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.

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.

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.

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.

Elemental Scraps On-Sale

While surfing the net for digiscrap freebies, I chance upon this notice in one of the digital scrapbooking sites I frequent. Elemental Scraps is closing down its doors for good on December 31, 2010. Due to this, most of the digital scrapbooking items are on sale. Some are on 40 - 50% off, while some of the Mega Kits are on a 80-87% off. Imagine mega kits on sale as low as $1.00! And these kits are not the run-of-the-mill kits. They are bundle kits, having as much as 20papers and 40-50+ elements. Despite of my being a digiscrap freebie hunter, I just can't resist the urge to buy 3 of those mega kits. And the nice part is, I only spent $3.00 (PHP 150.00 approximately) for it! Imagine the savings I got.

So to all my fellow digiscrap addicts out there, hope you'll find time to visit the great Elemental Scraps Sale. It is only until December 31, 2010. Hope you'll also find some nice items! :-)

Pao & Pup

Before my December layouts turn into an array of Christmas stuff, I would like to post one layout for one of my close buddies in my former office - Pao. Incidentally, Pao is also a December birthday celebrant, and he is also one of the ninongs (i.e. godfather) of my son, Zion. Pao is a level-headed friend whom I consider as a good source of information when it comes to music, film, and photography. He was one of the guys I consulted when I was contemplating which DSLR model to buy. Together with another good friend, Ron, they are the guys whom I talk to / email when I need some male-point-of-view opinions. But I must admit, that tough-looking as he is, this guy hates cockroaches the way I do (especially the flying ones). Once he had this wall post in Facebook that mentioned something about that yucky insect. It really made me laugh, and I can't help but to comment - "Wala talagang lalakeng macho sa lumilipad na ipis" (i.e. No man is macho enough when confronted by a flying cockroach).

For today's layout, I was going through Facebook earlier when I chanced upon Pao's profile picture which I found cute and funny. :-)

Journalling: Happiness is a warm puppy - Charles Schulz

Credits for this layout: Back to Basics Mega Kit available at Elemental Scraps ; Fontmoochers font available at Dafont.com

Under the Christmas Tree

I had the rare chance to stay at home today, rest, and do some digiscrapping. It was a miracle to think that Zion's nanny was on her day-off today, and we had to go out earlier just to attend the 4th day of the anticipated Simbang Gabi mass (i.e. Midnight Mass). And since Zion's nanny was on a day-off, I had the chance to spend some quality time and bond with my Zion. How fast time flies. Just some 3 or 4 Christmases ago, Zion was still a baby whom I had to carry just for us to have a picture under or near the Christmas tree (see this layout when Zion was still about 6 months old). After 3-4 years, I don't need to force him to pose near or under the Christmas tree. Since then, there is no need to beg or prod Zion. He voluntarily poses in front of the camera. In fact, he is the one asking me to take his picture. There are even those moments (like the picture I used in this layout) wherein he asks me to join him in the picture.

This picture was taken during our visit to Vista Marina in Subic, Zambales last November. There was a giant Christmas tree in the hotel's reception area, wherein everybody had their pictures taken. As expected, Zion was a very willing model/subject in my attempt to play with my camera. And since Christmas is a time for love and family, I didn't hesistate to have my picture taken with my little man.

Credits for this layout: Christmas Cheer Kit by Connie Prince available at Gottapixel.

December 2K10 Calendar Layout

How fast time flies! It was only today that I realized that it is already the month of December. No wonder my parents are busy cleaning the house and have started setting up the Christmas decors. And as of my last check, it is only 21 or 22 days before the Big Day called Christmas!

For my calendar layout this month, I featured my son, Zion. Why Zion? They say that kids are the usual people who are happy during Christmas, because they receive an assortment of gifts from almost everybody - their parents, their siblings, godparents, and of course, who can ever forget Santa Clause?!? The pictures in this layout were taken during our short weekend vacation in Vista Marina Hotel in Subic, Zambales. The hotel had put up their Christmas decors early, so our entire family (especially Zion) had a fun time taking pictures with those Christmas decors.

Journalling: Because this is your season, dear child.. Enjoy every moment of it...

Credits for this layout: Home for the Holidays Kit by DK Designs

For Dear Yaya Linda

Before the month of November finally comes to an end, I would like to feature another birthday celebrant of this month - our very own Yaya Linda, Zion's ever-reliable nanny. Yaya Linda has been Zion's nanny since Zion was one week old. I am proud to say that Yaya has been with the family for more than 4 years now. She has taken very good care of Zion since day1, and she has seen Zion grow from being an infant until now that Zion is already a preschooler. In these times, wherein finding a reliable and trustworthy nanny is difficult as finding the perfect pair of shoes, I surely feel lucky to find one in my Yaya Linda. Not only is she a nanny to Zion, but she also serves as a second parent and grandparent when I am not or when my mom (Zion's real grandma) are not around. So to our dear Yaya Linda, happy happy birthday! I know you may not be internet-saavy, and may not be able to read this, but just the same, I want you to know that I am so thankful for always being there for me and Zion. Thank you for everything.. :-)

Journalling: For all the love, the patience, the understanding.. For being a very good secon parent... Thank you dear Yaya Linda.

Credits for this layout: Remember When Kit by Kim B's Digi Scraps.

Divalicious

For my second layout today, I am featuring another friend whose birthmonth is also in November - Ara. Ara was my Quality Analyst when I was doing development/programming work in my previous company. She was a fresh graduate when she joined the company and our team, but over time, I really think she improved a lot. Having seen how she works, I really think she deserves more than what she's having now (i.e. matiisin lang sya talaga... hehehe..). Aside from work, I consider Ara as one of my girl buddies in my circle of friends in that company. She was very fun to be with it, but she definitely has something between her ears. Despite the fact that she is younger than most of us, this lady (lady daw o?!? heheheh...) knows when and how to speak her mind. When I was still with that company, we used to discuss and make okray (i.e. criticize and diss) people, things, and even systems/processes which we think are really out of line. Lastly, I also consider Ara as my "daughter-in-law-na-hilaw" because of her self-professed crush on my 4-year old son, Zion. Goodluck always Ara! Your boypren Zion wishes to extend to you his hugs and kisses! :-)

Credits for this layout: Funny Valentine Kit by Scrap Indonesia; Girls Divas WordArt by Kellie's Kreations.

For Bhel

For my layout today, I would like to feature one of my girl friends - Bhel. Bhel has been my officemate and friend back in Sunlife. Together with two other friends - Ron and Pao - I consider them as my closest buddies back in Sunlife. Incidentally, Bhel is also a November birthday celebrant. Her birthday is just a few days after my birthday. Bhel is definitely one unique lady. She can juggle her work as an IT professional, a pro badminton player, and also an avid fan of Nick Carter and Parokya ni Edgar (a local band here in the Philippines). On her birthday this year, we are planning to celebrate it by watching PNE's gig in one of the nearby music spots. Well.. I hope she gets the chance to have a duet with PNE's lead singer, Chito. Tee hee!! Advance Happy Birthday, Bhel!! :-)

Credits for this layout: Delightful Girl Kit and Love & Like Kit both by Simply Clean Digiscraps; Evening Sphere WordArt by LieN.

November 2K10 Calendar Layout

It's 2 days before the first day of my favorite month of the year - November. I will not say why I like this month. :-) But since it is my favorite month of the year, I will post my monthly calendar layout a little earlier. :-)

For my calendar layout this month, I feature myself. :-D. Well, I enjoy taking pictures of my family and friends, but seldom do I enjoy being in those pictures. There are only those rare occassions wherein I want to have my own pictures taken. It's not that I don't want to be with family and friends. It's just I feel self-conscious when I know I am being photographed. This is the reason behind the picture in this layout.

The picture was taken in Ugo Bigyan's Pottery in the town of San Pablo in Laguna. The place was one of the venues included in the Viaje del Sol trip (check TravelFactor.org). Within the compound of Mr. Ugo Bigyan, is a corner where a simple wooden chair is located. I surely love this spot within the compound. It may feel eerie at the start, but it definitely registered well with the camera, and relaxing on the chair somehow brings a feeling of serenity. I sat there, shut my eyes, my ears, and even my mind. And even for a few seconds, I felt peace within.

Journalling: "Simplicity ... Minsan gusto mo na lang huminto, pumikit, maging bulag at bingi sa lahat ng ingay ng mundo... " (i.e. There are times when one just wants to pause, close his eyes, and be blind and deaf to all the distractions in this world.)

Credits for this layout: Simplicity Kit by Little Angel Designs; Photomask by Bouille; Veteran Typewritter font by Dafont.com;

Be Happy

One of the famous advertisements here in the Philippines is that of a multivitamin. I guess it was because of its tagline - Be Happy. Another known politician in this country used a similar campaign motto during the May 2010 elections - Gusto ko happy ka (i.e. I want you to be happy). I guess it's a common thought that everyone wants to be happy - may it be in one's personal life, love life, career or family life. I also share that thought - I also want to be happy. But I personally think that one's happiness relies on how one defines happiness. For one, I am happy with the simple things - lose 2-3 lbs, a 3-day weekend, good rest from a stressful week at work, digital scrapbooking, travelling to local and foreign places, and a simple hug and kiss from my little one Zion.

For my layout today, I feature my cousin Josie during our trip to Lake Pandin (as part of the Viaje del Sol trip) in the province of Laguna. To be honest (and she might get pissed with this comment), my cousin Josie is not really fond of smiling. She is normally the serious type, mukhang problemado sa buhay type of girl. There should be some good reason before she actually smiles, albeit laugh. It is during this rare occassions, during these more relaxing moments, when I actually see my cousin smile. And I am glad that I've got my camera ready to capture this kind of moments.

By the way, to my cousin Josie, belated happy happy birthday (last October 15)!! Hope to see you smile more frequently. :-D

Journalling: If you want to Be Happy, Be. - Leo Tolstoy

Credits for this layout: Citrus Twist Kit from Sprouting Seeds Studio; WordArt by Bethany Elegant WordArt.

October 2K10 Calendar Layout

For my calendar layout for the month of October, I am featuring a former colleague and friend from my former office - Catherine, or Cae as we fondly call her. =D. Cae is one of those friends whom I can describe as sugar and spice rolled into one package. Sugar because she is definitely a good friend to me back in our previous company. She was honest enough to tell me what was wrong with me and what people say behind my back - and I admire people, most especially friends, who are honest inside and out. She is also one helluva spice! =D Cae can make anyone smile and laugh with her antics and pranks. Everyone in our circle of friends had fallen victim to her kakulitan... and even our previous manager was not spared. :-D

To Cae, advance happy happy birthday (for October 11)! Wish you happiness and success in your new work and office! Meron ka na naman bago mabibiktima dun.. Hihihihi! And definitely, I wish that you will not miss your flight after you have rescheduled it. :-P

Journalling: "As we go on.. We remember.. All the times we had together... As our lives change, come whatever.. We will still be friends forever.."

Credits for this layout: Spontaneous Delight Kit by Carrie Stephens available at Shabbyprincess; Pictures taken by another friend Shy Arizala; Journalling taken from The Graduation Song by Vitamin C.