The Year 2012 in Pictures

2012 is a memorable year for me. 2012 has taught me to be adventurous and be more confident with myself. I'm glad I took risks and tried out new things like surfing and cooking. 2012 has given me an opportunity to find my strengths and weaknesses in my chosen career. 2012 is also the year I got to spend more time with my family and friends from the different stages of my life. I learned new things from my experiences, and I will forever treasure the memories I made (with people who mean a lot to me) this year. I feel so lucky and blessed at the same time. Thank you Big Guy for everything. Until next year. :) ❤

Let me end this entry by quoting my fellow Humblebee, Ayeen:

"Welcome 2013. Here's to the new adventures, to more experiences, to new friends, to making more dreams come true."

Happy New Year everyone! :)

Don't be afraid to take risks. :)❤

Good morning, happy world! Ayan, hindi na mapait na mundo. ;) 

The Special Happy Crush

*December 30, 2012*

Had a happy dinner last night with my happy friends from gradeschool, Thesa and Chia. :)
 

The Movie I'll Never Get Tired of Watching

If there's one movie that totally makes me cry a river (well, aside from Toy Story), it would be Pixar's UP. I was in college, junior year, when I watched it in the silverscreen. I thought that it's just a movie about a cute kid who became friends with a grumpy old man who lives in a house pulled by hundreds of balloons, and they both went on an adventure. But I was wrong because this movie is more than just that. It has a more meaningful and deeper context that leaves us thinking about the good things we have and the special people in our lives. I remember I left the theater teary-eyed because I didn't expect that Russell, Carl, and even Ellie would make my heart melt. I'm inspired by the story, and I wish I'd have an adventure that will help me discover and learn new things to make me grow and be a much, much better person. That's how powerful and moving this movie is. :)

UP has been on Star Movies for weeks now and yes, it can still make me cry. ;)

The Year-End Mash-Up

I always look forward to this. Here's DJ Earworm's mash-up for 2012. Enjoy listening! :)

The Hazelnut

To my forever milk tea buddy, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! :D I hope you enjoyed your ice skating party a while ago. I wish I was there to celebrate your birthday with you. I miss you and see you when classes start! :)

Iwasan ang pagiging malabo. Be true to your word. Whatever you say, mean it. :)

Magandang hapon, hindi na gaanong mapait na mundo.

Thank you for being silly with me too on Auntie Lucy's special day. Your presence at her 80th party is deeply appreciated. I miss you and I hope to see you real soon. :)

The A Cappella Group

Days before our Christmas break, our directress reminded us to watch Pitch Perfect. She was even teasing me that I was part of the film. Startled, she began explaining that there's this one character who's like me--- the way she dress, acts, and communicates with people. ;) I have yet to watch the film. I'm too curious to see this character our directress is talking about. Hihi. I've seen the trailer and it seems interesting. No other accompaniments, just plain a cappella! I'm currently downloading it. :) 

December 26, 2012

Last Wednesday, I had a post- Christmas lunch with my college loves at Apartment 1B in Makati. It was nice to see these girls again. Although we weren't complete, we still had fun. I love them to bits. :)

The Effect of Doughnuts and Coffee

My November 17 date with best friend Margaret doesn't end at Bulgogi Brothers. After eating dinner, we walked around Alabang Town Center and watched people. Did I ever mention that people watching used to be my favorite hobby way back in college? ;) Sometimes, people watching is good because it can make you realize a lot of things. ;)

We went to Krispy Kreme after to eat doughnuts and talk about the things that matter in life. I'm glad that Margaret was there to listen to all my ramblings about the things I'm going through. I'm learning so much from the advices she gives me. On the other hand, I feel honored when she opens up to me and it's my pleasure to share what I think about her own ramblings. It somehow forces my brain to work double time and I guess it's good. My EQ and IQ work hand-in-hand. ;) On a random note, look at the holiday doughnuts! They're too cute to eat, what do you think?

Since we were the only people at Krispy Kreme, we decided to continue our conversation at Starbucks. While we were there, the weirdest thing happened to me. Before paying for our drinks, the barista asked for my name twice and she spelled it too. I was really confident na she got my name correctly this time. But when the other barista called me, she said "Jana". Medyo natawa ako pero okay lang. For the other drink, I was even more surprised when she said "Tana". Napa-tumbling na ako! Sabay ko in-order yung mga kape pero magkaiba ang pangalan ko. They made our night!

Margaret became worried when I got so hyper after drinking my coffee. She even tried to stop me from driving because "I was not in good condition". Ganyan ako kalala at daig ko pa ata ang nalasing. But I assured her that once I get hold of the manibela, I will be back to my normal state. I sensed that she was kind of nervous when I started driving but when we reached San Pedro exit along the SLEX, okay na siya. ;)

So that's how my date night with my bestfriend went. It was fun and meaningful (because of our conversation about life) and I'm looking forward to another one. :)

The Funny Duo

Brace yourselves, my three avid readers! It has been my goal to upload a video of myself singing. :)) Well, this was an old video (not so old as it was taken only this year.) of Margaret and I, and I guess it's worth sharing. It's not everyday that people see us like this. Hihi. :p Press play and see for yourself. Walang hiya-hiya. ;)

P.S. Please bear with the sound of the electric fan in the background. We forgot to turn it off. (-_-)

Kapag umasa ka, ihanda mo ang iyong puso, isip, at tissue sa mga bagay na pwedeng mangyari. ;)

Magandang gabi, mapait na mundo.

Happy Holidays from our family to yours! :) ♥

The Quest for the Perfect Barbecue

November 17, 2012- My colleagues told me that aside from the sulit and sumptuous Korean food, the other best thing at Bulgogi Brothers is to get to cook your own barbecue. They say nothing but positive things about this restaurant so last November 17, Margaret and I decided to eat dinner there. We wanted to experience authentic Korean food and of course, cook our own barbecue. When we arrived at the restaurant, it was full of people and the waitress said we're the third in the waiting list. It was already past 8pm and we were so hungry so we both agreed to eat outside. Unfortunately, we weren't able to cook barbecue. We had to follow the restaurant's policy. ;)

The moment we sat on our chair, they served us with salad, corn tea, and other appetizers which are for free. How awesome is that? Margaret and I felt like we were in Korea as we finally got to use their metal chopsticks and rounded spoon. Surprisingly, we liked the eggplant with nuts and the kangkong. Tinipid talaga namin yun. While eating, I also imagined myself being in a Koreanovela waiting for my prince, Lee Min Ho. :)) 

For the main course, we had bibimbap and the Bulgogi Brothers special. These are the best! Really! The beef is so tender; it was properly cooked and it was super duper *insert all sorts of positive adjectives here*! It'll leave you speechless.

And wait, there's more! The friendly waiters and waitresses (yes, plural) served us ice cream for free! We only paid for the bibimbap and the barbecue and the service charge. I also liked the service because they're so friendly and accommodating. Margaret and I were truly the happiest kids that day. ;)

Heart shaped! :)

I love the name of this ice cream. Hihi.

My colleagues were right. It is sulit. We'll definitely go back to Bulgogi Brothers. :)

The 23rd of December

9th day of Simbang Gabi! It's such a happy night because for the very first time, during mass, I didn't feel sleepy at all. ;)

The elders say that when you complete the nine days of Simbang Gabi, you have to make a wish and it will come true. I didn't get to complete the nine days (was absent last Monday because I had to help the other teachers decorate the classroom for the Christmas party) but I still made a wish. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and I hope that the Big Guy above grants it. Positive vibes all the way! :)

It's 2 days before Christmas! Are you guys excited? :)

The Colorful Things

Because I like colorful things ;)

I decided to drop by Nuvali bazaar this afternoon to buy some Christmas presents. I guess today I was lucky as I got some good deals and discounts from the friendly booth people. I'm not on a panic mode anymore because I'm halfway my Christmas shopping. Yay!

I'm officially on Christmas break starting today, by the way! :)

December 18, 2012

Hello, Tuesday! It's a green day for the preschool teachers. Taken minutes before the babies' Christmas party. :)

December 16, 2012

Hi... thank you for being silly with me last Sunday. :)

The 2012 Wishlist

The other day, my toddlers and I talked about Santa Claus. They learned that Santa Claus is a jolly old man who has white hair, wears red robes, and rides a sleigh carried by reindeers. Their eyes lit up when they also learned that Santa Claus likes giving presents to good boys and girls. Suddenly, some of them raised their hands and shared that they're good boys and girls. How cute! While looking at them, I could tell they're all thinking of what they want to receive from "Santa" this Christmas.

Like my toddlers, I also have moments when I think of the things I want to get this Christmas. However, I'm not expecting Santa to give me these because I'm already beyond the stage of believing that he exists. :p Anyway, in no particular order...

 

Whenever I visit a Roxy store, I would always go to the watch section and satisfy my eyes with these colorful arm candies. My watch has just retired so I must get a new one. Unfortunately, my savings usually find its way to National Bookstore. On a different note, having a cute watch would probably motivate me to be always on time.

   

Yes, a Jansport backpack. I need this to keep my colored pens, colored papers, double-sided tapes, glue, googley eyes, paint, popsicle sticks, and the other things that you would see inside a preschool teacher's bag. It's so spacey and it can stand the test of time. It's a matter of quality over quantity.

This is not as important as the first two though.Gusto ko lang talaga magkaroon ng Orly na nail polish. ;) I've seen Patty Laurel's blog about Orly and I fell in love with its lovely colors, most especially the pastels. Colors like the ones you see in the picture suit me well and they totally reflect my personality. I'm such a girly girl, don't you think? :p

Keds sneakers! In our school, it is highly recommended that preschool teachers wear closed shoes. You know, in preschool, kids stepping on your foot more than thrice a day is inevitable as they're very active, so wearing sandals is a big no-no. I'm always on flats and my trusty super sparkly espadrilles. They've been with me through thick and thin and I'm thinking of giving them a much-deserved break. Keds look so comfy, fun, and stylish at the same time, and they look so perfect in a preschool setting. I can't wait to own a pair of Keds soon!

I'd like to believe that this year's wish list is more practical than last year's. Needs over wants. Quality over quantity. And oh, it makes me feel like I'm finally growing up. ;) I'm keeping my fingers crossed and I'm really hoping that I would be able to buy (or maybe, much better if someone would give me hahaha) at least one of these. :)
 

You know what to do.

The 10th Day of December

We don't always get what we want. No matter how hard you've prayed for it, if it's not meant for you, just learn to accept it and move on. Holding on to something that has no bright future will only add up to your emotional baggage. Reality can be harsh sometimes. But if it's the only way for you to grow and be wiser (and happier), dear friend, it's time to let go. It's time to open up your heart to something better. Remember, there's a reason for everything. Whatever you're going through right now, you'll surpass it. You are a strong person. 

Dear friend, you've done your part. Cry a little, or maybe a river. Let it all out. Moving on is not easy, but you can do it. You'll be okay. :)

The Song on the Loop

The song, We'll Be a Dream, by We The Kings ft. Demi Lovato has been on the loop since yesterday. I find this song and its music video inspiring. When it comes to vocals, the voices of Demi Lovato and the band's vocalist have good chemistry (sorry for the lack of term).

On a totally random note, five more days before Auntie Lucy's big day! I can't wait for her 80th birthday celebration. It's not a grand party though, but her closest friends, relatives, and the people who have a special place in her heart are invited. Thinking about it, I realized that reaching the age of 80 is such an amazing blessing. :)

Word. :)

The OPM Playlist

Some old school songs from Filipino bands. Happy Sunday! :)

Kundiman by Silent Sanctuary

Burnout by Sugarfree 

Your Song by Parokya ni Edgar

The Second Day of December

November has been sweet and kind to me. Beautiful things happened when I least expected them and the Big Guy above really made me feel special and blessed. This is the most memorable November ever and I will forever keep the good memories I've made with people who mean a lot to me. November gave me the inspiration I need to be on track.

I hope December does the same.