Hail 2015, A Year-End Post

Every New Year promises a new beginning. It promises optimism, love, opportunities and new memories to cherish. Personally, new years give me a chance to relive all the memories (may it be good or bad) I had the past year.

My 2015 taught me things I thought I could never learn in such a short period. The joy of being a mother, the ups and downs of being a wife, the responsibilities of a good daughter, a deep understanding of a sister and the uplifted faith I experienced wrapped up my past year.

Having a toddler running, screaming and throwing everything she sees tested my patience. But every time I hear her giggle, and every time she kisses and hugs me, makes me realize that I am blessed with a little angel from above. :D

I was never the typical wife who cooks hubby his meals, nor that who irons his clothes. I rant, I nag, I even curse when I am angry at him for petty reasons. But midst all that, he understands. Yes we were never the perfect couple from the start, but we try to cope with each others flaws and short comings. We talk about it, we understand, we try to forget and we even laugh at our silly fights. When he smiles, when he stares, it feels like its still day one, it will always feel like its day one. :)

Last year was also tragic. My mom lost her battle with cancer. I was devastated and felt like I will fall apart. But I know she wants all of us to be happy and keep on. We've always been close, she was there every step of the way and she never fails to protect and provide for us. She will always be the best mom for me. (Mama, I am thankful I came from you, and I wouldn't want it any other way!!!)

I made new friends (and foes). De stressing was re-introduced to me in such a fun way. My BusinessWorld circle of friends was expanded and I cannot deny the fact that they were the ones who kept my sanity intact after some catastrophic events.

Yes, 2015 was way rougher and tougher compared to the past years. But hey!!! I surpassed it with a happy heart!

The "Kanin Club" Experience

Food tripping after work would always be great especially if its free. ;)

Just last week, my office colleagues and I were lucky enough to experience the kanin indulgence care of the generosity of Ms. Josh. She decided to celebrate her post birthday with us at Kanin Club located at Scout Rallos, Quezon City.

The restaurant is not hard to find, you just have to turn left (if you're from E. Rodriguez) from the corner where Amici restaurant is located. Then, just a little walk to reach Kanin Club.

Upon entering, you will notice its homey ambience which will make you feel you'll be dining in your own home. It is a 3-storey building, the first floor being the reception / cashier / waiting area. It also has few tables for their gorgeous customers. I saw some tables and chairs on the second floor, only the lights were closed. I assumed the floor was closed that day for some reason. Then there's the third floor where the staff lead us to our table.

We ordered 3 types of their flavored rice, the Bagoong rice, which was my favorite, Daing rice and Sinangag na sinigang. For our viands, we chose the best seller crunchy Dinuguan, Crispy Liempo and Lumpiang Sariwa.

Here are some of the mouth-watering photos:

All servings are for 3-5 persons

CRISPY LIEMPO (P160.00) - this is super crispy..fried to perfection!!!

LUMPIANG SARIWA (P110.00) - it's saucy, it's yummy.. it's sweet!!

CRISPY DINUGUAN (P290.00) - this is a wow!! crunchy pork with a flavorful taste of our very own dinuguan

BAGOONG RICE (P165.00) - my review? it's like eating maggang hilaw with bagoong. The rice actually has green mangoes. This one's my favorite

SINANGAG NA SINIGANG (P250.00) - this is like saucing your rice with sinigang soup. This one's so Filipino, with the mouthwatering sinigang flavor. I find it a little sour though.

Our bountiful dinner

the dine

And our pictures together:

I strongly recommend Kanin Club experience to those food junkies who wants to try these flavorful finds with minimal budget!! :D

A Year End Post (2014 Rundown)

As expected, 2014 has taught me new things. I have been the same old Mhaan, but I can not deny the fact that I have been more matured and patient compared last year. My 2014 roller coaster ride had made the toughest Mhaan I could never have imagined. It clearly taught me the highs and lows of being a working mom.

Though half of my 2014 bucket list was not made, I am still grateful for I have successfully done the other half. 

So, here's a rundown of my whimsical journey last year.

January - It started rough, I had a fight with hubby on New Year's day, not to mention I had to go to the office that same day.

Madge was sick on the first weekend but it didn't took long for her to be well.

February - Just another Valentine month for me. I had my very first fun run at Circuit Makati for the Apocalypse run. Mind you, there were really 'zombies' and obstacle course. There was even a party after the run but we didn't bother to join since it was far away from home.

Also, this month, we celebrateed my Niece's first birthday and dedication.

Again, Madge had fever, luckily she did not have any seizures.

March - There was this Editorial Meeting welcoming our new Editor in Chief. I actually brought Madge with me that day and was surprised to discover she's running a fever. The fever would not go down from 38 degrees. The whole night, we sponge bathed her since there's a big possibility of another fever seizure. The next day, at 6:00 a.m., the scariest thing happened. She had seizure, so we had to go to the nearest clinic for an oxygen. We were advised to have her blood examined and have other laboratory exams. When her fever still won't go down, we decided to bring her to her pediatrician. While waiting for her doctor, she had another seizure and was lucky we were already in the hospital. We then decided to have her confined for further tests. After a lot of lab tests, we then discovered she has UTI and has to stay in the hospital.

April - We attended Yen's 25th Birthday at Jollibee Regalado. Jollibee and the whole gang was present and Madge was extremely happy err, at first, because we then discovered she's afraid of  Jollibee. :(

During the Holy week, Madge had another fever seizure and she, again, had to be confined in the hospital. Seems every nurse at Bernardino General Hospital already know my little pearl since she was just there a month ago. The findings? Tonsilitis. And, after a few days, we're back in the house.

May - Since I was already bothered with Madge's frequent seizures, we brought her to Makati Medical center for further check up with a family doctor. All was well, she said, and assured us it is normal for kids to have seizures. She was scheduled for an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) to check if her brain already has damages due to the frequent seizures and probably with this exam, find out the cause of the seizures. But we didn't pursue because a day before her scheduled MRI, she had fever. I was so scared that when her fever did not go down, I confined her to the hospital. Although she did not have any seizures. Again, the findings were tonsillitis.

June - We were invited to Jay's (Fritz's friend and Madge's ninong) despedida. He invited us for a swim on a nearby resort. Madge was present of course. After that, she had colds and had a little fever but wasn't serious. 

July - I remember this is the only month Madge did not have any sickness. :)

Changes in the office were made. I have a new work partner and had to train her for the job. Oh, and the Anniversary party of Bussiness World was held at Resorts World. I was thankful that I had the chance to showcase my talent here. (dancing)
:D
And for the very first time in my 5 years of stay in BusinessWorld, my name was called for the minor prizes. hehe. 

August - Again, Madge had to go to the doctor for a check up. She had tests since her fever, again, won't go down. Laboratory tests were again made but all was negative of any serious illness. The doctor said, it was just viral and prescribed us with antibiotic.

I got new watches for me, my mom, Fritz's mom & Fritz from the office. It served as my birthday gift, and Christmas gift for them. :D

September - Another month of coughs and colds to little Madge. She had a day with fever, but that was it and nothing more.

I got my Alberto gift certificate and bought shoes for me and my mom at fairview Terraces. You know, little things you do for your mom to show how thankful you are to her.

October - My birth month. First, I treated my Asico Family at Kowloon House. It was a P300 worth buffet lunch at Fairview. With the uber makulit cousins, Rica and Madge, it was an extra special occasion.

I had a mini celebration with my family at home. You know, with my little pearl, no matter how mini the celebration is, it would still be extraordinary.

I even had a pizza party at the office with my office colleagues. I bought pizzas and pancit for us to share during lunch. My closest office buddies gave me my very own celebration cake. :)

To wrap up my birthday week, I asked my mom and dad to accompany Madge and I to Wildlife near Q.C. Circle. Then we had our lunch at Max's SM North Edsa. Yes, I celebrated my 27th Birthday with a bang last year!

Madge on the other hand, had yet another of her monthly fever. Though she always have fever, I just can't get used to it and it started bothering me though she doesn't have seizures anymore. But her Pediatrician told us it is nothing to worry about since at her age, she still has a weak immune system.

November - We visited Fritz's dad on the cemetery with Madge. We said a little prayer and stayed for a while.

Daddy and Madge's birth month! Had a children's party in the house with neighbors, friends and families.

yes i hate me on this picture!!! pero ito lang ang family picture namin during her birthday.:(

BTW, Madge was diagnosed with measles so she had to be hospitalized for four days. :(

December - apart from October and November as my favorite months, December will always be different. I can already feel the Christmas spirit from everyone.

This month, I had my dream DSLR which is a Canon EOS 70D. I named him Tyler.

The BusinessWorld is held at White Knight. And as usual,  I didn't win any of their raffle prizes.

BUT, I had my very first Kenneth Cole Watch as a prize on our Editorial Christmas party!

This month was also extra special because of our Christmas Party at the White Cross Orphanage. We had a little program for the kiddos and it was really worth all the planning.

2014, you see was not that kind to me. Madge was hospitalized four times, I had to endure the changes in the office, and I have to adjust with all our monthly expenses. BUT, 2014 had made us stronger than ever before! Hubby and I were a team, we were best of friends through thick and thin. My friends were there when I needed them the most. Through their prayers, understanding and love, I survived the chaos of 2014. And with this, I know 2015 will just be another year of experience and maturity.