Pinay Mom in Singapore

Tiong Bahru flats

2012-02-05T01:38:00.001+08:00

Simply love looking at these pre-war flats in Tiong Bahru on our way to Ela's Aikido class.

Happy New Year!!

2012-01-02T02:55:00.001+08:00

Here's to a great 2012!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T14:19:00.001+08:00

Sharing our family's Christmas portrait :)

Trying to Get Back to Life

2011-08-02T00:37:00.003+08:00

Can I really?

I hope so. I just have to get a really good iPhone app for blogging. I have Posterous and I'm liking it but I would like to make it my personal journal (meaning not for public sharing).

So, what topic do I write first?

Filipino Balut Egg Tutorial by Mikey Bustos

2011-03-08T23:16:00.000+08:00

This guy is a big hit now on youtube among Filipinos. If you still haven't seen any of his tutorials (and you are Filipino), man, you are missing a lot! He already have 3 videos about our rich and funny culture. And we love each and every one of them.

Can't wait for the next installment.

Project 365 v2011: 25-Jan

2011-01-25T22:16:00.002+08:00

Ela's mini art project - the butterfly

And this is how Singapore looks like at 7:30pm. The sun is still peeking through that horizon.

Project 365 v2011: 24-Jan

2011-01-24T22:08:00.002+08:00

Remember the ballerina yesterday? Well, she wore the ballerina outfit until sleep time...

And for lunch, I gave in to my craving

I'm addicted to hokkien prawn mee

Project 365 v2011: 23-Jan

2011-01-23T19:04:00.003+08:00

It is another lazy Sunday for us - we just stayed home. In the afternoon, the little girl just asked for her ballet clothes and wore them. :)

Project 365 v2011: 22-Jan

2011-01-22T23:04:00.004+08:00

Today is a very busy day for us. We are meeting Ela's old friend from Pinas for lunch, Jaden (and her family). She is just a year younger than Ela. We used to live in the same condo in QC. They are from Cebu but they are mostly in Australia for Jaden's treatment/therapy. I think what she has is similar to Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita.
We went there early but without hubby because he is feeling under the weather. We met Jaden and her family at ION Orchard. They are here in SG on a vacation. Today is their flight and we met them to have lunch.
The girls were so happy playing together. I think they forgot about each other already but when they met again and played, they got along really fast. :) And when we went home, they gave us a carton of yummy bagoong. :)

Project 365 v2011: 21-Jan

2011-01-21T22:49:00.002+08:00

Hubby took a leave today. And for breakfast, we had this:

Project 365 v2011: 20-Jan

2011-01-20T22:29:00.003+08:00

Ela goes to school early on Thursdays for her gym class so that means it's Mommy-Me time!! There were a lot of time to kill. I didn't have that much chores to do as I have done them the past days. I just decided to make leche flan.

Here's my recipe:
1 can of condensed milk
1 can of evaporated milk
10 egg yolks
vanilla or lime extract
1c brown sugar

- Mix all the ingredients together (except the brown sugar). try not to make it frothy.
- Put around 3tbsp of water in the brown sugar and cook in low heat until it caramelizes
- Cover the bottom of the aluminum pan with caramelized sugar
- Pour in the milk-yolk mix. Cover with aluminum foil
- Steam for 25mins

This is the recipe my aunts taught me. It was also my Lola Onor's. We also have a secret ingredient (sorry cannot share) but I forgot to buy it.

While separating the egg yolks from white, I cracked an egg with 2 yolks inside.

The finished product - mini size

Project 365 v2011: 19-Jan

2011-01-19T00:32:00.000+08:00

Ela and her stuffed toys

Project 365 v2011: 18-Jan

2011-01-18T18:12:00.000+08:00

It is ponkan season once again!!!

Project 365 v2011: 17-Jan

2011-01-17T18:10:00.002+08:00

Morning Wii Fit exercise. Even our avatars are sleepy.

Ela punched some butterflies for me. Thought they'll be pretty in my transparent iPhone case

Project 365 v2011: 16-Jan

2011-01-16T01:03:00.000+08:00

Lazy Sunday. We just stayed home, watched a lot of TV and played bingo-bungo :D

Project 365 v2011: 15-Jan

2011-01-15T13:41:00.001+08:00

Happy birthday Kuya Kenken!!

Project 365 v2011: 14-Jan

2011-01-14T13:38:00.001+08:00

I love having a clean kitchen. I hope I can maintain this ;)

Another green food she loves - NORI

Project 365 v2011: 13-Jan

2011-01-13T12:58:00.002+08:00

Our HDB building (Blk 269) and my eyeglass - love this esp on a sunny day

Ela's fave - Prata dipped in sinigang soup

We had dinner at Tampines. This was also a very long day for Ela - woke up before 10am, gym class, K1 class. Add to that, she did not take a nap. So when we went out for dinner, she was already tired and cranky. Cried going to the food court (because she wanted to be carried), and major, major meltdown while on our way home (because she wanted to buy a wall sticker). This really pushed our patience. I really hope her EQ classes will help her (and us) cope in this kinds of situation...

To end the stressful day, we opened a bottle of wine (inspired by the Cougar Town).

Project 365 v2011: 12-Jan

2011-01-12T12:54:00.000+08:00

The clays are out again.
And thanks to Tita Arlene for this hair thingy. She do this to her hair everyday :)

Project 365 v2011: 11-Jan

2011-01-11T14:24:00.001+08:00

Today is 11-1-11. Make a wish!

Ela is a bit hungry so we stopped by McDo. Gave myself a treat after losing some weight and cleaning our floor. YUMMY!

While on our way to Loyang Point, I dropped Ela's water bottle so we had to go to White Sands to get her another one. It wasn't an easy trip. She had a major meltdown because she wanted to play Kitten Dance Channel. If only she can, I would have let her. But small children cannot play video games on weekdays. She cried for around 30mins. So when she calmed down, and we passed by this frozen yogurt shop, I bought her a cup.

And now she's a happy kid again with her favorite snack - froyo. (see the puffy but happy eyes)

Project 365 v2011: 10-Jan

2011-01-10T14:05:00.001+08:00

Ramen - the perfect companion to a chilly and rainy Monday

Project 365 v2011: 9-Jan

2011-01-09T14:02:00.000+08:00

I had a very tiring day yesterday so now, this is my companion...

Hubby took care of Ela today and they went to Yishun to visit my in-laws.

Project 365 v2011: 8-Jan

2011-01-08T13:52:00.003+08:00

We had a full day today.

First is a trial class at Nurture Kids near Kovan.

Since we are already in the area, we visited the newest mall in town, NEX, and surprised Ela with a visit to the KidzPlay area.

Then we went to Rivervalley Rd for a birthday treat from my HS friends. (forgot to take pix)

Project 365 v2011: 7-Jan

2011-01-07T13:49:00.002+08:00

CNY store decorations comes early

... and special shoutout...
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to my Mom & Dad!!

Project 365 v2011: 6-Jan

2011-01-06T13:42:00.000+08:00

From 2011-01: Project 365

Today is PE day

Project 365 v2011: 5-Jan

2011-01-05T13:31:00.000+08:00

From 2011-01: Project 365

First day of school for 2011

Project 365 v2011: 4-Jan

2011-01-04T13:44:00.001+08:00


From 2011-01: Project 365

We missed the "frog" restaurant. And Ela is still the little green monster who loves green pansit and green beans :)

Project 365 v2011: 3-Jan

2011-01-03T13:15:00.004+08:00

From 2011-01: Project 365

It is our 2nd day in Singapore and she already have a new arcade game. Not good...

Project 365 v2011: 2-Jan

2011-01-02T20:09:00.003+08:00

Goodbye for now to my parent's house in Laguna and to our beautiful pug puppies

Checking in at Singapore Airlines (one of the best!)

Playing at the Kids' Lounge area while waiting for boarding announcement

Project 365 v2011: 1-Jan

2011-01-02T19:04:00.003+08:00

New Year in Laguna

Happy 2011!!

2011-01-02T11:37:00.003+08:00

Happy new year!!

Trying to ressurect this blog (just because I can now do mobile blogging :P).

Our family had a very fun new year's day celebration in Laguna, Philippines. The little girl had so much fun watching the fireworks. And when it was finished, she wanted more!

Christmas and New Year celebrations are much more fun here in the Philippines than in Singapore simply because it's spent with family. (and we have our own fireworks in new year :P)

Today we celebre the NEW PHILIPPINES

2010-06-30T13:56:00.002+08:00

Mabuhay ang bagong pangulo ng PILIPINAS - Pres. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III

Uy, Kamusta Na?

2010-05-21T07:47:00.002+08:00

Wow! A very very long time since my last post. Am I busy? Naaah... Just to lazy to blog. You can see me everyday in the www. But mostly I'm on facebook or plurk or twitter. We also have a new family blog. But the last update was also more than a month ago. Arghh!! I really should be serious on this. Our little princess is growing up so fast and I need to document her milestones.

Let's update this blog with pictures from our family for the last 4 months. I hope I can still keep up with my Project 365.

Pinoy Dancing Inmates

2010-01-29T17:26:00.002+08:00

Sharing a proud pinoy moment.

This is a video of Pinoy Dancing Inmates from Cebu. They are also a YouTube sensation. Here they learn a dance from Michael Jackson's This Is It. With them are choreographer Travis Payne and dancers Daniel Celebre and Dres Reid.

As chuvaness said, awesomeness!!

Simbang Gabi Schedule in Singapore

2009-12-15T14:34:00.003+08:00

Christmas is fast approaching. In the Philippines , Christmas starts with 9-day simbang gabi. People flock to the church very early in the morning to attend mass.

I'm glad that the Filipino community here in Singapore continues this Filipino tradition. But unlike in the Philippines, the simbang gabi here will literally be at night. It starts tonight at 8PM in Church of Saint Anthony of Padua and in Church of Saint Anne in Sengkang. Good thing Sengkang is just a bus ride away from our place so we can attend tonight's service. As for the other nights, we'll have to see. It is difficult to attend the mass in other places especially if you have a very impatient pre-schooler in tow.

Sharing the schedule of simbang gabi masses for this year:

All the masses start at 8PM. But on Dec24, it will be at 6PM.

Adv Merry Christmas everyone!!

To Blog

2009-11-20T01:09:00.002+08:00

Mga utang kong kwento:
- Pre-school hunting
- India family vacation

Busy kasi masyado magluto (Cafe World & Restaurant City), mag-alaga ng isda (Fishville), magtanim (Country Story), at maki-mafia (Mafia Wars). :P

Pero totoo din akong nagluluto. Tuwing TWTh nga lang. Nagtitinda si hubby ng packed pinoy lunch sa mga ofcmate nya. Dagdag kita na din at konting pagkakalibangan.

Ela-antics

2009-11-20T00:42:00.002+08:00

Minsan hindi maiiwasan na uminit ulo ko sa super kulit kong anak. Kasi naman grabe din kung magkalat. Nagagalit talaga ako sa kanya pag ilang minuto lang eh para nang binuhawi ang bahay.

Kanina ang kalat sobra ng room namin! Syempre pa, to the roof na naman ang talak ko. lol.

Nung tapos na kami magligpit, nagpunta na ako sa kitchen. She followed me carrying her toy guitar. Sabi she will make music and play guitar - "Para happy ka na." Awwww... kung di ba naman madurog puso ko non, ewan ko na.

Kaya kahit nakapa-stressful ng maging stay at home mom to a 3yr old, I like what I'm doing. Coz Ela makes me happy. I'm thankful I am there to witness her kulit and sweetness and her milestones.

Ela-antics

2009-10-28T23:51:00.003+08:00

I have been neglecting this blog - YES.

I'm just so lazy to post anything. But I just would like to document some of Ela's kulit moments.

Nung isang araw, nakita ni hubby na pigtas yung kaisa-isa nyang tsinelas. Earlier that day, ginamit yon ni Ela at naglakad-lakad dito sa bahay. Di ko naman napansin na napigtas. Syempre tinawag ang prinsesa at tinanong kung ano ang nangyari. Di nya ma-explain eh. Di din naman nya inamin na sya ang nakasira. Siguro din talaga bibigay na yung tsinelas. Sabi alng namin: "Look, it's broken." Ang sagot: "Manny will fix?" Hay, anak, babad ka na talaga sa Playhouse Disney. After a few minutes, nag-usap ang mag-ama sa kwarto. Tungkol pa din sa tsinelas. Sabi ulit ni Ela, Manny and the tools will fix it. Pero sabi ng daddy, hindi na mafi-fix, bili na lang ng bago. Ang sagot ni Ela: "Bili tayo kay Kelly?" hahhahaha.

Ang batang usyusera, sumunod sa akin kanina nung ako ay nag-CR. Sa kasamaang palad, naubos na ang tisyu sa lalagyan at wala nang stock sa banyo. So labas sya... Tapos humahangos na bumalik sa kwarto. May dala-dalang isang sheet ng tissue galing sa box dito sa sala. Tapos sabi sa akin: "To the rescue!!" Sabay abot ng tissue.

Ang saya ng ganitong stage! Ang kulit at smart na ng mga sinasabi nya.

Unicef Online Donations

2009-10-04T14:31:00.001+08:00

Unicef Philippines is now also accepting online donations via credit card.

Donate now.

Philippine National Red Cross now accepts Paypal

2009-09-30T10:45:00.001+08:00

RED CROSS is now accepting donations via Paypal. Please send your donations to give@redcross.org.ph.

Help our Kababayans

2009-09-29T13:58:00.004+08:00

It has been 3 days since typhoon Ondoy hit the Philippines last Sept 26. Until now many people still need to be rescued and thousands more need food and clothes as all of their belongings were destroyed by the flood.

Fortunately none of my family or relatives were affected by the storm. My parents are safe in Laguna. My brother who is in Manila had work last Saturday and he was in the office when it was flooding. He was able to go home around 8pm. I heard there were flash floods in Mother Ignacia but our condo there is also ok. Hubby's family in Navotas were also ok. Miraculously, the flood there was not as bad as the flood in Marikina area. It reached their house but only around knee high.

My heart breaks on every picture, video or news clip I see regarding the storm. I hope that our dear country can recover from this calamity.

How can we help?

Repost from ABS-CBN website:

abs-cbnNEWS.com has compiled a list of ways on how you can help thje victims of tropical storm Ondoy (international code name Ketsana).

Ways to donate to the Philippine National Red Cross via the PNRC web site

DSWD donations drop-off points

1. National Resource Operations Center, Chapel Road, Pasay City
Contact: Mrs. Francon Favian

2. Quezon City Area Disaster Resource Operations Monitoring and Info Center (DROMIC) DSWD Central Office
Contact Rey Martija or Imee Rose Castillo, Tel Nos. 951-7119, 951-2435 or Assistant Secretary Vilma Cabrera Tel No. 0918-934-5625

3. Manila Area (DSWD-NCR)
San Rafael corner Legarda Streets, Quiapo, Manila
Contact: Dir. Thelsa P. Biolna, Dir. Delia Bauan Tel Nos. 734-8622, 734-8642

Manuel L. Quezon's blog: How to help (original on Quezon.ph | Tumblr.com mirror link)

Google Docs: Rescue InfoHub Central | List of Places where to donate (check out one nearest your area, or add a donation center that is not on the list)

Another list of where to donate goods via Bury Me In This Dress blog

Google Maps: Ondoy situation map for Metro Manila, by KaninLamig

Sahana FOSS Disaster Management System http://sahana.kahelos.org/

ABS-CBN HOTLINE
416-36-41

SAGIP KAPAMILYA
413-2667 / 416-0387
No 13 Examiner Street, Quezon City, Look for Ms Girlie Aragon

Bank: Banco de Oro, Mother Ignacia branch
Acct name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.
Acct no.: 5630020111

ABS-CBN Foundation Inc for overseas donation: 1-800-527-2820 or www.abs-cbnfoundation.com

Routing code for international cash donations
BNORPHMM ABS-CBN Branch

In kind donation:

Drop off sites are at 13 Examiner Street or at Scout Bayona in front of Rembrandt Hotel.

ABS-CBN Foundation US Office Toll-Free 1-800-527-2820

Negros Navigation

from Mr. Edmund Gawchua, Manager

Negros Navigation is now accepting the transfer of relief goods from Mindanao to Manila for free for aid to victims of Ondoy.

Donations can be sent to Negros Navigation stations and offices nationwide.

Donations thru GMA Kapuso Foundation.

For friends in Singapore, here are some information I got from yanswersblogph:

A-Freight Cargo (304 Orchard Road, #03-19 Lucky Plaza, Singapore 238863). Donations/drop-offs accepted, contact Maureen Schepers 6235-1011.
i-Remit Singapore (304 Orchard Road, #03-69 Lucky Plaza, Singapore 238863). Will be waiving charges for donations to the Philippine Red Cross.
LBC Singapore (304 Orchard Road, #04-77 Lucky Plaza, Singapore 238863). Will waive remittance charges for donations made to the following organizations: ABS-CBN Foundation, GMA Foundation, Philippine National Red Cross, and the National Disaster Coordinating Center.
World Vision Singapore
Singapore Red Cross (15 Penang Lane, Singapore 238486). Walk-in cash donations accepted. Send cheques to the Singapore Red Cross Society and indicate your name and return address for receipt purposes.

How about me? What am I doing to help?
Being away from the Philippines, there is only a little I can do. I have already asked my brother to buy some milk sachets to bring to ABS-CBN. They have relief operations in their compound. Unfortunately, we only have a few unused clothes here as I have already brought them to the Philippines when we went on vacation a few weeks ago. I will try to ask the other moms in Ela's playgroup for old unused clothes. I will also see if I can post flyers around our area so that our other Kababayans can help.

Pilipinas, kaya natin ito!!

Bayan DSL - Lola Techie

2009-07-05T21:18:00.002+08:00

I miss the funny, witty, entertaining commercials from the Philippines. So far, commercials here in SG are pathetic. The only one I liked so far was the Thinkfamily.sg commercial about a funeral. I'm thankful for my Plurk and FB buddies who share stuff about the Philippines.

This Bayan DSL commercial is SOOOOO funny. The Lola (Grandmother) is internet/computer savvy. Just watch it and tell me what you think.

This is the first commercial:

Here, she is chatting with her grandson and scolds him on why he does not send pictures or reply to her pokes in Facebook.

The second one I think was released a few days ago:

I like this one better. She knows gaming lingos. I do not even know what she plays. Hubby says it's Counter Strike.

Bayan also set up a website for her. She has accounts in Plurk, Twitter, Facebook (of course!) and Multiply. She also has her own channel in YouTube where you can find these videos. I wonder who really updates and maintains these social networking sites.

The commercials are really good. But I don't know about Bayan DSL service. Some people say they suck. :P

Our 1st try cooking chili crabs

2009-06-22T00:41:00.002+08:00

As a father's day treat, I planned on cooking a new special dish for hubby. And since crabs are popular here in Singapore, I cooked chili crabs.

The picture is blueish coz it was only after the picture was taken did I find out that there is still a film covering the lens of my new T707. :P But I hope the crabs still look delicious coz they definitely were! Our 1st chili crab was a success! Hubby loved it! We finished two medium crabs. He was the one getting the meat coz I don't know how to eat crabs.

I also enjoyed cooking this dish. It was my 1st try to cook crabs. I usually don't cook what I don't eat. But for hubby i'll be always willing to try. :-*

Happy Father's Day hon. Loveyah!

2009-06-21T19:40:00.002+08:00

Happy Father's day to all the Daddies out there! Especially to the most hard working, loving, caring Dad Ela could have. We love you very much Daddy Robert! :*

Happy Birthday, ELA!!!

2009-06-01T11:00:00.002+08:00

Happy Birthday, ELA!!

This day, three years ago, the most precious gift was given to us. She brings us so much joy, so much love and so much fun.
We hope you grow up to be a good, kind, caring and bright girl.
Mommy and Daddy loves you very much! d(^^)b

Uniqlo Update

2009-05-25T14:50:00.002+08:00

This bag says it all.
We went there last May 1 and there was no more line. But still a lot of people inside. Good thing we already know our sizes. Just have to decide on the color and how many to buy. lol

I had a camisole bra-top same color as Ela's shirt.

Last Mother's day, hubby also bought me another one - tank top in bluegreen. :)

Happy, happy, shopaholic me!

Crocs Sale at Singapore Expo

2009-05-25T00:12:00.004+08:00

Did we dare the crowd in the famous Crocs Sale?
I wanted to go there last Friday. My original plan was we'll go with hubby on Friday morning when he goes to work. But according to the forums and hubby's officemates who went on the previous Crocs sale, there is such a looooooooooonnnnggggg line. So even if the shopaholic in me is willing to brave the long line, the mommy in me doesn't want to bring my lil princess in such place and stress.
So I don't have any new Crocs sandal for my lil princess?

I DO!

This afternoon, the hubby was supposed to continue working from home. But unfortunately he cannot access his PC from home. So he said he'll just stop by the office and check on a report. So I said that me and Ela will just tag along and walk in Expo area while waiting for him. I will also look at how long really the line is. But when we were approaching Hall 4 of Expo, I cannot see any line. When I saw the sign to the entrance, I just tried my luck and lined up. To my surprise, that was the shortest line I could imagine in this much publicized Crocs sale! I was so excited!!

There were still a lot of people inside. I didn't know where to go first! lol I don't even know what size to get Ela. So I just grabbed a few from the "unwanted" boxes and let her try a few sizes first. Decided to get the next size (10/11) so that she will not out-size them just yet. There were also limited designs left and also limited colors for the classic cayman style. So after browsing around, I decide to grab a couple of caymans (S$15@), mary janes (S$10@), one disney princess style (S$10@), one scutes (S$10@) and a couple of Jibbitz.

I am very happy with my latest purchase. I really did not expect that I will be able to buy anything from the Crocs sale. Wanted to buy some for myself but the only available style for my size were wedges and athens. Really not my type...

Now, how I wish I bought more Jibbitz coz the lil princess was having fun putting them on her new Crocs. I also wish I had more money so I could buy some for our nieces and nephews in the Philippines. Well, maybe next time =)

Now, guess how much I spent for these:

Swimming at Sengkang Sports Center

2009-05-23T23:51:00.003+08:00

It is fun living in Sengkang. Or at least where we are right now in Sengkang. Sengkang MRT is just walking distance away. If we don't feel walking that far, or if it is drizzling, we can always walk to Compassvale LRT station to go to Sengkang Square where CompassPoint mall is.

Not very far from our place is Anchorvale Community Club / Sengkang Sports and Recreation Center. There are many things to do here. There is gym, basketball court, badminton court, and our favorite: swimming complex.

We've been here twice already. The first time we went there was last 5-May. Unfortunately I did not bring our digicam so I just took lousy pictures from my fone. Our first visit was peaceful but fun. We only stayed in the pool for less than an hour. It was also still morning so there were only 3 children (Ela included) in the fun pool. After swimming, we had lunch at the nearby 24-hr McDonald's. This store is quite big. I think they can hold birthday parties here. They also hold Red PEA activities here, and there is one scheduled next month.

On our second visit, we went there around 3pm. There were more people and many children were playing in the fun pool. There were also a couple of Filipino kids swimming so Ela had some playmates. This time we stayed for around 2hrs. Good thing I already have sunblock (which in the 1st visit we didn't have). I badly needed sunblock as I am not as fair as my daughter. lol

Entrance fee is quite cheap.
Weekdays - S$0.80:Child ; S$1.50:Adult
Weekends - S$1.00:Child ; S$2.00:Adult
Not bad even for just an hour of refreshing dip in the pool. They have 2 Olympic size pools, a 0.45m fun pool for kids, 1m learning pool where I think swimming lessons are held, and a couple of slides. Unfortunately, I have only tried the Fun Pool. Still have to try the other pools =(... Hopefully in our next visit, hubby will be with us so we can take turns looking after Ela in the Fun Pool while the other enjoys the other pools.

Here are some of the pictures I took.

Tamad Mode

2009-05-20T16:53:00.003+08:00

This blog badly needs updates!!
- Ela's playdates
- Mother's day weekend
- Uniqlo update
- our first 6months in Singapre

Just need to find time and energy.
I'm in lazy mode lately...

Crocs Expo Sale

2009-05-20T16:46:00.003+08:00

What do you think?
Should we (meaning me and Ela) dare the crowd and the long line?
I want Ela to have Crocs. She still doesn't have one. It is expensive and I'm afraid of the escalator accidents I've read/heard.
We'll probably just go if we wake up early on Friday...

Happy Mother's Day!!

2009-05-10T14:06:00.002+08:00

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful mommies!!

God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers.
~Jewish Proverb

Hope you have a great day.

GoThere.SG Contest

2009-05-02T15:05:00.005+08:00

A few weeks ago, I joined the contest of my favorite SG street search site: GoThere.SG. The price was an iPhone and some GCs. Joining was simple. I just had to add them to my GTalk and Twitter account - and I'm in!

It was just today when I remembered about that contest and checked who won. It is just so funny how they drew the winner of the iPhone.

Watch it here:

The iPhone Giveaway "Lucky Dip" from Kkkk on Vimeo.

Quezon City Condo for sale

2009-05-01T00:40:00.002+08:00

We are selling our condo unit in Quezon City. For the details and pictures, please visit my other site: Sakura Tattoo.
You may also contact me here in Singapore at: 90823036

Uniqlo = FAIL!

2009-04-13T22:48:00.004+08:00

Why?

Because up to now, 5days after its opening in Tampines Mall, I still do not have a new Uniqlo clothing with me!! So frustrating.

We have been in Tampines Mall twice already. We were actually there last Apr 9. There were so many people!! As in!! Ela kept on telling "dami tao!". We were there at around 7pm. A little late also because we will be meeting hubby there after his work. We were supposed to have dinner and shop at Uniqlo. Only two in our agenda, but we were only able to do one - EAT. Since we arrived at dinner time, queues on the restaurants were already long. I decided to line up first for food before visiting Uniqlo. We can do that when hubby arrives and when our tummies are full. I also would like to try Thai Express again. We liked the food the first time we ate there in Jurong Mall. The food was still ok. Unfortunately, the salted egg rice I ordered was too spicy for my taste. I only ate half. The chicken soup with clear noodles was good as always. Hubby ordered peppered chicken but was given peppered crab. :( Good thing the crab was also good and he was able to like it. After our meal, we also availed of their Orange Card. I just hope the S$30 is worth it. We finished dinner at around 9pm. As far as I know, the mall is open until 10pm. When we went to Uniqlo, they were already closed. *Sigh*, the one thing I want in that mall cannot be mine on its first day.

So this afternoon Ela and I went back to Tampines Mall. There were still a lot or people. Maybe the hype about the new mall is still not over. Was supposed to have lunch at Kopitiam at the 5th floor but the choices were only few. We just went to B1 and ate at BBQ Chicken. It was ok because Ela ate a lot of fried and grilled chicken. She especially liked the chick and pop - chicken on top, softdrink at the bottom.

After lunch, we are now ready for Uniqlo. Lo and behold!! There was a queue!!! A very long queue!!! Arrrgghhh!! Looks like everybody in Singapore wants to have a Uniqlo. lol. If I were alone, I would have waited for my turn. But tugging a toddler along, it will not be an easy task, so I gave up. :(

I am only giving up today. But I am telling myself, I will have that Uniqlo bratop by this weekend. By hook or by crook! lol, adik!! :P

Ela's first Play Date

2009-04-13T17:49:00.003+08:00

After almost 5months here in Singapore, finally we were able to find a play date near our place.

Last Saturday, we attended a play date hosted by Meilan (of Play Matters!). I got information for this play date from SingaporeMotherhood.com. It has been weeks that Meilan and I were exchanging emails about this play date that she is organizing. Unfortunately the whole of March we were in the Philippines for a vacation. Las weekend was the only time we were free.

Ela enjoyed the play date very much. Among the children who attended, she was the most outgoing. Always wants to participate in the activities (even if her turn was already over). Always going to Meilan to show what she is doing. lol. She just had so much fun. She is always asking if we are going back to "school".

I was only able to take pictures of their activity downstairs. I left my fone in my bag when we were in the play room.

The two kids in yellow are twins. They were so cute!

We hope to attend future play dates as Ela had so much fun.

We are also on the hunt for the perfect preschool for her. We hope to find one soon as her 3rd bday is nearing. My target is to have her enrolled in a preschool by the time she turns 3.

Review: Magnum Ecuador Dark Ice Cream

2009-04-08T23:03:00.002+08:00

Heavenly good!

This is how I would describe my latest ice cream favorite.

Back in the Philippines, I do not eat that much ice cream. Even if there are a lot of really good ice cream flavors there (like mango, ube, etc.). But here, we eat ice cream a lot! The little princess loves ice cream very much. Good thing also there are mini-ice creams here (around 2-3 inch tall). So even if she have one everyday, I do not feel that guilty giving her sweets coz it's just small. :P

Anyway, our ice cream addiction started with Ben & Jerry's. The first time I saw the store in Singapore Zoo, I snubbed it - because I was not a fan of ice cream. But after reading from my plurk buddies about how good Ben & Jerry's are, I just got to have some (inggitera! :P). We have tried a few flavors that are available in the grocery and so far, we are loving Chunky Monkey.

Early this evening, I just felt like treating my little princess to some ice cream. So we went down, walked a couple of meters to the nearest mini-mart and bought some ice cream. Ela bought an ice cream in a cup. I was looking and looking and saw this Magnum Ecuador Dark ice cream. Being a fan of dark chocolate, I just got to try this. A bit expensive at S$3+ - but it was worth it. The outer chocolate cover was just the right bitterness. The vanilla ice cream inside was very creamy and does not melt easily. I can savor the ice cream without hurrying up coz it will melt and fall on the ground. I could not stop eating it. Good thing Ela had to do her thing and I had to accompany her. If not for that, I will not be able to save some for hubby - and he also loved it. Now, I have to restrain myself from buying another stick. My diet and my budget cannot permit me to have this ice cream everyday.

...well, maybe ok every week. lol

ThinkFamily.sg - Funeral

2009-04-08T21:11:00.004+08:00

I saw this TVC two days ago while channel surfing and looking for a replay of The Amazing Race.
It caught my attention because I don't usually see commercials in the local channels. While I was watching, I wondered what brand or company is sponsoring the TVC.
It was very touching, moving and will make you think what is it that you love about your husband/partner. Of course I don't want to be in her shoes and do a eulogy for hubby (my mind is set that we will grow old together and see our grandchildren) but it shows so much love.
Honestly, the first time I saw this TVC, it made me cry. Watch it. You will know what I mean.

"Funeral" is a new TV commerical launched by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) which looks at relationships in a different light, through a woman at her husband's funeral. Ultimately, the TVC celebrates the beautiful imperfections that make a relationship perfect. This is fresh off MCYS latest Viewers' Choice 2008 win for last year's Family TVC which promotes the importance and value of family bonding.

Excited for Uniqlo

2009-04-07T00:09:00.008+08:00

Uniqlo Tampines will be opening this Thursday. I have already marked this on my calendar. Hubby also wants to see the new mall so we will be going there late in the afternoon so he can meet us up after his work. (yeah, it sucks, he will be workingon Maundy Thursday as this day is not a holiday here in SG)

I alreay have a purchase in mind. In my last visit to Japan, I bought a very comfortable, cami-bra tank top. I am still using it until now (pambahay only coz it's stained already lol). And I am very happy that Uniqlo now have a wider selection for these comfy bratops. I am definitely buying myself one (or two hehehe). It will be nicer if they have this floral print. ;)

PR1

2009-04-07T00:06:00.002+08:00

wow! this blog is now PR1. thanks friends for visiting my blog. i just hope to update this often. :D

Kids Run 2009

2009-04-06T23:50:00.002+08:00

When we were in Vivo City last Saturday, I saw a poster about a kids marathon/run that is sponsored by Cold Storage. I got curious and googled about it when I got home.

Kids Run 2009
"Picking up from its impressive debut in 2008 which saw a full house participation capacity, the Cold Storage Kids Run will once again race down the city's signature skyline at Marina Bay on the 24th of May. Relive the moments once again, and enjoy a fantastic day out for the family at the Padang! Support the young ones as they strive to in cultivate a healthy sporting culture into their busy lifestyles. What's new this year is the Singapura Finance Blue Sky Chase which would include for the first time, by popular demand, kids as young as 2 years old! Due to an overwhelming response from last year, we will also be increasing our capacity in 2009 to an exclusive 4000 slots!!! So places are limited. Sign up NOW to avoid disappointment!"

Race Details
Date: Sunday, 24th May 2009
Venue: The Padang
Time: 8am - 12pm
Start Point: Connaught Drive
End Point: St. Andrew's Road

This looks like a fun event for kids and their parents. I am still thinking if we will join. But I should think fast as this is only limited to 4000 participants and as of posting, 3639 have already signed up. If ever we will join, we will be racing in the Singapura Finance Chase category. This is the only category for 2 to 4 age group. And a parent is required to race with the child. I'm still convincing hubby to run with Ela. ;)

Tampines 1 and Uniqlo

2009-04-01T16:30:00.002+08:00

The newest mall in Tampines area - Tampines 1 - will be opening soon!! Soon is on April 9.
Also opening on the 9th is the first Uniqlo shop here in Singapore. I can't wait. Will definitely be going there on the opening day. I just hope there isn't much people so I won't have a hard time tugging along my uber-kulit toddler ;)

You Changed My Life

2009-02-13T19:21:00.003+08:00

I love Star Cinema films. Most especially A Very Special Love. Super kakilig si Sarah and John Lloyd. Mababaw lang ang story nung film pero entertaining at kaaliw. Feel good movie sya.

That is why I am so happy that they are having their second movie. I'm happier coz we will be in the Philippines on its 3rd week of showing - I will be able to watch it on the big screen!!

Below is the trailer/MTV. I got it from Star Cinema Multiply site.

My First Born

2009-02-11T16:21:00.004+08:00

Another tag in my FaceBook account that I'm posting here.

Here you go mommies - a different kind of survey for a change - it's all about your first (or only) born! Just copy and paste it in a new note for yourself! Let's see how much you remember!

1. WAS YOUR FIRST PREGNANCY PLANNED?
Yes. We wanted to have a baby a year after we got married. At saka gusto ko din made in Japan. hehehe.

2. WERE YOU MARRIED AT THE TIME?
Yes.

3. WHAT WERE YOUR REACTIONS?
Happy!! But not on high hopes when I did the HPT. Nakakalungkot kasi pag negative.

4. WAS ABORTION AN OPTION FOR YOU?
Never.

5. HOW OLD WERE YOU?
27

6. HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT?
Home preg test.

7. WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST?
Hubby. Tulog pa sya non eh. Ginising ko.

8. DID YOU WANT TO FIND OUT THE SEX?
Yes

9. DUE DATE?
June 5, 2006. Was really hoping na di sya ipanganak ng June 6!

10. DID YOU HAVE MORNING SICKNESS?
Nope. Lucky me!

11. WHAT DID YOU CRAVE?
Nothing in particular. Mahilig lang ako kumain. Pero mas mahilig ako sa prutas then.

12. WHO/WHAT IRRITATED YOU THE MOST?
Work. I hated that I still had to do OT even if I'm pregnant.

13. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CHILD'S SEX?
Babae po ako...

14. DID YOU WISH YOU HAD THE OPPOSITE SEX OF WHAT YOU WERE GETTING?
Nope.

15. HOW MANY POUNDS DID YOU GAIN THROUGHOUT THE PREGNANCY?
Di ko na na-weigh sarili ko before giving birth. Pero lampas 25lbs.

16. DID YOU HAVE A SHOWER PARTY?
Yep. Sa ofc lang on my last day of work before ML.

17. WAS IT A SURPRISE OR DID YOU KNOW?
Surprise.

18. DID YOU HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY?
Nope.

19. WHERE DID YOU GIVE BIRTH?
The Medical City in Pasig

20. HOW MANY HOURS WERE YOU IN LABOR?
In the hospital before 4am. Was in the lamaze room at 5am. Contractions started at 9. Epidural at around 11. Ela was out at 2:35pm

21. WHO DROVE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL?
Hubby.

22. WHO WATCHED YOU GIVE BIRTH?
Hubby was inside the lamaze room. Plus my OB, anes, 2 resident OBs, 3 nurses

23. WAS IT NATURAL OR C-SECTION?
Natural

24. DID YOU TAKE MEDICINE TO EASE THE PAIN?
Yes. Di kinaya ng lamaze. Sakit kaya ng magkasabay na contraction at IE!

25. HOW MUCH DID YOUR CHILD WEIGH?
2985grams

26. WHEN WAS YOUR CHILD ACTUALLY BORN ?
June 1, 2006 at 2:35pm

27. WHAT DID YOU NAME HIM/HER?
Mikaela

28. HOW OLD IS YOUR FIRST BORN TODAY?
2yrs 8mon. Lapit na 3rd bday!!

Singapore International Festival for Children

2009-02-08T09:10:00.003+08:00

Got this information from Singapore Kids Places.

There will be an International Arts Festival for Children from March 7-17. It is open for kids of all ages, but looking at the schedule and performances, my little Ela will only be able to attend some that is appropriate for her age. There will be a Pyjama Night where there is story telling, puppetry, music and animation. Kids are encouraged to attend the shows in their pyjamas. There will also be a flea circus.

Too bad during the duration of this festival, Ela and I will be in the Philippines for a short vacation. Would love to take her in at least a day in this festival. Hope you can take your kids and have fun!!

Kaye Wishes: Stress Reliever

2009-02-05T13:58:00.003+08:00

I haven't been posting much on this blog. Actually I haven't posted anything Pinay or Singapore yet. :P This is because I really don't have much time to blog about anything. Not even post pictures in my Multiply to show our friends and family.

Being a full time stay at home mom is really stressful - especially if you are taking care of a toddler in her terrible twos stage. I sometime long for a "me" time just to escape the house even for a short time. I sometimes wish we have a spa or even a sauna at home. Even a few minutes in the sauna can give me the de-stres I need for a day. What more if it is an infrared sauna. I heard infrared saunas can give stress relief, detoxification of the body, weight loss and relaxation. I also especially need the weight loss part since I am overweight since I gave birth and been wanting to shed those unnecessary pounds.

We will be searching for a new house in a few months time. If budget permits, I would like to live in a condo where there is a sauna. ;) Or a place big enough so we can put our own infrared sauna. :D

25 Random Things

2009-02-03T00:35:00.001+08:00

repost from my Facebook.

This is about me.
1. been tagged twice so napilitan to do this tag. lol
2. im a plurk addict
3. has a FB acct but rarely uses the apps. i just like looking at the status of the people i know.
4. is now a full time stay at home mom after 10+ yrs of being a corporate slave.
5. currently addicted to how i met your mother. barney rocks!!
6. i love travelling. this will have to take a backstep now coz its difficult to travel with a toddler in tow.
7. i can never stay in the house on weekends. kailangan kong lumabas kahit isang araw lng!!
8. i love shopping for my daughter.
9. once lived in japan for 2+yrs. and now missing our japan life. but i still love anything and everything japanese - pepper lunch, yoshinoya, uniqlo, etc.
10. is making plans for our 5th wedding anniv this year. dont know yet where to go and what to do.
11. i spent 9+yrs in company#1, 7months in company#2 and almost 6months in company#3. now working full time for almost 3months in Ela Inc. lol
12. im an OC. I want ela's videos organized, everything should have their own place (i have lots of food organizers), ela's clothes are arranged accr to color, thin hangers for shirts thick hangers for jeans, etc. :P
13. i have 2 blogspot accounts, a livejournal, a multiply, friendster, facebook, wordpress but rarely updates any of them. you can find more of me in plurk
14. we diy-ed our wedding invites, souvenirs, misalette.
15. i love drinking rootbeer
16. mahina memory ko. i keep forgetting stuff esp kung matagal na. lalo pang lumala nung na-epidural ako. :P
17. im married to my 1st boyfriend and my best friend. love u hon! :*
18. i cant leave the house without checking for "wallet, cell fone, ID, teiki". ito na checklist ko since japan days
19. my ultimate shopping dream is to buy a bag from LV.
20. i dont like drinking any kind of alcohol. i have allergies kasi.
21. i love changing my cellfone. even blogged about all the fones i had. wala nang tumatagal nang 1yr sa mga telopono ko. im now itching to replace my G700.
22. i have a sakura tattoo. ;) will probably add another one in the future pero maghahanap pa ako ng magandang symbol/design
23. when i was in first year college (end of 1st sem), i wanted to shift to physics or applied physics. what was i thinking?!?!
24. in the philippines, i haven't been outside luzon island. not even puerto galera!
25. i like playing bowling. even have my own bowlin shoes. and i once got the highest score in EB2 bowling tournament. :D

This is about my daughter Ela.
1. I love sayng "dyereng!!" when showing something.
2. I love chocolates. My favorite is M&Ms
3. I know most (if not all) of the shows in Playhouse Disney. My dad bought a DVR so just mom can record my favorite shows and have them played over and over again. And on demand! =D
4. My first favorite TV show is Barney. That was also the theme of my 1st bday party. I have a "I Love You" singing Barney toy.
5. I used to call Mickey Mouse "hotdog" because I love the Hotdog song at the end of the show
6. I have a few birthmarks. May balat ako sa pwet!
7. My first and last yaya is Yaya Micel
8. I have my own vocabulary. chikichiki=toothbrush; chamyto=yakult; tiyo=tito toto; number 2=deal or no deal game in mom's cellfone; shortcake=strawberry;
9. I'm a Dora look-alike
10. I love playing in the nearby playground. I love the slide.
11. I can count 1-13. Still learning the rest.
12. I'm a girl - I like pink, dresses, and likes to play with my mom's lipgloss and face powder.
13. I dance when there is music. Kahit pa slow music, I will dance to that.
14. I also like singing. Pero hindi pa maintindihan ang lyrics ko
15. I love bags! I have a lot!
16. I have my dad's likot moves and my mom's kulit and OC-ness.
17. My first bestfriend is Jaden. She is now in Australia for her medical treatments. I hope to see her again.
18. When I eat monay or butter bread, I only eat the balat. :P
19. I have a scar on the left side of my lower lip. I fell on the side table when I was little and hit my lip. My parents took me to the ER. Good thing it did not need stitches.
20. I was made in Japan ;)
21. I'm 2yr8mon old but have my own EZ-link card already since December coz I'm more than 90cm tall!
22. I'm a leftie.
23. I'm not afraid of my pedia and would usually not cry when given vaccines/injection. Brave girl!
24. I'm afraid of the cockroach.
25. I'm a late sleeper and picky eater.

Uniqlo is coming to town

2009-01-13T12:33:00.005+08:00

OMG!!
Uniqlo will be opening in Singapore soon! Thanks bagaholicboy for the news. (Yahoo! News)

Having spent 2+yrs in Japan, I am definitely a fan of everything Japanese - so this includes Uniqlo (and Pepper lunch, Yoshinoya, Kinokuniya, Mos Burger, etc). That is also why we like it here in Singapore. Reminds us a lot of our Japan life.

Great thing about Uniqlo Singapore is it will open in Tampines area. Yey!! This new mall in Tampines is just a bus ride away from our place. Will definitely frequent this often when this opens. I just hope they also have clothes for kids. Coz right now, I only shop clothes for the little girl. She grows up so fast and it is so nice to dress her up. ;) Ooohh! I just thought about their wrinkle free shirts for hubby. Reason for me not to iron his clothes all the time. lol. And I also love their cami-bras. Will buy loads of this. Perfect for the hot and humid SGP weather. Will now browse the online catalog if they already have the spring collection (waah winter pa din). Really can't wait! I just hope the price is not so expensive (like Muji).

Merry Christmas!!

2008-12-24T15:05:00.000+08:00

Make a Smilebox postcard

Hello Singapore!!

2008-11-20T17:16:00.002+08:00

It has been 2months since my last post.
Just want to udpate this blog and say that Ela and Mommy are officially in Singapore. =) We arrived last Sunday evening (more like Monday early morning :P). Hope to post here often.

Singtel Postpaid Plan for Foreigners

2008-09-20T00:56:00.005+08:00

(* I still have to blog about our recent vacation to Singapore. But before that an exiting good news! *)

Hubby has been contemplating if he will get a new postpaid plan. And he saw this on the new. Just want to share this article from livinginsingaporetoday.com:

Singtel SIMple Plan For Foreigners With Employment Pass, S Pass or Dependent Pass

I will chika more after hubby avails the plan - but that is also if he will avail of it. ;)

UPDATE:
Hubby availed of this plan. He just added around 5SGD to avail of the unlimited IDD. But the catch is his IDD is part of his free local minutes. Not bad. At least he can call us anytime he wants.

2009 Singapore Public Holidays

2008-09-03T23:07:00.004+08:00

For those who are already planning their 2009 holidays (like us).

Genesis

2008-09-02T13:48:00.000+08:00

My first post in my new blog.

I will not be posting much in this blog since we are still in the Philippines (only hubby is in SGP right now). But hopefully we will join him soon and Singapore will be the new home of our family (for good, temporarily, we don't know yet).

Right now feel free to browse through the useful Singapore links I've found. Will try to search for more and share with you.

See you soon!