Please Remind Me To / 01

In this modern world of one-liner pseudo-wisdom and exchange of ideas, when you can't see who you're talking to in person, and it just feels so good to fight back with angst-ridden remarks – that's when the enemy strikes and you forget that your God will be sad and that there are words that you can't take back anymore. It happened to me last night. And while I basically know what I am doing and I think I did a pretty good job in not "making a scene" virtually, I still regret that I allowed it to happen. I thought that I have the choice to pursue what is lovely and make it blissful (yes, I just hafta use it). It's not too late to do it, though. Maybe for some, it's satisfying [to fight back] but having to do it online is a lose-lose situation; especially if you are doing it against someone who somehow makes it as her bread and butter.

So my dear friends, who care for me and love me, please remind me to:

- always choose my battles wisely. I am no longer fifteen who craves for attention and wants validation from complete strangers. At 31, I should know my worth, my value and best if it comes from me and no one else. Also, a status or tweet is not a guarantee of anyone's maturity. 

- ignore and shun away bad thoughts when I see an annoying post. What may be annoying for me may be cool for others and I may be annoying for some, too. Instead of mentally raising my middle finger to that person, why not use the index finger by sliding the page up. Let it go, really. 

- live my life outside my online sanctuary. While being active on social media plays a vital role in a millennial mom's online experience, still, the best kind of life happens beyond the likes and comments from people who don't smell your fart. Don't cook food just for #bebengcooks hashtag on Instagram, do it for the girl and R. Don't go to places just so I can check-in, just go. Don't prettify for selfie but for yourself. 

- blog about the bad things that happened only if I have already got through it. Blogging may be a personal thing and that it stands as an extension of your real life but it will be memories that will be unfolded in the future. I don't want to be reminded of the silly things I said online when I'm already old and gray and so much wiser. Or when the girl starts to have access to the internet. The horror. 

- never forget that I am a Christian. Enough said.

What else do you think should I be reminded of?

Sophia Turns Seven: McDonald's Winx Club Party

I've been meaning to blog about this few days after the event but like what I said on my status on my page, I found no joy in doing so because of this sad cake story. No worries, I have moved on. I realized that what matters most was we made our birthday girl very happy.

R and I originally wished for an out of the country celebration for Sophia's 7th birthday - a trip to Hongkong Disneyland, specifically. Unfortunately, it all depended on my savings since all of R's salary goes to bills, everyday expenses and our girl's school fees. I only had Bebeng's Kitchen then that its earnings weren't enough for the celebration I hoped for. Good thing she chose to have a party with our families and her friends. I think it's the more practical choice that time.

No Clever Title: An Opinion About Heneral Luna

I was supposed to fold the freshly-laundered clothes. This home-based, servantless working mama was supposed to finish cleaning up the kitchen. I was supposed to sleep because I still have work tomorrow (that's later). But here I am. I was resting my aching shoulders and back when I was on Twitter and saw this. It's a photo of Jim Paredes' news article. While I like that man's articulation and music artistry, I don't agree with everything he wrote there. Well, life's like that. Everyone can't agree on everything at the same time. But at least it ignited that fire that wanted to burn in my heart. Kalma lang, hindi ito kasing-lalim ng inaakala mo. Hindi mo ako kasing-talino. :p

Obviously, based on the title, this is about how the movie Heneral Luna affected me. 

The original Mr. Suave. // source

I love the movie! I can watch it over and over again. It's amazing how Director Jerrold Tarog can make history so funny. *Hello Captain Rusca! You want some ensaymada? Ibili kita sa Mylene's! Hihi.* And how puñeta can sound so - well - cool. It's art. The film is artistic -- cinematography, pacing, musical score, editing, the actors' blocking and all, the works -- the best! No matter how some said they already know their history kaya they don't need to watch it na and that it's hype lang daw. Come on, minsan lang tayo magkakaroon ng ganitong klase ng pelikula. If I should pay a thousand pesos just to watch it, ayos lang, promise. Kasi ang ganda! In fact, I was surprised when I knew that it was Php280 only (in the super sikip and hindi mabango na Robinson's MetroEast cinema house). 50% discount pa yung mga students. I assume that you know how the producers wanted to make the film (and the two other installments, hopefully) for whatever advocacy they have. But mehn, hanga ako sa passion (at yaman, hehe) nila to believe in this kind of movie at ipalabas sa klase ng mga manonood na meron tayo. Ano nga bang klase ng manonood meron ang 'Pinas? 

O sige, hanggang dun na lang muna ako. I'm not a movie critic. I enjoy Kalyeserye eh so I might not be intellectual enough for you. *winks* Let's just talk about why I am here, farting my thoughts away. 

After the movie, on the way home, my husband and I still can't believe that Heneral Luna was thaaaaat good. But honestly, I was not like most of the people on my feed na nagalit, bumigat ang loob at nawalan ng pag-asa sa Pilipinas. Siguro, dahil matagal ko ng alam yun? O tinanggap ko agad yun? I guess, I am a man that way. Yung madaling maka-move on, har har. When I married my military husband, our situation opened my myopic eyes to the chaotic country that I missed to see because what I knew was not the whole story. You see, I graduated college at Polytechnic University of the Philippines. Aware naman siguro kayo na highly opinionated ang mga estudyante dito? Nakakalungkot isipin, maraming magulang ang ayaw pag-aralin ang mga anak nila dito dahil sa katotohanan na yan. Hindi ko tuloy alam kung malulungkot ako para sa mga bata na hindi mabibigyan ng kalayaan na makapagsalita dahil sa magulang na meron sila o maaawa ako sa mga magulang na iyon kasi mamamatay silang may takot sa dibdib na harapin ang katotohanan. Medyo malalim na ba? Sorry, it's 1:30am here at the side of my world.

Let's go back.

I didn't feel bad, I was not in pain. I felt no burden after I watched the film. I just told R of my personal theory why I think war happens, why peace is elusive in this country. Oo, ang kapal ng mukha ko to blog about it. If you agreed, stop here. Hindi na kita binibigyan ng karapatan na basahin ito. Hindi lang din tayo magkakaintindihan. Thank you.

Art in Island

Here are some of the photos that I took last month at Art in Island in Cubao, Quezon City when Jolly Cow Milk invited us to a Mommy and Kids Day Out with fellow mommy bloggers and their kids. We were treated to a tour inside the biggest 3D museum in Asia then had lunch at Burgoo Restaurant before we got to snooze watch Inside Out at the Gateway Platinum Cinema.

Here are some points to remember, based on my observation, should you want to go there with your family:

• Although there really are no age requirement, I think that it's better to bring the bigger kids with you. This museum is best for those who can already act out in front of the camera for more than a few times until the photographer (that's you, mom) gets the perfect shot.  

• Obviously, bring a camera. Fully-charged. And a whole lot better if it's point and shoot, not just camera phone. I tried taking some on my smartphone and turned out that results are better in my Samsung ST66. So much better, I suppose, if it's a DSLR. 

• The museum's Facebook page advised the goers to bring socks and jacket, too. Yes, you don't want to end up having super dirty feet after the tour. As for the jacket, if you are a mom who has a kid to run after, jacket's unnecessary. Pinawisan ako kaka-instruct sa bagets na pumosing, haha! But yeah, bring one for your kid. 

• Before you start taking photos, notice the markings on the floor first so you will get the perfect angle. I only noticed it in the middle of our journey na! So sayang yung ibang shots. 

• There's a restaurant at the end of the tour. Food and drinks aren't allowed inside so you'll really get thirsty and hungry afterwards. 

• Most importantly, enjoy and have fun! Don't get frustrated if your kid doesn't want to pose. Pray hard na lang (hehe) that she will be in her best mood when you arrive at the place.  

To spend a day with my little artist doing an activity that we both love to do (art appreciation and posing for the camera, haha) is something I will always treasure as her mom and bff. Thank you so much, Jolly Cow and our friends behind it, for spoiling us with such activities and creamylicious treats. I hope you'll invite us again on your next event! ♥

P.S. For Art in Island's ticket prizes and schedule information, it's on their Facebook page.

***

From the press kit: Jolly Cow offers both creamy UHT Fresh Milk and Non-Fat Milk (also known as skim milk) and is sourced from Germany's biggest dairy farm. It is among the first brands developed by Fly Ace Corporation as the company began its venture into building its own brands in 1997. Jolly Cow variants include Jolly Cow Fresh Milk and Jolly Cow Non-Fat Milk which are available in 1L and 200ml, and Jolly Cow Condensada. To learn more about Jolly Cow, visit http://www.facebook.com/jollycowPH. 

The Sad Cake Story

More than a week after the incident, I'm finally ready to share this story with all of you. Maybe if I will share this here can finally move on from the sad experience. Just like how I said in that terrifying mommy moment, I will try my best not to make this sound like a rant.

July 20, 2015

I told the cake supplier about my plan of getting her service for my daughter's 7th birthday on September. I have helped several mompreneurs in launching their home-based businesses through this blog so I thought of doing the same thing with her. I offered her a blog post and a banner ad on my sidebar in exchange of 50% off on a 2-layer cake (the first layer is made of styro covered with fondant) and 60 pieces of cupcakes. I thought it was a good deal.

The main reason why I got her even if there are better cake suppliers out there was that she is the mom of my girl's bestfriend. 

Currently | 01

If you are keen to details, you may have noticed that the blog's look and color have changed. I'm also back to Twitter. Oh, you should follow me! I'm on #AlDub high most of the time. LOL. Clearly, there is an intention to do what I used to do — mainstream blogging and all that jazz. But this time, it's gonna be simpler: I'll bleed thoughts, edit it, and when it's published, I'll share it on Facebook. I might join comment exchange occasionally but I'll make sure it's not gonna eat me and my time like it used to. Sorry if my blog isn't inspiring or helpful or informative. No more series of giveaways, too. I just really wanna keep blogging because I love it. It matters to me. 

Do I matter to you to read this nonsense? I hope. 

OK. Enough of the melodramatics. I'm 31 and I write as if my first puberty hair just popped out yesterday. *rolls eyes* Anyway, let's get down to business.

Currently... 

READING. Tweets of AlDub hashtags. What a loser. Uhh, I just bought a book last month and I still haven't finished started it. Let's see if I can read a page or two, at least, before I sleep. I won't promise.  

LISTENING. Daniela Andrade's covers are ahhhmazing. La Vie En Rose is my favorite. 

THINKING. Espasol. Food again, yes. Secondary would be my girl's school field trip next week. I don't want to go but she has to so I will. Wth, motherhood.  

WATCHING. I got my first pay from my Community Manager job while the husband's home this past weekend. Coincidentally, a really great Filipino movie was shown (still showing, as of this writing) in cinemas. We watched Heneral Luna. I will write my thoughts on the impact of its message to me, soon. In the meantime, you can read my three-points-to-convince-you-to-watch-if-you-havent here. Puñeta! Ang ganda, ang galing. On a daily basis, it's Kalyeserye and Clark and Leah. Yes, mababaw ako. So whut?  

EATING. Fat, I'm getting fat. As much as I hate to see people allowing themselves to be swallowed by their fatness, that's what's happening to me. I don't have enough sleep (9-hour shift at work, house chores all by myself, I'm a mom,) so I resort to eating. I know, I know. It's a lame excuse. But can you blame me? Inihaw na bangus and ginisang munggo with tinapa are to die for.  

HAPPY ABOUT. I work full-time in my ratty, comfy pambahay and I can have my coffee any time I want to. Most of all, there's no need to travel for hours just to be stuck in traffic. Hence, the hero photo from Unsplash.  

WEARING. Maxi dresses are lurve. Something that's comfy to wear at home but decent enough to be worn when running errands. There's also been a silent agreement between me and my getting-older-self to choose black or white or anything basic. Again — I.am.getting.fat.  

LEARNING. My new job as a Community Manager of a multinational food and beverage brand. It made me think of going back to school, take my Masters and eventually teach Communication Trends and Breakthroughs. I got a badass 1.0 on that subject.  

WRITING: This blog post, obviously. I'm also drafting (for the nth time) my contribution for Make it Blissful. The reason why I can't finish it is still a mystery. *crickets, crickets*  

LOVING. My girl's surprising kisses when I'm busy at work. Or my girl calling me from the gate when she arrived from school. Or my girl's cuteness when I tuck her into bed. I love my girl.  

LOOKING FORWARD TO. Pray with me that I'd be able to get a helper soon so I can still do my kusinera duties at Bebeng's Kitchen. I'll be taking Christmas orders as early as next week but I need to present a holiday package to many of those who inquired about it. I need help from a help. 

So there, how about you? What have you been up to lately, currently? If you want to do this thing, too, I hope you'll link it back to me and comment your post so I can check it out. ♥

*Photo from Unsplash

ALDub It

So Ms. Daphne Paez wrote about the AlDub fever (read it first then come back here, will ya?) and I just have to agree with everything she said, including those from the commenters of the post. I mean, come on, so if you call yourself a person with substance or class just because you don't watch noontime shows or the segment where the ALDub couple is, what do you call Mrs. Paez then? 

This has nothing to do with your profession, nothing to do with how much you have in your bank account, nothing to do with the size of your brain. AlDub and the kalyeserye segment are purely for entertainment. Some said it's inspiring. What, with Lola Nidora and her sisters' words of wisdom, one can surely get a quotable quote that can be her "life goal". Yes, it can teach its viewers a thing or two about life, love and the young generation's way of courtship, but for me, it's my source of entertainment. It's the most fun and entertaining segment created in the history of noontime TV. 

I love laughing. 

I love watching shows that are meant to make people laugh. I love seeing people, who have natural talent in releasing punchlines perfectly, laugh at each other. The Kalyeserye segment of Eat Bulaga has all of it. They can keep me laughing, kilig and entertained for like 30 minutes or so. 30 minutes of not thinking of sleep deprivation, work, housework, business, and my daughter's school tuition among others. My favorite is Lola Tidora, how Alden looks at Maine (sorry, I'm such a romantic), their fansigns, and TVJ's reactions. And then I'd go back to whatever I was doing before that when the segment ends. Okay, I'll read tweets. I sometimes tweet, too. This phenomenon is crazy and I'm glad I can be a part of it by tweeting my brain farts. 

Alright, this millennial mom needs her 4 hours of sleep. I'll see the dabarkads later. Follow me on Twitter, if you want: @deniserayala. 

P.S.

One of my secret dreams when I was younger was to play any musical instrument (I can play basic guitar) in front of my crush. Maine Mendoza played drums and Alden saw it with his mesmerized eyes. #somuchfeels