A Mother's Day note: Miracles Happen

May 2011.

My mom was initially suspected of having brain tumor because of the sudden blurring of her vision. She went to several eye specialists for opinions and did series of tests. It turned out that she has retinal problem and not "brain tumor". She was then asked to undergo operation the soonest possible time. If not, her condition could worsen. Or worst, she'll be blind. But my mom did not push through it. It was a risky operation and it doesn't give us the assurance that mom's right eye will be normal again. We weren't ready. It's a huge amount that we will be needing. To add, mommy became sensitive with her condition. I can see the pain and struggle in her eyes. It wasn't easy for her. It wasn't easy for us. But knowing mommy, she holds her faith tightly. Aside from being strong, malakas sya kay Lord. And so, mom asked for a miracle. We prayed as a family. We need a miracle.



Mommy at the Prayer Mountain

Strong woman of God

May 2012.

Its been a year already. A miraculous year for our family. My mom did not pursue her operation. She already claimed healing on her right eye. As she calls it, "Faith changes fate".

Another precious year has passed yet you never changed, mom. Beautiful, strong, thoughtful and a great mom. That's what you are. Its not everyday that I get to tell you how much I love you. I hug you all the time and I hope I can express it through that way. Thank you for being a friend, a sister, my number one critic. Thank you for cooking spaghetti and caldereta, those are the best I've ever tasted! ^_^ Thank you for understanding us, especially me. For understanding all my shortcomings as a daughter. For believing that I am the best. Thank you for taking care of us, for all the lambing and pangaral, for sharing what you have learned in life. Thank God that you are my mom. I am blessed that out of all the women out there, God chose you to be my mother. If I could still trade places with Kate Middleton, I'd still want you to be my mom. Thank you that you still hug me like you always do when I was little. Thank you for being proud of me. I will always be your popochey. :p

Though its only once a year when we do extraordinary things for our mom, let us all be reminded that our mothers should be treated extra special everyday. For without our dear mothers, we're not here. I love you mom and I am proud that you are a living testimony of God's faithfulness. Truly, miracles do happen to those who trust Him.



Happy Mother's Day to you Mommy Arleen! :)

Starbucks Happy Hour: Half Price Frappuccino!

Its summer! And so Starbucks has their own way of beating the heat!

From SB Philippines' Facebook fan page

Me and my friend Andrea finally had the chance to experience this pakulo of SB last May 7 before going to work. We went to their branch in Blue Wave, Pasay, which is the nearest SB store from our office. Good thing there were only few people in the counter when we entered the store. I always order my favorite Chocolate Cream Chip but I wanted to try their new blended bev Mocha Cookie Crumble. How much did it cost us? Only Php 92 each and that's already venti! ^_^



Before going to work

I did enjoy my thrifty drink. But I personally observed these things:

1. Medyo tunaw ang frap ko and my friend's. :( Naubusan na yata sila ng ice.

2. They forgot to give tissue to my friend. We called the barista's attention twice pa for just a piece of tissue. Tsk tsk!

3. The same barista isn't smiling. I have been to several SB stores and I admire how the baristas manage to keep their smiles all day. It's my first time to encounter a not-so-happy barista.

4. The place is too small. They should not put tables and chairs near the counter. It gets really crowded.

Anyway, it's not a bad experience after all. With my favorite frappuccino for half the price? Priceless indeed! Gals and guys, we got three more Mondays til their promo ends. My friend and I will make sure not to miss these three Mondays. Great way to start my week! :)

Store Address: Pres. Diosdado Macapagal Blvd. corner EDSA Extn. Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines

My Ratings (0 as the lowest, 10 as the highest)

* Customer Service: 7 for the 2 guy baristas who took my order, but I have to deduct 2 for the not-so-happy barista. So, its 5.

* Product: 5 (MEDYO TUNAW)

* Location: 7

Je Pense A Toi

I never knew somebody like you exists.

Thank you for giving me the reason to look at the brighter side of life. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for giving me the feeling of having butterflies in my stomach. Thank you for being the reason of my happiness. 

Thank you for coming at the right time.  Thank you for being that special someone. Sadness fades since the day that I met you. Thank you for bringing back my smile.

I thank the Lord for the gift of having you. No but's. No why's. No questions asked.

I think of you, too. All the time.

And I promise, from this day on, I will always be here. From dawn til dusk. From sunrise to sunset. I will stay by your side. Forever and ever. <3

Random Thoughts # 2: Always take chances

How would you know if you passed by the right chance? How would you know if that was the right chance? How would you know? Would you rather take the chance in front of you? Or live everyday of your life full of regrets? How would you know?

Day 8: A picture of your most treasured item

Candy mag, January-February 2002 issue

I love collecting teen mags up until now. But this one is my favorite of all. Because I bought it with my own money, my very first ever teen mag! ^_^

Day 7: A picture that makes you laugh



My crazy cousins na nagkakalat sa Eastwood! ^_^

This one makes me laugh! They were about to do the 'jump shot' pero dahil sa kakulitan ng mga kiti-kiting ito eh ayun ang pinsan kong si Maan! Humampas ang mukha sa pader! Hahahaha! She's kawawa. Kulang na lang magmarka sa pader ang mukha nya. :))

Day 6: A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day

And here she is....

Kate Middleton. Need I say more?

Source: http://www.luxissues.com/kate-middleton-wedding-makeup-royal-success/

Day 5: A picture of your favorite memory

I was actually thinking what to post on my Day 5 entry for the challenge. Its really hard to choose which of all the memories I had is the perfect one for this post.

Out of nowhere, a good friend of mine, Aileen, popped out of my mind. She just gave birth months ago. Today is her baby Athalia's christening. Unfortunately, for some not-so-good reason, I was not able to come. And because of that, I miss her. I miss Aileen.

Aileen Tan, or "Lyntot" as I fondly call her, was my HS best friend. We share the same type of music. She's a Westlife fanatic while I love A1. I can't go to school knowing that she's gonna be absent. I'd rather stay at her house and be with her than attend classes without her. We have shared plenty of memories together. Life, love, family and even our firsts! Sadly, on our senior year, her family has to move to North Caloocan. Almost 2 hours drive from our place. But our friendship doesn't end there. We communicate through letters, texts and in any way possible. She's not only a friend to me but a sister. :)

Aileen is a perfect example of a dreamer. A simple girl full of hopes and dreams who (ehem..) loves coffee! ^_^ She strives harder to reach the top. She's also the most frugal person I've known haha! I bet she will disagree. But hey, you are more matipid than me!

We've been bestfriends since we were 15 years old. And I am sure we will still be friends for the next 15 years (times 5!) nyahaha! I love you and I miss you, Lyntot! See you on the 12th. Am gonna visit Athalia! Yey! :)

Smile

Smile
By: Uncle Kracker

You're better then the best
I'm lucky just to linger in your light
Cooler than the flip side
Of my pillow, that's right

Completely unaware
Nothing can compare to where
You send me, lets me know that it's okay
Yeah, it's okay
And the moments where my good times start to fade

You make me smile like the sun, fall out of bed
Sing like bird, dizzy in my head
Spin like a record, crazy on a Sunday night

You make me dance like a fool, forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Oh, you make me smile

Even when you're gone,
Somehow you come along just like
A flower pokin' through the sidewalk crack
And just like that
You steal away the rain, and just like that

You make me smile like the sun, fall out of bed
Sing like bird, dizzy in my head
Spin like a record, crazy on a Sunday night

You make me dance like a fool, forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Oh, you make me smile

Don't know how I lived without you
'Cause every time that I get around you
I see the best of me inside your eyes
You make me smile

You make me dance like a fool, forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild

You make me smile like the sun, fall out of bed
Sing like bird, dizzy in my head
Spin like a record, crazy on a Sunday night

You make me dance like a fool, forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Oh, you make me smile
(Oh, you make me smile)
Oh, you make me smile
(Oh, you make me smile)
Oh, you make me smile

Lyrics from: http://www.elyrics.net/read/u/uncle-kracker-lyrics/smile-lyrics.html