Family outing 2013

As some of you know, I come from a very big family (4 brothers, 1 sister, 3 sisters-in-law, 3 nieces, 1 nephew plus all the other in-laws) so when we get together, it's a totally huge production number. That is why most of the time, we just stay at home and cook food rather than go out. Anyway, while we were planning for a celebration for Sining's birthday, my brother suggested that we just go out of town and consider it as a family outing for us. There were lots of choices but we ended up staying at Cala Perdida at Calatagan, Batangas.

It was a private rest house that you can rent for the whole family. It can accommodate 15-20 people :) There's a main house, guest house and the very beautiful Ifugao house. More pictures here :) Although the trip was kinda long and it was hard to find, it was all worth it :)

Saturday morning, we arrived there and the place was really beautiful. It was a very nice property to own, a quiet place just to get out of the busy life in Manila and relax. That was our main purpose, really, to relax and chill. 

(Siblings + Sisters-in-law + nieces and nephew)

Although the sun was high up, we did not waste any time so we headed for the pool. The water was warm, just right for us and it was not too deep (petite friendly). The pool is an infinity pool but the filter was broken that time :( It was okay, though because we enjoyed the pool just as much :)

 (The Cruz' girls plus Ate Donna)

It was the kids who mainly enjoyed the pool because all the adults were at the patio, eating. And yes, there were lots of food. It was also the perfect time to catch up with them and just bond as a family :) Saturday was pure bonding for us and we couldn't ask for anything more :)

We also celebrated Sining's 6th birthday there and here's a picture of my very beautiful niece with her very beautiful cake

We had Shabu shabu lunch + steak and it was the best meal we had that weekend. Everyone was bloated and I'm pretty sure I gained some pounds during that meal.

(Enjoying the sun. PS: Thanks to Black Box Shoppe for my cute high waist bottom)

 We had a last quick swim before heading home and the water was still warm. We assumed that the water's warm because of the granite that absorbs the heat of the sun (BOO YEAH, SCIENCE) :) After that, we had to say goodbye to an awesome family weekend but before that, some photo ops

(Cruz family)

Before heading to Manila, we had dinner at Tagaytay because we encountered some heavy traffic entering Tagaytay and we were all hungry. Also, we had a quick stop at Starbucks (Yes, I'm still loyal to my former employer) and I was just craving for a delicious White Macadamia Nut Cookie :) 

 To summarize, that weekend was the best we had as a family this year. We all had the time to relax and just bond as a family. Too bad, my sister, Gladys wasn't there because she had a competition that she can't say no to. :(

1

This is super delayed because of all the shenanigans happening in my life but here goes my *~cheesy~* anniversary photo blog post.

Late 2011 was the time when we really got close and closer because he used to always stay and sleep over at my brother's house just a few blocks away from our house. And then he would always pop up during family events like this Christmas night 2011 we spent at Ayala Triangle. 

Then we started hanging out and I didn't even know that we were dating (I can still remember that night he was grilled by my brothers and mother). Then I started realizing he was serious about everything when he drank with my brothers that January night I was out. I got home seeing him being tortured (by words haha) by my brother. Pretty intense night I wouldn't forget.

Everything really went well after that. There were more tortures by my brothers but yeh, he continued to stick with me. Then May 9 came annd everything went very smoothly from there. 

I can't really say that what we have is perfect. We had a few bumps here and there but I think we are doing something right because we're still together. Time really goes quickly when you're having fun and sometimes, I still can't believe that we lasted a year after all those fights, pms-ings and misunderstandings :)) He can't really handle my pms-es so much (most of the time, we fight haha) but I'm happy that he's still there for me haha!

So to this guy who is making my life less stressful and happier, thank you so much. You may not be the sweetest guy there is, I am still very grateful for having you in my life :) Happy anniversary and hoping for more anniversaries to come. I'm ready for more fun moments, crazy fights and amazing adventures with you!

#Bestfoodforward

Best Food Forward is happening this coming weekend at The NBC Tent, BGC. I always love Mercatos and Banchettos everywhere because this is where you can see innovative and unique food dishes. These are places where little entrepreneurs showcase their products and I am sure that Best Food Forward have more unique and delicious foods to offer. I like exercising but I love food more ;) and I can't wait to attend the Best Food Forward fair with my brothers and sisters-in-law to just eat, appreciate and bond over food :)

Mature Life

It's been a while since my last post and I have been really busy with work, family and everything about life in general. I'm dying but good thing I have a wonderful boyfriend who inspires and motivate me Hihi!

Anyway, all I want to post about are the things that keep me busy :)

1. Bills

I am starting to pay the bills for our house and seriously, IT'S CRAZY! Our electric and water bills are stressful. Plus, budgeting for food is super stressful when there are around 15 people in your house. Although, I'm good with the responsibility. But I just don't really like holding too much money. I think I'm more of a spender than a saver, which is really bad that's why as much as possible, I try to save.

2. Work

I have resigned from Starbucks a month ago and I started working for our family business 2 weeks ago. Working with your brothers is both fun and irritating. It's fun when you get to go out during work hours because I semi hold my time. Boo yeah. It's kind of stressful though because there are a lot of work to be done and issues to fix. This week is full of meetings and I am kind of dying. Some of the old issues in my life is coming back and I can't help it. It's just so hard to work with your family and then be just that. Bla blah bla. It's hard but I don't want to give up. I just wish there's another way.

3. Love life

When I'm not with family or friends, I'm with this little boy ❤ Although our relationship is a very crazy rollercoaster ride these past few weeks, I still love him to bits. Despite all the differences, I still manage to deal with everything even if sometimes I feel alone, boo! But I know that we can survive. ONE MONTH AND A FEW DAYS LEFT BEFORE WE TURN ONE 😍 Can't believed that he survived my PMS days and all those panlalaits from all my brothers. Cheesy but I love this guy so much, I couldn't ask for more.

4. Friends

These people are that people who keep me sane after all the craziness in the real world (WOW) But seriously, I don't know how I can survive without these people. I just wish I could just travel and stay with LFF's for a loooong time! The city's getting crazy and we must get out. Anyway, every after work, I have been going out because I need to. So yeh, sometimes they are the reason why my nights are busy. But it's a good type of busy :)

I've only started working just a month ago but I feel like I've been in this company for a year. Not only the work load has made me feel this way but also the fun people I'm working with. Despite the distance and the long travel time, the sometimes rush hour MRT ride, I'm quite happy with work plus I love what I'm doing.

Come Christmas time, I will die because of all the work load for the seasonal hires we will be getting but I know that I can make it because of my awesome teammates and the occasional stress reliever of all time, FREE CHOCOLATE DRINKS/HOT CHOCO :)

Work has also been my escape from all the over thinking I'm doing during my bum days. It has also been my escape if I don't want to go home yet. I just wish I could feel better about that other thing. I don't want to get used to this, I don't want to always feel like this. A little care would really be appreciated, if you really do.