new year, you may sweep the floors but you can't throw the garbage or any mess cleared until the fifth day. And sweeping should be done inwards - from the front of the house to back. All the rubbish should be taken out from the back of the house and never through the front door.
Don't lend any money on this day. (Bawal magpa-utang!)
Refrain from using any foul language, bad or unlucky words, talks about death and dying, and about the past. Discussion should be about the good and about the future.
Wear something red (also good luck when you wear red underwear!). So I took out all my red clothing and will probably be wearing red for the whole week.
Wear gold jewelry. (I don't have lots of yellow gold but will wear some of it for the week.)
Serve whole chicken and fish as it is not good to serve an animal in pieces. (I'm just wondering how my Aussie guests will react to a whole chicken served with head and feet intact. :[
Have dumplings, noodles (uncut so as not to cut the longevity). Serve lots of food as this signifies abundance all year.
Have LOTS of oranges (tangerines or pomelos) on the dining table as an orange is a symbol of wealth and prosperity. (I always have oranges on our dining table.
Give lai-see (red envelope with $$$) to kids.

Wishing you all abundance, prosperity, good fortune and health!

Chinese Horoscope

2006-01-27T23:05:00.000+11:00

I've been asked several times by people what their animal sign is in the Chinese zodiac but I honestly don't know all the signs and the year associated with them. I know MY sign, hubby' sign, my mom & dad's and my two brothers. So here, I'm putting the 12 animal signs and the respective years for reference.

RAT - 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996
Born undera a sign of charm, you are sociable and get on with others. You like to keep yourself active and, witha quick-witted and resourceful nature, you're good at spotting opportunities and making the most of situations. You take much pride in your home and family life.
Famous rats: Geoff :), Joel, Prince Charles, Hugh Grant, Eminem, Cameron Diaz.

OX - 1925, 1937, 196, 1973, 1985, 1997
Reliable, methodical and persistent, you are determined. And you're much admired for your strong will and sense of purpose. You are prepared to work long and hard to achieve your aims. Honest and frank in your views, you are a no-nonsense type who is loyal to those special to you.
Famous oxen: Richard Gere, Dustin Hoffman, Eddie Murphy, Bruce Springsteen.

TIGER - 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998
Active, enterprising and often full of ideas, you like to be involved. You can be restless and sometimes impulsive, but your zest and enthusiasm bring results and make for a full and interesting life. Your outgoing nature and many interests give you a wide circle of friends.
Famous tigers: The Queen, Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio, Robbie Williams.

RABBIT - 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999
Easy going and kindly, you enjoy company and are well thought of by others. You particularly value your home and life and as far as possible aim for a settled and stable existence. You do not like discord or disruption. You're perceptive and able to gauge situations and the feelings of others.
Famous rabbits: Johnny Depp, Tiger Woods, Davide Beckham, Kate Winslet.

DRAGON - 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000
Born under a sign of luck, you have great energy and purpose. Always keen to make the most of yourself and your ideas, you are enterprising, bold and destined to lead a full and eventful life. You are independently minded and like having your own way, but are much admired for your determination, openness and integrity.
Famous dragons: Tom Jones, Dan Brown, Neil Diamond, Russel Crowe.

SNAKE - 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001
With a quiet and thoughtful manner, you have considerable charm and appeal. You go about your activities in your own way and tend to keep things close to your chest. But your good humour, keen mind, persevering nature and great ambition ensure you're usually successful in getting your way. You are loyal and caring to those dear to you.
Famous snakes: Pierce Brosnan, Tony Blair, Brad Pitt, JK Rowling.

HORSE - 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002
Friendly, outgoing and with a love of conversation, you get on well and easily with others. You have wide-ranging interests and, with your adventurous nature, often like to travel. You can at times be restless, but you work hard and have a keen and sharp mind. You take great care with and pride in your appearance.
Famous horses: Nelson Mandela, Sir Paul McCartney, Billy Connolly, Bob Geldof.

GOAT - 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003
A kindly and easy going nature, born under the sign of art. You are adaptable and tactful and try hard to avoid disagreements and unpleasantness. You're all for a stable and peaceful existence and are often influenced by your surroundings. You also value the support and company of family and friends and regularly seek their advice.
Famous goats: Bill Gates, Sir Mick Jagger, Bruce Willis, Julia Roberts.

MONKEY - 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004
Lively, active and with a good sense of fun, you like to keep yourself occupied. Your alert and inquisitive mind makes you most resourceful. You are a good and persuasive communicator and your genial nature makes you popular in a wide social circle. Then there is your loyalty and generosity to those important to you.
Famous monkeys: Isay :), Joel :), Michael Douglas, Jennifer Aniston, Tom Hanks, Kylie Minogue.

ROOSTER - 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
With a great sense of style, keen mind and broad interests, you know how to impress. You enjoy conversation and, while sometimes you are outspoken, others admire your honest and fortright approach. You enjoy socialising and are caring and protective of loved ones. You carefully and methodically plan what you do.
Famous roosters: Mom :), Roger Federer, Dolly Parton, Britney Spears.

DOG - 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
Loyal to family and friends, dependable and well respected by many. You are caring and keen to help those in need as well as support causes you believe in. Being conscientious, you're a worrier and sometimes greater willingness to talk about your worries could help. You work hard and stay active, often enjoying outdoor pursuits.
Famous dogs: George W. Bush, Michael Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna.

PIG - 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995
You work hard, play hard and set about your activities with great energy. At work, your commitment and good business sense can take you far. But you like to enjoy the results of your efforts and often have expensive tastes and an eye for comfort and style. Home and family life is particularly important and you are caring and devoted.
Famous pigs: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bryan Woods, Woody Allen, Sir Elton John.

It's Australia Day Today

2006-01-26T10:23:00.000+11:00

G'day mate!

It's Australia today - what great about it is it's a national holiday. Evidently IT IS THE BIGGEST CELEBRATION in the country. Hubby and I didn't plan on anything today. At work yesterday, everyone was telling me (the Aussies) that it's time to have a barB (bbq) with friends and family. So I asked what else do they do? Not much really. Reading the papers this morning, there are lots (or heaps in Aussie lingo) of activities in the city and in other areas of Victoria (and other states of course). It should be great to go out and join the festivities but it's going to be very hot today - 40 C! Hmmmmm, better to stay indoors where there's air conditioning system. I'm not really in the mood go out as I got up with a headache so I thought of just being lazy today. Great - I can read the papers from cover to cover.

Around 9:30 am hubby's daugther called. Mrs N and her family lives in St Andrews, a rural locality NE of Melbourne, and they are on alert because of bushfires. Their massive country property is host to a few horses and lots of pets. The two kids and two dogs are already in her in-law's place. (How about the cat? I forgot to ask.) Since Sunday, several Victorian communities have been affected by the hot weather and bushfires; it did serous damage to properties and farm land. In one area, about 12 houses were ravaged by the fire. Hubby dear was just pottering around in the garden when I got the phone call from Mrs N - so the daughter and father had a quick chat. As hubby was getting ready, Mrs N called again and asked me if Dad could just take my car, Hillary. Sure I said. Hubby's car Bill, is too pretty to be subjected to such a situation. She just laughed... Hubby rushed and took the garden hose and some other "stuff" with him. I gave him a box of face masks (a leftover box from the SARS days in HK).

I went and checked the fridge and see what's on stock so I can at least plan for the rest of the week's menu. I'm terrible when it comes to planning for meals. I hate it. But as the wife, it's one of my duties. After I've made some marinade for the chicken and cut up the beef and put some seasoning, I had a long shower. By the time I came down, Phoebe has pooped on the carpet in the lounge!!! Aarrrghhhh! I just want this day to be a relaxed day.

So I decided to hit my pc and check emails and read entertainment news, update my blog, read some of other's blogs...

But going back to the Australia day, I did ask hubby at breakfast what it means to him. He was born in Scotland and then moved here 25 years ago. He says he is as much Aussie as he is as a Scottsman. OK then whatever that means. Having lived here for more than 2 years now I LOVE this country. In fact, I'll go and check the Australian Citizenship site now as I'm eligible to be an Aussie!

Golden Globes 2006 Worst-Dressed

2006-01-19T22:38:00.000+11:00

Even if you're not a fashion expert, you know the following are in the worst-dressed list.

(1) Pamela Anderson
Her tv show Stacked is airing on Channel 7 here in Oz and I've seen 1 episode. Ms Anderson was not bad at all but it's a show I'd rather not follow. She looks very uncomfortable in this photo and in fact in her red carpet arrival interview she did say something like "i don't know why i'm here?" or to that effect. I think that with this dress she's trying hard to be demure - but she looked so uneasy with that black sling. around her famous "stack" and figure. She's got great figure but she should have chosen something that will accentuate that. I've got to give her some credit for trying to cover those famous t---s of hers.

(2) Mariah Carey.
Why is Ms Carey ALWAYS wearing too tight dresses??? This one just screams too tight and too revealing; and it's silk! The fabric accentuates all the curves in a bad way. And the hair is the same - it's pulled back too tight. I have yet to see her in a classy dress! I love her songs and I have her albums but when it comes to fashion she's a disaster! Need to hire a new stylist Ms Carey. I'm sure with your hit album The Emancipation of Mimi you have a budget for an excellent stylist.

(3) Virginia Madsen
Good choice of dress colour and fabric but the gown's plunging neckline is way too much - your cup overfloweth Ms Madsen. She's got a pretty face, but her boobs don't have to compete with her for attention.

Golden Globes 2006

2006-01-18T22:32:00.000+11:00

On Tuesday night, Channel 10 aired the Golden Globes 2006. Of course by then I already knew who won but (as always) I have to see the show - for the dresses (frocks in Oz lingo), the blings, the hair and make-up - the whole package. Yes, I watch it for the fashion...

For a complete list of winners visit the official Hollywood Foreign Press Association at www.hfpa.org. (See complete nominations from BBC News.)

I noticed that there were a number of black as well as white (or variations of cream) dresses. Hair for some is fairly natural and simple (loose and flowy), whilst the others opted for serious updo and chignons. But my best dressed for the night is Ms Charlize Theron.

(1) Charlize Theron in John Galliano for Dior. Charlize favours John Galliano for Dior and she wears Galliano in almost every major event. This time, Ms Theron is wearing another Galliano for Dior creation - a sheer black cocktail dress with a tulle flower adornment. It accentuates her long legs. Love her fuss-free do and natural make-up... gorgeous!

(2) Jessica Alba in Versace - I've always been a Jessica Alba fan since her Dark Angel days. The tv series' genre was not even a favourite of mine but because of "Max" (Jessica's character in Dark Angel) I've become a fan. She's got a great body and her fashion taste is something to watch for. Ms Alba is always well-dressed and fashionistas agree with her choices; she's never been in a category of worst-dressed list - get that!

(3) Maria Bello in Elie Saab. Maria in white Empire-waist gown, simple updo, a few blings, perfect tan. I became her fan after I've seen Coyote Ugly. Maria in A History of Violence is nominated for Best Performance by an actress in a motion picture drama.

And here are the rest of my favourites...

Sarah Jessica Parker in Rochas gown; Eva Longoria in Bob Mackie; Felicity Huffman in Marchesa; Kate Beckinsale in Christian Dior; pregrant Gwyneth Paltrow in Balenciaga; and Keira Knightly in Valentino.

I was glad George won the Golden Globe for best supporting actor in a motion picture, for his performance in the film Syriana. He has become very political recently and his choices of films and movies he gets involved with reflects that. Nevertheless George can make fun of himself and can be very goofy at times - the Ocean's Eleven & Twelve show that. (Ocean's 13 is in the pipeline I think...) Nyways, Mr Clooney looks good in his tux and WITH the award.

Adapt, Adjust, Assimilate

2006-01-15T19:37:00.000+11:00

(Photo: Aerial view of Melbourne Australia courtesy of bcl.com.au)

Been living here in Oz for two and a half years now and I think I’m finally settling, albeit very slowly. Sometimes I still feel surreal that I’m actually here. For instance, this morning while driving on the way to work the reality just hit me that I’m that far away from my mom and family and I have really no blood relative around. Although I’ve been away from my family most of my life I’m really thankful that my brothers and I are extremely close and our relationship has become more solid since our dad died. Sometimes family tragedy does bring family members closer together. I’m also thankful that Kuya and Ading are actively involved with the local church again and their emails have become a source of encouragement. We always say to each other “God has a wonderful plan for our lives…”

I’m adjusting, adapting and assimilating. It takes a while that’s for sure. Last year while I got involved with some small business I also decided that I should get some temp work as a source of income and to get introduced and acquainted to corporate Australia. The temp assignments gave me a snapshot of the work environment here in Melbourne. I cried when I first got my pay slip as I still think of what I used to get in Hong Kong – I needed to work a month in Oz to get to my weekly pay in HK$! But I’m thankful of getting this new gig in December of last year. It keeps me busy and I get to meet new people.

(Photo: Flinder's Station courtesy of mikelevin.com)

I don’t have close friends here as I have yet to develop solid relationships with people I meet and come in contact with. I do believe that it’s important to have that social and emotional network of friends especially for expatriates. From my experience real good friends extremely helped me in assimilating within a new environment. Having said that, I think that this time around I would like to take my time to get to know people better before I can even call them friends. Meeting new people is easy, it’s developing and building genuine relationships that makes it challenging. Call me a snob, but I want people around me who are successful and do not require anything from me except friendship. I find that the more successful a person is the more positive and enlightening he/she is and a delight to be with. This philosophy of mine has put me in several “interesting” situations – it annoyed some, distressed a few and upset close acquaintances. The truth is it helps me weed out those I’m not really interested to be around with.

Why Buy a ROLEX Watch?

2006-01-10T00:29:00.000+11:00

I have been doing some research on luxury watches for a special person and I think that he deserves to have a Rolex. Rolex is one of the well-recognised brands in luxury watches and has established a reputation for quality. Rolex watches are expensive, but they are one of the watch brands that meet the demands put on them - robust, reliable, long-lasting and classic.

Rolex is also one of the most copied watch - there are probably more than a dozen sites that sell replicas/fake Rolex watches online. I had to go through these sites to get to a proper/legit site that sells original Rolex. I've seen several people wear Rolex replicas and I know they can't even afford a decent genuine Swatch! (ooppps I'm being a b---ch)

But why is Rolex very expensive? It is said that it takes roughly one year to make a Rolex watch, with more than 220 parts in the movement, and about 200 parts in the bracelet alone. The main plate alone takes up to 400 operations to make. All components are made to a staggeringly high degree of tolerance. Unlike most manufacturers, Rolex watches are still assembled by skilled craftsmen, rather than automated production lines. Once assembled each individually numbered watch is rigorously tested to ensure the accuracy, and water resistance. Only the highest quality materials are used. Rolex are the largest user of gold and platinum in Switzerland, not surprising when each gold or platinum case is hewn from one solid ingot of metal. Not forgetting that each gold link in the bracelet is again machined from a single piece of gold, which is in turn linked with a specially hardened alloy of gold wire for thfor the screw. On the gold, platinum, or steel and gold models, the figures on the dial are gold or platinum, and so are the hands.

The gents models include: Air-King, Perpetual, Date, DateJust, DateJust Turn-O-Graph, and Day-Date. For this special person, I think that the Oyster Perpetual Datejust (in steel and gold) would be the best choice. The steel signifies hard-wearing and solid, while the touch of gold in the bezel and within the bracelet says opulence and elegance. I personally prefer Roman numerals as I find they're more classic in look than the Arabic. However, the big and bold Arabic numerals will be good for more mature people. With the dial, again I like it clean and clear - evidently it has to be either white or for more luxurious look, there is the mother-of-pearl dial.

Here are my options for the Oyster Perpetual Datejust: (Photos courtesy of swissluxury.com)

(1) Model # 116203 in steel and 18K yellow gold; 36 mm; White dial (also available in Mother of Pearl or Silver dial) with Roman numerals; Domed bezel; Jubilee bracelet (also available in Oyster bracelet). (~US$7,300)

(2) Model # 116233 in steel and 18 carat yellow gold; 36 mm; White dial; Arabic numerals; gold fluted bezel; Jubilee bracelet. (~US$5,800)

For a real luxury Rolex model, there is "The Rolex President".

The Day-Date President Platinum President Model # 118206; 36mm; platinum case; domed bezel; silver dial; 8 round and 2 baguette diamond hour markers; and President bracelet. (~US$41,000)

I also fancy the Daytona model as an edgier, sporty and funkier look.
The Daytona in white gold (Style no. 116509) is an Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph - 40mm 18K white gold case, tachymeter engraved bezel, screw-down push buttons, silver dial, and special Oysterlock bracelet. (~US$26,000)

If you are a James Bond fan, then the Submariner is the model of choice.

Style no. 16613. The one on the left is in steel and 18K yellow gold, black time lapse bezel, 40mm stainless steel, black dial, oyster fliplock bracelet and water reistant to 1000 feet. (~US$7,000+) The one on the right is also in steel and 18K yellow gold but with blue time lapse bezel, steel Serti dial (8 diamond hour markers, 1 triangular sapphire hour marker, and 2 baguette sapphire hour markers), and stainless steel and 18K yellow gold Oyster Fliplock Bracelet. Water resistant to 1000 feet. (~US$9,250)

Cooking The NAkEd ChEf Way

2006-01-03T19:46:00.000+11:00

Channel 10 has been airing re-runs of Jamie Oliver's cooking shows. After half hour of either Today/Tonight (Channel 7) or Channel 9's ACA from 6 - 6:30 pm on weekdays, there's not much interesting primetime shows at 7 pm. Now, I'm hooked watching the Naked Chef (The Naked Chef, produced by the BBC television, was the first series that featured Jamie) cook up meals that just absolutely looks delicious. I mean, he whips up "stuff" and they all seem to be very tasty. What amazes me is how he makes it look very EASY. He actually inspires me to be more creative in my cooking. I'm in general very lazy in the kitchen - I prefer not to do the cooking. In fact I always say that when I get very rich, I'll have my own cook!!!

In one episode, Jamie actually said that cooking is plain common sense and that it does not have to be very complicated. In fact one time he was preparing a whole chicken with some herbs and he just said, "chicken in the pan" and shoved it to the pan and he just added herbs and spices...it looks so simple and none of those complicated or french words associated with cooking.

In his site, there are a few recipes I would like to try and I decided to test-drive the following:

Tray-baked Pork Chop with Herby Potatoes, Pears, Parsnips

Chargrilled Tuna with dressed beans and loadsa herbs

Thai Watermelon Salad

I'm sure hubby dear will be looking forward to some new and interesting meals from the kitchen. I bet it's about time to try new recipes and have less of chicken curry, minced beef, bbq meat, sausage and mash... the boring ones. Happy cooking!

2006 is Year of the Dog

2006-01-02T16:27:00.000+11:00

(Photo: Louis & Phoebe in the kitchen waiting for some manna from heaven - FOOD!)

Chinese New Year starts on the 29th of January 2006. 2006 is the year of the DOG.

The dog symbolises solid progress; it is reliable, loyal and a little stubborn, but also trustworthy. This means that in 2006 there is a chance to make steady progress - just like the dog who steps in boldly where work needs to be done and stays there unti it's completed. But beware of "get rich quick" schemes.

Accoding to my Feng shui master, 2006 is a great year to move forward towards our written goals, especially our 5- and 10-year goals. (Which reminds me to go through my last year's list and take stock and then come up with a new and revised list.) The year of the dog will only support goals that are well-thought, clearly defined, and fit into your larger plans for your life. Every long-term goal that has a serious plan of action with it, can make good, solid progress in 2006. The key is having a master plan (a detailed one) and sticking to it. 2006 is not a year for risks; it's not a year to attempt to stretch too far, or spread your resources too thinly. We must focus our attention to our 5- to 10-year goals, break down those goals into lesser goals and determine which steps to take in 2006. It is in those areas in which we can make solid, even dramatic progress.

Areas to be energised:
(1) Fame
(2) Family/Stability (also called Security)
(3) Career
Energise your power position with the colour RED, or with candles and similar fire symbols. Also, enhance your feng shui luck with dog figures, pictures and symbols.

Here's the forecast for 2006 for monkey (my sign) and rat (hubby's sign):

Monkey: Set goals, choose reasonable targets, and you'll reach them.

Monkeys are emerging from a challenging 2005, older and wiser. As you enter 2006, let the unhappy past go. Keep the good things you've learned and accumulated, set new goals, and then plan reasonable steps to achieve those goals. 2006 is your year of living a charmed life. In fact, you'll be so lucky, if you let it go to your head, you'll set yourself up for a disastrous 2007. Be true to your friends and your romantic partner. Be generous with your clients in business, and try not to crow too much when 2006 presents one stroke of good luck after another.

Rat: Cheer up and accept good luck as your right!

For the very lucky sign of the Rat, 2006 may be a year of surprises. Romance and financial improvements will open up for you if you shed bad habits. Most importantly, don't use the past as the basis of your future expectations. Don't let stress take charge in 2006. In other words, quit procrastinating; your resources--including minor health issues--may not be reliable in 2006. Plan ahead! Also, don't turn to unhealthy habits to relieve stress. I'm especially talking about overspending or--at the other extreme--obsessing about money. Instead, take up yoga, walk on the beach, spend time in art galleries, go to concerts, or find other ways to bring serenity to your life.

---
I'm excited already. 2006 is going to be a GREAT year!

Happy New Year!

2006-01-01T03:44:00.000+11:00

Happy Prosperous 2006 to everyone!

For me personally 2005 has been a wonderful and interesting year. It was a year of new ventures and the end of some, a year of potentials and doubts, a year of welcoming a new member to the family (Phoebe!) and getting rid of unnecessary toxic relationships, a year of making big plans and starting small and slow, a year of much drama and then lacklustre moments, a year of missing my family so much and meeting loving people to provide support (including blogger friends), and a year hubby and I have grown to be closer and more in-tune inspite of a number of "interesting" moments we had in 2005.

God is good indeed - I've had so much blessings in 2005 that there's no way I can complain about my life. For those of you who've listened to my whinging, thanks for listening. It takes some personal setbacks for me to realise how blessed I am and I hope that 2006 will be a year that I'll grow more spiritually.

So here's to a great 2006!

White Le Fabuleux Christmas!!!

2005-12-26T18:28:00.000+11:00

The gifts I received this Christmas are all Le Fabuleux! A particular present from hubby had me speechless for a while and a bit shocked because I had never thought that he’d go out and buy it for Isay. Anyway, here are the things I received for Christmas from hubby dearest:

(1) iPod Nano
I bought this a day after my birthday and I’ve been using it since. I’ve been thinking about getting one for sometime and now that I have it I just can’t have enough of it. I use it each time I do the cleaning J doing the laundry, vaccuming, moping the floor, dusting… and it’s great to have it on when I’m out walking the dogs.

(2) Via Spiga Frosting Large Hobo Handbag
I saw this in Myers a month ago, on special, and it’s two of the handbags I liked from Myers Chadstone. But then I keep coming back to this frosting hobo bag because (1) I love the colour, (2) it’s got the softest leather – lamb skin, (3) the gold links make it so elegant, (4) the tassel makes it fun and funky, and (5) it’s just the perfect size – not to tiny, not too big. And it smells so good!

(3) False Impression by Jeffrey Archer
The Master is back indeed. We have all of Archer’s books and so when the news was out that he’s out with a new novel I can’t wait to have and read it. Lord Archer decided to launch his new novel here in Australia and fans of the master storyteller showed their support by putting the book on the top ten bestsellers in December in Australia.

(4) Scented Space (Spiced Pear) by Apsley & Company
The boys – Jamie & Louis – got me this for Christmas as they know I love this reed home fragrance diffusers. Keeps any room smelling good all the time!

(5) Lingerie …
From the girls – Pepper & Phoebe – it had to be some sexy lingerie in fun colours. Very cute.

And last but not the least

(6) Louis Vuitton Suhali – Le Fabuleux in white

I’m ECSTATIC! I thought it was a big board game… when I ripped the wrapper I saw the LOUIS in black font (sans serif) written on a big brown box. I just knew then that this was no ordinary gift. I didn’t want to open it for a while as I was thinking of a lot of things and wondering which one did he get? The Suhali or the Manhattan? The ladies were prodding me to open it – quickly – but I just took my time and carefully opened it. Untangled the leather strings, opened the box, slowly took the stick-on from the wrapping paper, and then there it is – Le Fabuleux in white. I remember saying, OMG! OMG! for sometime and I know I forgot to thank hubby dear properly as my sister-in-law reminded that I have to say thank you again to her brother. Hubby says that he knew this was what I wanted because it’s on my blog wish list. How sweet! With that I can say I’m very lucky indeed and so blessed to have hubby in my life. Merry Christmas!!!

Christmas 2005

2005-12-25T14:56:00.000+11:00

December is my favourite month of the year – not only because of my birthday (and my brother’s birthday) but also because of Christmas. This year’s Christmas I terribly miss my family in the Philippines. Nevertheless I had a great Christmas with hubby’s family.

I decorated the tree (real pine tree this time) with the theme of gold and silver, then I had 2 Glansa lanterns from Ikea and decorated it with blue and silver and the other Glansa in red and gold. I had a shell lantern from the Philippines which I bought last year and so that was placed outside near the door. Hubby keeps saying that with that lantern outside they know there’s a filipino living in the house! Whatever! I think it’s very pretty and it should be out so other people can appreciate it.

The theme for the dining table was red, white and silver. When we were out shopping for Christmas presents, hubby saw a magnificent set of Villeroy & Boch (Sereno) cutlery and decided to get it for Christmas. Beautiful cutlery, but then I don’t have a decent set of dinnerware to match. (By decent I mean a fine bone china dinner set by Royal Doulton or Wedgwood.) But we bought the cutlery set anyway, which we now use everyday. I couldn’t be bothered buying beautiful things for the house and then keeping it and use it only for “special” occasions. Don’t get me started with glassware as I don’t have a Riedel or Kosta Boda. All we have is mismatch sets from hubby’s previous collection to Ikea sets.

First batch of entree was served around 1 pm. Next was at 2pm. Bruschetta (of course), prawns, crayfish, nuts and chips for entrée. Lunch was served around past 3. We had a loooonnnnng lunch with lots of booze. Roast turkey and potatoes, ham and vegies (salad for moi!) for the main. Sliced tropical fruit and chocolate and peppermint ice cream for dessert as I think pudding in summer is too much. And lots of booze – champagne, red and white. I’m now into sauvignon blanc – love it, especially with seafood! It’s light and full-bodied at the same time. Light, fresh, clean and refreshing because it’s blanc, full-bodied because of the sauvignon. Just perfect for my love of seafood! (K, I’m not a wine connoisseur but I based my preference on how it tastes…)

After lunch a quick play of cricket (I didn’t play as I was busy in the kitchen), then we all sat down in the lounge for the gift giving. I just hope that the kids and the adults liked the toys/gifts I picked for them.
(L: Brett with Ethan, R: Bayley)

More cricket game afterwards, then UNO, dominoes and a few card tricks from a guest. More drinks and I just remembered hubby and I sat down for a cuppa around 11 pm. I watched a movie until 1 in the morning, went to bed but couldn’t sleep so I brought out my present and just stared at them. Around 2 am, I still can’t sleep so I started reading my new book. And so that was my Christmas day. How about you?

Christmas Wishes...

2005-12-24T13:27:00.000+11:00

Merry Christmas! to my aussie/scott family & friends

Maligayang Pasko! sa mga kababayan

Naimbag nga Pasko! kada kayo amin nga ilokano

On the 12th Day of December...

2005-12-15T14:21:00.000+11:00

First off, thank you to those who sent emails and sms, those who called and sent me birthday presents. I really, really appreciate that you’ve remembered (or was prodded to remember! Hehehe) Much appreciated to people who meant the greetings – heartfelt thanks to you.

I suppose my birthday will always remind me of another event: that of my dad passing away on the day itself in 2004. It was dad’s first death anniversary this year and so I didn’t plan any party at all. Out of respect to dad, I will probably have to change my birthday celebration to a different date. I’m my father’s only daughter, hence the family always says I was his favourite. My mom says that on his last days he often talked about me and how he longs to come and live here in Australia so he can retire and relax peacefully, away from the politics and issues concerning his retirement from government service. They were to organise their visas in January 2005… I still go through stages of “what if” and feel very guilty that I didn’t push them too hard for their visas. Surely God has other plans for dad and for the family.

A quiet dinner with dear hubby was enough to celebrate my birthday. I prepared my favourite - bruschetta. For the main I just cooked spaghetti with LOTS of prawns (love prawns!). I surely had lots of champagne, while Geoff had Jamieson's - red of course. The highlight of the night was watching the Survivor finale. Disappointing though as we wanted Stepheni to win the million dollars. I think I watched more tv afterwards while hubby went to bed early.

On the other side of the world, my mom prepared a feast as usual. I really hope that next year my mom will be here in Oz to celebrate my birthday and Christmas together.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROTHER!

2005-12-02T18:04:00.000+11:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOEL!

I wish you all the BEST things in life and God bless you...

I also wish that you'll soon have:

(1) a broadband connection (instead of a dial-up) - so you won't get too impatient waiting for pages to load... especially when you're visiting my site!

(2) a Personal Digital Assistant or PDA - I know you have your PA and all, but I'm sure you'll love this gadget. Imagine having all the important info in one sleek and tiny package?

(3) A DECENT watch - how many times do I have to remind you to buy one? Trust me, you'll feel better investing in a decent watch than having lots of...uhm... so-so watch. See this TAG Heuer Formula 1 watch is so YOU! "Easy Grip" system with screw-in crown and double seal; black titanium-carbide coating protects against scratches. The sapphire crystal is not only resistant to scratching, it is also 3X harden than mineral glass!

Cool Dresses...

2005-12-02T17:27:00.000+11:00

I have been very lazy updating my blog. I know that I should at least have a weekly update but I find that when I'm online I'm more busy with other things... I can't even find time to visit other blogs - so apologies to some of you who keep coming and checking what's new.

Having said that I do spend hours online surfing especially entertainment news. YES I'm a sucker for things trivial and superficial. The thing is, I love looking at beautiful clothes and equally gorgeous celebrities. Anyhow, I've sort of picked some dresses that I like...

(Photos: Courtesy of instyle.com and eonline.com)

Clutter-Free!

2005-11-25T17:44:00.000+11:00

Finally, I've sorted "stuff" in the house. It was a project I've been meaning to do (SEriOUsly!) - to sort and organise the clutter that I've accummulated. Why is it that I always (AlwAys) end up with so much crap and clutter??? Since I didn't get THAT job I thought that perhaps it's the best time for me to do something VERY productive at home - deal with the clutter. After all, my Feng Shui master has been telling me ever since to get my home organised and get rid of clutter. I always say that our environment (or our dwelling place/space) is a reflection of what goes on in our minds.

There were areas in my house that were very organised. The bathroom/ensuite is one of the most organised one because it is where my important goodies (toilettries, skincare and make-up) are kept and it's one of the smallest rooms. However, my office/study is by far the worst area: the cupboard that Geoff built was full of papers and documents that I've kept and meaning to read later. There's no proper filing at all. I do have a filing cabinet, but I have no idea what I put in there.

When I couldn't find my jewelries (I couldn't remember where I put it away) last September I DECIDED that I have to go through each cupboard and wardrobe in each room of the house to look for it. That's when my de-cluttering started. I just went from one room to the next. Today (Friday) I finally finished the last room - the sitting room. I started going through the staff in the garage, but I think I'd just leave that to the expert- Geoff. Besides, it's his garden tools and things in there and I've got no clue how exactly to organise those.

Now that I got rid of the physical clutter I do feel better. With the clutter, I was constantly reminded of things that I need to do and so by clearing out the mess and organising things I get a feeling of freedom and sense of calm. I feel much better and I'm excited to move on to other projects. Now I have room for good and great things to come to my life. ;)

Geoff's Shed

2005-11-24T16:45:00.000+11:00

I just had to have this entry, which is an update to Geoff's blog. See some before and after photos of the shed.

Cheers!

Benefit Products for Me, Myself, & I

2005-11-18T16:30:00.000+11:00

Identical twins Jean and Jane founded Benefit. They opened their first makeup boutique in 1976 called The Face Place (in San Francisco), which was later renamed Benefit in 1990. I’ve learned about the cosmetics company from my beauty bible, InStyle, sometime in 2002; it was the Benetint that was featured. Benetint, Lip plump, and Ohh La Lift were among the original products. Benefit has about 650 counters worldwide. I love that the product is excellent (which means my skin likes it), at the same time the packaging is “cute” and the quirky names make it fun. I mean, who could ever thought of naming a body cream “Touch me and try to leave me…” or "Honey...snap out of it!" scrub???

I got my first Benetint from Lane Crawford in Hong Kong. In Australia, Myers is one of the stockists. Since then, I’ve been using some of their products and I have a few favourites.

1. Top in my list of course is the Benetint, a lip and cheek tint. It is the original sexy flush or as others say “you’ve got that after-sex glow”. I find it very useful especially when I’m in a rush and got no time to do my full make-up. A quick eyebrow touch-up, Benetint for my lips and cheeks, a bit of clear lip gloss and am ready. Don’t be put away by the size (A$49 for 12.5 ml) coz it will last a looooooooong time. You only need a few specks each application. But when you put it on you must be very quick spreading and blending it lest you’ll look like a clown. On the lips it can get very dry so always put on a bit of clear lip gloss. What I normally do is I’d put lip balm first before I put on my face creams so when it’s time to do my make-up my lips are already moisturised and ready to deal with the tint.

2. f.y… eye! This has to be my second Benefit favourite. It is the ULTIMATE eye shadow base. The apricot tinted primer leaves a smooth satin finish and keeps the eye shadow stay put the whole day. It’s very handy especially when using matt eye shadow! (A$38)

3. Dandelion pink powder. This sheer, perk me-up pink powder looks beautiful on everyone. For Pinays with morena (olive) skin, don’t be put off that it’s pink – it actually looks very sexy on olive skin. You only need a little of this powder and your skin will look brighter, more perky and fresh! And it’s got a very cute packaging. However, I’m not a fan of the brush that comes with the box as I prefer to use my own powder brush. I find that I need a bigger powder brush as this helps in picking up the right amount of powder and make blending so much easier. (A$49)

At least I'm giving you some ideas for Christmas stocking stuffers for your girlfriends, mom, sis, or anyone special... Trust me, you'll get excellent feedback from these products. :)

Shopping Therapy

2005-11-17T10:29:00.000+11:00

Isay needs some therapy, serious shopping therapy. I was not really in a mood to shop for Christmas presents for other people as I was more keen on shopping for my three favourite people: ME, MYSELF, and I.

Chadstone is the nearest shopping mall to where I live. Excellent! I love the mall as it has lots of shops and parking. The truth is I wanted to go to the nearest Coles and do my grocery shopping so I can those petrol vouchers. Since I’m already in Chadstone I decided why not go and have some therapy. Not much on sale really, except for Crabtree & Evelyn (a measly 10% discount). Interestingly, I went through each jewelry shop (jewellery for English & Aussie people) and looked for rings and earrings. I need some new pair of white gold earrings (ok I want!). I was looking for an alternative for the Tiffany Atlas Ring. I found lots but I didn’t try it on. I felt I wasn’t in the right mood and get-up (I looked blah yesterday – jeans, flat shoes – not smart at all).

The next stop was cosmetics shop. I went to David Jones, Myers and Mecca Cosmetica. I was particularly looking for the Shu Uemura eyelash curler as the rubber in my current one needs replacement, soon. I was disappointed Mecca does not stock that anymore; but they do have lots of other interesting brands they distribute: Nars, Stila, Philosophy, Kiels, etc.
In David Jones, I went to Bobbi Brown and got myself the foundation stick (in warm natural 4.5, A$72). I particularly like this because it’s a foundation AND concealer in one portable stick, and it’s Bobbi Brown!

From DJ, I also visited Napoleon Perdis counter. I was interested in getting the IT product – I’ve read several good reviews about it – the Napoleon Perdi s Auto Pilot Pre-Fou n da ti on S kin Prim er (A$45). Napoleon says “Not to Prime is a Crime!”, so I better try this pre make-up base. It is formulated to allow your makeup to “automatically” glide over the skin, Auto Pilot helps to prime and soothe the complexion for that flawless finish and helps makeup last even longer. Chamomile, Yarrow extract and Vitamin E deliver complexion perfection and instant hydration for all skin types.

I wasn’t hired...

2005-11-16T20:48:00.000+11:00

Photo: Hotel Domus Sessoriana lobby (Rome, Italy), May 2004.

A few months ago, I decided that I should try sending my CV again to recruitment agencies. This time for temp work: most temp positions require irregular hours of work, could be a short term (from a few hours work to a month) to long term (several months). To be called and get interviewed I had to “tweak” my CV so it would look “ordinary”. A friend suggested to make it as simple as possible, which translate to not putting anything there that is intimidating such as any postgraduate degrees or senior level position, etc.

You see the last time I sent my CV it contained the real deal wrt my work experience. However, what it lacked is the Australian work experience that most companies look for, or merely an excuse at times. The point is, how are we migrants expected to have that “Australian experience” if we are not given a chance by Australian companies??? Seriously. SeRiouSLy… It sucks really. When I arrived here in Melbourne in 2003 I tried applying for those jobs that I like and I know I can do, but that job is now becoming merely a dream.

I’ve talked to every Filipino I come across and asked them how they got to where they are, what were their experiences, and would they give me some tips. The general comment is to not be choosy and just get some work, ANY work. Fine. I think I should be alright with that, so I thought. That’s when I toned down my CV and submitted it to companies; finally, I got some calls and was interviewed on the phone. And I still couldn’t get any job. Either (1) I was too qualified or (2) I didn’t have the Australian experience. F-CK! By this time I was already getting very frustrated and desperate.

In the last year or so while intermittently still “looking” for that elusive job I also tried those home business ideas and contacted my previous employer overseas for some projects. For a while, those activities kept me sane and moving again, and more importantly gave me a bit of ca$h. I also made sure I read A LOT lest my brain suddenly decides to stop working!!!

Anyway, going back to the temp work I feel better that I have an agent who is really good to me and understands my frustrations. I had an interview early this week and she has been lobbying to the company that I should get the position. Normally they’d call me asap when I get the assignment, so when I didn’t hear from them for a day I knew it wasn’t good. Of course I was frustrated. I wanted that assignment because of the company, it’s one of the biggest utility companies in Australia. Oh well, the position I was applying for wasn’t that glam – it’s basic, straightforward and easy. But I was after the idea of getting inside that work environment as I know that company has lots of other divisions I could work for in the future. I’ve been reading their annual reports and sifting through news releases and I like what I have read.

So it has been one frustrating week. I hope I get a better week next time…

Career Challenges

2005-11-09T22:56:00.000+11:00

Photo: Venice, Italy, May 2004, as we take the Gondola ride around town.

In October this year I went through some career change once again as I re-evaluated what I accomplished in the last 3 quarters of 2005. I still feel very restless as I wanted to do several things with my life and yet I feel that time is passing by and I must make a firm decision sooner than later on what I should be focusing on. You see my CV is so diverse - I've worked with at least 10 companies/organisations (that includes my parttime work) in different industries and in different roles. I have two favourite jobs in my lifetime and when I examine what exactly is in those roles that I liked most I find that it's the diversity of projects and tasks I was assigned to do that excited me. I like starting and finishing a project and then moving on to the next new task; I don't like too much stability and repetitive tasks as it does bore me.

I like projects that involved thinking of strategies and plans, researching and analysing companies and trends, using sytems and incorporating technology in the processes. At the same time I want work that will allow me to be creative - those projects that involved designing and creating visual impact.

I really want more control over my life and perhaps that's the reason that I want to do entrepreneurial ventures plus part time work. Retrenchments, outsourcing, global competition and emerging technology have all changed the work environment landscape. There is no such thing as a job for life anymore. I guess there are people like me who are starting to customise their careers to better suit their lifestyle; who are forced to fend for themselves when it comes to career development and hence corporate slavery and the security that goes with it are being shunned in favour of a career with more flexibility, variety and freedom.

This trend according to Sheahan (author of Generation Y: Thriving (and Surviving) with Generation Y at Work), is called the porfolio career; a trend that begun in Australia in the early 1990s when there were retrenchments, high unemployment and workplace restructuring. In Australia about 28% of the workforce is in some kind of "portfolio career" arrangement, with higher figures overseas - 38% in Britain and about 51% in the US. A free agent is not for everyone though as Sheahan says that a successful free agent needs to be "organised, entrepreneurial, unafraid of uncertainty and able to quickly learn and use multiple skill sets." His 6 rules for surviving the new work landscape are:

Recognising change is constant and innovation critical.
Overcome your limitations in thinking and behaviour and accept you are responsible for your life.
Build a recognisable personal brand.
Establish relationships with people of influence.
Deliver tangible results worth paying for.
Position yourself on trends and achieve mastery in your area of expertise.

Perhaps if I take into heart and take action with these guidelines I should be able to charge a career that is exciting and fulfilling and that will provide me the much needed dough for my wishes. :) May you have a productive week ahead.

Birthday Presents WISHLIST

2005-11-08T17:09:00.000+11:00

Hubby dearest is going to have some mild shock attack when he sees and read this wishlist for my birthday in December... That's why it's called WISH dahling, so let me give you an idea of the desires of my heart as I turn 30++.

The Tiffany Atlas Ring - I've chosen three models within the Tiffany Atlas range: (1) Diamonds (studded one), .58 carat total weight, color grade G, clarity grade VS; eighteen karat white gold, (2) Diamonds (3 diamonds), .15 carat total weight, color grade G, clarity grade VS; eighteen karat white gold, and (3) Open ring, 18 karat white gold. I did check the prices at their shop here in Collins St in Melbourne, but it was shocking! like the ring #1 could pay for a house downpayment!!! I don't know how much ring#3 is but it should definitely be less dearer as it is plain white gold.

An alternative to the Tiffany ring is the George Jensen Fushion ring designed by Nina Koppel. The ring is in 18 carat red, yellow or white gold and is also available in 18 carat gold set with brillian cut diamonds. Surely the one with the diamond it is that Isay wants. Now, this one I have no idea about the price but I will have to go to Collins St and find out.

I prefer rings than earrings and am not a real fan of necklaces. I also like a good quality watch; although I have some of those fake ones that I will soon have to give away to my nieces. With rings I only want them on my forefinger (the left one's already with the wedding band and the engagement ring) and I want it chunky so I normally stack 2 rings. I don't like wearing rings on all of my fingers as some women do. I dunno, I just find that look very messy. Nyways, I wish, I wish, I wish...

I have some other back-up plan wish - I could do with a nice Chanel bag... or a Dior... or a LV...

Brunette Beauty

2005-10-27T22:38:00.000+10:00

Mrs Douglas and Ms Jolie, both gorgeous brunets wearing sexy nude lace gown... awwwww. Am loving the outfit with the black lace belt and red flower accent, Ms Cath's hair and make-up... Ms Jolie is divine in that cream gown, elegant make-up and simple hairdo, and no bling - perhaps a nice Tiffany atlas ring will do.

Reed Diffusers: Home Fragrance Must Have!

2005-10-26T22:34:00.000+10:00

(Photo: courtesy of anthousafragrances.com; apsleyandcompany's site is still being constructed.)

Reed diffusers are my current favourite in home fragrance. In Melbourne I first saw it in Hermon & Hermon, a high-end furniture shop in Richmond; but of course their line cost about $90 for a 200ml. When my girlfriend Treena was here a month ago we had the time to go around Myer and I saw another brand of the reed diffusers, by Apsley and Company (based in Carlton, a suburb in Melbourne). The cost is even better - at $27.00 - 200 ml fragrance and 10 fibre stem diffusers. And the packing is gorgeous - it looks better than the one at Hermon! The set is boxed in solid colour (different colour for each scent) with a clear plastic cover so you'd see the fragrance bottle and the stems. The box is wrapped with 1/4 inch black ribbon printed with the words SCENTED SPACE (font in white). Elegant and classy... I bought two sets for the home - scent in Pomegranate and Pink Grapefruit, perfect for the summer. The Pink Grapefruit is best for the ensuite - it helps to keep the room smelling fresh especially as the bedroom is only a few meters away, while the Pomegranate I placed in the entrance lobby so anyone who gets in the house will smell that citrus scent... I flip the reeds every after 2 days. It's a cool product as it's like having my scented candle except without the flame. They say the fragrance should last for 2 to 3 months. These reed fragrance diffusers will be in my shopping list for Christmas gifts.

Sense: The Ultimate Skincare Product

2005-10-25T23:07:00.000+10:00

The Sense beautiful science skincare line is by far the best product I've tried. (Sad to say I haven't tried Creme-de-La Mer as I find that it's too expensive: 1 oz - US$110!) What makes Sense special is it's the only product in the world that is paraben-free; all the Sense products are made with exclusive, patent-pending, self-preserving formulas and has Proflavanol, a potent antioxidant. There is a whole scientific paper behind the product but if you're familiar with the negative effects of parabens to skin and the positive effects of antioxidants you know what I'm referring to...

A friend gave me the Sense travel size called the Prelude and I've used it exclusively for 10 days. Amazing! As my skin feels nourished and it has a different glow. The Sense product is suitable to all skin types - what it does is it actually corrects your skin type i.e. if you have oily skin Sense will correct it to normal state or if it's dry, then it will work to make the skin normal. It's the BEST skincare product especially during the harsh winter season in Melbourne; Sense will bring back the glow to the skin as it naturally exfoliates the dead skin and nourishes it. The facial system includes the following:

Gentle Daily Cleanser
Hydrating Toner
Rice Bran Polisher (use 3x a week)
Nutritious Creme Masque (use 3x a week)
Perfeting Essence (or Serum Intensive)
Eye Nourisher
Daytime Protective Emulsion
Night Renewal

My favourite is the PERFECTING ESSENCE and I use that on my eye area too; it gives a luminous appearance which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Sense is a bit on the pricey side (if you buy each product individually), but I buy the whole set and that gives me about 35% savings on the order price.

Natio Products for Spring/Summer

2005-10-24T21:14:00.000+10:00

I was introduced to this skincare product through Qantas Airlines a few years back. When we were in HK, hubby flies to Oz regularly and when he comes home I get excited - not only to see him back safe and well but also because of all the goodies from the airlines - the vanity bag! Natio is a company based in Melbourne and it manufacturers skincare and cosmetics.

When we moved here I thought that I should patronise some of the local products. David Jones, Myers and some of the pharmacies here carry the Natio product. I love that the product is good (the face creams are just perfect - light and pure and not sticky at all; the spa range of body wash, shampoo and conditioner smells divine) and I love the elegant packaging - clean, non-serif fonts all caps on white, opaque or clear plastic containers. On top of that it's not pricey at all - I was told that they can offer it at a very competitive price because they don't (well not yet) spend much money on advertising like the bigger brands. It is not endorsed by any Aussie celebrity. Sometimes I do see a 1/4 advert on The Age and some magazines but not a lot really. Perhaps their best move was to distribute their products through Qantas. Sometimes the best marketing is to give away samples of products so people can try.

I've been buying their gift sets and when they have special offerings through DJ or Myer - I'd buy and stock up. I've also bought products through their site www.natio.com and I was very happy to have received my orders within 2 days -Pronto! This spring/summer season, the Natio range of products (plus of course the Sense range) will be my season's must USE.

Natio reminds me so much of Origins; Natio's flagship colour is light green (similar to Clinique and white), while Origins is a darker shade of green and white. Even the packaging has similarities... So if you love Origins, you'll like Natio.

PHOEBE: Pup's new name, final name!

2005-10-22T22:26:00.000+10:00

The new pup has been with us for almost a month and a half; for the first 2 weeks she had different names that am sure is causing so much confusion to her little cavoodle mind. Tiffany, Tru, Princess... 3 weeks ago Geoff and I decided that her name would now be PHOEBE. Why Phoebe? It sounds better than the other names we've called her; it starts with P (our female Persian cat's name is Pepper); 2 syllables; sounds feminine; I like Phoebe's character in the tv series Charmed (and I like Alyssa Milano). At least now the pup responds better (translate to = she comes when you call her name).

Am not comparing having a pup with real babies, but boy it's a lot of work looking after them. Well not as much as when we first had Louis though. But it's the constant cleaning up after her "bizniz" especially on the carpet! or when I finally sit down and relax and she starts sniffing the floor with her tail up, that's when she wants to pee or poo. Had to quickly grab her and take her outside so she can finish her thing. Great thing our other dog, Louis, is well trained: when he wants to do his biz he would get to the door and scrath the door and look out - a signal that he wants to go out. Louis went to 2 puppy classes - puppy socialisation and obedience training. So I better check the sked for puppy class for little Phoebe...

Bed Linens and Thread-Count

2005-10-21T23:21:00.000+10:00

Photo: Sheridan Millennia bedlinen courtesy of adairs.com.au

Why I love this bedlinen? It is the ultimate luxury in Sheridan Bedlinen. Tailored quilt cover and flat sheet header features jacquard woven white on white ribbon stripes against a plain background. And the most important feature: it is 1000 thread-count!!! oh dear, I must have it.

Am not really that fussy...um, well... just now. When I was in the PI I really didn't care about bedlinens and thread-counts as I was more concerned surviving - having a room to stay and food to eat, etc. you know the three basic things in life according to Maslow. And yes, I was more into clothes and shoes and boys; not exactly interested in anything for the home. Then got married. Then I was sort of "expected" to keep the house a home. Then met Treena in HK and one of the usual talks we have is about home decor and accessories. I also started to watch more home & lifestyle shows on tv, read more BGH magazines, etc. I also get the chance to see how other people live and decorate their homes: from tiny apartments in HK and huge properties in Aus. Travelling to other places have also provided me some inspiration to put more attention to decorating my house.

WRT thread-count, I never really paid particular attention to it until I accidentally bought an ordinary cotton linen (about 100) and a 300-count bedlinen. Once washed, then I noticed the difference - the higher thread count really felt softer and smoother while the other linen was rough and crinkly. So what exactly is thread-count? It refers to the number of horizontal (weft) and vertical (warp) threads in one square inch of fabric. In bed sheets, thread-count range from 80 to 1200. But I was told that a higher thread-count DOES NOT necessarily mean better quality. Other factors to consider include ply and yarn size. To increase thread-count some manufacturers twist 2 thinner threads together and create a 2-ply thread, hence a 300-thread-count can be stated as 600-thread-count. Then, the higher the yarn size, the finer the yarn; a finer yarn can only be made from high-quality cotton.

A month ago I went to Adairs and checked the price for that luxurious bedlinen - OMG! It was expensive - and very heavy. For the price of 1 set (quilt cover and sheet set with pillowcases, etc.) I could buy 2 Sheridan sets with 300 thread count. So I went and looked for their hotel collection. I bought 1 Sheridan set (in white) and a Mercer & Reid quilt cover mixed with the Adair's sheet set hotel collection (in cream). It's the best buy I have this 2005. Having sex is even more better because of the luxurious feel of the linens... and I wanted to sleep in the nude as I love the feel of it on my skin. Oh, it's okay as it is spring time here in Melbourne.

10 Days of No Blog Entry

2005-10-15T17:11:00.000+10:00

(Photo: One of the several photos I took from the Melbourne Orchid Show in August this year)

It’s not because I tried not to blog for a while, but it’s because I’ve used my time to do other things… 10 reasons why I didn’t put any entry in the last 10 days:

1) I’ve been online but too busy researching and reading “stuff”, cleaning up and catching up with my Yahoo and Hotmail account, not to mention my other 2 email accounts (I’ve got 2 yahoo accounts and the other one has about 1,500+ unread emails!)
2) The extra time I had I prefer to sleep, watch TV or read magazines
3) I’ve been out of the house for at least 4 days a week, either being interviewed or out shopping (at the local supermarket and not the shopping in malls!) or had to do some errands
4) I’ve been thinking a lot of what to do with my life…
5) I still wonder what I’m really passionate about and hence I’d go back to item 4
6) I’m upset as I don’t remember where I put my 2 sets of jewelry in the house – I’ve hidden it very well that I can’t find it!
7) My office/study is in a mess – again - as I’ve let piles of papers and documents sitting on the other desk. Am not very happy with the mess and the clutter as it’s not good feng shui.
8) Been chatting online with girlfriends in Sydney, Dubai and Hong Kong – really catching up with what’s been going on with their lives and career… I miss them
9) Spending a bit of time with hubby dear as he had been through some office “drama and politics”. I don’t know why but when he’s having some office problems and challenges I do get affected as well and get very emotional.
10) I need to get out of the house and socialise more – I feel that my social skills need some polishing as am getting too comfortable with online chat and spending too much time in my desk.

To Ms Masel, promise I'd put more fun and exciting entries in the next few days. :)

"Life is Difficult"

2005-10-05T18:13:00.000+10:00

"Life is difficult." - the first sentence in the classic The Road Less Travelled by M. Scott Peck.

When I go through some bouts of depression and a sense of lack of direction in life I often consult with great books. One of the most important books in my library is Scott Peck's The Road Less Travelled. I've had that for several years now and I only go through it when times like this - unsure exactly how I feel or when I associate events in my life as "problems". The pages of my book is now sepia and I think I've highlighted each time I read it as I get a multi-coloured highlights on the pages. But the first part has always been the most powerful one for me; as I have to be reminded yet again that life is not meant to be easy. Of course not, never is. When I look back in my life it's when after I've been through some major setbacks that I remember most because it's the sweetest thing - getting through the tough times. So let me refresh you with the book's first part, and who knows you maybe going through some "events" that you needed some inspiration to begin with :D
Life is difficult.

This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths. It is a great truth because once we truly see this truth, we transcend it. Once we truly know that life is difficult--once we truly understand and accept it--then life is no longer difficult. Because once it is accepted, the fact that life is difficult no longer matters.

Most do not fully see this truth, that life is difficult.

Instead they moan more or less incessantly, noisily or subtly, about the enormity of their problems, their burdens, and their difficulties as if life were generally easy, as if life should be easy. They voice their belief, noisily or subtly, that their difficulties represent a unique kind of affliction that should not be and that has somehow been especially visited upon them, or else upon their families, their tribe, their class, their nation, their race, or even their species, and not upon others. I know about this moaning because I have done my share.

Life is a series of problems. Do we want to moan about them or solve them? Do we want to teach our children to solve them?

Discipline is the basic set of tools we require to solve life’s problems. Without discipline we can solve nothing. With only some discipline we can solve only some problems. With total discipline we can solve all problems.

What makes life difficult is that the process of confronting and solving problems is a painful one. Problems, depending upon their nature, evoke in us frustration of grief or sadness or loneliness or guilt or regret or anger or fear or anxiety or anguish or despair. These are uncomfortable feelings, often very uncomfortable, often as painful as any kind of physical pain, sometimes equaling the very worst kind of physical pain. Indeed, it is because of the pain that events or conflicts engender in us all that we can call them problems. And since life poses an endless series of problems, life is always difficult and is full of pain as well as joy.

Yet it is in this whole process of meeting and solving problems that life has its meaning. Problems are the cutting edge that distinguishes between success and failure. Problems call forth our courage and our wisdom; indeed, they create our courage and our wisdom. It is only because of problems that we grow mentally and spiritually. When we desire to encourage the growth of the human spirit, we challenge and encourage the human capacity to solve problems, just as in school we deliberately set problems for our children to solve. It is through the pain of confronting and resolving that we learn. As Benjamin Franklin said, “Those things that hurt,
instruct.” It is for this reason that wise people learn not to dread but actually to welcome problems and actually to welcome the pain of problems.

Not a Great Day

2005-10-03T23:38:00.000+10:00

(warning bitching ahead)

I’m in such a pissy mood right now… I’m pissed off because I’ve learned that some people are generally a waste of time. I admit that I’m an unholy frickin bitch to begin with. I hate it when people have this air of entitlement and they think they can always get away with things – some are so frickin insensitive to how other people feel or how I feel. Sometimes I do think that perhaps am the one who is too sensitive. But heck no! Most of the time it’s as simple as being courteous by at least asking first, or saying simple words such as please, thank you, or excuse me. Guess some people really don’t have such manners or they don’t care at all. Or as one of my girlfriend says, they’re dumba$$e$ and there’s nothing I can do about it. I hate it! There was a time not so long ago that I thought that some people around me cared and they were real. Well, well, well, a few incidents later I find they are not what I thought they seem to be. I’m so frickin tired of being the understanding one – it’s shit! And being nice - it's crap. Crap! Crap! Crap!

TGIF!

2005-09-23T18:23:00.000+10:00

Missing the San Miguel Beer!

And Lechon, Sinigang, Halo-halo, Mang Andok's Chicken, Fish Balls, Tocino, Longanisa, Dried Bangus, Pinakbet... Crispy Pata, Kare-Kare, Ginataang Hipon, Kilawin Isda, Pusit, Bulalo, RelyenongTalong, Halayang Ube...

susmaryosep! nakakamiss ang mga pagkaing pinoy...

University of the Poor Daw...

2005-09-22T18:19:00.000+10:00

I just had to put this entry here. I received it today from Maria Soledad (Soy), a filipina friend based in HK. Soy wrote: "Nakakatawa to." Lea, Soy's sister fwded it to her and wrote: "Buti na lang wala akong nakilalang ganito. I miss the UP campus!!!" All I can say is, nai-imagine ko tong girl na to eh tiga UP MassCom kasi parang may nakita na akong ganyan eh. Aliw lang at ang arte-arte talaga nya! hahaha (Pssssst Soy ala kang magawa jan sa bangko nyo ha - :)

It's so hirap talaga to study in UP, the University of the Poor. You know, I never wanted to study here. But my parents kasi, they both went to UP and they said na it was the best school talaga. Eh 'di I went. But no! When I got here, Holy horrors!

I was ready to make himatay after the first day pa lang. Would you believe, there's no aircon na nga in the classrooms, the fan doesn't work pa. And then this guy who was like, wearing a sando, shorts and tsinelas lang made tabi next to me. He made pakilala pa! The nerve! So I made takbo to the CR to make tago. But I couldn't make hugas my hands that were so pawis from escaping such a near-death experience. There was no liquid soap! Not even a couch where I could sit to make kikay.

Do you feel my pain na ba? But wait, there's more. Last Thursday kasi Daddy's Volvo was bawal, eh the Eclipse was being repaired, so I had to make sakay with my yaya in the Ikot jeep. It was so siksik! I could like, smell the putok of the girl next to me. Like, it was sobrang mabaho talaga. Kasi naman, the Ikot jeeps are old na nga, they're mainit pa! Sana they make palit na the jeeps with a shuttle system. Okey lang naman even if there's an increase in pamasahe di ba? So when the car is bawal, I can use my credit card na to make bayad.

Isa pa, you know the Shopping Center? It's so kadiri talaga. I'm forced na nga to make Xerox there, (as if naman I would be caught in that place otherwise) pero I'm so inis because it's so madilim and maliit, and most of the stalls don't have aircon. They should tear it down na and build a mall na lang. Then I wouldn't have to go to Katipunan pa to get my Starbucks fix.

My gosh, this place is so bulok I don't know nga why anyone would bother making turo here pa. Just yesterday, my professor was kinda inis kasi her whiteboard marker had no more tinta! Then she tried to make hanap a matino whiteboard marker but of course there was none. Duh! Kasi naman if we had laptops instead of desks in every classroom there would be no more need for whiteboards di ba? But you know even if there were laptops na, the seats are so tigas sometimes I find it mahirap to concentrate. Dapat may cushioning para malambot sa butt, like Downy.

Now I'm in my fourth year na. I don't want to stay in this place anymore. I don't give a paki if UP's the best university here. I'm going to transfer to La Salle, where the CRs have liquid soap. Now na.

Australian Stock Market Is So HOT!

2005-09-21T18:36:00.000+10:00

When hubby comes home VERY HAPPY, there are only two things why: 1) either he had a looooonnnng lunch with colleagues talking shop & crap, or 2) his stocks gone up, again. In September last year, I prodded him to get into the stock market again. His experience with stocks was not very good, he was badly burned - way back when we were based in HK he got into the game and never recovered his investments. He was lured to put in more - as the usual case when the brokers tell you that "this company X will go Y in such time, must buy now, etc." We never heard back from that prick broker again. PI nya talaga! Halos isumpa-sumpa ko yong mokong na yon! Lesson learned - a very expensive one. Trading stocks is very risky indeed.

Now am not very good with it too but I do read a lot, especially about trends and companies that are promising. In fact one of the reasons I did my MBA was because I wanted to understand those figures in columns/rows in the business section that take up almost 10 pages. I still don't get it though... Nevertheless, knowing what stocks to buy is important and understanding business politics such as who's buying what company, who's launching its products overseas, who's consolidating, or world events.

We do realise that we need multiple sources of income. Well can you imagine having a job as your only source of income - what happens when you get sick and can't afford to work? Yup, you know I've read Kiyosaki's books as it's where I get ideas of the different streams of income. Nyways, back to Geoff...

In 12 months Geoff has made about 24% from the stock market! I can't remember now what's in his portfolio but I know they include lots of blue-chip ones and Australian companies that have been doing very good business overseas. Geoff does track his stocks everyday and sometimes his mood is highly dependent on the performance of the stock market.

One of the best stocks I suggested was Wesfarmers (An Australian company that owns Bunnings Warehouse - the biggest DIY hardware store here). He bought the stocks last year at A$25, yesterday it was at $40+, as of today the share price is A$38.94. How can you not buy this stock/co. with a market value of almost $12 billion? Besides, since we moved here to Melbourne Geoff's been a constant shopper at Bunnings so I said why not be a shareholder of that company. Plus all the Aussie blokes KNOW and SHOP at Bunnings, there's always a massive warehouse being built in different suburbs - so it's a great buy. There are other "interesting" emerging companies out there but it takes time to read about them - jeez it's like doing a school assignment when I do that. Great thing Geoff now has got an excellent broker who keeps him informed of the latest in the market - what's hot, what's not. Perhaps I should go back to my stock research mode and contribute to that portfolio once again. ;)

Emmy's 2005 - My Best Dressed List

2005-09-20T14:33:00.000+10:00

1. Evangeline Lily of Lost
2. Lauren Graham of Gilmore Girls
3. Nicolette Sheridan from Desperate Housewives
4. Marg Helgenberge of CSI (Las Vegas)
5. Kelly Rowan from The O.C.

Photos courtesy of tv.yahoo.com and eonline.com.

The Lion King

2005-09-19T13:31:00.000+10:00

"Its a circle of life and it moves us all through despair and hope through faith and love till we find our place on a path unwinding in the circle circle of life."

I've been awaiting for this show to come to Australia - The Lion King, Broadway's award-winning musical. They first showed it in Sydney last year until June of this year. By end of July the show opened in Melbourne. But of course I already pre-booked the ticket early April for September viewing. Finally, last Sunday I saw The Lion King!

Absolutely spectacular! Brilliant!

The first scene blew me away - sunrise on the havana and the song Circle of Life - it's the gathering of all the animals to witness the introduction of Simba, the son of Mufasa (the lion king) and his queen Sarabi. WOW! Breathtaking indeed as the 200+ puppets emerged one at a time from the stage and from the audience entrance and the singers have all poweful voices: "From the day we arrive on the planet. And blinking, step into the sun. There's more to be seen than can ever be seen. More to do than can ever be done..." More than two hours later, am still awed at the magnificent production and the music! I just wondered whether the other five adults beside me were enjoying the show. (They did tell me after that they enjoyed it and they thanked me for organising the night to see it.) See, I've seen the movie five times and it's a classic favourite of mine - I do love cats and the cat family! At the end they played the chorus of Circle of Life once more...

In the circle of life

It's the wheel of fortune

It's the leap of faith

It's the band of hope

Till we find our place

On the path unwinding

In the circle, the circle of life

For Melbourne shows, check this site: http://www.disney.com.au/lionking/indexMel.htm

Welcome Home Tru!

2005-09-18T23:33:00.000+10:00

Saturday morning (17th September) hubby and I got up early (or I got up very early!) as I was excited to go to the pet shop ACA Breeders. We got Louis there last year and this pet shop is well-known in Melbourne for their quality breeds. They normally have several selections of "designer" puppy breeds, meaning crossbreeds of poodle and another breed. Nyways, I don't know why they are called designer breeds - I just heard that term mentioned in Burke's Backyard show. Perhaps because they are expensive pups - I dunno.

Louis is a spoodle (a spaniel x poodle). I wanted another dog to keep Louis company - I see him bored at home so I thought he should have a baby sister to play (or torment!) with. In the shop there were other breeds or different permutations with oodle in it. Below the spoodle pups cage is a group of cavoodles. So I said to hubby that maybe we should get another breed and check the Cavoodle (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel x Miniature Poodle) pups. The pet shop assistant took all five pups in a view cage and we checked each one - though we were keen on getting a sheila this time. 3 boys and 2 girls and so we checked the 2 girls. There were other people interested in getting the cavoodle pups - I think they also wanted a girl. There was a couple holding the female cavoodle pup - the one that we wanted. So hubby with all his charm went to them and chatted and told them about Louis, a spoodle, and how excellent the breed is and they should check the spoodles instead. Blah, blah, blah. They agreed and so by the time they were enamored with the spoodle and busy with the pup, THEN we picked the ONE - the cavoodle female pup. Paperworks were done so quick we left the shop in less than 15 minutes. (Last time we were there for an hour!)

Pup's first ride in the Merc and she was sick - threw all over the passenger side carpet! Got home and Pepper was on the dining table napping - introduced the new pup and Pepper just hissssseeddd - not very happy. Introducing the pup to Louis was interesting though - suddenly a tiny four-legged creature is not running away from him. Louis kept smelling and sniffing the pup...

About the name - in the car on the way home we were talking what we should name the pup. She seems to be a quiet, docile breed and so I said that we should name her something delicate and feminie. I guess we had dozens we thought of. Then hubby said Tiffany - love that! But I also wanted the name Tru, from one of my favourite tv characters Tru Davies in Tru Calling. For a few hours Tiffany was the name - I did sms friends and family with that name. But I'd call her Tru most of the time so we decided (ok I decided) to stick with the name TRU. Three days and am already stressed! Another pup to look after and train... But she is so cute!

To read more about cavoodle breed, visit Burke's site here.

Geoff's Shed

2005-09-16T21:25:00.000+10:00

(Photo: Christmas 2003 - Geoff helping cut the roasts in the kitchen.)

I created a separate blog for Geoff to showcase some of his projects - nope, not his QS'ing contracts but his creations at home. Yes, allow me to be a stage wife too (like Duke). Am so glad he's got hobbies that keeps him busy and get creative - because while he's busy in his shed I have my peace & quiet doing my own thing such as maintaining my blog. So here's the link to Geoff's shed. http://geoffprojects.blogspot.com

Here Kitty Kitty Kitty.... Pssst Louis Come Here!

2005-09-15T21:11:00.000+10:00

I can't think of anything else to write today so am posting photos of my beloved pets...

Family Migration Update

2005-09-14T16:04:00.000+10:00

(Photo: makukulit na nephews & nieces in the Philippines)

It's already mid-September and in a few months 2005 will be over. Time flies indeed. Sometimes I do feel that it was only last month that I was talking to my younger brother about organising all their papers on their end and I'll do my part here. Deciding that we're not going to do the visa application with a migration agent, I've been reading about the migration laws and requirements for months now. Going through each important requirement and really trying to understand what it means; this is when the words ALL, DO NOT, DO, EXCEPT, WITHIN mean so much as they refer to the boundaries or what is exactly the government requires. I've read the Booklet 6 several times and yet when I speak to some Filipinos here in Australia they don't seem to agree with my interpretation. And so I'd go back and re-read it again and again.

Even the online forum members sometimes have different interpretation. But I love going through the forum board as I learn so much from the other Filipinos who went through the migration process, or are going through without the help of migration agents. There are also kindred spirit migration agents there who gives advice without a fee. These agents can be very expensive you see; the thing is you've got to do all the work anyway and they'll just tell you what papers you need to get/prepare. But one agent suggested to read the booklets and EVERYTHING is in there - so that's what I'm doing. Jhaya, a Filipino friend here in Melbourne was able to help his brother migrate here without the help of an agent and so he also gives me some important tips. Thanks Jhaya.

In the state of Victoria the government has a site called "Live in Victoria". You'll find here several helpful information on what skills the government is in need of. Here's the list:

Accountant
Motor Mechanic
Automotive Electrician
Panel Beater
Vehicle Painter
Carpenter & Joiner
Fibrous Plasteres
Roof Slater & Tiler
Bricklayer
Solid Plasterer
General Plumber
Research & Development Manager (Biotechnology)
Life Scientist (Biotechnology)
Child Care Coordinator
Electrician (Special Class)
Electrical Powerline Tradesperson
Electronic Instrument Tradesperson
Electroni Equipment Trade (Radio & TV only)
Civil Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Electronics Engineer
Mining Engineer (excluding petroleum)
General Mechanical Engineering Tradesperson
Environmental Health Officer
Cabinet Maker
Furniture Upholsterer
Hairdresser - kulang sila sa manggugupit!
Dentist
Occupational Therapist
Shipwright
Boat Builder & Repairer
Mathematician
Statistician
Extractive Mettalurgist
Registered Nurse
Registered Midwide
Registered Mental Health Nurse
Hospital Pharmacist
Retail Pharmacist
Physiotherapist
Podiatrist
Medical Diagnostic Radiographer (Medical Imaging Technologist)
Radiation Therapist
Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Sonographer
Speech Pathologist
Nursery Person
Production Horticulture
Head Chef
Chef
Pastry Chef
Cook
Information Technology Manager
Applications & Analyst Programmer
Computer Systems Auditor
Systems Programmer
Fitter (Fabrication Engineering)
Metal Machinist (First Class)
Toolmaker
Metal Fabricator (Boilermaker)
Welder (First Class)
Sheet Metal Worker (First Class)
Refrigeration & Airconditioning Mechanic
Chemists
Physicists
Natural & Physical Science Professionals
Engineer - Engineering Technologists
Biomedical Engineer
Pre-Primary School Teacher, Kindergarten Teacher
Secondary School Teachers
Urban & Regional Planner

So if you or anyone you know is interested in migrating here to Melbourne refer them to the three sites: Australian Immigration, Live in Victoria, and Filipinos in Australia Forum - and let them go through it. There are a number of success stories wherein they applied directly to regional Victoria and got approved. For my brother's case, I just wanted him to get the documents sorted out quickly so I can submit it to Adelaide. Hay naku, buhay probinsya ang bagal na naman ng mga lakarin! Cheers and Happy Wednesday!

Matter of Taste by Matthew Sutherland

2005-09-13T17:57:00.000+10:00

I received this email from a Filipina friend, Masel, who is now based in Dubai. I thought I should post it here as it is really funny. Those of you western expats married to Filipinos, you will relate to Matthew's story. Matt Sutherland is a British journalist stationed in the Philippines... His observations are so hilarious!!!! This was written in 1999. (Photo: family & friends in the Philippines eating some balut!)

I have now been in this country for over six years, and consider myself in most respects well assimilated. However, there is one key step on the road to full assimilation, which I have yet to take, and that's to eat BALUT. The day any of you sees me eating balut, please call immigration and ask them to issue me a Filipino passport. Because at that point there will be no turning back. BALUT, for those still blissfully ignorant non-Pinoys out there, is a fertilized duckegg.

It is commonly sold with salt in a piece of newspaper, much like English fish and chips, by street vendors usually after dark, presumably so you can't see how gross it is. It's meant to be anaphrodisiac, although I can't imagine anything more likely to dispel sexual desire than crunching on a partially formed baby duck swimming innoxious fluid. The embryo in the egg comes in varying stages of development, but basically it is not considered macho to eat one without fully discernable feathers, beak, and claws. Some say these crunchy bits are the best. Others prefer just to drink the so-called 'soup', the vile, pungent liquid that surrounds the aforementioned feathery fetus...excuse me; I have to go and throw up now. I'll be back in a minute.

Food dominates the life of the Filipino. People here just love to eat. They eat at least eight times a day. These eight official meals are called, in order: breakfast, snacks, lunch, merienda, pica-pica, pulutan, dinner, and no-one-saw-me-take-that-cookie-from-the-fridge-so-it-doesn't-count. The short gaps in between these mealtimes are spent eating Sky Flakes from the open packet that sits on every desktop. You're never far from food in the Philippines . If you doubt this, next time you're driving home from work, try this game. See how long you can drive without seeing food and I don't mean a distant restaurant, or a picture of food. I mean a man on the sidewalk frying fish balls, or a man walking through the traffic selling nuts or candy. I bet it's less than one minute.

Here are some other things I've noticed about food in the Philippines. Firstly, a meal is not a meal without rice - even breakfast. In the UK, I could go a whole year without eating rice. Second, it's impossible to drink without eating. A bottle of San Miguel just isn't the same without gambas or beef tapa. Third, no one ventures more than two paces from their house without baon and a container of something cold to drink. You might as well ask a Filipino to leave home without his pants on. And lastly,where I come from, you eat with a knife and fork. Here, you eat with a spoon and fork. You try eating rice swimming in fish sauce with a knife.

One really nice thing about Filipino food culture is that people always ask you to SHARE their food. In my office, if you catch anyone attacking their baon, they will always go, "Sir! KAIN TAYO!" ("Let's eat!"). This confused me, until I realized that they didn't actually expect me to sitdown and start munching on their boneless bangus. In fact, the polite response is something like, "No thanks, I just ate."

But the principle is sound - if you have food on your plate, you are expected to share it, however hungry you are, with those who may be even hungrier. I think that's great. In fact, this is frequently even taken one step further. Many Filipinos use "Have you eaten yet?" ("KUMAIN KA NA?") as a general greeting, irrespective of time of day or location.

Some foreigners think Filipino food is fairly dull compared to other Asian cuisines. Actually lots of it is very good: Spicy dishes like Bicol Express (strange, a dish named after a train); anything cooked with coconut milk; anything KINILAW; and anything ADOBO. And it's hard to beat the sheer wanton, cholesterolic frenzy of a good old-fashioned LECHON de leche feast. Dig a pit, light a fire, add 50 pounds of animal fat on a stick, and cook until crisp. Mmm, mmm... you can actually feel your arteries constricting with each successive mouthful.

I also share one key Pinoy trait ---a sweet tooth. I am thus the only foreigner I know who does not complain about sweet bread, sweet burgers, sweet spaghetti, sweet banana ketchup, and so on. I am a man who likes to put jam on his pizza. Try it!

It's the weird food you want to avoid. In addition to duck fetus in the half-shell, items to avoid in the Philippines include pig's blood soup (DINUGUAN); bull's testicle soup, the strangely-named "SOUP NUMBER FIVE" (I dread to think what numbers one through four are); and the ubiquitous, stinky shrimp paste, BAGOONG, and it's equally stinky sister, PATIS. Filipinos are so addicted to these latter items that they will even risk arrest or deportation trying to smuggle them into countries like Australia and the USA, which wisely ban the importation of items you can smell from more than 100 paces.

Then there's the small matter of the blue ice cream. I have never been able to get my brain around eating blue food; the ubiquitous UBE leaves me cold.

And lastly on the subject of weird food, beware: that KALDERETANG KAMBING (goat) could well be KALDERETANG ASO (dog)...

The Filipino, of course, has a well-developed sense of food. Here's a typical Pinoy food joke: "I'm on a seafood diet. "What's a seafood diet?" "When I see food, I eat it!"

Filipinos also eat strange bits of animals --- the feet, the head, the guts, etc., usually barbecued on a stick. These have been given witty names,like "ADIDAS" (chicken's feet); "KURBATA" (either just chicken's neck, or "neck and thigh" as in "neck-tie"); "WALKMAN" (pigs ears); "PAL" (chicken wings); "HELMET" (chicken head); "IUD" (chicken intestines), and "BETAMAX" (video-cassette-like blocks of animal blood). Yum, yum. Bon appetit.

"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches" -- (Proverbs 22:1)

WHEN I arrived in the Philippines from the UK six years ago, one of the first cultural differences to strike me was names. The subject has provided a continuing source of amazement and amusement ever since.

The first unusual thing, from an English perspective, is that everyone here has a nickname. In the staid and boring United Kingdom, we have nicknames in kindergarten, but when we move into adulthood we tend, I am glad to say, to lose them.

The second thing that struck me is that Philippine names for both girls and boys tend to be what we in the UK would regard as overbearingly cutesy for anyone over about five. Fifty-five-year-olds colleague put it. Where I come from, a boy with a nickname like Boy Blue or Honey Boy would be beaten to death at school by pre-adolescent bullies, and never make it to adulthood. So, probably, would girls with names like Babes, Lovely, Precious, Peachy or Apples. Yuk, ech ech.

Here, however, no one bats an eyelid. Then I noticed how many people have what I have come to call "door-bell names". These are nicknames that sound like -well, doorbells. There are millions of them. Bing, Bong, Ding,and Dong are some of the more common. They can be, and frequently are, used in even more door-bell-like combinations such as Bing-Bong, Ding-Dong,Ting-Ting, and so on. Even one of our senator has a doorbell named Ping. None of these doorbell names exist where I come from, and hence sound unusually amusing to my untutored foreign ear.

Someone once told me that one of the Bings, when asked why he was called Bing, replied, "because my brother is called Bong". Faultless logic. Dong, of course, is a particularly funny one for me, as where I come from "dong" is a slang word for well; perhaps "talong" is the best Tagalog equivalent.

Repeating names was another novelty to me, having never before encountered people with names like Len-Len, Let-Let, Mai-Mai, or Ning-Ning. The secretary I inherited on my arrival had an unusual one: Leck-Leck. Such names are then frequently further refined by using the "squared" symbol, as in Len2 or Mai2. This had me very confused for a while.

Then there is the trend for parents to stick to a theme when naming their children. This can be as simple as making them all begin with the same letter, as in Jun, Jimmy, Janice, and Joy.

More imaginative parents shoot for more sophisticated forms of assonance or rhyme, as in Biboy, Boboy, Buboy, Baboy (notice the names get worse the more kids there are-best to be born early or you could end up being a Baboy).

Even better, parents can create whole families of, say, desserts (ApplePie, Cherry Pie, Honey Pie) or flowers (Rose, Daffodil, Tulip). The main advantage of such combinations is that they look great painted across your trunk if you're a cab driver. That's another thing I'd never seen before coming to Manila -- taxis with the driver's kids' names on the trunk.

Another whole eye-opening field for the foreign visitor is the phenomenon of the "composite" name. This includes names like Jejomar (for Jesus, Joseph and Mary), and the remarkable Luzviminda (for Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, believe it or not). That's a bit like me being called something like "Engscowani" (for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). Between you and me, I'm glad I'm not.

And how could I forget to mention the fabulous concept of the randomly inserted letter 'h'. Quite what this device is supposed to achieve, I have not yet figured out, but I think it is designed to give a touch of class to an otherwise only averagely weird name. It results in creations like Jhun, Lhenn, Ghemma, and Jhimmy. Or how about Jhun-Jhun (Jhun2)?

How boring to come from a country like the UK full of people with names like John Smith. How wonderful to come from a country where imagination and exoticism rule the world of names.

Even the towns here have weird names; my favorite is the unbelievably named town of Sexmoan (ironically close to Olongapo and Angeles). Where elsein the world could that really be true? Where else in the world could the head of the Church really be called Cardinal Sin? Where else but the Philippines!

Note: Philippines has a senator named Joker, and it is his legal name.

Grabeh! Tawang-tawa ako lalo na don sa mga names - at yong ech-ech. Di ba ek-ek! yon? Ewan. Kakaloka lang mag-describe tong mga puti tungkol sa kultura natin!

Another Birthday Party...

2005-09-12T19:19:00.000+10:00

Warning: this is a long one – I wrote it as a real personal entry and a letter to my family in the Philippines and I’ve got details that you may not be interested about. Self reflection and other bits. Better just check the photos of the Sunday's party here.

Friends...
The party last Sunday was great – tasty dishes, great company, but weather was so-so. Melbourne weather was at it again – four seasons in a day! Around 12 noon guests started to arrive – Mac & Pat from Mt Eliza and Graham & Vanessa from Geelong (both places about an hour away from our place). These are friends of hubby for a long time but haven’t had the chance to catch up with for months now. In my case, years as I’ve met Mac & Pat when hubby & I were still on the dating stages back in 97, while Graham & Vanessa I last saw in 99 I think. Am so glad they arrived earlier as it gave us time to really catch up with each other. The two ladies ended up asking me about feng shui and that I should do a full evaluation of their property & nutritional supplements, which is really interesting because they do ask and open up these issues. My house practically shouts that anyway – you’d see influences of feng shui elements and I have a side table display of the products I distribute. After half an hour or so – Geoff’s friends and other guests arrived and I forgot the order with which they arrived. I just realised at one point that I have to prepare the appetizers as hubby reminded me that perhaps I should feed the guests as he was already serving drinks…

Pets...
Served the chips & nibbles, satays and spring rolls… and more drinks. While I was very busy in the kitchen, Louis was very excited to see guests and the kids. He loves giving face washes especially to Ethan (Geoff’s grandson) so we had to make sure that they’re not in the same room together. I felt very sorry for my Louis as he stayed outside in the rain most of the time. But he did play with the kids, but then the kids got bored and so Louis was left alone in the garden. So when hubby was not looking I’d feed Louis satays, chips, kabanas & salami – yummy! He was very happy but Sandra, Geoff’s niece wasn’t very happy: “I don’t like this dog, he’s a spoiled brat!” I replied: “Whatever! But don’t tell your Uncle Geoff.” Hehehe

Appreciation...
And then Jhaya & Norbert arrived – so I asked Jhaya to help me out organise the table & cutlery and Norbert to go introduce himself to people and socialise. Jhaya, next to hubby, was the only guest who commented on my green/white theme. I honestly appreciate it when people make a positive comment on things (there’s always a way of making a not so positive comment to something very positive). I do admit that I’m a very critical person and I do share my criticism to hubby and closed friends (pintasera pero tago! Hahaha); but one thing I’ve learned is when I know that people took extra time & effort to make and organise things I make sure that I’d say something very positive. I want them to feel that they’ve done an excellent job and I appreciate the effort, etc. But if that person is a really really close one, I’d be very honest; otherwise, I just make no comment at all.

Another thing I’ve learned from hosting parties is asking for feedback. I ask guests: “What did you think of this and that? Is it good?” I always ask in the positive – Is it good, do you like it, can you taste the chilli, etc… I never ask “Is it okay, or bad?” That way, they’d always say the RIGHT things.

Of self-image & the art of socialising...
Parties are interesting too in that I’d observe people when they socialise – how they interact with others, and whether they stick to people their age or they move around the room and talk to everyone. It’s in situations like this that I gauge whether a person has a high self-esteem or not. Am no psychologist or social scientist, but I’ve been to several events and hosted one and read several Cosmo & O (Oprah) magazines that it has become second nature for me to observe people socialise. For me a person with a very positive self-image is definitely amiable and that makes people around them comfortable, hence they tend to be liked and appreciated. Nevertheless, as the host I try my best to ensure the guests are looked after. However at the end of the day, it’s their own personalities that will decide whether they’ll have a great time or not in any social functions, albeit business events too.

Family functions & issues...
And then there’s the family drama and/or friends drama – not that last Sunday’s party had elicited some “situations”. Hubby’s ex-wife was invited together with her new partner and of course introductions would go like “Mrs S here is ex-wife’s hubby.” And some of my friends do raise their eyebrows. But seriously am cool with that – after all I met hubby at a time when he was already separated (I know am rationalising, but f-ck! That’s the truth anyway.) I guess we can remain social friends or more as we’re always reunited between family functions, birthdays, etc – for sure we’d say something (bitchy?!) about each other to other people but such is the nature of divorce and ex-s and new partners (add to that concerns of inter-racial marriage). Besides, she’s a nice person and I wouldn’t make hubby’s life too complicated. Oh, and I like her new beau too - he's a real nice down-to-earth Aussie bloke and he is genuinely interested and appreciates Asian culture.

It's not always perfect...
Back to the party, everyone (I think) enjoyed the meal, which they should be as I’ve marinated the meat for 3 days and they were really tasty. But of course there’s always something unpleasant - at one point we ran out of white wine – I thought they were more into red but it turned out almost half of the guests preferred white. So bugger! Hubby had to run to Wollies and get those white. And then the gas for the bbq run out and so had to get a new one. And it rained the whole afternoon, which forced everyone to be inside the house. Crap!!! Hubby was very busy Saturday pruning and cleaning up the garden and then the guests were not able to enjoy outside and see his plants and his shed.

As the last guests left I put food on a platter and headed to our dear neighbour – a couple who is brothers and sisters and retired. We’ve invited them several times to join us but they seem to be very shy so I always make sure they get a piece of the menu or so. Besides Stan has always been available to look after the cats when we’re off for long weekends; anyone who LIKES my cats, I like! J One of my many rules in life.

After party clean-up...
The last stage in a party is the most horrible one – cleaning up. As always, I told hubby to just sit his arse off somewhere and rest as when he’s had enough red he throws things thinking it’s all crap! I prefer to do clearing up myself as I feel am more organised – yup, I have a system on cleaning up. True enough – while trying to help me, he threw my concoction of champagne and orange juice on the sink!!! I needed a drink while cleaning up, bugger! So I said swear words in Tagalog; he said “to you too!” and went in the lounge and watched cricket instead. Poor Pepper & Jamie – they went down to see us when they realised guests had left and everything’s quiet. They’re anti-social cats, sometimes very much like their mom. The 2 cats are always stressed as Bayley, hubby’s granddaughter, would try and find them in the bedroom. So the cats were with me when I was cleaning and doing the dishes, which is not convenient at all as they want to parade around the breakfast table and around the kitchen sink. In the lounge, I was freaking as I can’t find my pretty cushions!!! The kids were there playing house and using my big Thai bed cushions (the triangle) and my beaded cushion covers! OMG! My house is not really child-friendly: I’ve got several knick-knacks and antique furniture that it’s awful to see my treasure finds being played with. Susmaryosep, aatakihin ako! Eventually found it and I know I need to sew back some of the beads. Next time I better get these kids some real toys to play with - badminton sets or something they can play with outside in the garden. I’ve finished cleaning up 11:30 pm, sat down and had a cuppa. Hubby’s already in bed snoring; the same with Louis. There, another party... til next year. Or this Christmas as hubby has already volunteered to host Christmas lunch...

Planning for a Party

2005-09-07T12:29:00.000+10:00

Last Monday, 5th of September, was hubby's birthday. I didn't really plan for a party or so as last year's party was a big one and I didn't want to go through planning another one this time. Besides I was thinking of having a big party for my birthday this year in December, for a change. Nyways, 3 weeks ago hubby and I decided that we'll just invite his family and a couple of "old" friends from Geelong - to keep it small and simple and so that we can have time to catch up with his friends. Well... as of today I think that my husband has managed to invite about 20+ already and the numbers keep going because each night he comes home he'd say something like, "oh, by the way, I invited so and so for Sunday." Am thinking: "F-ck! now I have to come up with a real plan!"

So I decided to have a BBQ menu - easy and simple. Called hubby's sister, his two daughters and his eX (yup, Mrs eX does excellent antipasto and chutneys) and asked them to bring a dish. 1st daughter says she'll make curried eggs which is very nice for bbq meat; 2nd daughter has a restaurant and a chef so volunteered to bring special dessert. Mrs eX to bring her specialty dish. And hubby's sister is in-charge of the green salad. I also have a very good Filipina friend who makes delicious spring rolls and she'll make a few for Sunday. I also ordered ube cake from a guy friend who supplies pastries and cakes to a Filipino restaurant, which I'll pick up on Friday. Bless them and bless real good friends!

The other day, I went to at least three Safeway's to get the meat and sausages that I wanted. Today, in-between work - updating our intranet and accounts, I was chopping garlic and making the marinade. And Louis wanted to play and have a walk!!! F-ck! I've got to finish these things today... Thursday, I'll have to make time to clean the house - clean the windows, dust the display cabinets (as am sure hubby will have to show guests his collectibles!), clean the toilets, put fresh linens in the guest rooms, change cushion covers, do more shopping - booze and nibbles. Or perhaps do the last minute shopping on Friday. More shopping?! You see, I hate to be running out of food when I host dinners or parties. My mom always tells me to prepare more than what's required. Hence I always prepare for a whole army! I know for sure that if you look into my fridge and cupboard you'd say that I have enough supplies. But that's just me. I love abundance!

The menu for Sunday:
Appetizers - sliced vegetable sticks with dips, chips & nuts, spring rolls, dim sum, fresh spring rolls, chicken satay, mixed antipasto
Main - pork & lamb chops (in Filipino style bbq marinade), chicken fillets (chinese/malaysian meat marinade), prawns kebab
Side dish - green salad, coleslaw, curried eggs, chutney, pinoy pansit (of course!)
Dessert - ube cake & cheesecake
Selection of cheese & tropical fruit
Lots of beer, red, white & champagne!!!

No theme this year - but am thinking perhaps a mint green & white theme for spring... white tablecloth with green napkins, white votive candles and tie it with green ribbons, get some branches with lush green from the tree in the garden, have some white stones on a clear vase, have lots of green apple on a glass bowl, put sliced lime on a jug of water, hang some branches with greens and white ribbon as chandelier, have lots of clear glassware... any other ideas???

Christian Dior Shopping List for Ms Duke

2005-09-06T16:00:00.000+10:00

As promised, here's my shopping list for you Ms Duke in Turkey. (Please note prices in US$). Rule is not to wear the same designer head-to-toe, flashing logo accessories on every limb- you know what I mean?! So pick one - or you can have all, but mix & match it with your buys from Greenhills tiangge or Zara or even Target. And make sure that you provide a worthy backdrop to showcase the piece, like a frame around an exquisite painting. Cheers!

Dior Trotter Romantique Large Zipped Bag - just the right size for your "kikay" kits & other essentials; colour is neutral so it should go with your wardrobe pretty well, and the touch of velvet ribbon and satin flower makes the bag very feminine. You MUST wear it with that ladylike (no slouching plz!) ultra-feminine look...
$990.00
With an elegant trapezoidal shape and demure detailing, Dior's large tote is a gorgeous new variation on the classic Dior Logo bags. A textile flower rests atop the logo coated canvas, while a darling velvet bow softens the bold modernity of the polished silver metal links.
- Dior Logo coated canvas with smooth leather trim and velvet piping / Polished silver metal chain link shoulder straps with velvet woven through links and covering leather shoulder pieces / Velvet bow and textile-and-velvet flower on bag front / Full zip closure / Tiny CD rivets / Fine textile lining with zipped pocket / 14.2" x 9" x 4.25"

Dior Trotter Romantique Mule - goes perfectly with the handbag but is cool with your other handbags in that same family of colours or complementary ones...
$495.00
Dior's romantic mule sets a big pouf of a flower with textile and velvet petals over a subdued logo canvas. Smooth leather trim leaves alluring peek-a-boo cutouts and adds to the very feminine polish.
- Dior Logo coated canvas with smooth leather trim / Textile-and-velvet flower by toes / Pointed toe / Smooth leather insoles and soles / 2.5" leather-covered heel / Made in Italy

In case you want some EXTRA...
Dior Glossy Sunglasses - just an add-on in case you're out in the sun or just want to have that "I don't want to be noticed by the paparazzi" look when you're out in town... (feeling! hahaha)
$230.00
Dior modernizes the classically chic large frames with a subtly rounded, wrap-like curve. Beveled edges create stylish contours that work beautifully with just about any face shape. With a glossy finish and a signature touch of Dior glamour at the temples.
- Curved and beveled plastic frames / Polished metal "Dior" at temples: silver on black frames; gold on Havana frames (you're having the gold!) / Full sun protection / Made in Italy

Dior Tag Ring - a touch of gold on your right ring finger (in case you don't want to wear your rocks and blings)
$90.00
With its simple polished band, open square loop, and shining plaque, this modern ring adds a touch of sparkle to any occasion . The tag reads "Dior 1947 New Look," in homage to the House's celebrated heritage.
- Polished silver or gold metal / Embossed metal tag

Product description courtesy of www.eluxury.com

The Wish and The Benz E-Class

2005-09-02T15:29:00.000+10:00

10th August - put an entry on my blog on my luxury wish list, one of the cars featured was the Mercedes-Benz E-Class

12th August - hubby saw my wish list and says the Merc looks good

between 13th & 26th August - hubby talked about how a colleague had a BMW and now driving a Merc in Sydney, and that another colleague in Melbourne has a Merc, etc. Then suddenly saying "Oh well, am not at all excited with Bill (that's the name of the beemer) and I want a lighter colour and more luxury, etc... I want to check out some Mercs..." And I said, "like the one in my list? Check out the E-class series then." I always think the beemers are for yuppies while the mercs are for more mature people with money who wants luxury, real luxury. :)

27th August - Asked a good friend to hook hubby up with a good car dealer...

29th August - Hubby went to see the dealer and came back at night driving a second hand E-Class 240... but was not very happy with it because there's a "funny" sound coming from the left side tire ...

30th August - Went to another Merc dealer and checked some more... Returned the car to the dealer; dealer says perhaps he wanted a brand new one; hubby says, yes and would love to try one. Came back home at night and I was expecting Bill the BMW525i, our old car. I said, "Where's Bill? I miss him already." He was driving a silver beemer... Me thinks, OH NO! Hubby says, "tried the brand new E-class 200 and liked it; made a deal and bought the car!"

31st August - Bill II is home - he looks absolutely gorgeous! classic silver... exactly the colour hubby wanted. Of course we had to take him for a drive. To celebrate we went for a drive to KFC! Bought the duo-pack for dinner... Bill's first night with us and a bag of KFC, chips, gravy and pepsi... jeeezzz. I love Hillary, my Toyota Camry, but I absolutely adore Bill II. So much for wishing... hence I must be careful what I wish for... dahling, where's my Tiffany Atlas ring???

Cheers! and HAPPY FRIDAY!

Dilbert's Words of Wisdom

2005-09-01T17:59:00.000+10:00

This is so true... For all of you who works with other people, read on Dilbert's Words of Wisdom:

I can only please one person per day. Today is not your day. Tomorrow is not looking good either. (I remember a friend, Mrs Wacker, this is YOU talking to your subordinates... hehehe)
I love deadlines. I especially like the whooshing sound they make as they go flying by.
Tell me what you need, and I'll tell you how to get along without it.
Accept that some days you are the pigeon and some days the statue.
Needing someone is like needing a parachute. If he isn't there the first time, chances are you won't be needing him again.
I don't have an attitude problem, you have a perception problem. (hahaha - I say this a lot to other people... ang sungit ko!)
On the keyboard of life, always keep one finger on the escape key.
I don't suffer from stress. I am a carrier.
You are slower than a herd of turtles stampeding through peanut butter.
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level then beat you with experience.
A pat on the back is only a few centimetres from a kick in the butt.
Don't be irreplaceable - if you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted. (True!!!)
After any salary raise, you will have less money at the end of the month than you did before.
The more crud you put up with, the more crud you are going to get.
You can go anywhere you want if you look serious and carry a clipboard.
Eat one live toad the first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you for the rest of the day.
When bosses talk about improving productivity, they are never talking about themselves. (bwahaha - of course!)
If at first you don't succeed, try again. Then quit. No use being a darn fool about it.
There will always be beer cans rolling on the floor of your car when the boss asks for a ride home from the office.
Everything can be filed under 'miscellaneous'.
Never delay the ending of a meeting or the beginning of a cocktail hour.
To err is human, to forgive is not our policy.
Anyone can do any amount of work provided it isn't the work he/she is supposed to be doing.
Important letters that contain no errors will develop errors in the mail.
If you are good, you will be assigned all the work. If you are really good, you will get out of it.
You are always doing something marginal when the boss drops by your desk.
People who go to conferences are the ones who shouldn't.
If it wasn't for the last minute, nothing would get done. (This is me at work - why is it that I always produce more when rushing?)
At work, the authority of a person is inversely proportional to the number of pens that person is carrying.
When you don't know what to do, walk fast and look worried. (hehehe - kunyari tuliro sa dami-dami ginagawa)
Following the rules will not get the job done. Getting the job done is no excuse for not following the rules.
When confronted by a difficult problem you can solve it more easily by reducing it to the question, "How would the Lone Ranger handle this?"
The last person that quit or was fired will be held responsible for everything that goes wrong.

HAVE A GREAT THURSDAY!

BRANGELINA - Mr & Mrs Smith

2005-08-31T17:13:00.000+10:00

Realising I haven't been reading the news lately, I thought must visit Ted Casablanca and the other guys at eOnline and say hi and ask wazzup with the beautiful people in Hollywood. Tab Fab's Jefferson Reid has this "Scoop of the Week" bout BRANGELINA ... Am no fan of the new couple but like you gossipy guys 'n' gals I MUST know what's going on.

Pat Answers--Babbling to Babs: In the wake of Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston's divorce becoming final, all the mags have amped up the Brangelina speculation machine. Romance, reproduction, remarriage--what's up? Well, the National Enquirer's spies report that Brad has secretly enlisted the help of superflack Pat Kingsley who, you'll recall, handled Tom Cruise for years--before Cruise jumped the couch. The mag's source says Flackula's hypnotic publicity powers have already helped her orchestrate an exclusive Brad and Angie TV visit to Barbara Walters this fall, where they'll talk about "love, life...and the kids they'll raise as man and wife." Set the TiVo now!

The couple is really "hot". See, Ms Jolie has been voted the "sexiest woman alive." FHM magazine and its readers voted Ms Jolie as the sexiest woman on the planet. And an Ananova.com poll revealed she is the women most British men wanted to have a French kiss. Not a surprise, considering her hot lips. And Brad? Well, do I say more... "You put the two hottest people on earth together and that's going to add up to a lot of heat," says Marc Malkin of The Insider tv show. Brad and Ms Jolie were voted the sexiest stars in a poll made by InStyle (2005).

Missing SATC...

2005-08-31T00:17:00.000+10:00

Carrie on money:
"I like my money right where I can see it... hanging in my closet."

Carrie on relationships:
"The most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you find someone to love the YOU you love, well, that's just fabulous."

This is one of my favourite episodes in SATC: Episode 66 "I Heart NY". In this episode Carrie gets glammed up for her last night with Mr Big, but the date was interrupted by a call from Miranda who's in labour. Carrie went to the hospital to help Miranda... Carrie rushes off to see Mr Big, but it's too late. In the apartment she finds the 'Moon River' record with a note reading "If you ever feel lonely" and a plane ticket to Napa. The photo above is the last scene in the episode where Carrie strolls down Park Avenue. Am loving what Carrie is wearing here: Michael Kors diaphanous pleated georgette and lace dress, a rainbow-metallic brocade MoMo Falana coat, and ruffle cascade Christian Louboutin stilettos.

Beauty For All Ages

2005-08-30T12:01:00.000+10:00

"Beauty comes in all colors, shapes and sizes. It's a state of mind, a positive outlook and a way of living. It's about being who you are. Looking your best is simple and achievable - it takes a few easy steps and the right products."

- Bobbi Brown (www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com)

I love make-up and one of my fave brands is Bobbi Brown. This month Brown's company is celebrating the paperback launch of best-selling "Bobbi Brown Beauty Evolution." The book talks about Bobbi's secrets to looking and feeling your best no matter what your age. My first Brown book is the "Bobbi Brown Beauty: The Ultimate Beauty Resource", which I keep as my beauty bible. Even my make-up teacher (yes, I went to beauty school!) recommended the book. I've learned so much from this book - how to do makeup fast, how to handle bad beauty days, how to get out of a makeup rut... and that the foundation with a yellow tone looks better on almost everyone, no matter what your colouring.

I started wearing makeup when I got my first job - the girl has to look good! Back then I was into cheap stuff; in fact I'd buy from the SM beauty corner brands such as Ever Bilena, Aido, Avon from an officemate and other not-so-popular brands. Then I started reading Cosmo and other imported magazines - that's when I gradually moved to Revlon, L'Oreal, Neutrogena and other pharmacy-brand make-up. I was also introduced to VMV; love VMV especially their Armada line... I still buy VMV whenever I go back home to the PI. Then gradually upgraded to known skincare brands that carries a make-up line such as Clinique, Lancome, Estee Lauder... For a not-too-pricey alternative, I love The Body Shop make-up line and I've got ALL their make-up brushes. When I moved to HongKong I was introduced to several other makeup brands. I was also attending more social and business functions then that I realised I need to seriously think about my make-up. So I read more magazines and researched about the best brands - according to at least 5 make-up artists I've met in HK (2 is from Paris) they highly recommend the following:

MAC
Make-up Forever
Bobbi Brown
Laura Mercier
Napoleon Perdis

For a beginner in makeup, Bobbi Brown's line excels in its offerings of superior foundations, true matte blushes and eyeshadows and all of the other basics that really are essential to a woman's classic makeup wardrobe.

Spring Clean

2005-08-29T16:02:00.000+10:00

My weekend was definitely not a relaxing one as me and hubby (plus Louis) had been away for 2 days doing a lot of cleaning and gardening! Mid-morning on Saturday we headed to Ocean Grove - about 1 1/2 hours drive from the city. Had a quick coffee + chat + checked the house & extension work of a friend & her partner (my hubby's ex actually) :] ... Nyways after some timtams and cappuccino, a 2-minute drive and we were in our property. The house is in a mess - in my mind I was cursing the previous 2 tenants and the real estate agent. I need to do some serious Feng Shui ceremonies in it to get rid of whatever bad element in the place. Hubby and I decided we're not having that house rented again; we're keeping it for our own use and/or perhaps rent it out during Christmas/summer season when there's a higher demand and we get more return. A few hours of pruning, weeding and grass cutting - the garden looks so much better. But the house itself needs a lot of cleaning and fixing, which we'll do next time.

The next day, we did some more weeding and cleaning. This time it's hubby's daughter's very big property in Portarlington, half hour away from Ocean Grove. Together with another couple we did gardening et al for the whole day. It has been the longest time I did gardening and my bum, legs, arms and hands are sore. Hubby already had a few bottles of beer so I was the designated driver; I was not very excited with the long drive back to the city. We we're home half past 10 pm and even poor Louis is so flat tired he went straight to his bed! I'm typing this entry and it's taking me so slow I feel like a beginner in a typing class. I'll have to post pictures of the two properties we've worked on later... in the meantime, I've got to do some work in my office now. HAPPY MONDAY!

Spring/Summer Must-Haves from BEBE

2005-08-25T21:34:00.000+10:00

Am loving this season's accesories: ethnic. Key pieces include Tribal, Animal and other Ethnic styled jewellery. The chunky bracelets, earrings and necklaces - tribal beads whether wooden, bone or plastic - will be great with classic staples like jeans and solid-colored tank tops. With the accessories, fashionistas say that "The more the merrier." Now good thing in my last trip to the PI, went to Greenhills tiangge and got me some accessories... and will get some more from the Sunday Camberwell Market (because you can get them bargain)...

Of course, love the irresistable wedge too. The Divinity sandal is soooo divine - it's out of stock at bebe.com!!!

L- R:
(1) Divinity Sandal Leather cross straps sandal with studded sunburst pattern wrapping wedge heel. Buckled ankle strap with curvy scoop at heel. Padded suede leather insole. 4"

(2) Chunky Necklace Graduated contoured beads form chunky design. 32" length.

(3) Inlaid Wooden Bangles Polished wooden bangles embellished with metal accents and decorative woods

(4) Sahara Sandal Center-ring accent with studded leather straps on sandal upper. Narrow leather ties extend from "T" back and wrap ankle. Layered wooden heel with rope trim.

Take The Tests and Let Me Know The Results...

2005-08-24T22:12:00.000+10:00

The online tests at QuizFarm.com are so cool I really would like the following to do some of these tests:

Knoizki - Which Clothes Store/Brand Are You?
Jhaya - Which Miss Universe 2005 Contestant Are You?
Duke - What Dessert Are You? AND What Sport Are You Meant For?
Dark - Punk, Popular or Geek?
Pep - What Music Speaks to You?
Grace - What Does Your Soul Say About Your Eyes?

Cheers and have a great day!

Which Clothes Store/Brand Are You?

2005-08-23T22:50:00.000+10:00

I took this test from QuizFarm, Which Clothes Store/Brand Are You? Here's the result:

You scored as Gucci.
You are Gucci. You are very trendy and up to the newest fashions. You spend lots of $ on your clothes to get the best there is.

Gucci ==== 63%
Juicy Couture ===== 50%
Hollister Co. ===== 50%
Louis Vuitton ===== 50%
Prada ===== 50%
American Eagle Outfitters ===== 42%
Abercrombie & Fitch ===== 21%
PacSun ===== 13%

REALITY: I haven't got any of these brands in my wardrobe as they're definitely too pricey. But I do have Gucci perfume and cologne - Gucci Rush, Gucci Rush 2 (true, there's a Rush 2!!!), Gucci Ii Pink and Envy Me. Louis Vuitton stuff are in my Wish List which should be on the left panel of this blog. Prada - I would love to have the new Prada shoes!

Timeline

2005-08-22T20:52:00.000+10:00

Am a bit hesitant doing this, but I thought this should be a fun exercise… Besides, I enjoyed reading other’s entry… thanks to Ms Duke. Now here’s my life in a snapshot.

20 YEARS AGO:
Missed high school graduation as me and dad had to travel to Manila to take the entrance exam for UST. So I actually don’t have a diploma and the other bits and pieces they put on you as credits. On the way back home at the bus station, met a classmate and informed me that my name is on the list for Peyups admissions. Dad was happy as it would be cheaper to put me in the public school as they couldn't just afford all the school fees. Good thing there were scholarships for struggling students like me. Dad and I went to UP Los Banos for my enrollment – within a day, we finished the registration with dad helping me figure out what subjects to take (for ince he suggested I take bowling as my PE!) and getting me a boarding room. After a week in the dorm, I decided to transfer to Women’s Residence Hall which is a bigger dorm than where I was. Besides all my classmates seem to live there, and it’s near the Men’s Residence Hall! By August, I was already involved with the Campus Crusade for Christ (a roommate is a member and she was very persistent and very nice too!) – I thought if I wanted to finish my 4-year course I need to be affiliated with some group in the campus. Didn’t join any sorority group though as I was too scared to be initiated; but I ended up being friends with some of them to make sure I get access to review test papers. Attended Explo’85, a worldwide video conference for evangelism and discipleship training that linked 97 countries, held in Manila. Life-changing experience that was!
Favourite meals: instant noodles with egg, miswa with sardines, skyflakes and tang orange juice (tinitimpla), any free meal from a party or gathering!
Fashion: lots of hair spray on the bangs (naka-tiss? pa yon ha!), white shirt, jeans and tsinelas.

15 YEARS AGO:
Already in my second job with an NGO in Manila. Was very impressed with a lady boss and all her graduate degrees from overseas – I said to meself, I will do MBA in the future (in my dreams, right?) Started to “seriously” date – oh well, decided to see someone exclusively. But at that time I thought why be exclusive? They said that’s just how it is. But not according to my Cosmopolitan magazine. Started to read fashion and lifestyle magazines; but I’d do my shopping in Divisoria and Baclaran. My younger brother was a freshman in college in a uni in Manila. Trying to be a good older sister and already working (earning very little pesos) I asked “ading” to live with me and I took care of rents and groceries… we bonded really well as we shared our wins and challenges – he in his school and relationships and me at work and relationships. Up to now my “ading” and I are very close and am glad that he listens to whatever “ate” says. We’re both born in December and have the same Chinese zodiac sign – I guess that explains why we’re close.
Favourite meals: pata ng baboy with lots of white beans, monggo with vegies, more vegies, sardines & corned beef, free longanisa and tapa from the province (courtesy of mom).

10 YEARS AGO:
Already in my 3rd job in Hong Kong and I was working with really cool people. The office was very multi-cultural and all of my officemates studied overseas either in the US or UK so I was really scared and wondered whether I can get through the 3-month probation. I felt so insecure the first time. A month after and finishing a complete business case, I knew I’d made it as the boss said he’s "very happy" with my performance and that I was the first case writer that finished a case on time. Whatever! Got the renewal with promotion and more importantly, a raise that doubled my salary. Awesome! Because at that time, I was already hooked on shopping! Of course I sent some $$$ to Mom & Dad and to our local church in the Philippines. Feeling very confident with meself and with access to a huge database courtesy of our research centre, I decided to enroll in graduate business school (and still wanting to get a graduate degree as I didn’t finish my thesis for an MA in the Philippines because I got married and moved to HK). Got Pepper (my persian cat) and 5 months later got Jamie (my scottish-fold cat). Met some really cool Filipinos – I think it was this time when I hosted a huge party in our flat (46B, Pakin Toi, Tin Hau) – so friends whose birthday is in December, about 5 or six of us. Met KNOIZKI!
Favourite meals: sinigang na baboy, rice noodles with fish balls, Rat Alley dishes (those who are in HK you know what I mean), whatever Treena cooks, Jollibee (in Wanchai and Central).

5 YEARS AGO:
Moved to another flat, but also within the Tin Hau area. Still working for the research centre but now as freelance. Finished business school and decided to team with a classmate and talk about starting a business or something. Was actually not sure what I wanted to do – I just know I wanted to be my own boss. Read Napoleon Hill’s Think & Grow Rich, Tony Robbins’ Awaken the Giant Within and Unlimited Power, all of Brad Sugar’s books, a few of Robert Kiyosaki’s books, and several other self-development and wealth books. Decided to buy a franchise and start my own business; went for a two-week training in sunny Brisbane and came back to Hong Kong fully-charged and ready to start the biz. But dear hubby was not happy with life in busy Hong Kong – too stressful and there’s no quality of life he said. He wanted to go back to Oz. He was actually sick while I was away. Convinced him though to take a long break from work first before making any drastic decision – so at least I can have the opportunity to operate the franchise after my expensive training!
Favourite meals: any meals from a restaurant or take away as I was just too lazy to cook!

LAST YEAR:
Already in Oz and in settling in the new house. Got my P plates. Unpacked some of the boxes from Hong Kong (there’s still 1 box to unpack up to this date!) Was very busy decorating the new house. Hosted dinners and parties at home, and got invited to some. Met interesting people but am still looking for a “click” group. I haven’t got a real girlfriend – am getting more depressed… am missing my pinoy friends from Manila and from HK. Went to Italy for holiday - actually hubby attended an international board meeting and I tagged along. Attempted to be back in business with other people, but the relationship didn’t work so decided to get a job. Couldn’t get any offer for a job at all – even with simple jobs. So I joined several direct sales companies, just to do something. Getting very depressed and confused now, I contacted my previous boss if I could do some projects for him. I needed to do something to keep my brain working – well, aside from the Oprah and Dr Phil shows I watch and the fashion magazines I read, I needed some serious thinking!!! Learned to play golf; played once with hubby and he says I have a good swing :) and should pursue golfing seriously. I was planning for my parents to come here to visit us in Oz but mom said they’ll start processing papers after Christmas. But dad died on my birthday in December; obviously it wasn’t a very good Christmas for all in the family. Flew to the Philippines the following day and was with my family for 2 months. Last year was not a very good year for me…

THIS YEAR:
Got back to Oz early this year and still not sure what I wanted to do with my life – I’ve got no serious career to talk about. But God is good! “… In HIS time he makes all things beautiful in HIS time …” I keep reminding myself of my life verse:

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength.

They shall mount up with wings as eagles;

they shall run and not be weary;

and they shall walk and not be faint.”

Isaiah 40:31

Emailed a previous contact and asked if he’s got a project he can offer me or perhaps I can be his PA. 2 months after, he called and offered me a 3-month project management job. Eventually left the job after 2 weeks as the client has now become a biz partner. On the 8th of August, we launched our Internet company complete with a platform that has awesome functionalities. Am very proud of our team of programmers and developers. Now, I have to run and manage a real and serious business - can't be mocking around... So I got the hubby as the number 1 business adviser. Realised I haven’t done some serious shopping for clothes and shoes! Reading more fashion and lifestyle magazines, watching more TV… Reconciled with a longtime girlfriend from HK who also moved to Oz – so glad we’re friends again. But still wanting to find some “kikay” friends – I wanted more May, Jenny, Rome, Dobie, Jeanny, Masel, Treena, Rey, Soy, Patricia, & Mrs Wacker in my life… Get another pup so Louis can have a baby sister or brother.

Yesterday
M installed my new PC – so now I have a more powerful one (meaning I can download and upload more stuff and with faster speed). Transferred some of my files from my “old” Toshiba notebook to the new PC. Had a quick look at the new features (I was using Win98!) of the XP. So loving the new speed. Now I wish for a wireless environment, and I want a PDA!

Last Night
Had leftover shrimp and pumpkin curry with rice and a pot of green tea. Was not able to concentrate watching Grey’s Anatomy and 24 as I was busy transferring files from the notebook to the PC! Was also on the phone with a church mate, a very nice lady who am thinking of getting to know more. Forgot to take our vitamins after meal so decided to eat a packet of Maltesers with the vitamins at 10:30pm! (You see, can't take the vitamins on an empty stomach.) Hubby went to bed early while I spent an hour and a half transferring more files… yes am using a USB storage – but I’ve too much file to transfer. Read blogs of Duke and Knoizki.

Today
Organised my email contact list and files. Wrote emails to some. Made some more website reports and web proposals, which I will send tomorrow. Late afternoon – started writing this and it’s now time for me to cook dinner!

Tonight
Cook dinner! Watch CSI or maybe read blogs of friends. Or upload this entry. Watch Tru Calling at 11:30pm.

Tomorrow
Will have to do some more website proposal and web reports, email and contact prospects for the biz. Change my nail polish. Call some church mate and see if they’re interested to go out or have coffee and catch up. Plan the menu for the next month’s party. Start my diet so I’d look good for the party (that Charlie Brown dress has got to fit as am not buying any new dress!) I think am supposed to attend a business function – will have to check that, today. Buy cat food - OMG! Pepper & Jamie are going to be pissed off with mom...

NEXT YEAR:
Still have my P plate. Our biz doing very well (good revenue and profits $$$) and processes are systematised (susko! basta maayos na). Mom, ading and his family should now be here in Oz – so hubby and I can have long holidays (to visit Duke in Turkey and Pep in Scotland) and playing more golf!

5 – 10 YEARS FROM NOW:
I’ve already done this part with my Dream Worksheet that we were asked to do in one of my parttime biz. In general, aside from really wanting to provide a full and meaningful life for people that are dear to me and for me to be healthy (translate to = fitter and slimmer) and have time to do what I want (translate to = be a beauty editor or feng shui consultant or book author, amongst others), I’ve also got a long “luxury” wish list which I update every year.

K, that was such a long one. Time now for others to do this too, so am tagging:

Jaynir - fabuluso in Melbourne!
Darkblack - "walang magawa" in Pinas.
Pep - also a benz fan in Scotland.

I Miss My Nephews & Nieces

2005-08-17T11:29:00.000+10:00

KJ, Kyn, Gelyn & Kit

I have six pamangkins (3 each from my elder and younger brothers); 2 girls and 4 boys. In my last trip to the Philippines, I had the chance to spend more time with all of them - their lolo, my dad, died in December 2004 and so during that time the whole family spent most of the Christmas season and new year being together and appreciating each other's presence. Am not really good with kids - for ince, I would not know what to do once a baby starts crying although I'd try and pick up the baby; well at least I try! Good thing my pamangkins had their nannies. Dealing with 4-yr olds upwards I thought is easier as at that age they are able to tell you what's wrong with them or what they want - pretty straigtforward coming from kids that age. And I love that they're very candid - they'd tell you exactly what they think.

I actually enjoyed being with them and that's why I miss them terribly... Each night before they start watching some shows or before bedtime we'd play quiz-bee contest - maths, spelling, trivia. They enjoy that except I do run out of questions and so they'd go "si tita naman, kokonti ang tanong!" So I feel like preparing a lesson plan daily because of this activity every night. My 3-yr old nephew's favourite game, which I introduced, is using a magazine (it has to be a fashion mag!) and going through the pages and pointing items you like - an item that has got more "votes" of course wins - and the more wins you have on each page, you win. Pretty simple, right? But this simple game has caused some fights amongst the kids - seriously! Here's a sample conversation:

Kid 1: (pointing to an item on the page) this is mine!

Kid 2: (can't decide which item, but eventually points to an item on the page) hmmmm, this. this is mine!

Kid 3: (to kid #1) that's mine! i thought of it first... tita oh, nauna naman ako nag-isip eh!

Me: that's mine, i like that shoes -it looks better than the rest. (then to kid3): is that right, but honey you only thought about it you didn't point to the item- but you can always pick that with kid1.

Kid 4: hmmmm, pangit naman yan tita eh, ito sa kin mas maganda.... (that's not pretty enough tita, mine's better) (sobra arte pa yan! hahaha)

Kid 5: (cries!) why don't you guys give me a chance first! there's nothing left to choose from. (cries loudly now) I want to be the first to pick.

Me: hay naku, ang aarte nyo talaga - ok, sige na Kid 5 mamili ka na

Kid 1 & 2: oh no, why??? tsk tsk tsk

Kid 3: tita, spelling na lang ulit!

This incident happens every time we play - yup, I really played with them a lot. It was exhausting each time but I had fun. Each game has rules and I observe how each child plays and deals with each other. They say that you'll know a lot about a person by the way they play games... and I learned some lessons from them.

Winter, And Looking Forward To Spring

2005-08-12T16:24:00.000+10:00

Sobrang lamig talaga dito sa Melbourne - hay naku! Anak ng kamote! Palibhasa di ako sanay sa lamig - galing kasi ng sunny pinas. Naranasan ko na rin ang winter sa HK kaso tuwing december lang naman at hindi araw-araw na kagaya dito ngayon. Kaloka ha- Kaya naman ako eh tamad na lumabas ano. Dito sa bahay panay nga ang heating - grabe na naman ang gas bill namin nyan, sus - pero syempre minsan kelangan kong lumabas may bibilhin o pupuntahan. Siguro mga 3 layers na shirts tapos may wool coat pa pag lumabas ako - minsan may sumbrero! Kasi kung hindi maghapon ako may migraine gawa ng cold wind. Tapos ang ibang pipol ha, kahit na may sipon na ko eh naaamoy ko pa rin yong iba mukhang di naliligo- anu ba naman! ewww! Basta di ko feel ang winter.

Sorry dahling, back to English (sometimes it's better to be bitchin in tagalog)- I just wish winter season will be over soon. Am looking forward to spring! My office/study does not have much natural light that goes through so I'm really wishing to build my new office adjacent to the dining room. Also extend the new office so it becomes a new sunroom (where the current deck is). The photos above is how I want the sunroom to be. I want lots of natural light!!! Oh dear, dear, am dreamin' and wishin' again. But seriously now, I WILL have that office and sunroom built...

From Hillary to Luxury

2005-08-10T21:11:00.000+10:00

This is Hillary, my Toyota Camry Conquest station wagon 2002 model. Hillary is my first car and I do like her although I would have preferred having a smaller car or sedan. I find that with a loooooong car such as the wagon it's a challenge for me to park in tight spaces and do parallel park (this is one thing I'm not good at, especially parallel parking on busy Toorak, Burke & Riversdale roads). In the car, I also need a seat booster because am too small that I always have to pull my neck up to see where am heading when I park. Courtsey of moi, Hillary has already got some major (and minor) ding-dongs (scratches and dents) - actually it's those damn side gate fences and too tight spaces! $@#&%&* Poor Hillary she's got some unattractive patches, again courtesy of moi. In an attempt to hide from my hubby some of those "mini" accidents in parking lots, I'd quickly put on some coating on the fresh scratch. I didn't realise I had to "sand" the scratched area first before I apply the paint and/or coat. But of course!

Hillary has been very useful though. Hubby actually loves taking Hillary to his favourite "candy" store Bunnings because of the big spacious back of a wagon. Hillary has carried loads of stuff from the hardware store Bunnings and we've used her a lot when we move furniture and other heavy and big things between suburbs for example ... that's why Hillary is our "working" car while Bill, Geoff's beemer, is the "show" car.

For my next car, below are the three cars in my WISH LIST.

So am looking for style and status; but am not just after luxury cars (because they are so pricey), I also consider value and reliability. I would like a smaller a smaller car within a luxury status brand rather than a larger car from a brand with less panache. Ok, so here goes...

Audi A8

2005-08-10T20:14:00.000+10:00

Audi A8
Audi has built a reputation for sleek interior designs that walk the fine line between functionality and fashion, and the A8 is undoubtedly its best effort yet. Gorgeous wood inlays and soft suede trim highlight the doors and dashboard, while more subtle metallic accents add just enough contrast to keep things from looking too British.

Evolutionary styling changes give the A8 L a sleek but inoffensive new look.
High-quality materials combined with an intuitive layout make you instantly comfortable the moment you get in.
Nothing fancy in back, just clean, uncluttered lines that provide little cause for consternation unlike some "other" cars in this class.

(photo & description courtesy of edmunds.com)

BMW 6 Series

2005-08-10T19:39:00.000+10:00

BMW 6 Series
Coupe or convertible, the 6 Series is highly prized as well as priced. Though there are some sacrifices in practicality to be made in foregoing a sedan, the 645's flowing lines and exhilarating yet serene driving experience will make you forget all about its snug backseat. Those who can afford this BMW's $70K-plus price tag are in for a treat.

Superb handling for its size, smooth and quiet ride, exhilarating yet refined V8, beautifully rendered interior, supportive front seats, big trunk.
It may not be the sexiest coupe in the parking lot, but few offer a more exciting driving experience.
With a well-tuned suspension, Active Roll Stabilization and big meats, the 645Ci is much more adept in the corners than most cars its size.

(photo & description courtesy of edmunds.com)

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

2005-08-10T18:52:00.000+10:00

Mercedez-Benz E-Class
State-of-the-art safety and luxury features make the E-Class the one to beat. Voted Editors Most Wanted Sedan (at edmunds.com).

A powerful yet classy presence defines the current-generation E-Class Benzes, and it's the same for the latest addition to the family.
There's no sacrificing luxury for fuel economy, as can be seen by the opulently outfitted cabin where even the steering wheel is power-adjustable.
Thanks to recent advances in fuel-delivery technology, the words "performance" and "diesel" are no longer mutually exclusive.

(photo & description courtesy of edmunds.com)

Jack is Back in 24 Season 4

2005-08-08T17:23:00.000+10:00

Cheers!

This is a screenshot of Kiefer Sutherland, the lead star for the tv series 24, which is currently my desktop theme. He's got hundreds of other still and screen shots but this one is my favourite - classy & elegant. Am a big fan of the series and now am also a fan of Kiefer. 24 Season 4 is currently airing on the Seven network here in Oz. I've seen some of Kiefer's films before (my particular favourite is Flatliners) but it's only on the 24 series that I started to really like him and appreciate how good he is as an actor - oh well, not that am an expert in determining what's good acting and/or bad acting ... For example, on screen I feel that his eyes have so much emotion that without a dialogue you could tell how he feels on a particular scene. Even a slight movement of his face is very precise that it adds depth to a scene. I just love watching him - I think that his past movies where he played villains have helped him put a lot of raw emotion into Jack Bauer's character. In person, according to some of his co-stars and show producers, Kiefer is a nice, gentle, caring guy. Whatever! I think he's great. Here's what Joel Schumacher says about Mr Sutherland, which sums up how I feel about this great actor:

"Kiefer is a wonderful man and a fabulous character actor and that has been his strong point. Kiefer’s talent and career was not based on being the pretty young thing of the month. Even though Kiefer was amazingly good looking and still is a very good looking man, but when he was 18 and we did Lost Boys he was certainly one of the beautiful young boys around. He always had this much older soul in him and was capable of doing character roles even then. Sometimes people like Kiefer, as they get older they go through a cycle were they are cold for a while but then people discover their talents again and that's what has happened with his series, 24. Everybody woke up and said,‘Oh yeah, Kiefer Sutherland is a really great actor.’ I’ve done four movies with him, since he was 18, Phone Booth being the latest, and he’s one of the best actors of his age."

Scotland

2005-08-05T22:23:00.000+10:00

The map of Scotland.

Scotland is one of those places I must see and visit in the future. Forfar, Scotland is where my husband is originally from. He and his family moved to Australia in the 80s. He said that someday he will take me back to Scotland and show me his heritage. Hence am doing some reading and research and here's what I found on the Internet about Forfar and Scotland in general.

According to wikipedia.org, Forfar is located in the unitary authority of Angus in Scotland. It is a town of approximately 13,500 people. Forfar is the district capital and administrative centre of Angus and was the country capital of the former counties in Angus and its predecessor, Forfarshire. It is also the market town for the farms of Stratmore in central Angus. Below is some more information about Forfar:

The town is extremely old. According to Hector Boece, Pictish chiefs met at a castle by Forfar loch to plan how best to repel the Romans who invaded on several occasions between the first and fourth centuries AD. A "claimant" to the throne, the daughter of the leader of the MacWilliam Clan, who claimed descent from the Royal House of King Duncan II, had her brains dashed out on Forfar market cross in 1215 while still an infant.

Finding information on Forfar on google is not easy... So I tried to look for Angus and Dundee instead. I wanted to know what are the Must-See places in the area... According to visitbritain.com, a visit to the ancient lands of Angus and the city of Dundee combines a landscape of unspoiled Highland glens, beautiful rugged coastline and a vibrant cosmopolitan
city. The Angus Glens provide great walking, climbing and pony trekking, and are a magnet to birdwatchers and botanists, particularly Glen Cova. Kirriemuir is gateway to the glens and home to J M Barrie, creator of Peter Pan.

Explore the legacy of ancient peoples, kings and queens, adventurers and inventors. This area is also Scotland’s ancient and historic heartland, whose roots begin with some of Scotland’s ancient people – the Picts, the early Scottish Kings and the Declaration of Independence in 1320 and the ancestral home of the late Queen Mother at Glamis Castle, which is open to visitors.

A visit to the University City of Dundee is a must for culture seekers. Dundee roudly remembers its industrial and maritime heritage with award winning attractions such as the RRS Discovery, berthed at Discovery Point, which was the ship that made the first expedition to the Antarctic by Captain Scott, and Verdant Works – a heritage centre recalling the city’s industrial past. The city has a lively arts scene and a blossoming cultural quarter where you will find contemporary art and literature along with good theatre and cinema.

Must See And Do in Angus and Dundee
- Discovery Point, Dundee
- Verdant Works, Dundee
- Sensation, Dundee
- Dundee Contemporary Arts
- Arbroath Abbey, Arbroath
- Glamis Castle, Glamis
- Pictavia, Brechin
- Botanic Gardens, Dundee
- Angus Folk Museum, Glamis
- Edzell Castle and Gardens

Events
May: Angus Walking Festival
June: Angus Walking Festival
July: Grand Scottish Prom (Glamis)
July: Scottish Transport Extravaganza (Glamis)
July: Dundee Blues Bonanza (Dundee)
July: Summer in the City (Dundee)
August: Montrose Highland Games
August: Arbroath Seafest
September: Dundee Flower and Food Festival (Dundee)
November: Dundee Mountain Film Festival (Dundee)

Louis

2005-08-05T04:58:00.000+10:00

Originally uploaded by isay.

This is Louis... I'm posting his photo here because PG insisted that I put Louis' picture in my blog. Oh well, my flickr album is full of photos of Pepper & Jamie so it makes sense that I should have pictures of Louis uploaded too. I wanted to upload more of Louis' photos but my account is almost full for this month. (Perhaps I should go for that paid account...)

Initially, we decided that we won't allow Louis to be on the settee - and we've got other no-no's and other house rules in the house for the pets. But once Louis was on that plush leather chair - we thought he was just too cute on it! So now we don't bother telling him off. He's now allowed to be on that settee. Sometimes he would even hang out with me, Pepper & Jamie on our bed! Terrible, indeed. But the pets look really cute when they sleep or pretending to be asleep on areas they're not "supposed to be" - such as our bed.

Louis loves:
- to chew on anything he can grab on - paper, cardboard, plastic, leather, wood, shoes (yes - those SHOES of mine), rugs, carpets, socks, stuffed toys, decorative sticks, tissue paper, tennis & golf balls
- ALL types of food except his dog biscuits! - but particularly likes apples, mandarins, banana, dried apricot, potato chips, lollies
- to chase Pepper & Jamie, and the possums outside in the garden
- he always wants to be accompanied when he goes for a leak/pooh in the garden! which is ridiculous really because when we leave him outside for the day I just wonder if he ever goes to the garden and does his business...
- hangs out with Geoff on his shed and the garden
- loves his blanket (my old favourite blanket actually)
- squeaky toys
- USANA lemon fibergy bar!

My Fave Babe on TV: Tru

2005-08-04T15:16:00.000+10:00

This is Eliza Dushku. She plays Tru Davies in the tv series Tru Calling. Channel 7 here in Oz airs it Tuesday and/or Thursday 11:30 pm. I know it's soooo late that sometimes am too sleepy to wait for the show that I just tape it. This is my favourite still ad campaign photo of Ms Dushku - I think she's cool and pretty. I love the show Tru Calling because Elisa is on it.

Some stats on Eliza:
- Full Name: Eliza Patricia Dushku
- D.O.B: 30 December, 1980
- Place of birth: Boston, Massachusettes.
- Eyes: Brown Hair: Brown Height: "I'm 5'9" - OK, fine 5'8 1/2". OK, really I'm at a lovely medium, that's all I'll say."
- Discovered at the age of 10, when she went along with her brother to a commercial audition, tripped on the stairs, turned into a drama queen and came to the notice of the casting agents.

TRU CALLING: Synopsis

What would you do if you could relive a day? If you're TRU DAVIES (ELIZA DUSHKU, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"), you'd save lives.

Tru is a smart, sexy recent college graduate who – when her high-powered medical internship falls through – finds herself working the midnight shift at the New York City morgue. One night, Tru questions reality when she thinks she hears a beautiful murder victim asking for her help. But the next morning, our heroine wakes up to find that she is back at the beginning of that very same day – twelve hours before a murder that only she knows about is set to take place.

With the clock ticking, Tru is compelled to traverse the city of New York over those next twelve hours to prevent this wrongful death, while at the same time rescuing members of her own family from their dangerous and self-destructive lives.

Directed by renowned filmmaker PHILLIP NOYCE ("The Quiet American"), TRU CALLING combines the sexiness and speed of "Alias" with the procedural crime format of "CSI." TRU CALLING is from 20th Century Fox Television and Original Television and comes from executive producer/writer JON FELDMAN ("American Dreams," "Roswell," "Dawson's Creek").
(Source: http://trualliance.com)

Roses Are Red, Violets Are Blue...

2005-07-26T15:59:00.000+10:00

Dsc00177 roses
Originally uploaded by isay.

Roses - PG's favourite flower. This was taken in March 2004 during the Melbourne Flower Show.

I am experimenting on how to include photos to my blog so I thought this is the best first photo in my file. A friend suggested using flickr - it's actually easy to use and I've already uploaded 50 or so pictures! But I have yet to organise my photo file - from 2003 to present. I know I have nice pictures of the cats somewhere, but because my file is very disorganised I can't bloody find them! I've sorted 1/3 of my photo file and I know I have to upload them on the sites - just in case...

Pepper, Jamie & Louis

2005-07-21T08:42:00.000+10:00

These are our three babies- well actually they are our pets. I love them dearly and I do refer to them as my babies. Hence am the mum/mummy:)

Pepper
Pepper is a Chinchilla-Persian mix, female, about 5 years old. Chinchillas are named after a South American rodent which also has two-toned fur. The Chinchilla cat is one of the most popular longhaired cat breeds and is in fact a type of Persian.
Pepper has a long, thick, silky coat, cobby body, round face and large eyes. Her undercoat is cream with black, silver and gold tipping. Pepper's a very placid, quiet cat and she's very affectionate. (A good source about the breed http://www.messybeast.com/chinchillas.htm)

Jamie
Jamie is a Scottish-fold, male, about 4 1/2 years old. He's Pepper's younger brother (or something like that!) The foremost characteristic distinguishing the Scottish Fold cat is its small ears which fold forward and downward, giving it an impish look. The Scottish Fold is a medium cat with a rounded, well-padded body and a short, dense, and resilient coat - Jamie has a black tabby & white coat. Jamie has large, round, broadly spaced eyes full of sweetness; well-rounded whisker pads and a short nose with a gentle curve in profile. Scottish Folds are hardy cats, much like their barnyard ancestors. Their disposition matches their sweet expression. They have tiny voices and are not extremely vocal. They adore human companionship and display this in their own quiet way.

Pepper & Jamie grew up living in flats in Hong Kong (46th & 21st floors) and so when we moved to Australia they were not used to living in a bigger environment (a bigger house) and going out to the garden. They are indoor cats. Silly me though thinking that since we already have a proper house and a garden that they too should enjoy going out to the garden. One time Pepper escaped and when I went after her she just ran across the neighbour's garden. We had to go and see the neighbour and tell them about her, etc. Eventually she ran back to the house. We had instances when we just realised that Pepper was not inside the house and we had to go out and look for her! It wasn't a good feeling - I imagined horrible things happening to her. She'd come back eventually- after a couple of hours or so. But by then I'd be so tensed, worried and frustrated.

In December 2004, we decided to get a pup.

Louis
Louis is a Spoodle, a crossbreed between a Cocker Spanier and Poodle. He's about 10 months - so still a pup. He's medium-sized, semi long-haired. Love him- he's so adorable and his face looks like a teddy bear! Louis is very friendly, outgoing, and loving. One breeder of spoodles says he chooses cocker spaniels which are friendly but docile to cross with bright, intelligent poodles. Some owners say the dogs can be excitable - true as Louis is one excited pup all the time.

The cats didn't like it when we brought Louis home. Eight months later, the cats still didn't like Louis. Nevertheless I think the cats seemed to be getting used to him now as they don't hiss at him that much whenever he goes near them. Louis loves to chase them though! I guess Louis just wants to play. That's why I've been telling my husband that we should get another pup. Or adopt a dog from RSPCA - so at least Louis will have company. Most of the time he is on his own during the day and he just sleeps. I think he needs somebbody to play with.

They are my babies and I love them dearly. Friends and other people often ask why I don't have kids, I always say: "I have babies!"

Blogging Regularly

2005-07-20T07:28:00.000+10:00

I wish that I could put in more entries into my blog, but it seems that if I want that to happen I really have to put it in my planner - like a task. I've been going through my friend's blog knoizki and reading almost everything that he writes. His site updates me of his goings-on and it's cool because I feel more connected with him knowing his activities and all that. At the same time, I also feel that I must do blogging regularly - at least so I can journal my activities and how I feel about things.

How do I exactly find the time to do it regularly? Aside from trying to find the time to write I also find it a challenge what to write about. I notice that bloggers just write anything they fancy - which is good. Maybe if I just keep writing regularly, then I'll get the hang of it; such that whenever I create a post ideas will just pour in.

Today has been a good day. Finally, I sent all the important information to my brother regarding their migration to Australia. The documents I sent consisted of all the steps they need to do on their end - it was about 60 pages. I tried to summarise and synthesise all the information and put it in a format where it is easy to follow. I feel that after I've done that I can be a migration agent. But too early to tell- I suppose. I decided that rather than paying a migration agent I'd just do it myself - organising and collating all the information and submitting it to the migration office. I find it easy after a while, but I had to do a lot of research and reading. But once I have all the information organising it into a more systematic process or steps was easy.

Going through some of the forums was also very helpful. I find that the experiences and suggestions of how other Filipinos went through the process of applying to get to Australia provided a lot of free advice that if I went to ask a migration agent it would have cost me a fortune.

I tackled the migration as a project and so I did some timelines, costings, tasks, etc. When I looked at the information I prepared it looked like a real project!!! I felt that that's the only way I can focus on it - to treat it as a project where it's got due dates, tasks, etc. Otherwise I would not have find the time to even do something about it. Am so glad that today I've sent all the documents to my brother.

Family Migration

2005-07-14T00:20:00.000+10:00

I've been wanting to work on the details on how I can get all the rest of my family to move to Australia. Today I've finally done a lot of the reading and research and came up with a strategy. Timeline maximum is two years - my goal is within that period everything will be processed and approved and they will get all their visas. I really wish that they're all move here to Australia and start a new life.

Since my father died in December 2004, I have been thinking of getting my mother to live with us. At the moment she is being looked after by my brothers and sisters-in-law. Eventually, I would want her to come here and so I can take care of her. I sort of promised that to my dad. Each time I get to talk to my mother, the more I long for her to be here- with all the bad news I hear about the country and some issues with the relatives, the more I'm determined to get my mom out of the Philippines. I just feel that at her age she should be at least "retiring" and living comfortably and not to be bothered too much with other things. When I was back home in the Philippines I had the chance to really see how they live in the farm and it saddens me most of the time when I think that I have a good life here and my family is struggling to keep the farm going. Sometimes I do think - is it worth getting all the land and the properties in the Philippines. I'm not sure exactly. Life for me now is here in Australia.

A number of relatives and friends who have lived and worked overseas do tell me that eventually when I retire I would want to go back to the Philippines. At the moment, I don't agree with that. I don't have friends back in the province. In Manila I do have friends - but most of them have moved overseas as well. So basically I don't have that circle of friends that I can go back to. I've basically moved on and since being in Australia in mid-2003 I've managed to eventually find some real good friends.

Australia is home to me now and this is probably where I want to retire later on. And this is also where I want my whole family to come and live permanently. I'm thinking of my mom - she'll miss her life in the Philippines for sure but at least here she can have a different way of living and at least forget her hardships in the farm and also to get her away from being so lonely. Since dad died I know that mom has been missing him so much. I also think of my nephews and nieces - I want them to have a good education and enjoy life. My two brothers - I also want them to experience a good and comfortable life. My elder brother in particular has been working so hard in the farm- for a change I just want him to do things in a different environment. My younger brother has also been working very hard on his business and he is getting more frustrated dealing with all the corruption that goes on in the city.

I do hope and pray that I'll be able to process everything on my end and that they'd also do their part back in the Philippines. It's going to be a team work - all of us working for them to get here. I'm glad that I took the time to do a lot of reading and planning- now I can send more information to my brothers and they can start processing some documents. After reading the requirements - which is a LOT - I somehow able to come up with a real plan now which should be easy to execute on their part. Thank God.

A Bene Placito

2005-07-11T16:52:00.000+10:00

At One's Pleasure: TV Shows I Love!

While I know that I should be reading more, I do prefer to watch TV most of the time. There are a lot of interesting shows - and below are some of my favourites. I do admit that they are all American shows. I have yet to appreciate shows made in Australia or the UK; although I do watch at times some of the BBC series and documentaries and some of the travel shows in Australia such as The Great Outdoors and Getaway.

Series:

24 - brilliant show, keeps me thinking all the time and I love Jack Bauer (Keiffer Sutherland). I also like the real time and how the story unfolds within the 24-hour frame - with so much twists that you would not know until the end the real villain is.
The OC - I always love shows that feature the lives of the "rich and privileged"- this show is so refreshing it's fun to watch, and love the beautiful houses and clothes... and the lifestyle is just so wicked I love it! I like Julie Copper-Nichol's (Melinda Clarke) character.
Boston Legal - a spin-off of The Practice, this show is equally good because of Allan Shore (James Spader) - he makes all his cases interesting because he is just so bad as a lawyer (be bribes opponents!) he's so good at what he does he almost always wins. And loving Tara (Rhona Mitra) - she's just sooo gorgeous!
Desperate Housewives - who wouldn't enjoy this show? it's very engaging that a lot of times I can relate -hahaha...
Tru Calling - this is a show for younger audience, but I just like Eliza Duskhu (Tru Davie) - I find her really beautiful. She seemed a very simple girl, and yet I see that she's got a strong personality.
Lost - I like this because JJ Abrams is one of the producers. JJ produced shows such as Felicity & Alias. So basically, any show that JJ produces I love.
Alias - love Jennifer Garner (Sydney Bristow) and of course JJ's the producer.
ER - very good show!
CSI (Las Vegas, Miami, & New York) - love the original CSI Las Vegas and since I like Jerry Bruckheimer as producer, I tend to support all his shows.
Cold Case - same as the CSI
Crossing Jordan - another CSI-type show, but I like it anyway. Jill Hennesy (Dr Jordan Cavanaugh) is cool and her character is a sexy, smart and fearless Boston medical examiner with a checkered career past.

Reality TV shows:
- Amazing Race
- The Apprentice
- The Survivor
Talk shows:
- Oprah
- Dr Phil
- David Letterman

Ad Hoc

2005-07-08T22:35:00.000+10:00

For A Specific Purpose

I'm in my late 30s, married, no kids. I'm happy with my life and I'm thankful for all the blessings I have. I cannot complain with all the things I have in life - but sometimes I do get the feeling that there's something missing and I do ask myself: Is this all there is? Strange, really. Knowing that a number of my friends are saying I'm very lucky for what I have, where I am, etc. Of course I respond with plain: Oh, Thank You! And then I stop after that. I really don't know how to respond after knowing that deep inside I feel that my life is not really that great as others see it. I don't know...

All I know is at this age I'm still not sure what I want to do with my life. I think I've been through all sorts of seminars and trainings on "finding your purpose" etc... I even have 10 books targetted on that alone. The last book I read was The Purpose Driven Life. I did went through all the exercises... Although at one point I wrote a letter to a loved one and said that I feel my purpose in life is to help others live a fruitful and meaningful life... very biblical, I know. I really just wanted to provide for my family - at least give them a more comfortable life and be a source of encouragement to them. It sounds very simple indeed. But perhaps where I'm struggling at is in the "how do I achive that" part of it. Bottom line- I need to create multiple sources of income.

Oh well, going back to what I want to do with my life (translate to what sort of job I should be doing). I really have no idea as I feel there's a number of things I can do, and I want to do... I feel it has been a lifelong journey of finding my passion!

I've had discussions with friends about it and I keep asking them "what is it you are passionate about?" Some friends are dead certain what they want, others think there's no single passion in life, others say it's what they do, other's tell me to forget about it- just do your work or what you're trained to do. But I want to do something I love and get paid for it! So the big question again, what do I want to do? Geez, am already near my 40s and am not sure yet! It's very frustrating...

Hence, am starting this blog. Hoping that perhaps while am writing my thoughts it will help me clarify what I want to do with my life. For a specific purpose.

Blogging Again

2005-06-17T16:24:00.000+10:00

Since I have been doing a lot of research online lately and visiting my friend’s site (knoizki ganda!) I suddenly felt the desire to start blogging again. I’ve also been reading other pinoy blogs and enjoyed some of it. It’s good to put in writing our thoughts and ideas, more like a journal, and review it once in a while. I’ve been going through my old posts and some of it reminds me of good things I did in the past. It has been a long time – 8 months and 2 days to be exact since my last entry to my blog.So I did some changes in the theme/layout and updated my profile (change my age actually - hehe), and changed the title from "Kwentong Isay" to "Isay in Oz".

Why I haven’t been writing? I have become very busy in the last 8 months both at work and personal.
October/November/December - Finished another case before the end of 2004 and started a new one in October but has been shelved since February this year.December – my favourite month because of special dates, but now has become more memorable because of my dad passing away… so I had to go back home and be with the family. I stayed there for a while, being with mom, my two brothers and their families.January – helped my mom organise the family estate and other things that dad left. It was a really tough time for all of us.February – went back to Oz and set out what I wanted to do with my life.March to June – been busy doing a LOT of things … got a job, got out of the job and set up a small business.

But anyway, am here to start blogging again. It’s just a matter of finding time for me to write to keep it regular though. Kakainggit kasi si knoizki – he writes on his blog regularly and that keeps me updated on his life. It feels good to know that friends are ok. Thanks Rey.

Okay, so am supposed to be on my way to work right now but am still here finishing this. I have two offices – one here at home and another in my business partner’s home office. Sometimes I prefer to do work from my office, sometimes I need to get out of my own place and be with other people – so that’s when I go there. I don’t know how I ended up becoming a small business owner, but I definitely "dig" this type of work arrangement than being an employee. I make bad employee – I value freedom very much – to do things in my own terms and my own time and be compensated accordingly. Besides, I prefer to work when I’m at my best, which could be anytime during the day and not within the 9 to 5 frame. That’s why I hated it when bosses or managers keep reminding me daily of what has to be done when I’m already given a due date anyway. It’s like writing – I can’t just write something between the 9 to 5 office hours because sometimes my mind decides to write at night, say 9pm to 5am. So during the day I surf the net aimlessly or email friends. I read entertainment news, trivia, blogs, and other informative (sometimes educational) things online. Check what’s new and trendy in fashion… love doing that!!!

Talasalitaan

2004-10-15T16:30:00.000+10:00

Tagalog vocabulary - kaaliw lang kasi yong iba malalim na tagalog tapos ang galing nong gumawa nito kasi nga very creative...

Abakada - ikli ng Egahailamanangaoparasatauwaya.
Abuloy - bayad sa nahigop na kape at nanguyang biskwit sa nilamayang sakla.
Aginaldo - inaasahan na makukuha sa araw ng Pasko na mas okay sana kung perana lang.

Babae - pangunahing dahilan ng pagkalalaki ng lalaki.
Baboy - isang uri ng hayop na nakakain ang kabahuan.
Bakasyon - sandaliang pahinga sa trabahong hingal lang ang pahinga.
Bakit - tanong na laging mahirap masagot.
Bakya - tsinelas na may takong.
Baga - lutuan ng mga hindi makabili ng microwave.
Bangungot - pangungulangot ng isip.

Kababata - dating gelpren na may ibang boypren.
Kabag - utot na naipon sa tiyan.
Kalmot - haplos ng nasasarapan.
Kama - higaan na gawaan din ng bata.
Kamote - prutas na pampalambot ng utot.

Dakma - hawak na sobra sa pagnanasa.
Dahas - pwersahang pakiusap sa maarteng kausap.
Dalaginding - dalagang hindi pa nagsusuot ng bra.
Determinasyon - paninindigan na nakatitigas-ulo lamang.
Dilim - liwanag na maitim. (hahaha katawa ito!)

E - ireng paseksi.

Gaga - kulang-kulang na pagkababae. (ito rin, grabeh hahaha)
Gago - nasobrahan sa pagkalalaki.
Gahasa - romansang walang ligawan.
Ginang - asawa ni ginoo na mukha nang tsimay.
Ginoo - inaasawa ni ginang na may inaasawang iba.
Gutom - utot na lang ang laman ng tiyan.

Halaga - laging may katumbas na pera.
Haliparot - malanding pakipot.
Handog - bigay na laging may kapalit.
Hangin - utot na walang amoy.
Hipo - haplos na may malisya.
Hudas - tapat na manloloko.

I - ire ng hindi makatae.
Ibon - hayop na lumalangoy sa Hangin.
Imposible - pagtaas ng unano.
Insulto - walang hiyang biro.
Isda - hayop na hindi Nalulunod.
Ita - negrong Pinoy.
Itak - ama ng kutsilyo at balisong.

La - ikli ng 'lalalalala' sa kinakantang hindi maalala.
Lalawigan - syudad ng kahirapan.
Langaw - kulisap na bangung- bango sa bango ng basura.
Laos - usung-uso noong uso pa.
Libag - pawis na dumikit sa Balat.

Ma - tawag sa gelpren na mukhang nanay na.
Mahal - damdaming nakabubuntis.
Mama - tawag sa sosyal na ina.
Mantika - katas ng piniritong taba.
Maybahay - asawang utusan sa bahay.
Minindal - pagkain ng bisita.

Nakaw - pagkuha ng walang pasabing 'akin na lang ito.
'Naku - ikli ng 'ina ko, ina na ako.'
Nars - tituladong utusan ng doktor.
Nobya - gelpren na laking probinsya.
Nunal - libag na namukol sa balat.
Ngala-ngala - bahagi ng bunganga na languyan ng dura.
Ngayon - kahapon ng bukas.

O - sarap na pinipigil-pigil.
Ooh - sarap na hindi mapigil- pigil.
Ooohhh - sarap na sarap na hindi papipigil.

Paa - bahagi ng katawan na amoy lupa.
Pabula - mga kuwentong makahayop.
Pakwan - ikli ng 'pakain ng kuwan.'
Pag-ibig - kahalayan ng lumalanding puso.
Pagong - hayop na may mansyon na likod.
Palengke - tambayan ng mga tindera at pasyalan ng mga nanay na.

Raket - negosyong lokohan.
Regla - masungit na panahon ng pagkababae.

Sabaw - ulam na puro tubig ang rekado.
Sakristan - utusan ng pari.
Sampal - haplos na nakatitigas ng mukha.

Ta - ikli ng 'tita' o lalaking may bra.
Taas - agwat ng higante sa pandak.
Tamad - taong hindi napapagod sa pahinga.

Uhog - kulangot na mamasa-masa.

Watawat - tawag sa sinaunang bandera.

Ya - ikli ng 'yaya' o bayarang ina.
Yungib - sementadong lungga ng mga ita.

Mga Kakatuwang Kwento

2004-09-30T17:04:00.000+10:00

Tanong at Sagot
Q: Ano ang sabi ng bangus nang mamamatay na siya?
A: I'm daing!
Q: Ano ang sabi ng isda nang hiwain siya sa gitna?
A: I'm tuna
Q: Ano ang tawag kapag sinuot mo ang kanang sapatos sa kaliwang paa at ang kaliwang sapatos sa kanang paa?
A: Malicious
Q: Sino ang unang arkitekto?
A: Si Eba, kasi siya ang unang nagpatayo.
Q: Sino ang unang estudyante?
A: Si Adan, kasi siya ang unang pumasok.
Q: Bakit mas matataba ang mga may asawang lalaki kaysa sa mga walang asawang lalaki?
A: Kasi ang mga walang asawang lalaki, pag-uwi, titingnan ang laman ng ref niya at kapag walang nakita, humihiga na lang sa kama para matulog. Ang may asawa, pag-uwi, titingnan ang kama at makikita ang misis nila, pumupunta na lang sa kusina para buksan ang ref nila.
Q: Ano ang pinagkaiba ng lalaking tumataya sa lotto at ang lalaking nakikipag-away sa misis niya.
A: Mas malaki ang tsansa ng lalaking manalo sa lotto kaysa sa pakikipag-away sa misis niya.
Q: What's the difference between a kiss, a car, and a monkey
A: A kiss is so dear, a car is too dear, a monkey is you my dear.
Q: What will happen to a wooden car with a wooden wheel and a wooden engine?
A: It wooden start.

Something to reckon while you're in a deep thought while in the toilet dumping...............
Different sounds of WOMEN's urine:
Single: I wisssshh.
Widowed: I misssss.
Old Maid: Pliiissss.
Married: alwyssss.
Separated: bwissss ssit!

Sperm and Mayonnaise have a lot in common:
First, both are spreadable,
2nd, both are rich in protein,
3rd, both came from eggs
at syempre BOTH ARE LADIES CHOICE!!!

Man: Why did u make a woman beautiful?
God: So you will love her.
Man: But why did u make her stupid?
God: So she will love you.

3 ladies in OB-GYNE Waiting Rm.
Lady 1: I'm sure I'll have a baby boy coz I was on top!
Lady 2: Mine is a girl coz we did it sideways.
Lady 3: (crying) I hope mine is not a dog!

A Woman's Prayer
"Mga anghel na nasa langit. Pakibantay po ang aking singit. Naway hindi po makadikit, Ang kanino mang it-it Lalo na kung maliliit."

Wrong Office
A woman walks into the dentist's office, takes off herunderwear, sits down on the chair and spreads her legs wide open. "You made a mistake," says the shocked dentist, "the gynecologist's office is one level higher." To that the woman replies, "No mistake, you installed my husband's dentures last week, now you'll be the one getting them out."

Manok: ilang araw na lang, Pasko na, iihawin na ako.
Baboy: ako rin, malapit narin akong kakatayin! nanay ko po.
Manok: Mabuti pa itong unggoy na 'to, pabasa basa na lang ng email ! Hehehe

Business Case Writing

2004-09-24T17:32:00.000+10:00

Am actually given a project by my previous employeer, Hong Kong University, to write a business case. The assignment was given to me June 2003 and now the centre manager is asking for the draft. Hindi ko pa tapos! As in 4 months na sya. I've run out of excuses on why I haven't finished it - but this time the centre really wants it. So here I am finishing the bloody case! I tell you it's not easy writing in an environment where I don't interact with co-writers. I miss my office in the uni!!! I need lots of motivation and discipline to finish it on time. My due date is next Friday, 1st October. So I decided to focus on it starting today. (In the meantime I have to write first on my blogspot to keep my momentum. hahaha)
Hirap din maging writer ha! Kasi nga the case is in English! Syempre, second language so when I write, I write thinking in Tagalog. So I just write as I talk in English, and then I do heavy editing afterwards. As in heavy editing and proofreading - grammar, punctuation and following the manual of style they require of us business case writers. Tapos kelangan pa Harvard-style daw ang content ng case- lalo ako naloloka nito. Kasi nga it has been a long time that I've done that sort of writing. Pero sabi nila at least nga I'm trained to do it na so it should be easy. Easy my a--!!!

So heto ako motivating myself na I can do it, it's going to be easy, I just need to focus, etc. Inisip ko na lang- kunyari assignment sa school (mga taga UP dyan, gets nyo ha - rush na rush or foto finis!!! hehehe) na kelangan i-submit on a specific day kung ndi 5.0 ako, bagsak!!! Tsaka inisip ko na lang may bayad din yon - HK dollars nga lang. Pero okay na yon kesa wala, di ba? Eh tapos I was told by the manager na may bagong assignment - about LVMH. Asus, insist ako na sa akin ibigay yong case na yon kasi nga FASHION industry - feel ko yon! Kaso I have to finish the 1st case daw before they'll assign to me a new one. Kainis ha! Pero tama naman sila- tsaka sabi ko na lang sa sarili ko - okay na rin yon para matapos ko na itong isa. It's about a consulting firm sa Australia na I don't know what makes the company special. It's a SME-business but the guy seemed to have the entreprenur spirit, etc., etc. Pero small-time kasi ang company nya kaya ndi ako ma-motivate... hahaha That meant I have to really think of ways to make the case a rich and interesting case for MBA students. Eh ang mga supervisors ko naman alang input-- bahala na raw ako sa teaching objectives. Eh sila kaya ang magtuturo ano! Anyway, yan ang buhay ng case writer.

Tsaka kung gusto nyo check nyo rin my other cases online - Harvard Business Online - Marissa McCauley under author. Feel na feel ko nga kasi author eh tapos Harvard- hahaha! Kasi nga pinaghirapan ko talaga yon - English yon eh!

I had to open my old files and research documents to finish my case. Puro online research nga ako kasi naman ang library nila rito - yong public library - alang books na magaganda at bago! kakaiyak. Yong mga business magazines nila 3 months behind! Sa universities daw ako pumunta, kaso kelangan student ako don to get the good books. Hay naku- online na nga lang. Student student pa- asus.

Teka nga siguro I should post my pay in front of my computer para lalo ako ma-motivate to finish. Actually, once I start writing and I get in "the zone" I know I'll finish it. Ganon pala talaga, kala ko arte lang ng mga writers yong may mood, totoo pala yon. There are moments where our mind get into the zone and we just keep going. And once the momentum is there it's bliss because it flows so natural and voila! Finished product. And once I see my name in the byline, I'm delighted and fulfilled... another work, another case...

.S. I write my blogspot on the spot and I don't edit it... i mean grammar, punctuation, etc. and I don't follow any writing style (style according to a publisher for example). So excuse my misses- hahaha... pag may bayad lang yon ginagawa. hehehe

36 Godly Ways to Reduce Stress

2004-09-23T17:22:00.000+10:00

I thought that I should post this. From a friend sent through e-mail. Can't acknowledge the author as there is none in the email. But it's a very good list and oh, I've added some comments too.

Pray (si Soy, Treena, Jane at Masel magaling mag-pray yan)
Go to bed on time. (like what time ba talaga ang on time?)
Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed. (eto rin, what's the best time to get up? si Treena 6 am!)
Say No, to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health. (kakalokang mga projects ba?)
Delegate tasks to capable others. (ok kung may uutusan, pano kung wala?)
Simplify and unclutter your life. (eto goal ko pa since 1995. kelan kaya magiging simple ang life ko, tsaka how to unclutter - ang mga shoeseses (pronoun yon ng shoes! hehehe) at bags at clothes... haaaaay
Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.) Less weight and fat okay yon! pero hirap non ha.
Allow extra time to do things and to get to places. (ako di ako nala-late sa mga gimik, trabaho lang late - hehehe)
Pace yourself. (oo nga naman, dahan dahan lang... lalo na sa kain ko!) Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together. (actually mas may natatapos ako pag-rush! ewan ko ba yon ata ang training sa school eh.)
Take one day at a time. (SURE!)
Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you to do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it. (I think I apply this in terms of dealing with other people or with my relationships ... I normally think a lot about it. Yon ang usual concerns ko...)
Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases. (Budget-budget ka jan! hahaha Pero I use credit cards most of the time, but I do pay it monthly, di ba Soy tama kasi ang laki pala talaga ng interes.)
Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc., (naku ala ata ako non extra-extra... something i have yet to do.)
K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble. (yup. yap. yap.)
Do something for the Child in You everyday. (play with Pepper & Jamie, the cat in you pala - hehehe)
Carry a book of scriptures with you to read while waiting in line. (hmmmm, meron ako non ndi ko lang makita eh... nakatambak pa sa boxes... excuses, excuses)
Get enough exercise. (oo nga... kelan kaya???)
Eat right. (dami nga eh - right and left- asus ang korni ko!)
Get organized so everything has its place. (ako medyo ok sa department na yan, wag lang kalkalin ang mind ko at medyo magulo pa ngayon.)
Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life. (FM radio lang ako kasi okay ang music nila eh)
Write thoughts and inspirations down. (that's what I do in this blogspot)
Every day, find time to be alone. (alone na nga ako almost daily eh - pag pasok ni PG sa opis)
Having problems? Talk to GOD on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to pray. (oo gawain ko yan - sumbong agad!)
Make friends with Godly people. (honga, kelangan ko muna mag-attend ng church...)
Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand. (ok)
Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you, Lord!" (Amen!)
Laugh. (hahaha)
Laugh some more!
Take your work seriously, but yourself not at all. (oo nga naman)
Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best theycan). (Heto eh kelangan ko idevelop yan kasi minsan mapagtanim ako eh- kahit taon na
Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most). (hirap non ha mabait sa ndi mabait!)
Sit on your ego. (ok)
Talk less; listen more. (I do!)
Slow down. (sure...)
Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before.

GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.
"If GOD is with us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31) (When GOD is with us, it doesn't matter who is against us.)

My instructions were to send this to four people that I wanted GOD tobless and I picked you. I decided to send it to more than four, because I will not limit blessings.

School Holiday in Melbourne

2004-09-22T17:18:00.000+10:00

This week starts the 2-week school holiday and most families are out of Melbourne vacationing somewhere in other parts of Victoria or in states in Australia, well mostly Queensland. Streets are unusually empty and it's the best time to drive around- you don't have to observe the 40 limit zone- sort of (hehehe)

Last Monday, PG's back pain was not getting any better so we went to the GP. PG said it's something to do with his cold/flu, etc. (I forgot what that is...) so he had to take some antibiotics. I'm having some allergy too - during spring my eyes gets to be very itchy. I asked PG if it was okay to see his GP too and just casually ask (meaning, I didn't want the full check-up) what to do with my eyes but I decided that I'll set up a separate appointment instead. So it was a sick leave day for PG and when he is home it seems that I can't really do any work at all (hahaha). I just don't know why. While he was working on the shed (again), I just watched TV, and boy was I lucky! It was the pre-Emmy's show. Dresses and jewelry, and hair and make up - the whole lot. Instead of going to the DFO (the discount shopping mall) I decided to just stay home and watch TV. But then after an hour of red carpet show, channel 10 said it will air the ceremonies at 11pm! kainis!!! Back to work on my computer na nga lang... Of course I watched the Emmy's from 11pm to 2am! I had to drink coffee to keep me awake. PG got up around 1 am and watched the latter part of the show but he's well rested na. (Check yahoo for the complete list of winners, if you're interested to know... kung interested nga lang eh!) The following day I got up really late (sarap nga eh) but then I felt bad afterwards because my half day's gone. Tuesday is sort of my job-hunting day, meaning online research and sending CVs.
I've attended another social gathering today, courtesy of Mrs C (Treena's tita). I didn't know what it was and it turned out to be a product testing-kinda thing. The company is called Product Presentation Circuit (PPC) and it lets the public try the latest products available in supermarkets and department stores. Target audience: mums and women who shop (grocery nga lang, not clothes and accessories). Fun and informative. And because they were also introducing food products, we we're able to test them. Sarap din... They don't sell the products, if you're interested then you have to buy it from the supermarket. Galing ng concept. Of course Mrs C invited an all-Filipino group so I was able to meet lots of Filipinos. I've even met people from Isabela province- katuwa kasi they're talking to me in Ilocano but then I said I'm so fussy (as in maarte) and I do understand but won't speak in Ilocano! hahaha Tawa lang sila kasi nga lola na yong iba... ala lang. Anyway, after the presentation I got all their contact details and I told them if they want to invite me for coffee or something (ala Kris Aquino pa yan ha) call me. (Oh ano ka, invite ko sarili ko ha!) Kasi nga 1 year pa lang ako here - according to them "baby" daw (baby damulag ! hehehe) Edith and Mercy (the Ilokanos) asked me if I wanted to join their dance club- pero it turned out Filipino folk dancing!!! hahaha Igorot pa nga ata yong isang dance. I just told them I will think about it. Kasi I'm being nice pa kaya think about it muna di ba?

I was told that they will have a social gathering (again) in another area and it will be Filipiniana-themed. Hhhhhmmmmmmm - surely there will be lots of Filipinos there. It'll be probably good to go- just to have a look. It was interesting that one of the ladies warned me to be careful in making friends with other Filipinos (heard that before, aha) because there will be others who are chismosa! hahaha.... Nothing's new talaga- kahit saan... Of course I had to agree but my main goal is to meet as many as I could and then filter along the way. Besides I wanted to share to them my other networking business, lam mo na First Quadrant at Omegatrend. hahaha may ibang agenda pala...

Ok, back to the school holiday. Less traffic. yon lang.

Pinoy Birthday Party (Part 2)

2004-09-20T17:13:00.000+10:00

I was invited to another party, this time don sa Tita ni Treena si Mrs L last Sunday. Si PG naman sa pagiging busy sa pag-ayos ng shed nya, ayon at may na-strain na muscle! Di sya makakilos ng husto at kelangan nya pahinga. Eh ako gusto ko talaga mag-attend ng party kasi gusto ko ma-meet yong family ni Mrs L (yong mga anak nya barkada ni Treena) at yong ibang mga pinoy ulit. Nyways, rub ko na lang si PG ng white flower sa likod tapos pina-inom ng Alaxan (galing pa pinas yon ha!) as pain reliever. Syempre bihis ako ng husto - simple lang naman pero sabi ni PG paglabas ko mukha na daw akong rich! hahaha Kasi rich yong family ni Mrs L eh! di ba Treena?
Layo lang nong house so drive ako mag-isa tapos first time ko pumunta don na ako lang. Dapat yong car ni PG dala ko kasi may GPS yon, kaso mas sanay ako don sa aking car, si Hillary... so read ako ng map intently ha tapos memorise ko mga names ng street para alam ko where and when to turn, change lanes, etc. Ayaw daw ng gift so bili na lang ako ng flowers, tapos wine tapos card. Very organised si Mrs L pala maghanda - at ang food! Grabeh! ang sarap talaga - lumpia, pork bbq, lenggua, beef (something!), ceasar salad, rice. Tapos syempre si Mrs C nag-bake ng orange cake - moist and melts in the mouth yong chiffon cake! Ang galing nila magluto pareho. Dami ko nga kinain eh! naka ilang ulit ako- hahaha. Kaso nahiya ako magtake-away na naman... kapal na talaga yon.

Na-meet ko dami pinoy... tapos meron pala Filipino newspaper (Victoria chapter)- nandon lahat mga remittance centres at balikbayan box! Kala ko kasi mahirap hanapin yon eh so at least ngayon alam ko na san pwede padala pera at jumbo boxes; parang Hongkong! So ang aking weekend ay very productive- socially. At least ngayon meron na akong kilala mga pinoy sa Melbourne... Of course yong party may karaoke ulit! Ako kumanta ng kumanta kahit mababa ang score (kainis nga eh kasi 63 lang score ko!) kasi shy pa rin mga bisita- pero sabi pag nakainom daw ok na. Eh ako di pwede uminom kasi nga drive pa ako uwi. 5 hours na ako don so by 6pm uwi na rin ako- busog na busog. At mukha mabait naman sila lahat... sabi nila ako lang daw ang na-meet nilang taga UP na maporma! hahaha. kasi pala sila mga San Beda, Assumption, La Salle - ganon, sosi sila ha.

Pinoy Birthday Party

2004-09-19T17:09:00.000+10:00

I got a surprise call from a churchmate on Friday night inviting me for her son's birthday party. Kahit na 2 months na akong di naga-attend ng church, yes na lang ako sa invitation. Kakahiya nga eh... Okay ang food tapos I got to meet their other Filipino friends. Masaya naman sila kasama pala. Of course may karaoke - so singing singing sila, ako simple lang kasi di naman talaga ako marunong kumanta... so socialise ako don sa mga teen-ager na mga anak nila!

Usap kami about clothes, shoes, make-up! aliw na aliw ako kasi nga mga bata pa kikay na. Don sa bed may nakita akong magazine- si Kris Aquino yong cover, tapos bigla ako natuwa kasi yon pala yong brochure ng First Quadrant! Eh mga Philippine products yon. So yon pala si Kuya R. at J. (yong mag-asawa nag-invite sa kin) member sila at nahiya lang sila i-discuss with me yong FQ membership- para kasi MLM ang dating non eh. Ako naman gusto ko maging member kasi okay yong products tsaka Philippine products nga eh, patronise di ba. So join agad ako at pay agad ng membership fee! kaloka hahaha. tapos tanong ko sila kung kelan ang shopping ko kasi pag member ka na half of what you paid you use to purchase the products. Eh dami ko ng gusto sa brochure nila kasi dami shoes and bags, made in Marikina! Tsaka ang price to purchase for members may 50% discount, tsaka kahit nga regular price pa lang very competitive ang prices! Tuwa ako talaga... Tuwa din sila kasi ang dali ko daw ma-recruit. Anyway yong isang pinay na churchmate ko na di ako masyado type (oo may pagka-suplading yon eh! feeling pretty pero mas pretty ako hehe) bigla ako naging friend na nya! kasi pala member din sya non at gusto nya ako i-recruit. hay naku! ako naman basta shopping friend lahat, kaso magka-iba kami ng taste kasi yong mga tinuturo nyang shoes at bag di ko type... kaya yong mga teen-ager na mga anak nong friends gusto ako kasama kasi pare-pareho daw kami gusto! Bigla tuloy ako nag-isip- baka naman isip bata rin ako! ngeeeeek Mga 1030pm alis na ako at naiwan pa ang mga guests nila busy sa karaoke. Magicmic nga tawag don. Sabi ko bibili muna ako non tapos invite ko sila sa bahay - bigla sabi nong isang friend nila - pwede daw sila magdala ng food at pati na rin yong karaoke mic pag invite ko sila para di na ako magluto! oh, bait naman pala nila... tsaka habol pa yong isa na isasama raw nila ako sa group nila pag may gimik sila. So ako naman, ok na rin... may bagong kilala! As usual, ang pinoy pag naghanda ang daming food! Pero nahiya ako mag-take away kaya uwi na lang... hahaha

I'm a TV addict!

2004-09-19T16:53:00.000+10:00

I do admit that my life is at times governed by the tv shows i watch. I don't normally socialise on Monday and Tuesday nights because that's when all the good shows are on; Wednesday is a bit ok, while Thursday and Friday nights I can get away with because most of the shows on tv is about footy, the Australian rubgy-cum-football game... nyways, don't ask me on what that is! hahaha Saturday and Sunday - hopeless, nothing interesting on, except the MTV-type during Saturday morning, other than that, best to watch a dvd or have foxtel. Which reminds me I have yet to subscrive to foxtel as my dear PG has been reminding me several times already... procrastinate, procastinate - my excuse, too busy doing research online - asus !

I love watching American shows, crap as referred to by PG, but I watch it anyway... so here's the list of what I normally see:

The Oprah Winfrey Show
Dr Phil (Harpo production)
Entertainment Tonight
Jerry Brucheimer series - CSI, CSI: Miami, Without a Trace, Cold Case
J.J. Abrams series - Felicity & Alias
David Kelly series - The Practice, Boston Public
24
Las Vegas
The O.C.
The Sopranos
Six Feet Under
Crossing Jordan
re-run Friends, Frasier
Queer Eye for the Straight Guy

Reality shows such as

Burnett produced : The Apprentice & The Survivor, Amazing Race (another Bruckheimer production)
The Bachelor & The Bachelorette
The Joe Schmo Show
Wife Swap & Trading Spouses
Fear Factor

There, it's all American shows... I have yet to find an Aussie show that I like... in the meantime my tv sked is full as it is. But will really subscribe to foxtel soon. Foxtel has got 100 or so channels- and now I wonder how am I going to fit those shows into my already bc viewing time. Aside from that, am also thinking of getting TFC - of course for all the Filipino tsismis!

TGIF

2004-09-17T17:01:00.000+10:00

It's Friday, yay! It's a very good feeling - Friday na naman. This morning I got up really late, as in late; it it wasn't for a phone call at 9am I would have stayed in bed forgetting that I have an appointment at 10am. My friend said she'll pick me up at half past 9, so that gave me around half an hour to shower, groom, etc., which is a shocker because I normally- as in normally- spend an hour or so doing that"! So imagine me getting ready in half an hour- it was insane! Rush, rush, rush - but hey I still managed to get out of the house well-groomed. :) So off we went to Croydon, which is about 30 mins. drive. I actually had an orientation about this business I just got involved with, yet again! hahaha... Couple of hours later and full of hopes and goals and plans (actually I have yet to make a concrete plan for it), off we head home. Then I realised I haven't had breakfast - so I prepared myself brunch - leftover food from the party last Sunday. Am getting sick eating the party food already! I say to myself- enough! Tomorrow I have to go back to our "normal" food, whatever that is.

After lunch I sat down for another hour reading the papers - today and for the last 4 days! I keep old papers because I love skimming through the pages- each page, and reading what's going on, etc., the normal routine thing... Then of course had to watch Oprah! another re-run but watched it anyway. Topic was about life of the young, rich & famous - Johnson & Johnson heir, the Hilton sisters, Jessica & Nick, among others. Fascinating - how these kids with money grow up. Now am back to my desk and the first thing I do is check emails, then read more news (I'm a voracious reader) and catch up with the tsismis. After that am back to doing proper work - work on my case, continue my job search, and of course I have to focus on the new business venture too. So there I'm sort of busy.

But Friday's here is nothing like Fridays in Hong Kong. Friday is Burke's Backyard (a lifestyle and garden tv show) and more footy. We don't go out and have drinks with friends in pubs. We stay home and watch the footy; but me, I either watch other shows that I taped earlier during the week or I'm online chatting or I read books/magazines, or online surfing... that's practically Fridays. Boring I suppose, but I'm getting used to it already.

Treena's Trip to Melbourne

2004-09-16T16:44:00.000+10:00

Thank God for wonderful friends... I planned to host a housewarming party (which is supposedly Geoff's birthday party) and I planned to do the preparation alone. Buti na lang Treena was available to come to Melbourne and help me out. Treena was able to get the cheapest fare - hahaha - with Virgin Blue and that meant she had to fly earlier and fly back to Sydney weekday. So hence she arrived on Wednesday mid-morning and went straight home to drop her luggage, then had lunch at Sofia's, then headed to Box Hill for food shopping. Actually punta kami sa mga Asian shops kasi we planned to serve Asian food. She cooked dinner- bliss!

Thursday morning we did more food shopping, then went to the city to see the Impressionist show at the National Gallery of Victoria. Syempre ako naman eh not into art- but the paintings are really beautiful. Surely I got a bit of art educ. not only from the gallery but from Treena kasi nga mahilig sya sa art!!! sosi di ba! Lunch at newly-refurbished David Jones food court - para syang Great food court. Sosi na food court kasi nga they use "real" cutlery,china plates, and Scandinavian-desidned drinking glasses. Tapos we went to Geoff's office and then to Bunnings- Geoff's toy-shop, to get his b-day gift. Di ko nga alam kung ano yong binili kasi machinery-something for his shed... Treena cooked a wonderful dinner again-- basta di ko ma-explain kasi ang galing nya mag-isip ng lulutuin. Basta pag nasa supermarket kami I just let her buy things - and then pag-uwi sa bahay cook lang sya. Grabeh! sarap talaga. At ang sarap ng may nagluluto for us! hahaha

Friday I met her Tita L. and Tita C.- kaaliw sila ha! So since new pa rin ako dito sa Melbourne (new daw! hahaha) tour nila kami sa Dandenong - lapit na sa mga mountains yon at super layo lang. Syempre Treena's tita treated us for lunch at Maple's - para syang English country-type of restaurant, ala Agatha Christie ang dating. Sarap ng chicken/beef pies. Yong restaurant tabi nya Tea Leaf shop - mga different kinds of herbal teas and coffee, tapos mga teapots and other ceramics- ang gaganda nga kaya lang ingat na ingat kami sa mga bags kasi baka may mabasag! Tipong "if you break it you pay for it!" Eh syempre may mga cat figurines sila - kaloka ha... tapos mention naman ni Treena na I collect cat figurines. Ayon the tita's bought me a ceramic cat cookie jar as housewarming gift. Thank you to death ako kasi nahiya naman ako dahil meet ko palang sila may gift na. Eh ala pa ako masyado kilala pinoy here so dinala kami sa pinoy shop in Springvalle - abah ang mga products ha - syempre bili naman ako (tuyo, polvoron molder, choc-nut, chicharon, bagoong, sandwich spread, pandesal, ensaimada, etc...). Beside the shop may travel agent din, tapos pinoy restaurant - Wow! Pinoy. Mrs. C., Treena's other tita, libre naman sya ng halo-halo! Eh sa restaurant meron silang mga tinda na mga artwork ng mga pinoy, may display nga sila na mga belen at parol! syempre ako nag-order na rin ng parol - yong pinakamalaki. hahaha At least now I know saan yong mga pinoy shops. Dinner naman we thought treat namin Treena sa nice restaurant so went to Fenix, trendy restaurant daw sabi sa The Age, Melbourne's daily.

Saturday, the day before the party, we prepared more food! But dinner time Treena cooked roast lamb & veggies, ang sarap din. Tapos we worked until 1am! grabe ha dami ginawa kasi eh. We were expecting 30 to 40 people. This is what we prepared:
- spring rolls
- dimsum
- burger
- chicken satay & sauce
Treena's specilty (which means she prepared it alone)
- palabok ingredients (dami non ha)
- chicken macaroni salad
- salsa for the chopped veggies
- buffallo wings
- lahat ng sauce for the spring rolls, dimsum, at buffalo wings

Sunday morning aga lahat nagising tapos more food preparation. But by 10 am ready na lahat. Around 40 dumating; buti na lang yong iba arrived at 5pm. The last guest left at 9pm. Pagod din. Syempre like any other parties, may drama! Pero wag na muna yon. 11 pm Treena and I sat down and had coffee and had a looooooooooong chat kasi that was the only time we had to really talk. I really appreciated Treena more kasi nga Pepper & Jamie like her too! Nagpu-purr pa nga si Jamie pag tumatabi kay Treena! katuwa talaga...

Monday, kala ko pahinga na before she flies back to Syd; abah! ang Treena nagyaya pumunta sa Direct Factory Outlet! Syempre ako kahit feeling may migraine bigla nagising- shopping yon eh. Rush kami to DFO, with Mrs. C. kasi sya yong guide namin. Nakakataranta kasi nga okay pala don mag-shopping: clothes, shoes, kitchen stuff, bedlinens, etc. nandon lahat. 3 hours namin kulang talaga. Rush na rush pabalik ng bahay kasi naghihintay na si Geoff. As in sabi sa kin ni Papa Geoff, "hurry! we're going to be late for her flight!" nataranta ako bigla! We were at the airport on time kaya lang nabagsak yong SLR camera ni Treena- naku kelangan daw i-repair... Kasi naman yong shopping eh! hahaha Pagbalik ng bahay bigla ko na-miss si Treena kasi mga 6 days 5 nights din sya kasama ko. Ang lungkot! Umiyak ako bigla kasi masaya pala kasama si Treena. Pati nga si Pepper at Jamie nasa bahay na kami dalawa ni Geoff nagbabantay pa rin sila sa pinto kasi baka dumating si Treena. Cute talaga sila! So successful party, thanks to Treena's help.

Bagong Salta sa Blogpost

2004-09-15T16:40:00.000+10:00

I have to thank Rey for allowing us to read his blogspot and now I have created one for myself... it's really fun! The power of the Internet, indeed.

Ok, I'm supposed to be working - oh well, working on my case, but I ended up reading news (actually showbiz tsismis), then emails, then now have created this blog. It's so much fun... but it's a bit difficult to type with my new acrylic nails! I think they're too long - I can't bloody type and do "proper" work now. Good to look at but not very practical to have long nails - good only for tai-tai's, which I'm not. hahaha

PG is in Sydney for another biz trip and so am home with Pepper & Jamie. As usual, Jamie is here in my office napping the whollllllllllllllle day! So cute! Pepper is somewhere... she doesn't really hang out in my office. It's supposed to be spring but it's still bloody cold; well, they say it's the coldest spring ever in Melbourne. Wish we had the QLD weather here or at least Sydney weather.