Thursday, May 09, 2013

Change is Inevitable

It has been a longtime since I last posted an entry here.
Lately the idea of being active again (blogging) has crossed my mind.

Now the question is to make a new blog? or just revamp JTOL.
Why change? Simple. Because I have already changed.
Though this blog still reflects the same sentiments I had before, the person who started writing in this this blog is not the same person anymore.

I have changed and I would like my blog to also reflect the current.

A road block, sentimental value.



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t-na @ 6:39 AM| 0 comments

Monday, June 06, 2011

Adele - Turning Tables

After all these years, sometimes you pass by my mind. For a moment I pause... and then remind myself that I should keep moving on.


Close enough to start a war
All that I have is on the floor
God only knows what we're fighting for
All that I say, you always say more

I can't keep up with your turning tables
Under your thumb, I can't breathe

So I won't let you close enough to hurt me
No, I won't rescue you, you to just desert me
I cant give you the heart you think you gave me
It's time to say goodbye to turning tables
To turning tables

Under haunted skies I see you, ooh
Where love is lost, your ghost is found
I braved a hundred storms to leave you
As hard as you try, no, I will never be knocked down

I can't keep up with your turning tables
Under your thumb, I can't breathe

So I won't let you close enough to hurt me


No, I won't rescue you, you to just desert me
I cant give you the heart you think you gave me
It's time to say goodbye to turning tables
Turning tables

Next time I'll be braver
I'll be my own savior
When the thunder calls for me
Next time I'll be braver
I'll be my own savior
Standing on my own two feet

I won't let you close enough to hurt me
No, I won't rescue you, you to just desert me
I can't give you the heart you think you gave me
It's time to say goodbye to turning tables
To turning tables
Turning tables, yeah
Turning, no, ooh.


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t-na @ 1:19 PM| 0 comments

Saturday, September 18, 2010

I AM AN IDIOT: Was and Not

I had a revelation the other day. I was quite numbed at the initial shock. The numbness quickly replaced and felt like all this time I had a "I AM AN IDIOT" sign stuck on my forehead.

A small part of me knew it was coming. An instant recollection of all the signs that I purposely blinded myself not to see.

I hate how I allowed my emotions to be played with, a part of an experiment of some sorts.
A casualty for someones self discovery.

This might sting for a while but looking at the whole picture, I am happy reflecting on how things transpired I consider myself spared. It might have been a greater tragedy if things went on a different direction.

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t-na @ 2:56 AM| 0 comments

Sunday, September 20, 2009

It's been a real long time

It's been a real long time. A lot of things happened since my last post.

Primarily events about death. My Lola Puri and my cousin Kuya Idol passed last May 2009. My Lola who suffered from a kidney failure, died second week of May. My 29 year old cousin who also attended the wake at our province died, from cardiac arrest while he was asleep, just a few days before we closed the month of May. And we were still coping with our loss, Tita Ding who passed November of last year.

Aside from sudden episodes of sadness which leads to crying, I would wake up everyday in fear of hearing another bad news.

Despite of the sad episodes our family has encountered, I do try to still look at the brighter side of life. It has made our family a much tighter knit. Take each event as a learning experience and as a constant reminder that life is more valuable.

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t-na @ 11:20 PM| 0 comments

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Unexpected Birthday Spa Party

I tremendously enjoyed my birthday this year. One of my most memorable birthdays to date. I celebrated my day with the people I hold close to my heart and love the most.
What made the day more special was that we were able to attend mass as a whole family.

Our original plan was just to have brunch at Sonya's Garden but the night before my birthday I learned that mama wanted to avail some of the spa services offered. I quickly called Sonya's if they could still accommodate reservations for their spa and if we could move our brunch reservation to a late lunch. They were able to accommodate our late night reservation and make some adjustments.

The day of my birthday.

We started the day early with a mass at Pink Sisters’ Convent. We arrived just in time for the morning mass. It was quite noticeable that there were a lot of people this particular Sunday. It was comforting to know that they have extra chairs provided for those who won't be able to get inside the church.

We were expecting the cold climate but we were still surprised on how actually cold it was. The cold climate was even magnified with sudden surges of strong winds. I was already wearing a long-sleeved shirt plus a hoodie and I was still feeling cold. Some of my cousins forgot their jackets and wore regular t-shirts ...brRRrrr...

After the mass we purchased some souvenirs, cloistered cookies and on our way out we bought boiled peanuts. We all wondering how they got the peanuts to taste like smoked bacon. As much as I wanted to eat more smoked bacon peanuts cause it tasted real good but I didn't want to spoil our lunch buffet at Sonya's Garden.



We scheduled to have our spa at 10 am, arriving just in time. We divided into two groups the first group were the one who are availing of the spa services while the other chose just to hang around and raid the paninderia for the freshly baked breads. Mama, tita and my cousins were quite busy selecting in the spa menu which service to pick. My sister and I had already selected in advance and we both chose "Foot Scrub Indulgence". Mama and Tita chose "Traditional Hilot", Jc and Ate Rose chose "Sonya's Signature Massage" and Ate Jen chose "Foot Spa with back Massage".

All of us stayed in one cottage with individual private areas for those who availed of full body services. At first we were all engaged in conversation updates on what happening, reminiscing and laughing a lot. After a few more minutes the room was in complete silence "a good sign" that everyone is already relaxing or sleeping.

It was delight to see the smiling faces of my cousins and mama after their each respective spa sessions. They looked relax and refreshed while sipping their hot dalandan tea (a must try).

Sonya's Lunch/Dinner Buffet was the highlight of the day. We were all seated in a long table and it was quite obvious that everyone was already hungry. We were served green salad with Sonya's Secret Dressing, bread with an array of homemade dips, Pasta 2 sauces with different toppings, Dessert sweet potato, chocolate cake and bannarolls (mini turon) and bottomless dalandan juice.

We also ordered their roast chicken for those who aren't veggie fans (yaya, nieces and my lil bro).

To be honest, if not for the fixed menu I wouldn't mind just eating the Salad and Bread. Cause by the time we had Pasta I was already full.

A few years back, I've always read reviews about Sonya's Garden and often wondered what was all the fuss about. But now that I have celebrated my birthday with them it was an unexpected most memorable birthdays to date. The ambiance, excellent quality spa services and the sit down buffet entices people to relax, talk and bond with their respective loved ones and just enjoy each others company. I recommend families who wish to just get out of the busy manila life and enjoy the activities they can do together at Sonya's Garden.


Sonya's Garden

Barangay Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite, Philippines
(near the vicinity of Tagaytay City, Philippines)
For reservations:
call or text +63-9175329097 or +63-9175335140
http://www.sonyasgarden.com/

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t-na @ 11:50 AM| 2 comments

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Baking Episode Two: Carrot Walnut Cake Creamcheese Frosting

I was craving for carrot cake but my favorite carrot cake store, Home made Carrot Cake closed and the next nearest branch in my area was in Pasig. I decided to make my own but after I finished baking the cake my craving had gone. I only ate a slice and I gave my cousins and a few friends a couple of slices and they enjoyed eating them. What I love about this recipe is that it does not have raisins and pineapple.

Carrot Walnut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

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t-na @ 11:49 PM| 1 comments

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Closing Year 2008

I've been reflecting on the Year 2008 as it closes in a few hours.

The year started great with my early purchase of excellent seats for Roger and Hammerstein' s Cinderella which featured my forever idol Lea Salonga.

Followed by my unexpected last minute ticket purchase of Lea's concert Celebration 30 years in the business, Lea... My life on Stage and winning in the raffle.

Bizniz is steady despite current worldwide economic crisis.

A relative was diagnosed to have pituitary cyst but after months of medical treatment and prayers it was eventually ruled out.

Been looking forward to celebrating the Holidays since I'm exicted to show off my new recipes I learned and cook noche buena and medya noche for my family.

But when we reached the end months, November 10 the passing of our dear Tita Ding and with the Holidays coming up it was a struggle to be and feel genuinely happy.

I'm grateful for the new and wonderful things I received this year 2008 but at the same time I'm deeply saddened that the upcoming events in my life, in our family's life We are less of one.

2008 you are one heck of a roller coaster ride!

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t-na @ 6:49 PM| 0 comments

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Baking Episode One: Sugar Cookies

I was excited to give my new mixer a dry run hence Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing. Got the recipe from one of my old cookbooks and decide to cut down the sugar since the icing would provide the needed sweetness. The cookies filled the house with freshly baked smell.

Looking at the picture, you might not see the icing I didn't get to take the picture after since we lost track of time making and decorating with the icing and cookies.

My sister will be attending a Christmas party with her friends and she is planning to give some of the cookies as gifts.

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t-na @ 6:55 PM| 0 comments

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Wishing all of you A Very Merry Christmas!


t-na @ 12:55 AM| 2 comments

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Upgrade

I was actually hoping that my rents would give it to me as a Christmas slash Birthday gift. When I realized that I have to earn it by myself and rekindle my baking skills first before upgrading my tools.

I've been drooling to have my very own Kitchen Aid Mixer but since it will cost me an arm I decided to be content of what I can buy within my budget.

Recent upgrade from a wire whisk to handmixer.

My cousin recommended an Oster Handmixer she saw at ATC. There were 2 models to choose from (1) Standard Handmixer PHP1065 (2) Handmixer with Stand and Stainless Bowl PHP 4000.

I opted to buy the standard Handmixer aside from the good reviews I googled. The deciding factor aside from the price, was the size of the bowl. My dad bought me stainless bowls of different sizes and I always use the biggest since I always bake 3-4 batches per recipe. If it was at least as big as what I am using then my decision would be quite hard. At a steal price of PHP1065 backed up by an Oster brand I'm sold. I happily skipped my way home with my new gadget.

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t-na @ 8:53 PM| 0 comments