Author: Lotlot
•6:32 PM

I used to get up late, but today I woke up at around 5 am. Well, it was because my brother knocked the door to inform me that he would go home to witness the Sinulog festival in our town - Jetafe. Since Saturdays and Sundays are busy days for me, I didn't go back to sleep. Instead, I went to the market to buy some supplies, fruits, vegetables and fish.

When I arrived home, I fixed everything up, I cooked food for lunch, and I took a bath. At 9 am-11:20 am, I worked. Then, I went shopping before I went to the office.

In the mall, I bought a present for my 2-year old goddaughter. I also bought something for myself and for my kitchen.

While I was on my way down the escalator, I saw a teenager who was very afraid to step on the elevator. I felt pity on her. She looked very naive. Some people ignored her but some laughed at her; especially that she jumped and shouted as she was on the last step of the escalator.

Seeing the different reactions of people towards the innocent girl, I shook my head. And, I asked myself, " Why are some people disrespectful, insensitive and inconsiderate?".

On the other hand, I'm more determined to pursue my will of living her in the city with my future children in that I don't want them to experience the same.It will be heartbreaking if I see people laughing at my children.

Anyways, I bought something for my goddaughter because I invited her and her parents to come to my house tomorrow afternoon. So, I'll be very busy again tomorrow. I have to wake up early. I need to go to the market before I work.

After my work at 11:30 am, I'm going to prepare the kitchen. Then, I'll fetch them in the city center.

I'm sure we'll be having lots of fun tomorrow. There will be more chitchat to do, more fun to make, more laughter & more smile to wear...Oh, I'm so excited.

Have a Happy Sunday everyone!


Enjoy!

Author: Lotlot
•5:58 PM

Last Sunday was a GREAT DAY!

After I worked in the morning, I went to my sister's house. Then, she told me that the wife of my ex-boss invited us and her colleagues for a night out. At first, I was hesitant to go with them in that I had to go to SM to pay for my bills and I had to wash my clothes. However, my sister forced me to go with her. So, I had no choice rather than to go with them for a night out.


I haven't seen the family of my ex-boss for a long time. Thus, I have missed them, especially the three kids. I have tutored the kids for almost two years. I was very excited to see them all, except my ex-boss since he left his family for another woman.

Anyways, I was shocked when I saw the wife who's also my friend because she was thinner than the last time I saw her. Mainly because of her problems with her ex-husband. On the other hand, I was surprised when I saw the kids. They have grown up so well. The two boys are handsome, and Kimberly Lyn, the youngest is very beautiful.

Thirty minutes later, we went out to eat at Jo's restaurant in Lahug, Cebu City. Their foods are delicious, especially the adobong talong ( adobo is the Spanish word for marinade or seasoning while talong is the Cebuano word for eggplant). Their adobong talong is kinda different from the others because it's sweet and delicious. To my curiosity, I tried to cook it at home yesterday. Well, I was able to do it; however, it wasn't as sweet and delicious as Jo's.

We have decided not to eat there, instead we took the food out and ate at my friend's ( the wife of my ex-boss) house. Beforehand, we went to sing in a karaoke. I didn't sing in that I don't have a golden voice(hehehe) and I've still had a cough. Aside from singing,we also drank some beer. Then, we've bought some green mangoes, oranges and sodas before we went home.

As we arrived at my friend's house, we prepared the food. Then, we chitchatted, ate and laughed. Afterward, we danced and sang. Moreover, I played with Kimberly Lyn.

Kimberly Lyn is still 2 years old but she's already a very good English speaker. Well, her dad is Polish. Kimberly and I played, talked, danced and laughed. Everyone had much fun. Everyone has enjoyed a lot.

At 11pm, we decided to go home. The night has ended with a SMILE in everyone's face. On the other hand, I was surprised because Kimberly opened the door of the car for me. Then, she said, " Bye, ate pretty! ( ate is what the young Filipino people call to the older ones as a sign of respect.) Please visit us again ". Probably, she enjoyed playing with me.

When I got home, I remembered that I've still had to wash my clothes; so, I did. As a result, I slept at around 2 am. I was sleepy when I was at work yesterday; but, it was alright. What matters the most is I had a GREAT SUNDAY!
Author: Lotlot
•4:10 PM

It is raining cats and dogs today so I am wearing my favorite jacket here in the office. Since it's my favorite, I took a picture with it 2 hours ago...hehe..

The weather is kinda strange. It rained very hard this morning; but, it was hot in the early afternoon. Now. it's raining again. Is this the result of global warming?


The unexpected change of the weather made me sick and caught a cold last week. I'm having a cough as well because of it. I really don't like to have a cough in that it disturbs me when I have lessons.


Anyways, I'm hoping for a good weather because I am going to wash my clothes tomorrow and I"m going to SM Supermarket to pay bills.
Author: Lotlot
•4:33 PM

Forget dry toast and plain vegetables. Adding these fats to your food can help you get the body you want.

Forget dry toast and plain vegetables.  Adding these fats to your food can help you get the body you want.

1. Coconut Oil
Why it makes you skinny:
Most oils, including corn and olive are broken down into fatty acids that circulate through your body after you eat them, allowing hungry fat cells to suck them up and store them. Coconut oil, however, is rich in a type of fat rarely found in other foods, called medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). "When you eat MCTs, they go straight to the liver instead of going directly into circulation. There, they're burned up like kindling for a fire," says Cherie Calbom, author of The Coconut Diet.

Plus, your body requires extra energy to digest MCTs. Including them can increase your daily burn by 45 calories, says Marie-Pierre St-Onge, Ph.D., assistant professor of nutrition at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

How to use it:
Spread coconut oil on toast instead of butter, melt it on veggies or use it for sautéing. But don't deep-fry with it; coconut oil breaks down at high temperatures. Look for virgin oil (nonvirgin is processed and tastes nasty) at health-food stores. Beware: Coconut oil is saturated and can raise cholesterol and triglycerides, so alternate it with other oils.

2. Enova
Why it makes you skinny:
Traditional fats contain three fatty acids, but Enova, an oil, has just two, so your body treats it differently. It's processed in much the same way as coconut oil, traveling directly to the liver, where it's burned off and used for energy.

When people on low-calorie diets consumed 15 percent of their daily calories from Enova (between three and eight teaspoons), they lost 1 percent more weight and nearly 3 percent more body fat than those who ate a similar amount of vegetable oil.

How to use it:
Enova's neutral taste makes it perfect for salad dressings. You can also bake and sauté with it, but don't use it for frying, says Kyle Shadix, R.D., of the Art Institute of New York City/New York Restaurant School, as it can change taste and color when overheated. One caveat: Enova is expensive — it costs about $6.65 for a 20-ounce bottle, compared to about $1.60 for the same size bottle of vegetable oil.

3. Nut Butters
Why they make you skinny:
Research has shown that people who eat nut butters often weigh less than those who shun them. It's likely that the combination of protein, fat and fiber keeps you full, so you'll eat less overall.

Whole nuts are effective, too: Purdue University researchers found that people who added peanuts to their diet for 19 weeks boosted the amount of calories they burned at rest by 11 percent. Why? The unsaturated fat in peanuts and nut butters burns faster than other fats.

How to use them:
Nut butters add flavor to Asian noodles, satays or dipping sauces, or you can use them as a spread for your morning muffin. Chunky varieties are better, since they have more fiber than creamy versions. But a little goes a long way, says New York-based nutritionist Bonnie Taub-Dix, R.D. "The ideal amount is one to two tablespoons, not the whole jar." Use natural versions that are free of added oils and hydrogenated fats.


"I've just read this article. I find this article useful, interesting and good; so, I post it here in my blog. Did you enjoy reading?. I hope so".


Find this article at: http://www.marieclaire.com/health-fitness/advice/tips/fats-skinny

Author: Lotlot
•4:29 PM
Last night, I watched a documentary about the film, " Ploning". I haven't watched the film yet. And, I look forward to watch it soon. I'll buy a DVD of it. Its trailer is great. Cuyo, Palawan ( the place where it was filmed) is very beautiful. I'm very interested to know, discover and watch not only the story of Ploning but the beautiful place of Palawan as well.

The film " Ploning" helps us see the good side of Philippines, particularly it's nature and people. Moreover, the film gives us moral lessons and introduces good qualities like unconditional love, hope and faith. So, I will surely watch this film. On the other hand, I wish luck for the film. May it harvest many awards from Oscars.



"Left out of Oscars, ‘Ploning’ is unfazed "

By Bayani San Diego Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Posted date: January 15, 2009


MANILA, Philippines—Against all odds, the “Ploning” team remained upbeat.

In a text message, actress and producer Judy Ann Santos said: “Lobbying for ‘Ploning’ at the Oscars was an overwhelmingly blessed experience. It allowed us to raise the banner for the Philippines and Filipinos in Hollywood. For this opportunity, we are humbled and grateful.”

Co-star Ces Quesada agreed. In a text message, she said: “Being in the Palm Springs festival has made me feel that although the Oscars is the ultimate prize ... the warm reception and encouraging comments and interest in the Philippines are enough to validate our efforts. It was a good fight and I am glad we did it. Ika nga, kung hindi susubukan paano mananalo? (If we don’t try, how can we win?)”

Rolando S. Atienza, chair of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) which gave a P2.5-million grant for the film’s Oscar campaign, noted: “It’s worth the experience. This is the first time that the government supported a Filipino film for the Oscars. Obviously, there is more work to be done, more knowledge to be learned, so that our efforts will be more effective. With this year’s experience, next year will be a better year.”

When news broke of the non-inclusion of “Ploning” in the Top 9 of the Best Foreign Language Film category of the Oscars on Tuesday night (California time), the Filipino film had just had its second screening at the 20th Palm Springs International Film Festival.

At that time, the cast (led by actors Judy Ann Santos, Quesada and Meryll Soriano) and crew (led by director Dante Nico Garcia and producer Guia Gonzales) were in high spirits.

In a text message sent to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Quesada related: “We’re now having a party (held at the Azul Bar in downtown Palm Springs) after the second screening. We’ve been playing to full houses. A third screening is in the works.”

Quesada said audience feedback had been “overwhelming.”

“So many people are interested in the Philippines,” she recalled. “Dante is the toast of the town. They liked Judai (Santos’ nickname), too. They praised her acting ... even her dress by Paul Cabral.”

“Ploning” is set in the small island of Cuyo in Palawan province and features the “dying” Cuyonon language and culture.

Only one Asian country—Japan—managed to secure a slot, although Israel and Turkey were also represented in a line-up dominated by European films.

Author: Lotlot
•6:39 PM
I've just read the news below on the Internet. I got interested in it because of the word, "pink" and because of the word, DMX". Well, I've known DMX for a long time because of his songs. And to tell you honestly, I like most of his songs.


" DMX Adopts Pink Prison Wardrobe



Looks like Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio has come up with the cure for DMX's addiction to jail. The hip-hop star and repeat offender, like all of Arpaio's other inmates in the Maricopa county jail, must wear pink t-shirts, underwear and socks.

The girlie wardrobe colors caught DMX by surprise. "This is ridiculous, this is disrespectful," DMX said with a sarcastic laugh during an interview with My Fox Phoenix. "Why the pink?"

Arpaio told Fox & Friends he has had the pink policy in place for 10 years with success. He said the inmates were stealing the white underwear so he dyed them pink.

According to Arpaio, DMX is serving time for charges of animal cruelty, drugs and fraud. Arpaio did not express any sympathy for the hardcore rapper, adding, that jail was not supposed to be fun.

DMX misses the good ole days. "This is not where I want to be man," DMX said. "It used to be, I'll go there, I'll be the life of the party, and ... it's nothing."

Requiring male prisoners to wear pink undergarments is emasculating, but listening to DMX talk about going to jail as if it is a hangout spot is not fine either.

Maybe Cam'ron can give X a pep talk. Cam'ron and other Harlem MCs have always been fine with the springtime pastel color".



Author: Lotlot
•5:32 PM

My mother is a Cebuana ( a native from Cebu) while my father is a Boholano ( a native from Bohol). So, I'm half Cebuano and half Boholana. Although I was born in Bohol, I grew up in Cebu. I graduated high school in Cebu. And, I have studied a year in college in Cebu as well.



After I graduated college in Bohol last 2004, I went for a vacation in Mindanao for a year. Then, I went back to live and work in Cebu last December 2005. So, I've been living in Cebu for almost 4 years now, specifically in Mandaue City.



Mactan Shrine is located in Lapu-lapu City - a neighboring city of Mandaue. However, I've gone to Mactan Shrine for once only. That was last December when I and the other teachers had a lunch in a Japanese restaurant.



I don't know much about the history of Mactan Shrine. Yet one thing I'm very sure of, it's the place where Lapu-lapu fought against Magellan. The place where Lapu-lapu won the battle against Magellan.

Author: Lotlot
•4:51 PM

It's been a week since I had a fever, a cough and a cold. I live alone so no one takes care of me when I am sick.

Last night, my fever worsened. I suddenly felt very cold inside the office. My body shivered. I was very hot; in fact, my eyes and face turned red. I wanted to go home but I couldn't. I was afraid I would faint in the middle of the road. So, I preferred to stay inside the office.

When I got home, I couldn't sleep right away because I felt very strange. I was very hot and I felt very cold. I used three thick blankets for me not to feel very cold.

Now that I'm sick, I miss home. I want to go home and take a rest for a week. I want some fresh air, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables and fresh fish. As well as, I want to stay away from the city for a while.

However, I can't go home because I have a work. So, I just hope that I'll feel better soon.
Author: Lotlot
•4:27 PM

I've been very busy these past few weeks. I thought my body wouldn't be affected in that I didn't feel anything bad; except, last December 31st when I was attacked by a migraine.

Unexpectedly, I got a cold yesterday morning. I thought it was just a simple cold. So, I took medicines for colds. Yet, my body temperature rose high in the evening. My body turned very weak. I felt pain all over me. I felt very hot. My head was aching. And, my body was shivering.

I was at work when that happened; so, I kept on watching the clock. I wanted to go home immediately and take a rest. Especially that my body shivered because of the coldness inside the office.

It was still 6 o'clock, so I had to wait for four hours before I could go home. The four hours of waiting was a calvary to me. However, I waited patiently. And then, I dropped by a pharmacy before I went home.

When I have a fever everything doesn't taste like it should; so, I didn't eat dinner. I couldn't take medicines because my stomach was empty thus I had to have a supper. Uh! Eating was another calvary.


But I live by myself and I work almost everyday, hence I should always be sound and fit. Therefore, I had to eat, take medicines and rest for me to feel better.

I didn't use to talk in my sleep, but last night I did. Perhaps because of the very high body temperature I had. Of course, I didn't know that I was talking in my sleep. It was my flatmate who told me it. She unintentionally heard me.

I felt a little better when I woke up in the morning. I had to go to work, so I took medicines again. After five hours, I took a bath to remove the hotness I felt.


At the moment, I'm not feeling better yet. I'm getting hotter and hotter again. I'm still having a headache and colds. And I think, a cough will develop because my throat is irritating.


Consequently, I'm doing clock-watching again. I can't help but do it. That's why I don't want to be sick. It's disturbing.
Author: Lotlot
•6:58 PM


Isla is a Cebuano or a Tagalog word for island. Mahanay island belongs to the town of Jetafe and the town of Talibon in Bohol. The island is divided into three parts. One of it belongs to Jetafe ( my hometown) and the rest belong to Talibon.

Anyway, last Christmas I went home and spent Christmas with my family. Although two of my sibling didn't go home, we had much fun. We had a party during Christmas Eve. Then, we went to Mahanay island on the following day - Christmas Day.

[ the lady in stripes is my sister, Mae; the girl wearing a sweater is my sister, Glomera; the woman next to the boy is my mother, Gloria; and, the boy & the other woman are my brother-in-law's neighbors.]


My brother-in-law lives in that island, so we got a chance to tour around his place, stay in his triangle-shaped nipa hut, eat fresh squids, prawns, crabs, octupos, fish, etc., and swim in their sandy boat harbor.

That time, the sun was shining. It was very hut but we enjoyed swimming, as well as eating banana, ube and other root crops, paired with grilled fish, ginamos and crabs.



Before we went home, the mother of my brother-in-law prepared seafood for us. We were really very thankful to my brother-in-law and his family for treating us well and for giving us a warm welcome.

I am planning to go back in Mahanay Island as soon as I have time. I really like the place. It's so peaceful and wonderful.

Author: Lotlot
•4:49 PM
Simala
Sibonga, Cebu




scenery nearby





wishing bell..wishing well





The Monastery of the Marian Monks

Author: Lotlot
•8:56 PM

Two years ago, I started to observe what my mother did on New Year's Eve. Last New Year's Eve was my second time to do what my mother does every New Year.

I prepared 88 coins in different denominations., e.g. 10 peso, 5 peso, 1 peso and 25 cents coins. I prepared 13 kinds of fruits in circular form, like apple, orange, kaki, melon, pineapple, etc. I placed them on a white basin. Also, I put a bottle of rice, a bottle of mung beans, a bottle of white sugar, 13 pieces of eggs, a pack of cottons and a red ribbon. Moreover, I put some coins in my pocket and in the corners of the house. As well as, I hung some kiat-kiat ( Mandarin oranges) on the door and I put some small packs of rice in the four corners of the house.

Also, I prepared food for Media Noche ( midnight meal) like roasted chicken and lechon ( suckling or roasted pig); moreover, a fruit salad for our dessert.

Before New Year's Eve, I watched a show in GMA-7 entitled " 2009 countdown" for me to be aware of the time, as well as to see some performances of the TV station's actors and actresses.


At 12 midnight, the TV show had a fantastic fireworks display. On the other hand, the people in the neighborhood started to make noise as a sign of New Year's Day. Thus, I turned on my DVD player and played a very loud music. I shook the 88 coins inside the penny bank and in my pocket.


Then, we ate the food we prepared. We opened the windows for the lucks and blessings to enter; likewise, for us to see the wonderful fireworks display.


We welcomed New Year's day with a big smile, a great love, a positive outlook in life, and some wishes & hopes.


Everyone in the neighborhood greeted each other a Happy New Year's Day.. Everybody laughed, sang, danced and shouted as they welcomed Year 2009.


Year 2009 is a great year for me.


Happy New Year, everyone!

Author: Lotlot
•5:53 PM
Caught in the Act

Joseph apologized for everything that happened. On the other hand, he wanted to pursue our wedding plan. However, I was not interested anymore in that I wanted to prioritize my studies first.

Moreover, I told Joseph that I wanted to quit from the relationship; but, he didn't agree with me. I begged him to agree, yet he was very firm with his decision of not allowing me to quit.

He still visited me in my boardinghouse although I avoided him. Weeks past, I got irritated because he followed me everywhere. When I went to school, he was there. When I went to church, he would sit beside me.

A teacher of our school told me that her cousin, Agnes, was planning to get Joseph away from me. Agnes heard the news that I kept distance with him. [ As a recap, Agnes was Joseph's student who courted him.]

Though that news hurt me a little because of pride and love, I still felt happy. I knew that it would help me escape from Joseph. Especially that a friend of mine told me that she saw Agnes following Joseph in the church.

One Sunday morning, I decided to go to church with a hope that I could witness Joseph and Agnes on the same seat. It would serve as a ground for break-up. I brought with me a letter of break-up so that I could give it to him immediately.

Fortunately, I saw both of them inside the church. However, they didn't sit down on the same seat. So, I waited for them to go out. My plan was to hand the letter to Joseph once I saw them chitchatting after the mass.

Right after the mass, I followed Joseph secretly. Luckily, I saw Agnes walking towards Joseph. She smiled at him and said, " Hi, Sir!". Joseph replied, " Hello!". Then, he tapped her shoulder.

Immediately, I appeared in front of them with an angry face. Without uttering any words, I handed the break-up letter to Joseph. Then, I walked out. I didn't turn back because I didn't want to see their reactions. I was kinda hurt with what I saw and with my decision, but I was determined enough to quit from the relationship.

When I arrived in my boardinghouse, I decided to go home. I knew Joseph would visit me to explain everything that I saw in the church; and, I didn't want it to happen. Days, weeks, and months past, I continued keeping distance from him.

One Friday night, I decided to go to school to do some projects inside the typing room. It was already 11pm but the guard on duty allowed me to enter the school and used the typing room. The night was so peaceful. The surrounding of the school was so quiet.

Suddenly, the typing room was filled with darkness.

to be continued...
Author: Lotlot
•2:28 PM

I've been very busy since the 23rd of December, 2008. I went to work, I attended parties, I met my old friends and schoolmates , I went home, I went to Mahanay Island, I went to Simala, I played bowling, I went shopping, etc. I was really very very busy. Nevertheless, I enjoyed every moment of my busyness.

I considered those days as the busiest BUT the best days of my life. Why? It's all because the most important people in my life were there during that time - my family, my hubby; as well as, the two very special people in my life - Kumiko and Mamoru.

Hopefully, I'll write everything that made my days busy but happy & complete together with some photos as soon as I'm not occupied.


Meanwhile, I wanna greet everyone a Happy and a Prosperous New Year!

OFFICE THINGY

OFFICE THINGY

Me not U

Me not U
ako ni