KRIS KRINGLE NEW IDEAS

We are having our kris kringle here in the office and we are a bit late for it. I've joined the gift giving a week ago, and here are the remaining category I need to comply with:

“Something embarrassing to carry in public”
“Something that you need to insert”
“Something reminiscent of childhood”

I was thinking of what unique gifts can I give - something that satisfy the category, but at the same time, something that is useful and workable.

“Something embarrassing to carry in public” 

 It can be the following: broom (tingting or tambo), pale, and amything that is used for cleaning your house, barbie tote bag, little rainbow umbrella and other stuff that little kids have (it's embarassing coz you're already a grown-up), men's magazine, and poop-related-matter (wuhoo!)

Now, please, can you give me some gifts inspired by “Something that you need to insert” category?

I'm having a hard time, and all I was thinking were: Cork Opener, Ballpen, and charger.

Ideas anyone?

xoxo.

 

Spag - White or Red?

I'm sharing you this blog because I love how she share her recipe. (though I haven't even tried it out.) She's just crazy as me! (crazy in a good way, not in a bad way!) I super like the way she wrote her recipe for:

HEAVEN IN MY SPAGHETTI

Because today is my blog’s first month, I am so in the mood for blogging. I am always in the mood, by the way. It’s just that I ran out of words sometimes.

 This has been waiting since last week and it slipped my mind due to some stuff I got busy with.

This is a version of my Filipino Spaghetti in which I add white sauce to it. Sometimes, I’d love to play with this recipe. There are several ways on how I put “heaven” in my Filipino Spaghetti. I don’t know if there’s any difference between serving-your-pasta-with-the-red-sauce-and-just-pour-the-white-sauce-over-it-and-mix and adding-your-red-sauce-to-the-white-sauce-while-cooking-your-white-sauce. Do I make any sense?? Hahaha! Anyway, I love to cook or mix it this way. :) READ MORE...

Google Santa Tracker Talks about Philippines

I was trying to locate a store through Google Maps, when suddenly, I noticed a picture pop in the upper corner of Google - like this.

So I got curious and clicked the Google Santa Tracker (or so they called it).  It's a village (which looks like a Map actually). You can visit Santa's village and you can play, watch and learn and be excited on counting the remaining days before Christmas. Each day, it'll reveal an icon, until on the last part, we'll be helping Santa's elves on gift wrapping.

I was browsing the Learn Holidays Traditions in the village through this big Almanac-like book.

And then I saw Philippines! (wow Proud Pinoy I am)..

But when I was reading the page, hmm.... it got me thinking... Yes. we have the record for the longest Christmas season, but hey, it's not 4 months! It usually extends until February - Valentine's Day or before Chinese New Year (whichever comes first). Normally, that's the time that we are about to change decorations around our houses, malls, parks, and roads. And also, Christmas is about family -  and so there are lots of reunions, parties, and gatherings happening here. So 4 months is understated. Haha.

In short, we are celebrating Christmas for almost half the year!!

Nevertheless, I'm proud of what I am. Filipinos are very traditional and despite the hi-technology world we are in, we never forget the essence of celebrating this wonderful event (aside from our birthday of course)!

xoxo.

Andres Bonifacio to Oryang, Her Love

Liham ni Andres Bonifacio kay Ka Oryang

1897 Mayo 1

Mahal kong Oryang,

Mali ka. Hindi kita nakasalubong upang sa dulo ng kalsada, ako ay liliko sa kanan at ikaw sa kaliwa. Sapagkat saan man tayo dalhin ng ating pakikibaka, ikaw lang ang aking itatangi at makailang ulit na ihaharap sa pulang bandila. Hindi tayo nagpalitan ng mga kwento upang sa pinakahuling tuldok ng pangungusap, ang karugtong ay alingawngaw ng katahimikan. Walang pagod kitang aawitan ng imnong pambayan, Oryang. Hindi kailanman ako mauubusan ng salita upang maialay sa iyo bilang mga tula. Maging ang bulong at buntung-hininga’y magpapahayag ng pagsinta sa tulad mong umiibig din sa bansa. Hindi tayo sabay na tumawa, nagkatinginan, at tumawa pa nang mas malakas, upang sa paghupa ng halakhak ay may butil ng luha na mamimintana sa ating mga mata. Loobin man ng Maykapal na pansamantala tayong magkawalay, tandaan mong ang halakhak at sigaw ng ating mga kasamahan ay sa akin rin. Hindi ka dapat masabik sa akin sapagkat ako’y mananatili sa iyong piling. Hindi kita niyakap nang ilang ulit upang sa pagkalas ng mga braso ko sayo ay maramdaman mong iniiwan kita. Habambuhay akong magiging tapat sa ating panata, Oryang. Kapara ng binitawan kong sumpa sa ngalan ng bayan, tayo’y mananatiling katipun, kawal, at bayani ng ating pagmamahalan. Hindi tayo bumuo ng mga alaala sa umaga, tanghali at gabi upang sa muli mong paggising ay maisip mong hindi tayo nagkasama sa pakikidigma. Hindi ko man hawak ang bukas, nais kong tanganan mo ang aking pangako na ilang ulit kong pipiliing mabuhay at pumanaw upang patunayan sa iyong mali ka. At kung magkataong ako’y paharapin sa ating anak na si Andres, buo ang loob kong haharap sa kanya at sasabihin ko sa kanyang mali ka. Hindi ako bumati sa simula upang sa huli ay magpaalam.

Ikaw ang aking bayan,

Andres

A copy of this letter is also posted here... and a tale of their love story can be found here...

No classes and Non-working days due to APEC

APEC leader's meeting 2015 will be held in the country on November 18 and 19 (Wednesday and Thursday).


Please be guided by the suspensions of classes and work as scheduled below:

Photo Credit: Official Gazette

Attachments:

Proclamation No. 1072, s. 2015
Memorandum Circular No. 84, s. 2015 
DepEd Memorandum
Ched Memorandum


For more info, visit www.gov.ph 


xoxo.

SSS, Philhealth and Pag-ibig Updates

Being a mother and a wife, I have other things in my pocket more than anyone else - budgeting, paying bills, maintaining a home, making sure both your partner and daughter are getting enough food, clothing, and entertainment - aside from yes, your work.

In addition to the abovementioned tasks, a person like me, who have changed my marital status and my surname (a basic thing obviously),  should also be changing the registration information with the local government as soon as possible.

How to do it?

First, you can  request your employer to process your registration updates. But you have to fill out the forms yourself.

SSS - Form E-4

PHIC - PMRF

HDMF - MCIF

Second (and I think the easiest way to update your registration), visit the nearest SSS, PHIC, and HDMF office. I am lucky that they have satellite office here in BGC - right at SM Aura Business Tower. Their offices here are very convenient and less crowded compared to other branches.

You may also want to consider reading "Here’s How You Can Make Your Monthly Salary Contributions Work For YOU" by Michael Mutia. Although the contribution table has changed from last year, the discussion about loans is very helpful. As he quote "say sharing is caring", I'm doing the same for you Bellas. CLICK HERE >>

I wanted to apply for a TIN card, but I am still waiting for my employer to update my status with the BIR before I do so.

Here you go. Hope the following helps!

xoxo.

Akyat Pa More!

Photo credits from Wikipedia

I was watching the 2015 Film "Everest" and can't helped myself but wonder about the highest mountains in the world. There are amazing mountains all over the globe, and most of the highest peaks are located in Nepal.

I remembered Romi Garduce, a Filipino mountaineer, whose adventure to Mount Everest has been broadcasted by GMA 7 in 2006.

His adventure wasn't easy. And so as other Filipino expeditions too.

Although Romi was not held as the First Filipino to reach the Everest Summit,Wikipedia pronounced that he is the first, and to-date the only Filipino, who has climbed all Seven Summits. READ MORE...>>

Photo credtis to Philstar

For inspiring stories of Romi Garduce, visit his blog using this link:

http://romigarduce.blogspot.com/

http://romigarduce.blogspot.com/p/whats-coming.html

http://romigarduce.blogspot.sg/2013/10/book-title-akyat-filipinos-journey-to.html






Xoxo.

Miriam, Bongbong trounce all rivals in PUP online poll by KickerDaily

Ron E.J. Carleon wrote an article in KickerDaily.com about how Miriam-Bongbong tandem swept the online poll made by non other than my dear Alma Mater, Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

READ HERE for the results.

DIY MINI COTTON “CANDY” INVITATIONS by Oh Happy Day!

I really have a soft spot for all things miniature. Anything that’s awesome in its regular size just gets oh so much more adorable in mini. So, when i was thinking of a fun way to invite friends to a little backyard carnival, the idea for these mini cotton candy invitations popped into my mind. Now, these are really not suitable for little kids – they might try eat the cotton, but older children and grown-ups like me will go crazy over these sweet things with the hidden message inside! You can use them as invitations like I do or you could make them as the carnival alternative to fortune cookies and hide little fortunes inside. READ MORE...

List of October 2015 CPA Licensure Examination Passers

PRC releases October 2015 CPA board exam results List of Passers

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and the Board of Accountancy (BoA) released results of October 2015 Certified Public Accountant (CPA) board exam in few working days after the exam. The complete list of passers, top 10 (topnotchers), top performing schools and performance of schools are available on this page CLICK HERE...

October 2015 Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Board Exam Result

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and the Board of Accountancy announces the passers of October 2015 Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Board Exam Result. Held in Manila, Baguio, Cagayan De Oro, Cebu, Davao, Ilo-ilo, Legaspi and Lucena last October 3-4 and 10-11, 2015. The result is expected in three (3) working days after the last day of examination..... READ MORE...

List of Passers: October 2015 CPA board exam results

Those awaiting results of October 2015 Certified Public Accountant (CPA) board exam can find here the complete list of passers, top 10 (topnotchers), top performing schools and performance of schools as the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and the Board of Accountancy (BoA) released results in few working days after the exam. READ MORE...

xoxo.

Travel Gear Sale October 2015

Have you already booked a flight out of the country?

Have you reserved an accommodation for your out-of-town trip?

If yes, then, Market! Market! has good news for you!

Visit Market! Market! Activity Center and you'll find 20% to 50% off on your most favored bags and luggage from the following:

• Sena 
• Echolac
• British Knight 
• Forthpack 
• Racini
• Outfitters
• Nike
• Carlton
• Wenger
• High Sierra
• Samsonite
• Targus

Other items for sale include luggage bags, bra holder, kiddie back pack, iPad case, tote bag, sling bag, duffel bag, neck pillow, eco bag and many more!

I visited yesterday, October 8, and there are so many variants to choose from! Some of the bags are limited in stocks, so if you wanted to buy some good luggage, you better go there now.

(apologies for the shot, there's so many lights around 2nd floor)

Manila Shopper also posted last Saturday, October 3, about this sale. 

This runs from October 5 to 11 only, so grab your favorite bags and luggage and get ready for the most awaited vacation of the year!

xoxo.

Getting Ready for the Holidays!

Nope, it's not about the vacation!

I'm excited for the upcoming giveaways preparation this Holiday Season. I'm thinking of small items that can be used either at home and office, rather than display and decoration that most people ignore. I personally made the invitation for my baby girl's Christening last August. It's time-consuming but I've enjoyed doing it. Now, I'm all crafty about doing it again this Christmas.

I wanted to express my gratitude to the people who became part of my 2015. Although it's a bit cheesy, but this year is special to me because I have my baby girl, Athena. All the people who helped me during my delivery, baby shower, Christening party

Thanks to Bumble Bee's Craft Den! Angie, the author of this wonderful blog, offers diverse tutorial and gift ideas (mostly DIY) that you may use in creating your personalized gifts! Click here for more Christmas Gift Ideas. Genius!

I also love Petro's Creative Homemaking blog! She has this sewing tutorial about reusable fabric bowl cover that is very easy to follow! With the tutorial comes a lot of pictures that can guide you from the start to end. You can choose your own cloth and color theme, especially for Christmas Season! Visit her site at The Seaman Mom. Colorful and artistic!

Lastly, Andrea's The Beauty Dojo created a window for busy wife like me. This gift ideas is safe because obviously, everybody will like this.. CANDIES!!!! Her post last October 2 entitled I LOVE CANDY CORN TEST TUBE FAVORS + FREE PRINTABLE shows how candies with customized package will surely wins everyone's heart this Christmas. Easy and affordable!

Thanks to Totally Tutorials for introducing me to a lot of DIY blogs that are truly helpful. I hope that by sharing these to you, you became more inspired in customizing your gift ideas and other stuff at home and office.

This is just the start. I'll search the web for more ideas. If you have one, feel free to share by sending me an email at arabellaschoice@gmail.com or simply add a comment just below this post. :)

xoxo.arabella

i.e. versus e.g.

Have you ever wondered what's the difference between i.e and e.g.?

I am more curious about the meaning of them since they looked like acronyms for me.

Let's see here  i.e. v. e.g.

xoxo.arabella

Happy World Teacher's Day

I am thanking all my teachers from Banga Elementary School, Meycauayan College - High School Faculty, and Polytechnic University of the Philippines - COA Faculty!

Thank you for all the gift of knowledge and wisdom that can be learned only within the four corners of the room (literally).

I would also like to acknowledge my cousins, Ma'am Mai, Ate Ammil and Teacher Candy for your help in building a better (and intelligent!) nation... Kudos!

Happy World Teacher's Day!!!!

Automatic Fare Collecting System by MRT

This is the new MRT Card.

October 3, 2015 is the commencement  date of implementing the new Automatic Fare Collecting System of MRT. 

My fare from Guadalupe to Taft is Php16.00. Not sure if it is the same rate of the old MRT card. The ticketing booth took at least half a minute in issuing a card, solely because they are roaming around the system before the card gets loaded- clicking the destination, amount, then confirmation.. #mejomatagal

Note that there are MRT personnel around the stations who will assist passangers in using the said card so you'll never get lost. One more thing, senior citizens are enjoying the free ride today!

Let's see how the MRT management will cope up on the number of passangers come Monday.

Oh, by the way, you'll be having the same card when riding LRT Line 1, just that it's color green. :)

Xoxo.arabella

Gilas Pilipinas on Finals! One More Win to Rio! (The Truth)

Oh yeah.

I can't contain my happiness!

Yesterday I posted a blog (with the same title) during their game with Japan not to give a false hope, but it's because I wanted everyone (including myself) to trust in our Team and wish for a damn good fight.

They didn't failed us. A struggling score of 81-70 paved way for Gilas to play for the Gold Medal against China before the Olympics to be held at Rio de Janeiro.

Musong R. Castillo of Philippine Daily Inquirer wrote:
"That one final step Gilas Pilipinas needs to take to reach Rio de Janeiro would, in a manner of speaking, have to be over China’s Great Wall."


Nevertheless, now, I can finally tweet my excitement and happiness.. A big CONGRATULATIONS to Gilas Pilipinas!!! You made us so proud!

Read the full story on this link: 
http://sports.inquirer.net/195146/gilas-pilipinas-nips-japan-faces-china-in-fiba-asia-2015-finals#ixzz3nS41rVXG 

Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook

Xoxo.arabella

Gilas Pilipinas on Finals! One More Win!!!

That's the ultimate wish of every Filipino now... I am really excited to tweet "Gilas Pilipinas on Finals!" Who's not?!?!

They are now fighting against Japan and I'm crossing my fingers, praying, and cheering! Go Gilas!!!

Respect and play your game plan. FOCUS!!! Two more wins to Rio, baby!!

xoxo.arabella

GRAB CAR PROMOS, Where are You Now?

New logo of Grab App from
Google Play Store

I've been all over the internet, looking for a Grab Car promo.

All the promo codes I've known has expired. I can't find a new one, now that the 30% discount on grab car rate have been removed. What are we supposed to do then?

September is the last month that I've use a promo code (ILOVEMEGMAG). Since my booking fee ranges from Php70-90, a discount of Php100 handed me down to ZERO booking fee! Yes, you heard it right! You can have a free ride with Grab...

ALDUB FEVER - WHY ARE THEY TRENDING?

I've been into social media these days and found these two situated at the most trending topics worldwide.

Who are they?

Found out on my next blog!


xoxo.arabella

Swarm Coins for What?

http://geoawesomeness.com/wp-content/
uploads/2014/05/Swarm-Foursquare-Geoawesomeness.jpg

I've been using Swarm to check-in the places I've been with. It's not really real time since I'm afraid someone may follow me. (Just being cautious.)

About a few weeks ago, I saw this new feature of Swarm, where you can earn one coin for the usual place you've check-in, five coins for checking-in to a new place, and some more coins for beating a record (e.g. 10 check-ins at a mall). A ranking is made for each week, and if you are on top, well, there's more coins waiting for you. The earning of coins will reset every Sunday midnight and you will start at 0 coins the next day to compete again with your Swarm friends. The accumulated coins, however, are in your profile.

Looking at the mobile app, I can't seem to find any virtual store or options where you can use the coins.

Swarm coins for what?

Well, Foursquare made their statement on this issue. (Foursquare Post) Continue checking-in and earn more coins. Soon, they will update our App, and who knows what's next in store?!

For other Swarm features, visit Techcrunch. You may also see Swarm using this link, download the App, and start checking-in now!

xoxo.arabella

Arabella's Closet

Hi Bellas!

I am glad to give you the following websites where you can find affordable, yet authentic classy accessories as well as fine and simple corporate attires. This online store can also customize your favorite accessories! Arabella's Closet is now open!

You may visit the following:

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/closetbyarabella
Twitter https://www.twitter.com/arabellascloset
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/arabellas.closet/

Arabella's flyer is also available below. Share them to all your Bellas!

You can also send your inquiries, order, or suggestions at arabellaschoice@gmail.com.

Let's keep

Happy Trendy Day! :)


xoxo.arabella

BER Month Na!!!

http://www.juice.ph/blogs/buhaypinoy/the-ber-months-pasko-na-sa-pilipinas

Ano pa nga ba?

Darating na ang pinakamasayang araw sa buong taon - Pasko.








At kasabay nito ang sangkatutak na gastos. #GASTOS

http://www.dreamstime.com/
royalty-free-stock-photos-papers-
bills-documents-image12596668

Water bill. (bababa dahil maginaw kaya't hindi makaligo. pero dadami ang hugasin at labahin sa dami ng handaan at kainang pupuntahan.)

Electricity bill (na patuloy ang pagtaas dahil sa gabi-gabing nakasindi ang Christmas lights).

Mobile Postpaid (sa dami ng iggreet at tatawagan, pati na ang paggamit ng web para ipost ang sangkatutak na selfies na puro mukha naman ang nakikita, nag-eexceed ang usage ng internet)

Credit Cards (kaskas lang nang kaskas. Bili ng regalo para sa mga inaanak,  bili ng bagong gamit sa bahay, reservation fee ng staycation mo out of town for 3-5 days at kung anu-ano pa)

Other Expenses. (Date araw-araw kasama si "mahal" "babe" "honey" or kung ano man ang tawag mo sa partner mo. Nuod ng MMFF. Reunion dito, Reunion doon.)

Tama? Pinoy ka nga. Nakatatak na sa sistema natin ang magcelebrate, magcatch-up sa mga taong hindi natin nakita ng buong taon, o umattend sa araw-araw na kainan sa buong barangay.

Sa kabila ng hirap ng buhay, pinipili nating maging masaya ngayon... at iiyak na lang next year 'pag nagkita na kayo ng mga Statements of Account nyo. #HUHUBELS #TRUELABELS

Tapos iinstallment natin ang bayad sa mga utang natin, hanggang, di natin namamalayan,
BER month na ulet!

http://www.clker.com/cliparts/
z/o/x/8/L/P/thinking-person-md.png

Pero wag ganon. Ang OA.


Hindi ba mas mabuting ngayon palang ay mag-ipon na para sa nalalapit na gastos?

My point db? Pak! Ganern! Para sa ekonomiya! (See Maria Sofia Love: Her pak na pak story) #MOWDELING






Tips para sa matipid na buhay ngayong -BER months:

1. Pumunta sa pinakamalapit na tiangge! Ang Divisoria at Baclaran ay ilan lamang sa patok nang pamilihan ng murang gamit, panregalo, pati na din ng pagkain. Pero sa mga tulad nating nagtatrabaho at weekends lang ang pahinga, eto ang ilan sa mga online sites na may schedule ng bazaar (or simply tiangge pa din) na pwedeng puntahan:

Manila on Sale 2015

World Trade Center Events Calendar

Manila Shopper Bazaar & Expo List

Super Sale Bazaar

What's Happening Events

2. Still don't have the time? Buy Online!!! Meron tayong instagram, Facebook, at iba iba pang websites na nagkalat ang mga online sellers.
Piece of advice: Pwedeng tumawad. Pwedeng magdemand. Remember that customer is always right.
pero wag abusado. Tulad mo, naghahanap-buhay lang din sila.

3. SAVE SAVE SAVE. This is applicable forever. May forever. #Forevermore #ALDUB


Maging happy this Holiday Season! Dahil sa kung ano man ang dahilan ng pagtitipid at pagkagastusan natin, ang endpoint: this is the time to give and to share. A time for love. A time for peace.


Pak na pak!


xoxo.arabella.