L4, L5

A month ago, around the same time, same Monday morning, I woke up and a nightmare began. I couldn't get up. I felt extreme pain on my lower back. I pretty much have a high pain tolerance (I have tattoos) so by "extreme" I really meant EXTREME! My tears would just fell on their own. I was rushed to the hospital and stayed there for a week. I had to undergo rehab. Oh gosh.. I thought I was going to be on a wheelchair for the rest of my life. Worst, I thought I was going to die, and I didn't (and still don't) want to.

I had Herniated Disc (L4, L5). I admit, while my doctors were explaining their diagnosis, I wasn't listening. Yeah, I'm stupid that way. Tsk. All I cared about was if I can still walk. And yes, on the third day, I was up and walking again, though very slowly. I almost couldn't contain my happiness but I had to because my therapists (Hi Eula! Hi Chubs!) were there, I was shy. Yikes! Haha!

Here are my pics at the hospital:


I had to be hooked to this monstrosity for most of my stay at the hospital.



Maybe a little too early for the "in sickness and in health" part of our relationship but this might be a start - my uyab was with me through it all. Thanks Bri! I love you so much! ♥

Naturally, I was advised by my doctors to lose weight as my gaining has A LOT to do with the bulging of my disc. My therapists taught me proper body mechanics - I need to improve my posture. I now have to always sit erect. I can't do running for a while. I have to move "gracefully" which would be very difficult for I am way far from being graceful. Man.. In other words, I HAVE TO CHANGE MY LIFESTYLE!!!

And slowly, I am. For the past month, I already lost 5 lbs. It's a start!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my doctors, nurses, and PTs at Chong Hua Hospital, my friends who texted/called/visited (special thanks to the ff: Therese Marie Cañete, Vanessa Rhea Labesig, Marie Grace Malanog, and my housemate Douey Joy Cagud - Girls, I OWE YOU.), my FAMILY, and my uyab, Briane. Lord, thank You. You truly are the most awesome!

There's a lot of articles about Herniated/Slipped Disc online. I recommend reading it here for those who don't know anything about it.

Guys, take care of yourselves. Health is indeed wealth!

Thanks to those who emailed me! I'M STILL ALIVE! May God bless you all! xxx

♥♥♥ LOVE DAY ♥♥♥

Belated Happy Valentine's!!!

In between being at the hospital for a week and rehab, I now have just been able to share pix from Valentine's day. Apologies. Actually, Brian wasn't here on that day as he had to go on a business trip. We saw each other the next day, the 15th (which is our 5th monthsary), at around 2 am. His flight's delayed and the waiting really sucked! Plus my right cheek got soooo big due to my swollen tooth. Talk about luck on love day! I looked funny actually. Ha-ha! Anyway, despite that, I had a blast because I got to spend it with family, at my brother's house. Love was definitely in the air! Check out my pix:



I woke up with this!!! It's from my younger brother, Kab! It's already brown and withered because I just took this photo and obviously, it's been days since Valentine's.. Ü

 



My afternoon Valentine walk with my darling niece, Isla. I was teary-eyed when she picked up a pink flower from the ground, gave it to me and said "Happy VALENTIMES day, Auntie Nangnang.." My heart melted.. I'm so gonna miss her when she leaves.. She's just the sweetest!

Brian and I spent our 5th monthsary at Kab's house (my youngest brother Mac and cousin Titi was there too!) where I cooked Pancit Canton and indulged in some not-so-heavy drinking.

That awesome weekend resulted to my being at the hospital. But, who cares? My love day was spent with some of  the people I truly love and that's all that matters. I miss my Papa though.. :(

Thank you guys for sticking with me! I hope you get all your hearts' desires!!! Here's a big HUG from me to you all! xxx 

Hello 2014!

I have read somewhere that bloggers are people who are secretly lonely. Apparently, we use our blogs to conceal our lonely hearts. Obviously, I disagree. I'm big on being honest and true and when I'm lonely, I write about being lonely. Oh, well.. Ü

Anyway, I know it's a bit late but -- HELLO 2014!!!

How have you guys been? I am doing so, so great but my, how I miss blogging! I miss my outfit posts, and giving you guys tips, and basically just talking about everything and anything under the sun! Thanks to those who emailed me, asking about my whereabouts - some are worry-emails and I am super duper touched. Guys, I AM FINE. I am having a blast and proof to that is my weight gain. Oh gosh! I can't even face the weighing scale now! Hahaha! Which is the very reason why I don't have any outfit post. I have been wearing the same set of clothes - MY FAT CLOTHES - for the past 2 months! But just as always, I feel fab and my heart is happy.. ♥

My niece Isla is here in the country (from the US) for a 3-month vacay!!! Yahoo! But unlike her past vacays, I don't see her often because they're (brother and future sis-in-law) now living in Talisay, which is far from the city. Also, the weather doesn't help. But Briane and I go there whenever we can. I miss her all the time. She's the sweetest and the smartest! You guys will be amazed! I love her to pieces!! Here's us:


This would be all for now guys. Well, I'll tell you one more thing, I am excited for Valentine's Day! Shhhhh... Hahaha!

Enjoy! xxx

Two Years Ago..

Two years ago, my Father was shot 5 times, the most fatal was in the head. He died shortly after. That was the darkest day of my life. Everything's never the same.

 

I pray and I believe that someday, JUSTICE will be served.
 

 

Papa, no man can ever top you in my heart. I miss you so much.

10.15.2013 (Cebu Earthquake)

At around 8 AM yesterday a magnitude-7.1 earthquake hit my beloved city, Cebu. And it was really traumatic. I was at work, under my station. Apparently, it lasted a minute but it seemed like forever and in my mind I was like, "this will soon stop, this will soon stop" and when it didn't, I just surrendered and prayed. I honestly thought I was gonna die. But then it stopped. And then we all ran out of our builing, to Cartzone. I remember calling my friends' names to check if we're all together. And we were.

I was clasping my phone hard. I needed it to call my loved ones, to find out if they're ok. And they were, except my younger brother Kab. I couldn't reach him! You see, he also lives in the city and few minutes before the earthquake we were still messaging each other so naturally I was worried sick! It was one of the scariest moments of my life. I broke down in the taxi, the driver tried consoling me, which I really appreciate. But nothing could make me feel better. I went to his apartment, he's not there. I roamed around IT Park crying. It was hell. And then, someone called, "Nang!" It had to be my brother. And it was. And I cried again. Finally, and I know this might sound selfish but to hell with everything, my brother was safe and whole and it was all that mattered.

The whole afternoon I was with my super friends Douey Joy and Vanessa Rhea, with Yaggi, Van's pet. We were jumpy because of the aftershocks and also probably because we were watching Prison Break Season 2. But despite that, I was able to take pics of me and Yaggi. I am not into pets (or animals) and I haven't been this near to an animal before (but of course I don't hate them, I just don't like the smell) so this, right here is really a photo op. I thought, the world might end today, I need to do something I haven't done before. Plus, Yaggi just took a bath so there..

Right now, there's still aftershock every few minutes. They say it will last for about 3 days. I don't know. But I will pray, always, for my loved ones, and for my country. May God bless the Philippines..

Below are pics of my room. I haven't checked if my keyboard's ok. Kiver na!

I was exhausted, stressed, and hungry. I felt like I just came from war. So I ate a lot at dinner. We went to Yu-Yu-Tei at the Gallery. Food's ok, not amazing. 

I went home, talked to bf (for a much needed loving feeling), and prayed for safety.

Just like everybody else, I woke up every aftershock. Here's hoping today will be better. Take care you guys! xxx

*read about the earthquake - BE AWARE*
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/10/14/world/asia/philippines-earthquake/index.html?hpt=hp_inthenews

Remembering Boracay

I am happy today because my Vacation Leave got approved and I am going to Boracay next month. What's more exciting is, I will be with my crazy friends Douey Joy and Vanessa Rhea!!! It's going to be a blast, I'm sure. Oh gosh.. OH GOSH!!!!!

Anyway, I was the there April of 2010 with my other girlfriends and I had a blast as well and so today I'm going to share with guys our pics.

To my friends from other countries, I'm sure you've heard of this paradise. You NEED to be here if you visit my country. You NEED to experience Bora..

Enjoy!

*you guys might not recognize me - i was thin then! hahaha!*



my younger brother Kab went with my and my girlfriends



I met VJ Alvey of Channel V! HE.IS.HOT!!!



the sunset is breath-taking..



you guys have to try Fly Fish!!!



something to show my future grandkids.. what's wrong with my skin in here???



Boracay is like a city in an island. This is Station 2. If you want pure silence, go to Station 1.



these crazy women made our vacay super fun!!!



Caramel Mac on the beach - perfecto!



a stroll..



powdery white sand..



and of course we went island hopping!



this is the day i discovered that I am actually scared of deep-diving..



yeah, i know how to open a bottle using a spoon. I grew up with 3 brothers and male cousins!



tequila shots!



one of our brekkies..



if only this is a clear shot.. :(



this is right after our all-you-can-eat dinner.. and lookie, my brother and I both wore pink! hahaha



massage on the shore - i didn't like it. the sand's all over my body, it's rough..



and i met this hunk of a dude! he's from the dance group Philippine All-Stars



and this was on our way home.. we were sad..

Exactly a month from now, I will be back there. I am beyond excited. I can't wait!
Godspeed! xxx

My 30th Birthday Pictures

I would like to share with you guys pics from my recent 30th birthday! I celebrated it a lot of times and the conclusion was last Saturday's disco where I danced like there's no tomorrow, my bones are still aching! Whew!

Thirty years on earth is something. I am excited for the future! I can't wait to be 40! Enjoy! xxx

AUGUST 10, 2013

my brother, Kab, treated me to lunch on my birthday! Thanks Kab!!!

This was at Crab King, a Singaporean style restaurant. I told the waiters that it's my birthday and voila, special treatment! Or maybe they're really just nice.. Ü.. Anyway, this is a huge, HUGE crab and it's delish but pricey.

On the night of my birthday, I treated myself to my first love: ROCK N ROLL!!! My friends Vanessa Rhea Labesig and Douey Joy Cagud went to the Tanduay T5 Party. It's in an open field and there was a lot of people. I came to see my favorites Wolfgang and Rico Blanco! I had a blast! Remember Woodstuck? Yup, it felt like it!

Rock N Roll means oily, make-up free face! hahahaha!

AUGUST 11, 2013

I went to see my family in Cagayan de Oro city the next day. This is my birthday cake! It's from Red Ribbon. This is huge and it's cheap at Php 650. We just bought flowerettes. Oh and btw, I was the one who put the candles that's why it's crooked. Decorating isn't my niche.

and the obligatory cake pose! hahahaha! my ate (elder sister)  had dinner catered! thanks te! This is the pic I uploaded on WIWT.

my cousin Hazel, my aunts Jean and Teresa, and my uncle Rey

my cousins dj and damdam - they've grown!!!

This moment right here is priceless. These are my siblings.. I don't know what to do without them..

AUGUST 12, 2013

and the queen of my heart, my mother! I had fun taking pics of her while we're in the hotel. She's the strongest person I know.

 

This is at Seda Hotel. There's triple red alert but it didn't stop us from having fun! My family is the best! Of course we miss our Papa, but I know he's just right there with us, having fun as well! Ü

 

August 17, 2013

And the disco at MO2! It was a bomb! I had to take my shoes off! Actually, I didn't really dance. I was jumping and jogging and shouting - all at the same time! hahahaha! Van gave me my tiara - it was so pretty! It suited douey more but it was mine so I wore it!

Again, THANK YOU!!! It was my best birthday, more than anything because I was with my family! My family rocks! And just like the cliche, I must have done someone right to deserve them.. Godpseed! xxx

Again With The Monkeys --- ♥♥♥

Ok. So it was raining like hell on Saturday night and I am deathly afraid of lightning and thunder so you can just imagine how ecstatic and relieved I was when I received a text message from my younger brother Kab that he and our youngest brother Mac2 were gonna fetch me! I swear I was just in the corner of my room lighting a candle! So out I went to be with 2 of the people I love the most and here are our pics (click for larger view) starting with..

 

Dinner at Casa Verde. I've eaten there a million times and their Brian's Baby Backrib is my absolute favorite! It's a must-try if you guys go here (in Cebu). My brothers on the other hand love steak so they had the Surf 'N Turf. The steak's flavorful and jiucy and the shrimp's not overcooked. Good food, great company, AND thunder-free - what more can I ask for?

We slept early that night ( I even missed Iron Chef US which is such a bummer because it was a special episode) and had an early breakfast at Pan De Manila, IT Park. We had old school Philippine breakfast, Pan De Sal with Hot Chocolate. It was a cold morning with a hot beverage - reminds me of home..

So let me show you guys how we do it in the Philippines:

Kab's apartment was a mess so we helped him tidy it up a bit. I volunteered to clean the toilet. I love cleaning toilets! It's a stress-reliever for me.

 

I love cooking for my family. Here are Garlic Shrimp and Hot Squid.

For dinner we went to Persian Palate. I've actually been there thrice before and I remember ordering their Curry. 

I have to publish this pic because Mac2 took it.

That time, my brothers and I felt a little adventurous and tried 3 native Persian dishes; Baba Ganoush, Samosas, and Beef Eskender Kebab. We also had Royal Paella. For drinks I had Ginger Tea, which is "Salabat", and my brothers had Lemongrass Tea which tasted like liquid lemongrass. If you've only seen my brothers' faces when they tasted their drinks - so funny! They ended up ordering soda.

The food was delish but everything's so flavorful that my taste buds were literally confused! I think we ordered the wrong food combination. We were full in no time. We had a lot of leftovers. I had the same feeling when I was at Maya, which is a Mexican restaurant.

Monday brunch. I woke up to cook for the monkeys - aren't I the best sister? Hahaha! Fried Beef Loaf, Fried (and crunchy) Dried Squid, and Spicy Sardines (Señorita).

Monday dinner. At Hukad, Cybergate. Kab's so into Candy Crush.

We had Kinilaw, Chorizo (which I was badly craving for), Tinolang Manok, and Pandan Chicken. Unlimited Rice - go figure! Hahaha!

If you guys notice, I was wearing the same dress for 3 days! In my bro's apartment I wore his clothes but when we go out, I wore the same dress! hahaha!

 

Remember the series "Brothers & Sisters"? It's one of my most favorite of all time. The patriarch, William Walker said, "Family is the only sure thing in life. Always was, always will be." I believe this too. My family's the best. I'm one lucky lady, I tell you.

'Til next time! xxx