BIG three ohhh

My heart overflows with thanksgiving and appreciation for the support, inspiration and love shared by the wonderful people who surround me. This is what I will bring as I begin the next chapter of my life. I celebrated my day with a simple dinner with family and friends. I am so thankful for the hubs for organizing the dinner and for the cooking courtesy of Mamo and Aji. 

Of course, this post would not be me without the food.

appetizers

blow the birthday cake

buffet table

kare- kare

pancit

chicken hamonado

birthday cake

Their presence made my day more wonderful. Thank you very much guys!

(L-R) Kuya Chris, April, Lena and Tin

(L-R) Ruel, Darlene, Lena and Faye

(L-R) Roy, Elou, Ram and Nonoy

The manner of giving is worth more than the gift. ~Pierre Corneille, Le Menteur

precious gifts

gloves and wraps from the hubs

It may not have been a bed of roses but It has been a life well spent!

P.S. This has been the shortest preparation time I had for a birthday. We arrived from Iloilo at 11 am and had dinner at around 6 pm. Super thanks to those who made this happen! I am truly grateful.

one happy Momma

I have been a mother at a young age. To be exact, I had Jessica when I was twenty. And God knows the difficulty and challenges I have to go through and God also knows the fulfillment, satisfaction and love it gave me in return. I am very fortunate that from day one until today, my mother has been with me through good times and bad.

mamo and the girls at a Hello Kitty party

My experience of motherhood has made me recognize and appreciate the roles of mothers in my life. In this mother's day celebration, I honor their contribution in nurturing a better mother in me. Aside from our Mamo, first, I would like to honor my Aunties who have been a mother to me (Ti Nings, Mommy Edna, Mamang, Mommmy Loida and Mommy Marlyn) for being my models of strength and commitment toward family life. Second, I would like to thank my mother-in-law (Mommy Vilma) and sisters-in-law (Rita, Rinna, Monica, Mae and Gigi) for making me have a second home in the family. Third, I really appreciate my friends (Darlene and Faye) who are mothers too for sharing with me their own experiences and lessons.

(L-R) Mommy Loida, April, Lena, Tin, Jeka and tinings

(L-R) Rita, Nino, Mommy Vilma, Nonoy, Monica and Rinna

party with Faye and Darlene

This year, we celebrated Mother's day in the mall (not a surprise at all for a mall rat!). We had lunch at Moon Cafe in Abreeza which serves Mexican dishes. The cafe was packed so we had to wait (not a long wait though) to have our seats. And this is what we feasted on.

giant onion rings for appetizer

beef taco

carbonara

spaghetti mexicano (unsure of the name)

moon steak

I will surely go back to eat because aside from their delish cuisine the prices are affordable too.

Our celebration had an extension because the Anternorcruz (Elou, Faye, Ram and Patty) brood were in the mall too. The random family date was a treat for the kids. They played at the Time Zone and they gave Lena a caterpillar toy as a gift (so sweet!). Patty and Jeka who are wrestling manias enjoyed their window shopping. Their top picks are pumps at Charles and Keith and party dresses at People are People. Their dads are scratching their heads because they don't want their girls to grow as fast yet. 

cam shy Lena, Jeka and Patty

with kuya Ram and tita Faye

complete after 7 years

Antenorcruz and Pido family

A simple celebration turned out to be memorable.  

Before I forget...

A day before, I waited for more than an hour for my girls to see Kiray Celis and Rap Salazar of LUV U, a Sunday teenage show which makes Lena and Jeka kilig to the bones. I would like to thank the person who gave the tickets so my girls will be able to sit at the first row of the VIP area. 

with Dad

Rap Salazar

And the day after mother's day is Ate Patty's 10th birthday.

birthday girl

blow the birthday cake

happy family

bff

May is indeed a month of celebration and thanksgiving!

a thirteen year old affinity and counting

Surprises are always sweet and I received one on an interesting Saturday. As always, my Chamay has always been thoughtful and generous. This tribute which she posted on facebook is so heart- warming. We might be an airplane ride away now but she never forgets to let me remember that I have a best friend and sister in her.

This is a big year for us, Chamay. Cheers to a beautiful year and beyond!

"When you screamed to the world your thanking of my existence, must say that yell moved me into tears. That momentous phase secured me against any uncertainties. Then life rolled me into a flashback. I can still vividly recall that cheerful afternoon in one of the intellectually armed classrooms in Ateneo when you caught my attention. You were curling like a ball. I knew what happened and I was saddened. We were not even in speaking terms then. Just because. With strong faith, I never doubted that 'twas His will to push me on patting your back and sharing my notes with you. The next days were good. Damn good that we can chat until wee hours of the morning as if there's no tomorrow considering that for four long years we were seatmates in all subjects. Often mistaken as twins. Haha! The rest is history my dear. Cheers to a decade and more of a blossoming friendship that only Karay and Chamay can understand. Not to forget the no brainer jejemon talks. Well, my heart is shouting too-- Lotsa lovin' Karen May M. Pido! :)"

peg: vintage

coffee date at k1

chamay's 26th

coffee date at blugre

another k1 coffee date

trike ride at AdMU

Starbucks Katipunan

the maid of honor and the bride

La Vita e Bella

Amidst life's seemingly endless crises, life is undoubtedly beautiful. It unceasingly reveals God's grandeur not only through creation's magnificence but also through the gifts of persons.

Indeed, life is beautiful because of our friends. Through friendship, we get to unleash the real person in us and in return we are accepted and loved for our strengths and weaknesses.

We meet these gems in different time, context and event in our lives. The circumstances might be different but all are considered as grace.

I met Charmie (Jenalyn C. Aguilar) during the lowest time of my life. She became a sister, bff, listening ear, text mate, godmother to my Jessica and a living diary. We have been friends for 11 years and counting.

my chamay.

old photo of us.

I met Girl (Faye Anne Marie A. Escueta) during one of the most memorable days of my life, the day I said yes to married life. During that time we were both expectant mothers waiting for our bundles of joy. Many have changed in our lives: we might have increased in size, developed our capabilities and stabilized our career and personal lives but one will stay the same, the value and respect we have for our friendship.

bora babe

one christmas season at villa de mercedez

The story behind the first "hi and hello" with my "mares" is a sure comedy. A gathering would not be complete without recalling that unforgettable moment. From being teachers wannabe, we developed a friendship for keeps. My mares are: Cherry Belle Cachuela, Mixie Palma, Charisma Tan and Bessie Puyod- Guertin.

kleng's baby shower

me at Bessie's wedding

cocktail before the reception

my escort during the wedding

food

the ambiance

with the newly wed

My work place is my second home not because Ateneo de Davao has been a familiar place since nursery but also because I found treasures despite the challenges of work. Working has become inspiring because of these beautiful women:  Mutya A. Giron, Neneng L. Pasilan, Femie A. Faller, Rowena Orpilla, Aireen O. Arabis, Darlene C. Sazon and Michelle L. Severino.

night out at subic

feeling models.

Micmic (Darlene Mae C. Sazon) in terms of personality, is my exact opposite but my perfect compliment. We might differ in personality but we have the same  interests: malling, tiangge, shoes, bags, laughing, family and the list can go on and on and on. She has been with me through laughter and tears, success and failure, work and play. There is no dull moment with this generous, strong-willed and genuine friend.

 

prom queen

bff

I met Ruel M. Soriano when I have to bid goodbye to my comfort zone which is to be in the arms of the persons which I could unravel my innermost being. When I met him, I was ready to continue working without having someone to share and laugh with. I was just ready to accept that the school is just a work place. He brought laughter, noise and color to the silent corner of my nook. As the friendship develops, I found a brother that I did not have. He is certainly a true gentleman.

he got two awards on our teacher's day.

teachers in pink

This honoring could not even repay the love and support these people have shown me and my family that even after eternity I will continue to thank God for sharing with me one of his greatest miracles, my treasured friends.

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