Bonding with BFF

My BFF Kristal, whom I fondly call 'Japsee, and I had a sweet afternoon date last Saturday before I attended the launching of Mr. Kengkoy at Moonleaf Naga. We decided to try Hands and Strands' BFF package which includes Hair Spa, Manicure, Pedicure and Foot Spa. As soon as we've finalized the plans for the afternoon, I immediately texted the number posted on their weebly to set an appointment and tadah! we got a slot for 2pm.

Hands and Strands is located at the first floor of ADC Hotel beside Mexicali Naga. You'll easily notice the salon because you will be greeted by an unusual 'blackboard' themed signage, just right outside the salon, where you can see the prices of the services it offers.

Entrance Door

Sweet scents of lemon and mint dominate the salon which makes every client a bit curious of what they are to expect when they avail any of the services. Since my best friend and I were getting the BFF package, the one in charge suggested that we have the hair spa first before they do our nails. They asked us to wear cute golden robes while they prepared all the necessary paraphernalia for the foot spa :)

Hair Spa

We were presented with the three flavors for the hair spa namely beads, strawberry and mint. Japsee chose the one with beads while I opted for mint. 

Super comfy couch :)

After doing our hair, we were seated to this super comfy couch for our foot spa. The best thing about this couch is that it's too comfy that some customers would even fall asleep. 

And when you try to look up, you'll see an interesting interior.

Interior

The first thing that we did was to submerge our feet in lukewarm water for about 10-15 minutes. 

They have service slippers for customers availing the foot spa and pedicure service which I think is cute! :) And they're PINK!

Strawberry Flavored Foot Spa

Similar to their hair spa, Hands and Strands offers different flavors for their foot spa. You can choose from Mango, Strawberry, Lemon Grass and Peppermint, that's all that I can remember :( I got Strawberry while Japsee chose Peppermint. The one colored brown is like a mud wax which gives your feet a cool feeling after application.

Strawberry and Peppermint

Japsee

The entire BFF package lasted for about 2 1/2 hours. We decided to grab a bite at Mexicali to comfort our grumbling tummies :)) We ordered our favorite quesadillas, cheese and garlic for Japsee and grilled chicken for me :)

Cheese and Garlic Quesadillas

Grilled Chicken Quesadillas

I really had a great time bonding with my BFF and we both love Hands and Strands. Who knows, we might avail another package next month. 

Cheers to friendship!

Backpacks for a Cause

Mr. Kengkoy officially launched their new set of backpacks today at Moonleaf Naga. The event started at 7:00pm and was hosted by Raffy Magno, one of Mr. Kengkoy's Community Development Manager.

Scud Dy, the Executive Director, gave an overview of who Mr. Kengkoy is. A video clip unveiling the different people behind Mr. Kengkoy was shown afterwards.

The official webpage of Mr. Kengkoy was also launched this evening. Innovatively, Mr. Kengkoy's new and returning clients may order their favorite backpacks online. The actual prices and designs of the backpacks can be found in their webpage. (Go ahead, just click on the Mr. Kengkoy text and it will connect you to their official webpage)

And of course, their packaging has been revamped as well, a reusable bag that you can use anytime, anywhere. Definitely, eco-friendly!

And here we are, the representatives of LIGAYA and Blue Genes Designs with Arky Dy and Maj Villar, the Production Managers of Mr. Kengkoy Backpacks :) 

Oh, by the way, Mr. Kengkoy generously gave discount coupons to all those who attended the launching. A whooping 15% discount on Moonleaf drinks was enjoyed by everyone who was present. 

Source: Mr. Kengkoy's Facebook Page

Again, congratulations to the Mr. Kengkoy team namely Scud Dy (Executive Director), Raffy Magno and Arcci Relloso (Community Development Manager), Wacky Moreno (Marketing Manager), Maiello Mier (Finance Manager), Arky Dy and Maj Villar (Production Manager) and Cody Dy (Sales and Web Admin). 

Ybalon Resort

Ligaya, together with our friends, decided to have a nice holiday-off in Ybalon Resort, Iriga City. It was a long overdue plan since we have been wanting to visit Adee's place whom she often refers to as the 'City of Springs'. However, instead of having the originally planned overnight stay at Adee's, we opted to have to visit one of their best resorts, Ybalon Resort.

The moment that you enter the resort, you will really notice how clean and how well-maintained the resort is. The well-landscaped areas and the relaxing benches could really entice anyone who visits the resort. They also have a cemented pathwalk so you won't have to worry your shoes would be getting muddy whenever it rains. 

And of course, how can we not notice the gorgeous swimming pool? They only have one pool but it's an olympic-sized pool, enough for a few friends who wants to do a few lapse. 

On the middle left portion of the resort, you'll notice a cemented bridge. When you try to get closer to the bridge, you'd see a breed of Koi :)

Overall, we had a great experience. We were able to maximize the pool because there were only two groups who went swimming, us and a bunch of teenagers. The price was a breeze in our pockets. Entrance Fee was P50 and the cottages cost P300 each, we were even able to bargain getting two cottages for only P500. So, if you're planning to go for a swim, try Ybalon Resort for a change, the place is big enough for a family outing or a barkada getaway :)

Christian Freedom Bible Church

Yesterday, Tim (the boyfriend) asked me if I could help his boss modify the final logo for a particular Church where his boss is the pastor. I was quite hesitant at first since I have never accepted any professional project relative to logo design. I mean, I know that I am not really an expert on that field, I know basic photoshop but the rest, it's all a mystery to me. A proof would be the consistent look of awe whenever I see collections of digital illustration that's really brought to life. Let's just say I'm still trying to master that craft.

But then again, because of LOVE, I said yes. 

I was quite nervous while doing the logo because I know that I am making it for a Church. Imagine the pressure and the feeling of excitement, anticipating the outcome of the logo. I immediately submitted the first design to Tim but he made some suggestions which I gladly took note of :) (see, I'm obedient).

And now, may I present to you the final logo and stationery design of Christian Freedom Bible Church :)

What made it really overwhelming was the simple letter that I received from Mr. Cabrera, the pastor of the Church and also, Tim's boss, the one I was referring to earlier. It was a note that made me feel really appreciated. And although I have not given up my being Roman Catholic to Christianity, he was very comfortable addressing me as if I was a regular in their Church.

Note: I have been attending a Christian worship service since high school. There were a lot of times when I wanted to 'change my religion' but I cannot sacrifice my devotion for INA. I am spiritually happy attending the Christian service but there are practices in Roman Catholicism that I just cannot give up because I, myself, know and understand what these practices are for and I have personally experienced God through these practices.

Why Good Employees Leave

by:  David W. Richard

A study came up with this surprising finding: If you're losing good people, look to their immediate supervisor. More than any other single reason, he is the reason people stay and thrive in an organization. And he's the reason why they quit, taking their knowledge, experience and contacts with them. Often, straight to the competition.

"People leave managers not companies," write the authors Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman. "So much money has been thrown at the challenge of keeping good people - in the form of better pay, better perks and better training - when, in the end, turnover is mostly a manager issue."

If you have a turnover problem, look first to your managers and supervisors.

Beyond a point, an employee's primary need has less to do with money, and more to do with how he's treated and how valued he feels. Much of this depends directly on the immediate manager.

To the BEST COOK...

I met my Auntie Gie long before I even knew she existed. She was my Aunt Lina's (mom's eldest sister) best friend, her only best friend and I frequently saw her while I was growing up. She was a regular visitor in my lola's house and my mom would tell me that Aunt Gie would always tell her that Aunt Gie really feels uncomfortable passing by their house whenever she sees my mom at the window. Note to Reader: My mom really exudes this aura that people oftentimes interpret as something negative but the truth is, my mom is a very shy person.    

When Aunt Lina left lola's house, she stayed with Aunt Gie. They transferred from one place to another and wherever they go, they bring their 'food business' with them. Both of them were hands-on with their business that they even ended up supplying meals for the employees of Graceland Bake House. I can remember my summer days when my brother and I used to take our vacation at my aunt's place and everyday, we get to have 3 to 4 viands with unlimited rice. The smell of the food would usually wake me up in the morning and make me crave for the day's meals. Yes, kuya and I would really gain a lot of pounds during our stay at their place. 

Auntie Gie was really a good cook. My family would always tap her whenever we have special occasions or just a simple Sunday family gathering. She can really make the occasion memorable because of the food! What I even like about her is that despite the rigorous procedure that she has to do in every menu, she can manage to burst into a heartful laugh. I love her laugh! It's really infectious! 

And for every family gathering, she was there, she was always there because she was part of our family. 

Early this year, months before I decided to try my luck in Singapore, she was diagnosed with cancer. Stage 3 lung cancer. The doctors removed the water in her lungs and one of her doctors found a trace of scar in her x-ray result. She was supposed to undergo chemotherapy but she decided not to, she said her family needed the money more than her. There was no regular medication, medicines were only bought whenever there is enough money and she replaced the medicines with herbal drinks. Our family kept praying for her, that was the best thing that we can do. 

From the moment that she was diagnosed with cancer, she eventually started losing weight. However, the 'infectious laugh' was still there. She could still  afford making other people laugh despite the excruciating pain brought by her illness. When she started attending the Sunday service at Upper Room, I personally felt relieved. I knew it was a good sign, I thought that she was getting well but later on, I realized that it was her way to make us feel her presence. She struggled to attend the service every Sunday until she can no longer bring herself to church. Weeks, months and the echos of her infectious laugh was suddenly replaced by murmurs of pain. 

Two weeks before she said goodbye, we visited her in their house at Dayangdang. She was very thin, she must have lost 40 pounds or more and the look on her face made me wish that she would still remember me. 
During our 3 hour stay, she mostly remained quiet. It was really painful seeing her in that state. I cannot bear seeing her like that.



October 20, 2012, 6:30pm, Aunt Gie gave her last breath. 


I will really miss you Auntie Gie. Thank you for everything. Thank you for being my number one fan. Thank you for making me laugh. Thank you for the delicious meals that you've cooked for us. Thank you for teaching me how to play Bingo. Thank you for treating me like a real niece. Thank you for coming to our family. 

Repost from Herold Pelonio:
May the Angels lead her into Paradise.
May the Martyrs receive her at her coming
and take her to Jerusalem, the Holy City.
May the Choirs of the Angels receive her, 
and may she, with the once poor Lazarus, 
have rest everlasting. Amen.  

HANGAD

BONDING TAYO...Maghihintay ako...Watch the Hangad Concert and support our scholars through the Fr. Bonoan SJ Scholarship Fund Drive. 

Mr. Kengkoy's Comeback Collection

Now, who's ready? :)

Mr. Kengkoy will be in Naga City on October 27, 2012. Catch us at Moonleaf-Magsaysay from 6PM onwards. We will be there for you to get to know who Mr. Kengkoy really is and there, we'll be displaying our backpacks too!

The first 100 people to come will be getting a 15% discount from 7-8PM on their moonleaf drink. What's the catch? All you have to do is bring any Wi-Fi enabled gadget and show us that you have already liked our FB fan page at fb.com/mr.kengkoy and have followed us on Twitter @MrKengkoyPH. We hope to see you there!

Are you ready to wear Mr. Kengkoy? 

Source: https://www.facebook.com/mr.kengkoy

Losing part of YOURSELF

Pencil: I'm sorry

Eraser: For what? You didn't do anything wrong.

Pencil: I'm sorry because you get hurt because of me. Whenever I made a mistake, you're always there to erase it. But as you make my mistakes vanish, you lose a part of yourself. You get smaller and smaller each time.

Eraser: That's true. But I don't really mind. You see, I was made to do this. I was made to help you whenever you do something wrong. Even though one day, I know I'll be gone and you'll replace me with a new one, I'm actually happy with my job. So please, stop worrying. I hate seeing you sad.

8th year

To the person who stood by me through my joys and hardships, the person who kept pushing me to go on despite the uncertainties in my path, the person who made me look forward for tomorrows, the person who made me realize what it means to 'wait', the person who always wanted the best for me even if it means sacrificing his own happiness and the person who made me a better me.

Thank you for never giving up on me, on us.

Thank you for the eight wonderful years and I am looking forward for more years of friendship and love with you :)

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH TIM MARIANO! 

Photo courtesy of Adee Alarcon :)

GYM

Meet my gym buddies :)

Source: Yinyin Bragais