34 weeks down...

Wow baby, we're now on our 34th week together in my tummy! How are you doing there? I bet you're having a good time inside mommy's belly, with all the kicks and jabs you give me every time I eat and laugh, or even when I sleep. I'm sure you're excited to come out and see the world. We're super excited to see you, too! Daddy's preparing our room now, and your Lola Mila has already washed your clothes. Your Lola Amy and I have already shopped some of your stuffs, but Daddy and I will also shop for some more this weekend. :)

It's been about 8 months when I've stopped drinking coffee and softdrinks. It was tough at first, since coffee is my fuel, and Mountain Dew is my energizer when I didn't have enough sleep. I have somehow forgotten how they tasted, but their aroma is enough. I can get rid of all these caffeinated and carbonated beverages if it's for you, little boy.

A friend added me in a Facebook group called "Breastfeeding Pinays" and so far I am getting more and more excited to carry you in my bosom as I feed you with my most precious milk. I have been learning a lot from that group and I hope we'll also experience the immeasurable joy of breastfeeding.

We got just a few weeks to go, son. Maybe 6 more weeks, but if you're ready enough, we may see each other in a month's time. Or even less. Oh the thought gives me chills!

Thank you, darling, for being such a good boy to mommy. My friend's say that I am lucky with my pregnancy that I never get to experience morning sickness and illnesses. All our tests and vital signs were A-OK and I give credits to your daddy for taking good care of us. I'm sure you'll always be a good boy like your daddy and titos and lolos and Kuya Miggy and Kuya Amiel. We'll go to church together and I'll teach you to be a rockstar and Daddy will let you play with his lens so you can also be a good photographer like him. :)

Most of all, we'll pray together. Before Daddy and I got married, we were taught to build a church. And you, our most precious gift, are our Church. I know you will grow up to be a responsible Christian, with all the guidance of your lolos and lolas.

I could go on and on with the words I want to tell you. This is how excited I am. I thank the Lord for blessing us with you, our Matt Daniel. ♥

Where it all began...

I'm here sitting in my hotel room. I know I should be having my beauty rest by now, but thank you to the wedding jitters, plus some take home work (yeah right! i'm such a workaholic. Eww.), I'm still up!

I have long wanted to write this blog entry. I really wanted to write about our love story, because I want to tell everyone how blessed and thankful I am, and I thought that a day before my wedding would be a perfect time to tell everyone about it. So when you see me walking down the aisle, with my beautiful white wedding gown, you'll know how happy we are and you can relate with my thanksgiving and celebration.

So, how did our roads meet?

It was a rainy afternoon of August 8, 2010, my Papa and I drove our way to an SFC Gathering. That was the dedication ceremony of the CLP batch that season. Since it was raining, I was doubtful and double-hearted if I should go. But since Papa and I will be rendering an intermission number (since we just won a duet singing competition a week ago), I was obliged to go.

I was not an active SFC member then, so I only knew a few faces. I decided to try to enjoy meeting new brothers and sisters, and just have fun with their company. And then, I noticed this super jolly brother, with his big DSLR camera. He would take pictures of everyone, and then play jokes with his ka-chapters. He was just so funny that it's very difficult not to notice him. He would make everyone laugh and smile, including me.

Finally, my song number with my Papa was done, and this jolly brother came up to me with his DSLR camera to take us some pictures. And then he told me that he would just tag me on Facebook. And when the program is about to end, he approached me for the second time to ask for my name, so he "could add me on facebook." Yun na pala 'yun!

During that time, I put my mobile number on my profile so my SFC and YFC friends could easily contact me. And so, the next day, while I was prepping up for work, I received a message from an unknown number... "Good evening Sis Maybel. Bro Lloyd here, I got your number from your Facebook account." So I replied, and he texted back, and we texted nonstop for days, for weeks, for a month... :)

duma-da-moves!

He has shown me his sincere intentions throughout the courtship. I have prayed for him and asked God sincerely if he is someone worth praying for. I had three criteria then: a) he should be God fearing, b) he should love his family, c) he should love my family. I was amazed with how God revealed each of these criteria with Lloyd. Perfect score eh!


There was one specific event where I really asked the Lord for him. That time, I was confused if he is really for me, or if I could see him in my future. So on the morning of August 24, 2010, I went to church from work to hear Mass, and I asked the Lord, "Papa God, pwede bang for today, wag mo munang paalala sa isip ko si Lloyd? Or if You really want him for me, Kayo na po bahala..." And just when the Holy Mass started, the first words the priest said were "Magandang umaga sa inyong lahat. Ngayong araw na ito ay ipinagdiriwang natin ang kapistahan ni San Bartolome". At that point, I swear! I smiled, and I got teary-eyed. I knew then that the Lord will take care of my heart, because He has given me someone to take care of His princess.

Right now, I don't know if it's already sinking in me. I'm still occupied with to-do lists for tomorrow, being the OC that I am. But hey, the Lord's promise to me is about to unfold a few hours from now. In a few hours, I will be changing my last name, I will have someone to take care of me 'til forever. My dreams will never be just my dream anymore, but OUR dreams, and yes, he's there to be with me always as we reach for those dreams, together.

To Lloyd, you are just downstairs, but I miss you most now. But I will keep myself from missing you, because I know you'll be waiting for me later, at the other end of the aisle, and that begins our forever. Ang umiyak, panget! :)


Ok, I should sleep now!

A Five-Star Valentines Surprise

After a tiring trip from SM Megamall, Lloyd insisted that we have our dinner at Saibachi in Festival Mall. His buddy Ray agreed with that, said that he doesn't want us get stuck in the EDSA traffic, and Lloyd was craving for some Japanese food. So wala na lang kaming nagawa ni Mars, although we still insisted that we at least grab a bite pantawid-gutom somewhere. We had some siomai before we hailed a bus Alabang-bound. While at the bus, I would sometimes catch Lloyd texting but he didn't tell me who or why, when he usually does. So anyway, I just didn't mind.

The boys did a pretty good job in diverting our attention and keeping us busy by throwing one topic to another. While walking along the South Station footbridge, we discussed about the new Crimson Hotel. Because my Kuya TJ works there as a restaurant manager, I was of course proud to throw in what I knew about the hotel, although I haven't been there yet. So Ray had this "bright idea (kuno)", that why don't we visit the place. Tripping ba? At dahil HHWW kaming 2 couples, the boys just took the lead and we entered the place for a 5-star hotel experience.

Mars and I just kept admiring the place, the walls and the elevator (that if you press the doorbell button, an operator would respond in case you're having some emergency). Cool! There were only a few buttons at the elevator, which implies that there are only a few levels operational at this hotel for now. Although this is my first time in the place, I hit on the L8 button only because kuya TJ told me that their resto is at the 8th floor (hence the resto's name).

We headed straight to the Cafe Eight where my Kuya works. I had no idea if he's on duty, and I can't text him either 'cause my phone battery is drained. I asked Lloyd to text kuya to tell him we're in, and Lloyd just nodded. I finally got speechless when the receptionist asked us "Do you have reservation?" Being the intrimitida that I am, I was about to answer no and that we are just looking for my kuya. But before I was able to say a word, Lloyd immediately replied, "yes, for Lloyd Bartolome. table for 4." And all I was able to say was, "what is going on?!?"

So we sat ourselves, Mars and I still puzzled while Lloyd and Ray are just very relaxed and confident. The waitress asked us if we'd go for buffet or a la carte, and I really just can't respond! So she just handed us the a la carte menu, and dining at a five-star hotel, you know the price! The waitress, Belle, asked us again, "is there any problem, Ma'am?" Yes there is! I don't even know why I'm here! I asked her if TJ Pelagio is around, because I'm his sister. She said he's at the office at the 4th floor, and will come up in a while, said she'll just let him know we're in. And again she asked, "buffet or a la carte?" Lloyd proudly said: "buffet! buffet tayo!" Seriously, mahal??!? Dinner buffet rate at Cafe Eight is at Php 1,400/pax. 1400 LANG naman! NOOOO!!!

Lloyd stood up confidently and went to the main course area to check on the dishes. Ray finally joined him as they both approached a waitress. Mysteriously, they were led to another door that I don't know where it leads to. Mars and I were both puzzled and clueless with what's going on. I can almost see flying question marks around my head. I can feel blood and sweat all over my head. After a few minutes, finally, that door where they entered opened up again, and Lloyd and Ray came out, each of them holding a bouquet of flowers for me and Marshee. SWEEEETNESS! EEEEE!!!!!

ako na maganda. :)

yay for double dates! :) 

Kuya TJ came out as well, and witnessed how his little sister was surprised by her lover. Kuya was actually an accessory to the plan. Haha. Super Sweet! And Lloyd is just the sweetest guy, that he secretly deals with my family for his valentines surprises for me. How sincere, right?

For the rest of the night we just enjoyed the food, which were all super delicious, and the romantic and fun ambiance. The crew members were very friendly and attentive (well, they should be. yari sila kay kuya hehe) and there were really a lot of dishes to choose from (although kuya said that the menu was incomplete last night, there were a few dishes which are not available). I'm not gonna discuss more about the food, because I'm really not good at that. I'm sure the delightful duo will.

Right now, as I write this, I'm still in awe and amazed how last night turned to be a super special one. Last February 14, although I'm contented with just seeing Lloyd for only 15 minutes of bliss (story here), I admit that I can't help but be envious of the ladies I see with their flowers or special gifts, or just being with their special someone. But hey, hearts day doesn't end at 23:59 of Feb14. And the boys are right, korni ang madaming kasabay. So yesterday, February 17, they made me and Mars feel that we are the prettiest of all the ladies in the universe.

Good job talaga ang tandem n'yo, Lloyd and Ray! Mars and I are just overwhelmed and we feel super blessed for having you. Paki-hanap na lang 'yung dulo ng hair namin. Ang haba kaseeeh.

After dinner, Lloyd and I still had time to bond with Kuya TJ at Gilligan's ATC, as we waited for his wife Ate Che. And it's funnier when I learned that Ate Che also knew of Lloyd's plans, that she panicked when I posted on Facebook that we were going to Megamall. She called up Kuya despite her busy day at work, "tuloy ba sila Lloyd? nasa Megamall daw sila." where Kuya replied "yes, tuloy sila, after Megamall." So that's when I knew about almost everything that happened behind the scenes. Kulit!

Good job Mahal! Sabi nga nila kuya, champion ka talaga! Five stars for you! Thanks for making my everyday filled with love. :)

level-up ang preps!

Yesterday, Lloyd and I, together with our couple friends +ray and +marianne, went to SM Megamall Megatrade Hall to experience a bridal fair and attend The Wedding Library's Wedding and Debuts Bridal Fair 2013. It was actually something that I was not ready for. Although I really planned to attend one with Lloyd, I felt we were just too early for it. But for the purpose of helping us with our planning, and to have an extra special double date this Valentines, Mars pushed for it. Being the persistent that she is, Mars already made a reservation for us before I even knew it. But since it was only good for three, Lloyd made another reservation for the two of us. Yes, he did it himself! Bait! All I had to do was to just go with them. Sweet! leeezzzdooodizzz!

As soon as we got there, we were kept busy by the different wedding suppliers, from photographers and videographers, to wedding rings, to gowns, to photobooths, and to event venues. Overwhelming! Papa Ray was glued to the different photobooth suppliers (getting ideas for the sideline, huh?) while Lloyd checked for rates of wedding rings and photographers. Mars and I scouted for different wedding gown designs for me. Weee ideas are overflowing!

this one's a favorite.. keep the pegs coming! 

Although we didn't have a target date yet, we at least got an idea on how much each element costs, and how much we should prepare. Suppliers surely offer special discounts and freebies when you reserve their services on-the-spot. But we didn't make any reservations yet (although we almost made one with Studio1 photography), hence we plan to attend another event pro'lly by mid-year. Weddings & Beyond already have a schedule on May 4 & 5, so I'm thinking we could sign up and visit. What's imporant is I got A LOT of ideas to fill our dream wedding idea book. yeeeey!

eh sino ba talagang bride? 

Three hours of walking around the Megatrade hall was just tiring that I started to feel hungry. Lloyd and Ray insisted that we leave Megamall and have dinner at Festival instead so we don't get caught up in the traffic. It's been years since I have last gone to Megamall, so I almost freaked out. Bakit sa Festival?!?? and Mars and I are hungry na! so the boys approved that we get a quick bite somewhere because Lloyd really wanted to eat at Saibachi in Festival. KEI. the rest of the night was just overwhelming, so I'd like to write all about that in another post. It's super special that it deserves a special place here. :)

it's not the flowers...

it's not the flowers, wrapped in fancy papers

it's not the ring i wear around my fingers

there's nothing in all the world i need

'cause i have you here beside me

- your love --jim brickman -

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is just a busy month at work. I've been working for almost 12 hours each day and get an average of 4-5 hours of sleep in the broad daylight. But aside from the hectic month that is, I still find February a special month. Well hello, Valentine's day!

For two years in a row, Lloyd has surprised me with sweet things on love day. It's really not of him to be mushy or carrying a bouquet of roses. But he did! He would always have something, not just for me, but also for my mom. For me, that's the sweetest! And we opted not to go out to date, not only that we both hate traffic and waiting, but because we just want to share the day with my parents, my family. 

But it's different this time. We're working on different timezones. I work on graveyard and he works at midshift. I'm having a tough time with my reports, and he's got a meeting at work. It's almost impossible to have our times meet. But it's ok. We're ok. Eh ano naman ngayon? We have all the weekend to spend together (plus the bridal fair coming up).

But still, love can just find a crazy way sometimes. Or maybe because I'm just so makulit and malakas kay Papa God that He still allowed me to see Lloyd even for just less than 15 minutes. But that's 15 minutes of bliss. No roses, no sweets, no power hug, but pure bliss, and paying our bills together. Love is contentment. Love is simple happiness, yet joy unlimited. 

For most girls, valentine's day somehow gives us a right to be girls, to be given gifts, to be pleased. But hey lady, love is not about receiving, but it's about giving. It's not about the gifts and sweets, but it's about joyful love. It's about spreading love. Not only to your partners, but more importantly to your families, friends, workmates, and even to a stranger. And it's not only just on Valentine's day that we remember what love is. It has to be every. single. day. 

And may we not forget that this week also starts the Lenten Season. And Lent is not only about not eating meat on Fridays, and anticipating a long weekend on Maundy Thursday til Easter Sunday. It's about that greatest love that Jesus died on the cross. I have just started reading, again, Rick Warren's best seller The Purpose Driven Life to start my Lenten journey. And Day 1 says, "It's not about you." To love is not to be loved back. To love is to expect nothing in return, and find joy in loving and giving.

My prayer last Wednesday is to have a renewed love from this point forward. Maybe we just always have to be reminded what love is. We know love and we all love, because we have emotions and feelings. We were taught to love since we were little kids. We grew, experienced love, and some may get hurt, be bitter, some may fall down and love no more. 

And I want to share with you, dear reader, my prayer, that may we all find renewed love. And we can only find that by going back to what the Lord has taught us. By reminding ourselves what love is, as He has told us. And though it has been used a lot, in songs, in movies, in everywhere, but I hope you find this video, a song by Brandon Heath, inspiring and reflecting. And dear reader, just a simple assurance, no matter what, love never fails you. 

May your heart always be filled,

meimei

Girl thing rambles

I know I sworn that I won't post anything negative in this blog. But I just hate it every time this "girl-time-of-the-month" comes. I know, too, that this is just a very awkward post. But may be my hormones drive me to. And maybe the lessons and realizations that come with it makes me wanna write about it.

So yeah, I just hate it when this visits me. I just become very irritable and I can find all the fault I can find in each person I ride with in the jeepney. Last night on my way to work, I found myself very irritated with this big man sitting next to me who almost occupied three seats when I don't even know if he's already paid for one. After really irritating me, he suddenly sang his Christmas carol medley in the jeepney and serenaded the passengers, hoping he would be given any amount possible.

This morning, there were just too many sudden change of plans that I suddenly felt everything's screwed up, when actually everything's just fine. I AM JUST FREAKING IRRITATED. And Demanding. And Annoyed. I just hate it! GRRRR. So when Lloyd met me up for our movie date, he just asked me why am I so "high-blood" with my texts. When I told him it's just the time of the month, he said "AH OK."

And from there, he just knew how to cope with my hormonal stress. He knew how to please me, and how to deal with my anxieties. He knew how to make me smile and lighten up my mood. Am I worrying too much? That's no problem, he says, then gives me easy resolutions and even back-up plans.

There was also this time earlier when I got reaaallly pissed with the ladies at the Cinema E-Plus booth who took some time to process my free Card and complimentary movie pass from GCash. So we have already waited for some time and we were already late for the movie that we are to watch, when the lady just informed us that we cannot use the complimentary pass for the MMFF movies. GAAAHD. So Lloyd had to line up again at the ticket booth to get me a ticket (he already had his while I was waiting for my E-Plus card). Finally, as we entered the Cinema, I, still pissed, just kept on telling him how sorry I am for the trouble and the time wasted. And he just held my hand, then laughed, and smiled and kissed me, and told me, "it's ok." :)

I guess what I'm trying to say is, blessed are girls whose guys just understand our monthly struggles, and even help us how to deal with them, in the sweetest way possible. I know girls alone can understand girls. But when a boy, amidst all your anxieties and senseless rants and irrational stress and all that jazz, still tries his best to make you smile and tells and shows you that you are loved and cared for, he's just something to be really thankful for.

So to all the boys out there, whose girls can really be the worst girl ever during their monthlies, and still you can make her smile and feel loved like she's the most special girl in the world, THANK YOU! You don't know how much that means to us. Again, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you! :)

Oyayi

You didn't have to be a belter to sing a good tune. 

You may need to be spontaneous in coming up with a tune to sing, 

but hitting the notes really is not a requirement. 

Any hum will do. He'll love it.

You didn't have to be a good dancer. 

But you may need to have strong and enduring arms to carry him as long as he wants.

All that matters is love. Unconditional love. 

When he still would cry, or be unruly

it's his way of telling you, "please be here. don't leave me."

It's his way of telling you, he needs your time. 

He wants you by his side.

So be there. Just be there. Carry him in your arms. 

No matter how tired you are.

Love. Just love.

After all, the sweetest reward is to watch him sleeping soundly. 

Then in the middle of his deep slumber, he would give a sweet smile to tell you, 

"thanks for being here. let's play again later, ha."

Magical.

It was one ordinary Sunday night of March last year, Lloyd and I were sitting on a bench in our terrace from 12:00 AM 'til about 4. When we had no more stories to tell each other about, he got his Ipod and played his cruisin' playlist. So we listened to the best love songs of all time. There were hits by David Pomeranz, America, Ariel Rivera, The Carpenters. Talk about Classics! We're both music lovers that we can appreciate every aspect of a song, from the harmony, to the baseline, to the lyrics, to the feelings of the song. For this night, he's the DJ. He played each song that he felt was apt for the exact feeling at a certain minute. So suddenly, the ordinary night turned out to be one of the sweetest nights ever. And listening to such songs made me reminisce to a lot of firsts: first time we talked, we went to church together, our first month as friends, first time he held my hands. gaaahd. Magical night. And to further intensify my reminiscin', he told me, "so ganito ba 'yung pakiramdam?" then played this song that really best described my feelings. Yes, suddenly it's magic. He's a magic.

So I closed my eyes, rested my head on his shoulder with his arms wrapped around me as we continued feeling the song. So that moment, I prayed. I thanked the Almighty. For this. I knew that this is something I have really prayed hard for. Not just this certain moment, but this entire relationship. Him and me. I feel at home with him. He is home. and I couldn't thank God enough for making our lives meet.  When the song was over, I looked up to him smiling to tell him how he has filled me with joy.  Right there and then, he asked me of a four-word interrogative sentence every girl would love to be asked. :)  With my mind at peace and a thankful heart full of love, of course I answered him yes.

a long trip to heaven. :)

Ever traveled alone for a couple of hours, going to a place you have no clue how far is? And you have no idea where to sleep at or who will you interact with?

Dec 2007, a dear friend, Kuya JC, invited me to come and serve at their event and be part of the Gawad Kalinga Bayanihan Challenge service team in Mulanay, Quezon. Mula-what? Sa'n 'yun? But being a GK advocate and a passionate missionary, I willingly obliged to his invitation. So he gave me instructions how to get there, and warned me, "pagdating mo ng Lucena terminal (which is a 4-hour bus ride from Alabang), mga 4 hours pa ulit." WHOA.

So I packed my things and left home at around 7am on a Friday to start my long journey. I am alone. I didn't have Ipod or mp3 player, and all I have was my Bible and my school notebook (I got an exam Monday after that weekend). I got to Lucena around lunch time where I grabbed some bite, and rode another bus that will give me another 4-hour ride to my destination.

San Pedro to Mulanay. We can almost see Marinduque island from our point.

Kuya Jett, another friend who's already at the venue, texted me the lists of barangays I would pass through so I'd know I'm almost there. So I guess he'd listed around 12 barangays. At dahil probinsyang-probinsya, very rare ang signages or barangay markers. Ayos. Puno, dagat, bundok, dagat, bundok, alikabok, puno, kalabaw. 'Yun ang signages ko.

And since I was alone, it was more like a silent retreat for me. With the beautiful view outside the window, I contemplated, "Lord, where are You taking me? What's your purpose?" So, to be able to hear the Lord, I did not talk for the entire trip (syempre, wala din naman akong kasama, except kay Papa God, of course), but for a few phrases my fingers can enumerate:

• 1 pork chao fan (ordering my favorite meal at Chowking, Lucena Grand Terminal)
• Mulanay po? 
• Kuya, isa nga po (ice cream.) [the bus had a stopover at a store, at may mamang sorbetero. :p]
• Kuya, anong lugar na po 'to? Malapit na po ba ang Mulanay? [I asked this teenager who just got off from school. Malapit na daw. whew.]

Finally, at around 3pm, I got off the bus and got a trike that will take me to the GK site. When I got off the trike, I was welcomed with people busy building homes for other people, but still managed to smile at me. Heaven!

Gawad Kalinga Mulanay Village: a haven of love and nationalism

I was welcomed by Kuya JC and Kuya Jett, my two Quezon buddies, and they introduced me to the YFCs in the locale, who have been my family for my three-day stay.

Videoke, kulitan, banda, tugtugan, production team, kwentuhan, kantahan, KAINAN, laro kasama ang mga makukulit na bata. LANGIT NA NAMAN! I was able to bond with my brothers and sisters in the community, taught the boys some music, taught the kids the GK song, and of course helped build the homes of the Mulanay folks. There was also an entertainment night where I experienced a real "diskuhan sa Nayon" and just had some real, genuine fun with them.

Partners in Nation Building

I fell in love with these kids in an instant. My favorites - Sampu (ganun sila kadaming magkakapatid) and Tyson (a very sweet little one, as opposed to his name. hihi. :p). [bottom left pic]

It's sweet how the Lord takes you to places with the initial invitation that you'll be the one to teach and share your life to other people. But the truth is, ikaw 'yung natututo. I was greatly touched with how these people shared me their lives, their smiles, their food, their love. I asked the Lord to teach me how to love, and He gave me people who loved me beyond words. 

Event's program team: SFC/YFC Mulanay. They gave me gifts for me to take home [bottom left]

731 days of love. ♥

September 24, 2012, 1:15 AM. We are exactly two years together!

Well, we welcomed the day with our friends, slept at around 3am, got up at noon just in time for lunch. Pretty lazy day at first as we had to wait for Lyeo to come home from work (because he brings the motorbike with him). So at around 4:00 PM, we put on our motor gears: rubber shoes, black jacket, backpacks, Lloyd's hand gloves, arm sleeves, and our helmets and started hitting the road at 4:20 PM. Destination: Tagaytay City! ♥

Our route itself was exciting as we are trying on a new one. We took the Timbao road which is just near Carmona Estates. The road leads to Laguna technopark where I got a view of Amkor's plant 4 (hurray!). Unfortunately, since we don't have a Nuvali sticker, we were not allowed to pass through Nuvali gate so we had to re-route via Greenfield and drove along with the shuttle buses for employees working in the Technopark.

We traveled this route for 1 hour 15mins with our motorbike

Our journey was easy and breezy and I really thank God for the perfect weather. There was no traffic and no hassle at all. And we knew we're near our destination as we already felt the cool Tagaytay breeze passing through our helmets and touching our faces. Finally, at 5:35 PM, we checked in at Keni Po hotel.

photo from wandering gene

We fell in love with the place at once! Well, I first checked out some hotels in tripadvisor to find some cozy yet affordable places to stay in Tagaytay, and this hotel has really captured my interest. It's just along Tagaytay-Calamba road, right beside one of my favorite churches, Ina ng Laging Saklolo Parish Church. The room we had was just small and simple, but really comfortable. (unfortunately though, we don't have much pictures since we're not fond of taking pictures of ourselves. boo!) A sliding door leads you to a veranda, and our room is facing right the parking lot of the church (weeee!). The room also has its own mini-bar where it serves bottled water, soda, beer and snacks, which you may get anytime and just pay later when you check out. We really loved the place that we will surely come back here every after 3 months. :) Anyway, more pics on their blogsite: http://keniporooms.blogspot.com/

We then felt our tummies grumbling at around 7pm and decided to drive along Tagaytay and find a place to dine. Where to? We have no idea! But we simply enjoyed our stroll, with still the cold breeze kissing our faces, and we were led to Carlo's Pizza. It's just in the same compound as Starbucks and Teriyaki Boy. We first thought of dining at Teriyaki Boy or Yellow Cab, but I insisted that we don't since we can also find these restos in Manila. We gotta try something new! So yes, we gave Carlo's pizza a shot!

Carlo's Pizza is an Italian restaurant which also offers a good view of the Taal Lake. Unfortunately though, since it's already dark, we can no longer see the lake. But the cool breeze from the lake and relaxing ambiance in the resto made the night romantic. :) Service was good and the waiters were attentive. Now for the food choices, since Lloyd and I are both salad lovers, Caesar Salad won't be missed in our choices. I had a dish of Spaghetti Bolonese while Lloyd had a two-pc chicken combo, one of which was Italian-glazed and one was crispy fried. Finally, since we are dining in a pizza place, why not try their pizza! Hence we had their Pizza Verona (it has garlic, mozarella and cheddar cheese) which was delightfully tasteful and was made even more special when you put on some Caramba Chili Verde which of course is a chili sauce but still brings out the pizza's natural taste even more. hhmmm yumyum!

Affordable Italian dining experience 

Pizza Verona!

We capped off the night by dropping by Starbucks to have coffee for desert, for some more kwentuhan, planning, discussing about some more stuffs, and just simply laughed around. That's where Lloyd is best at, making me laugh and making my heart equally happy and joyful. :)


The next morning, we hit the road once again at around 11am, dropping by the pineapple stalls for pasalubong for his and my home. Stress-free travel! Thank you Lord. ♥ and if there's one most special thing about this trip, that is I know that I could always live like this and I could always enjoy these simple roadtrips with my sweetest blessing. There'll be more roads to take, and even foods to eat, and I'm sure I'll enjoy every piece of every moment. Being on our second year, maybe we were already past through that very cheesy stage. Because right now, we're just busy - and excited - of working and planning and building for our future, together. ♥

Pizza, Pasta, Pichi-Pichi, Pochero, Pareng Jack!

Happiness is an understatement. This was indeed a grand long weekend I have looked forward since a few months ago. Although it did not turn out the way I've first planned it, but everything was just... perfect!


Saturday, Sept 22
Long weekend commenced with a Shawarma food trip at the bus stop where Lloyd met me after work. Their shawarma was more affordable and less "smelly" but more tasteful compared to the one we usually buy in Festival mall's food court. This, to date, was the 3rd shawarma i've ever had. EVER! :)

When we got home, Papa welcomed me with "O, cheerdance na!" So I dropped everything and turned on the tube to catch UP Pep Squad while Lloyd thought of what to order for our dinner. I literally dropped everything. Haha. Yey for UP! :) So anyway, we ordered Amber's Spaghetti bilao, 20pcs BBQ stick and the all-time favorite Amber's Pichi-pichi! Mama also cooked my favorite pochero to complete the meal. Oh, did I mention that today's a double celebration for Mama and Lloyd's birthday? Mama turned 58 on September 21 and Lloyd turned 27 on September 23. Fun, right? :)

pochero, BBQ, pichi-pichi, and spaghetti
(with biiig hoootdogs!) yum!

ate chin-chin saying grace

raawwwrrr!!!

the boys' bestfriend: PARENG JACK

and the night's highlight: Online inuman session with cousins in Bulacan. :)

On-the-spot fun was the skype inuman session with my cousins in Bulacan. They're really my closest cousins and the first kuyas whom Lloyd got along well with. The boys were on skype until 12 midnight, until they welcome Lloyd's turning 27. :p


Sunday, Sept 23
Goodmorning Lloydieee!!! weeee...haappeee birthdaaay! :) We just had but a simple lunch in the Carmona home, then went to church with his family. This was my first time to hear mass with his family. During the mass, I really prayed that he and Nanay and Tatay will always be healthy and strong. There were just a lot to be thankful during the mass - his life, our relationship, our relationship with our families, and our own family that we will build someday. God is the sweetest!

After mass, we headed straight to Shakey's Biñan for his birthday dinner with Nanay, Tatay, tito, tita, Lyeo (his brother) and Mich (Lyeo's gg). :)

the fam! 

Thanks sissy Mich for the cake!

The day was capped off by his friends' own version of "Lloyd's day!" (i.e., lloyd+JC+jessie+a few more friends+fun fun fun). Nevertheless, thank You Lord for this one special weekend. But lo, our weekend is just ain't over yet!


...to be continued... ♥ ☺♥☺♥

10 things I must start doing

1. Keep a close watch on my health. Maintain a good weight, rehydrate, rejuvenate, be healthy inside and out. :) 
2. Learn how to cook. Papa have spoiled me too much that he didn't let me cook for almost two years. I don't know if it's just damage control. (marunong naman ako kahit pa'no)
3. Save, save, save! As Lloyd recalls the article he has read before, "the secret to being rich is to not buying the unnecessary things." yes sir! :)
4. And as I learn to save, I must also master the art of stretching the budget. 
5. Start a business for mama and papa, or at least something they could get busy with at the same time getting income from it. 
6. Imagine my dream wedding! yeahboi! 
7. Plan the timeline for preparation. Gantt Chart mode ON. Magplano ng maaga para iwas haggardo versoza. :)
8. Get into a driving lesson. <insert music here> GUSTO KONG MATUTONG MAG-DRIVE! yeah, i must learn, because we gotta do a lot of errands soon!
9. Get my identity documents handy. 
10. Enjoy being Ms. Pelagio as I can, while I can. =D