March 29, 2006
Found this at Nette’s blog. =D

What does your handwriting say about YOU?
The results of your analysis say:
You plan ahead, and are interested in beauty, design, outward appearance, and symmetry.
You are a social person who likes to talk and meet others.
You are diplomatic, objective, and live in the present.
You are a talkative person, maybe even a busybody!
You enjoy life in your own way and do not depend on the opinions of others.
March 28, 2006
We had a number of celebrations last weekend….
Friday, March 24
Dionne’s Mommie’s Birthday
The Birthday Girl

Celebration @ Dencio’s

(Just have to post this) Our ring bearer… Jef
Food pics here.
Saturday, March 25
Jeffrey’s Graduation
Jeff and Caan
Congrats bro! =D
Monday, March 27
Mae’s Graduation
With Mae
Salutatorian! Galing! Dapat hanggang highschool. =D
Celebration was at Shakey’s España. Food pics here.
Chaa & Tia Maria’s
After the graduation celebration, I picked up Dionne from work for a dinner date. To pass the time, we sat down at Chaa. I had an OK blueberry shake while Dionne had a relaxing chamomile tea. I ended up sipping the tea (with lots of honey of course, hehe) till the last drop.
We then walked towards Tia Maria’s at UN Avenue. The certificate said, “romantic dinner for two”. Unlike at the Solomon Guest House where we already knew the menu, we had no idea what we’ll get at Tia Maria’s. The store manager told us that we could order anything on the menu as long as the whole lot’s within PHP 700.
Of course we maximized the 700! We ordered food which cost at around 600, plus service charge… 700. Hehe. Food pics here.
The food was great! We were so full after the tacos that we brought home the burger and burrito… After dinner, we agreed that Tia Maria’s is one place worth coming back to. Thanks (again) 2bu!
March 25, 2006
“We are all part of the problem. We are all partly to blame.
But the good thing is, we are also the answer. We are also the solution.”
Alexander Ledesma Lacson
Yesterday, I had a late (but great) birthday gift from Dulce. It was a 105-page book entitled “12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do To Help Our Country” by Alexander L. Lacson.
My boss saw it on my desk and told me he heard a lot about the book. I knew that he was a book enthusiast but his genre is a bit different from what I like. From what he said, I got curious. This morning, I picked up the book. The moment I started reading it, I cannot put it down. There were moments when I got teary eyed because of frustration. The Foreword by E. D. Apostol was right, it will bother you.
I’m sharing the list to you. But I suggest you get hold of a copy yourself. His insights really bores a hole in one’s conscience.
1. Follow traffic rules. Follow the law.
2. Whenever you buy or pay for anything, always ask for an official receipt.
3. Don’t buy smuggled goods. Buy local. Buy Filipino.
4. When you talk to others, especially foreigners, speak positively about us and our country.
5. Respect your traffic officer, policemen and soldier.
6. Do not litter. Dispose your garbage properly. Segregate. Recycle. Conserve.
7. Support your church.
8. During elections, do your solemn duty.
9. Pay your employees well.
10. Pay your taxes.
11. Adopt a scholar or a poor child.
12. Be good parent. Teach your kids to follow the law and love our country.
Among the 12 things, I’m already doing 7. I’m struggling to do 2. One I will do soon. One I will do once I give birth. One I will do in the future.
Like these people, I dream that we would be a beautiful nation with beautiful people someday. I just hope that my children will live to see the day that this dream is realized.
March 20, 2006
Been away for five days because of work.
I was part of the team of facilitators that brought the participants to a study tour of Banaue, Vigan, Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur. It was my first time in the north and I armed myself with a fully charged digicam. It was also opportune that a good resource person and some locals guided us throughout the trip. Galing! I really appreciated it a lot.
Batad trek was unforgettable… and the terraces were breathtaking. Vigan was a different experience as well. Ilocos churches, for me, are the best in the country. I was especially impressed with Paoay’s Baroque architecture.
Tara na, byahe tayo!
We were scheduled to have our precana at UST, Sunday morning. After more than 10 hours of travel last night, I had to drag myself out of bed. Joven and I went to UST before 8am. We were the second couple to arrive, soon all eight of us were in.
The speaker for the topic on Catholic Marriage was a deadringer for Brod. Pete! I couldn’t help but giggle most of the time. Of the three speakers, I liked him best. He was candid and more participative in the discussion.
Responsible Parenting was next. The lady who discussed it kept on wandering off from the topic. By this time, Joven was constantly pinching me to keep me awake. She was nice though, very motherly.
Husband-Wife Relationship was discussed by a couple. Some of the things they mentioned were not so gender sensitive that I had to cringe sometimes. But they’re quite inspiring because they have been married for 40 years and still look very happy together.
We were also briefed by the church coordinator of UST on the rules and regulations on the day itself. Natatawa nga ako, he had a crush on Joven kasi. Haha! At least we have a better picture of what will happen on that day.
The precana was a nice experience. For me, it was a series of testimonials that marriage during these times still work. It gave a feeling that I’m in the right place at the right time. It also feels that the rest of my life is unfolding the way He wanted it.
Highlight!
Scene: Joven and I were malling at SM San Lazaro. Window shopping for gadgets on the top floor.
Dionne: Tingin na tayo ng laptop para alam na natin yung prices dito. If ever, mas madali nang magresearch sa net. Tsaka kung magpapabili ka kay Kuya at least alam natin kung mura nga dun.
Joven: Sige, ikot ikot tayo.
Going inside Electroworld. Dionne transfixed at the mobile phones on display.
Joven: Ganda no?
Dionne: Oo nga, ayan pala yung Motorola SLVR. Ganda!
Joven: Gusto mo? (serious tone)
Dionne: (shocked) Nge! Mahal! Tsaka na lang.
Joven: Di nga?
Dionne: Baka kapusin tayo.
Joven: Hindi.
Dionne: Sure?
Joven: Sure.
Dionne: (obviously excited pero hiding the excitement pa din) Wag na. Kakahiya naman. Gash!
Joven: Pili ka na.
After an hour, we ended up with this.
Weeeee! Soooo happy! Grabe na ito! =D
March 11, 2006
… or not. =)
Ever since we got the 2bu! prizes, we’ve been on a tear as to how to maximize them. Since some of them were about to expire, they had to be disposed of asap. And dispose them is what we did for the past week.
Tuesday, March 7
After office, I rushed towards Haagen Dazs in Glorietta to claim our petite cakes. Good thing that the attendant asked if I wanted to purchase extra dry ice. In anticipation of the traffic and travel towards LRT where I would meet Dionne, with Irish and Francis, I asked for an additional 30 minutes worth.
Inside those boxes were two delicious ice cream cakes… We ate half of the belgian choco cake for merienda.
Before 7PM, we were on our way to SM San Lazaro to meet Aggie and Glo. We first met Glo at Starbucks and were treated to a multimedia experience care of DIY queen Glo. Minutes after preggie Aggie arrived, we had dinner at Congo Grille, where Dionne and I had Congo Rice and Lenchon Kawali. Unfortunately, we forgot to take pictures of the food… We did get this:

Karen, Glo’s cousin, was on my left, while our takeout is in the plastic bag beside Aggie. =)
We had to end the night early because we still had work the next day. “Early” for us, but it was already closing time for the mall! =P
It’s always nice to meet our friends from WeddingsAtWork. Even though we’ve only met once or twice, it’s like we’ve known each other far longer than that… Glo was set to get back to Boston last weekend. While Aggie is only a few months away from having her 2nd baby. Good luck to you both. Until we meet again!
Thursday, March 9
Again care of 2bu!.. We had dinner at Hotel Philippine Plaza. This has got to be one of our best dinners ever! There was even a cultural show! Dionne was kind of disappointed because they featured Hawaiian culture… She asks, why not feature the Philippine culture instead? It would have been great promoting our culture as most of the guests there were foreigners. Anyway, here are some pics:
Maybe I should’ve shutterflied them instead… Nuninu. =P
Friday, March 10
Another date courtesy of (who else?) 2bu! This time, it’s lunch at Max Brenner. Sarap! =)
Later that night, Dionne’s office, FSI, had a bowling tournament at the Bowling Inn at Taft Avenue near Quirino Avenue. Dionne was unbelievable in the first game, having scored 180! Imagine that! All the time, she was insisting that she didn’t know how to play… Things went the opposite direction on her second game. She finished with just 60+ points. Apparently, endurance plays a big role in this game. Hehe!

Saturday, March 11
A very tiring day… Dionne was scheduled to have her 2nd fitting with Tet Hagape. We also brought one of our flower girls, Angel Nicole, to be measured. Angel got tired because of the numerous transfers and fell asleep on the LRT2 on our way to Gateway Mall… After the fitting, a realization dawned on us. We need to go on a diet once again. Nuninu.
That afternoon, we dropped by UST to get our marriage banns. Saturday… 3PM… Hmm… Could there be a wedding? Yes, there was!
Less than 3 months to go…