Mission Accomplished!

I woke up today feeling really happy. I felt like I was able to do a lot of things last week and more importantly, I was able to accomplish everything my papa asked me to with some of our family business in Roxas, Or. Mindoro.

March is coming in and it's a month I'm really looking forward to. It's Pao's birthday month and our 2nd Anniversary is coming up as well. I have also been busy with new design techniques that I'm quite excited to post this month. We are also determined to take it slow after March to focus on health and family so we'll be scampering all March before taking it easy.

Right now, I'm sorting through the photos I took from our very short trip. I'll be posting in a while.

gold, gold, gold

I posted this months ago.

And Now, It's finally out! Yay!

Amezcua Spa

Last week was crazy for me. It was hands-down the busiest time for me this year so far with the launching of the major project, my line sheet prod, the presscon sponsorship and other meetings squeezed in between. By the end of the week, I was so haggard, I swear my skin was gray. I luckily don't break out with pimples but I turn ashen and mottled with red patches whenever stressed. Gray and red don't work too well for me. :/

So I was determined to spend a better half of this week taking care of myself. I scheduled a whole day treatment at Amezcua spa. Amezcua spa is a medical spa with alternative medical treatments and holistic approach when it comes to healing. I purchased an Urban detox package, Lymphatic Drainage Massage, an aromatherapy Massage and an Acupuncture session scheduled for next week since we can't fit in everything for just one day.
The first step was meeting with Dr. Soledad for a live blood analysis which is unlike the diagnostic exams we have at clinics, its more of assessing the quality of your blood based on your lifestyle and diet. Surprisingly, the assessment I got was the same one Paolo got from a medical clinic a few weeks ago which makes sense because we have the same diet and lifestyle.

The other treatments are not all done to make you feel relaxed or sleepy. Not at all.
I was yelping more than a few times during the Lymphatic Drainage massage because it hurt and that coming from a massage addict. But afterwards, I felt oddly refreshed and relieved. The treatment rooms are nice, clean and relaxing and all the attendants are really accommodating and well-trained. They have registered nurses as part of the staff and that made me feel safe. =) I know I'm biased but I like my spa that way.

The last part of the treatment, I was taught about a few things and was given copies for the flushing diet that I need to do. I had a session with the Doctor about the diet that I would follow, the schedule, the activities as well as the supplements I need to take. That more than motivated me to get back on track.




Having parents who are into fitness and proper diet, I used to be so particular with my weight and health. Looking back at the last 7 years, I sadly got out of track mainly because I have a good husband who doesn't notice the difference whether I am all spruced up or dressed down. Eating out every night is also a major problem since we are a busy couple and we only have evenings to catch up on each other's day, I sadly don't cook regularly because of my sched so we have no choice. I wanted to get back on track and It's 7 years worth of undoing but at least I had a great start at the spa. I just hope its really a start for me of a healthier lifestyle. =)

ABS-CBN Presscon

I'm not all privy when it comes to Pinoy showbiz. It's my two older Ates who are into Showbiz tsismis and all, hehe. But in my few brushes into the fringes of the TV business, I am slowly realizing the press, reporters and writers RULE. I cringed more than a few times with all the too personal questions during Presscon directed to the Artistas present. Honestly, I felt a bit sorry for them. :/

Charmed Life by Ysa Yason was the accessory sponsor for ABS-CBN's new show's presscon. It will start to air on Monday. Melai is charming, no wonder she's the masa showbiz princess. =)

Valentines Weekend

For two years now, Pao and I hie off to the mountains during Valentines. We spent two nights at Tagaytay Highlands. First night was with his team in Globe and the second was just the two of us. =)

This Boy Is My Hero

You wouldn't know from that smile that this boy has undergone 2 serious heart surgeries, countless hospital visits, hundreds of pricks and pokes and one heart transplant...before the age of Two.

My nephew Elijah Rocco is the happiest little toddler that I know. He is the sweetest little boy and even though I have yet to see him in person, my everyday live cam marathons with my sister gave me the opportunity to witness these things.

I am in awe of him.
He is the strongest little person that I know. He is so curious about everything and so full of life and that more than inspires me. If only we could be just like that. That's the way to live.

He had a bad start but still I see the perseverance.
I don't believe that babies are tabula rasa. Seeing my nieces and nephews grow up make me realize that we have our own personalities as early as babyhood. Good thing Elijah takes after his mama's focus and discipline and his papa's strength and determination. He is the only toddler I know who takes in his medicines without a fuss, even waking up from sleep without baby dramas just to take his meds! And that's something because these are no ordinary medicines that you can douse with berry flavors to make them more tolerable. That taught me a lot: just do what I have to do. Somehow he knows he has to take in these nasty stuff, and that it is part of life.

He went through so much more than others would go through in a lifetime yet when I look at him all I see is a smiling little boy with so much promise in the future.
I guess one of the best things I've learned watching my little nephew is the resilience of a child: no attachments, no fear and living in the moment. Little children forget easily the pains of the past.

He cries when in pain, he laughs when he is happy and no matter what the world gives him, he is always curious and unafraid conquering each day as it comes. No other way to live.

I love you, Elijah. Happy Birthday, big boy!!! You are our hero.

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This morning, I was reminded that I am a Registered Nurse (oo nga pala). Sometimes, I forget, hehe.
Our little Elijah is one of the luckier ones because he was able to have his operations and medical treatment with the best doctors in Chicago, Illinois.
But in our country, it is still so many steps behind when it comes to CHD treatment and procedures. A child's life shouldn't depend upon the ability of his parents to afford the treatment. It's a sad thing, but then that's how it is.

In our little ways, we can help out. I have a good friend who donated breast milk while she was nursing to her baby to help out undernourished CHD baby patients, you can also donate powdered milk to our many government hospitals. These babies need the best nourishment to survive the operations. I also have many friends who donate blood regularly.

My nephew is a heart transplant survivor. We don't know what would have happened if we didn't get a heart for him at that time...and we don't want to imagine. Because of that one act of kindness of a family in their time of grief, they gave a gift of life not only to Elijah but to our whole family.
I hope more people will register themselves as organ donors. One donor can actually save or contribute to 50 lives. It's a hush thing in our country and to talk about these things may seem "morbid" but its actually the same thing as getting a life insurance. At least you know you would be able to pass on and more importantly contribute to other people's lives and families even after you're gone.

Life is good...when you know how to live it.

Gong Xi Fat Chai!

I got a lucky money today, Chinese New Year. I went to the bank to get some cash and I got a new one thousand bill, just one piece. The teller said it was their one and only piece at that time. I like to believe it's my lucky money. ;)