Hey guys! I know it's been months since I've last blogged- I must admit aside from being very busy (two jobs ain't a joke, I tell you) I've also been trying to focus on other aspects in my life and well, some part of me has been very lazy to get on the computer and type anything (bad Karla, bad). So here I am now, typing away.

The reason why I decided to blog about the coming New Year is because lately there have been tons of changes happening in my life and in the lives of those around me. Ever since Typhoon Yolanda hit the Philippines I've been doing some major reflecting about the different things I want to do with my life. I know it sounds selfish but hear me out first. I thought about how I could help, how I could join my fellow countrymen in aiding in whatever means I could but I also reflected about how I see my life and how I want to live it. When a disaster that horrific hits too close to home (literally, so CLOSE) it puts your life into some rather harsh perspective. Which brings me to my topic:

New Year's Resolutions. 
I know, I know, we all have them. From losing weight to gaining weight, buying a gadget to saving for a car, we all have our own lists. Every year mine always consisted of "Being Sexy" as my number one resolution. And every year, well, I failed. So I decided to make a list that involved OTHER things, not just about losing weight and all. I wanted to share it with you guys and to those who are going to make their lists soon. Hopefully this will help you in some way or make you think back about what it is you want to make 2014 all about.

Some resolutions need a little explanation while others, well, they speak for themselves. Hope you enjoy this entry. :)

I feel I need to write another entry on this blog because:

1. My Hello Kitty Town Malaysia entry is gone (I honestly don't know what happened but I need to rewrite it therefore pick pictures again which will take millions of years Huhu)

2. My Cambodia pictures are still in my SLR (I misplaced my memory card reader and now I fear I will only be able to relive the memories through the tiny screen of my camera. Double HUHUHUHU)

3. I feel the need to ramble on about life and all the awesomeness it brings

4. I'm getting old, pagbigyan mo na ang lola mo HAHA

So here I am, writing and rambling. Anyhoo, for those that care enough to read, curious enough to see, here are just some thoughts about me (uyyy I'm rhyming yo! So cool! nat.)

Here's what I've realized about life and people at 22 (before I turn 23 on Thursday Huhuhu)

Aaaanddddd the loooooooooonggggg wait is over!!!!! (yuck feeling naman si ate) Haha



After two months of delay, here is Part II of my Malaysian Adventure featuring one the two most awesome places I've ever visited (so far) LEGOLAND! Hope you enjoy this entry :)

I finally had Bible Study again after 2 long weeks of cancellations due to the horrible weather and busy schedules of the group and I have to say, it was beyond timely.

I love spending my Monday nights at Bible Study because I honestly feel it makes me hopeful and more prayerful throughout the week. I truly believe that when you start your week right and with God and good people, nothing can ever bring you down. I really needed tonight because I've been having a rough couple of days. For those that sent me emails and messages, thank you. For friends I have lost touch with but just wanted to wish me well and say prayers for me, thank you (don't worry guys, I am not physically ill nor am I dying from a sickness Haha). I cannot thank you all enough and God really makes you realize who truly CARE and who are just CURIOUS.

So anyway, back to Bible Study. For the past 3 months we've been talking about different parables and lessons that have to do with our overall theme- "Paid in Full" I thought this to be very timely for me and I just wanted to share with you all what I've picked up from the past Mondays and how I am using these lessons as strength for when times become unbearable. I hope in some way this can help you too.

Just remember that if you're hurting, so am I. I am still picking up the pieces and holding on to the only one who will never let me down- God. And I know He is holding on to you too. So here it goes. :)

How to be a Hater?!

A Hater Tutorial?!

Haters for Dummies?!

Yes, I know that this blog is dedicated to all things awesome and wonderful, and being a HATER is definitely NOT awesome or cool but I thought it appropriate to devote an entry on how to become one.

Why you ask? It's very simple.

So many people nowadays would rather harden their hearts and devote all their time into hating someone they barely even know. I don't about you but I'm feeling 22 I think that's got to be one of the saddest things anyone can do. So here I am, just making an annoying situation into a humorous one. Hope you enjoy this.


And to the haters out there, thanks for inspiring me to write this entry! :)

Hi Guys! Sorry it's taking me a whole month to update again- I have been crazyyyy busy these past few weeks (and kinda lazy) that I haven't even really gotten a chance to check my emails (HI LUCY I LOVE YOU I WILL CHECK SOON) but I decided it was about time to blog again and what better way to start blogging by sharing with you all my trip to:

MALAYSIAAAAAAA, Truly ASIAAAAAA

Okay sorry. I just can't get their tourism commercial tune out of my head every time I say their country. Zzzzz. #loserako

So anyway, here are some basics about our trip: My older sister Trina and I planned this trip around October of last year because she was able to find us a flight that was on a SEAT SALE. We ended up only paying a really small amount compared to what we would've had to pay if we booked it at a regular price.

TRAVEL TIP: Try to sign up for those seat sale and flight promo emails of your chosen airlines so you can stay ahead with whatever promos they have. You save a TON of money which can be used for your hotel, food or shopping money. Seat sales are your best friends!

It also really helped that our Dad lives in Malaysia. We were also very lucky that he was in town on the days of our trip (he travels A LOT and is actually never in one place for a long time so yay us and God's timing! Hehe). Also our friend Ira booked the same trip so we were able to hang out with her too! It was a great trip and the timing of everything was PERFECT. Such a blessing.

Hey guys! Sorry for the long hiatus from this blog. I must admit, aside from being super busy with life and all the changes coming my way I've been also wracking my brain for something to blog about.

As you guys know, I try as much as possible to keep this blog fun, light and in some ways, inspirational (I sound so pretentious ughh) without having to sacrifice meaning and content. I like being able to share with you guys the lessons I've learned from life and the lessons I have learned from God. We have to remember that with every "bad" or difficult thing that happens in one's life, there is always a bigger reason as to why God allowed it. 

With that being said, I was so happy when I randomly opened my Tumblr account to check my drafts (btw, for all the TOP lovers out there, I am posting a chapter tonight! I just realized that my TOP chapters are piling up since I haven't been posting them! #lazy) I stumbled upon this draft of an entry that really struck me. I love how sometimes I look back on my entries and think "Wow, did I really write that? Did I make THAT much sense?" Haha! After reading the entry I got inspired to finish it and post it on this blog because I feel it is something that a lot of us can relate to. I hope you guys will enjoy this entry especially because it is the first entry since my return. So here it goes...

WOWZAH!!! Over 100,000 page views??? Thank you sooo much everyone! I know this is little compared to the views of more established bloggers but hey, I'LL TAKE IT GLADLY!!!


Again, thank you so much to all those that have been visiting this blog, reading the entries and taking the time to comment and email me messages. It really means a lot and please know that I read each one and I try to reply to all of them as soon as I possibly can! The love and support is so overwhelming I just wanna cry!!! (Dramatic ka itey?)

I just wanna keep this entry short for now as I have a lot on my plate but I want to be able to update all of you guys about what's been going on in my life as of late:

1. I resigned from my corporate job. Yes, I know I said that I wanted to learn the ropes of it all and I do, it's just that I feel at this point in my life, I can still afford to be adventurous since I'm slowly but surely trying to figure out what it is that I want to do.
2. I got another job. A job that I always wanted to try but never really got around to doing. I got it and it's fantastic. 
3. So now I'm a MYX VJ and... wait for it... A PRESCHOOL TEACHER!!! Yup, that's right. So on TV I'm VJ Karla (uyy ang cool ko naman) and from 8AM-12nn on weekdays I'm TEACHER KARLA. Ahhh!!! I don't know what's more exciting really (clue: BOTH!)

I really LOVE kids and a lot of my college teachers told me I should give teaching a shot since I sort of have a knack for it. I decided that I would give it a shot- dream big and see where it takes me. Again I cannot imagine a more perfect set up especially since the preschool is so near my house and the pay is good as well.

I'm really excited because I prayed to the Lord for this opportunity and He gave it to me. You see? Our God NEVER STOPS GIVING. He never stops blessing us as long as we stay faithful to Him and trust in His plans and timing. I truly feel this is another step in the right direction for me and I only have God to thank for the opportunity. I am beyond excited guys, I start second week of June and it's something I am really looking forward to. :)


Right now I am praying for strength and the wisdom to be the best teacher I can be. This is my chance to give back and know that my work is helping mold the minds of the future generations (ansaveh?). That what I do is really a true contribution to society... GRABE LANG!!!

So thank you to all those who have been sending me sweet messages and comments. Know that I keep each one in my heart and I really VALUE the kind words... I could not ask for more from you guys.. so much love, MY HEART IS SO FAT! :)

Thank you also to those who have been emailing me. To those who trust me to help them out with problems or issues. I hope you know that I really do try my best to help you guys out in any way I can but also remember that I too am still trying to figure things out in life and I'm definitely no expert. But thank you for trusting me with your issues and secrets. I can promise you guys that it's safe with me. I don't even share it with Nics or my family. Only with the Lord. I pray for you like I say I do. Promise. :)

Also thank you to those who have been watching MYX and waiting for my shows... GRABE LANG! Thank you so much for the support and I hope you continue to support this blog as well. Thank you for the tweets and pictures of the screen caps since I never really get to catch myself on TV (vain?) For those that don't know, you can catch me daily on MYX (Pop, Pinoy, My Myx) but my shows are also MYX Versions, MYX Mobile Top Picks and MYX Daily Top Ten on THURSDAYS :)

I don't know who the creator of this page is, but I'm asking to become an ADMIN of it. I hope that for those that haven't Liked it yet, you can please Like it? I'll be sure to be sharing with you guys pictures and updates as well from my adventures. Please do LIKE and Share it!

Also to those who can follow me on Twitter- I hope you guys can follow this account to. They made this page for me and it's so sweet, I just want there to be followers so the sweetheart behind this won't feel sad! :p

Don't forget you guys can catch me daily on MYX and you can leave me messages on my VJ page

Sorry for the shameless plugging, but hey, it's my blog naman diba? Hihi! Thanks again guys! I'll update again soon :)

Hi guys! I know it's been a while since my last entry but I've just been swamped with a couple of things so I haven't really had the time to sit down and write (until now) and I just wanted to update you guys on a few things (if you care).

So I decided on something pretty BIG and I gotta say, when God blesses, to the MAX ang peg niya! I can't believe how quickly things are unfolding for me career wise. I'll be able to share that with you guys next week but for now I just gotta say, THANK YOU LORD. I can now do more things that I LOVE and you guys will find out exactly what next week so I hope you come back for that entry. :)

The reason why this is the title of my entry today is because I really just wanted to take the time to shout out a BIG THANK YOU to all the stores that have been sending me gifts! From clothes to accessories, gadget cases and decorations, I am BEYOND GRATEFUL. It means a lot to know that these stores TRUST me with talking about their product and wearing it. And again, I NEVER feature or talk about something that I don't like or use myself. I just want my readers to know that. I don't get paid to advertise these things and I don't promote products that I don't believe in. So for those that follow me on Instagram and read this blog, please know that whatever I talk about here I have actually used, liked and am very confident in.

With that being said, I would just like to feature all the stores that have been sending me things so that you guys can go check them out- their products are really amazing and are definitely GOOD QUALITY at GOOD PRICES so for you savvy shoppers out there, you best read this entry! :)

Two weeks ago I had an intimate lunch with my Mom and what I love most about our lunches is aside from being able to spend time with each other despite our busy schedules, we get to talk about a lot of things. This particular lunch was more about some of the burdens and hurt my Mom is currently carrying. I will not elaborate on what the specific issues are because:

1. They are not my issues to tell
2. My Mom deserves her privacy and
3. I don't think the specifics are really necessary for the main message of this entry

With that being said, I want to be able to share with you guys a few things I told my mom as I was listening to her talk and pour out her hurt feelings and what have been weighing her down. The reason why I want to share this with all of you is because not only does this literally "hit home" for me, but because I too have days where I think "Gosh Lord, will these things ever stop?" or "When will it be okay for me? Why isn't anything good happening to me?" and even the occasional, "Why me Lord? I'm not a terrible person and yet these things are happening to me. Why?"

I always look back on the things I learn during Bible Study (I strongly encourage you all to give it a try or at least find a group of people who you can talk about these things with) and the one thing that really struck me was our lesson on "Experiencing the Peace of Jesus." Allow me to share the things I learned and the things I told my Mom. After all, the peace of Jesus first starts out with, Faith.

Google Images

My mother is GORGEOUS

Okay, first of all, the title is a little fail. :( You guys know the "I Got It From My Momma" song? Well, yeah. I tired to make it work to my advantage but just like always, I failed. I guess "being super creative" is something I didn't get. Haha! Anyway I know this is a little late since Mother's Day is over and done with but I figured I'd write down these things because:

1. I love my Momma
2. I think EVERYDAY should be Mother's Day
3. My MYX video message wasn't enough
4. I love my Momma (Oh wait, didn't I already say that?)
So I decided to write down 7 things I learned about life that I learned from my Mom. Why 7? Well, it's her favorite number. I've actually learned about a hundred million things from her growing up (I was an annoying rebellious brat and still am kind of) but looking back I really wanted to highlight a few things that my Mama taught me about life and about being the best version of yourself. So without delaying any further, I bring you....

Hi guys! I feel like I haven't done a post dedicated to my Instagram in a while so here are a few things that I'm loving right now- through my iPhone's eyes (uyy I'm such a Hipster like that yo!)





Cupcake Lab

I am a sucker for anything sweet and delicious. So when my family and I took a trip to Promenade one day and saw the cute little display of this cupcake shop, we just had to go check it out. Cupcake Lab is apparently owned by my sister's batchmate Cay and I gotta say (uyy rhyming?) they're really good! Pictured here are their Ferrero Cupcakes, Chocolate cupcake and Peanut butter S'mores cupcake (my fave of the bunch). Guys, these are some SERIOUS cupcakes as in. SOLID. I suggest you visit their Facebook page and find out how you can order. I really loved the Peanut butter S'Mores one so if you love marshmallows and peanut butter like I do, then this one is PERFECT for you! :)

I sadly never get to watch the MET Gala but I always, like clockwork, search online for the different looks that are sported by the different actors, models, singers, celebrities and writers. I love looking at the different fashion risks and steals each person has and I love how every year they sort of make it work towards the theme of the gala (2013 = Punk: From Chaos to Couture).

So, for fun, here are MY faves from the MET Gala. :)

Hi guys! How's everyone been doing? Hope all is well. :)

I've been getting quite a few messages and tweets about fashion and style picks- and a lot are wondering how I can describe my personal style. I really thought about it (since it's such a deep and thought provoking question HAHA) and my honest answer is this: It depends on my mood.

With this crazy weather and unpredictable climate changes- it gets harder and harder to dress accordingly. So what I end up doing is stocking up on breathable basics (materials like jersey/cotton/denims) and I just try to get pieces that I know I can mix and match with my older pieces. This is a great money saver since the basic clothes don't have bold prints and easily recognizable materials that will make outfit repeating very obvious (I LOVE repeating outfits).

So what I decided to do was go on Polyvore (a site I am currently obsessed with) and I made a few outfit pegs for you guys to see how I like to dress and what my style is like. Hopefully this light and fun entry will inspire you to raid your closets or stock up on basics and key pieces. :)





The Perfect Key

I love getting "key pieces" for my closet- these are clothes that I feel make a statement or can act as the accessory to your outfit. What I love most about key pieces is that they can be worn often- as long as you change up the outfit every time and try as much as possible to pair them with basics. These American Flag cut offs are the perfect Summer Key Piece for me since I LOVE SHORTS! I have so many pairs of shorts I can't even count them anymore- and I'm still stocking up! Haha :P

Hi guys!!! Can I just share that I am on CLOUD 9 and I never want to leave!!! Ahhh!!! I can't believe that from now on I can openly talk about my second job- a job that I never thought I would ever get or be able to try!!!

For those that didn't get to tune in yesterday- let me tell you what my new adventure is... are you ready?

I am now...

A MYX VJ!!!

myxph.com

Yes!!! It's official! And no I'm not a finalist on their VJ Search (this is the first year they aren't having one) I am a legit, officially signed, VJ! Ahhhhhh!!!! Can you feel my excitement?! Sorry if it's too much but you have to understand that being able to work for the #1 Music Channel in the Philippines is CRAY CRAY! I cannot stop smiling right now... I feel like I'm in a dream... SO AMAZING :) :) :)

Hi guys! Did you all miss me? (Yuckk.. feeling may readers) Anyway, I feel really bad for not being able to update this blog with more Random Ramblings and sillyness but I've been CRAZY busy these past few days. I want to be able to share it ALL with you guys but unfortunately I can't just yet. I will, however, tell you just a little bit of what's been going on. :)

Let's face it, couples experience new and exciting things together all the time. From new food adventures to out of town trips, couples will always find ways to do things together. With this being said, I'm here to talk about the one thing I know every couple "goes through" together, every.single.month.

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Yeahp, you guessed it, THAT time of the month. Now I'm no expert or doctor, I'm just a girl, in a relationship, that goes through this every month with my boyfriend (I'm actually going through it right now). So I've decided to make a simple guide for all you guys out there to maybe, in some little way, help ease the pain that YOU are experiencing during THAT time of the month.

To those reading this, I hope you don't get offended with what I have to say or how I view things. Again, this is MY OWN OPINION and EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT. So if you don't agree with what I'm saying then feel free to stop reading. Remember, as much as this is a "helping guide" it is also meant to make you laugh, a form of "Real Life Entertainment."

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I would also like to make a shout out to my loving and caring (though sometimes insensitive and totally clueless) Bubba, who has been my constant companion for over 2 years- going through THAT time by my side.

Hi everyone, it's definitely been a while since my last real entry, post Coco's passing. Sorry if I flooded your Instagrams, Twitters and this blog with nothing but my love for my angel Coco, I am still trying to move on and be happy with the fact that he is in a better place.

Moving forward and facing reality, I'm now going to talk about a little Vietnamese Adventure I had with my family and Bubba during Holy Week- on Black Saturday we went all the way to Tagaytay for an adventure and some serious bonding. We hit up my sister Trina's friend's mom's restaurant (layo ng connection noh? Haha) for some DELICIOUS and FRESH Vietnamese food. So here's my take on a place that I think all of you should visit when you can- Bawai's. :)

I would first like to say thank you to all those that sent me tweets, emails, comments and messages of love, kindness and care. I know that it's not as "deep" or as "grave" as an actual loss of a relative or loved one but to me, this comes pretty close. So again, to all those that sent me messages, thank you. To all those that commented on my Instagram and assured me that Coco is in a better place, THANK YOU. And to everyone that just listened, my broken (but healing) heart will always be thankful.

It's only been two days but I have been trying very hard to see the bigger picture. I find myself going through an "Up-Down, Up-Down" situation. I cry for a bit, then I stop then I cry again. I guess when you look back at the memories that brought you so much happiness, you end up bringing yourself to tears. I miss him still, very very much and my heart continues to feel a pain I thought I had forgotten. This all seems so dramatic, yes, but when you really love someone or something, chances are you give a part of yourself. What makes this even more painful for me is that I know that Coco gave me all of himself. You see, dogs (I can't say the same for cats or other animals because I only really like dogs) love you with all that they are. With every fiber in there being you are the world to them. Which is why this hurts me so much. I know that I will no longer feel Coco's love for me.

But anyway, with all of this being said, I have been praying and asking the Lord to help me see what my pain is preventing me from seeing. Trusting in Him and His plans for me, I know now that Coco's passing needed to happen for me to realize a few things. Allow me to share with you some of the things I've learned from my loving angel, the cutest shih tzu in the world (in my eyes at least), Coco.

Hi Coco my baby boy, I miss you so much.

I can't believe you're gone and I can't believe I never got to say goodbye. I miss you so much and my heart feels like it's been torn to pieces because you're not around anymore. Please know that I love you very much and would give anything to see you one last time. I don't know why you were taken from me so suddenly, I don't know why it had to happen at this exact time, but whatever the reason may be, I know that you are in a much better place now. Allow me to say a few things to you though, okie Cocie?

Thank you. Thank you for always being there for me when I needed you. You may have not said anything, but I knew you loved me too. You know, I always wanted a Shih Tzu growing up. I always used to play with Tita Norma's shih tzu Chewy everytime we would visit them in Merville. I always wanted one but Mom and Dad never gave one to me. Then you happened.

I remember it was the same week that Dad announced that he was moving out, the same week that I watched him pack his bags and literally leave. I came home from school one day and there he was, standing in the sala, telling me that he had something for me. And when I moved closer there you were. You were so little and furry and cute. I remember shouting and running straight to pick you up and hold you. You were shaking cause I was holding you up so high but you didn't fight me or anything. Instead, you licked my arm and I knew I was going to love you forever. I even wanted to name you Max but for some reason, the name Coco just stuck. You were my baby.


You were there for me when everything seemed to be falling apart. You listened to my crying in my room when I would miss my dad and wonder why our family was falling apart. You were my only friend who I would come home to during my freshman year in high school because I was being bullied. You listened to me, you let me cry on your fur and you let me hug you until I fell asleep. You never said anything, no, dogs don't talk, but they sure do love. And you gave me so much love.

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” 
― Josh Billings

You were there for me during the break ups. During the times that I felt my heart was going to break and crumble to pieces. You were the only "boy" who never left me, the only "boy" that understood. You always chose me, me over your own needs. God I remember crying in my room and you would silently walk on over to me and lick my hand, something you would do so I knew I could just pick you up and hug you. You were there for me Coco, always. I can't believe you aren't anymore.

I'm sorry for getting mad at you when you would bark. I wish I could hear your bark one more time. I'm sorry that I got busy with life and left you behind. I'm so sorry I got so busy. I'm sorry I never made you lambing enough. I'm so sorry that I didn't hug you enough and cuddle with you enough. I'm so sorry Coco. I regret it now, big time. I miss you so much it hurts. I keep trying not to cry but all I can remember is your cute fat furry face and how you would always freak out whenever I had food. I miss seeing your cute little face and hearing your annoyingly cute bark. I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU'RE GONE.


Please know that I loved you very much. I never meant for anything bad to happen to you. I can't believe what happened. Her negligence and sorry to say, stupidity is unbelievable. It's taking all the strength I have in me not to kill her Coco. Really. I want to strangle her with the same damn string. But I know it won't bring you back. My anger and hate for her will never bring you back. You're in doggy Heaven now and I can't wait to see you again. I guess what I have to do now is learn to forgive her. I know it's not going to happen right now cause I'm still in so much pain but I know I can forgive her someday. I just can't believe you were taken from me so soon.

“Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made. ” 
― Roger Caras

I love you so much Coco. And I really do miss you. My heart doesn't feel the same and I haven't cried this much since Dad left. Not even the breakup and bullying cries were this bad. I hope you know how much I love you and miss you. I want to hug you again one last time!

-----------------------
To all those that sent me messages and tweets, thank you. It means a lot to know that in some little ways, you guys care. Thank you for letting me know that Coco felt loved even if you don't know me personally. Thank you to my friends whom I haven't even seen for a long time, for messaging me and asking me if I was okay. I'm not but I will be. I just miss him so much.

“The dog is the most faithful of animals and would be much esteemed were it not so common. Our Lord God has made His greatest gifts the commonest.” 
― Martin Luther

He was really more than just a dog to me. He was a friend. And it makes you stop and think about life and how short it really is. I encourage you all to hug and cuddle with your pets, whether they be dogs, cats or whatever it is you have. Make them know how much you love them because THEY LOVE YOU SO MUCH. They love you without any hidden agenda. They love you not for your money or fame or looks. They love you for you. And you need to let them know that you know that. Let them know that you love them. Don't make the same mistake I did. Don't leave them behind.

Happy Monday guys and gals! Let's start the week right with some HOTNESS (and no, I don't mean pictures of me HAHA #choz)

I decided to make a fun little entry on some of the women that I have the BIGGEST and FATTEST girl crushes on. I swear, these women, HOYMAY HOT TAMALE! I love them for their confidence, looks and how they carry themselves! :)

P.S. I'm really proud of the photo collages I made for each of them. I do not own any of these pictures (duh) and most were taken either from Tumblr or Google Images :) Yes, I'm a stalker HUHU

Hi everyone! :)

So as you all know, this Holy Week, my family and I went to BHS to do our Stations of the Cross, a tradition we have and something we do every year since Church Simplified started this. My first ever entry can be found on my old Tumblr account. READ IT HERE. :)

I just want to share with all the different Stations and how wonderful it is to be able to participate whole-heartedly with something so interactive. I really love how Church Simplified makes the Walkway every year because despite them using similar words, stories and activities, the message ALWAYS CHANGES. Every year. I hope you enjoy my Walk with Jesus.

Just had to make this short entry because I really don't understand why some things happen the way that they do and by people that you never thought in a million years would do it. I guess it just all comes down to the hard hitting truth that we're all human and really, you never know what people are truly capable of. I'm not going to share what exactly it is I'm going through because as much as I love making kwento and posting on this blog, I really feel some things are better kept private. I would, however, like to share a few things I got this morning.

First, my mom called me at work. She spoke to me for over 40 minutes letting me know how much she loves me and that no matter what happens in life I will always be her baby and she will always be my mommy. Umiyak ako ng todo can I just share. My mom and I don't have the perfect relationship and for a very long time we weren't in speaking terms. I've been a very bad kid at times and very hard to deal with. She's a person too and sometimes her emotions and feelings get the better of her as well. Regardless of what has happened in the past, however, we have both promised that moving forward the past will remain in the past. I'm happy to say that through all of this gulo and sadness (that just started up last night) she is letting me know that she will be with me all throughout and we will go through it together since we are hurting, together. I am already so blessed to have her and I honestly don't even deserve her.

It really helps when God is a big part of your life. I'm not saying I'm a saint or a perfect person- I have my flaws and faults and I'm trying to move forward and be better. With this being said, I think it's also important to have God play a BIG part in your relationship. I love my Bubba very much and he really tries his best to be better for our relationship. I do the same. He knows what I'm going through and shares in my pain. I've never met or been with someone who loves me as much as he does and I thank God for him every single day. Just this morning, amidst all the hurt and tears, my Bubba sent me a text message that really moved me and made me cry even more (NOT because it made me sad though okay Haha..) here's what it said:

Psalm 13:1-5

"How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, and my enemy will say, 'I have overcome him,' and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation."

And then he added this prayer:

"Lord please give us Your grace to trust in Your unfailing love when we get discouraged because some problems take so long to get resolved. Please remind us that even when it seems like You are ignoring us, You always have our best interest at heart."

I was beyond moved. Moved to tears at the text. God really does work in such mysterious ways and through the RIGHT people. I am so blessed and lucky to have my Bubba in my life- a man who is constantly changing for the better, growing more in love, in Faith and in God.

After this moving text, I got another text from my older sister Trina. Growing up she and I never really got close. I am happy, however, that these past few years have been good for our relationship and though we fight at times and I "hate" her, I now really do look up to her for a lot of things. She is a wonderful older sister, flaws and all. She is also the reason why I started attending Bible study. I join her and her ALP group every Monday for Bible Study and since then I have made a vow to better myself and fix my relationship with God. Here's what she sent me:

"I have promised to meet all your needs according to My glorious riches. Your deepest, most constant need is for My Peace. I have planted Peace in the garden of your heart, where I live; but there are weeds growing there too: pride, worry, selfishness, unbelief. I am the Gardener, and I am working to rid your heart of those weeds. I do My work in various ways. When you sit quietly with Me, I shine the Light of My Presence directly into your heart. In this heavenly Light, Peace grows abundantly and weeds shrivel up. I also send trials into your life. When you trust Me in the midst of trouble, Peace flourishes and weeds die away. Thank Me for troublesome situations; the Peace then can produce far outweighs the trials you endure."

"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." - 2 Corinthians 4:17

You know, regardless of what it is that you are going through, as long as you have Faith in the Lord and His marvelous deeds and power, you will never fall. I think that these things happen to us to test our Faith and strength of character. These are challenges that we need in order to shed away some more weeds and continue to grow in becoming the best versions of ourselves. My life is not perfect. I do not do good deeds everyday. I am no saint and I have many sins. But I am blessed. Blessed to have these people in my life.

So thank you, Mom, Nics and Trin- you three have really helped make my day so much better. You are my angels.

Hello everyone!!! It's good to be back! :)

Sorry for taking a leave during Holy Week (uyy, feeling may readers HAHA) but I really wanted to focus on strengthening my relationship with God and my family. Plus, I had a lot to pray for and I really wanted to devote this special time to HIM. I plan on posting a ton of blog entries about my adventures during Holy Week but for now I will leave you all with a short but fun entry again on some of the things I've posted on Instagram and love. I promise to upload more wordy (if you like how I write) entries about my food trip adventures so I hope you come back for those as well! :)




Thuringer Sausage with Potato Risotto from Bistecca

This is what I had during Easter lunch with my Mom and older sister Trina. Can I just share that this is probably the BEST thing to come out from Germany after German Shepherds!? It's crazyyy good and I loved every bite! I suggest ordering this for sharing though. The waiter forgot to tell me that it was good enough for gee, I don't know, two people! But I finished the whole thing happily. It was too good to stop (that's what she said). Paired with a side order of Bistecca's awesome Truffle fries you're good to go for one delicious food coma! It's P600 pesos and the fries are P220. Bistecca is located outside of Powerplant Mall, near Santi's Deli. Definitely a must try! :)

Photo Credit: Tumblr

Don't forget to use this time away from work, school and whatever it is you are going through in life to stop, breathe and be thankful.

Pray for strength, love, happiness and humility. Be thankful for all of your blessings as well as your problems. Use this time to reconnect with our Lord and see the beauty in your life. :)

Photo Credit: Tumblr

Photo Credit: Tumblr

I happened to stumble upon this while I was browsing through my Facebook feed and I have to say, this really hit me. Now don't get me wrong- I LOVE Victoria's Secret. They have quality underwear and great makeup that thankfully doesn't make me breakout. I love the hot pink mini robes that the models wear and I religiously watch the VS Fashion Shows of every year when I work out or want to start getting fit. I looooveee the angels especially Candice, Lily, Behati and Miranda. I really do love the brand. I love the message they're trying to send out to empower women and make them feel sexy. But for me, I just think they should keep in mind that these kinds of "sexy vibes" (I couldn't think of a better term HAHA #fail) are appropriate for an older age group. It's always about the RIGHT TIME and AGE for certain things and that's why I'm a little concerned with this new campaign they're going to release.


I do not, however, like what they're planning to do with regards to a more "Teeny Bopper" line. I didn't even know they were planning to do this until I read this letter. I urge you all to take a little time and read this- just to see what you guys think about the whole situation. I personally love the brand but am totally against the different messages that they are planning to sell to the younger market. Please feel free to tell me what you think as well. I believe that the readers of my blog (all 8 of you HAHA) are smart, opinionated and well informed so I really do want to post other matters as well that concern/interest me.

I also put this on my blog because for me, a parent's love is something we more often than not take for granted. Remember all those fights you had with your mom or dad about not being able to go out or hang out with certain people? Well, I honestly believe and have learned (through many fights and groundings- I wasn't really an angel growing up) that in the end, our parents only want what's TRULY best for us. No hidden agendas or anything. Reading this made me realize that the media and brands are getting scary- the messages they send out are what can shape the next generations and if they aren't positive messages, what will happen to everyone? So please feel free to read this letter when you can. I will also post the link to this man's website after the jump. :)

Google Images

There's no denying it, Jennifer Lawrence has popped up on our radars faster than you can say Silver Linings Playbook (okay, that wasn't THAT fast to begin with anyway). I honestly never really understood her appeal from her past movies (okay okay, I never really knew WHO she was up until the Hunger Games one). And even then I never really knew why people liked her. That is until I stumbled upon a few of her interviews and guest appearances online. After watching Youtube clip after Youtube clip like a complete stalker completely normal person, I have to say, I LOVE HER!!! I started researching on magazine articles and written interviews that she did and I was hooked! I was an official J-Law Lover! So it was no surprise that when I found out she was starring in a much awaited movie called Silver Linings Playbook (also starring one of my man crushes Bradley Cooper- yum yum yummyness!) that I just HAD to watch it.

She looks amazing!!!!

Aside from being completely and effortlessly good-looking (I sound like Zoolander HAHA), I think we can learn a lot from this young, fresh and HONEST actress. I've come to appreciate her not just for her amazing acting skills but also for her bluntness and honesty towards light AND heavy subjects. So here are some things I love and have learned from Jennifer Lawrence. Hopefully you can begin to understand my weirdness and crush towards her a little more Hihi :)

Barkada shot lang featuring Kelly, Anne and Nics HAHA

For as long as I can remember, I have always enjoyed planning things. From birthdays to surprises, get togethers to trips, I have always ENJOYED fixing things up. I guess the OC freak girl in me just lives for these kinds of stuff. So it's no surprise that ever since I started dating my Bubba, I've been wanting to plan a little something from him for his loyal band of FRIENDS (I like saying friends over "fans") as a way of saying thank you for their never ending support.

P.S. All of the pictures here are from the NICOnatics that sent me pictures and tagged me. Because I was so busy being a "game master" I wasn't able to take many pictures. So thank you for letting me use these! :)

People always tell me nga that if I were an "artista" my fans would love me (ano daw?!). Mahilig kasi ako mag pa-party. Burger burger burger! Haha... So after months and months of planning, after making kulit and fixing things up, my Bubba's and my schedule finally freed up and we were able to have his little Sunday party with the NICOnatics (don't you just love the name? SO CUTE).

HUHUHUHU! I can't believe I'm even making an entry on this topic. I'm still in denial (student parin ang peg ko... for LIFE!) that I'm done with college and am working to build, as my Mom keeps on saying, my "Nest." But alas, time keeps on moving and life stops for no man (uyy profound!) and I have to slowly but surely, face the reality that is-

BIG GIRL NA AKO. (Huhuhu)

So I've decided to make a list of a few things I've learned since I started working in June 2012. I know it's only been 9 months and I'm technically a "Working Baby" (Hihi, it sounds so cute) but I can honestly say that being thrown into the real world has really changed my perspective on life and on how I view things. So I thought I'd share with you all (since I just love making` kwento) a few things I've learned these past 9 months in.

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Meowzah!