Mommy Moments - Sporty Day

A warm HELLO to my visitors!

We are all going sporty this week on Mommy Moments. These are the recent photos of my son playing on the hallway. Funny because he likes to do this indoor. When we bring him to the park, it's all about sand box, slides, crossing the bridge-rope, running, and climbing that he totally ignores the ball :)

All sweaty and very thirsty :)

Thank you so much for the visit! Check out more fun and sports on Mommy Moments.

Couple's Corner - The Wedding

After two agonizing years, we met again nine days before we exchange our vows as husband and wife.

Ceasar went to Batanes alone to do the pamanhikan. Though all the papers we needed for the civil wedding had been prepared, he still has to speak to my grandparents. The funny thing was, i was in the office when he went to our house and spoke to them. Both my grandparents were silent. They did not say yes nor no.

We were suppose to have the pamanhikan that night but he said he had nothing better to do at Pension Ivatan so he opted to come and visit the house at nine o'clock in the morning. He said he didn't know if any of what he said was welcome to them. I could not blame my grannies because it was the first time they ever met him!

But they did gave their blessings after three days when we left the island.

Oh the first kiss?......nothing like it was the first time. It's like we've always been kissing lolz!. It felt so natural. It was like coming home....

This is our first picture together. Ceasar took it in his trusty old Nokia phone. It remains my favorite picture of us.

With the BOY - I love most. Pension Ivatan, Batanes

For somebody who prizes her clothes collection, i messed up on my wedding day. For every function, for every picnic, or just a stroll at the park, i plan for my clothes (yes, my closet is a nightmare). But for my wedding, i had no particular dress in mind. I packed three un-used dress hoping to find something nicer in Baguio.

We arrive Baguio two days before we exchange vows. Our hotel was just a stone throw away from the shopper's delight Session Road but I failed to do any shopping. After we had our ring engraved with each other's name, Ceasar decided we should wear it right away. And there, while riding the jeepney back to our hotel, we slipped each other's ring.

Ceasar said, now we are married. The ceremony at the civil court will just be for formality.

April 26, 2006. I wore a Grecian floor length pink dress. For the first time in my life, i was looking forward to the "event", not in what i was going to wear.

On our way to the ceremony, I suddenly felt guilty not having done better on every lady's dream day. I managed to acquire YSL and Chanel shoes. I wore Rusty Lopez on rainy days and yet I was wearing an old blue ballet flats! Even people who don't care so much as to how they look would not dare wear flats or blue shoes (no matter how cute the ribbon is), to their wedding.

I was absolutely wearing the wrong shoes. My husband-to-be quipped,

"At least you are marrying the right man."

We exchange vows before a judge in Baguio City

To my dearest hubby, who thinks he should have done better than to propose in YM, I will not want to change anything about the proposal and the funny, strange wedding we had. I told you before, I want a great marriage. Not a grand wedding.

And you are certainly doing an amazing job keeping your wifey happy and still blushing :)

PBW - Foggy at The Desert

Bring out those suede boots because winter has finally arrived.

We went out for an early morning drive last Saturday. We took the Sheik Zayed Road - the main highway connecting Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The fog was so thick you cannot see beyond 200 meters. It lasted until about 9 am.

Taken at 7:30 in the morning. It's begging to look a lot like Christmas :)

Then in the afternoon, we hit Al Mamzar Beach Park for some barbecue with friends. While resting under the tree shade, i saw this empty bee nest.

It was the first time I saw such in our three years stay here in the desert so i took a picture.

I am excited to see your adventures over the weekend. Thank you so much for the visit!

Join the weekly fun on Pixel Bug Weekend!

Yummy Sunday - Roast Beef & Onion-Mollases Sauce

Happy Sunday visitors!

Carrefour offered their discounted their red meat last week as part of their Brazilian Beef Festival promo. I was able to buy beef for roasting so here's the yummy result.

Roast Beef With Onion-Mollases Sauce

Thank you so much for the visit. I look forward to all your yummy entries as well :)

Mommy Moments - Let's Pretend

It's great to be back on MM! This week's meme is to share your kid's costume or make-believe moments. I am guessing most will be sharing their Halloween get-ups and UN Parade attire. Since my kiddo did not join any Halloween party and he is too young for school, i will share with you his recent trips to the Fashion Catwalk at Dubai Mall's Fashion Avenue.

My lil' boy's version of John Dilinger. If you saw Johnny Depp's Public Enemies, then you will recognize the look of charismatic bank robber Dilinger during the 1930's. I certainly don't want my boy dreaming to be a gangster so maybe i will have to hide this photo for awhile :)

This is what his Dada calls the Karl Lagerfield look. He may have browsed a celebrity magazine featuring the winter collection lolz! Oftentime, when Andreas wears this fur, ladies gave him an approving smile :)

Join the fun on Mommy Moments here.

Couple's Corner - The Proposal

For most, it could be the most unromantic marriage proposal :)

It happened online. On YM to be precise. With the entire Indian Ocean separating us.

Our friends and family thought it was crazy. We have not seen each other for a two years. We didn't even hold hands or kissed. How could one possibly sure it was love between us?

Holy week in March 2006, Ceasar popped the question. It didn't come entirely as a surprise because he had been giving hints like asking about Ivatan engagement (Ivatan is what you call the locals of Batanes). He gave me a day to think it over. Like i still need to think about it LOL!

When I accepted his proposal, he shared the poem below.

Love is the nicest feeling

possible to know.

Love gives life its meaning

and adds the warmest glow.

Love is about caring and

sharing too.

Love is the special feeling I have

when I think of you.

Sending you all my love at this special moment

and best wishes

While i was feeling over the moon, my family was least enthusiastic with the idea. Though Ceasar worked for our province for two years, none of them had met him in person.

But when things are meant to be, the universe conspires to make it all happen for you. His request for vacation next month was granted. He will be back home to the Philippines two weeks since the time I said yes!. Generally, an OCW in Saudi Arabia is only allowed for vacation after two years. I was expecting to see him yet in August.

And then there was a job waiting for him in Dubai, UAE. The company is expecting Ceasar to join them in May. That means he can only stay in Pinas for about four weeks!

We have two weeks to prepare. How are we going to pull of a first date, a first kiss, a wedding, and a honeymoon all in a month?

Till next Couple's Corner!

Autumn Afternoons

The family is making the most of the cold weather. For about two weeks now, we've been spending our weekday supper and weekend lunch at Zabeel Park.

When Andreas and I are alone on weekdays, I pack our things at three quarter. That includes our supper, hubby's set of change clothes, and sand box toys. I load them all to our trusty Graco stroller. Andreas would climb up his stroller and we walk all the way to Zabeel. We are around two blocks away.

Here are some shots of my little boy's fun.

Then at 6:30, hubby arrives staright from work. I give him his set of change clothes then I go look for a place to spread our mat. While i prepare our supper, Andreas and his Dada would try climbing again and again until they are both hungry for supper. Under the moonlight, we feast on our rice-and-veggies packed supper.

Then we would walk around the park. Sometimes we would just sit beside the fountain to watch the water flowing. This exteremely delights Andreas.

Last Friday, we had our first Byky experience. It was so much fun except that Andreas chose to sit on my lap the entire 30-minute ride. The inclined are of the park too was horrible to climb. Hubby says he could feel his muscle bursting and that we should be paid instead for using their bike hahahaaaaa!

Autumn is certainly one of the best times of the year :)

Getting Help

Well, we survived Dubai without a helper for three years. But now, Andreas is proving to be a handful. His Dada thinks we are taking care of two toddlers with his constant climbing and running. We are sorely deprived of rest and sleep nowadays.

So hubby decided we hire a part-time helper to clean the place. And cook once in awhile. I have to admit, there are times i feel very lazy to whip-up something from the fridge but then eating out is an expensive option. So I called Ate A for SOS. She used to be a nanny for a family friend. But they opted to go back home to Pinas but Ate A stayed here.

It is really very hard to find a trusted helper these days. That is the foremost reason why we never chose to hire one. I feel very fortunate to have Ate A with us since she has proven herself to another family we know. She comes here three times a week for two hours to clean and cook.

I think i read somewhere - blog or Facebook that they are looking for a part-time helper. If you need one, send me a message :)

PBW - Dubai Mall Halloween Treat

Here are some live models making the Halloween extra special for kiddies.

I guess they went overboard with Goldilocks hihi

The Golden Chef

All the live models were allowed to meet & greet for the kids. But this ghostly English man was the only one Andreas liked to shook hands with.

Until next Pixel Bug Weekend!

Yummy Sunday - Salmon, Spinach, and Ring Cake

Here is the pink salmon i grilled and blanched spinach we had for the weekend. I'm a big fan of salmon - even the head part. In fact, it's the only fish i remember buying every week! But I always end up grilling it or make a sinigang out of it. I still have to try baked salmon. But then, the family always go to Ikea Restaurant for such affordable baked dish.

Then early in the week, i made a ring chocolate cake. I used a fluted pan and followed my usual recipe except for the frosting. I melted baking chocolate and butter. Added some icing sugar and it gave a shiny, gooey finishing. I actually find it easier to work with than chocolate cream frosting.

Join the delish fun on Yummy Sunday!

Couple's Corner - We're In-Love!

Four years of roller coaster friendship and flirting and breaking dating rules, we finally became sweethearts in September 2005. But had to be content whispering mushy coos over the phone and e-mails since he was working in Saudi and I, in Batanes.

I know we didn't have a good start but I am hoping we can make this a commitment, Rain said in one of his e-mails.

Asking me to be committed? Boy i think i have devoted my feelings to him since he walked in in that dimly lit pasta bar. It was absolutely, horribly love at first sight. But I won't be boring you my dear readers with another lengthy essay. Instead, I am sharing the songs that summarizes our love affair :)

1. Atomic Kitten's Whole Again
I played this song over and over again until i finished Rain's profile for TEEP Newsletter. Ironically, the lyrics goes...“Looking back the way we first met, I cannot escape and I cannot forget, Baby you’re the one, you still turn me on…” and I was writing for somebody I dislike very much.

2. MYMP's Tell Me Where It Hurts
It should be REM's Everybody hurts but another friend made it his natiopnal anthem so i made this mine. I am not a morning person but Rain's messages arrive cruelly at this time of the day (Pinas is four hours ahead of Saudi). One morning, i read his message, remained noncholant about it and went to the gym. After treadmills and sit-ups, i re-read it and decided to text back. I took a shower and read his reply. I sat numbly at the edge of my bed.

I marched the day with my Carrera sunglasses and was told by a friend to swim my way to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Know more of the Poison Ivy.

3. Norah Jones' Those Sweet Words
"And before the night is done, I just have to hear those sweet words, spoken like a melody."

Rain said, if i started swimming the day i was told, i would have reached KSA just in time for their National Holiday.

4. Anne Murray's Nobody Loves Me Like You Do
He heard this song while crossing the desert on his way to a project site. He texted to say he was thinking about us...aaaah. I just had to leave the PRC meeting.

5. Marc Velasco's Ordinary Song
New Year 2006, Rain sang this to me over the phone complete with guitar accompaniment. Then I received a snail mail from him all the way from Saudi. After two years of waking up like a lost soul, I felt all my wounds were healed. Nobody has loved me the way he did :)`

6. Jon Bon Jovi's Thank You For Loving Me
I was never a big fan of this rock star but when Rain borrowed this particular song for the five beautiful red roses he gave me on my 26th birthday, Bon Jovi made it to the shenanigans of my rock musicians.

And then came the confession that this was the first time he gave flowers to a lady :)

7. Sting & The Police's Every Little Thing She Does is Magic
Eeeyo-eeeyo-yo-yo. I listened to this funny love song right after he asked me to marry him.


8. Tracy Chapman's The Promise

"Although I traveled far, I always had a place for you in my heart."

We were office mates so it was courtesy to invite his department to my Uncle's wedding. They did not make it. A few days later, he came up to my desk and apologized for not attending the celebration. I said nothing but gave him a smile to acknowledge what he was saying. Then he quickly added, "But I will be there on your wedding day."

True enough, he was there on my funny strange wedding. That night, he asked for the band in Ayuyang to play this song for me.

9. Diana Krall's S'wonderful
"You made my life glamorous..."

Thank you Rain, for my jewelries :)


10. Imago's Akap
Sasamahan ka sa tamis
Sasamahan ka sa pait
Sasamahan ka sa dilim
Sasa,ahan ka hanggang langit..

Last week, before he got to read my first two entries for CC, i asked hubby what was he thinking the first time he saw me.

I wanted to go to bed with you. (Ughh men!)

But I was seated the whole time. I was wearing an old jeans.

You were wearing shorts and a t-shirt.

I asked at what point exactly did he knew he was in-love with me.

Before I left for Saudi, I was already confused. Why are you suddenly asking all these?

Till next Couple's Corner!

Couple's Corner - The Poison Ivy

We had no communication for almost a year.

For that whole year as well, i tried to busy myself with work and books and friends. I revamped my closet - suddenly feeling like a lady. I traded my baby-tees for romantic blouses. I opted for blazers and business like suits - instead of my girly uniform. I kept my hair long, savored my strawberries and cream Avon lipgloss, and wore my heels at every chance.

Before calling it a day in the office one afternoon, i decided to clean my in-box. I received an e-mail from A saying he is a friend of Ceasar. He was asking if we could be friends as well.

I felt insulted. Maybe it was all over TEEP Region that i was single and available but nobody in the office had the right to set me up. I inhaled deeply not wanting my fuming to get the better of the situation. if this was some sort of a game, then we all play. After all, I had nothing to lose. A and I happens to be oceans apart. We exchanged further e-mail pleasantries and forwards until A asked for my mobile number.

I never told anybody about A. But if I were to choose between A and The Pilot (my friends from aviation industry are trying to set me up for), I would rather pursue a friendship with A. He seems polite so far. We all know that pilots have girls anywhere there is a landing strip.

But before giving A my number, i needed more background info about him. The best person to ask would be Ceasar. I remember adding him to my almost dormant chikka account so i texted this :

A is asking for my number. i don't know anything about him except for his e-mail. If you think this guy can be trusted, then give him my new number ......

Rain replied :

A is married. Last time i heard, he is happily married and content with a kid.

I was furious! I was just starting to open up with another male specie and the first one to catch my attention decided to sign his marriage contract waaay before he knew I existed.

Rain said no further about A. But as he got hold of my new number, we were exchanging sms again - and then e-mails. It only took a week and we were back right where we left off.

I would tell him about my gym sessions. I would text him my new pasta recipe. I would complain to him about work. He in return, shared desert stories - how he would cook spaghetti for his campmates. He would tell how lonely it is to be away from his family. he would mention how he looked forward to coming home and that he thinks about the times we shared beer at Shanedels.

I was just regaining my strength and I refused to think he was falling for me. Our friendship survived for years and nobody was to blame if he had grown certain fondness for me. I accepted the fact the it will never be us. I actually begged him not to flirt with me further. And that I think i earned my place in his wedding entourage - for keeping my hands off him hahahhaaaa!

I went on with my life happily. I met plenty of interesting people. Sometimes Rain would be so intrigued with them he would ask if there was any "interesting" to share hihiihihi. Maybe there was something missing but i managed to enjoy myself.

Then he texted that his relationship failed.

My reply : Why would they dump a hottie like you? Remain strong. God bless!

After pressing sent, I decided to back off. I knew he needed somebody on the other line but I am not willing to play that part. I could only offer him friendship. Nothing beyond that.

I did not speak to him or replied to his mesages for the next three days. On the fourth night, I texted to ask how he was coping up - the same way he asked about my own break-up. He texted he was doing okay and I cried myself to sleep. I wanted to be with him and hug and comfort him.

I donned my Carrera sunglasses the next day. A friend commented : Now you could swim your way to Saudi Arabia.

Despite the tears and the beers, i managed not to communicate with him for a week.

The following weekend, I decided to open the ignored messages from Rain. One was a quiz that promises to end your single life. Feeling amused and with nothing better to do online, I answered all ten questions. Two of them I answered with the name Ceasar. I clicked submit excited about my result only to be told that all my answers were sent to Ceasar!

I freaked and panicked and i was hysterical. I wanted to die of embarrassment. That night, he texted that i must have been very honest with my answers. I think i even saw him grinning. I never, ever wanted to wake up again.

That's when he started to pursue me online. He began referring to me as his Poison Ivy.

For days, i could not get over my embarrassment. I would be drinking straight from work and come home drunk and too tired to remember my online blunder. One night, just as i was about to collapse from another drinking bout, he called and said "I love you." Before I could fathom clearly what was was going on, I heard myself reply " I love you too."

I shook myself for some seconds but the alcohol got the better of me and i fell in a deep slumber.

Mawning, I checked my phone for alarm only to be confirmed that I was in a relationship status.

The Response To CC

As expected, Hubby teased me to death on my second entry for CC. I omitted two major catastrophe (but will be revealed in due time, don't worry hihi), that if included, we would have landed an episode in Maalaala Mo Kaya :)

The next theme for Couple's Corner is to talk about the time the you were boyfriends and girlfriends. Since my entry had no insinuations of courtship, I have to fill in the story how we became sweethearts. As i have said also, this is the first and last i will be writing our story so bear with the details and the drama harharhar.

To my dear readers and visitors, the next post is for your bedtime reading :)

PBW - Al Nassma Camel Milk Chocolate

We enjoyed our first Camel's Milk Chocolate last Sunday. Al Nassma LLC launched the Godiva of the Middle East in an unassuming coffee shop at Mall of the Emirates.

According to the Filipino guy attending to us, the chocolate store is owned by his Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai


The hollow-form Camel is available in 130 and 730 grams. How's that for souvenirs?

The Camel Caravan in wooden casket has 18 chocolate formed camels with creamy macadamia nut and honey filling.

Displayed in pure gold plate, the exquisite chocolate squares have three different fillings. The dark one has Arabic Coffee Cream (my favorite), the gold tone is filled with hazelnut nougat, and the one with greenish tint has pistachio marzipan.

Add a caption

Ladies and gentlemen, presenting the Godiva of Middle East -- Al Nassma Camel's Milk Chocolate

Look closer to the serving plate and you will see an engraved poem of HH Sheikh Maktoum. Again, the engraving is 24K gold. Al Nassma Chocolate Bars comes in five flavors. Camel Milk Whole Chocolate, Camel Milk Chocolate With Spices Arabia, Bittersweet Camel Milk Chocolate Cocoa 70% (immensely loved it!), Camel Milk Chocolate With Dates, Camel Milk Chocolate Macadamia with Orange Zest ( i recommend this too).

Add a caption

Ladies and gentlemen, presenting the Godiva of Middle East -- Al Nassma Camel's Milk Chocolate

Thank you so much for the visit. I am excited to see all your weekend adventures as well.

Join the fun on Pixel Bug Weekend hosted by Sassy Mom.

OWM - "Silverado"

We saw this vintage car while driving down Jumeirah Beach Road. I don't know what you call this but I saw "Silverado" emblazoned on its back :)

Share your Weekend Memoirs here.