Celebrating Dad’s B-day with Red Ribbon

My Dad’s birthday is also of the same day as Manny Pacquiao’s birthday. So, as the Pacquiao family had a grand celebration in Mindanao, our family here in Visayas just had a simple one.

We have dinuguan, bihon, adobo and my favorite, the NEW Red Ribbon Chocolate Mango Mousse. See my family as we enjoy our simple celebration.

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

By the way, the celebrant is not with us because he is working abroad. Still I could say, “Whatever the celebration, it’s more beautiful with a Red Ribbon!”

Ballet and Birthday Pictures

Saturday was a ballet presentation of my daughter at SM City here in Iloilo, then yesterday was the birthday of my nephew. I took pictures of both events, most importantly the only remembrance of my nephews birthday are those pics. So, I uploaded it on my computer and deleted it after. Due to my multitasking, I received an error in doing so, but I didn’t even read the error message, I just clicked to close the window. Hours after, I was putting watermark on my pictures, when I noticed that there are things missing; I could not see the birthday pictures! Then, I remembered the error message. It was those images, but I already deleted and formatted my SD card.

I prayed that I could find solution to my problem, because it is the only remembrance of my nephew of his 3rd birthday. So I searched for programs that could retrieve those images. I have seen a lot of free programs for windows, but I can’t find any free ones for Mac (currently using MacBook). Here goes the advantages of having different OS available – after I got tired of searching for free retrieval software for Mac, I just opened my Windows notebook. On my MacBook, I already eyed a free program for windows, so that I won’t have a hard time searching. I just typed the URL of the program and installed it on my Windows notebook. The program is SoftPerfect File Recovery, which I got from the referral of GeckoandFly. It was SO PERFECT for me, because it worked flawlessly and recovered the batch of pictures that I deleted hours ago.

WARNING: After accidentally formatting or deleting pictures, DO NOT take pictures with the same memory card because it will lessen your chances to recover your pics. Luckily, I have not taken any pictures after I have reformatted it. Amazing how those pictures are still recovered after I deleted it on my MacBook and then Formatted it on the Cam.

So, here are the ballet pics:

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

Red Ribbon Media Launch for December 2009

There are a lot of benefits of being a blogger. One of it is being invited to an event and be given a free item.

Last December 1, 2009; I was invited by Red Ribbon for the launching of their new products. Undeniably, I loved it even before the event started and much more when it happened. I was expecting so much, but they exceeded my expectations. I love Red Ribbon even more after that.

So, what happened?

Area Manager (SM City Iloilo), Borgz Galagar and Marketing Services Officer, Meyan Lim welcomed us with a smile on their faces. They introduced their mission, vision, values and the most exciting part their new products. Red Ribbon aims to be on the top by 2020 so they keep on adding products and improving their services.

First, we were given a sample of their Grilled Ensaimada with Farmer’s Ham.

Everything on that plate just tasted so good and really perfect for me, even just the simple scrambled eggs.

Next, Chocolate Walnut Fudge with Hershey’s Dark Chocolate and coffee.

We were informed that while other companies would use machines in making decors and cakes, Red Ribbon does it manually. So just imagine the rolls you could see at the side of the cake, is being rolled to perfection by a human hand.

A “tip” was given to us by Meyan, on how to drink coffee with cake: Don’t put a creamer or sugar on your coffee, drink it then scoop a cake and eat. While the cake is still in your mouth, take a sip of your coffee. Compare the taste of the coffee, before and after you had the cake. The coffee tasted better, with a mixture of the cake. Indeed a perfect combination!

With me on this launching is Kathy Villalon of The News Today, Roselyn Villamor of Yuhum News Magazine and a fellow blogger, Mawe of Mawe’s Adobo.

I mentioned above, that I love these events because of free things. So, aside from those free food we ate at the venue, we were given a box of Red Ribbon White Forest which my kids enjoyed. Just see how excited they were to eat the cake.

What I Did Last November 1

I just want to share what I did last November 1, that is a month ago.

So the morning, my family went to the Oton cemetery in where relatives of my Mom are being laid to rest.

When we arrived, there are still a few who are doing some cleaning and repairs which was supposed to be done days ago. This was the first time that my family went there morning, usually it would be afternoon or evening.

We have relatives that I don’t know where their place is, so I just lit a candle for them at the “Campo Santo.”

My son and daughter is really not aware what cemetery is for, so whenever they see me, they wanted me to take their pictures.

In Oton cemetery, this is where we usually visit;

My grandfather who I love and loves me so dearly. A known manghihilot in our area while he still have the energy to do so. With him is his 2nd wife, a sister or my real grandma.

My tito and cousin.

They are my relatives on my mother side.

Right after we lit candles and said our prayers for our dearly departed in Oton, we went home to leave my children and immediately go to Guimaras.

In Guimaras, this is where we usually visit;

This are my relatives on my father side.

My Lolo, who is the brother of my grandma and my Tito who is the brother of my dad who usually cooks fried chicken for me.

My great grandfather.

My cousin.

My great grandmother and her siblings.

My great grandmother is one of the few relatives of my Dad that is close to my Mom’s heart.

After that we went back home to Oton. It was a tiring day, but fulfilling one.

Different Ways of Dealing With Things

My Mom and I have a very different attitude. She’s been with me for the 27 years of my life and we haven’t been apart for more than a week, but still we see things differently. Maybe that is because she let me live a life that she hasn’t and this is the same thing I am doing with my children, with a thing in mind: That they grow up to be a better person than I am or the best person that they could be.

So, from a meeting with Iloilo Bloggers at Kopi Roti, I went home and found out that my necklace and my Mom’s watch were missing on where I usually put it. I was cleaning my face when my Mom entered the room. I asked her if she had kept it, and she said no. She then panicked and go shouting and checking it everywhere in a chaotic way. I was scared that it might be gone forever or someone took it, but still I was relaxed. I just told her don’t worry about it, I will be checking every corner of the house to look for it tomorrow.

I hope I would find it.

Congrats Rina and Athan

Today, I went to the wedding of my friends Rina and Athan. Rina and I knew each other from chat. There were 3 of us who used to chat with each other about our boyfriends; Me, Rina and Pebbles.

Anyway, lets fast-forward to the wedding day. I am in the church with my cam as I plan to document the wedding. So here’s me before the wedding ceremony starts.

Athan walks down the isle.

Athan waiting for Rina.

At last, Rina is here, walking the isle with a smile.

Exchange kisses with the parents.

Time to face the priest.

I really liked the way the priest told the love story of Rina and Athan, so I took this picture.

This is the blessing time with parents and sponsors.

The newly weds.

Kissing scene.

At the reception;

there’s games:

dancing:

dancing with money:

and another kissing scene:

I just had a pic with Rina at the reception, because during this time Athan is out to get women – just kidding – Athan was inviting the females to go catch the bouquet.

Congratulations Rina and Athan!

Keep that flame of love ALIVE!

Green Mango Restaurant in Iloilo

Last September 29, 2009, Iloilo Bloggers had a meeting with Janette Toral, Aileen Apolo and Jay De Jesus at Green Mango.

We chose to meet on this particular restaurant because they have a space for special meetings such as the ones we (Iloilo Bloggers) had. The main restaurant area is well planned and I just can’t resist to admire the decorations. The different seat designs made for different kinds of people which surely made this restaurant comfortable for me.

We enjoyed the food we ordered and had a great time interacting with each other. I remembered my first time visiting this place was with my family and my Mom just loved it immediately; with a delicious meal that fits into the budget, it would be a restaurant that surely Moms would love.

The Green Mango is located at Valeria street, near SM Delgado, in front of Ace Hardware and Max Restaurant. On its side is Coffee Break, where we went after our meeting. Bloggers introduced Coffee Break to the Luzon bloggers as “The Starbucks of Iloilo,” which Aileen had mentioned on her talk that same day for IT Week 2009 celebration at Robinsons Iloilo.

Manila Trip

Fast track on what has happened to me since my last post. I am now actually office free!

It was good while it lasted. Goodbye office folks. Adios la oficina.

I was in Manila for WordCamp Philippines 2009 as a WordPress fanatic. I had a great time with my cousin while I was there. Though, I was only there for 3 days, it was a full 3 days! I remembered, it was my second time traveling to Manila alone.

First day, I arrived in our apartment by 1pm but my home buddies are not yet home. Our neighbors did welcome me, but I am not close to them so I decided to go out and kill time by having a manicure and pedicure. After my nails done, one of my home buddy is already home. He cooked the food I brought for dinner and we ate. My other home buddy arrived at 9pm and we watched a horror movie which I haven’t finished. She laughed at me because she wasn’t scared at all. She thought it was a comedy. DAMN that “Drag Me To Hell.” Why does everyone else thinks it is funny and I thought it was really scary!

Second day, me and my cousin Bevelyn went to the WordCamp Philippines 2009.

After the event, we ate at Teriyaki Boy.

I couldn’t find that here in Iloilo. So, here’s our craziness:

The food was fulfilling.

This was at Greenbelt.

Third day, we went to SM Mall of Asia (MOA) to buy “pasalubong.”

Our favorite, FLOSS at Bread Talk.

After roaming around the mall, we ate at the French Baker.

While waiting for the FLOSS we ordered, we had a Banana Split from Haagen Dazs.

So, after we got our Floss from Bread Talk. My cousin dropped me off at the Airport.

I am now back in Iloilo. A day after my arrival, I had a meeting with Iloilo Bloggers. I always have a good time with those people with great minds.

So busy!

Yesterday, during the IBM V demo, I was able to meet a few bloggers and to mention our Provincial Advisor Mr. Manuel Mejorada, who is updated when it comes to tech than I am.

Today, I will be joining Claire in a meeting with SM.

On the 28th and 29th special IT events.

If you are in Iloilo and wants to know more about SEO, you should attend the Digital Filipino SEO Workshop on September 28, 2009 at Netopia SM City Iloilo, 6 pm to 9 pm.

So, I wonder, if I am still in the office … I don’t know how to manage things in my life. I am so busy and expect more to pile up. I haven’t mentioned some of the events on my schedule, but if you want to be updated on IT events here in Iloilo or events that you could blog, add me on Plurk, Twitter or Facebook, if not then better check for an updated post on Iloilo Bloggers Blog.

The Driver Gave my Money Back

Today, is my daughter’s 5th birthday, but I am at work. I would be meeting her after work and would make up on my absence when I get back home from Manila. I promised her that I will give her my Gigabyte notebook so that she could watch all the movie she wants, but I guess I could find ways to put movies she likes on her iPod Touch.

So, I was going to my day job when I found out I have no coins to pay for the jeep. I took my Php 500 and gave it to the driver. He gave me back my money because he has no change. I told him to just have it change on a gasoline station. He answered me angrily – there’s no open gas station yet, because it’s too early. Well, upon passing a gas station, the driver was wrong. I just went down at the gas station for him to see that it is open!

Well, that’s my free ride this morning. I guess that’s a gift for me from that angry driver for being a Mom for 5 years now.

Happy Birthday my Hannah. I love you!

Invitation to Jun Hannah’s 5th Birthday

The party theme was supposed to be BRATZ, but recently I let her watch Hannah Montana and she really liked it. So, I made an invitation that is like a concert ticket and attached my daughter’s face to Hannah Montana’s.

I was soo busy for the past few weeks that I ran out of money and wasn’t able to prepare much for the party. Anyway, my Mom did all of that; she bought souvinirs already though I could have picked one that is related to the theme like guitar or microphones for the kids, but she chose stuffed toys. Well, beggars can’t be choosers.

I won’t be able to attend the party of my daughter because I have work that day. I hope she enjoys her day. I’ll be making it up to her when I come back from Manila.