Two Thousand Eleven (2011)

I started 2011 without any great expectations. I know its my silver year and I was somehow hoping that something good will happen in my life but never have I imagined that my 2011 will be this colorful. 2011 is one of the best years of my life and a milestone if I may say.

I have learned and experienced a lot of new things that I couldn't even believe would happen to me. My 2011 is categorized in four milestones.

1. Weight Loss. When our CEO reached out to help me, I unwaveringly said YES. It was a chance of lifetime for me -- to use a weight loss program of a famous French doctor and for a personal dietitian to follow me. I wasn't sure though back then if I will succeed this challenge. Go with the flow lang ako at first. But then, I religiously followed the program eventually kasi nahihiya naman ako na hindi ako mag-uumeffort samantalang CEO na nga yung lumapit sa 'kin. I poured out all my energy and discipline just to curb my appetite. Di ko lubos maisip kung paano ko nagawang hindi kumain ng kanin sa bawat tanghalian at hapunan ko. But I amazingly did it. Now, I have lost 60 pounds in about seven months. It feels so surreal that I have reached this point and I feel absolutely greaaaaaaaat!

Now, I actually believe that everything happens for a reason. I believe I didn't get the job offer in my dream company early this year for a purpose. I needed to stay at Anxa to live a healthy life. Moreover, I didn't only lose weight but I also gained the lost respect and confidence in myself and I thank Anxa with all my heart for that.

2. Love. Before 2011 sets in, my mind is already settled that I will never experience love, romantically speaking. I am already imagining an old maid's life and all I wanted was for my sister to get married so that my parents can play with their own grandchildren. But, indeed, love comes when you least expect it. And when it does, it will surely shake your world, especially for someone like me who haven't had any relationship in the past.

It is a one-sided love. Despite this, I am still thankful because the relationship I have with him taught and made me experience a lot of things (and emotions) in life. Samu't saring klase ng emosyon na ngayon ko lang talaga naramdaman. Teaching me how to be courageous, how to express my feelings, how to be sweet, how to care for someone, and how to show my love are just some of the several things I learned in falling in love. I didn't know I can do these. Di pa ako nag-a-all out sa kanya ng sobra dahil hindi naman kami, pero at least I know that I am capable of doing these things. How lame can I be? 25 na ako bago ko naexperience 'to? Haha! Iba rin pala talaga yung happy feeling na nadudulot kapag inlove ka. Iba rin naman yung lungkot na mararamdaman mo kapag nasaktan ka sa pag-ibig. Sabi nga nila, only the person you love can give you the happiest and saddest moments in your life. Amen.

3. Career Development. My immediate boss had her maternity leave and since I was the senior in the team. I became the Officer-in-charge of the StatsLab. It was a really overwhelming position. I have to do meetings with the CEO and somehow be the "leader" of the team. I was not a born leader. So making decisions for the team is a hard feat for me especially when others will be at stake. Anyway, I have no choice. The responsibility was left to me. For the first few weeks, my heart always skips a beat whenever I have the weekly meetings with the CEO. Eventually (with lots of prayer involved), I managed to face my fear (or at least lessen it). I was able to cope with the stress and workload in time. I learned to somehow take the lead and be responsible for the actions and decisions I am making.

4. Personality Development. I have acquired various traits during my weight loss, while being in love, and in my career development that helped me to become a more well-rounded person. Discipline and being confident are the two major traits I've gained. It may be simple but to me their impact is enormous. Nabawasan ang pagiging mahiyain ko at mas nakakapaglabas ako ng tunay kong nararamdaman. I've always been an introvert so now at least my hard outer shell is cracked already.

2011 had been really great for me. My utmost and sincerest thank you to all the people I've shared my 2011 with. You were all awesome! I still do hope to spend my 2012 with you :)

My journey in these milestones will be continued in 2012. I just hope 2012 will be even a greater year or at par with the passing year.

Happy New Year!

Before and After

Soooo good to see my blue shirt is no longer bulging with fats!!! Haha!

Sorry. There's a lot of me going on there. Hehe.

I have been slowing down with my diet for the past two weeks. My EQ had been decreasing when it comes to resisting food lately. I am so sorry, Laarni. :( Sheeesh. I just missed food sooooo much lately. But I promise to make it up this September.

Looks like I am going back to gym to try out Zumba this September. So, my hopes are up! I will work double time to reach at least 3/4 of my goal by November.

I happened to browse my old Profile Pictures in Facebook the other day, and seeing how big my face was, I  can't believe my face was THAT round and big! With double to triple chin! Haha! And looking where I am right now, I feel so happy that I reached this stage. And I am even more motivated to keep this going to see how will I be when I lose 36 pounds more.

Scream!

I just want to SCREAM!!!

*sigh*

Life has a lot of twists, indeed.
And now, I am having a hard time how to straighten those twists.
Either I let go now or prolong the happiness that will turn into agony, eventually.
Which is the lesser evil? I have no idea.

I am not an emo person, pero na-eemo na ako dito. Kaloka. Sheeesh.

Dropping My Size by Two Notches

There are two things that happens during the month of July. It rains with water and it rains with SALE!!! Mid-year sales! Even if I don't want to spend much money due to my impending trip to Cebu, I dragged myself to Makati and readied myself to scout for a good haul of bargains. To add, I somehow need new sets of clothes because some of my tops and bottoms don't fit well already.

I went to Forever 21, my favorite store, to look for a shorts for my Cebu trip. I got a nice pair but they aren't on sale, but since I love it much, I still got it. And to my surprise, I am already a size 14 from size 18! Ahhhh it feels soooo good. I also tried a size 12 in Marks and Spencers and I only need *this much* to zip it! Haha! Aja, Aja!!! And to bring more happiness, I got the boyfriends blazer I've been wanting to buy since its release at Bayo! I thought no size will fit me because I saw the Medium size before and looks like its too small so I didn't attempt to ask for Large anymore. Luckily, a Large size was on the rack, so I tried it, and to my utter disbelief, it fits!!! Ahhh I literally felt like I was in heaven. Haha!

To finish my shopping, I also bought a pretty pair of floral sandals.. :) Ahh I still want to buy more but I have to limit myself. Next time.. :)

I'll work my way till I get size 12, then size 10, then size 8. Haha! :))

My Quarter Life List

I never thought turning 25 is a big deal until I heard Lore's story of her husband, Nell, jotting down a list of things he wants to do on his 25th birthday. So, since last year I was kind of thinking of what I also want to do on my 25th year of existence, it is, after all my quarter life.

I initially thought of traveling abroad on my own. I specifically wanted to visit Hongkong, the third time around, to celebrate my birthday, just to have a super ME time on MY day. A bit weird, but I really want to experience that. Just you, on a place where no one knows you. But, anyway, since I'll be going to South Korea (hopefully I will be granted a visa) with Renee on November, I cannot go to Hongkong due to financial constraints. I, therefore, dubbed my Seoul trip as my 25th super birthday blowout to myself. South Korea, after all, is a dream for me and how perfect it will be to go there on my quarter life year!

A few weeks before my birthday, hindi talaga ako mapalagay. I really want to spend my birthday somewhere else. Gladly, Renee is available and there is a seat sale in Air Philippines. So, I booked the tickets bound for Cebu. Come July 6-8, I will be spending my first ever birthday away from family and home. I am thrilled with excitement for this something-new. And for the first time, I booked a five-star hotel, Radisson Blu, for this trip. Good thing, Renee is game on this one despite the pricey-ness. :) Come on, it's my quarter life! A little splurge should be justifiable. :)

Anyway, my officemate just turned 25 as well and I read her blog on what things to know on being 25.

1. Job. Now is the time to figure out what kind of work you love to do. What are you good at? What makes you feel alive? What do you dream about?

MY TAKE: I've been wanting to get another job but I am never successful with that plan of mine. I have a lot of dreams that I know I will love -- setup my own restaurant, own a boutique, or work for an events management job. But the thing is I am not doing much to attain these. I am afraid to move out from status quo. What if I don't become successful on this new path?

2. Relationships. Now is also the time to get serious about relationships. And “serious” might mean walking away from the ones that don’t give you everything you need. Some of the most life-shaping decisions you make in this season will be about walking away from good-enough, in search of can’t-live-without.

MY TAKE: I am a certified NBSB (No Boyfriend Since Birth). I really think I'll be an old maid and I will accept that if that will be my case. But of course, I also wish to have my own family. I wish my parents could play with their grandchildren. At this age, I think I am not yet ready anyway to have any romantic relationships because I can't really express how I truly feel. I am poor at my social and communication skills. That's my waterloo. I don't know how to be sweet and all that stuff (even to my immediate family). I guess it all boils down to that fact that I am afraid of rejection so I tend to just hide whatever I am feeling.

3. Counseling. Unravel the knots that keep you from living a healthy whole life, and do it now, before any more time passes.

MY TAKE: I know the knots that keep me from living a healthy whole life but I don't know how to un-knot it. I really need a personality development course! I am really tempted but it really costs a lot!

4. Church. Be patient and prayerful, and decide that you’re going to be a person who grows, who seeks your own faith, who lives with intention.

MY TAKE: This is something that I know I've never gone wrong in my entire life. I know I belong to be a member of the Iglesia ni Cristo. God showed me the way to live the life as it should be lived.

5. Don't get Stuck. Move, travel, take a class, take a risk. Walk away, try something new. There is a season for wildness and a season for settledness, and this is neither. This season is about becoming.

MY TAKE: I know everything has a risk. Sadly, I am a risk-averse person but I am trying to be be adventurous, trying out new things as I journey life. Testing whatever I can just to find out what I can become. I need to settle on how to achieve my long term goals so I have a path to take.

Now.. I think I am way to far to be 25 next week! I still need a lot of sorting out to do. Gee.

July: My Birthday Month

Q: What could be the worst thing that can happen on your birthday month?

A: To be on a strict diet during your birthday month.

Gah. It has been really my problem recently on how I can celebrate my birthday while on a diet. Moreover, its my 25th birthday and I've already decided ages ago that I will not let it pass without celebrating it. I am celebrating it per group so that means more Cheat Days. O_o

On the day of my birthday, I planned a trip in Cebu. Just to experience celebrating my birthday in a place I am not familiar with and having only one friend with me at that time -- a semi-adventure if I may call it. Something different for my quarter life. And since this is somehow a vacation, food tripping is a must. What is Cebu without tasting its famous roasted suckling pig? or eating at Larsians? or trying their SuTuKil?

After Cebu, I will treat my family in an eat-all-you can lunch at Cafe d' Asie, Bellevue (I got a good deal at Ensogo last March). Then, a couple more celebrations with my friends. A big G-O-O-D-L-U-C-K to me!

Buti na lang, Laarni is preparing me for this battle. We're back in Phase 1 this week. I am also trying to exercise everyday, doing Hip Hop Abs as well. We'll be doing yoga at Barre3 as well for two days (excited on this one!).

I will still do my very very very best to not abuse eating during these times because I know I will be at the losing end here. And surely, babawi ako after all those eating are done. :)

Diet Update: After 11 weeks, I have lost 30 lbs already.. :)

Some Thoughts To Live By

Random quotes I stumbled on tumblr which touched me in one way or another.

credit to:

http://lovequotes.tumblr.com

http://free-your-mind.tumblr.com

http://sweetstuffcalledlove.tumblr.com

Sad, no?

Indeed. No matter what, you'll find them in your heart.

Fear of being hurt.. and REJECTED.

I hope I can do this. D.O.N.E.

Hahaha just found this one funnny!

I need to let go, PRONTO! Its making me insane already.

Two Months and Counting

It's been eight weeks already and I am still in this La Chrono Geno Nutrition diet by Dr. Claude Chauchard. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G I haven't given up yet. Haha! Most people have been asking me, "How am I feeling?". Hmmmm.. I would say I feel sad yet happy. Sad because I haven't been eating much the foods I like at any amount and time I want. Happy, or better yet, exhilarated because I am uber satisfied with the results. :) The weight lost is one thing but most importantly it taught me a lifestyle of wellness. Something I wouldn't get in quick diet fixes.

There's a way in La Chrono Geno Nutrition to make my weight lost faster, apply Phase 1 and Phase 2 alternately for two weeks each. And I am currently doing it because I want to lose more come my birthday on July. :)

To give an update, I already lost a total of 24 lbs, 4 inches less in my waist, 3.5 inches off my hips, and minus 3 inches in my thigh. Happy! :) All for two months. I've been receiving good feedbacks as well and that makes me work even harder and dedicate myself more to the path of wellness.

When my Ate and I rode the tricycle, she told me, "Aba, pumapayat ka na ata ah. Di na tayo ganon kasikip." Hahaha!

Best of all so far, I got free shirt (not tee type shirt, just the traditional tshirt) when we went to 2ne1 concert. And I have no choice as to what size they will give me. Apparently, they gave me a MEDIUM! Surprisingly, it fits! It was a bit fitted talaga pero pwede na rin. I guess the sizing of the shirt is relatively bigger than the usual, but still, its a Medium! Haha!

And I better get my cash and plastic cards ready cause I can feel my pants getting loose! Yay, yay, yay! This will be one of the most exciting part of losing weight, I get a change of wardrobe! Haha..

The Party: 2ne1 in Manila Concert

Eh eh eh eh eh eh eh 2ne1!

We arrived in Araneta Coliseum at around 12noon. We thought there will be long queues already but there was none. In Super Show 3, lines were isaw-like already before 12noon. So, we were quite surprised to see no lines at all. Like in SS3, there were kpop merchants as well gathered outside Araneta but the number of sellers are fewer compared to SS3. There's a 2ne1 fan club which gives 2ne1 shirt for free and a blackjack biscuits! How generous of them. We just presented our tickets and they gave the shirts right away. Good quality ones. :)

The Stage before The Party starts.

This is not a full scale concert of 2ne1 so there were loooots of front acts! Five artists to be exact. I thought it will be just boring for me as I bought the ticket to watch 2ne1 and nobody else. I especially enjoyed Callalily and Christian Bautista's performances whilst Giselle Sanchez' hosting was really good and she can bring the crowd to laughters!

The Sea of Lights of the Blackjacks as requested by Callalily's vocalist. I really enjoy seeing this sea whenever I am at concerts. The Sea of Sapphire Blue was the best though.

The concert was really like a party where lots of laser beams (similar to what they have in clubs) are played all over their performances. They really brought down the crowd with their performances! I wasn't able to see them up close but being there was just so awesome and exhilarating. :)

They performed eight songs. I thought they will be singing six songs only, so glad it was eight! :)

1. Fire
2. Go Away
3. Please Don't Go
4. Lonely
5. In or Out by Dara
6. Can't Nobody
7. Clap Your Hands
8. I Don't Care

By the way, here's their Press Conference videos in Manila. Credits to welovesandara.

2ne1 Press Conference in Manila Part 1
2ne1 Press Conference in Manila Part 2

2ne1 in Manila

Another kPop event in the Philippines brought to us by Pulp Live Productions, the same lot who brought Super Junior. Nomu nomu nomu Kamsahamnida! ^^~

This is my fourth kPop concert I will be attending. I only attend to the concerts where I like the artists. I am not a super fan of 2ne1 but I do like them and their songs. We just bought the Upperbox B tickets just to experience The Party. Even if I don't get to see them up close, being there in The Party is already enough for me to enjoy their show. 

Dancing Away with kPop

All of my friends know that I am infected by the Korean Wave or the Hallyu Wave. I don't deny that fact whatever other people say. Even if its jologs as others think of it. I don't care at all. And I don't even understand why others think of kpop fans as baduy, jologs, yucky, eeww, the list never ends. Other people are avid fans of Western bands/artists, and they don't say it's jologs. So what's the difference with the Korean (and Asian) artists? It just so happens that we have different tastes and preferences.Walang pakialamanan dba. And FYI, before being a star in Korea, they undergo YEARSSSSS of training. So, they are really capable of what they do. They became an artist not only because of their looks but because of their talent and hardwork.

Anyway, I am not here to put a debate on that topic. I just want to share my exercise habits while on this diet. So how is it related to Kpop? Well, I am not a fan of doing rigorous exercises. I am too lazy for that. I do like dancing, though. And I just soooo love how the Korean bands choreograph their dances. Their dance steps are so different from what I see in the West and in the Philippines.

So, isn't it a good idea to make use of what I really like, kPop, in exercising? That way, I will be more willing and engaged in exercising and best of all, I am having fun! I cannot do their dance steps well but it's enough for me that I can groove to their rhythm and I am sweating (and that's what's important, right?)!

If I am not jogging with my officemates after work, I usually pop in our player a DVD of my favorite Korean band, Super Junior, and dance and sweat as long as I can. ;)

It would be better if you do things wholeheartedly than halfheartedly. So, I suggest find a way how you can incorporate your likes in exercising. In that way, you won't feel forced or pushed doing it. Just my two cents.

Here is a video of Super Junior, dancing, Bonamana. I tell you, it's great. Haha! Check out 3:45-4:00, that's my favorite! :)

Cheat Weekend with the Gentle Giants

May 14-15, 2011
Donsol, Sorsogon

(almost an hour and a half car ride from Legazpi)

Our company brought us to Donsol, Sorsogon over the weekend to swim with the gentle giants, or famously known as whale sharks or "butanding". Spotting a butanding after typhoon was really hard so we are very thankful that we chanced upon them. Seeing and swimming with them feels soooo surreal! It was an indescribable beauty when I was swimming on top of those big-gray-with-white-spots creatures of the sea. ♥

As I am in this trip, I had a ceasefire with my diet. Travelling is not as happy without enjoying the local delicacies. It's my unwritten rule that whenever I travel, I do food tripping. So, I really did not care about not following my meal plan for the weekend. Although I (with the help of the watchful eyes of our dietitian, Laarni) kept eating in little moderation just to be sure that I am not getting out of track. It's not really bad to have your Cheat Days once in a while. It will help you to satiate those cravings and will rid of the feeling of deprivation.

I ate rice in every meal I had, from breakfast to dinner, though I kept it at 1 cup of rice only per meal. I ate all the ulam except the fats. And to put cherry on top, I had exotic flavors of ice cream (which I am not allowed to eat in my diet)!

Ice cream just after breakfast at 1st Colonial Grill Express, Legazpi.
Sili: the spunk of chili is just right. the spiciness does not linger in your mouth. two-thumbs up!
Malunggay: it's like chewing raw malunggay leaves! not that good.
Tinutong (Roasted Rice): super love it!

Breakfast at 1st Colonial Grill Express, Legazpi.
Garlic Rice, Egg, Daing (Abo), with Tomato and Atsara.

Lunch at Amor Restaurant, Donsol.
Rice, Inihaw na liempo, Grilled Talakitok, Pagui (Stingray) sa Gata, Shrimps, and Watermelon.

Breakfast at Vitton Beach Resort, Donsol.
Rice, Daing (Abo), Scrambled Eggs, Tocino, Corned Beef with Potato, Salad, and HOTDOGS!!!

I don't regret eating the foods I ate over the weekend. My tummy was exceptionally happy those times, and I am positive that I can lose the two pounds I gained. Don't deprive yourself, have fun once in a while. ;) Have your Cheat Day once in a while! :) Just don't abuse it.

Super thank you to Anxa for this wonderful experience! :) Nomu Nomu Nomu Kamsahamnida! ^^

P.S. I was looking foward to uber hot dishes of Bicol, however, the "hotness" I was anticipating is still not that hot for me. I guess they didn't gave it all out since we have foreigners in our lot.

P.P.S. I will never fly via Zest Air. They're the worst carrier. Our flight back to MNL was delayed for five hours! Why? The plane is still in Bacolod! The route? Bacolod-Manila-Legazpi! Oh c'mon! Their Airbus is even old enough that needs a lot of repair! No armrest on my seat. There are flies inside the plane! And.. I had the most shaky touchdown of my life! Good thing I didn't pay a cent for this flight. Oh I forgot to mention that they did compensate the five-hour delay through a merienda of so-so pancit canton and lukewarm softdrinks which I wasn't able to avail since they already gave the rest to the airport terminal staff since we're too late to claim them. They just changed the name but still Zest Air is Asian Spirit.

Dieting isn't just about Losing Weight

I am over with Phase 1 of Chauchard's Diet. And dear I was extremely happy with the results after two weeks (Phase 1 is for two weeks only). I lost a total of 11 lbs (5 kg)! I am more determined to continue this diet seeing and feeling the results!

I am now at Phase 2 and currently on my fourth week. I am breaking a new record for myself having been able to reach fourth week in dieting which is definitely a big surprise to me.

Aside from shedding off some weight, I have learned a lot in this diet.

1. Discipline. I mentioned in my previous blog that this is what I am lacking during the numerous attempts I had in dieting before. And this time, I finally got it. I don't know how but I was able to restraint myself from pigging out. I still have the urges to eat from time to time of course (that will take some time to fully rid in my system) but I am focusing hard not to touch any food. Mind over matter. Thankfully, I am succesful with it most of the time although I cannot avoid having free luncheons or eating out with friends so I admit I have my Cheat Days. Inspite of this, I still limit what I eat and don't totally abuse my cheat day.

I even wake up earlier just to eat my breakfast! I really don't eat breakfast so this is something new to me that I learned since breakfast is such an important meal.

2. Increase in EQ (in relation to Discipline). Food is something I don't say NO to. How can I resist those sumptuously smelling dishes and lusciously smelling desserts? But in this diet, I've learned saying NO even to the most delicious ube of Good Shepherd. I felt really tortured when my parents went home from Baguio bringing a bottle of Good Shepherd Ube and lots of strawberries and I can't eat it right then and then! And that same night, my sister brought home a chocolate cake. Aaarrgh! I was just on my second week of the diet then. But thanks to discipline and motivation, I said NO to them.

3. Cooking. Growing up with my Mom who does all the cooking along with a helper, I never really had much chance to cook real food myself. Well, I do cook hotdogs, instant noodles, canned goods, etc. with our microwave, if that counts. Before I started with this diet, I was already trying to cook little by little. But while on this diet, I am obliged to cook more often and prepare my own food to be sure that the diet specifications are being followed. I am now enjoying cooking simple dishes and experimenting on the taste of the spices! :)

It's only my mom (and sometimes my dad) who goes on grocery. Now that I have my own meal plan, I try to buy my own meats and other required food and it's sooo much fun doing the grocery! I am now learning how much a ground pork costs per kilo, the price of this and that, and which supermarket sells cheaper.

4. Saving. I just thought it would be better if I have rewards for myself whenever I was able to follow my meal plan to boost my motivation. So, I thought of a great idea to save! Whenever I am a "good girl" I bank PhP 20 per day on my malnourished piggy bank. By November, my piggy bank will be hefty fat just in time for my Land of the Morning Calm getaway. Haha! More budget for shoooopppinggg!

Its been reaaaaallllyyyy long since I finally able to seriously put my mind on dieting. Apart from losing weight, I am really happy with the lessons I am learning in the process. I can say that I have really come a long way already on my eating habits. Hear it from someone who have been 220 lbs before, can eat more than a platter of rice in a meal, eats two Breadtalk breads right after lunch and eats around five to eight times a day (or even more if I sleep later). If I can do this diet, the more any of you can do it if you just put your mind on it. It's never too late. :)

Hello Stranger (Thai Movie)

Title: Hello Stranger
Starring: Chantawich Tanasewi, Nuengtida Sopon
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Year: 2010


This is another Thai Movie that I had the interest watching. First and foremost, the whole movie was shot in Seoul. Yay! Yay! Yay! As I am a Korean at heart and planning my Seoul getaway this November, I have to watch this! The famous tourists spots were seen in the movie such as N Seoul Tower, Nami Island (famous for Winter Sonata), Lotte World, etc. You can also have an idea what tourists should do to enjoy Seoul in this movie like eating late at night on tents and skiing.


IMO, the male lead character is not that eye candy but he was just hilarious so I found myself laughing most of the time because of his carefree (and sometimes weird) attitude. Dang (male lead, Chantawich Tanasewi) and May (female lead, Nuengtida Sopon) who are totally strangers to each other went to Seoul for a vacation. Dang found himself awake on a different hotel and May (feeling obliged to) helped him to find his hotel and be his travel companion and that's how the story between them unfolded.


The ending of the movie is a bit bitin. The essence is there but I hope there's something more. I think Thais have a knack in that kind of endings like what they did on First Love movie.


P.S. Thai names are soooooo hard to remember!


You can DL it via avistaz.com or you can watch it online via Facebook.


Hello Stranger Part 1
Hello Stranger Part 2
Hello Stranger Part 3
Hello Stranger Part 4
Hello Stranger Part 5
Hello Stranger Part 6
Hello Stranger Part 7

Losing Weight the Dr. Chauchard's Way

Losing weight is an unfathomable feat for me. I can't even remember how many times I attempted but to no avail. Eating is something innate in me, I suppose? Whenever I see food on our table (or even it's just on the ref) I eat it whenever I feel like eating, even during the weee hours of the night. I love munching. I am a BIG and FREQUENT eater (as opposed to the small but frequent eater). And that's not a good combination, right? There were times that I was able to shed a few pounds by dieting, going to the gym or just because my mind is too preoccupied doing something else that I can't think of eating, or for whatever reason I have. But after a week or two, I'll go back to my usual eating habits. Just two weeks. I always have plausible excuses to my failed attempts. Period.

I am working in a company that sells weight loss programs in France. What are the odds, right? For three and a half years, I have full access to it but I haven't tried it myself. Not that I don't believe in our products but I am just too lazy to translate everything from French to English, or I am just making another excuse because I do not have the discipline at all. And the recipes are not "Filipinized" = harder.

One of our French coaches will be launched in the international market = ENGLISH! Whats even greater, our CEO, Fabrice Boutain, offered to help me. He arranged a meeting for me with our French coach, Dr. Claude Chauchard. Whoah! Just my luck! Before the meeting, I thought it will just be a casual meeting, explaining this and that. But I am wrong. Well he really explained how his program works. But along with that, Laarni, our in-house dietitian was assigned to closely monitor me, prepare my meal plans, and report everything to Dr. Chauchard and Fabrice. Ha! I quote Dr. Chauchard, "You have the system (the program), the assistance (Laarni).. What we need from you is, Motivation."

Motivation is actually one of the key components in losing weight. Without this, you'll never be successful in your goal. In my case, I always have the motivation but I never had the discipline to make it work. But now I have Laarni on my side to watch what I eat. Pressure is coming into me, since this was offered to me at no costs at all (Yes, you heard it right. Well except for the meals I will be eating, all the consultations, the program, and the assistance are all free of charge! What a great offer, right?! And Chauchard is a big time doctor in France!). But then I realized that this must be the time and opportunity I am waiting for. So, why not grab it? I have nothing to lose in this case, anyway. Maybe the pressure is all I need to get back in shape and eventually discipline myself in the process. So, I want to make it work. I want to make IT happen.

Timing and sequence are essential in the La Chrono Geno Nutrition (Chauchard's) diet. See what I mean here:

Timing:

• I can only eat four times a day -- breakfast, lunch, 4pm snack and dinner. 

Sequence:

• I have to eat ALL the rice (or any starch) first. Without any ulam. Although I can put soup or any sauce  for it to at least have a taste. Then, you eat ALL the meat followed by ALL the vegetables. Only then, you can drink water. 
• Fruits and desserts should only be eaten between 4-5pm.

I never eat rice alone unless its fried rice and the like. That's enough for a big change to me. Moreover, the in between meals munchings I do are scrapped. But hey, no pain, no gain!

I started with the diet two weeks ago. It was not an easy thing for me to do but I want to prove myself that I can do it so I took this diet seriously. The meal plan is actually filling in the stomach, its a normal meal where I can still eat rice and meat. Hooray for that! I admit that I have the cravings to eat in between the required meal times. But I am so proud of myself that I was able to say no.to them about 90-95% of the time. Not bad for my first week. I am really happy with the results after Week 1, SEVEN shining POUNDS OFF my body! I even exceeded my quota of 4.4 lbs (2kg)! 

I am really thankful to our CEO for extending this opportunity to me, to Laarni who's been really helpful everyday, and to Dr. Chauchard's ingenious program. I want to make the big change happen. In this way, I can fully express my sincerity in thanking them. 

Cheers to a healthier life! 

A peek in my diet journal. Just a list of what I eat for the day to monitor.

Forever 21 opens at SM Makati

Yay! Finally, Forever 21 is closer to the South!

Forever 21 officially opened at SM Makati last April 8, 2011.  First 250 visitors gets PhP 500 voucher! Sayang, I'm at work and I cannot go! Anyway, I went there a day after its opening. It has its own entrance at the ground floor level of SM and is connected to SM Department Store. Megamall's branch is a bit bigger but SM is big enough, what matter is its nearer to me now!

I bought a cute pair of sneakers for only PhP 625! :) I would've bought more if I hadn't restrained myself!

Flower Printed Sneakers, Forever 21, PhP 625

Girls' Day Out: Mom & Tina's + Blue Water Day Spa + Yakimix

Today's gimmick was planned but not on schedule. I was really happy, Renee messaged me and asked if I'm available today, and YES I am! 


First stop: Mom & Tina's Bakery and Café
Since the spa salon is still closed, we ate first at this quaint café. I've heard good feedbacks on Mom & Tina's dessert offerings so I didn't hesitate to eat here even before our massage. :) I ordered White Toblerone Chocolate Torte. But then I realized that I am not a Toblerone fan so I shouldn't have ordered this. But it tastes really good and the sweetness is just right and Toblerone bits were aplenty. However, my satisfaction is not to the highest level as I am not a Toblerone fan. Next time, I will try their other dessert. They all look mouthwatering in the ref! Renee had a two-thumbs up Lasagna and it had a cute presentation served in a ramekin with two pieces of cupcake shaped bread. Too bad I wasn't able to take a picture of it.

White Toblerone Chocolate Torte at Mom & Tina's, PhP 105

Mom & Tina's Bakery Cafe

G/F Unit 104

Tropical Palms Condominum

Dela Rosa St., Legaspi Village,

Makati City

Tel No: 840-4299 or 894-3598

Second Stop: Blue Water Day Spa

As I was searching for a spa salon a little cheaper than The Spa, I stumble upon Blue Water Day Spa. Sam Milby and Karylle are their endorsers so I guess this is worthy of a try, plus, their services are reasonably priced. 

Renee and I availed the Treat for Two package, 2 Jasmine Body Scrub + 2 Volcanic Stone Massage. for PhP 3,200. We saved PhP 400 each in this package! It was my first time to have a body scrub now I know that there's nothing much special on this. The body scrub was just rubbed in my body, waited for several minutes for it to deeply penetrate on my skin and done! Nevertheless, my skin was left smooth and silky afterwards.

It was also my first to have a Volcanic Stone Massage. I kinda liked the idea of the stones massaging me. It was relaxing. Although, the massage doesn't offer much stretching. I prefer Thai Massage. 

The staff were courteous and accommodating so that's a plus that I will come back here but I will try a different kind of massage. :)

Here's a copy of their price list:

Blue Waters Day Spa

Ground Floor Tropical Palms Condominum

Dela Rosa St., Legaspi Village,

Makati City

Tel No. : 817-31-26 and 817-54-55
Cel. No. : 0917-8810092

Third Stop: Greenbelt

Window Shopping! Haha.. To kill time while waiting for our Dinner at Yakimix, we window shopped in Greenbelt 3 and 5. Super Like!

Fourth Stop: Yakimix, Greenbelt 3

Apparently, Renee is dying to try Yakimix after a number of failed attempts with her friends. They're always waitlisted daw.  So, we went there as early as 4pm to reserve seats. True enough, there were already reservations and we were at 12th-15th in the list! Dinner starts at 5:30pm so the guard told us to be there at exact time or else we might miss our slot. Okay. We were there even before 5:30pm and the entrance is already packed with people! The attendant started yelling the names of those who had reservations. Too bad for those not there when their names were called, they missed their slots and will be under the waiting list when they come back.

It's my second time in Yakimix. This time, I enjoyed the smokeless grilling more, both the meats and the cooking (last time I wasn't able to enjoy the grilled meats since I ate lots of other ulams already). It was again a FULLfilling Yakimix experience. And.... Renee was the happiest after! She had several rows of sashimi and three servings of ice cream! Haha!

Yakimix

3/F, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center

Makati City

Tel No: 475-5153 to 54

Since Forever 21 just opened their Makati branch yesterday, I have to go there! I'll have a separate blog post on that. :)

Fun, Fun, Fun Day! But our pockets have a big hole already! 

Super Junior's Super Show 3 Manila 2011

Super Junior
Super Show 3 Manila
Araneta Coliseum
February 26, 2011

Two weeks before the Super Show 3, Ate was soooo preoccupied with her Fan Projects volunteer works. She even brought home stuff to do (cut and paint the word WE, MISS, and Violin) for Han Geng and Henry projects. Along with Ate, my mom, our housemaid and I are also helping to finish it all.

February 25, I was hoping to we will go to the airport to see the boys' arrival but we didn't push through. Ate needs to go to Super Junior Fiesta early and I don't want to go to the airport alone. So, I just went all the way to Quiapo (Sony cameras there are way cheaper than malls, 30-40% off) with Dai to buy a digicam -- just a day before the concert. I was fickle minded before if I am going to buy or not. Our Casio Exilim is no good with zoom, that I learned from Jang Geun Suk's Fan Meet in Singapore last 2010. But with NOT much thinking and just out of the thought that I need to document this concert, I finally abruptly decided to buy Sony Cybershot HX5V with 10x zoom! This ought to take good shots in the concert! [It actually did take good shots and videos! I bought 8gb memory card to be ready and make sure I have enough space. I did have enough memory. But I didn't have enough battery! Arrrrrrggghhhh! Should have really bought a spare!]

February 26, Concert Day!!!
Upper Box A Sides, 305 Row B, Seat 12
The feeling is surreal. I can't believe SS3 is finally happening in front of me! A little past 7pm, the show started with Sorry, Sorry (I think) and ended with Wonder Boy at past 10pm, that's a 3-hour show dearies. All I can say is that the show is SUPER and every centavo I paid for the ticket was worth it!

Super Show 3 Photos

Ahhhh Hee Chul's face is stamped in my mind! He's just so adorable, ang lakas ng dating at ang gwapo (at ang pretty pa)! Simpleng mga actions pero ang appeal talaga! My gulay! Nakakamatay ang kindat! Haha! Dong Hae is also uber lakas sa dating! Ever since SS2, I liked his hair tied up, and now even if his hair is not up, OMG!!! Yesung is sooooo cute! <3 So bad that he rarely goes in our side, but at least I got a good sight of him for some time but I never had a chance to take a good picture of him! I really cannot choose among Yesung, Dong Hae and Hee Chul. So all three of them are my biases. :) Sometimes, I also want to include Lee Teuk in my list. Haha! You really won't scrap anyone in them. Ate is correct, ALL of them have a distinct personality you would love!

Here are some of my fan cams :)

[2010.11.23] Day 3 in Hong Kong -- Sidetrip in Macau

It's Macau day for us in our itinerary. It's only an hour ferry ride away from Hong Kong so might as well visit the Las Vegas of Asia. I've been here already the last time I went in HK but I had limited time to explore Macau back then. By the way, don't forget to bring your travel documents because this is a separate country from Hong Kong.

There are two ferry terminals in Hong Kong going to Macau. If you're in Kowloon, you can board at China Ferry Terminal where NWFF uses this port. If you happen to live in HK Island, you can board at the ferry terminal in Shun Tak Center in Sheung Wan where Turbojet and Cotai Ferry uses this as their dock.

NWFF Fare Ticket Prices
HK to Macau - HKD 133
Macau to HK - HKD 175 (Night time sailing)

Turbojet Fare Ticket Prices

HK to Macau - HKD 134

Macau to HK - HKD 176 (Night time sailing)

*Sheung Wan MTR Exit D (3rd Flr Shun Tak centre)

NWFF schedule from Macau to HK is only up to 10:30pm. Since we want to make the most out of this trip, we opted to ride Turbojet (even if our hostel is located in Kowloon) which had 24 hours service.

As you arrive at Macau Terminal and if you happen to be a Filipino, there will surely be Filipinos there who would offer their services to tour you around Macau for HKD 50 per head. If you are in a tight schedule and it is your first time in Macau, their offer is actually okay and helpful. During my first time in Macau, my friends and I actually availed their services. Since this is my second time in Macau and I prepared for several months for this trip, we opted not to avail of this. Moreover, hotels there offer free shuttle services from the Terminal going to their hotels so you wouldn't need to pay much on the fares if you know where you're going.

We arrived in Macau before 9am. We rode the Grand Sintra Hotel shuttle bus (located just outside the ferry terminal, turn left from the arrivals gate and you'll see the free shuttles lined up there) and walked for around 5 minutes going to Senado. It is still quite early so Senado Square is almost empty. Shops mostly open at 10am. Fortunately, McDonald's is open! I ordered a set breakfast. And McDonalds in Macau, at least for the burger and hashbrown, is way better than the Philippines. The patties are made of real beef and not of extenders while the hashbrown is tastier.

My McDonald's breakfast. Mmmmm.

Walking around Senado Square is really nostalgic. I dreamed to stroll here ever since I saw Boys over Flowers Macau scenes. And finally I was there. On our way to the Ruins of St. Paul, there are Macau delicacies store side by side in Senado. The most famous is Pasteleria Koi Kei where they sell tons of various peanut candies, the most delicious Egg Tarts (it is a must try!), and the Jerkies!

Ruins of St. Paul, Macau

From the foot of the Ruins, we further went up until we reached the Macau Museum. Mind you, going up there isn't a stroll so brace yourself for some steep stairs along the way. Since it's already on top of a mountain (?), the view from Macau Museum is really nice. You can see 360 degrees view of Macau from there. I bet its prettier at night with all the lights from the hotels and casinos. We did not go in Macau Museum, by the way.

From Senado, we walked back to Grand Sintra Hotel to take the shuttle bus going to City of Dreams to watch The Bubble Show. Not much have changed since I went there last year. To watch the Bubble Show, you can just present the coupon you received from the Shuttle Bus, and claim your tickets at the counter. It's free of charge as long as you have the coupon. The show is about 15-20 minutes long.

From COD, we went to The Venetian. We still haven't ate our lunch yet and the oldies are getting cranky already. I am having a hard time looking for the food court with the sky dome so the oldies are even hungrier = hot headed. Finally, we just had our late lunch here and was not able to fully explore the place.

We arrived at Wynn Hotel just in time for the Tree of Prosperity Show. I was really in awe watching how the gold leaves turn into the different colors of the four seasons (winter, spring, summer and fall). After that, we proceeded to watch the Performance Lake Fountain Show. I super loved it and I am just like a kid enjoying the lights and water blending together.

Tree of Prosperity Show, Wynn Hotel
East Entrance
Show Times: 10:30am to 1:30am at 60mins interval

Performance Lake, Wynn Hotel
Outside the Hotel Main Entrance
6pm - 11:59pm with 15 minutes interval
*I suggest you watch this at night to experience the beautiful lights!

Tree of Prosperity: Autumn

Tree of Prosperity: Spring

Apparently, my lot already want to go home so we weren't able to go to Grand Praca at MGM Grand. :(
Our tickets bound to HK is still at 10:00pm thinking that we are going to explore Macau more. So we were chance passengers and thankfully, we were able to get seats at around 8:00pm.

First Love a.k.a Crazy Little Thing Called Love (Thai Movie)

Title: First Love (Crazy Little Thing Called Love)
Starring: Mario Muarer & Pimchanok Luewisedpaiboon
Genre: Romantic Comedy

I never thought I'd be liking a Thai Movie with much enthusiasm like I did for Korean and Japanese movies.

The story is simple -- high school crush turned love -- but great and most especially it will make your heart flutter. *kilig* Plus, the male lead, Mario Maurer is a certified cutie. :)

Point to Ponder: If two persons are meant to be, everything will fall into its right places. It may not be today, but whatever it takes, you will be together tomorrow until forever.

Here's a sneak peak of the movie! :) But I suppose just watch the movie first to avoid spoilers.

This is a must watch! You can DL it via avistaz.com or you can watch it online via Facebook.

First Love Part 1
First Love Part 2
First Love Part 3
First Love Part 4
First Love Part 5
First Love Part 6
First Love Part 7
First Love Part 8

[2010.11.22] Day 2 in Hong Kong

On our second day, we went to Stanley at Hong Kong Island. It is where the beaches of Hong Kong are. We took Bus 6 at Central Exchange Square and the ride was about 45mins to 1 hour. Warning: The Bus 6 ride is not for the people with motion sickness. I got a little dizzy when I arrived at Stanley because of the winding roads. Although, it was indeed a scenic bus ride.

On the way to Stanley. I wasn't able to catch more pictures since I was dizzy with the bus ride.

Stanley is whole lot another story compared to the bustling cities of Tsim Sha Tsui and Central. The atmosphere here is very laid back and peaceful. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to explore the place that much. I only went up to Stanley Market then left for Central again. Stanley Market does not attract me, though. Prices are touristy and the merchandise selection are limited for my taste, at least for the part of the market I was able to look around and mostly can be found at the Ladies Market also. Lots of Caucasian tourists are here, by the way. As for the beaches, I caught a glimpse of it during the bus ride, I could say, our beaches in the Philippines are definitely more beautiful.

The only picture I have of Stanley. Near Stanley Market.

For lunch, we ate at Yung Kee Restaurant in Central, famous for its roasted goose. It was quite a fine dining restaurant, if I may say. Good thing, they serve set meals worth HKD 30-40. Before our meals were served, they gave us two teapots of Jasmine Tea and a plate of preserved duck eggs. All along we thought they were complimentary. However, when the bill arrived, the tea and eggs were charged! Pfffft! The roasted goose I ordered wasn't that extraordinary. I guess saying Yung Kee's the best was a bit overrated. Nevertheless, Yung Kee is a Michelin-starred restaurant, so I guess their other food offers are good.

Roast Goose and Soup fom Yung Kee. I enjoyed the soup more than the Roast Goose.

We went back to the hostel quite early. The elders were very exhausted walking all day and yesterday. As for  me, I rested for a bit and ready to explore again! I waited for Mama and Tita Baby, though because they want to come with me in Mongkok. They shopped at the Ladies Market while I went to Fa Yuen Street to canvass Chucks. It was my first to go to Fa Yuen and wow, the street is really lined up with rubber shoes store, left to right, north to south! It was overwhelming!

We bought street foods while in Mongkok, it was like a barbecue stand counterpart in the Philippines (but they also do some frying aside from grilling). They are selling various balls, intestines, sausages and many other kinds. Average price is HKD 10 per one stick. While we already got our orders, the vendor told us to get away in front of their stall in a rude way! Hmmmp. Eh nag-iisip pa ako kung anong sawsawan ang kukunin ko dahil syempre hindi ko naman alam kung ano ang bagay dun sa inorder ko. Alam ko na medyo nakaka-istorbo kami pero sana sabihin naman ng maayos. Grabe talaga 'yung mga iyon. 

Point in case: Whenever, you're in Hong Kong, don't slack. Walk and act fast. People there are always on the go and they don't want you interrupting their fast-paced lives.