IKEA Philippines PLEASE!!!

When will we ever have IKEA here in the Philippines? I've been seeing a lot of online sellers that sell IKEA items 50% more expensive than it's original price [or more] and it's just not fair. :(

All the other stores we never thought would possibly be here - Muji, Forever21, etc. - made it so should we expect IKEA Philippines anytime soon? PLEEAAASSE?

Be it unto me...

God allows things to happen for a reason. I have faith that He's got great plans. I am praying for things that I want, He knows what my heart desires.

Reunion and Mothers' Day

Few weeks ago, I was browsing Facebook while mom, baby and I are all in bed.

NIX: Ma, do you know anyone named "Charina"? She's got the same last name as ours and she's based in the states.
MOM: I'm not sure but I think your father might know him. Why?
NIX: I've got a friend invite from her few months ago, I never accepted it since I don't know her.
MOM: Accept it. She might be a distant relative.

And so I did. She then added me to a family group and I found this post of another member asking if anyone knows my grandfather. Turns out that a simple "accept friend request" will lead us into finding a long lost aunt that my father and his siblings have been looking for since my grandpa died about six years ago. Last Sunday, at my grandpa's old compound in Kamias, a reunion happened.

[clockwise] Tito Pando, Tita Ruby, Tita Neng, Tita Rodora and Tito Ramon carrying Vince

Too bad dad and their other brother is in Sibuyan [grandpa's province] at that time and couldn't join them but I know this is just a beginning of something new. Happy Mothers' Day and welcome to "Mang Rudy's Family", Tita Rodora! :)

Home Bound on Holy Week

I didn't realize that I've been very busy in the past year's holy week. When I wasn't working yet, holy week was spent in a relative's resort in Limay, Bataan where the pool's waters are super cold as it stream from the mountains or in grandpa's house in Sibuyan, Romblon where we often go to town feasts, swim in the beach or in Cantingas River and sometimes burn our skin by boating in the middle of the afternoon. There used to be a lot of things to do.

When I started working, holy weeks would be spent in the office even when a lot of business would be closed, I enjoyed the holiday's double pay. This year however, I am home bound. Well since Wednesday, that is. Malls are closed and there's nothing much to do except for checking out the tv news and going online. I am about to go to work again in a few hours and I expect a traffic jam-free Metro Manila. A lot of people are out of town and I can just be thankful that I could skip the SLEX/NLEX traffic.

Somehow the idea of going out of town with Prince and baby could mean a little less relaxing trip. I never imagined myself traveling with a baby before but maybe we should do it soon. For now, I'll drag myself back to work.

5 Days of Silence

I was having a not-so-serious cough last Friday night when I was preparing to go to work. Before my shift ended, I lost my voice. I went to The Medical City that is closest to our house and when I opened my mouth, the doctor already knew I am working in a call center. Then I was told that I am having an acute laryngitis.

I've been working in a call center for more than 5 years and it's the first time that I lost my voice. I must say that it's quite irritating that I am forbidden to do, eat and drink a couple of things:

•  I can only drink water. No softdrink, tea, coffee, fruit juice, etc. JUST WATER.
• No sour fruits. No pulpy fruits. Basically, the only fruit that the doctor said I am allowed to eat is banana.
• No talking unless if it's really needed. [The doctor's example is when I need to scream, "There's a fire!"]

Following the first two rules is easy. The third one however is something I need to work on. I never imagined myself being in a complete voice rest for at least 5 days. The doctor said that if things isn't getting any better, I need to go back to him so we can do a more intense check on my throat. Scary. So I need to take the medicines that he prescribed [and I can't believe that treatment for this could be so expensive], avoid the food and drinks that I'm not allowed to intake and keep my mouth shut. Wish me luck. :(

Back on Track

Last week, I played as the new bassist for an all-female band, Dress. Buzz Night was last Friday at Sazi's (old Mayrics) and Saturday at Route 196. It's good to be back on stage after almost a year-long break.

This week, I started going to the gym again. Finishing 5Km in 45minutes is the most that I can do for now as I alternate brisk walking and running. I'm giving myself a 3-4 week headstart and I should gradually improve my speed and distance to be back to how I used to run. So good to be back to getting enough exercise. :)

ROADWATCH.

I am used to commuting but I didn't realize that riding a bus, train or cab during peak hours can stress you out and kill you eventually.

Metro Manila probably has the worst traffic and public transportation I know. What makes it even worst is that it seems endless. Even when millions of people complain about it everywhere (blogs, news, etc.) no one seem to know how to resolve it. We have MMDA and LTFRB but are they really reliable?

Buses and jeepneys would stop anywhere and anytime they'd want to, as long as they want to. No matter how huge the sign is  that says "NO LOADING/UNLOADING".

Trains takes forever to arrive. The number of passengers builds up fast that sometimes it will take a person three trains before he gets accommodated.

Cab drivers will have their ways of cheating. Either by saying that where you're going is "out of their way", using a busted taxi meter (that seems to be charging per second), asking the passenger to add a certain amount on top of the total meter, going to a cycle of out-of-the-way routes especially if you're not familiar with the place, not giving correct change, or all of it.

I really wish we can have Singapore's public transportation and roads here in Manila.

Another STOLEN Macbook Pro!

After blogging about Pats' stolen Macbook Pro wherein the thief was caught in the CCTV, another Macbook Pro was stolen and it's in the middle of the afternoon! Criminals these days just have all the guts to do it anytime to please be very careful. I am reposting this for a friend and I can only wish that everyone's safe.

[Source]

Angelo's Stolen Laptop

by Antonette Maniquis on Monday, January 24, 2011 at 12:09am

Please feel free to repost in facebook or twitter.

Sometimes we think we are being vigilant enough. I also realized it is okay to be paranoid at times.

My brother's (Angelo) MacBook Pro was stolen last Saturday, 22nd of January 2011.  Around 12nn in our office by a man who was pretending he was to inquire about our wedding rates for his son.  My brother wasn't even around when this happened. He was working in PICC Forum where we had a booth for a bridal fair.

Here are the details of my  brother's stolen laptop:

UNIT: MacBoook Pro (15inches)

OWNER: Angelo Luise C. Maniquis

SERIAL NUMBER: W88341fcyjx

I know there's a very slim chance for us to locate the laptop, but we'll try.  There's no harm in doing so anyway.  My brother is a very hard-working and talented artist who deserves the all the best in the field he has chosen and it really breaks my heart to see him right now, MacBook Pro-less. And it's not like as if we bought it cold cash. It's hard earned money. If you could just imagine the things my parents had to sacrifice.

If ever you encounter anyone selling you a MacBook Pro, please check the serial number. It just might be my brother's.

Just in case, here are my (Antonette Maniquis) contact details:

MOBILE: 0917-8890123

LANDLINE: 4114390

EMAIL: antonettemaniquis@gmail.com

Please feel free to repost this note or the details in your Facebook or Twitter accounts.  Thank you in advance!

To the man who stole the laptop, we've learned our lesson already. It's time to learn yours. Ingat ka na lang. :))

BEWARE!

Since I've been on leave for two months, watching TV has become a second nature, something I really don't really bother to do before. Watching the news taught me that there's too many bad guys everywhere and we can only be very careful these days. Thieves, corrupt public officials, serial killers, rapists, etc. fill up airtime everyday on primetime news. Therefore, I am reposting these videos to help a friend who lost his Macbook last Saturday. It's been aired in GMA News few days ago but some people who don't have time to sit in front of their TV's or browse the news online might've missed this.

Video Caption: Please inform me if the suspect is spotted, or if you know of any leads to his whereabouts. Please forward and share this video:) Any form of help will be greatly appreciated :) Look at the top-right table. Black knapsack with neon reflectors. Suspect (white shirt, shorts, gray knapsack) enters at approx 1:34. Stolen item: Apple MacBook Pro (Core 2 Duo 2.8GHz, 4GB RAM, 500GB HDD, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M + 9600M GT with 512MB, 15-inch) Serial Number: W89352LJ644 Disclaimer: Oysterboy management has been very cooperative in helping us and they have been able to immediately provide us with the CCTV videos of the incident. We are very thankful for their immediate action and cooperation.

For any information you may have regarding the suspect, you can message me here and I'll relay the message to Pats (Macbook owner) right away. Thanks!

Thank You Sir For THE MUSIC

I've been a fan of different bands since I learned to listen to different kinds of music. Being a part of different bands allowed me to experience the fun of making music with great people and it's been a pleasure to work with them for quite some time. As a fan, I hate it when a band I love to listen to just breaks up. However, as a musician, I understand that things change.

It was the NU Rock Awards 2003 when I first saw Bamboo play. It was a comeback for the former Rivermaya vocalist and everyone was excited. I found them a bit lacking on the songwriting part but putting together Nathan Azarcon, Ira Cruz, Vic Mercado and Bamboo Mañalac in one band is sure to delight the fans. We're sure to get quality music and they delivered.

The band called it quits, it's not a good start for 2011 however, no explanation is necessary. I can only be thankful that they gave us 8 years full of the nicest melodies that will forever be in my iPod.

What a Year!

2010 is probably the most blessed year I've ever had so far. In fact if I am to count my blessings for this year, I wouldn't know how to start. Probably because I'm most behaved this year, haha!

The little prince almost doubled his weight a month after his birth. He's been developing his senses quite fast and I always get surprised whenever I notice how much he's been growing. I always kiss him for I might be surprised one day that he'll be embarrassed by his mom's hugs and kisses.

I am excited about this new project band that Prince came up with. The two of us never played in one band. Like an unspoken agreement. However this time, I am really looking forward to it because he'll do the vocals and I'll get to play the bass guitar again. Let's see if the tightened partnership will do good when we're bandmates, hehe.

The year is about to end in less than 24 hours and it's good to know that a better year is about to come. Stay safe and HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! :)

Christmas Came Early!

Who would've thought that my Christmas wishlist would be completed on the first day of December? Guess I've been a really good girl this year, hehe :)

Thank you so much to my Prince who played the role of Santa very well! ;)

God's Best Surprise!

How do you think God plans His 'next move' for you?

Few months ago, it was announced that Harry Potter 7's first part of the movie will be showing on November 18, 2010. I was really excited to see the first half of the last HP movie and I looked forward to this date eversince.

It was also announced that Gin Blossoms will be having a concert at the Araneta Coliseum on the same date. Prince and I were both excited and planned to buy Upper Box A for reserved seating tickets at the venue on the day of the concert.

November 18, 2010 is a Thursday so I requested for a VL (vacation leave, hehe) months ago to make sure that these things that I'm looking forward to will not be missed. Little did I know that God has bigger plans for me that day...

According to my first ultrasound, my expected due date is December 9, 2010. Since it's my first baby, it could be expected two weeks before or after the due date.

Last Tuesday evening, November 16, I was out from work at 10pm, took a shower and took a nap. As usual, I waited for Prince to arrive from work so we can finish watching The Pianist. I felt a dysmenorrhea-like pain but it consistently wears out and goes back every 15 minutes. I had no idea that it's already the so-called 'contraction'. I've been reading articles about labor and childbirth but I wasn't able to imagine how it was described. I tried to ignore the pain until we're done with the movie and tried to go back to sleep. I've been waking up feeling the contractions getting stronger and by 10:30am, Wednesday, I decided to go and see my OB-Gyne instead of going to work. I immediately informed my boss that I can't go to work and asked to  have it filed as sick leave. We arrived at the hospital around 12:30pm. My doctor's staff lead me to the delivery room right away and they told me I was already 1cm dilated. The resident doctor asked if I could still go back home or be admitted while waiting to reach 10cm. I didn't want to stay longer in the delivery room because it's filled with about  6 other pregnant women waiting to give birth so all I could hear are moans due to severe pain. I told the doctor I'd go home and she advised me to go back immediately if the contractions becomes more frequent, if I have blood or water discharge. Prince went to work and I went back home.

The entire Wednesday afternoon, I've been trying to rest but the pain keeps going back every 15minutes. Before midnight, the pain goes back every 10minutes. Prince is off from work at 2am of Thursday and he asked me if I would want him to buy anything, I told him to just hurry back home as I might not be able to take the pain any longer. He's home at around 3am and convinced me to go back to the hospital. The same resident doctor told me that I'm already 3cm dilated and asked if I can still walk around the hospital as walking really helps to make the early stage of labor faster, otherwise she's going to have the dextrose thing (I don't know what to call it, it's my first time and it looked painful) placed in my right hand. I told her I'll try to walk around. She advised me to rest until 6am, have breakfast and return at 8am or when it's painful enough that I couldn't walk. Prince and I had light breakfast at a Jollibee stall next to the hospital but I wasn't able to finish my sandwich. We went back to the delivery room at 7am, the dextrose thing was placed on me and my water broke at around 9:30am. I totally blacked out about 5minutes before 11am after a couple of 'push'. The next thing I knew, I saw this yellow band on my wrist with my name, age and OB-Gyne's name on it. I was then transferred to a semi-private room where I saw the two bags that I packed few months ago - one for all my stuff, one for baby's. The nurse told me that baby's in the nursery, getting screened and will be sent to our room in 6-8 hours. Prince and I patiently wait but they were only able to bring him before lunch time of the following day. He's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.I would say that the entire childbirth is a team effort of me and my baby as designed by God. I've done my part, baby stayed healthy and God made his miracle happen - everything happened according to His plans and I'm happy that it did in spite of me having a totally different plan on that day. I will never doubt His ways.

God's Perfect Time

I first heard about the words "God's perfect time" about ten years ago when I became a Christian. I allowed myself to trust that everything's happening according to God's plan. There may be times when I feel down but there's no way I should question His will. I tracked the things that I remember when God's timing is just perfect and I came up with:

May 2005 - I turned 19 two weeks ago and moved out of my parents' house. Lived with my friend and her mom while job-hunting.
May 12, 2005 - First day, first job. Started looking for an apartment, close to school or to my office.
May 20, 2005 - Moved to my first apartment near my office in Eastwood City.
May 30, 2005 - First payday. Last day of enrollment for my senior year in college.
June 2005 - Classes starts at 7:30am and ends at 1:30pm or 3pm on some days. I still have time to sleep before my work starts at 8:30pm and end at 5:30am, just enough travel time to go to my first class the following day. Study lessons during office breaks.
July 2005 - Moved to an all-female boarding house close to the university campus. I realized it's more convenient to be closer to school than to my office.
October 2005 - SEMBREAK. I went back to my parents' house but continue to be a self-supporting student. I met Prince and we started hanging out more often. Enrolled for the last semester.
March 2006 - End of school year. End of college.
April 2006 - Turning 20. Finish all requirements for graduation.
May 5, 2006 - Took a leave from work for college graduation. Prince gave me flowers and I introduced him to the family.
July 2006 - I went to work for a different company.
March 2007 - I went to work for another company closer to my parents' house. I need to save, my brother's going to college soon.
March 2008 - I realized that I need to look for a job that pays 3 times of what I earn, youngest sister is going to college as well. They didn't get any scholarship.
April 2008 - One week off to Boracay while being interviewed by a Singaporean employer over the phone.
May 2008 - Back from vacation. I got the job and need to prepare to leave within a month.
June 2008 - Embracing changes. Started working in Singapore.
April 2009 - One week vacation to the Philippines. Three days spent in Manila, four days vacation to Bohol.
May 2009 - I am looking for a reason to stay in Singapore.
August 2009 - Finally got no reason to stay. Booked a flight back to Manila.
September 2009 - Job hunt.
September 7, 2009 - Back to work. In Manila. For good.
April 2010 - The good news just a month after getting regularized, the day after my 24th birthday. Prince and I found out that I'm almost 2 months pregnant.
November 2010 - Expecting baby to come out next month. God's best Christmas gift! :)

Sometimes, I don't like how things happen but I remain confident and positive that it will all be fine - and it always does.

Happy Anniversary!

Dear Prince,

It's been five years, can you believe it?! All the memories can only make me smile and now that we're expecting Vince soon, life just gets more exciting and full of challenge. I'm loving you more everyday.

You might not have the luxury to give me the most expensive things in life, I may not always be able to maintain a perfect figure (haha!) and we may not be able to get married but everything that matters to me is that we'll always love each other no matter what.

Thank you for always being there. Happy 5th Anniversary!

I will never get tired of saying these words as long as I live - I love you every minute, Prince! :)

Love,
Princess

Trick or Treat!!!

Our company conducted the annual Trick or Treat for kids 3-10 years old yesterday. I registered my nieces Bianca and Pam to join while Meg brought her daughter Bianca (another Bianca, hehe). They came in their chic costumes! :)

[caption id="attachment_641" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Irish Bianca as a Witch, Bianca Aminah as Ms. Korea and Juliana Reign as Little Devil with Shrek and Princess Fiona"][/caption]

Our department's events committee also found time to decorate our workstations with lots of spiderwebs, tombs, scary-looking church and hospital with fake corpse. I was really excited to give out lootbags full of sweets.

'Til next haloween! ;-)

Forever21 Sale: THE REPEAT

Before ending the month, Forever21 will be having another sale at the SM Megamall for SM Advantage, SM Prestige and BDO Rewards cardholders. They did this during the SM Megamall 3-day sale few weeks ago and again, 10% of all items from October 29 to November 1 so I guess it's gonna be another jam-packed weekend! ;)

Responsible Urban Planning

I am on my way home last night when I noticed that the entire portion of Nueva Vizcaya Street where SMDC's Grass Residences construction is ongoing is closed. My apartment is across the entrance of the said property and I pass through the construction site everyday and every night. I am neither an architect nor an engineer but I learned that developing such property should require serious consideration of how it could affect everything and everyone not only when the project is done but also while the construction is ongoing.

A roaming barangay mobile consistently warns the neighborhood especially those who lives along Nueva Vizcaya street that there's an ongoing trouble with a crane that can just collapse anytime, strangle the aerial cables and/or smash some of the houses around it. The officials are telling people to be extra careful. Residents of the area were asked to take a different route to get home however, I passed through the construction site (unavoidable, I need to really pass through it to reach my apartment) and I didn't see anything done to prevent the crane from possibly falling. I hate that I wasn't able to take a picture of it as my phone's camera isn't taking good night shots and my digicam is busted. Prince goes home a little later than I do and he managed to speak with some of the construction workers standing by and they said that they already seek help from DSWD and maybe some people in the media will also be there.

I expected that this would at least be in the news to warn people who's used to passing through this way so I searched google for the latest news right away - zero result. The only thing I found related to it is this article by Mr. Ducky Paredes that discussed about how the development of another SMDC property made the neighborhood badly affected by the typhoon 'Ondoy' last year.

I have nothing against construction of high-rise condominiums in the metro which is becoming rampant these days. In fact, I would like to buy a unit for myself as it's very practical for a starting family in my opinion. Responsible urban planning can be very beneficial to everyone. It just requires commitment, consideration for the majority's interest and conscience.

The street is still closed today. I am hoping that nobody gets hurt and that they can figure out how to assure safety in the neighborhood can be maintained before, during and after the construction.

The Last Trimester

It's the last week of October and I can feel the holiday spirit as EDSA's traffic situation is becoming worse everyday.

Last Thursday was an after-office evening well spent at the B-Side. Since the pregnancy is reaching it's peak now, I guess I won't be a regular attendee of Prince's gigs anymore but I definitely won't miss the Gin Blossoms concert on November 18 as well as the Lip Service's album launch.

At this time, baby's in his 33rd week and 4th day. Turning sides when I'm in bed has been very painful and it could last up to 5 minutes per turn. Walking for more than 20 minutes feels like running for an hour (or more as I am catching my breath faster). Putting moisturizing lotion in my legs and feet would require a certain technique so I can reach without feeling any pain or hear a cracking sound in my backbone. I didn't know that pregnancy would be this hard - how much harder motherhood could be?

I'm not complaining though. As I look at my baby bump being deformed from time to time as baby moves, I find myself smiling and get more excited to see our little prince. :)

The SALE Season!

October is probably the month where Manila's version of GSS [Great Singapore Sale] happens. The annual sale during this month is often causing traffic and panic buying for everyone in the Metro. As Christmas draws closer, it's a perfect time to stack up on presents, too! ;)

3-day sale is always a hit for major malls so this weekend, bargain hunters will surely want to stay within the Ortigas Center because of these:Happy shopping! :)