Benefit Bazaar

I always wanted to mount a bazaar. But I never thought my first will be for a cause.

Call for pledges banner

It is so overwhelming to hear the positive responses from the people I tapped for this activity. Everyone's enthusiastic to take part in this sale, as well as looking forward to the improvement of Baby Yzrael's health. 

It is once again proven that during tough times people get together to care for a friend, a brother or sister in the community, or a relative, even if they are in the midst of their own concerns too.  I once got a test message that says, 

"Love won't run out.  In moments when you feel like you have given and given until there is no more of yourself to give, remember that love won't run out. God has an infinite amount of love for you and for you to pass on to others.  Even at times when the well seems dry, God can send a flood.  Let the flood of love wash over you and drench everyone around you."

Indeed, the Lord has flooded this world with so much love.

And may God bless you more.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...dadada...

It really is sooo here.  And I mean, Christmas!

In the office, we started playing Christmas songs and in one department, I already saw a tree up.  Wow! 

So excited for this year's Yule, contrary to how I thought before (never mind my post last year).  

As early as Sept1, God has already given me a new cuddly, cute baby nephew Andrew as a gift.

I also have a few out-of-town trips and activities lined up (since I got a term delay in school--a blessing in disguise, actually).  I plan to focus more on GK Sagip activities.  And I am excited to return to the music school this second semester so I can play Christmas tunes with my Ivy (violin) again.

Bits of Beads Holiday 2010 collection.  Watch out for the 2011 collection. :)

Aside from those, I am excited to launch my new line of clothing (still thinking of a name) and Bits of Beads holiday collection this last quarter of the year.  I think it's best to launch products every Christmas season because people tend to be more impulsive with all the bonuses and cash gifts (hence, tag-yaman season).

Early this week, I already made my gift list (I really am so excited). I want to plan ahead this year (1) to avoid the Christmas rush, (2) so I can choose better gifts, and (3) to catch the pre-Holiday sale.

Perhaps this planning ahead thing is just one manifestation of my maturity (read: being 30).  I am just glad that Christmas knows no age, and just smelling the Holidays makes me nostalgic and transports me back to my childhood. :P

Gotta Go!

Have a travel buddy, will go!

I just want to list down the places in the Philippines I'd like to see before I tie a knot (whenever that will be--what a vague timetable here!)

**in no particular order**

photo courtesy: http://www.siargao.com/

Siargao

They say it's a surfer's haven.  Well, I'm no surfer chick but I'd definitely give it a try once I reach the famed island. 

Caramoan, Camarines Sur

Several Survivor TV Show editions have been shot here, who wouldn't want to see the place in person.  When I reach the island, I'd definitely have a picture shot ala Survivor castaway.

photo courtesy: wikipedia

Camiguin

The White Island and the sunken cemetery is totally interesting to me.  I guess it would be better if I take a few diving lessons prior to the trip so I can see the cemetery up close.  I'd love to experience also the vast sandbar of the White Island.

 
Davao City

Who wouldn't want to experience a city with a beach nearby.  A trip to Davao City would be a bliss with its malls and white sand beaches. I'd love to stay at the Pearl Farm and stroll along the shores of Samal Island.

Palawan

There has been a campaign to raise awareness and put the Underground River in the new Seven Wonders of the World.  President PNoy himself checked this and I'd love to experience it as well.  Also, I don't like to miss the famous El Nido, the beach I've been dreaming of since I was 12.

Antique, Dumaguete, Guimaras

These up and coming tourist spots have gained a lot of positive reviews and features lately, with people now discovering the gems in these islands:  immaculate beaches, natural falls and springs.

Bantayan

Far off Cebu City is the pristine beach of Bantayan Island.  Before I head to this paradise, I'd better ready myself for butt cramps, having to endure 2 hours of bus travel and another 2 hours of ferry ride.  But friends who've been there said it's worth the love travel. So gotta bring a lot of patience with me in this trip.

Basilan

This farthest town in the country is truly blessed with beautiful beaches.  Too bad, civil war has driven tourists and foreigners away.  When I'm ready, I might give this island a shot.

Siquijor

Contrary to nasty rumors about this place, the island's actually serene. With it's beautiful stretch of white sand beach, comparable to that of Boracay's, I don't mind the old stories at all.

Cagayan de Oro

When I finally have the guts, I'd definitely try the adrenaline-pumping white water rafting adventure and bungee jumping.  But first, I need to get over my fear of heights.

my Cebu City trip collage

Cebu City

I went here two years ago and fell in love with the charming city right away.  It's like the antique beauty of Intramuros, the hustle and bustle of Manila and Quezon City, and the relaxing breeze of Antipolo City all in one place, plus a nearby beach. Too many sights to see in Cebu, not to mention the people are really warm and the food is really tasty.  The next time I go back, I'd like to try the sky walk, hoard loads of danggit (dried fish) and dried mangoes, and visit the Plantation Bay.

Turtle Islands,Tawi-tawi

I'm totally fascinated with turtles.  I'm fact, I'd love to have one for a pet. After seeing the GMA News and Public Affairs feature on Turtle Island, a virgin beach where mother green sea turtles lay their eggs, I really got intrigued and wanted to see it live in action.

Banawe Rice Terraces

Who wouldn't want to explore the Eighth Wonder of the World?  The structure really amazes me; the ingenuity of the Ifugaos who made it about 2000 years ago is totally superb.

Truly the country's blessed with so much natural resources.  As a Filipino, I'd like also to do my share in keeping the beauty of the country in my own little way.  Of course, I'd like grandchildren to experience these too.