Going on Fan girl mode for David Beckham

The weekend still seems surreal. I still can't believe that I saw David Beckham in the flesh last Saturday. 

When we found out that the LA Galaxy was coming to Manila, I just knew that we need to get tickets. My cousin Bibay upon landing in Manila last November went straight to National Bookstore and got us the cheapest tickets of 2000 PHP. Ticket prices were that steep ranging from 2000-12500 PHP. As much as I wanted to be in the VIP section, it will really be insane to spend that much when I have travel plans for next year. Even if I just wanted to see David up close.

It all started sometime in the 90s when the Spice Girls, Backstreet boys, Hanson and other groups were starting and were making a big hit. When Posh was then dating Becks I just had to find out what the fuss was all about with this guy. I never thought I will get hooked on how hot he is and those curve balls he makes on free kicks that really makes me think how he does it. Yes--my football life started out as David's fan girl. I used to stay up late when I see Manchester United is on EPL. I enjoyed watching goals and seeing how fantastic they were. This lead to my love for football and why I'm a United fan all the way even if Becks has moved to Spain and the United States recently.

Of course I' disappointed with how this was organized again. Tickets were too expensive and we didn't have a chance for a meet and greet. I would love to have my Beckham pants signed. On matchday against the Azkals, the line going inside went all the way to Taft Avenue. We didn't even get to see the warm ups. I don't get it why we can't bring decent cameras with a good lens range. When I went to Singapore to catch Liverpool in 2009, I was sitting on the third row with tickets for only about 3000 PHP and shooting to my heart's content with a 300mm lens. Lastly it was sad that we expected a victory lap after promising to behave and didn't get it--although I'm sure security was an issue again.

The Azkals had an excellent first half but I noticed that they get tired easily from the fast pace of play and some just seem to be really physical when they can't keep up with the Galaxy. I'm glad Galaxy played their normal pace and let everyone see where we are at football. We still needed time to develop our players and this experience should boost it. 

If the rumors are true and they are bringing in other clubs--especially the ones from Europe, I just don't know how to react to this. I have heard that either Real Madrid, Barcelona or Chelsea may come over. I seriously doubt it will be for next year since some of the players will be part of the Olympics or the Euro at least. I hope my club Manchester united will visit the country someday too. While waiting though for who's the next club to come next, the organizers should nonstrategic and I think the Azkals can do some adjustments too.


But oh well..I saw David Beckham last saturday and that will get me giddy enough until my next vacation.

The Couple Who Left On The 7th

There was a couple who lived a simple life in the province. The husband Carlos was a doctor and helped our wounded troops during the Second World War. The wife Teresa, is one of the youngest children in a big family of 14 children. They were 13 years apart and blessed with 8 wonderful children.

As Carlos continue to provide for his family as a doctor, Teresa would look for ways to help out in the finances by taking care and starting small businesses. She is a very good cook and friends and family eventually encouraged her to sell the food that she makes. She eventually accepted orders for her bread and pastries, opened up the family garage to sell these and set up tables under the tree for people who would want to enjoy their snacks.

As time passed, the business got better. Carlos made the logo and their children will also take turns in selling the goods after school. 

The couple has also lived their life with God as the center. They are both devotees of the Sacred Heart. When Pope John Paul II visited their hometown, Teresa was part of the mass that the Pope celebrated. Carlos would have pamphlets and stampetas of the Sacred Heart printed out and even gives it to the people going to church after mass.

This couple has influenced their children greatly to put God in the center of their life. With their hard work, they were able to send their children to good schools. Their 14 grandchildren lived a life of simplicity despite the privileges they can now provide. Every summer, when all the children are in their home, Carlos would teach them all the prayers he knew and let them recite it. He is also very good at crafts and can make improvised toys. Teresa allowed them to be part of the family business that is continuing to grow. She taught them to wrap the pastries and would also let them sell these in the store or be the cashier.

The couple lived a happy life. They were not just good to their family but helped out those in need around them especially the people who have been very loyal to them.

On March 7, 2003 a first Friday, Carlos died peacefully. It may be sad for his entire family but they are comforted by the fact that he joined God on this day as he is a Sacred Heart devotee after all. Teresa felt all the sadness when he was gone and slowly got sick after a few weeks. Their children continued to take care of her despite her deteriorating health. They took care of her business and at this time, it has grown to a local corporation along with all her property. This business is what we now call as Original Biscocho Haus.

Seven years after Carlos passed, also on a first Friday, Teresa joined her husband on May 7, 2010. Everyone knew that she is happy to be with Carlos once again and their Sacred Heart, Jesus Christ is taking care of them.

Today marks the 40th day after Teresa died. 

I feel a bit sad writing this, after all I miss them both terribly. Carlos and Teresa are my grandparents and I'm just taking comfort that they are watching over us. 


(As for the picture above. I think they're both good looking. I'm a bit disapppointed I didn't get Lolo's height and long legs, and Lola's nose.)

Gone Too Soon

I woke up today with the news that one of my friends from high school has passed. We may not have been the best of friends but I think high school was totally different without her. Somehow, she always has news to share with us when we try to gather for dinner at least once or twice a year.

 She has a contagious laugh, so much juicy stories to tell us, and has great taste in food. 

I knew that she was sick for some time but no one dares to talk about it. I saw that she has chosen to live and enjoy her life.

 About two weeks ago, I had this dream about losing my teeth. Whenever I have that dream, someone I know would join God shortly. I did not expect it to be her.

I guess I will lack one face I know if ever we will still have our big clan family reunion.

 I will miss you my friend. I thank you for all the memories. It is just sinking in now how I will no longer see you during school reunions. I will always have the memories of going to your house or you in ours, of the countless birthdays, of sharing one crush but none will admit to it, the school plays, how you always have a quote about love and how much you wanted to play Jules in My Best Friend's Wedding since that is your favorite movie, your dramas in high school and now all the dinners we will have and will miss you since you we will no longer hear your stories.

I will pray that you find peace and I know God will shower you the love that you so talked about when you were still with us. We may not be always in good terms but I thank you for making my life colorful as well. I know you're in a better place now where there is no sickness and just simply happiness and love.

 I'll miss you. Rest in peace Valerie.

Rojas for Mayor

Ok fine. I'm not interested in politics or want any involvement with it in the future but this May 10...to any Ilonggo please spread the word.  Ike Rojas for mayor. Here's what your ballot should look like:

Finding a Home Loan

I am an investor but not the type that jump at every opportunity. If I was the type, I believe I would be raking in all the money I have invested years ago. 

Recently I have decided to try investing in real estate since it really is promising and who knows it might be long term as well. The problem with this though is not being able to evaluate all possible options for financing. Pag-ibig fund for me is no option since our house in iloilo is under that loan (thanks Pa). Bank Home loans might just kill me. Based on how I understood it earlier when I inquired, they will only finance it for 10 years and I need to have a gross income of 50,000PHP... yeah like I have that kind of money. In house financing is off since the interest rates are just sky high.

I'm still wondering what other options I can have. There's no way to back out either since I already paid the reservation fee. This is getting stressful.

Going MJ

My workstation is in a really bad spot so I ended up having to dance in front of the whole night shift. 

I had fun with the girls during practice. Our perfectionist manager Mangga kept pushing us harder. I think our outfit was cute too. We were more like sexy girl versions of Michael Jackson...we lacked the hat though but we had gloves...promise!

I think we danced well though. It just wasn't our night. Piah did her best in singing rock with you in front of the entire IBS.

I don't think I'll even dare to do this again unless I have a talent fee...hahaha. The good thing though was meeting new people and meeting new friends. Turns out I can still dance after all these years of being too sporty.

V day weekend

So I guess it's the first time ever I went out. Ever since I would just stay in our condo, order pizza and watch dvds until I'm asleep.

I'm quite lucky I found someone who I can enjoy so many things with. Somehow we are total opposites but in a way we don't clash but more like complement each other. I guess I'm lucky to fall for a friend and the risk he took to make a move is all worth it.  

So what exactly did we do last week? He picked me up from my condo first and we had lunch together at My Mother's Garden in Pasay. 

We had to go to Glorietta after since I need to have my glasses fixed and so we decided to hear mass already after roaming around for like an hour or 2.

Of course I made him drink wine and have tapas after. I just felt t was a good way to end the night.

I was quite touched he gave me flowers before we went home and also bought Royce Nama chocolates for my sisters. The first time a guy even considered by biatchy younger sisters. Choking gave him a hug when she saw the chocolates and Titit even wrote on his wall on facebook to thank him (I was surprised).

We went apartment hunting the next day with Johann and Kenneth. Glad to have my +2 with us the next day. We had lunch at Orchard Road in Megamall after. At dinner we visited his tita's place and had dinner and of course I can now cuddle Chow the chow chow and pet BF the Shi Tzu that's no longer a Shi Tzu.

So on the last night of our first month together. I'm just thankful to have Marlon with me. I said I would never be cheesy but you're making me cheesy. You have no idea... So here's to more that we can share over time. You make me happy.

Going Brazillian

I never thought I could do it but I did. I thought it will be just painful like have your soul ripped out as well. OK that's really exaggerated to describe a waxing experience. Since I'm getting ready for a beach trip soon and wanted to be able to wear a decent swimsuit this time, plus the fact that I get annoyed with what's sticking in my pad...well, I went for it and dared to go Brazilian. 

A lot of girls I know have been raving about Lay Bare. Since the use cold honey wax instead of the hot wax or strips, its not as painful. Although that still depends on the one's tolerance for pain.

I went to their Libis branch and was greeted and entertained right away by the receptionist. They asked me if I wanted to go to the restroom first and since it's my first time, I thought it really helped to ease the pain a bit. I was quite surprised it was not as painful as expected but I had to request my waxer that I needed to breathe at times.

The price was reasonable as well and I highly recommend Lay bare for all your waxing needs. You may visit their site for more information: http://www.lay-bare.com/laybare-ui/ 

Missing another Jaro Fiesta

It's time again for me to be jealous and homesick at the same time. Every year on February 2, is our town fiesta the feast of Our Lady of Candles but more known in Iloilo as the Jaro Fiesta. 


Before, our classes are called off because almost everyone would be in Jaro to eat until they drop. Jaro is also the main access point of several towns in Iloilo to go to the city and traffic is just terrible. Well, the intention is supposed to be religious but eating and drinking has been everyone's goal as long as I can remember. It's a time I see so many people at our house. I know some of them are friends and relatives but I don't know everyone but I try to smile to everyone if they know me. 


Our day usually starts really early like 4 or 5 in the morning to hear mass at Jaro Cathedral. It's usually really crowded even if you hear the first mass. By the time we have managed to walk home, we are greeted by one of the best breakfasts I have known--embutido, fried egg, rice, pan de sal ni paa, ensaymada, hot chocolate and eveyone's favorite homemade chorizo.


By lunch time, my friends from school would arrive and it's time to each lunch of ox tongue, chicken alexander, lechon with ube for dessert. We would then go to the carnival for rides until or after the procession of the king and queen. During my last fiesta in 2001, I was finally allowed by my parents to let my friends stay for some drinks...ok a lot of drinks.


Hopefully next year I can make it back home.

The 100

This is the day I miss someone. Someone who was there for me for 18 years until I got a phone call back in 2007 because he's gone. We remember you and all the memories you have shared with us. 

There is so much more you have done for us and until now we miss your presence in the house. 
Here are a list of things I miss:
1. How you wont let me throw away my Popsicle sticks so you can make little houses out of them.
2. I miss the candies in your room, the lemon drops, mini fruits, foxes fruits and charms balls--and how much I get one candy after every meal.
3. The prayers you let us recite and memorize from the prayers before bed to the one saving the souls in purgatory.
4. The homemade jump rope from the abaca rope and tissue paper cardboard.
5. The prayers that fill up your room and your candy colored stripped bed sheets.
6. The bowl of oatmeal and half a poached egg.
7. Your birthday where cousins come home to celebrate and it includes Dinagyang.
8. The pictorial underneath the Golden Shower. I haven't seen th5at tree bloom again ever since the day of your funeral.
9. Picking you up after your clinic at San Jose and De Paul.
10. Riding in the Volkswagen with you
11. Making me eat my vegetables and me staying in the table til 3pm because I don't want them.
12. The Family Christmas Tradition where you read aloud the gospel.
13. Visiting you in your air conditioned room
14. Telling you that you will be able to walk on your 50th wedding anniversary.
15. Giving us envelopes on Christmas day in your Santa hat.
16. The 3:00 habit.
17. Seeing you on the table every meal with your white glass with the mint green coaster.
18. Drinking Coke with you every afternoon.
19. Seven steps away from the TV.
20. Just having you around and if you're still here I'd be calling home to wish you Happy Birthday.

Happy 100th Birthday Dr. Carlos Ledesma Guadarrama, my dear Lolo Doc. I know you're watching over us now. We miss you.  

The 2010 Kick off

A new year means a new me also. Before I get too excited with what 2010 can bring, I just wanted to look back at what crazy 2009 offered.

The year did not start right for me. My heart was still broken even but I was still hoping that it will be mended by that person. It didn't happen. 2009 is the year that my friends finally realized that I love myself more than anybody. It was the year of seeing the world...with what I can afford of course. It was a year of re-discovering who I am and finally not caring what other people think of me. Let them have their say, they don't know me. 2009 is a year of finally appreciating my family and all the crazy things we've been through and we have so many things to work out until now. I finally I was able to mend my heart and things were getting better. I found a new passion in traveling and making sure I always have great photos around.


So 2010 basically means more adventure, more places to see, more food to eat. We'll have to see what this year brings. Happy New Year!

Of being trapped

I usually wonder what its like to do something that you love to do or be in a place where you can be who you really are and not be under the radar at all times if something goes wrong. I know those things can happen but when and where can I find that possibility?

It's hard to live a life where you hate what you do and you can't say what you really want to say otherwise it will be used against you. Who says we are living in a free country?

I just hope that I can finally escape and be who I really am. For now, I have to live with my mask on, with barriers all around me or else they will all start destroying me again. I'll just let my guard down when I find it safe.

Kristal and Suren

It's my first time to shoot a pre-nup and a bit of the wedding. It was an honor as well to do it for my friend Kristal who just married Suren last sunday June 28. I've never seen Kristal ao happy and I'm glad she is. Here's a part of my gift to you friend after a year of my disappearing act. Hope you like it and congratulations to you both.

Preparing for the wedding

Putting on her veil

Wedding Details

Moments during the wedding

Pre-nup Pictures