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.

Happy Dad's Day 2010

Today is a day wherein the world gives credit to fathers, the responsible and loving head of every household. For my layout today, I feature my own Dad, together with my brother and my son. My Dad is not a perfect man. There are times wherein we don't see eye-to-eye because of his more conservative outlook on things. But I can definitely say, I couldn't and I wouldn't ask for a much better Dad, because my Dad has been a very responsible, loving, and understanding father to me. I hope and I pray that when my brother and my son, become fathers themselves, they too, will be like my Dad.

To my Dad - Happy Father's Day!! We may not always see things from the same perspective, but your love, patience, and understanding have made you what you are now - the best Dad anyone could have.

Credits for this layout: Dadditude Kit from Peppermint Creative; Not His Angel font from Kevin and Amanda.com.

May 2K10 Calendar Layout

How fast time flies. My one-and-a-half weeks vacation has come to an end. Back to work. Back to reality. Nevertheless, I can say that I had a great time during that short respite from work. I was able to process and obtain my Solo Parent ID (yehey for additional 7-days paid leave from work!!), was able to have a foot spa, was able to watch Ironman2, was able to travel up north to Ilocos (one of the northern provinces here in the Philippines), and most importantly, I was able to have some quality time with my family and my son, Zion.

Now back to my digital scrapping world. :-) The month of May is usually devoted to one of the most important women in our lives - our mother. Today, March 9, is Mother's Day. For this reason, I chose my Mom as my model for my May 2010 calendar layout. My mom went with me during my trip to Ilocos last April 30. Despite having a hard time walking, she managed to take care of her 2 children (my brother and I) during that loooong travel to Ilocos. One of the first places we've visited was the Bantay Bell Tower in Ilocos Sur. It was really a landmark that should never be missed when one visits the said province. More Ilocos pictures to come in my next layouts!! :-)

Credits for this layout: Family Ties Collab Kit by Jak-ART-a Scrappers; Love WordArt by Thaty Borges Designs; Calendar Template by Peppermint Creative;

Apple's Shower

Before we took our Christmas vacation last December, we gave our friend/officemate Apple her bridal shower. She'll get to tie the knot today, January 2. Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend her wedding because of the wedding's venue.

We had a Hat Party theme to celebrate Apple's bridal shower. Even if we are just 10 (including Apple herself), we sure had a lot of fun during the party. We had spaghetti, chicken lollipops, native delicacies, and of course, Tequila! Tee hee!! :-)

I'm not sure if Apple and Neo (Apple's soon-to-be hubby), will be able to check out this layout soon, but nonetheless, I would like to wish them both Congratulations and Best Wishes on their wedding! May God bless their union and be with them always! :-)

Journalling: It's always a party when my friends are here; We don't need streamers or balloons floating near. 'Cuz when we're together, there's fun everywhere. Our dreams are Confetti, tossed high in the air.

Credits for this layout: No Boys Allowed Kit from Un-leash-ed Scraps available at Digiscrapdepot; Party On! WordArt from Tina Chambers available at Creating Keepsakes; our officemate/friend Shy for the lovely pictures she took (unfortunately, she's not in pictures above).

My Christmas

Zion had their annual school Christmas party presentation last December 16. Since I was busy the past days, I was only able to upload the pictures from my camera to the laptop today. I was going through the pictures, as well the videos I took, when I noticed that how fast time flies. Unlike last year when Zion cried (or should I say wailed) during the Toddler Class' entire presentation, this year he was more cooperative. Even if he wasn't able to follow all of the gestures his teacher showed, the least he did was to walk around and laughed while the "Kumukuti-kutitap" song played in the background. Compared to last year's crying session, this year was more presentable and more pleasing to the camera. My son is indeed growing up. *sigh*... Well, as his mom, I just wish that when he grows up, he'll learn the true meaning of Christmas and why we are celebrating. :-)

Journalling: My Joy... My Love... My Christmas...

Credits for this layout: Merry Christmas Collab Kit available at Digiscrap Mania Shop; Love and Hope Kit by Jaelop Designs; Swenson font available at Dafont.com.

Little Vampire

Now I know this layout is quite late. But cliche as it may sound, it would definitely be "Better late than never".

Last October 28, Zion's school had their annual Trick or Treat activity. The preschoolers were advised to come in their best (and cutest) Halloween costume and participate in the Trick or Treat activity within the school's premises. Buying the candies and goodies was the easy part. Buying Zion's costume was not. As Zion's mom and a regular mallrat, I never thought that SM would run out of Halloween costume. But it did... well almost. I went to SM Makati (nearer my office) a day before Zion's school activity. To my surprise, the only costume left for little boy toddlers like Zion was that of the vampire (black and red cape) with the small black bag. Little girls were luckier because there were still the princess and fairies costumes on the shelves. So I went for the vampire costume. I just told my mom (Zion's grandma) to apply makeup and eyeshadow to make Zion look like a little Edward Cullen, oh I mean, a little vampire. :-)

Journalling: Clothes make a statement. Costumes tell a story. - Mason Cooley

Credits for this layout: Twilight Tagger Kit from Cora's Creations; Photomask with Wings and WordArt from BintyDesigns.

This is My Moment

If there is one thing I regret wass not being able to attend Zion's first "graduation" or moving-up activity from his first Toddlers Playschool class last March 2009. I wasn't able to attend it because it coincided with my vacation together with my Mom and brother. His Ninang (my cousin) took my place during the graduation and awarding ceremonies. Well, Zion did not actually "graduate" because he is still in Toddlers class today (Important NOTE: I enrolled him in his first Toddlers class at the middle of December 2008 to prepare him for the actual class in June 2009) but seeing him on the pictures receiving his Humble Pie Award made me quite teary-eyed (even if it was not really a "formal" award since he only joined the class for half a year). Oh well! I'll try to make it up this year. This year he would "formally graduate" or "move up" from Toddlers Playschool to Nursery. I hope that he would receive another award this year. And I hope to be there to hand him his award. :-)

Journalling: I am Zion. Today, I graduated from Toddlers Playschool. Today I received the Humble Pie Award. This will make my Ninang and everyone who loves me very proud. This is MY MOMENT.

Credits for this layout: Softly Blooms Kit from Heavenly Designz. WordArt stamps from Sueli Colbert Designs. Photomask Pack3 from Bouille.

Zion's First Wedding

Zion had attended his first wedding as part of the wedding entourage (arrhae bearer) during his Ninong Pao's wedding last June 2009. It was quite an experience for Zion because it was his first time to walk down the aisle with about 5 to 10 cameras flashing simultaneously. He was so surprised (I guess would be a more appropriate term) with all the cameras flashing, that he stopped at the middle of the march and started to cry (howl would be better term to describe what he did). Since I was accompanying him during the march, I was so embarrassed with what happened. I had to carry him so that he could finish his walk. It was just a good thing that the couple was so understanding of Zion.

For this layout I reused a Philippines-inspired kit to match Zion's outfit in the picture (i.e. the local Barong Tagalog). The Crop Dreams Kit was a collaboration kit created by Filipina digital designers. Part of the proceeds from this kit was given to the Opportunity House which is a Pearl S. Buck foundation program which helps kids from impoverished countries like the Philippines.

Credits for this layout: Crop Dreams Kit available at mabuhayproject.blogspot.com

My Greatest Joy

Last July 4, 2009, my friend/officemate Glenda tied the knot with her long-time fiance' Bong at the Malate Church in Manila. Zion was lucky enough to be part of her great entourage and was assigned the role of the arrhae or coin bearer. It was Zion's 2nd time to be an arrhae bearer. His first stint as an arrhae bearer was quite a "crying experience" - he was so surprised (or should I say shocked) with all the camera flashes that he cried all the way to the altar. To avoid this "crying scene" this time, I had to do a pep-talk with him, threaten him that Father (the priest) will take him away from Mommy, and bribe him with all sorts of stuff - from toy snakes, ice cream, to Nick Jr. tv sessions. Thank God all the prodding worked! He was able to make it to the front row without a single tear in his eyes. On the contrary he was smiling and giggling while he was walking.

The picture I used in this layout was the photo taken by a photographer prior to the start of the march. Since I was so busy convincing Zion to walk without crying, I wasn't able to take pictures of him when we got in the church, just before the wedding. I had to contend myself with the photo I bought from that photographer.

Credits for this layout: Yuyu Memories Kit by Armina Designs, Serendipity Kit by MandyMystiques Design; Love WordArt by Thaty Borges Designs.

A Smile is The Light

About a month ago, Zion celebrated his 3rd birthday. It was celebrated at a local fastfood joint near our area. I only invited my a few close relatives and my closest friends. The birthday party was just held to give way to my parents' request that their "unico hijo apo" was given a birthday party since children his age love celebrating parties and opening gifts. And I must agree they were right. Zion truly enjoyed his birthday party, as seen from most of the pictures that were taken during the celebration, just like the one used in this layout. I must say this is just one of his naughtiest and most "pilyo" shots. I'm planning to feature the other cute shots in future layouts.

Journalling: A Smile is the light in the window of your face that tells people you are at home.

Credits for this layout: Happy Mommy Kit from jadydaystudio.blogspot.com; Spring Mini Kit by kevinandamanda.com; WordArt from Scrappy Pony designs at
cesstrelle.wordpress.com.

Zion Turns 3

A few weeks ago Zion celebrated his 3rd birthday. We held the children's party in a nearby fastfood chain. I only invited close family and friends, those who know Zion's "history". I just paid for video and photo coverage since it would be a waste if the children's party was not recorded. As of writing, I am still waiting for the video and the pictures.

For this layout, I made use of the pictures I was able to take after the party. Zion was very excited during the opening of his gifts so most of his pictures appeared distracted or irritated (hehehe.. he wasn't able to open his presents right away because his mom always wanted to take his pictures... hehehe.. ).

Credits for this layout: Birthday Collection from scrapbookflair.com

Friends Are Flowers

It's the 2nd day of our 4-day weekend. I tried work from home earlier and debugged one problematic ticket, but it is seems that that blasted program just won't cooperate (gggrrrr....). So to rid myself of some negative energies, I tried to download some digiscrapping materials from the Net and created one layout this afternoon.

The picture used in this layout was taken during Zion's 2nd birthday. It was taken by one of my "kumpares" (i.e. one of Zion's godfather). It features my close friends from my former office. Well.. not all of them are in the pic since some are out of the country. I love these friends of mine. They are always there, in good and bad times, and I considered them my support group when I was going through my "rough and dark days". Zion is definitely lucky to have Tito's and Tita's (including 2 Ninongs - godfathers) in them.

Credits for this layout: Citrus Brights Kit from vicki20.blogspot.com.

Shall We Dance

I will be deviating again from my goal this March to create layouts for my parents. Since March is also the season for proms and school dance/balls, I am dedicating this layout to my brother (and his classmates) who had just attended his Junior's Prom last February 28. It was my brother's first time to attend a dance ball such as this, it made him very excited and nervous at the same time. The theme for their prom was Mafia-inspired so the colors for the night were black, red, white/silver, and some shades of green (they had to include green since this is their school color... hehehe...). I was really amazed and I really love their theme, I decided to use it as the motif for this layout.

First picture shows my brother and his dance partner/special friend (I featured them in one of my layouts last February - Sweet Valentine). The second picture features my brother and his barkada together with their respective dates that evening.

Credits for this layout: Serendipity Kit from Mandy Mystiques and Classy Crimson Dance Collection from scrapbookflair.com.

A Layout for Women's Day

I was watching Lifestyle Network earlier when an advertisement on the said channel caught my attention. It featured different women, both young and not-so-young, showcasing the distinctness of each one. It was only that time that I learned that this March is also International Women's month. So, just for this week, I would deviate slightly from my theme to feature my parents in my layouts. Instead, for this week, and for this layout, I featured my Mom and my Aunt Leila - two women whom I look up to for their beauty (ehem! ehem!), strength, and their conviction to raise their respective families in an upright manner, bringing out the best in their husbands and their children. Both women are not your traditional Maria Clara's, working and raising a family at the same time, but I must say they exude the true meaning of being a woman in these modern times.

Pictures were taken at The Panoly Beach Club in Boracay (left picture), and the Grand Canyon in Arizona (right picture).

Journalling : "If I have to, I can do anything. I am strong, I am invincible. I am woman!".

Credits for this layout : Women's Day Collection from scrapbookflair.com.

Love Will Keep Us Together

As seen from my calendar layout for March, this month I will try to create layouts which feature my parents because March is their wedding anniversary. This March they will be celebrating their 32nd wedding anniversary. I am proud and happy that my parents stayed together this long, especially during these times wherein men and women value commitment in a relationship in a much lesser degree. My parents are not perfect, nor is their relationship. I have seen my Mom and Dad fought over the most serious matters, and over the pettiest things. But I will always admire how they were able to hold the relationship this long, with the responsibility of bringing up and rearing two unique children (and now helping their daughter raise a much-"makulit" grandson named Zion). I will always cherish how supportive and loving they were when I was in my darkest moments. They know how to keep their children rooted to the ground. And they know how to make us realize our true worth - the proper mix of pride and humility.

Picture was taken last February 14, 2009 at Subic. It was supposed to be my Mom and Dad's Valentine's Day getaway but my brother and I (together with Zion, his Nanny, and my cousin) invaded their date, so it ended up as a family outing. =)

Credits for this layout: Choco Marron Kit available at happy-scrap.com;

A Birthday Layout for Dad

March is a special month for my family. Aside from my parents' wedding anniversary, my Dad's birthday also falls in March. This March, my Dad will be celebrating his 58th birthday. Aside from being a responsible and supportive father, I admire my Dad's coolness in times of adversity. Most of the time, my Dad becomes my shock absorber everytime I get pissed with my work. Despite of my yakking and ranting, he still manages to keep his cool and give me sound advice on how to go about work and how to deal with seemingly unbearable people. He is also level-headed, for this reason he knows when to tell me that I am wrong, and when I am already being wrongly treated.

Journalling: "A Father is neither an anchor to hold us back, Nor a sail to get us there, But a guiding light whose LOVE shows us the right way..."

Credits for this layout: Monkey Business Kit from Mandy Mystiques.

March Calendar Layout

I'm trying to keep up with the "goal" I placed upon myself to create a calendar layout at the start of each month. So far, I think I'm able to do so. =)

For the incoming month of March, I chose my parents as the subject of my calendar layout. Why my parents? Because March is their wedding anniversary. On the 6th of March, my parents will be celebrating their 32nd wedding anniversary. I am happy and I am proud that they lasted this long, especially during these times wherein commitment and dedication are rare gems, just like pebbles in the sand. The picture used for this layout was taken near the beach of Bohol Beach Club last November 2008.

Journalling:

Lyrics to the song "Through the Years" by Kenny Rogers

Credits for this layout: March 2009 Calendar from Peppermint Creative; Beach Bliss Kit from raspberryroaddesigns.net; Cherished Memories Kit from Mandy Mystiques.

Maging Sino Ka Man

As mentioned in my previous post, I wasn't able to post new layouts for the past 2 weeks. I surely miss digiscrapping, so I tried to make up for it by creating 2 layouts this week.

And since it's still the month of L-O-V-E, I am featuring another couple for this layout. This time, it will be my Tito Nap and Tita Leila. After my own parents, I consider these 2 people as my 2nd parents. Everytime they come over to Manila for a vacation, they usually stay at our place, and having them around is really great. Also, I remember my Tita Leila's concern during my 6-weeks onshore assignment in the US. She would call me every week (sometimes twice or thrice a week) just to make sure I was ok and for me not to be homesick. My Tito Nap would even spend for my airfare ticket just for me to go to their place at California (I was at the freezing area of Minnesota that time). Unfortunately, Minnesota wasn't celebrating Martin Luther King's Day that time so there was no long weekend for me. It is so nice to have an aunt and uncle like them. And it's so nice to hear their love story (I can't tell it here.. sorry.. hehehe..). Their theme song "Maging Sino Ka Man" truly speak for their relationship. Their love story is a clear proof that true love really exists.

Credits for this layout : Beach Bliss Kit at raspberryroaddesigns.blogspot.com.

I Do

It's been quite awhile since I was able to update this blogsite. I was so busy with work and last week (Valentine's Day), my brother and I invaded my parents' date. So it was quite a time (2 weeks I think) before I was able to create some layouts.

To keep the "love spirit" going this February, I chose another couple to feature in my digiscrap. For this layout, I chose my cousin Jomer's wedding with his fiancee' Teresa. It was a civil wedding held last July 2007 at their hometown in Batangas. My cousin Jomer is quite the shy-type so most of his pictures (like the ones I used in this layout) shows his being timid. Teresa, on the other hand, is the outgoing type and definitely complements Jomer's introvert character.

Credits for this layout: Pretty in Pink Dance Collection from scrapbookflair.com; WordArt from Heart's Expression available at gmemoirs.blogspot.com.

Sweet Valentine

I must admit Valentines was never my favorite season (hehehe...). But hey, why spoil the moment for those who enjoy the occassion (like my brother... hehehe..)? So for my first layout this month, I'll be featuring my brother Philip and his "close friend" Nella in this simple yet sweet layout. I am not so sure what is the real score between them (my brother is soooo "showbiz" in answering questions about them), but from the pictures I think anyone can make an accurate guess where they're heading. Hehehe... =)

Credits for this layout: Enjoy Life Kit from scrapmalin.com; Wordart from Heart's Expression from Gbrosas, available at gmemoirs.blogspot.com.