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At long last, I managed to clean our shoe rack and threw away some worn out slippers. I changed the old dusty cardboard I used to protect the wood from chipping. This rack has not been cleaned since several years back. I know you are chuckling folks.  

I was granted two days vacation leave from work and the following two days were my day off. Last night I thought of inspecting some stuff inside as I am running out of space where to put some shoes and slippers. As expected, most of the stuff belongs to my niece. Rubber shoes anyone? Take note you are seeing only half of the shoe rack. So, there is more.

She collects rubber shoes and comic books. She orders comic books online. She has some delivered through our post office as books are non taxable. In most cases she picks them up at her trusted courier. I have a bookcase with four shelves, almost full with books now. One time she ordered one rubber shoes online. She was sent two by mistake and to her delight.

She gave the other one to my sister. The rubber shoes, was way too big my size. Besides I am not fond of rubber shoes. What do I collect? Money of course. But despite wisely, collecting these elusive resources. I have not collected much, as of yet. 

Happy Birthday Nanay

Yesterday was the 87^th birthday of my mother. Nanay is another name we called our mothers in the Philippines. Depending on what region we belong. Some called their mothers, Ina  or Inay. My mother celebrated her birthday in heaven with her beloved husband, my father. I am glad I was able to visit them being my day off. My visit was for her birthday and post father’s day. I took a snap of the main entrance to my parents resting place. The bright morning sunlight was blurring my vision. 

To be honest I hesitated the night before if I should go.Metro wide earthquake drill was scheduled 22nd of Jun. I anticipated heavy traffic jam. To alleviate the possibility of delay or getting stranded due to scheduled activity, I was out of the house by 5am. I took a bus and was at the place by 6am. The care taker of my parents plot greeted me with a wide grin and asked why I was too early.

I left the place by 9am.I managed to drop by at supermarket for some groceries on my way home. I was home by 11:30am. I am happy to have gone to my parents resting place. I do hope I made them happy, as well. 

Happy Tummy

Waking up early the night on Independence Day, as I have to prepare for work, I found a box on the dining table. It was a treat from my home buddy niece. The treat was not for Philippine Independence Day rather for her getting an increase on her credit card limit. She got an increase on her credit card limit twice the original. Not bad for paying her bills on time.

Inside the meal box were, grilled chicken fillet, mashed potato, corn and carrots, rice, muffin, sauce and gravy. The meal comes with drinks. A choice of soda and Ice tea. She chose ice tea. I could not eat the rice as I will be too full. 

She was so happy getting the increase on her credit card limit! And... I got a happy tummy too! Thank you! 

Happy Independence Day Philippines!

Today is Philippines 118th Independence Day. Here is a glimpse of our Philippine history.

Philippines was under Spanish rule from 1521 to 1898, also known as Spanish Colonial Era. In those days, countless Filipinos suffered maltreatment from abusive Spaniards.Filipinos like our National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal fought in writing the authoritarian Spanish rule. But anyone caught were sentence to death by Spanish authorities. Andres Bonifacio discretely organized revolutionary movement called Katipunan. The movement gave birth to Philippine Revolution in August 1896.

The Katipuneros did not succeed crippling the well armed Spanish soldiers but surrounding provinces joined the revolution. Mariano Alvarez and Emilio Aguinaldo led revolutionary fighters from a nearby province of Cavite, south of Manila. Emilio Aguinaldo took in full command after the death of Andres Bonifacio in 1897. December 14, 1897 Pak of Biak na Bato, a truce to end hostilities was created between Spanish Governor General Fernando Primo de Rivera and Emilio Aguinaldo.

Emilio Aguinaldo and revolutionaries were given amnesty and monetary indemnity. In return to the gesture of Spanish government it was agreed the revolutionaries have to be exiled in Hong Kong. Despite the exile of Aguinaldo hostilities did not let up. The money given to them was used to buy weapons. American won the Spanish-American war taking back Cuba in April 21, 1898. On May 1, 1898, U.S. Navy Squadron headed by Commodore George Dewey pursued Spanish Navy and defeated them in the Battle of Manila Bay.

Emilio Aguinaldo returned to the Philippines May 19, 1898. He and fellow Filipino revolutionaries pursued the Spaniards. After gaining control of the archipelago with the exception on Manila, Emilio Aguinaldo declared Philippine Independence, June 12, 1898. The unfurling of the first National Flag of the Philippines was done at the ancestral home of Emilio Aguinaldo in Cavite. The first National Flag of the Philippines was crafted in Hong Kong by Marcela Agoncillo, Lorenza Agoncillo and Delfina Herboza de Natividad. 

Indoor Plants

My Sansevieria plants have grown bigger. Shoots are coming out too.  I am guessing in few months I will need new pots to transplant the shoots. I  bought this maroon fibreglass pot from a shopping mall two years ago. It was on 20% off its original price. I hope I can find another one but different color. 

I am learning, these plants can propagate without sunlight. I share a two bedroom condo with my niece. The unit has no balcony. I am lazy to take the plants out to our laundry area, sixth level of the building. I am still observing the plants and see what happens in the coming months. These plants have been with me four months to date. 

Right, the pot is an ice cream plastic container. It is roomy for the new shoots until I transplant them to new pots. This plant was inside my room. Now it is on top of my wardrobe. The wardrobe is a divider between the living room and kitchen. 

Natural Air Purifier

Sansevieria plant is known to be great air purifier. This plant absorbs toxins through the leaves and in turn produces pure oxygen. There are several air purifying plants but I chose this Sansevieria plant as it is easy to maintain. I water the plant only once a week. This plant has several varieties. I have three and will be looking for more. 

Sansevieria bacularis in my living room.

Sansevieria subspicata in my bedroom.

Sansevieria cylindrica, this goes to my niece room. 

Tablet

This tablet was given to me by phone and internet provider when I upgraded my plan, more than a year now. It is on its stand most of the time. I use it as a speaker phone, instead of picking up my phone handset when calling out or answering calls. I did not pay much attention to it until yesterday.

While my washing machine was working on my laundry I fiddled with it and was able to install some online shopping apps and UBER apps. I took some photos too! Come to think of it. I ignored this gadget for so long!

Calamansi

As an alternative to coffee, drinking warm calamansi juice is very relaxing when I am home on my day off from work. Coffee has been my favorite drink ever since I started working as it makes me mentally alert. I am thankful I do not have heart palpitation through the years of patronizing this favorite drink. I thought of an alternative after meal when I am home. These tiny fruits loaded with vitamin C came to my mind. With less effort of juicing at least three to four pieces and adding a little brown sugar I get to enjoy a cup while watching television.  Why warm instead cold juice? It relaxes my throat after seven to eight hours of talking when at work.

Calamansi, scientific name Citrofortunella Microcarpa is a popular fruit in the Philippines and widely grown in Southeast Asian countries. Growing up in a farm, I had the privilege of cultivating this plant. Or should I say watch this fruit as it grew anywhere around our yard and back yard. It grows easily just throw a fruit with seeds on it. In few days seedling sprouts up. Seedling becomes small tree and bear fruits in clusters.  I love the fresh looking leaves and lemony aroma of the leaves. Despite the attraction this plant gives, you would not want to come close to it. Its body and branches have thorns enough to puncture your skin.

Aside from being a good source of Vitamin C, there are many health benefits we can get from calamansi. Go ahead, search the web folks. Calamansi peels when rub on skin, whiten and moisturize skin, thus restoring softness. Many beauty products manufactured in the Philippines are with calamansi extract. Cheaper than lemon when you go to groceries and supermarkets, this tiny fruit offers as much as lemon gives. Truly amazing! 

Mother's Day

To all mommies and would be mommies ..

Wishing you a ...

 

Language Barrier

The other day I had an old Japanese gentleman customer saying he cannot view his bill online. He has been at our website accordingly for several hours and he said the webpage is loading and loading.. and loading..  He has Windows 8 laptop connected to internet through WIFI. We were both struggling as he speaks little English. He agreed we do a screen sharing for me to know the cause of the trouble. 

OMG! I logged in to his computer and found out it was in Japanese language! I managed to explain we download Chrome as IE was causing the trouble. He struggled translating to me some of the dialog box on his computer from Japanese to English. True enough, after downloading Chrome, he was able to log in to our website and viewed his online bills.

He apologized for him not thinking straight as he had a bad day. I said not his fault but it was the browser, and that, he is smart as despite our language barrier he was able to guide me to resolve his trouble. I do hope I made him feel good by saying that, in addition to resolving the issue he called about.

We may have language barrier but the most important is we can communicate and be understood. If there is something I like in my job. Helping and sharing with customers what I knew. I may not see the happy expression on their faces. Yet the tone of the voice is enough to say I made a difference, even for just a brief moment in their lives. 

Sunrise Wedding

My niece and her beau opted for sunrise wedding on her 24th birthday, 18th of April. We were at the venue as early as 3am. It was simple but meaningful ceremony. 

My small digicam is no match to the flashes of high tech cell phones and cameras of some guest. Visitors would not understand why they chose a sunrise wedding. Now, they knew, it is a beginning of a new chapter in their lives together. 

My congratulations and best wishes!

Happy Easter!

Have a great Sunday everyone!

Blogger friends and blog visitors!:)

Dinner

 I gave my favorite veggie bitter gourd, ampalaya in our local lingo, a twist in cooking. For dinner last night, I prepared stir fried bitter gourd with hot dog instead of bitter gourd with egg. 

 I have bad attack of allergy, not sure if it was due to Omega 3 vitamins I am taking or change of weather. It is summer time here in Manila, Philippines. Really warm, bet 33 to 35 Celsius.

 I refrain from eating chicken and eggs for the time being until such time the rashes in my arms are fully healed.

Busy here folks, well as always. I need more concentration to write. At any rate I will be posting once in a while to keep my blog up and running. Have a great day everyone! :)

Bar Cart

Living in a small home does not mean you will be deprived of some stuff you need. I am short of storage and this bar cart becomes in handy. Thank you to some online magazine for giving me the idea.

I installed the cart right next to my couch where I can put my coffee while watching television. First layer is for my casserole instead of putting it on top of my small dining table. Second layer is for my coffee and tea.

Next two layers are for other stuff like another casserole, bread, fruit etc. The wheels enable me to move it easily. Price is reasonable and good quality. It is rush proof too. 

Ponkan

Thank you ponkan. You saved me from the impulse of opening that fridge. Yay! I have voracious appetite when I am home on my day off from work. This ponkan is sweet and so as my life. 

What is up with me? Month of January has been a good month for me. When I received my mid month pay I wonder if our payroll officer had mistakenly credited doubled my bank account for my half month pay. We get our pay slip online through our HR. I did not pay much attention checking on my pay slip. I mentioned the issue to one of my office mates. The following day, he mentioned I was given a bonus due to my excellent attendance. He too received the same amount. I was elated! It was unexpected. 

The next day after checking may pay slip online, I approached my former team captain. She confirmed it was indeed a bonus. It was like, there was an excess budget for the year 2015. Management decided to give the excess to some agents who have perfect work attendance. Some of my office mates though received only half of what I received. I thanked her for the info, went to the pantry and bought her a sandwich and paper cupful of ice tea.

On the 21^st of January, I met my long time online friend. He has been in Manila for three years studying medicine but his schedule at school and my day off from work hindered us from seeing each other. He is off at school Saturday and Sunday, mine is week days. On his semester breaks he would go home to California. We constantly communicated through text messages teasing each other if we have time. Then, comes the 21^st of January, he finally visited me at my place. I was so happy to give him the long overdue hug! So there is indeed friendship at WWW!

Welcome back Miss Universe 2015!

Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, Miss Universe 2015 came home all the way from New York City  last 23rd of January. On the 25th, there was a grand victory parade around key cities of Manila, Philippines. Our Miss Universe was in high spirit waiving the flag of the Philippines. Untiringly throwing kisses atop her float especially designed for her. Clad in a Filipina dress designed by same Filipino designer of the blue gown she wore during the Miss Universe pageant, Las Vegas Neva, 20th of Dec. 2015. Truly our very own Miss Universe is "confidently beautiful! " 

Although the 25th was a working day being a Monday. Pia was gladly welcomed by jubilant countrymen, endured several hours waiting and lining up the street just to see her. Car owners and commuters were all smile unmindful of the heavy traffic jam. 

Random Thoughts

I was glad to be granted vacation leave after Christmas and until New Year. Before I went on vacation leave I already knew I will be on a training right after the first week of January 2016. What would be the training for?

Towards the 3^rd week of November our team captain got sick and was on sick leave for two weeks. Last week of November, our floor coach manned our team huddle.  Management has given each team a floor coach. The floor coach guides us whenever we encounter questions about internet and optic television when customers call in. Due to wide coverage and some intricacy on internet issues, management determined, we new trainees on this field still need assistance. 

The last week of November, tech department received an email training is underway.  At our huddle our floor coach asked if anyone from our team would like to undergo the training. He asked for volunteer, to which no one volunteered.  On my way home after work shift, I had an afterthought.  I sent the floor coach a message saying I am volunteering. He confirmed getting my message the following the day, I reported for work.

Welcome 2016!

Wishing you all.. a blessed and a prosperous 2016! 

The year 2015 has been a great year for me. I was given the opportunity to be trained as tech support for internet and optic television. I have been a tech support for residential home phone and satellite television for several years. In the late 2014 management decided to train their existing agents as tech support for internet and optic television due to growing demand for technical support. 

Despite minor aches and pain, like migraine, and being busy at work and at home. I have always been healthy throughout the year 2015. My attendance at work is perfect and no late coming to work as well. In my line of work being present is a must. I do not need recognition for attaining a record attendance. I am simply happy to do my duties and responsibilities which most of us would do as responsible employees. 

Financially, I may not have a lot of savings but I am happy to have sufficient budget for my needs. I spend my money mostly on my furniture and fixtures at home. One of my passions is buying good kitchen utensils I can use for several years. Not only I want something durable but will save my time in cooking and cleaning them after used. I am not a fashionable person. I do not spend much on clothes and shoes. I would rather allot budget for my small condo where I find comfort after a busy day working at the office. 

I was born in the year of the Monkey. I am not superstitious but I have good vibes for the year 2016. As we all knew, 2016 is a year of the Monkey. At any rate, the most important attributes for successful and  happy 2016,  I would say.  Faith in God, believing in ourselves, working in the best we could, spending wisely of our hard earned money, and extending a hand to the needy.

                                   HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

Miss Universe 2015

Congratulations! 

Miss Universe 2015 is Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach!

 Filipinos are very proud of you!

Final Question - Why should you be the next Miss Universe? Pia replied with confidence “To be a Miss Universe is both an honor and a responsibility. If I were to be Miss Universe, I will use my voice to influence the youth and I will raise awareness to certain causes like HIV awareness that is timely and relevant to my country, which is the Philippines. I want to show the world, the universe, rather, that I am confidently beautiful with a heart." 

Miss Universe 2015 pageant was held at The Axis at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, December 20,  Las Vegas, Nevada. First Runner- Up is Miss Colombia, 2^nd Runner-Up is Miss U.S.A. The long wait is over. After forty-two years, Philippines finally made it to win the elusive Miss Universe crown.  Pia is Philippines third Miss Universe. Gloria Diaz, Philippines first Miss Universe won the crown in 1969.

Margarita Moran, Philippines second Miss Universe won the crown in 1973. 

Miss Philippines Runners–Up for Miss Universe

2013 Ariella Hernandez Arida  3^rd Runner-Up

2012 Janine Marie Raymundo Tugonon 1^st Runner-Up

2011 Shamcey Gurrea Supsup – 3^rd Runner-Up

2010 Maria Venus Bayonito Raj – 4^th Runner-Up

1999 Miriam Redito Quiambao 1^st Runner-Up

1984 Maria Desiree Ereso Verdadero – 3^rd Runner- Up

1980 Maria Rosario Rivera Silayan – 3^rd Runner-Up

1975 Rose Marie Singson Brosas - 4th Runner - Up

Yuletide 2015

Aside from getting a good sleep on my day off, working on my laundry and house cleaning. Decorating my small living room kept me busy this Christmas. Happy atmosphere attracts good vibes.  

Vintage Christmas chain, I would say. I gave this to my mother to decorate our living many years back. I found it well kept inside one of her treasured boxes.

Christmas will not be complete without this famous tree.

It is nice dressing up my pillow cases for the occasion. 

Huggable bear Santa Claus guarding the entrance to my living room

Sorry for the mess on the dining table. Those blue ribbons were made out of biodegradable trash bags. I thought of wrapping up some boxes with white and blue biodegradable trash bags. They look nice on top of my wardrobe. No need to spend on expensive Christmas decors. You can work on DIY decors you can find around your home. 

   MERRY CHRISTMAS!