18 Are You Kidding Me??

I am trying to login to my Facebook account and this is what I've been getting for the past 3hrs. At first, I  didn't bother to react. I thought, it was just a simple maintenance, so I just let go of my laptop and just watched tv. After 3hrs, i tried it again, and I'm still getting the same screen. 

This is what I'm getting after putting my email add and password

While I'm getting a bit frustrated, I tried to login using my husband's account. And guess what?? I was able to login. With no issues at all!! How cool is that, huh?! Then I tried checking my account in my Blackberry phone, I noticed that the last update was 3hrs ago. Refreshed the feeds and it won't do it. So I logged out and tried to login. And guess what again?? I am getting the same screen on my phone!! 

One last try. I tried logging in to my husband's phone's FB app. And... wallah!! same issue. I'm so frustrated and went back to my laptop and click on the "read more" part of the message in the screen. And i got this. 

With this message in my screen that I feel like I'm the only person on earth who's having this problem, I'm super frustrated!! My gedd, Facebook!!

And how would you feel if you see the last sentence on my second photo?? 

2 In Love With Fireworks

Fireworks can be annoying for some. But for me and Francis, it relaxes us. I mean, watching fireworks together, looking at the sky together, this is one of our favorite bonding moments. I remember the first ever pyro-olympics years ago, we didn’t hesitate to go and see it. Also, we are literally in SM Mall of Asia every Saturday just to watch the free fireworks given by the mall. It’s like us, going to church and every Sunday, but this is our Saturday routine.  Last Saturday, we decided to go and see the pyro-olympics again with matching dinner buffet with one of the prestige restaurants which offers a very good spot in watching it. It was UK and Spain competing and they we’re both awesome.

Me and Francis enjoyed watching this. Watching together - holding hands while looking at the sky, it feels like we are giving our problems, doubts and worries in life and all other negative thoughts on us away, wishing that they will be all gone along with the fireworks.  Above anything else, I just realized, we just love to look at the sky together, either day or night.  Usually after watching fireworks displays like this, we always have the feeling of contentment and happiness together. Haha!

Even without the pyro-olympics or any just fireworks displays, simple way to bond with your loved ones.

Love,

nessie

30 His 32nd in Diamond Suites & Residences

We celebrated Francis’ 32nd birthday in Cebu when I was finishing my turnover to my employer. We stayed at Diamond Suites &Residences. I was able to stay here I think 2yrs ago during our Company’s Christmas party. He love the place. Since it was Valentine’s week, we got our room at a discounted rate. The room is really worth it. We had 2 double-size beds (one for each of us). Haha!   The crews were all so polite and nice. There is still on-going constructions on the upper floors for more expansions. Even the construction workers were really polite.

This is also best for both business men. They have conference rooms big enough to accommodate 50-90 people aside from its business center in where their clients can check their emails online, print their iteneraries or just any business discussions. Oh, by the way, wi-fi is available to all rooms, for free!!

And I fell in love with the pink couch in the reception area. I sooo love it!

The infinity pool is at their 6th floor. And it’s really really nice. I love it that it’s on its highest floor and you get to have a view of the busy streets of Ayala Business Center. There was little rain showers so, it was a bit cold and windy. But, the water was warm and very relaxing. We both love it that we I got to enjoy the water and he enjoyed the air and the view while chatting with each other, talking about our next iteneraries. Haha!

This place has definitely made it to our list. If ever, we will go back to Cebu, I’d like to stay here again. We had a good time staying here. Francis and I had a chance to talk a lot of things about us. We just enjoyed the moments that we’re here and not thinking about our jobs. Spending the whole day with my husband is priceless.

Love,

nessie

Diamond Suites & Residences

Location: #8 Apitong St., cor Escario St., Cebu City Philippines

Website: Here

Contact Details: Here

21 I've Given Up

SM San Lazaro is very convenient to our house that's why me and my grumpy's always here for dinner everytime I'm too lazy to prepare dinner. And Aristocrat has been one of our favorites here. But, eversine, the service is not good but still tolerable. 

Today, February 16, 2012 is the worst. This made me really, really pissed off and the good reputation of Aristocrat has fallen to its lowest point. 

We ordered the usual favorite boneless chicken barbeque and zizzling gambas. The waitress who got our orders seems nervous and not understanding what we're saying... 

We waited almost 40mins for our food!! There we're a lot of customers and we noticed, there's only one "veteran" waiter who's serving the food. Those "newbie-looking" crews are just taking orders or cleaning up the tables. Seeing that there are lots of customers, the manager is nowhere to be found on the floor. 

When we got our food, we just let go of what's happening. The table next to us was a family who's celebrating a birthday. They asked the "newbie" waitress to take a picture of them. Then, we noticed that she was excited to take their pictures. Not like when she was taking our orders, she was so smart-like this time. 

Several customers we're also waiving their hands to get the attention of the other crews, some we're asking for glass of water, some we're asking to clean their table and some we're asking for their bill. The table on the other side, finally got the attention of the "veteran" waiter and hand-gestured that they wanna get their bill. After 10mins, their bill was given to them. 

When it's time for us to get our bill, I was waiving my hands and no one from the crews on the floor seems to be looking. So I literally uttered "excuse me, I'd like to get our bill, pls." I made sure, my voice will be loud enough to be heard on the other side. One crew acknowledged my request and got our bill after 15mins. Gosh!!

And we waited almost 15mins to get our change!!!! I was really really mad. When our change was brought to us, the manager gave us a handwritten-manual receipt. Like duh!! Is this why you took so long, that you're POS is not working?? For crying out loud, fix your system!!

Today, I finally gave up with Aristocrat. I mean, your food is great, no doubt about that. But your service sucks, big time. You have a very incompetent crews and managers. The next time, I visit one of your restaurants again, I'll make sure, I'm not hungry, because I'm sure I'll have to wait for ages before I get my food. 

The Aristocrat Restaurant

Branch: SM San Lazaro

Date of visit: February 16, 2012

Time of visit: 7:30 pm

Sad, 

2 My Egg Scrambler

A friend recently posted a picture of this in his twitter profile. I got excited when I saw it, because I have been using eggs in wifey duties. I asked and he told me where I can buy this. And that same day, we went to the mall and fortunately, I found this so easily. 

I am excited to use this. I'm sure I will be using this very very soon!! 

Egg Scrambler

From: True Value, TriNoma Mall, QC Philippines

Pice: Php 399.00

0 Happy Valentine's Day!

Love,

30 And Then, There's The Ending

I just came back from a 4-day "vacation" in Cebu. We'll it's not actually a vacation. I needed to go back to finalize my turnover with my employer aside from I was required to be there personally to claim my last pay. As some of you already know, I was working with a game development company based in Cebu. As  the person in-charge of all the accounts and clients, I learned a lot. This is my first try in this industry and I was happy, I enjoyed it.. It was September 2010 when they offered me the position and then, there started the history. Met people who I never imagine to be friends with. Like graphic artists, web developers, seo specialist, mobile app developers and project managers. 'twas hard for me. I never kept that to myself. I have been open to my friends that this job is really hard for me. I had no single idea on how to create a game proposals, project estimations and timelines. But they accepted me. They patiently answered my curious questions and ignorance of the nature of their job. Most of them became my friends. I guess, at first, we just didn't have a choice but to work "professionally" with each other. But as time goes by, I realized, I was already going out for dinner and beer with them and unconsciously, I was enjoying their company. Some of them became my diner-over-weekends buddy. Some were my night-til-dawn buddies. We became friends, in short. =)

Working from home for the past 8 months now, makes me feel sad that here comes the ending. Our office will be expanding in the US and will be hiring a little team there to accommodate our clients in the US. And to do that, the CEO and Founder decided to retrenched some of their employees here in the Philippines. And I was part of it. We were only seven people who got affected by this changes. It was a sad, sad news for us. I felt anger in my body. I felt betrayed by those people who I knew would tell me upfront with what's going on. The news was delivered to me via Skype and was told that the termination of my employment will be effective in the next 30days (February 10, 2012) or as soon as I am finish with my turnover. I've got myself soaked up in anger, bitterness and sadness for almost 1 whole week. Since I am based in Manila and our office in Cebu, my mailbox was always full of discussions on matters like separation pay, employee rights and the process of turnover. A week before the effectivity of my termination, finally, an air fare reservation was made for me. 

February 9, 2012, I set my foot in the land of Cebu again. I don't know what to think when I heard the plane crew announcing that the plane had just landed in Cebu-Mactan International airport. I knew this is it. I am back in Cebu not as I expected before. But as an ordinary person, soon with no job. The moment I went out of the plane and started breathing Cebu air, I felt sadness. I knew this would happen. That's why I needed to see my friends first and be happy with them before I set my foot in our office for the last time. I wanted to turn back the time. Behind my loud voice and non-stop laughters over breakfast with my friends, I was so scared. I felt nervous going back to our office. I was so sad inside.. 

Then the time came that I needed to face it. Our office stays dark until an employee who came in first for the day will turn on the lights. Goosebumps all over me. I tried to cover up my sadness and scared feeling by checking in the office. Like familiarizing myself again. No one in the office yet. One--by-one, people started coming in. I hid myself in the conference room while having a discussion with one of my collegues. I guess, I was avoiding questions like "kumusta ka?", because I am not okay... But I can't hide all day. I still wanna see these people who became my friends. I can't just hide myself the whole time I'm in the office. It was nice to see them again. So nice. Really felt good to be back. I wanted to spend more time with them but schedules were not so nice to us. 

I will be always grateful with PODD. Philippine Offshore Design and Development Corp. To my officemates who became my friends, to all the projects I was able to help them with, to all accounts and clients I have handled, to all the ranting and story telling sessions, to all the dinner, beer and videoke happeniings, all of 'em will be part of me. I am leaving PODD as its Account Manager but not its people. I will remain as a friend.

To my boss, I love you. I may not like all your management styles, I love you as a person. You will always be one of my best boss. Thank you for accepting me for who I am and letting me learn. Thanks for the patience and understanding. Cheer up, you're pretty and you deserve a very good month of vacation. Can't wait to see you and have some beer with you again. 

I wish good things will come to PODD. Good luck and I wish for more success in your business. Thanks  for the opportunity to be of help and to work with you.. I am moving on now. In the future that we will bump into each other again, I will still be the "Ness" who was once part of your office. 

Goodbye for now,

Ness

PODD Corp.

2A-2F Pacific Square Bldg., F. Cabahug,

Mabolo, Cebu City 6000

Website: Here

0 My Cupcake Gloss

My cupcake gloss are here!! They were delivered a few days ago and after the long wait, they're here, finally. When I first saw them, I immediately wanted to buy them. I found them in one of friends' FB page. I initially ordered 1 set but she gave me discounts that I can't resist, so I ordered 2 sets. Haha! They look super super yummy and so real. I thought they will be fun to use and to give as a gift to my girlfriends. So cute and will be very easy to carry. It can actually fit the smallest pocket of your jeans. 

When they arrived here last week, I was so excited. When I was opening the package and checking them one-by-one, my grumpy said, I look like a little girl - very excited as if I'm opening a Christmas gift. When I saw them, I literally said "wooow!" My grumpy even got one and check it himself - he got curious too! I tried the chocolate. Really nice. Not so sticky and its just natural. No feeling of there's something in my lips, if you know that. And they smell good, too. 

I was planning to give the 1 set to my friend who celebrated her birthday last January 29. But I thought of just giving one for each of my girlfriends on one of our coffee get-togethers. It'll be a sure fun! 

Set1 : Gourmet Pies in Cherry, Chocolate, Orange & Strawberry
Set 2: Fruity Cupcakes in Banana, Strawberry, Vanilla & Apple

I plan to use them in my March trip. They will come very handy. And yes, I will definitely recommend these to my girlfriends! 

My own rating: 

Product: 5 out 5 

Packaging: 5 out of 5

Quality: 5 out of 5

Price: 5 out of 5

Overall: 5 out of 5

Check them out here: Mookie Bar

Cheers!!

0 Once Upon A Time

When I was still in school, I always had a dream of being a UP's student. University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City, to be exact. I wanted to take up Chemical Engineering. I remember taking up UPCAT examination so I can be a student on this university. My first attempt for Chemical Engineering course - failed. But I was able to make to their other courses. They offered me Journalism and Broadcasting. Uhm, I said no. 

Then I went to my 2nd choice of degree - Computer Engineering. And during that time, it was AMA Computer College (University now) which is so popular for the computer courses.. Here, there were no UPCAT. But studying here requires a lot of money. Quite pricey compared to other schools during that time aside from that it is on a tri-semestral stype of teaching. Meaning, instead of paying for your tuition fees twice a year, you will have pay thrice a year. Since my parents got enough savings and my dad's working as OFW, I was able to finish my studies here. I had no regrets, honestly. I love the school. This is where I gained friends. This is the time I learned to work while studying. My computer engineering degree has helped me a lot in my current status and job. It was early 1990s that BPO/call centers were booming. I was able to get a job there and that job helped me climb the ladder of success and my position right now. 

When I graduated, I still wanted to get that Chemical Engineering degree. I worked for a while and saved some money. Luckily, I was able to drag myself back to UP. Haha! Since, this will be my 2nd degree, I don't have to take up UPCAT again. Nice! I just have to take the major subjects. After 2yrs I was able to graduate with my 2nd degree and was able to get my license as an Engineer. I never felt more complete that day. I was happy. Until now, I don't have any regrets. My friends told me, I should've taken a masteral degree instead of getting the second course. 

While browsing the newspaper this morning, I was able to read a short article about the glitches in the 2012 results of UPCAT exams. I am not interested on this type of issues, actually. Because, since I was able to experience the exam itself, being on that room for the whole day and being at home for like one whole week or two just to review, I believe the names of the students who made it, they deserve it. No one can ever question that. Yes, there will always be issues like that, but why don't you just be happy for those who made it. Is it because your relative or your child didn't make it? Uhmm... I'll leave that up to you. 

Here is the official list of UPCAT 2012 results: Here

For those who made it to the list, congratulations. Be proud and make your parents prouder. :-)

1 Untitled

The girl who laughs and talks a lot and seems very happy is also the girl who cry herself to sleep... 

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Genesis 2:18 - Prayer for a Happy Marriage

The Lord said, "It is not good for man to live alone. I will make him a suitable helper who is right for him."

Thank you Father for uniting us together. Help the two of us to truly become one and seek fellowship with You in prayer and unite ourselves to You. Where You are acknowledged Jesus, that is where You dwell and build good homes. Help us, dear Jesus, to have a positive faith, help us to bear each other's burdens, share each other's minds, partake of each other's joys, help us to bring up Your children, that you have blessed us with according to Your will.. We have received everything from You. We give all we have to You. Thank You, Father, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

0 Oily = Ugly

Oiliness is next to ugliness (they say). Not sure why I am blogging this. I just remembered a friend of mine. She'll be here next week for a vacation and I will be her official tour guide. She has been in Canada for 12yrs straight and she's afraid, she might get lost in Manila. I'm excited too! It's been a while that I went out with a friend without thinking that there will be "issues" after. 

She's a college friend. We went to the same university but she graduated with a different degree. We used to go out, gimik together and shop together. When we graduated, she had to fulfill her daughter duties to her family staying in Canada. She got married with a Filipino-Canadian man and eventually lost contact with her... 

5 years ago, I found her in Facebook. I was soo happy. Not sure if she would still recognize me, I added her and soon enough, she accepted, got my number. In less than a day, she was calling my mobile phone already. 

Next week, we will see each other again after 12yrs. I am not sure how she looks like now. But on her Facebook photos, she seemed to be prettier than before. I can barely notice the oiliness of her face.. I remember our classmates teasing her because of her oily face. Because of this, she had several pimples. She always cry about this... I helped her find the best face powder for her face, we got ourselves on facial treatments together and tried those oil-removing films in malls. But none of these worked! I thought she had an oil mine in her glands. I can't help but smile thinking about how she looks like while I was laughing at her. Of course she just stares at me and roll her eyes away from me. Being her closest friend that time, she didn't mind. 

I'll have to wait next week to see her face again. LOL She told me she had a treatment in Canada which helped her "fix" her face. Hahaha! 

Looking back, we still managed to be friends even without communication for 12yrs. And in a snap, we were talking and laughing again as if we didn't lose connection. Everytime we talk over the phone, we usually discuss about our flaws. I realized, this person is a true friend.. I'm excited for next week. I know it's going to be a blast. Not to mention my pasalubong from her. Haha! The jokes, laughters, giggles and never ending story telling sessions. One thing for sure, she got a beautiful heart..

Love,
Nessie

2 Here I Go Again!

It's like Britney's song: Oops! I did it again! I just can't help it sometimes. You've probably noticed that the site layout had changed (yet again!). Scarcely a month after a major revamp, I've gone and played with the theme again. This time, it's more of a tweak, a touch up. Oh who am I kidding? LOL It's an almost complete overhaul of the previous design. But I've kept the major theme and page elements that I liked. 

So, what's new with this version? 

• Now, it got 2 columns now
• The header is a collage of the photos I really like 
• Restructured the comments area
• Less complicated font style
• Rearranged the layout of posts on the homepage and listing pages
• Added a search bar

There will still be some minor updates happening in the background. teehee

I love it right now that it maintains its looks in most browsers that I used. 

Comments and critique as always, are welcome. I, thank you. 

0 Sick Duck

Fever. Colds. Sore throat. Stiff neck. Teary-eyes. Body ache. Name it. One thing I'm still thankful right now is I don't have my monthly visit yet or else dysmenorhea will be included in my list. So hard for me, since I still have to do my "work-from-home" duties while I'm sniffing on my colds.. During these days that I miss my Mom.. She's with her balikbayan sister taking some vacation in our hometown Ilocos... 

Another thing that made me more sad today is that my Grumpy can't be my nurse to take care of me. He can't take a time off from his job since they have a client visit.. Sad... 

I just took my meds right now and will hit the sack after this post.. 

I pray to feel better tomorrow.. 

4 To All The Men I Loved, Before...

This post is walang katuturan, I'm telling you. Bigla ko lang naalala ang mga kalalakihang kinakiligan ko noong ako'y musmos pa lang.. Yung tipong, bibili ng magazine if sila ang cover then gugupitin tapos ididikit sa wall ng kwarto. Meron pang instance na bumubili ng mga wallet-size picture nila sa palengke tapos gugupit ng picture ko at ididikit sa tabi ng face nila. Charoooottt! Kakahiya! Hahahah! Eto sila o.

Romnick Sarmenta

Mark Anthony Fernandez

Jomari Yllana

Jericho Rosales

Ohhhh gosh! Until now, kras na kras ko pa din sila. Oo, ako na, ako na ang jologs! Walang pakelamanan. Pak!

1 Chinese New Year 2012

While some of the blogs I follow posted their greetings for Chinese New Year, I'd like to share my experience in one of favorite chinese restaurants - Ling Nam (Binondo). On my previous post, I don't have any single drop of chinese blood but I love their food. My husband introduced this restaurant to me several years ago. From then on, we would come back if we want to get a taste of some authentic chinese food again.

Ling Nam have four branches already, 2 were company owned and the other 2 are franchise. Been to 2 of their braches - Binondo and in Greenhills. The one in Binondo is their original restaurant. Located in some old Binondo street, this will be a quite of a struggle finding the place if its your first time.

The Wanton Parlor:  616 T. Alonzo St., Sta. Cruz Manila, Binondo   

1st Flr. They have 2nd flr too!

Giant Siopao

Giant Siomai!

Siomai Soup. My favorite!

Will definitely go back!

0 Work-Life Balance

When I was still working with Dell, this is one of the culture they taught us. Learn to balance your work and your life. Work is important because it give you the means to enjoy your life. You don't need your work if you don't have your life. Get it? 

Recently I saw a post in Facebook with the Coca-Cola's CEO speech. Its 30-seconds only! But the message is crystal clear. 

This made me think again. Making me remember that it is not always about my job or my work. Yeah, I enjoy and I love my job and tend to spend 12hrs everyday in the office but I can't remember the last time I had a good talk with my family, can't even remember the last time we attend mass together.. Sad.. 

I remember, one of my mentors told me once before, work smarter, not harder! Staying in the office, working for 12hrs everyday doesn't make you the perfect employee. Manage your time properly and spend equally quality time with those people who are the reason why you are working hard. 

Wake up, Ness... 

0 My Free Lotion

While fulfilling my online shopping needs this morning, I got to Victoria Secret's website and found some interesting deals. Waaaah! I saw this one: 

I get to receive a free lotion for every Victoria's Secret Bombshell or Gorgeous Collection Eau de Parfum purchase. My credit card's almost crying my from purchases last Christmas, so I was really careful not to "over use" it. Hahaha. 

Here are the choices to buy to get the free lotion

Processed my purchase and will wait for its delivery. Here's my freebie

So excited!! 

0 A Good Day

It's a typical will-be-summer here in the Philippines, bit if a sun ; a few and sudden shower to dodge. After the horrors of calamities on the past months, many things like the weather, seem to be getting back to its normality. Currently, I have spent too many hours glued to the news channels watching scenes of mayhem unfold. Whilst the political and social commentators are still, understandably, doing their stuff in the Sunday newspapers, not to mention their live coverage in the news and current affairs. I have also been soaked-up in bitterness, feeling of betrayal and negative vibes for the past days. I realized, these made my brain and consciousness really tired. You know, being laid-off by the Company you have been working with for the past year is really draining. I've realized that its time to come up for air and do things I like to do. So, this week, I've been searching for nice places on where to celebrate and spend my husband's birthday on February and of course, my new addiction - cooking and baking. 

Cooking is great. And so is vacation. 

Inbetween the cooking addiction, I've been finalizing the list of places for my husband to choose on where he'd like to spend his birthday. While he's trying to choose, I had a great time with some of my relatives who just got  back in the Philippines for a vacation. Talking about vacation, huh. The thoughts of seeing them again while I can still clearly remember our good times together when we were still little kids, made me jump out of our house and spend the day with them. Its the same level of "how are you's" questions, story-telling sessions and laughters. Nothing has changed. Though we all have already families of our own, when were together, we are still those kids laughing at our stories like its the end of the world. I was so happy. 

So, for me, at least, its been a great day, a set of desserts done and a great time spent with my loved ones. 

2 My New Addiction: L'Occitane en Provence

We stayed in Sofitel Hotel for a night last December. Sofitel is actually my favorite hotel in Manila. But I'm not gonna be talking about Sofitel here. I'll tell you about my new addiction - thanks to Sofitel. =)

It's the L'Occitane en Provence. Well, its been a while since our last stay in Sofitel and last December we got the chance to take advantage of my husband's corporate privilege - meaning discounted room rates! I usually go and check the hotel's bath room once I got my bags out of my hands. Then I saw these little bottles of shampoo,  conditioner, lotion and shower gel plus a yellow-gold-like soap. When I picked the soap, I noticed that it smells sooo good. A bit lemon-ey but not the type that you'll scratch your nose after smelling it. I love its smell. Then I grab the shampoo, the shower gel and the lotion, they all have the same smell!! 

Let me give you a brief background on this brand. Products are based in Manosque, France and was founded in 1976 by Olivier Baussan. L'Occitane means "the woman from Occitania." This brand treasured its value of "Authenticity and Naturalness", Effectiveness and Pleassure", and "Respect and Responsibility". How do you say L'occitane?? Click here. 

Here's from Sofitel Hotel on our stay with them: 

All in verbena scent: L-R : Conditioner, Lotion, Lotion & the Shea Butter soap

I must say, I fell inlove with these products. I'm so happy that my husband loves them too. He wanted to check out the malls after we check out and see how these costs in the market. When we found its store in TriNoma mall, they're quite expensive and its truly amazing that the sales ladies knows exactly how to pronounce the name of their products. Haha! We just bought the soap since we still got stocks of them that we asked from the hotel's bellboy. teehee. When we got home, I opened the box of the soap and just put it in my cabinet. I so love its smell that my clothes already smells like it. I plan to buy and get some more next month. And this product already has its place in my favorite "make-me-feel-good" beauty products. 

Visit their stores here, in the Philippines. Here.

If you haven;t tried them, go! You won't have any regrets. =)