Cutty

... and hide.  That's what I want to do, right now. I committed a major booboo.  I accidentally handed my husband's travel bag as a gift to my Tita.   It was packaged the same way.  So when I grabbed it from under the tree, I thought it was the right gift bag.  No wonder, I still have the gift I intended to give my Tita.  I kept on wondering what I gave her since she thanked me for such a nice gift.  When I figured it out, I called up my cousin about it.  Today, I will replace it with another bag.  I would have let it go, if the bag weren't so special.  Mapapamahal pa ko, because of my boo-boo. On hindisight, di ba siya nagtaka na may price pa and it was just in the store's paper bag? Still, it was my fault, my booboo. If you were in my place, what would you do? 

In last four hours, I got 17 cake orders for Friday.  Six are for Vic's colleagues, 10 for Father dear and one for my cousin.  Then I'd have to add another one to raffle off at my choir's Christmas party and several more for my neighbors.     Looks like I'll be baking the whole day tomorrow.  Thank God I'm finished with my Christmas shopping.

... just around the corner.  I'm ashamed to admit that with too many obligations, I have not allowed myself to feel the true meaning of Christmas.  Sadly, Christmas has always been an excuse to indulge and to excessively accumulate stuff.  It has always been the busy season of the year when traffic has reached gridlock status, when there are cakes to bake,  music to learn, and numerous obligations to fulfill.  With all these, I tell you, Christmas is not easy to find.  There are just too many distractions. So, to catch up on what needs to be done before Christmas, MORTIFICATION will be my theme for this final week of Advent.  Maybe, by focusing on other people's good traits, curbing my tongue, and by practicing patience, tolerance and selflessness, the TRUE Christmas spirit will spring back into my life. Hopefully, with a renewed heart, I can easily welcome the true meaning of Christmas.

Have you heard of that superstition?  They say that after two failed attempts, the third will most likely succeed.   That's exactly what happened to our yaya's 3rd attempt to get a passport.  After so much hassle, she finally came back with some good news.  I am hoping that there wont be any other delays so she can get it in time for our departure. Now that she can tag along, we can bring Bettina with us.  We will be complete this coming New Year! It will be different this time.  For the past 4 years, we've celebrated New Year's Eve cooped up in our hotel room.  It looks like Vic and I can slip out on New Year's Eve, while the kids are asleep. I can hardly wait to plan our stay.  But wait, I still have to search for Bettina's passport's delivery receipt first.  I hope I find it.  Otherwise, I'd have another problem. In the meantime,  I am Cathy's Kitchen's slave.

This the reason I've been busy the past few weeks. for smaller cakes and bars   for regular-sized cakes and tortes These new boxes are eco-friendly, manufactured and printed by Scala and Anonas Press.  The designs were done in collaboration with my trusted artist and cousin-in-law, Kuya Boyette. Cathy's Kitchen is now accepting orders for the holidays.  Email SweetDelightsbyCathy@yahoo.com for orders or inquiries.

In the past few weeks, I've been gathering requirements for our yaya's passport application.  For our year-end trip, we are planning to bring all three kids and one help since we can not manage all three. For our first appearance, I've asked her to get her birth certificate from NSO, a baranggay ID, her Fetcher's ID and the ID from our subdivision.  Since she doesn't have any other government issued IDs, I was hoping that those were enough to prove her identity.  So when we went to DFA to get her passport and Bettina's, I wasn't surprised that she was asked to present more documents.  We finished Bettina's application within two hours, thanks to the courtesy lane.  Yaya, on the other hand, was instructed to get her documents from her hometown.  The following day, her mother managed to get a transcribed copy of her birth certificate from the local Civil Registrar, unearth past school IDs and diploma and was able to secure a copy of her Form 137.  By...

Won't it be lovely to get one of these for Christmas? a Marcie  a Paraty a reversible tote or a PS1   But I still have my sight set on this one .   Hehehe, ang babaw ko.

I got a new cookbook today and I am so excited to try it out.  It's almost as exciting as getting a new bag or traveling to a foreign land.  Just Kidding. It is from one of my favorite local chefs.  Like her previous book, it is not all about cakes and baking.  There are recipes for sauces, spreads, desserts and snacks.  Just look at the cover, it is very festive.   Here's a preview of what I want to try out: Flavored salts  Mediterranean dips Home-made Caramel Sauce Smoked Salmon spread White Toblerone Cheesecake If you are a "kitchen goddess" like me (ahem, ahem  :P), I suggest you get a copy.  It has unique ideas about what to share with friends this holiday season.  It's worth every cent.

We celebrated Javi's birthday a couple of days ago.  But unlike his other birthdays, this one seemed more special.  He now understands that birthdays are quite different from all other days because gifts are given, cake candles are blown, and special meals are shared. Very early that morning, I took him gift-shopping.  We were at Toys R Us as soon as the mall opened.  It was Jollibee spaghetti, his favorite, for lunch.  Then pancakes, his 2nd favorite, for dinner.  When I asked him if he liked his pancake, he said, "I loved it, Ma" spoken like a true cartoon-junkie. After dinner, on our way back to the car, he kept saying, "Ma, birthday ko."  As if the idea is still sinking in. When we arrived home, I had a chocolate cake waiting for all us.  Yep, that's another favorite.  We patiently waited for him to blow the candles until Kuya decided to help out Javi.  We had the customary family shot.  Unfortunately, at this stage, we ca...

Because Rachel Ray (sp?) inspired me to do so, I made a frittata for breakfast. Here's a quick rundown of what I did.  1.  Slice ham, onions, yellow peppers (capsicum) into strips.  Slice mushrooms thinly. 2.  Saute everything in a sauce pan starting with the onions, followed by the ham and peppers.  Add mushrooms when everything is nearly cooked.  Turn off the fire and let the residual heat cook the mushrooms. 3.  In a separate bowl, beat 5 medium eggs and a quarter cup of milk.  Season with salt, pepper and add a dash of hot sauce.  4.  Throw in all ingredients into an oven-proof dish.  Baked at 400 degrees for 15mins or until set. This is best eaten with buttered toast and jam.  What a hearty breakfast for a long day. Note:  you may want to grease the oven-proof dish if you don't like it to form a crust around the edges.

As soon as we got back from Vic's office's annual Trick or Treat, Johann dumped all their goodies on the bed.  Both big and small Kuyas were excited to sort through their loot.  They got their usual favorites, jelly ace and a few Hershey's kisses.  They recently discovered Flat Tops and Curly Tops, so Javi horded them too.  This is the start of their love affair with candy. Before going to the office, we had to bribe them with candy just to get them dressed up.  "I don't like candy!"  That's what they said.  Ha! So now, they know what Trick or Treat is about.  I had to play cop and ration their treats to 3 pieces each.  Otherwise, we'd be battling tonsilitis tomorrow.  For sure, we won't have problems making them dress up next time. -------------------- Speaking of treats, the kids weren't the only ones who came home with them.  While the boys were with Daddy, I went to BHS with Bettina.  I came  home with these.....

I'm sure you've seen the article .  If not, I'm sure you've heard about it in the news.  We, the Philippines, have the worst airport in the world.  What people fail to mention was it was based on one criteria:  the availability of facilities for sleeping in airports.  Talk about sensationalizing an issue. I admit that our airport is in bad shape.  It needs repairs and updating. Chuvaness has detailed it in her blog so many times. One media personality pointed out that since it is the first thing that greets tourists, it has to be aesthetically pleasing.  I agree by a hundred percent. BUT, no matter how sophisticated or spacious the airport is, it is not proportionate to the number of tourists.  Take the case of the Cebu and Palawan airports.  But, that's beside the point. The point is, airports aren't for sleeping.  I am always surprised to find people finding comfort in an airport bench.  I assumed when the airport was desi...

In Facebook, a friend mentioned that it was her father's first death anniversary.  Then, people started commenting, "Happy 1st Death Anniversary!"  Duh?!?!  Anubuh?!?! I know for sure that death is never a happy event.   Since when is commemorating death pleasant to the people left behind?  Pwede siguro if death leads to sainthood.  That's so odd, ... so insensitive.

I spent yesterday's early afternoon testing my recipe.   This is how the end product looks like: This was my first time make pies by myself.  I was afraid to try it out before because I may end up over-kneading the dough and wasting it.  I got Johann and Javi to play with the dough.  They rubbed the butter against the flour.  That lessened the time of me manually kneading them.  When they got tired, they went back to the TV and left me molding the dough in peace.  I used a dusted Ziploc bag and a wine bottle for rolling out small portions of the dough.  I experimented with different pies pans, pan sizes, crust trimmings and fillings. Since I am making these for Christmas, I decided to employ the help of my houseboy.  I already taught him how to mold the dough, bake the crust and the filling. I've forgotten how back breaking baking is.  It really is a test of patience and perseverance.  Here are some of my notes:...

I attended a hands-on baking workshop last weekend.  It was facilitated by the San Miguel Culinary chefs.  I've always liked attending their baking classes because their recipes pass my taste test.  The chefs always shares practical tricks on how to make economical substitutes and how to cut time in the preparation.  Here are some of what we made: This experience convinced me to try my hand at baking again.  This time I will practice on pies and other cake recipes.  It's nothing fancy, but definitely tasty and appetizing. I am currently in the process of sourcing and costing ingredients and other materials.  Hopefully, by Christmastime, I will be ready to take in orders just like before. By the way, I am having my own boxes reproduced again.  I've contacted my printer already and a meeting has been set.  I am hoping that it is still within my price range.  Wish me luck!

My mother just got back from a three-week long vacation in the US.    She purposely went there to attend my cousin's wedding, visit relatives and to shop, of course. She recently discovered TJ Maxx so just imagine her fascination with the discount store.  She and my Auntie from the East Coast visit the store almost everyday just to have first dibs on the new shipment.  She got everything I asked her to get me.  I believe she got me more items than I got for myself during my trip last summer. Thanks to mothers who have the same shopping drive as their daughters, I now have a new set of clothes, two pairs of wedges and a pair of boots.  Hehehe.  Ang saya saya! 

Dear BPI, By the time I get through the Hotline number, my card may have already been maxed out.  My savings may have been cleaned up by some thief.   Thankfully, I have no urgent concerns to deal with you right now. Seriously, you need more people answering urgent concerns.  Waiting for more than 5 minutes is simply unacceptable. Sincerely, A Valued Client

When Vic and I went to Singapore a few weekends ago, it wasn't about shopping or being a tourist.  So, usual hotels we're familiar with were beyond convenience.  Besides, the rates would've been hiked up on F1 weekend, so we wouldn't have gone there. Thankfully, a friend suggested V Hotel Lavender. While most hotels boast of their accessibility through public transport, this one is the most truthful.  Literally located on top of the Lavender MRT station, this is one of the best hotels I've been to, in terms of convenience.  After a day of walking, I am never too tired to walk up to the room.  When we got hungry, there were several bread stores and take-away food stalls, a 24-hr Kopi Tiam, and Wendy's.  At the MRT station, there we convenience stores for drinks, snacks and emergency meds. We were 4 stops from Orchard Rd, 2 stops from City Hall and 1 stop from Bugis.  It beats having to stay in one of the hotels along Orchard, where we'd have to walk...

To one of the great movers of our time We owe to you how we live our lives today. *photo lifted from apple.com

I've been trying to get into target.com for a week now.  All I'm getting is this I've tried it several times a day, early morning, midday, early evening and at dawn .  It seems that the site is at its peak all week long.  This hasn't happened in years.  Grrrr!  Am I the only one having problems with this?

When I read books I usually exhaust the titles available under a particular author.  I've almost finished Debbie Macomber.  Now, I've moved on to Nora Roberts.  I'm currently hooked on the MacGregor Saga, starting with the MacGregor Brides then the MacGregor Grooms.  I recently found a book that tells the story of the ascendants of the modern day MacGregors.  Upon finishing the book, I looked up the author's website to see what book I should get next. Here's what I found (lifted from the author's website ): Nora parted ways with ******* (the publisher of this series) in 2002, so she will not write any more MacGregor stories.  BUMMER!  Just when I'm so immersed in the story that I view characters as real ones, this happens!?!?!?

Johann's in school on weekdays.  Javi's about to start pre-nursery.  Bettina is already a toddler.  In a couple of years, she'll be starting school also.  My days will not be as engaged as it used to be.  I'm sensing that my days as a stay-at-home will be over soon. Since the franchise I am applying for isn't working out at this time, I am on the look out for more income-generating opportunities. Should I take up baking once again and revive Cathy's Kitchen?  I have the equipment, the recipes and the part-time help.  I'll only need to reproduce my packaging, which got drenched by Ondoy.  On the positive side, I do not need to look for THE perfect location since this can be a home-based business. Or, should I pursue another franchise application? Again, finding THE perfect location is vital to getting the most of my investment. I need to make up my mind soon. 

I got these in the mail today.  The numbers are in the images, if you are interested. I always get excited over these learning opportunities, specially the take-home goodies.  I hope I have nothing planned on those days.

I wasn't supposed to be in the concert last Friday.  My husband booked tickets for the race last March, way before the concert had its date.  But since I was part of the organizing committee, I just had to be there.  Vic flew to Singapore as scheduled.  I stayed behind and flew the next day. I took the early morning flight to Singapore.   Vic and I met at the hotel.  I arrived just before lunch.  I had enough time to shop and rest before the concerts and the qualifying session. I had been to the race in Sepang, Malaysia.  It was nothing compared to the energy and organization of Singapore F1. I can't begin to imagine how much boost Singapore's economy had gained in this one event.  Every part of the city benefited from this.  There were temp jobs to fill, an increased demand for shopping, for food, accommodations and transportation.  It was really worth the investment for the government.  Just look at how many people w...

Yes, it is that time of the year when everything needs to be this week. One of my choir's major concerts is happening this Friday.  As part of the project team, I am up till the wee hours. Daily rehearsals are being conducted also.  Cramming ba kamo? Then, on Saturday, I am flying to Singapore to join Vic for the F1 race.  That means I need to pack for the weekend trip and make sure that the kids bags are packed also.  I am dropping them off at my in-laws' house before the concert.  They are still recovering from their illnesses, by the way. I am not even sure if they will get to see me before I leave since I'll be arriving home really late on Friday.  So, I am spending more time with them in between errands and other commitments. I still have to print out my ticket, find my passport, get pocket money from the bank, finalize sponsorship details with Red Crab, print tarp and program notes, pick-up skirting for the risers and finally, order food fo...

The past week has been toxic for me and Vic.  In one week, we went to the ER twice because of ailments we can not relieve at home. Two Fridays ago, we brought Javi because of a viral infection that affected his bowel movements and has caused dehydration.  Before that week ended, we brought in Johann because of non-stop coughing and fever.  Fortunately, Javi tested negative for Amoebiasis and Johann has normal lungs and CBC.  We have progressed to three types of anti-biotics, with the next more expensive than the one before. Thankfully, Bettina's condition isn't too severe.  We just had an allergy scare that was quickly relieved by Zyrtec and Iterax.  If you remember Will Smith's allergy attack in the movie Hitched, then that's ALMOST what happened to her, without the eye swelling. With a lot of rest and meds, they are on the road to recovery.  I, unfortunately, caught the bug.

I was shopping for a birthday gift when I found this. I got a copy because I feel guilty whenever I let the TV babysit for me.  I am not really into arts and crafts and I am running out of ideas on how to spend quality time with my kids.  We usually spend time  reading books, playing before bedtime, cooking or baking together, going through old pictures.  It has nice ideas for special occasions, indoor and outdoor activities.  It has made doing experiments and learning math fun.  Most importantly, I am inclined to teach my kids street games I've played in the past.  Hello Piko, Patintero, Langit Lupa, Monkey Anabel.  I just might be able to tear them away from the TV.

This was shot ... when Johann was 2 years old and Javi was just a year old. ... when we only had 2 kids. ... when he a perfectly good set of teeth =D ... when we were still staying Pasig while our house is being renovated. I'm more inclined to take more videos to documents my kids' development.

I stopped by PC Supermarket last week to get some supplies when I found this I had to give out a little shriek of excitement.  I've been looking for something like since I started baking as a hobby. Marshmallow creme is one the vital ingredients in S'mores.  Don't confuse this with marshmallow icing.  This is more elastic and less spreadable than the icing. In the past, I had to resort to local substitutes.  I'd sometimes melt mini mallows in milk to form this layer.  Just recently, I learned that I could mix the mallows in white meringue mixture then blow torch it a la Creme Brulee. Soooo.... I tried it yesterday.  I baked a batch of S'mores and found it too sweet.  It over-powered the chocolate in S'mores.  Not good.  I probably shouldn't have put the whole tub in one batch.  Or, I should've put in more chocolates?  Nevertheless, it had this odd aftertaste.  Sayang, the graham cracker dough was baked perfectl...

Vic and I decided to take the boys to see their current favorite, Cars 2.  Johann has been bugging us to watch Cars 2 in Kong Kong (read:  HK) ever since Disney Junior showed it on TV.  We planned to leave Bettina and the yayas in Pasig before heading to the 1PM showing at Rockwell.  But the traffic was so bad that we had to settle for the 3PM showing instead.  We had brunch and churros, walked around for a bit then got our movie snacks. It was Javi's first full-length movie in the cinema. Before the movie, I kept on telling him that it will grow dark inside and that he shouldn't be afraid.  He had to adjust to the volume so kept on covering his ears when the level was too much for him. I'm glad that they're already familiar with the movie (c/o a bootleg copy) so they didn't ask a lot of loud and embarrassing questions.  In fact, they were captivated by it.  Javi's eyes were glued to the big screen.  Johann was revving up his fake engin...

We're about to start the long weekend and we have nothing planned for the next four days.  I feel like I am wasting those days when I should be doing something productive. I don't want to do chores.  I don't want to spend the day in the mall.  I want to do something worthwhile without spending a lot.  I am certain that I want to get out of the house since I spent most of my time indoors.  But that doesn't leave me with too many options. I was telling Vic that I thought about going to Tagaytay.  But there's nothing to do in the house that we can't do here in Manila.  We'll just get bored and start binging on Antonio's roasted bulalo.  We might as well get bored in Manila, where there are  several entertainment options and Internet that can distract us from temptation. I think it's time to explore the newly-improved QC Memorial Circle, if Mina (the current weather disturbance) permits it.  Maybe a stroll along BHS?  Hit the cine...

To most Filipinos, leisurely traveling is equated to shopping.   If it were a frequently visited destination, I’d probably skip the tourist spots and head to the shops.   However, the past few weeks were not about visiting a frequented place.   Hence, each day was valued-packed with uncommon sights and experiences.   To give you an idea of how intense our two weeks were, here is our itinerary: Days 1 – 2:   Paris Days 3 – 5:   Provence Days 6 – 9:   Rome / Florence Days 10 – 13:   Amsterdam Days 14 – 15:   Paris This itinerary is not part of a package tour.   It is DIY, borne out of invites of several friends and our desire to cross off items in our bucket lists.   Isn’t it obvious, we wanted to maximize the cost of the trip? Despite the busyness of everything, we managed immerse ourselves into the local culture.   We ate the local food, rode the public transport, befriended the French and the Italians, and...

The Ateneo Chamber Singers, with conductor Jonathan Velasco, present “WHERE THERE IS LOVE”, a two-part concert on September 23, 2011 at the Philamlife Theater, ( UN Avenue Manila ). The ACS, known to specialize in sacred choral music, will begin with a repertoire that speaks of love for the Almighty. Set to be performed are inspiring songs of faith from renowned international composers that include Rheinberger, Matshushita, Mealor, Casanas and Hogan. The second part will showcase a first in the choir’s history as they launch their first-ever love songs collection, “Love I’ve Found In You”. The CD features love songs that are sure to stir the hearts of many. This is the second collaboration of the ACS with Jesuit Communications, following the success of the ACS’s first Christmas Album, “Ang Ating Pasko”. The CD of love songs features works by award-winning songwriters Trina Belamide, Arnel de Pano and Von de Guzman who are also current members of the ACS. The even...

Since all members of the EU use only one currency, I expected that the Euro-$ exchange rate wouldn't vary as much from one country to another.  But I assumed wrong.  I also didn't expect it to vary that much. In Paris, the best rest I've gotten was along Pigalle.  If you scout around the money changers in the Moulin Rouge area, you get an average of 63Euros to 65Euros for $100.  I was a bit disappointed because I was expecting to get around 80Euros.  I don't know why.  In Rome, my heart sank when most Cambio stands offer 60Euros for $100.  Some even offered 58, net of commission.  But, if you happen to be in the Fountain of Trevi, one Cambio offers 65Euros to $100.  The Vatican Money Changer, located inside the Vatican Post on the left side (Exit side) of the Basilica San Pietro,  gives a good rate also ($100=63Euros).  Unless you are a client, very few banks change currencies so better get your Euros from the Cambios. In Amst...

After 10 years, I was able to go back to  witness this light up and sparkle before my eyes. On the first day, I reacquainted myself with the tourist attractions, the Metro and the language.  We got to try out new stuff and to window-shop for a bit.  I can't help it.  We arrived at the tail-end of sale season. I happened to pass by Rue de Cambon and Rue de Saint Honore on our way from the Louvre.  It was a good long walk and all the aching muscles went away when I entered my wonderland.  I am looking forward to knowing this city more intimately. I'm now in the middle of Provence, the land of lush lavender fields for the main excuse of our trip.... It is Day 4 of traveling with friends.   We're still getting used to each person's quirks.  Hopefully, we're still friends by the end of this trip =D *photos grabbed from jonelski and pkf.

 As the song goes, "All my bags are packed. I'm ready to go...."  Haha, I wish it were that easy.  (Yes, my bags are packed, with only a few more bilins and toiletries to squeeze into my maleta, I'm all set.) In 10 days, I am off to a trip with friends.  As a hands-on mother and wife, how do I endorse everything I do to the husband and to the help?  How do I begin listing down what I do on a daily basis?  Though the yayas work with a schedule, there are still some aspects of child-care that are missed. It was easier back then because I'd leave my kids with my parents and they'd take care of everything, from food, monitoring playtime and overseeing the nannies.  Now, the husband will reign over the household.  How do I make the transition easy for him, for my peace of mind? My husband is more capable in the office and has more patience with adults. I need to go through my daily routine in my head and list it down.  This entails a great d...

Since Halloween is three months away, I don't think my little girl's costume will fit by then.  Look at how much she's grown. Looks like she'll be going to the mall as Tink.

For those who love to try out new recipes (like me), San Miguel brings us their Business Opportunity Series for July.  Click on the image for details.

For Tickets, call SM Tickets, Star Express at 5452435, Beginnings at 20Plus at 7531609

I had an 8AM appointment at the French Embassy, today.  I arrived early and was able to score a parking space inside the Pacific Star Building.  I was instructed to register at the guard, after parking. Since I was an hour early for my appointment, I was told to come back by 7:40 since the Embassy is still closed. By 7:40AM, I was back at the parking level (B1) and was waiting by the benches like the other applicants.  A few minutes later, our names were called to proceed to the 16th floor. We didn't wait long until our bags were checked and were asked to surrender our cellphones/other electronic devices.  The guard gave me a set of guidelines that contains the requirements.  It is the same document you'll get from the website . I was Applicant #4. Step 1:  Payment and Verification of Documents I presented all my documents at Window 2.  He also asked to see my previous passports.  (It's a good thing that I brought them at the last minute)...

When I went to the capital of South Australia for a quick visit, I had no expectations. I hadn't heard much about Australia and it didn't interest me enough to read about it.  I've known about it through trashy romance novels and history classes. The People: Australians are quite different from most Asians, not only in looks but also in ways.  The major difference that struck me was that they keep to themselves.  They do not mind other people.  They do not measure people up by looking at what purse she's carrying or if she's wearing hip clothing.  Each person is free to just BE.  There's no pressure to keep up with The Joneses. They are also very keen on following the law.  Because of very steep fines, they are very strict in obeying the policies.  In the airport, mobile phones can't be turned on until the you get past customs.  I was observing everyone and everyone was very obedient.  If it were here in the Philippines, it would've...

... to NOT fly Philippine Airlines. (Tama ba, Grammar Police?) Over the past few years, I’ve gotten better deals through Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines.   Even if the ticket price is more affordable, I didn’t feel that I was short-changed with the quality of service they’ve provided me. The aircraft I’ve ridden were always new.   Each seat was equipped with individual entertainment consoles.   I was frequently offered drinks and snacks.   The cabin crew was very pleasant whenever I had a request.   They always came when I needed one.   Unlike my experience here . I sincerely hope that Asia's First Airline will catch up soon.   It is such a pity that they offer pathetic service at such a high price.   Maybe someday, PAL will be sincere when they say “It was our pleasure serving you.”

That's what blurted out when I saw this... photo c/o Neiman Marcus I've been wanting to get a Gauffre for some time now.  So, when I saw this color in nylon... hay. I didn't want to get one in leather because it is too expensive AND I can't take care of leather that is too supple.  I'll just end up scratching the bag.  But I have a bag wishlist to follow.  Oh well, let's see what'll happen in Florence.

It seems that my trip is very timely.  When I arrived last week, I didn't realize that Australia is having the Financial Year End Sale.  But, it was of no use to me.   Everything is really expensive here. What I am looking forward to is the Great Singapore Sale.  Since I had to stay the night in Singapore for my connecting flight to Manila, I decided to stay a bit longer so I can explore the city.  I managed to book the latest flight in the afternoon so I had at least 6 hours to waste on Orchard Rd.  Nyehehe! Oh SIA, why do I only have 20kgs?  Sa vino pa lang kulang na.

It was a whirlwind trip, right from the start. After 10 million years, I eventually received my Australian Visa last Wednesday.   Two hours later, after talking my mother into looking after the kids while I'm gone, my ticket is ready.  Since I've been monitoring the airfare rates to Oz and back, I already knew which flights I'll be getting.   Thank God for online booking! I arrived in Adelaide on Friday morning.  I got in just in time for the long weekend.  It was the Queen's birthday, you know. While Vic was in the office, I explored the Rundle Mall and the Central Market. The following day was spent touring around Victor Harbor and Glenelg courtesy of Filipino friends.  Sunday was for hearing mass, shopping in Ikea and doing chores.  Monday was Wine Tasting day at the Barossa Wineries.  Today, Tuesday, I checked out the local outlet shops.  I have a few more days left before I head back home to my children.    ...

Two weeks ago, when Vic and I were reeling from separation anxiety, we frequently checked airline rates, just to see if we can afford to be together for just a few weeks.  When Cathay Pacific came out with US$383* for a trip to Adelaide, we decided to submit an application to the Australian Embassy. I was fortunate that the US Embassy didn't ask for any documents from me.  I was able to use those for this application.  I filled up the appropriate visa form, prepared all other proofs of income and ties to the Philippines, and had my picture taken.  I also had to secure a Manager's Check worth P4700 for the Visa Application.  Once everything was ready, I submitted it to the VIA Center in Arnaiz.  In the end, I had to pay P600 for the processing and passport delivery.  I was given a tracking number that I can use at via.ph.   Though I can have the courier pick up the application from my place, I opted to submit it personally.  There ...