Remembering the Nation's Mom

The death of the Ex-President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino shocked the entire Philippine nation. As stated in the news, even Filipinos working and living abroad mourned for this big loss of our country. I was so privileged to have attended the special mass in memory of the ex-president at St. Michael's Church, Sharjah, UAE on July 2, 209.

All people going to the church were given a yellow ribbon which should be pinned on the upper right breast part. The yellow color was used by the ex-president as symbol of democracy which she fought and was known for by the world.

Summer Christmas

I was sitting on my bed when I heard the song "Have Yourself A Merry Little Chrtistmas." I figured it out that it was coming from the TV near me. Oh what a surprise! The movie "Home Alone" is being shown on a summer! I think I'm getting this "homesickness attack" again. I couldn't believe that it's been more than five months already since I spent my last Christmas with my family, and it's sad that I wouldn't be able to be with them again on that special day until...oh I really don't know yet.

This is our picture last Christmas eve. We really enjoyed a sumptuous dinner together...truly a memorable Noche Buena. My sister Tina and I prepared the dinner while the others were busy wrapping their gifts.

The next morning, my nieces Kayla and Marrica got up early and were so excited to open their gifts. I couldn't forget when Kayla cried when she saw her ate's new Barbie school bag. She grabbed the bag and held it as if it's hers. Her mama tried convincing her that she'll have her Barbie bag also when she starts going to school. Well, I once behaved like that when I was still a kid. Anyway, Kayla had her Barbie school bag during the first day of this year and it was given to her by her Lola Felia.

Well, I guess that Christmas could have been more memorable if our dear Nanay was there to celebrate with us. We miss you terribly Nanay! We love you so much!

Beautiful Things

I would always tell myself that "Everyday is another day of new life, great opportunities and possibilities"...well, I think we should all start thinking that way especially in the kind of world where we are living in right now. I was browsing through the blogs posted by great bloggers here when I found this nice and interesting decorative plate. My attention was captured by the Filipino word "Buhay" written on it, which was translated from the English word "Life." This was posted by Melissa of "The Inspired Room." I really like checking out her latest posts because she would always feature great finds that are trully inspiring and interesting.

One thing that I like with my job is I get to see nice and luxurious looking furniture in our showroom, like this nice Clarkston Sofa which comes as set for AED19,995. Well, at least I'm able to sit on it anytime I want to as long as it is not yet sold.

Angels

Leaving my family to work abroad is something that I never imagined and wished for. But until now, I really don't know what pushed me to suddenly change the plans I had for myself two years ago. I remember my first few weeks at work. There was never a time that I never saw myself not getting teary-eyed whenever I see happy kids passing by in front of me. I always imagine that those kids are my two angels...my two adorable nieces, Kayla and Maricca.

This is Kayla's picture that I have taken when she was still 2 years old (I think). I saw her playing inside her crib. I envy this child for her worry-free mind and happy soul.

This was Maricca's playful morning. I took this in our terrace when she was still 4 years old. It was a beautiful sunny morning and I just had my breakfast when I saw my pretty angel watching her favourite cartoon on TV. She was so excited when I told her that I want to take a picture of her outside. Maricca loves to have her picture taken whenever and wherever she is. Well, I hope to see those smiles from my angels soon...to have a lovely day with them once more!

Rich Sanctuary

I was browsing my file of photos of my past projects and saw this picture. I will never forget this project because this was my first serious experience of interior decorating. Well, I think my partner Mabee and I did a good one here. We opted for simple and clean concept here. The owner was quite meticulous about each detail in the room, but we're so thankful that he trusted us with this project.

Personally, this is a great escape from all the noise, chaos, and stressful things going on outside this place. If this is my own room, I would love to see more green and yellow elements here for cozy atmosphere...trully zen style.

I like how the monochromatic scheme was applied in this room featured on hgtv.com because the furniture looked so clean and elegant. I am also thinking of replacing some elements with silver, something that would make it shine and look glamurous.

Masterpiece

Like many people in the world, I also dream to create something that would show the unique and artistic talent of Filipinos. This is the reason why I like to design and create beaded accessories. Many people would definitely say..."Oh c'mmon, it's not new anymore." Yeah, that's right! I would also agree to that, but why do you think there are still a lot of people like me who wants to devote their time and spend money in making beaded accessories? Simply because, we want to create our own materpiece.

I remember the first few days I created my so-called accessory collection. It was fun and exciting to see and wear my own creation. I was so inspired by a lot of things and people, though at first I was so hesitant to do it because I felt like nobody will appreciate my design. But when I wore my first self-designed and created beaded necklace, the feeling was unexplainable. Suddenly, I felt like I am the most famous accessory designer in the whole world.

It was not too long before my mother saw my creations. I will never forget how her face looked like when she held in her hands the necklace I made. She was so surprised because it's made of big wood beads. It was so unusual for her to see such kind of necklace because she never wore one in her entire life. But I was so happy because she made me feel so proud of myself for having the courage to do it and use the gift given to me.

After few months, my sister and partner Lai started selling all our creations to our friends. We even had our site where people could see all our latest products. But we used to sell also some accessories that were supplied to us by some beaders. The greatest part of our mini-business is when we had our poster which was designed by our sister Tina who's living in Canada. We were like a big company already! Well, I am proud and lucky to have artistic and very talented sisters like them. It is not only the masterpiece that came out from this experience...but a loving and strong brother-sister bonding blossomed.