Bye September, Hello October!

I had a blast this September!!! Not only because it was my birthday last September 8 but I had fun going out with friends, meeting with classmates, preparing for the upcoming debut of my sister, client call, practice singing for our chorale competition this December, making my research paper...etc, etc, etc!

Still, there's so much to do for the last remaining months of the year! I have yet to comply my Research and Strat papers! I also need to study already for the Compre next year! Grrrr... Gosh! Of course, I also NEED to be more productive and efficient at WORK! I should stop being complacent if I want to make it big, haha! Seriously, I should stop being a mediocre and start pushing myself to be better and right! The Darleen I used to know is competitive (at least to myself). Where is she? I miss her!!! During my college days, I always strive to do good because my scholarship was at stake. Maybe I'm lacking motivation now. *stopped typing for five minutes and thinks what my motivation is* 

*after five minutes* My dreams! I dream to be successful in my career, to have a nice house and car, and a happy family. They will never be realized if I won't start doing good today. Not just good but doing my BEST. The foundations of my dream starts TODAY! That's my motivation! During college my motivation was to graduate (on time) and eventually land a good job. Now that I have a good job (a better one is yet to come, haha!) I should be motivated to work hard because I have dreams to realize! Naks!!!

Just recently also I had a conversation with my boyfriend. I'll make it short by saying that he ended up lecturing me about my credit card! I always get irritated when he lectures me because I know he's right. My pride is hurt! Huhu!!! I was quiet for a moment but I know that he only meant good for me. I already had plans on settling things but after the talk with him I know that I should take things more seriously and start acting like a grown up. God help me!!!!

Yes, my September was not only fun but also full of realizations. I believe that adding up one year on my age has allowed me to wake up and assess my life all over again. This time I should not just be evaluating myself but I should also need to MAKE ACTION STEPS towards recovery...errr...GROWTH (yeah growth! hehe!) God has blessed me so much and it would be sad to put my life into waste, right??? Cliche it may sound but I should live my life to the fullest!

Let me end my post by sharing to you something I read in Good Housekeeping (June 2012 edition).

I totally agree with everything that Ms. Gelli has said especially this line, "I am conscious of the fact that my husband should not complete me, but should enhance the person that I am." When we are so in love we tend to make our partners our life and world that in the end we lose the person that we used to be. We feel that we are nothing or incomplete without them. Then our whole world will crumble when they're gone. Don't get me wrong. My point is... our partners are meant to help us grow. They are there to support us and believe in us when no one else do. I'm so lucky to have a boyfriend who believes in me no matter how cheesy my dreams may seem. That's what relationships are for - to help bring out the best in each other.

 "One of the best way to make yourself happy is to make other people happy; one of the best way to make other people is to be happy yourself."

Let us spread love and happiness not just during holidays and special occasions but all year round! :))

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10 Things I Realized After My 26th

1. I shouldn't pressure myself on things that are beyond my control. Instead, I should  lift everything to God and be the best person that I can be.
2. I should put love in everything I do. I believe that LOVE is the secret to success. If you love what you're doing, then you'll be HAPPY doing it, eventually you'll be good at it and without noticing you're already on top. (if only that's how life works...haha! come on people be optimistic!)
3. SELF MANAGEMENT is as important, if not more important, than TIME MANAGEMENT. I'm quite aware that I'm no Superwoman but that doesn't mean that I can't do "grace under pressure." I should know what and how to prioritize in order to make the most of my time.
4. Patience is, indeed, a virtue. Unanswered prayers may mean that something better is yet to come or it's not meant for me or it's not yet my time have it. 
5. It won't hurt to be a little nicer to ALL people. It won 't hurt either to SMILE 'coz it can make a difference ^_~
6. Never judge people 'coz you may never know what they're going through.
7. Social networking are meant for communicating people NOT stalking people. Real relationships should be built on conversations, going out, and being there for the other person (physically, spiritually, or emotionally) NOT just on liking pics, commenting on status, etc.
8. I should value my family, boyfriend, and friends more. I should never take them for granted because they are the ones that complete my life.
9. I should not be scared of taking risks because it's one way of growing up. I'll never know what I'm capable of if I'll be coward my whole life.
10. I shouldn't compare my life to others because the tendency is for me to be proud or envious. "I live a free and fabulous life and I'm so blessed!!!" That's what I will tell myself everyday and that's how I will live my life!

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My Boyfriend's First Love

You read it right. My boyfriend's first love is COKE! But I'm his TRUE LOVE! Naks! :) Anyway, Ian started collecting Coke items when he was still a kid but seriously began in 2009. His desire to collect Coke items ignited when he bought a Coke tourism bottle (masskara) in Bacolod City (his hometown). 

These photos are just few of the hundred Coke items (and counting) he has. Most of his collections are in Bacolod wherein he plans to store them in a glass cabinet. I bet that in the future the glass cabinet will turn into a room! Haha! 

I'm actually amused with his collection. But recently I'm starting to get jealous of the too much attention he's giving to his Coke items, haha!!! Kidding aside, I don't find it hard to give him a gift since I already know what it is that he really wants. Seriously??? You don't know yet??? Haha! The first Coke item I ever gave him is the acrylic double walled mug shown above. I bought it in Ebay and from then on he started buying online. I hate you ebay, sulit, and fb!!! Haha!

I'm actually supportive of this endeavor of his. Naks! To tell you the truth, whenever I see anything Coke I remember him. And whenever a friend or a family member sees a Coke item, they would tell me because they know that Ian would be thrilled. Haha! I think one thing that binds Ian and his family is actually Coke. They would help each other out to add the collection. Whenever there is a promo in McDo or any fastfood chain that would allow you to buy a Coke mug for only Php40 in exchange for buying a value meal...he would surely buy!!! The Coke is more important than the burger, hehe! He won't stop until the set is complete. And he won't just buy one set or one piece/item coz he believes that someday in the future he would sell them. At least he will earn from his collection. Haha! 

More than anything else, I think it's the joy and excitement he gets whenever he adds something to his collection that really matters. And it's contagious! :) The people around him, including me, gets that happiness too whenever we see Coke. Indeed Coke Open(s) Happiness! :)

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Teaser: Danica - Fab & Fierce at 18!

I can't believe my baby sister is turning 18 already! Our once cute baby is now a lovely lady! We may be eight years apart and our personalities may clash at times but there's no denying that I love and adore this girl so much. I can freely talk to her about anything (hmmm...except for those stuffs that only mature adults can talk about, lol!) - it can be a gossip or a stupid fantasy or a sweet dream or just how our day went. Yes, our differences and age gap may get in the way sometimes but I believe that our bond became stronger through the years. I hope and pray that no matter where we will be in the future we will always have each other as a loving family (our brother included). Enough already 'coz I'm getting teary eyed!!! Haha! :)

Anyway, I would like to thank our creative and friendly photographers - Archie Omega and Bobbie Alota - and their daring lightsman/model - Kuya Boots - for being so game despite the rainy weather. The photos above are still actually raw but despite that you can really tell that they have good eyes for photography. Naks!

I'm so excited for the debut of our baby girl this October. I'm one proud stage ate! Haha! :)

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Tummy-Filled Weekend

Libro (which means book in English) is one of my favorite coffee/pastry shop in Tacloban. Their store is not only filled with books but they also have a variety of sandwiches and pastries to choose from! I believe that it is the owner herself who bakes the goodies. But my favorites in Libro are their panini and fruit shakes (hope I got that right!) I've tried their Red Velvet cupcake but I think I like Miyara's version more. But trust me their pastries especially their cheesecakes, ensaymada, and creamcheese brownies (hope I got that right again) are heavenly!!! 

I think this is the nth time I ate at Mex 'Em Up but it's Ian's first time. I'm sure you already know that I like the food there (good thing they improved their menu) plus its reasonable prices!

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Coke Collection at Ayo Cafe

Ayo Cafe has been in Tacloban for as long as I can remember but I never had the chance to dine there because it's located in a place where only few public vehicles passed by making it quite secluded.  I've heard that the food there is actually good which is not surprising since it's also owned by Sunzibar (my favorite restaurant in Tacloban.. it's just quite odd that I don't have a blog entry of Sunzi yet although I've eaten there a lot of times already...promise next time!)

Anyway, Ian encouraged me to eat there because a friend told him that Ayo has a Coke Collection! If I haven't mentioned it yet, my boyfriend loves collecting Coke items - from bottles, to cans, to mugs, to toy cars, to lippies...as in anything Coke! I'm not complaining though because it's his happiness, haha! I'm just here to support him and remind him, aherm, to be cautious in his purchases (I hate you Ebay and Sulit and Facebook!!! lol!)

A note was posted beside the collections which says:

Enough of the Coke collections! Haha.. Ayo Cafe should also be known for its delicious and affordable menu. Forgive me because I forgot what we ordered that night but I won't forget its taste! Although the beef tastes like the one in Sunzibar... it's ok 'coz it's really good and tender! I lack the vocabulary in describing foods I love, haha!!! We have actually eaten only two foods there since we were full from a late snack. The appetizer we ordered is like cheese sticks but this one's different because the cheese melts in your mouth and it does not taste like your ordinary kind of cheese.

I will definitely go back there! Bitin kasi!!!! And the next time, I'll make sure I'm really hungry... Haha! :)

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24 More!

Finally! I did no. 14 (Stroll Lyka in the park)! Now there's still 24 more from my 27 Things To Do Before I Turn 27.

1. Finish my Masters!!!!
2. Save a six figures (or higher if possible, hahaha!!!) in my bank account.
3. Pay off all my credit card debt!!!!
4. Get promoted (how I wish!!! *God, You know what I'm praying for right now...)
5. Buy a lot (a house is a plus!)
6. Bake a cake or cupcake :)
7. Cook a real food
8. Learn to drive (grrrr....and have a drivers license)
9. Finish reading a book
10. Run in a marathon
11. Lose 5-10 lbs
12. Go to Boracay (yes, I haven't been there!)
13. Travel overseas (oh yeah!!!)
14. Stroll Lyka (our dog) in the park
15. Donate to a charity
16. Finish a 9-day mass (a novena or simbang gabi)
17. Walk across San Juanico Bridge
18. Never be late again for work!
19. Wear a boots in an ordinary day, haha!
20. Purchase a jewelry
21. Visit an old friend I haven't seen for a long time
22. Attend mass every Sunday :)
23. Have a confession
24. Go to beach early morning (yey!!!! sunrise!!!)
25. NO to RICE for dinner (gulp....for a year????)
26. Continue blogging :)
27. Get married!!! (hahaha....well, I put this last since this is one thing I can't control and could only wish for.. hehe!!)

We went to McArthur Park last Saturday (Sept. 15, 2012) to unwind and play badminton. Naks! Look how Lyka seems to be enjoying the view from outside while she was inside the vehicle :) Hope to do this more often.

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Ocho Seafoods & Grill

buranday soup

calamares

spicy sarad

spicy garlic shrimp (?)

sweet & sour lapu-lapu

mixed vegetables in oyster sauce

Ocho is one of my favorite resto in Tacloban. They serve the yummiest Filipino foods in the city, at least for me. Did I mention they're quite affordable too??? And the service is so quick! Haha... So if you want to eat much without worrying of gaining a few pounds... Ocho is definitely the go-to resto! :)

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26th

thank you to my barkada Roselyn for making this :)

I can't believe I'm already 26!!! :) But I'm not complaining. In fact I'm thankful that I've reached this age happy and healthy. More than ten years ago I used to think that those people aged 26 and above are already old (25 is the oldest among the bunch of young people, haha!). Also, at 26 I have this perception that people are already stable with their career, sure of themselves, and happily committed/single. That at 26, they have cars and houses or at least close to getting them. Now I wonder if my perceptions then were right or simply I'm not there yet. 

I remember what a friend told me before that success doesn't come with age. It's good if you have goals and you're set to achieve them on a specific age like I did (which I wrote here). But don't be disheartened if at 26 you're still single and you're still living with your parents or you're not yet a manager, haha!!! That's how life is. Maybe at 16 you imagined yourself to be living a super fabulous life but fast forward ten years later... you're still struggling to make both ends meet. But that's okay. What's important, I believe, is that you still continue to dream and you manage to make your life fabulous despite the challenges and frustrations.

So what are my wishes for my 26th birthday? I just hope for a better ME. A Darleen that is down-to-earth but vibrant. A Darleen who is not settled with mediocrity. A Darleen who values her relationships with God, family, boyfriend, and friends. A Darleen who sees the beauty in life despite of so many setbacks. A Darleen who is a go-getter but maintains a happy disposition. :)

Thank you God for a beautiful life! My thank you is not enough to show You how grateful I am for everything You gave and done for me. I love You daddy God :)

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I MISS BLOGGING!!! I've been so busy lately plus no internet at home last weekend :( I promise to make time... I have so much to blog actually.. More to come...

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25 More!

Yey! I finally did it! I finally had the chance to join a fun run/marathon! Thank you Powerade for sponsoring this event! I managed to finish the 5k marathon for over an hour by walking/jogging/running, hahaha! I was so excited the night before that I wasn't able to sleep well. Thankfully, I did not faint during the whole run! Haha! More to come I hope. The feeling that you get after crossing the finish line is just pure joy! Naks!!! 

*gosh! 25 more and i barely had a year left to accomplish my list....waaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!

with coach Rio :)

27 Things To Do Before I Turn 27

1. Finish my Masters!!!!
2. Save a six figures (or higher if possible, hahaha!!!) in my bank account.
3. Pay off all my credit card debt!!!!
4. Get promoted (how I wish!!! *God, You know what I'm praying for right now...)
5. Buy a lot (a house is a plus!)
6. Bake a cake or cupcake :)
7. Cook a real food
8. Learn to drive (grrrr....and have a drivers license)
9. Finish reading a book
10. Run in a marathon
11. Lose 5-10 lbs
12. Go to Boracay (yes, I haven't been there!)
13. Travel overseas (oh yeah!!!)
14. Stroll Lyka (our dog) in the park
15. Donate to a charity
16. Finish a 9-day mass (a novena or simbang gabi)
17. Walk across San Juanico Bridge
18. Never be late again for work!
19. Wear a boots in an ordinary day, haha!
20. Purchase a jewelry
21. Visit an old friend I haven't seen for a long time
22. Attend mass every Sunday :)
23. Have a confession
24. Go to beach early morning (yey!!!! sunrise!!!)
25. NO to RICE for dinner (gulp....for a year????)
26. Continue blogging :)
27. Get married!!! (hahaha....well, I put this last since this is one thing I can't control and could only wish for.. hehe!!)

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