Eastwood Mall

E and I decided to check out the newly opened Eastwood Mall. It's a good place to bring the kids with the vast courtyard. The man-made lagoon was also refreshing to see. They also allow pets around the courtyard.

We had a very late lunch at MyThai Kitchen. We ordered the Crispy Catfish and Mango Salad, Pad Thai and the Red Chicken Curry. Everything was good, but my favorite was the Crispy Catfish and Mango Salad, their serving of the catfish is more generous than other restaurants. A bit expensive though, at about P450 per person, including drinks.

Pasalubong from Singapore

From his business trip to Malaysia and Singapore, my sweet and thoughtful husband brought home the following for me:

Thanks so much, Sweetie! I love them!!!

Birthday 2009 - continued

Note: Sorry for the super-delayed post. Took me a long time to download pictures from the camera.

My birthday wouldn't have been complete without spending time with my friends and family. My. friends and I set up a reunion when our college barkada SP came back to Manila from the US. Since we met up the weekend before my birthday, this was my birtday treat. We ate at Cyma in Trinoma. It was my first time in Trinoma and I liked the place especially the dining strip at the courtyard. We had our usual Roka Salata and Angel Hair Pasta with clams, plus Grilled Fish. We were joined by RR for coffee later.

Because of our busy schedules, my birthday treat to E's and my families coincided with Mother's Day (teka, nakatipid pala ang mga kapatid namin!) . We decided to have it at home because we know how crowded it will be at the malls, plus more quality time can be spent at home. We ordered food from CCME.

Knowing how I loved chocolates, my brother and sister-in-law gave me Royce chocolates. Yummy!

All in all, my 39th birthday was a blast! Thanks to everyone who made it really special:-)

Thai Kitchen

Treated my team to celebrate a successful 1st quarter. We went to Thai Kitchen (1F Robinson's Galleria, Ortigas, Pasig) for their P245 buffet of Thai food with, among others, Pad Thai, Chicken Pandan, Bagoong Rice, Dimsum and a lot of other dishes. It also comes with a glass of iced tea. Bottomless iced tea cost P50.

Mandarin Getaway

Our friend B treated us to a weekend stay at the Mandarin Oriental Manila last weekend. It was the perfect escape to a rather stressful workweek. E and I enjoyed being lazy, just lying around , reading and watching TV. My greatest complaint is why do 5-star hotels charge for wifi access? Anyway, we went all out by having room service for breakfast. The best thing about the stay is not having to tidy up, clean and prepare breakfast! Feeling rich and famous for the weekend. Thanks so much, B!

Birthday 2009

Maraming maraming salamat sa inyo!!!

Midlife at 39

Another year has gone and I just turned a year older! And there were definitely a lot of things to be thankful to God for. Indeed, GOD is good:

1. Remember my Things To Do Before I'm 50 ? Well of my list, I was able to cross off 2 items, that is to see San Francisco and Las Vegas. That leaves me with 12 more things to do before I turn 50. Being on another long holiday with E is a blessing in itself.
2. Our trip to the US in Dec08-Jan09 has made E and I realize that we are truly blessed with generous, thoughtful and caring family and friends. Throughout the trip, friends and family took care of us, and we are forever thankful to them.
3. Through the internet, I've been reconnected to at least 10 of my closest friends in my younger years. Thank you to the inventors of Friendster, Facebook and Multiply.
4. I've been able to spend a lot of time with family and friends the past year, and I am thankful for time well-spent with them.
5. I've been able to complete a full school year at New School, and I've increasingly found fulfillment in teaching.
6. I am thankful that I have found two things that I love to do, these are doingFinance work and teaching, and have the opportunity to do both.
7. Aside from our US trip, am also grateful for the opportunity to have traveled to Singapore, Hongkong and Macau the past year.
8. I now know that I am capable of exercising willpower and determination when I lost 22 pounds by dieting and following a fitness program. It also helps that I was able to achieve everything for free, no need to join an expensive gym, hire personal trainers and dieticians. And I have to say this, I'm grateful for people who still love me even if I am overweight -- I still believe that my worth as a person is not in how thin or fat I am, but what is inside my heart and in my mind.

Last year's new year resolutions were the following:

1. I would definitely want to spend more time with family and friends, no matter how busy I am.
2. I will complete my Personal Finance Plan .
3. I will continue to be active in charity work.
4. I will list down ways to save and try to follow that plan all throughout the year, starting with NOT buying any designer bags this year.
5. I will no longer be insecure about my body, and just keep in mind that my value as a person is what is in my heart and in my mind.

I'm happy to report that my score is 4 out of 5. I intend to have the same resolutions for next year, and I hope I'll do better!

My birthday was indeed special this year, unexpected and thoughtful gifts, greetings and wishes continue to pour in up to today (my birthday was on April 28, 5 days ago). Also a lot of people took time from their busy schedules to see me and personally greet me. For all those who remembered (and you know who you are), thank you , thank you, thank you. It is because of you that I love birthdays, and I love growing older every year! You are truly blessings, may God Bless You always!