charms for a decade

I’ve been looking for a particular type of accessory for almost a month now. Back in November last year, I wanted to get myself a charm bracelet from Pandora and collect its different charms as time passed. But the desire wasn’t that strong, and I just put it on my wish list of items that I would get some time in the future.

On Christmas Day, as we were walking around Al Ghurair Centre, I saw a particular charm bracelet that had a watch. It was nice and pretty; but again, the desire wasn’t strong enough to tempt me into buying it or even to check how much it cost.

Then early this month, I noticed that the gold marks for the hours on the face of my watch had fallen out of place (probably from being dropped by my kids so many times). On top of that, it seemed to have run out of battery and I had to constantly adjust the time. So I decided it was time to change it, and, recalling that I liked the charm bracelet watch I had seen last month, started looking around for it or something similar.

Since we were attending a birthday party at Chowking on the 4th of January, I went back to the stall where I first saw the watch. Unfortunately, they only had it in silver tone. There it cost around Dhs480.

Out of curiosity, I checked Souq.com and it was selling at Dhs460, plus delivery charges.

Last Friday, when Hubby and I went to DCC, I checked 2 stores that also had the same item, but again, not in the color I wanted. In one, it originally cost around Dhs625, but after their (supposed) promotional 25% discount, it came to Dhs470. See how the DSF isn’t such a big sale event at all?! In the second store, the price tag read Dhs575, but after some haggling, the salesman lowered the price to Dhs470. That was before I found that they only had it in silver and rose-gold tone.

Finally, yesterday we were at Mirdif City Centre so that Caila could enjoy the remaining hours of the long weekend at Aqua Play. As we were walking around, we passed by a shop (same as the second store in DCC that we visited the day before) and I checked if they had the watch. They did, and in the gold tone I wanted too! Checking the tag, I saw it was Dhs475. I was willing to buy it at that price already, but after I asked the salesman if they had any discounts or promos for it, he offered me 2 choices. In the end, I paid Dhs400 for this elegant and girly Anne Klein charm bracelet watch:

Isn’t it pretty? It’s a bit heavy and chunky, but I like it. Simple enough to be used for casual wear, but elegant enough for special evenings. The reason why I wanted it in yellow gold is because the jewelry that I usually wear are also the same tone. The Swarovski crystal accented charms are an added bonus to match the set I have (see here and here).

Actually, despite looking around for it for some time, I had really been hoping I would be able to buy it yesterday. I wanted it to be my Decade in Dubai gift for myself…and that’s exactly what happened. Yay!

selfie sunday & winter

It was only yesterday that Hubby received his birthday gift from me. The reason why it took more than a month was because he was confused with what he really wanted me to get him (he had a lot of choices), and we wanted to wait for the DSF to take advantage of the sales and promos.

Finally, he made his decision and we went to Sharaf DG in Deira City Centre last night where I got him a Samsung Galaxy Note 3. It came with a Dhs250 voucher (which we used right then to reduce the Note’s price), Etisalat SIM, Smartphone kit, and data transfer.

After he had updated the settings on Winter this morning, I tried its camera…thus, these 2 selfies:

In fairness, ang pretty ko pala ‘no? Aside from cropping, walang edit-edit at hindi pa ako nagsusuklay nyan. Hahaha! In my opinion, Winter’s camera is much better than Tisay’s (my Galaxy Note 8.0) because it’s much more clearer and brighter…and mas maganda ako tingnan sa selfies ko dun =)

By the way, here’s Winter and the Smartphone kit we got with it, in no other color but my favorite. Expect to see me borrowing the headphones from time to time =)

a decade in dubai

Today marks my 10th year in this sandpit.

I praise and thank God for the Christ-centered community, family, friends, job, and career that I've gained here, as well as the struggles, successes and opportunities I've experienced.

Praying for another decade in this amazing city.

fs2 annual sports meet

The morning of the 11th of December was spent at Caila’s school because it was their level’s Annual Sports Meet. Hubby and I hadn’t attended the previous year’s (for some reason, we didn’t know about it) and since then, she never let us forget how disappointed she was that she didn’t see her Mommy and Daddy at the event while all the rest of her classmates’ parents were there. It’s heartbreaking, I tell you. It may seem like a small thing, but not attending a school event made me feel we had somewhat failed as parents. You see, even for Orientations or Parent-Teacher meetings, Hubby and I make sure that at least one of us (usually me) leaves work early to attend them. That’s how important we want our children to feel…that even though we’re busy with work, they can always count on us to be there for significant events.

So this time, Hubby and I made sure to take the morning off from work to be at her school. We didn’t take Sophie with us though because the weather was pretty cold; we just left her with Jovy at home. Caila didn’t mind. Just seeing both of us at the front of the crowd as she and her classmates marched around the field was enough for her. She kept waving and proudly pointing us out to her classmates. And as the kids showed their moves of the dance they had been practicing, I could see she was really giving her all. Of course, I was beaming with pride as I recorded everything on video.

There were just 2 relays, but with approximately 5 sections (or was it 6?) of 25 kids each, you can bet that it took a while for all the kids to race.

After the kids’ relays, the parents were asked to participate in the races. The first one was for the daddies, and the second was, of course, for the mommies. Hubby didn’t join the Daddy race, but since I really wanted to make up for our absence last year (oo na, di talaga ako maka-get over), I joined the Mommy race. 

Surprisingly, there were a lot of mommies who joined; so instead of just 3 groups, 6 groups were competing. Each time the participants stood waiting for the races to start, the kids would chant “Go Daddy! Go Daddy!” and “Go Mommy! Go Mommy!” over and over again. Nakakatuwa!

I can’t remember what the daddies had to do…all I remember is it involved a ball for each team, doing something with it from one end to the other, and then throwing it to the next team-mate. For the mommies, we were asked to go from one end to the other and back while balancing a big papier mache egg on a piece of cardboard. I was the second to the last in my team and when it was my turn, I could hear the emcee saying “it looks like the mommy in green (which was me) is in the lead.” However, it was a very close race, and we eventually lost to another team whose last mommy was much faster. It was ok, though. The kids and parents all enjoyed themselves and that’s what’s important, anyway.

Finally the Sports Meet ended and the teachers and kids of FS2 marched around the field again and back to their classrooms where they were each given a toy and a small bag of snacks to munch on. Since it was announced that the kids could leave right away, I went to Caila’s classroom to fetch her, gathered her things, and we headed home.

She couldn’t stop talking about the day and how happy she was that we were there. Taking the morning off work was definitely worth watching our daughter actively joining the relays. The best thing however, was seeing the happiness in her face when she saw us, in front of the crowd, cheering her on and supporting her.

company family year-end party

The company party was the most stressful event last month mainly because I was the organizer, coordinator, host/emcee/ music and video jockey, photo-wall backdrop designer, etc. etc. etc. Almost everything that had to be taken cared of from the company side was prepared by me.

The only task I didn’t do was be the photographer which I appointed 2 of my colleagues on the spot when I saw that they had brought their DSLR cameras with them.

Since it was for the staff and their families, it wasn’t the usual company party which is usually formal. I had prepared a few video clips, but to make the event more fun and enjoyable (especially for the kids so they wouldn’t become antsy from boredom and beg to go home) I became the game-master again. I was ready with a few prizes which encouraged most of them to participate (including our General Manager!), and when the program ended, adults and kids alike enjoyed following the Just Dance videos on the screen. Here are a few shots of that night.

recognition of the loyal employees

traditional singing and cutting of the cake for the birthday celebrants

employees enjoying a game

kids relay

wives' chopsticks game

some of the men dancing to Jai Ho

girls dancing to Beauty and the Beat

Fortunately, the party was a success (based on the positive feedback, comments, and words of appreciation I got from most of the attendees), so at least the stress and weeks of preparation was worth it.

Of course the delicious food, elegant set-up, attentive hotel staff, alcoholic drinks, and beautiful view overlooking the Creek from the party’s venue at the Plaza Ballroom on the 20th floor of Radisson Blu helped a lot.

 

One comment that I really appreciated came from the Canadian Project Manager. Knowing that I was practically running the whole event by myself, he said he was really impressed, adding that I should consider hosting parties as a sideline.

You know, hindi sa nagyayabang ako, but I’m really proud of myself. Not because I was able to pull off the party, but because I had the confidence to host an event like that. Years ago, you would have never seen me willingly stand in front of a huge crowd to say a few words (much less carry out an entire program). But that night, I did. Sure it helped my confidence that I knew almost everyone, but still, natutuwa ako sa sarili ko na nakakaya ko. But don’t ask me to give a talk yet in CFC, SFC, YFC, or KFC, though. Di pa kaya ng powers ko yung ganong level =)

(slightly) detailed kwento of my busy december

I can't believe we're more than 1 week into the year already! Honestly, where did the time go?! After I posted my last entry a few days ago, I was supposed to start blogging again to share what kept me busy last month...but I just didn't have the time to “collect my thoughts” and now I can't remember all the details of what happened. Gaaahhh!

But I guess I owe you guys some kwento, at least just to prove to you that I really had many things to attend to. And this post is it.  There will be dates where I’ll tell you all about what happened, and some where I just mentioned the event. For those, I’ll try to prepare separate posts because there are more details and pictures and then link them up to this later. So please just bear with me if I forget some specifics. Epekto po ito ng anaesthesia…twice na ako na-CS eh. (hahaha!).

6 December. This was Hubby's birthday and the KFC Coords & PST Family Christmas Party which took place at the Creek Park. We spent practically the whole day there from 8am to 8pm because (1) we needed to secure a good place for our big group, (2) we also had the cluster's annual evaluation and planning, and (3) we had the long overdue farewell and honouring for Tito Del and Tita Madz as well. There was lots of food, several games and prizes, and of course, the exchange gifts for the kids and adults.

 

 7 December. Baptism of my SFC baby’s baby. I was one of the godparents of pretty Agatha Miche, but since the ceremony was in the morning in Jebel Ali and I had work that day, our family just went to the reception venue directly after they fetched me from the office. Good thing the reception took place in the evening. Again, it was a great opportunity to get together with our old friends from SFC and CFC.

family picture without ate caila (because she just didn't want to have her picture taken)

10 December. Hubby and I were invited to attend the Christmas tree lighting at the InterContinental Hotel in DFC. When we arrived, we were immediately offered hot chocolate, marshmallows, and something else I can’t remember. They were delicious and really brought the festive feel to the occasion.

Part of the program was the singing of popular Christmas songs and carols by a group (most probably employees of the hotel) which we all enjoyed.

And after the hotel manager said a few words, upon given the signal, kids jumped on the big switch and we all saw the big tree light up, prompting the crowd to say “Ahhh!!!” and clap their hands in awe and appreciation. After that, we were led to the outdoor part of the hotel’s Vista Lounge & Bar where we enjoyed various dishes while taking in the cool weather and breeze and listening to the music being played from the piano.

We left a while later when we had our fill and felt that the winter air was becoming a bit too cold for us. After we said goodbye to the Sales Manager handling our company’s account, she gave me and Hubby a bag each of treats from the hotel: macarons, gingerbread cookies, an An Badia Golf Club stress ball, and a discount/deal voucher.

It was a great evening and a nice date-night for Hubby and me.

my pogi date =)

11 December.  FS2 Annual Sports Meet.

13 December. We had our Pinoy Mafia Christmas Party that night. As with usual Christmas parties, there were games (I was the game-master/host) and prizes, exchange gifts, and plenty, plenty of delicious food! I was a bit angry at myself earlier that night because I had prepared a big bowl of fruit salad but only realized when we were almost near the venue that we had left it at home. Since we were already running late, I just let it be, transferred it into a Pyrex food container when we reached home, and brought it to the office 2 days later which my colleagues eagerly finished.

14 December. KFC Cluster Christmas Party. Instead of the usual monthly activity, we had the Christmas party at Zaabeel Park where most of the KFC members came to have fun. A thinner-than-usual Santa Claus also made a surprise visit, much to the delight of the kids (and adults too!) even though almost all of them knew his real identity.

That week (from the night of the 11th until the morning of the 15th) was also the time we had some guests stay over at our home: cast members of the Teen Saint Pedro musical (headed by Makisig Morales) which took place on December 13 at St. Anthony Padua Church in Ras Al Khaimah. However, because their group had been busy with rehearsals and meetings since they arrived, it was only that Saturday night when we were able to spend time with Tita Grace and her son Paolo. We went to the Dubai Mall where we had dinner at TGI Friday’s while enjoying 3 amazing shows of the Dancing Fountain. Tita Grace was especially thrilled with the songs that were played: The Prayer, I Will Always Love You, and My Heart Will Go On. After taking pictures in front of Burj Khalifa, The Address, the Festive Castle, and the Waterfall, we headed to Atlantis where they took more pictures.

15 December. First Simbang Gabi Mass. Last year, we didn’t get to attend even one day of the Simbang Gabi. It was a mix of reasons really: we often arrived home late from work, Sophie was barely 3 months old, Mama had rheumatism, traffic, etc. This year, although we wanted to complete the novena, there were things we had to attend to, so we only had the chance to attend the first and eighth nights. From what I noticed, each year the number of people attending Simbang Gabi seem to grow more and more. The parish grounds are becoming full and practically overflowing with Filipinos. I heard on the first night, it was just so full that many just attended mass from the parking area. Wow!


another family picture without caila (well, slight) because of the usual reason

19 December. Parent-Teacher Meeting and Collection of Reports, and Processing Jovy’s Visa. 

20 December. Company Family Year-End Party at Radisson Blu.

23 December. I went to the Philippine Consulate to collect my passport which I had renewed earlier, and then headed to Dubai Media City to collect the prize tickets I won. It was a very wet morning (much like yesterday) and I was really tempted to postpone my errands. But since I wanted to get everything done with, I left the apartment in the appropriate weather gear, braving rainy Dubai.

24 December. Christmas Eve with the Fajarians.

25 December. Christmas Day. We woke up later than usual because of the late night we spent at our friends’ apartment. My sister had called us inviting us to have lunch with her and Gabe and our (cousin’s) nephew Louie. When we arrived at Nando’s in Al Ghurair, they were already there and had already placed their orders. Hubby and Caila joined them, but Sophie and I had to go to the bathroom because she had soiled her diaper and I had to clean her up.

The bathroom in the restaurant was very small so it took me some effort to change her nappy. Fortunately, I managed. But what really pissed me off was a kid who kept knocking on the door. When she tried to turned the knob and found it was locked, I called out that it was occupied. A few seconds later, I heard her knocking. Again I said that someone was inside. Shortly, I heard several knocks again which wouldn’t stop even though I tried to ignore them. When I became fed up from being rushed with the constant knocking, I shouted “Can you please wait?!”

A woman then irritably answered “See, my daughter needs to go to the toilet.”

I answered back “Well, I’m trying to change my baby’s diaper in a small room, so can you be patient?!”

That made them stop. A minute later when I stepped out with Sophie in my arms, I heard the woman mumble “Oh, sorry.”

Hay! Kung hindi siguro araw ng Pasko, baka na-Anne Curtis ko sila. Hahaha!

After lunch, we had dessert at Cinnabon, then headed to St. Mary’s Church to attend the mass. After that, we shopped for groceries at Carrefour in Deira City Centre before heading home. Later, Hubby left to pick up Louie to drop him off at the airport.

27 December. The Erik Santos-Parokya ni Edgar-Eraserheads Concert.

31 December. New Year’s Eve. Unlike majority of Dubai, our family didn’t go out to see any of the fireworks that night. Instead, we avoided the heavy traffic, crowds, and cold weather and stayed at home where we gobbled up the dinner we had prepared earlier and enjoyed the 3 fireworks displays from the best view of all: the television =)

Whew! I told you they were a lot. At least now I’m only slightly backlogged in my posts. But then there are more things that have happened since the beginning of the year and more that will happen in the coming days. Yikes! I guess I've gotta make a move on it then, huh? =)

bagsakan by chito

Belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone!

Sorry, I know I haven't been posting anything on this blog for almost a month now.  As usual, I've been pretty busy.  December means Christmas, which means lots of parties, events, and get-togethers, ergo no time to sit and gather my thoughts. 

But since the busiest month of the year is over and 2014 has begun, hopefully I'll be able to find time to blog again.

In the meantime, I just wanted to share this video I took during the High Impact A2 Festival.  I won tickets over the radio, remember?  The concert was so cool! I promise I'll tell you more about that night in a separate post.  But just to give you an idea of how amazing it was, take a look at this clip where Chito Miranda sang "Bagsakan" without Francis M. (naturally!) and Gloc 9.

Galing! Astig! Amazing!