My favorite birthday gift

this picture was one of the offerings of the ArtsnFriends.  I had wanted it then but was a little late in expressing that want so Eni Sibal, sister-in-law of Alice Sibal Lim had first dibs on it.  Eni changed her mind and Alice got it and gave it as a birthday present.

I absolutely love this picture.  It also represents my life.  If you know me, and how life has been for me, you will understand its significance.

The picture says "I WILL SURVIVE".
Life thrives ... even in adversity.

My Birthday Celebration

Friday,  28 December 2012
my birthday
the lunch crowd do not have pictures (i left my camera upstairs.  i was ready for the dinner crowd that stayed til almost 12 midnight ........

Food, glorious food

more food - bbq, fish, lengua, ham, embo, turkey ham, rice, veg lumpia, buko pandan, veg salad

coke, ham, embo, turkey ham, lengua, and the rice

me and my roses

jerry, alice, manny - manny showing off his genius skills like Danny did

a toast for the birthday girl

some of the roses in my room

another look at the roses, the other roses at the altar (not shown)

celebrated Christmas this way ........

Set the table for Noche Buena

made sure the gifts were ready

placed the food

made sure my bed was ready for me.  i love the print incidentally

Israel, Manong Enggoy, Efren

me, Manong Enggoy, and Efren at Sampaloc

Happy Christmas

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
may all our celebrations honor His Love

Am I my brother's keeper?

HTT starts his column with these words from the Bible...  i guess you all know who in the bible said this, right?  see the end of this post if you cannot remember

Click here for HTT's post in today's Manila Standard

indeed.  it would be nice if everyone could say yes to this question.  however, that is in a perfect world, and end-of-the-world today not withstanding, the world isnt perfect, far from it - and therefore, many people prefer to leave it to someone else to worry about.  few of us take the time to actually be our brother's keeper..

HTT says it is DSWD that has been assigned the job, with no objections from everyone.

we leave it to the government - DSWD, more properly to handle all of that - and more.  After all, that is part of the reason we all pay exorbitant taxes, isnt it?  It is for the government to take care of things most of us prefer not to be bothered with......

DSWD has a big challenge to meet and i hope they will meet it.




************
Cain said it, when asked about Abel.  You do remember what happened to his brother Abel?
 

last working day of the year for me

i want to wish everyone  happy holidays!

thinking of Elizabeth Taylor

i was browsing the internet and saw this -
the etsy owner rightly declares "channeling Elizabeth Taylor"

i think she was - is - one of the most beautiful women who ever lived.  Gorgeous, gorgeous woman.
i can see her in this gown

click here to see this gorgeous gown


and if you were wearing this gown, you can assume a languid pose .... and be Liz Taylor
and have your photo taken.  call it ..........."my Christmas day"

*sigh*
i know. i have a great imagination.

Sakonit Christmas party

DANNY GOMEZ WITH A PRIZE-WINNING ACHIEVEMENT

Me, Alice, Danny, Jerry and Liza sitting

Jerry, Liza, Li-Ann, Alice, me, Danny, Manny and Paeng - 2 guys in RED -  Dale MIA in this pic

A Christmas related post from HTT

HTT talks about Santa and Scrooge. 2 recognizable characters of Christmas fame.

SSS plays Santa every year by giving a month's pension for Christmas.  This, hopefully, will remain a benefit for as long as SSS exists    (which may be just until Friday next week - just kidding, you do know it is the date set in the Mayan prophecy, right?)

GSIS has no such equivalent, hence the title.  Isnt it about time GSIS did? 

especially after all the billions it supposedly earned.  i say supposedly because i was not in any position to audit their financial records so i dont know it for a fact.  what i know is merely heresay.


click to see HTT's gsis-a-scrooge-yet-to-reform/

i am curious about his post next week, the last working day before Christmas for most people ........

The Hobbit is showing

i hope to watch when the theatre is no longer overcrowded.  it wont do to watch when it is still cramped, not with a cane and a bum leg so there.

HBO has been showing LOTR and i recently found this etsy shop who caters to Renaissance gowns or more popularly Elvish gowns.  So if you are into enacting LOTR, or want to be Arwen and have Aragorn of Arathorn as your husband of choice --- then this is the etsy shop to see.  Even just to fantasize.

i really like the celtic gown - link below.  LOTR fans will remember who Eowyn is.  She married the brother of Borromir - who was one of the 9 accompanying the Ring Bearer Frodo.  Points to anyone who remembers who he is?  answer is below

Click for a celtic gown- or what she calls Eowyn gown

but i'd rather think of Celtic queens or princesses, full of mysterious powers (Druids were part of the Celtic culture)


click here to view Galadriel's dress
this could also be Arwen's gown


click to view her version of Arwen Evenstar's wedding dress
the veil and the sash makes this gown Arwen Evenstar's wedding dress

click here to see the purple-goth-witch-medieval
this dress reminds me to medieval London, and witches














****
Faramir.  Incidentally, the guy who played Faramir is more attractive than the guy who played Borromir.
but that is only my opion

SSS's "BILIB KAMI SA 'YO"

SSS has been using this phrase for some time now.

this is mostly used for OFWs because they have left their country, left their families and friends in order to pursue a better way of living - not just for themselves, but for their loved ones.

being away from people and places you love creates a burden. and most OFWs, single or married, carry that onus. this is an extra burden in the lives of people.  

ako din, bilib sa OFW.  Mahirap ang umalis sa sariling bansa at iwanan ang lahat ng minamahal. malungkot di ba nga - lalo't kundi sanay mag-isa. matapang ang mga OFW.  di ba Bagong Bayani ang tinawag sa kanila?

being alone is not always a blessing.  people who live alone require a certain panache, a certain inner strength, and the fortitude.

however, everyone who strives to honestly work for a living deserves the SSS's tag line.

and this post honors all of you

i was not able to post about the OFW party yesterday at SSS.

i will try to grab some pictures for you.  Try being the operative word

It's Friday, so reaction to HTTemplo's Playing Santa Claus column

first of all, HTT's post invariably contains SSS history so reading it is a good way to get historical data about the SSS unless you - as a reader - are one of those - who are steeped in history.  i would say that legislators should know about the SSS history themselves (or as some politician would put, as least his aides should)  because SSS matters are of national importance. 

what can i say?  i agree.  in fact, readers may remember i said that 20K increase mentioned in the SSS reform agenda is too small.  i said then that it should be at 50K, or at the very least 30K.  But, they chose to limit it at 20K.

will PNoy play Santa then?  i guess.  perhaps history will dictate it

let me just repeat his last statement

Thus, it should do no less for its primary program-pensions. Election year or not, it should push for increases in pensions, maximum salary credit and contribution rate. This Christmas, it is the turn of President Noynoy Aquino to play Santa Claus to us current and future pensioners by approving them.

click here to read HTTemplo's column playing-santa-claus

Fairy shoes

i get etsy mail on a daily basis and if you read my posts - which i try to label as accurately as possible - you would know i love off-beat, items of whimsy or fairy things.

there is a lady with an etsy shop.  she makes shoes.  i call them fairy shoes, but they are actually bridal shoes. she also makes baby/toddler/pre-school shoes.  they are gorgeous.

i am in conversation with her because there is a pair of toddler shoes that would i think would look fab on my feet - if she agrees to make them for adults.  you may want to ask why cant i buy made-to-order-shoes here in the Philippines, say Marikina.  well, the Philippine shoemakers make practical shoes - as fitting for a third world country.  But, sometimes the spirit yearns for something magical. and her shoes are magical.

i dont need signature stuff --- like longchamp bags or whatever.  i buy things that are useful, or those that bring joy.  The adult shoes are ballet shoes, and having worn them before, i know how wonderfully comfy they are - well, she has shoes that have heels  if you are the heel-type individual.

Few things bring joy, but my whimsy things bring me joy.  i know these shoes will bring me joy.
just like my etsy elephant.......

anyway, i hope to post some of her shoes once i get permission.  in the meantime - her shop is pink2blue and   here's the link for you to click on

 i just got permission and here are some pics. my favorite one is Andrea = which can be made for adults

these were meant for weddings, special events, christenings. i cant wear heels like these, but somebody there can , i.m sure

Taking care of oneself - the first order of business

taking care of business.

first the self.      
the main business of all individuals - is taking care of one's self.
it is not being selfish. it is being sensible as no one has a more vested interest

first up.  health.
my lifestyle MD has this to say
your plate should contain 1/2 veggies, 1/4 carbo (rice or bread), 1/4 protein (meat)
exercise should be at least 1.5 hours/week - at least 3x a week
walking is better than running/jogging - has to do with your feet and the impact of your weight on your feet and knees

and if you have prescriptions. do take them and make sure you always have at least 2 days supply left before you purchase again.  if you no longer want to take your meds, see your physician first.

DE-stress everyday. Stress kills.

2nd up. finances
make plans for enjoying life.  life is not just about working.
work to live. NOT live to work.

plan as if you will live forever.  live as if it each day is your last

have a back-up plan.

will you leave footsteps when you are gone?

The Professionals

in SSS parlance or talk, the formal sector is always associated with employment. 
and the informal sector are all the others - Voluntary, Self-Employed, and OFWs
all of these fall under the informal category

I wanted a nice catchy phrase for the informal sector comprised of professionals, so i figure - then let me just call them the Professionals

just as an aside, if the term sounds familiar to you, there used to be an old British show called the Professionals, Bodie and Doyle and George Cowley were characters in the TV show, filmed between 1971-1981.  i watch vintage tv and vintage film, just in case you want to know.

The group i call the Professionals are self-employed individuals who are issued licenses.  Who are these people you ask?  Physicians, Engineers, Lawyers, Accountants, Nurses, Physical and Occupational Therapists, Vets, Teachers etc.

Artists are not issued licenses, but i consider them Professionals.  Afterall, people purchase their creations.


Not all of these Pros think of their retirement especially those who just do freelance work. I do enjoin that they sign up with SSS, and some form of Provident Fund (or PERA for that matter, if the government ever implements this package)

*****
or just as simply, put money in the bank - the only problem is that doing this doesnt get you ahead much, interest rates being what they are. 

Prepaid Number if you want to text me

well, only if you want to text me.

here is the number   +639202761052.

replies will be posted in this blog.  
your number will not be fully displayed.

it will be displayed in this manner  +93922-xxx-xxx8

give me a day or 2 to respond

Tiangge at SSS

Yesterday saw the opening of the SSS tiangge and the location is near the MAC (Member's Assistance Center). The tiangge will be from 3-21 December 2012.  however, i was only able to check it out today, and i only did a quick browse.

SSS Tiangge near the MAC.  Open to the Public.  

3-21 DECEMBER 2012.

i thought i would just repeat the salient points.

Items on sale.  Food.  Glorious food.  Drinkies.  Veggies and Weaves (from Baguio).  Items from Bicol (Bags and other stuff, including food).    Knick-Knacks or Abubut.  Clothes. Baby Stuff.  Curtains. Pillows. Pillow cases. Cushions. 

i wish to urge the public to go visit the North Luzon Cooperative booth.  The veggies are terrific and fresh! and cost-effective.  i am thinking of buying more veggies so i can eat fresh lumpiang gulay (vegetable spring roll), with litsugas  (lettuce) and brown sauce (soy sauce, thickener, and muscovado sugar or honey)and oodles of bawang (garlic).  Of course one can have ubod instead of simple veggies, but i like either one and my assistant does not know how to buy ubod. i love veggies, and well - it is healthy.  too bad no one is selling ubod.  i would have bought immediately, not just for me to eat but also to bring home.....

ubod comes from the bark of the coconut tree and it is absolutely delicious.  You can try the fresh/fried ubod lumpia at Max's or this little store in Kamuning called Lucky 21.  If you need their number, leave a comment or text me at this pre-paid number +639202761052.  Replies will be posted on this blog. 

The North Luzon Coop booth also features weaves - as tapestries and as table napkin sets. 

am thinking of buying one of the tapestries.  One is 650, 2'x4' and one is slimmer, about 1x4 and cost 350.

the thinner one's colors are black and orange whereas the sexy one is mostly green with reds.  the design? just a couple of jars.  very pretty. i didnt bring a camera, otherwise i would have pictures to share.  i am tempted to buy the big one but am not sure where to place it.  Only the dining and kitchen area at home are green and the dining room has a carving of the Last Supper (from Paete) and a beautiful 1000-piece puzzle picture that i had framed.

Of course if you have relatives in the US or other foreign lands, this would make a great gift.  i didnt see any coasters, but they should have them soon.

i did buy a scratcher ... this one was small and cute.  i have larger ones at home - and they work wondrously well for back itches.

too bad the Bicol booth did not feature what i call Bicol slippers.  i have tons of these at home because they soothe my feet (i have sensitive feet that i need to pamper). Some of these Bicol slippers break easily (or maybe the fault is mine)  but some of them last long.  i like both styles but my feet prefers the one that break easily because they like the texture.  it feels like my feet are getting a massage.  Since they break easily, now you would understand why i have lots of these kind of slippers........  BUT, maybe they will have the slippers soon.  i do hope so.

i generally dress the house on special times.  Christmas is always special, particularly since my birthday is between Christmas and New Year and so, this means the house is specially dressed during the season.  This explains my attraction to curtains..... although the house is already dressed - at least the sala and the dining areas are.  i opted for string curtains this year...... got it from the internet - anyway, i rather like the translucent curtains but they had too many gold stuff.  i like gold, but i like them the way dragons do.......

the throw pillowcases are rather pretty -. but, i forgot to ask costs. i had pain from both legs so i was a little off - hence my internet shopping.  but i did remember to ask how much the chair pillows were.  they were 189 pesos each.  

there were about 10 shops featuring clothes.  i didnt have time to really look but maybe next time.

Reaction to HTT's Friday column on a retirement town

a tad late in publishing this.  what did i do last Friday?  hmmm.... oh, i went to Manila for healing and Saturday i did the Christmas grocery shopping and that pained my leg so much, i was down for the count Sunday.

anyway, here goes.

i have never been to Sipocot, Camarines Sur.  so it was good to read about it.  too bad there werent any pictures....

there is something to be said about retirement places and retirement homes.  as HT remarked, retirement places are places where it is relatively inexpensive to live (and be merry?) but it should also have the creature comforts that one expects to have.  So if your life depends on an internet connection, you cannot retire in a place where the connection is spotty.  Or if you need to be near a physician or a hospital, make sure you retire in a community that offers the expertise you need.

one of the points he made had to be with spending more to benefit more - like the 20% and vat-free discounts.  well, seniors who are sick, or need maintenance medications benefit from this provision.  Imagine being old, needing meds, and being charged normal prices!  so, it is not just for good times, no - not at all, but also those that need support.  As for good times, everyone needs some good times, right? 

as for increasing contributions, i agree with him when he says that today's workers must pay for pension adjustments just as one day, future workers will pay for future pensions -- that is, pensions from today's workers.  

as for the reform agenda, i even think it is lacking ... in parts. 

in fact, in an earlier post,  i said the adjustments were low.  i think the maximum salary credit should be higher.  how else can future pensions be meaningful?

Click here for HTT's column re: in-search-of-a-retirement-town