Bebegirl Bailey

Among our three lovable "bebegirls" (that's how we call our pet dogs), one always stands out - Bailey. Not because of how she looks (she's an "AsPin" - Asong Pinoy - with some resemblance of a Jack Russell), but because of her "primadonna" attitude, and her desire to always stay indoors. She also enjoys riding the car and travelling to the vet. While our other bebegirls, prefer to stay outdoors especially during sunny weather, Bailey prefers to stay inside the home to watch TV with us, join us for lunch/dinner, or simply sleep inside the room. It is no wonder it is very easy to take pictures of her. :)


Credits: On The Farm Kit from Scrapvine Digital Scrapbooking

Paalam

"Paalam" is the Filipino word for goodbye. This layout is dedicated to an old friend. I am saying goodbye to that person not only physically - i.e. he/she could probably still be alive, living somewhere. But I am saying goodbye to our friendship. Perhaps some things are only meant to last a certain length of time or for certain reasons. And after we have learned the lesson from the experience, it is time to turn the page and move on.

Credits: Thankful Harvest Kit from Digitee Designs by Sheila Reid

Brother's Burger Birthday

Today's my brother's 27th birthday. And definitely the whole family's glad that he is with us to celebrate it - i.e. he's working on a ship most of the months of the year. For his 27th birthday, he treated us to Zark's Burger - a known burger joint in the metro having a variety of burger options, including their specialty, the Tombstone. This behemoth of a burger is composed of 8 big burger patties jammed between two burger buns. The rich and juicy burger patties is indeed to die-for but eating this alone will definitely send you to your tomb because of the cholesterol levels. 😆

So to my dear brother Philip, HAPPY 27th BIRTHDAY! I know you may not be able to see this blog post because you don't even have the slightest idea that I do have digital scrapbooking blog -- the downside of being a personified Johnny Bravo. Nonetheless, I would like to wish you many more years and birthdays, and a plenty more burger treats in the future! 😋😋😋

Credits:  That Teen Life - Everyday Kit from DigiTee Designs by Sheila Reid

American Dream

My brother had always been a fan of the American culture. Not that he is not patriotic or has less love for the Philippines, but if given the chance to choose a second nationality, I guess it would be American. The color of his room follows the color of the US flag - red, white, blue - you would mistake it for a kindergarten kid's room (note that my brother is in his 20's). His former plate was shaped after the American flag, and even his boxing shorts has the American flag as a design. 😁

Credits for this layout: Americana Kit by Marisa Lerin Designs.

The Best Cure

Yesterday, I was trying to comfort my son. He was having a not-so-good day at school after learning that his crush had eyes on him... only as a friend (i.e. friendzoned) plus the fact that his mobile phone conked out on him... again for the nth time (i.e. he considers his mobile phone as 3rd arm or 3rd leg). With the hopes of making him feel better, I treated him to some cold and sweet desserts - korean bingsu!

I don't know with you folks, but for me, desserts (especially any of them that have the ice cream component) have always made me feel better. There ain't any pain that dessert/ice cream can't ease or cure - including pains of the heart. Thankful that this also worked for my son. Well.. we can't have his mobile phone fixed immediately - as we'll only be able to go to the repair guy this coming weekend - but at the least, he's no longer moping that much over his crush. :)

Credits for this layout: Going Place Kit from Scrapvine.

Girl Friends

I am on my way to reviving this digital scrapbooking blog.😍

It's been yearssssss since I last made a digital scrapbooking piece and it has been yearsssss since I updated this blog. As I am trying to find ways to positively and productively spend my energies, I decided to go back to digital scrapbooking. It was a good de-stressor before, it may as well be a good means to destress now.

For my first "revival" entry, I would like to pay tribute to my special set of girl friends. We might have known each other for a shorter period of time, but our common experiences and our shared set of values have made our bond stronger despite the short span of time that we have know and we have spent with each other. To my Balabac Beauty sisters, I will always be thankful for having you in my life. 😘

Credits: Rustic Reflections Kit from http://scrapgirls.com

Mae's Happiness

For my third layout this week, I dedicate it to another June celebrant, and also a good friend from my previous employer - Marichu, este Cherry Mae pala. I can say that Mae is one of those people (from my previous company) who's very easy to get along with. In our circle of friends, she has been a good source of our comic relief. I cannot forget our Potipot getaway - the game of Taboo combined with the crab-inside-the-tent incident with Ara. Definitely, no dull moment when Mae's around.

Dear Mae, belated happy birthday! Wishing you success, happiness, and most importantly l-o-v-e! Mishu girl! :)

Credits for this layout: Spring Fling Kit by Elemental Scraps; Word Art by AgnieskaG; Photo by Shy Arizala.

Joann's Inner Beauty

For my second layout this week, I dedicate it to another good friend from my previous employer, who is incidentally also a June birthday celebrant. I dedicate this second layout to my team lead and good friend, Joann. For a team lead, I can say that Joann has a high level of patience and understanding, especially with a feisty team like ours. She has a way of handling and understanding a bunch of hyperactive and oftentimes feisty team members, especially during those crunch time moments. But outside of work, Joann is definitely a good (and funny) friend. She never fails to give us her level-headed advice, especially when we need those religious feel-good ego-boosts.

To dear Joann, belated happy birthday girl! Mishu! :)

Credits for this layout: Back to Basics Kit by Elemental Scraps; WordArt from Random Thoughts by Linda; Photo taken by Shy Arizala.

Glenda's Smile

Oh my! It's been 2 months since my last post. I've been sooooo busy with work for the past 2 months that I wasn't able to create any digiscrap layouts, and not even my monthly calendar layouts. Sometimes work can really take a toll on my creative, and even my personal life... *sigh*...

Anyway, to make up for the lost time, I have created 3 layouts this weekend. These layouts are all dedicated to my girl friends from my previous work who have celebrated their birthdays last May and a few days back in June.

For my 1st layout, I dedicate this to my good friend Glendz who celebrated her birthday last May. Glendz is one of my close friends from my previous company. We have common interests (with the exception of Glendz's fondness for Black Sabbath), and we usually share the same opinions when it comes to certain topics and concepts. I miss Glendz and our usual morning trips to Starbucks and our afternoon trips to Fruit Magic or that yogurt shop a few meters from our previous office.

To my good friend Glendz, belated happy birthday!! Mishu girl! :)

Credits for this layout: Blooming Friendship Kit by Jady Day Studio. Photo taken by Shy Arizala.

Sofia Eloise

This layout is lovingly dedicated to a very good friend from my previous company - for Glendz. She gave birth last April 15, 2011 to a very healthy (and super cute) baby - Sofia Eloise. Congratulations to the new mom, Glenda, and new dad, Bong. And to Baby Sofia, welcome to the world! Hope to see you soon! :)

Journalling: A Little Angel was born;
"Sofia Eloise" * Greek : personification of wisdom (Sophia) * Old German : famous warrior (Eloise)

Credits for this layout: 12 Janvier 2007 by Lexine Scraps ; Gabrielle WordArt from JoeG Designs; Wikipedia.org and Think Baby Names for the meanings of Sofia and Eloise.

Important in the Life of A Child

Last March 26, 2011, my little man "graduated" from his Nursery class. I made sure I had no appointments that day, made sure that no phone calls to come in for work will happen. All my attention was on my little man, my son, Zion. And it was a good thing, I made time for it. My little guy was awarded the "Mr. Pure Energy" special award for his energetic and active participation in class activities. I surely blushed when I heard cheered and applauded when his award was announced. After I pinned the ribbon/award on his shirt, I hugged him tight, and joyfully whispered "I'm so proud of you, my baby". I guess I will never exchange moments like those for any amount of treasure or wealth. Even if my son only graduated from Nursery, as his mom, I felt it was also my achievement. And though I know there will be rough moments ahead as Zion enters a big school next year, I know that WE CAN make it through. :-)

Journalling: A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove... but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child. - Forest E. Witcraft

Credits for this layout: Dream Big by Scrap Indonesia / Aprilisa Designs; Wordart from Bethany's Elegant WordArt;

April 2K11 Calendar Layout

There is an old Filipino adage that says "Huli man daw at magaling, maihahabol pa rin". Very roughly translating it, would come as "Better late than never" (my apologies to my readers who are experts in both the English and Filipino language), and this is what exactly this post says. I know it's almost the end of April. And it is only now I have created and posted my April 2011 calendar layout. The end of March until now has been a very busy (and physically, emotionally draining) time for me, especially at work. But I couldn't just let April pass without rendering my calendar layout for this month. Most especially because April is my son's, Zion, birthmonth. And since I've featured almost all my family members, and girl buddies in digiscrap layouts, I would not let April pass without featuring my son in his own layout.

The picture was taken during Zion's moving up activity last March. He "graduated" from Nursery, and the family celebrated the occassion by eating out and going to nearby Subic.

Journalling : You make me smile.

Credits for this layout: Escape Kit by Jayedid Designs; Miss Mint 2011 Calendar Stamps available at Peppermint Creative; Music To Scrap WordArt from Melanie's Digital Creations.

Incredible Apple

Another good friend who is celebrating her birthday this month is Apple. Aside from being a good friend, she was also a colleague from my former company. Apple can be described as a silent and soft-spoken lady. But do not be deceived by her quiet exterior. Being a quality analyst, she is very keen and has a very good eye for details. Programmers whose program codes she review, have to ensure that everything is working well, in order to get pass Apple's eagle-eyes. Aside from this, the fun part begins when you get to know her and become her friend. Apple may not be the loud-type, but her "hirits" and "punchlines", combined with her "ala-eh" accent (this Maria Clara is a genuine Batanguena), can surely make the cut when it comes to the funniest antics in our circle of friends. So Epols (as I fondly call her before), a happy happy birthday to you.. SUFFFRISE!!! :-D

Journalling: Absolutely Incredible

Credits for this layout: Tutti Frutti Kit by Stacey's Scraps; Alpha from Shabby Mommy Kit from Shabby Princess; WordArt from Evening Sphere WordArt by Lien Clickphoto Designs. Photo taken by another friend, Shy Arizala.

ET @ 60

The weeks that passed was a hectic and very busy week for me and my mom. We were busy preparing for a surprise party on my Dad's 60th birthday. We had the party last March 12. We were very careful upto the last minute so as not to destroy the surprise. My Mom had to come up with an alibi saying that they (Dad and Mom) needs to attend a meeting, while my brother and I (together with Zion) pretended that we will be attending another party. While the guests were coming in, we had to keep them inside the hall to prevent my Dad from seeing them loitering around the premises. Imagine the surprise on my Dad's face when he finally got inside the venue, and saw most of his closest friends, former and current officemates, and relatives. The surprise didn't stop there. He had no idea that we prepared a program for him, complete with stories from friends, an AVP presentation, toasting, and of course special birthday wishes from the family. The journalling I placed in this layout was the birthday wish "speech" I gave when it was my turn to speak.

Journalling:
Dearest Daddy, first of all I would like to greet you a happy 60th birthday. On this day, I wish you good health, more blessings, and long life filled with happiness. On your 60th birthday, and incidentally your retirement, take time to smell the flowers, see the beauty of your surroundings, and most importantly enjoy life. Dad, we may not always see eye to eye. We may not be the perfect father and daughter pair, and I may have caused a lot of your white hair, but know that in my heart, that you're the best and the greatest. Thank you so much and I love you.

Credits for this layout: Reflections Blogtrain Kit - can be found in Designs by Anita .

March 2K11 Calendar Layout

I know I've been missing out on my digiscrap layouts lately. I've been busy these past weeks, with work/training, and with the preparations for my Dad's 60th birthday (Iam hoping that my Dad would not surf the web and visit my blogs.. tee hee!). Despite of all these, I still managed to create a calendar layout for the month of March.

For this month, I am featuring another very good friend from my previous company - Shy. In our circle of friends back in my old company, she is the official photographer. During our yearly summer outings, she patiently works with a bunch of camwhores (us!! hehehe!) who are all eager to pose in front of the camera. As a friend, I can say that Shy is a very level headed girl, be it in our circle of friends and even among the people in the office. Negative things are thrown at her, but she still manages to retain her cool, instead of raising hell (as all of us in the team would normally do.. in varying degrees of course). I surely miss having her as one of my lunch buddies, and most importantly, one of the few close friends I've had in my previous work.

To Shy, advance happy happy birthday (March 28)! God bless you always. Hope to see you soon! :-)

Journalling: "Count on me through thick and thin, a friendship that will never end. When you are weak, I will be strong, helping you to carry on. Call on me, I will be there. Don't be afraid. Please believe me when I say, Count on..."

Credits for this layout: Back to Basics Kit by ElementalScraps; Urban Kiwi Collection by Shabbyprincess ; Everday Moments Kit by Designs by Amanda; Calendar Template by Miss Mint from Pepppermint Creative ; Count on Me Lyrics sung by Whitney Houston.

February 2K11 Calendar Layout

I was asking my brother if he could spare me a picture of him and his current girlfriend for my February calendar layout. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to get the picture from his girlfriend. I thought of using a picture of my parents. However, since they will be celebrating their anniversary this coming March, I just decided to use their picture on my upcoming layouts on March. So, this left me thinking what picture I could use for my calendar layout. I scanned through the pictures in my computer to check if I could find any. I chanced upon a picture of me and my son Zion. Hmmm.. the month of February is indeed the month of love. But I guess, Love is not limited to the romantic kind. A mother's love for her son can be considered one of the most beautiful and most priceless kind of love. ♥♥♥

Credits for this layout: Strawberry Nirvana Kit by Maurine Stettler; WordArt by Word Art World;
Calendar Template from Miss Mint 2011 Calendar Stamps .

A Whole Lotta Kisses

Part of my goal this 2011 is to come up with a Project 365 - to take at least one picture a day, and post it in my other blog. One of the pictures I took these past days is the can full of Kisses chocolates. As I've posted in my blog, I love Kisses Chocolates, and I'm also on a diet. Goodluck on my attempt to make these two things work - diet and Kisses chocolates! Help me God! Tee hee! :-)

Journalling: Chocolate is nature's way of making up for Monday.

Credits for this layout: Choco Comfort Collab Kit from Scrap Indonesia.

You Are My Dream

I was taking care of Zion today, as he is not feeling well. We went to his pedia earlier and found out he has sore throat. No wonder he was complaining about his painful throat the entire day. As I was giving him his medicines, I tried to look closely at Zion. At almost 5 years, Zion has grown a lot. He has developed physically, emotionally, and even mentally. As I listen to him speak, I realize that I am truly blessed having Zion in my life. As I am a dreamer, my son Zion is my greatest dream.

Journalling: How fast time flies, my son... To me it was only yesterday, when you were still a baby, cuddled in my arms, finding peace and happiness in my simple and hushed lullabye. In a span of four years, you have grown so much. Now, I look at you with wonder and amazement. In a span of four years, I see the grace of God unfold. In you, I realize why life is beautiful and why it is worth living. I thank God for you. I am a dreamer and your are my greatest Dream...

Credits for this layout: Imagine Kit and Simplicity Kit both from Little Angels Designs .

2010 Meets 2011

We celebrated New Year 2011 differently. Instead of staying at home, we opted to go to nearby Eastwood City in Libis to join the open party countdown for 2011. My family and I checked-in in a nearby hotel (Crowne Plaza Galleria) since my mom had discount vouchers in the said hotel. The open party countdown in Eastwood City was a big success as several musical artists graced the event, as everybody waited for the clock to strike 12. I'll try to create some digiscrap layouts using the pictures I got during the open party countdown.

For my layout today, the picture used was taken on the morning of January 1, 2011, at our room in the Crowne Plaza Galleria Hotel. I asked everyone in our family to strike a pose so that we can have souvenir pictures from the hotel. My Dad and my son Zion made this funny pose - my Dad in his unbuttoned shirt, and Zion in his diapers. My Mom saw the shot and she commented that it is like 2010 (the old year) meets 2011 (the new year).

Journalling: When 2010 meets 2011

Credits for this layout: New Year's Eve Kit by Miss Mint Creations available at Peppermint Creative; Photomask from KapiColors.

January 2K11 Calendar Layout

HaPpY NeW YeAr!!! HaPpY NeW DeCaDe!! :-)

It's the first day of the year 2011. And it's also nice to know that we're starting a new decade. I can say that the year 2010 has been a year of sorts for me. I was able to travel to a lot of places in 2010. I got retrenched from my previous work in mid-2010. Incidentally, it was a blessing a disguise, because I was able to join a much-better company after my retrenchment. I gained new friends in this new company, without necessarily, losing my friends from my previous company. It was also a blessing because one of my closest friends from elementary/high school has also joined this new company. Well, my love life hasn't improved in the year 2010, but I guess the other good things that happened in 2010 outweighed my still-zero lovelife. :-)

On the other hand, I always believe that one of the best things God has given me has and will always be my family. It is one of the enduring things in my life. Jobs, just like money, come and go. Friends may not always be there, when needed. Pictures of travels fade in time. But the bond and love brought about by family, always endures.

So for my opening layout salvo for the year 2011, I am featuring my own family - my Dad, my mom, my brother Philip (whose butt is the only thing visible in the pictures.. :-) ), my dear cousin Josie, our beloved nanny Yaya Linda, and my precious son Zion. We may not be a perfect family, as we are not perfect individually. But the support, respect, acceptance, and love, this family has are the things that keep it together.

To my family, friends, and to the readers of this blog, I wish you all a happy and prosperous new year. May this new year and this new decade bring about winds of prosperity, abundance, and of course the fundamentals - hope, peace, joy, and love (i.e. a new love life please for me! :-)).

Credits for this layout: Simple Scrap Kit and Remember the Past Kit both from Nathan Design. WordArt from Bethany's Elegant WordArt. Miss Mint 2011 Calendar Stamps available at Peppermint Creative.