GRATITUDE JOURNAL

123017 Ready for 2018 http://ift.tt/2C0JMPa via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2CdSOwm

123017 Before we go in a frenzy of celebrations to bid goodbye to 2017 and to welcome 2018, here’s our year in review… http://ift.tt/2DvqTnJ via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2DwL7xe

122917 Shoptalk. It’s always a pleasure spending time with this group even for just a couple of hours. The extra dose of laughter is something we readily welcome. And the hot drinks treat was a bonus. 😊 http://ift.tt/2BT10xR via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2lidXLi

122917 This morning’s capture… Check the butt grab 😂 @kylerapes ✋🏼 @mmplusr’s 🍑 http://ift.tt/2pUbr2v via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2lofL4u

122717 Me, while trying to blend in with the foliage at Terrazas de Flores on the mountains of Cebu. It’s true what they say, a lovely garden planted with colorful flowers is a work of heart.

122717 Los hombres en mi vida en Terrazas de Flores. The men in my life at Terrazas de Flores. http://ift.tt/2lg0BhJ via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2C9epT7

122717 I’d rather be sleeping in… http://ift.tt/2C7BtBL via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2BU7xMO

122517 Send-off dinner for my sis who flew back to SG to spend the remaining hours of Christmas day with her hubby. Such is one of the challenges of working overseas… Looking forward to having you again soon. Talk to you on Viber. Happy holidays!!! http://ift.tt/2DegigC via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2BBWinP

122617 Photos from Christmas with the Rapes clan http://ift.tt/2C5yIUa via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2puX1ps

122517 Merry Christmas! Missing some family members who are in Canada and Singapore. ♥️ http://ift.tt/2DI8MMl via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2Bu8XsR

122417 Wishing each one an abundantly blessed Christmas season ♥️ “From His abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.” - John 1:16 Christmas Eve Sunday Mass http://ift.tt/2DGjC5a via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2D5V1Wu

122217 Pa and Ma’s 51st Wedding Anniversary —� Typhoon Vinta proved no match… Come hell or high water and through bumper-to-bumper carmageddon, we celebrated today Pa and Ma’s milestone with lunch and a surprise guest from Singapore, my sis. ♥️ http://ift.tt/2BoMcqx via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2BD9ay3

122117 A pleasant surprise is when only two of you made plans and you bump into the others along the way. Instant photo oppty! ♥️ http://ift.tt/2BIKG39 via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2BJoGVS

122017 I would not name names because he does not want to make it known. However, Pa and Ma (and I) are truly grateful for his generous gift. They were happier than kids in a candy store as we picked out items from Zara. To our “anonymous” sponsor, our heartfelt thanks. God bless you even more abundantly for your generosity! ♥️ http://ift.tt/2BVQiJW via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2oY0uMP

122017 I haven’t been back in shape since I officially entered menopause. Methinks dieting no longer works because my weight is stuck at 65+kg 😭. So whenever possible (when I have company and am not feeling lazy), we find time to do some rounds on the oval. This morning, my realistic goal was just to burn off the pieces of pastillas I devoured before bedtime. 🙄 #shameless http://ift.tt/2D6J97m via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2kl7Aq3

121817 I rarely get to spend time with our middle son because he is based in Manila for studies. He is on his 5th year (already?) in his IME course. And if God allows it to be so, he’ll be joining the graduating batch in April 2018. Photo was taken during our lunch date of healthy quinoa salad and wicked torrija dessert. 🤣 http://ift.tt/2D0tqXv via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2oMBici

121717 Middle son finally got to Cebu from Manila the night before. Our Christmas celebration/s may now commence ♥️ http://ift.tt/2kIK4Cw via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2ke5wAc

121617 Lunch at @bicestercafe… After having only a single fruit for breakfast, I guess I earned myself a full meal of tapa, egg and rice plus a chunk of ube royale cake for lunch and dessert. 🐷 http://ift.tt/2kG7MiU via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2zkJh3g

121417 Instead of our usual breakfast or brunch meets, M invited me to her morning tea party for two at her cozy abode. As always, she is the perfect host who prepared a lovely setting of cheese, crackers, tabasco jelly, green apples, grapes, cherries and of course our tea in dainty tea cups. I could only admire her effortless skills. She’s a pro and I will never be like her no matter how I tried. ♥️ *Sigh* http://ift.tt/2BBwSKs via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2j9rVO7

121017 The 2nd Sunday of Advent fell on the same date as our Pa’s 76th birthday. How special for this year! Photo was taken after the mass we attended together. #latepost http://ift.tt/2j9DvZl via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2kBpiFb

120817 With Pa and Ma here for lunch after hearing the Immaculate Conception mass. Most of my photos show me with the same group of people. I’m usually with my own family, my parents, siblings’ families when they’re in town, relatives, in-laws and a select circle of friends. My social calendar is sparse that I don’t have use for it, no complaints there. I love being home but I do make time for those who really matter. And I’m rarely late. 😊 http://ift.tt/2j5PxDg via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2CHZMWV

120517 The last and definitely not the least meal to conclude hubby’s birthday. I think I gained several pounds at the end of the day after all the heavy meals I had. It’s a good thing birthdays only come once a year. 🤗😂 http://ift.tt/2yK5x2V via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2kAd8wg

120517 You’d think that hubby’s birthday breakfast, lunch and dinner would stop us from attending another party on the same day. Well, let’s just say that good company and lechon are two of the hardest things to resist having. We just had to be at the Christmas party at the shop owned by T, regardless. 😜🐷 http://ift.tt/2yHBzwz via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2CFbnpu

120517 This was taken during hubby’s 53rd birthday. Since it was a weekday when everyone was at school or at work, he opted to have a quiet celebration by hearing mass in the morning, having breakfast at Bicester, lunch at Ginza and dinner at The Meat House to mark the special occasion. #latepost http://ift.tt/2Bi3xCe via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2AXbbEX

120517 This was taken with my parents, our favorite seniors, during hubby’s 53rd birthday. Since it was a weekday when everyone was at school or at work, he opted to have a quiet celebration by hearing mass in the morning, having breakfast at Bicester, lunch at Ginza and dinner at The Meat House to mark the special occasion. #latepost http://ift.tt/2kypIw0 via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2j654Tt

121217 When the cam misfires while timer is being prepped 😜🤣(📸: @siopaoorbiso ) http://ift.tt/2ARzPDD via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2z9urN4

121217 It’s very easy to spot the real models here from those who work behind the scenes, isn’t it? 😂 This afternoon was the shoot for an upcoming launch of something exciting by @tatahcostales. My lips are sealed for now, but I could hardly wait. Just check out her shops’ IG accounts for more info at @ateclothier and @ate_clothing. http://ift.tt/2AwkKdZ via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2z31Rgc

120517 It’s all about the boss of the house today!!! Happy 53rd to my world and the 3 sons’ role model! We love you!!! 😘♥️ http://ift.tt/2jOUrV5 via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2A3jnmA

120317 When it’s Sunday, it’s morning Mass together and practically nonstop eating with both extended families and in-laws. Factor in the month of December with all the birthdays and Christmas parties, thus this 🐷😜 http://ift.tt/2zYt6dX via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2BHmQ7u

120317 We were classmates and friends since grade school and we last saw each other in 2010 for our 25th high school reunion. She’s been based in the UK since 2002 but thanks to social media, we didn’t have to wonder what the other has been up to. Despite their tight schedule, it was really lovely to have been able to touch base again. I sure hope we see each other soon in tropical Cebu, or perhaps in cold UK. ♥️ http://ift.tt/2A0LLFX via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2ArG80w

120217 Day 2, like day 1, didn’t come easy. It took a lot of hemming and hawing before I pulled myself out of bed to prepare for a brief walk. I took the inner route while hubby brisk-walked on the longer path. So far my numbers are ok, except for cholesterol which is slightly over the limit. *Sigh*. Being 50 is not just about going through mood swings and hot flashes. Weight gain due to hormonal and metabolic changes is a real concern as well. Keeping fit feels like an uphill battle. The struggle is real. The only thought that kept me going this morning was to burn last night’s ramen dinner. http://ift.tt/2AD0PZW via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2izxatL

113017 Nephew woke up early to say he wanted the holiday longer. Then he proceeded to ask his grandma if they were going somewhere. Ma and I immediately planned a little something to fill the one day school break - an afternoon of swimming and pizza. Seeing him having fun with our Jake and wolfing down half of the pizza, I hope we granted nephew’s wish. http://ift.tt/2AtcbQ7 via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2kc8YhB

112917 We were treated to lunch by my maternal aunt and family who were also at mass earlier. The resto of choice was the Suite Room where we enjoyed having their salmon and green tea ice cream among other things. The place was packed even at 130pm that we had to occupy 2 separate tables. ☺️ So much for bonding… It’s been a while since we last ate here and it looked the same as before, though older and in urgent need of a renovation IMHO. Other than that, food was good and I will probably go back for the green tea ice cream. http://ift.tt/2Aj6otS via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2zPcSE4

112917 When Ma texted me this morning that they were hearing mass at Oakridge at 1215pm, I decided to join them. We could have lunch together afterwards, I thought. It’s always a good thing spending time with them and doing things together like hearing mass or sharing a meal. So here’s a photo we snapped before mass started. http://ift.tt/2AGbpjb via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2AGTzN0

112717 This morning, our breakfast consisted of tomato soup, grilled cheese sandwich and water infused with lemon essential oil. We haven’t done this in weeks due to schedules. It was good to alternately exchange updates and watch streaming Ms. Universe. 👍🏼😆 http://ift.tt/2BpnZR4 via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2i9ch8A

112517 Pa said I should make sure the name Eduardo (his namesake) was very clear in the background. 🤣 Pa and Ma joined us in getting our Jake from school today. He was there with his classmates to prepare and set up of booths and decors for tomorrow’s Christmas fair. http://ift.tt/2n21Vcj via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2A9uG9F

112517 We particularly loved our sweet and sour pugapo and nilagang baka lunch today, because we felt deprived eating salad the day before. http://ift.tt/2BluMv2 via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2jniREX

111917 Sunday dinner… This day also marked the 2nd time our nephew received Holy Communion. Because he studies at Abbas Montessori where they do not prepare Catholics for this 2nd sacrament of initiation after Baptism, he had to attend a special Catechism class outside of school on his own schedule for several consecutive Sundays. His actual 1st Communion was last Wednesday during the 1215pm mass at St. Therese Church. http://ift.tt/2AVyytZ via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2ivDdw4

111817 Not yet 100%… After last week’s mini reunion with high school friends who flew in from Manila, I caught the sniffles. Wednesday was runny nose, Thursday was throbbing headache and Friday was mild sore throat. Hydration and my essential oils protocols were on overdrive to kick the virus asap. Today was a lot better, thank goodness. I was well enough to enjoy the weekend. Though it may not show, the added bonus to all these was the unexpected 2 kg weight loss. 👍🏼👍🏼 . . (📷: Instagram hubby on our way to this morning’s brunch with my in laws) http://ift.tt/2zeZR6d via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2mBXowK

111317 Monday mood, Mexican margarita with high school friends, warm quinoa salad and a sliver of torrija http://ift.tt/2mlyUb3 via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2zHmZaA

111117 How almost 40 years of friendship looks like… http://ift.tt/2ytAJnU via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2AxPrL9

111117 All together in one place (finally 😊) to celebrate 3 golden birthdays. To borrow our friend’s hashtag - #rocking50 http://ift.tt/2zyz7g4 via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2i6k2ca

111117 Dressed up in our shoulder baring theme tops for a night of tapas, sangrias, reds, rose, cocktails and Palawan wit… http://ift.tt/2iOgc74 via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2iPhH4Y

111117 Plus two in the group and in the mood for the best tasting crepes and heavenly cheesecakes http://ift.tt/2i5B4al via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2mhQvAI

111117 Posed with our favorite shop owner after a satisfying afternoon of fast fashion shopping http://ift.tt/2htjhwN via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2yTOEb3

111117 After lunch… By this time we were full and re-energized to head to our next stop http://ift.tt/2zz88RA via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2mhQmNG

111117 Ready to do a little sightseeing, some food tripping and a lot of shopping 😜 http://ift.tt/2i7l9IH via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2zQxqM1

111117 Waiting for our ride… http://ift.tt/2zB7DEr via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2yQw8At

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111017 My high school friends from Zobel are in town and this is going to be a busy fun weekend of swapping old, new and off-the-record stories plus shopping, sightseeing and food tripping. 😂 Here while waiting for the rest. http://ift.tt/2mbj7M5 via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2Aquim1

110917 The endless chatter with these high school friends from Zobel, stretched lunch up to 3pm. Trust Tina to be the wisecracker in the group who kept Isabel and I laughing in stitches. The banter and exchange of adult… and midlife stories back and forth felt like high school chika sessions all over again. 😂 I love the age we are in. ♥️ http://ift.tt/2hhwhBC via Tumblr http://ift.tt/2maRGBN