The Married Life Archives | Page 21 of 50

Our Last 2 Weeks of Vaycay…

10 May 2011 Ibyang Sanchez 7 Comments Category: Charmed Life of a Mrs, Cherished Memories, I Love Seoul, Photography, The Married Life, Travel

…were spent in the company of loved ones and of each other, having a good time, going back to places that we love and eating delicious Filipino food.

The moment we came back from Seoul, Korea, we were always on the go. I owe this blog a lot of updates but the last two weeks of our vaycay were very hectic. For now, let me start with a few photos of our last days in the Philippines.

22 April 2011. Lunch at Haze‘s place where we got to visit her lovely home and meet her beautiful family. I was in awe of how happy and sweet Haze’s family is. We love them…and we love the delicious feast they served us–all Filipino favourites–Kangkong with lots of garlic, Laing, Ensaladang Mangga and Stuffed Bangus.

23 April 2011. My clan’s reunion (mother side) at Lopez, Quezon. It was the biggest family reunion I’ve ever attended. Believe it or not, all the people on this photo below are related to me. Some of them I know, most of them I don’t, but it was great to be able to see them.

When in the province of Quezon, I always make sure I bring home some Longganisang Lucban, one of the yummiest sausages in the Philippines.

24 April 2011. Easter Sunday celebrations with both our family. To make Easter Sunday memorable for our family, we treated them to “KAOS“, a theatrical show at Resorts World.

We had lunch at Crisostomo, one of my great Filipino restaurant finds at Newport Mall. We stayed at Resorts World the whole day and as we were about to go home, we found out via twitter that our friend Curt was also there. So we tweeted and texted and finally found him! Such a happy coincidence that ended our beautiful Easter celebrations.

25 April 2011. Had coffee with my High School Friends at one of the newest (and still being completed) places in the metro, Centris Walk (located at Quezon Avenue, Quezon City).

Not everyone was able to join us but it was good that I was able to say goodbye to them before we left for Sydney.

26-28 April 2011. Strictly rest and relaxing at Boracay Island with the Husband. All we did in Boracay was eat, sleep, walk and swim.

Beautiful Boracay sunset. This was my view when I was having a massage by the shore. The island has immensely changed but the beach is still a beauty.

28 April 2011. Back from Boracay during lunchtime. Just rested for a few hours and then off we went to Antipolo Church in the afternoon. One of my devotions is visiting this church everytime I’m home for a visit.

29 April 2011. Our last Friday in Makati. Our friend Vince invited us to have lunch at Circles, Makati Shangri-la.

Dinner was at Mesa (another favourite of mine), Greenbelt 5, with two of my gorgeous “Hanes” (“Hane” is my term of endearment to my friends).

We tried the Boneless Crispy Pata and it was deliriously sinful. I loved it!

My friends Armi and Nessy are also my coffee buddies so a date with them will never be complete without coffee. Nessy ordered the La Pinay Crepe at Cafe Breton and I loved it! Truly Pinoy because it had ripe mangoes as fillings.

30 April 2011. Long lunch date with our friend Agnes at Via Mare. From appetizer (Tokwa’t Baboy and Arrocaldo) to mains (Vigan Longganisa, Arroz A la Cubana) to dessert (Bibingka), we caught up on what happened in our Korea trip and Agnes’ future KL-SG trip.

Dinner was at Max’s near our place and it was solely to meet with one of my dearest Hanes from college, Beejay. I missed and love this girl!!! We did a lot of reminiscing and catching up and of course lots of laughter to go with our kwentos.

1 May 2011. Trip down to memory lane. We devoted the day to visiting our respective alma maters. We visited where the Husband graduated from college, University of Santo Tomas (UST).

The Husband felt proud that he was able to visit UST especially that it is celebrating its 400th year this year.

After lunch, we visited my alma mater, St. Paul University Quezon City (formerly known as St Paul Quezon City). It was a Sunday but I was grateful that the kind-hearted guards let me in.

I felt very sentimental and a bit teary-eyed when I saw my school, especially when I saw this building (photo below). It used to be where the Psychology Laboratory was located. The Psych Lab was a witness to lots of happy and challenging times we (my classmates and I) faced during our college years.

My Husband and I realized that it is never too late to be a part of each others’ past. We may never know how our lives were before we met, but sharing our memories during college years and bringing each other to places that meant a lot to us made up for that.

We ended the day by having dinner with my parents at Eastwood Mall.

My parents treated us to huge and fat crabs at BluFish.

2 May 2011. Day-out with my Mom. My Husband spent the day with his mom and brother while I spent the day with my Mom. We hung out at Megamall: shopped, pigged out (Sbarro for lunch and Dads for Meryenda Buffet) and had some pampering. This was us getting foot spas and our nails done.

As usual, we ended the day at the mall with yummy dinner at Orchard Road. (Yes, that’s me in my new hairdo! I had a haircut after my pampering session).

3 May 2011. Farewell lunch with our family at Gerry’s Grill. We spent the whole day with them since it’s our last full day in the Phils. After lunch, we just hung out at Figaro (one of my favourite Filipino cafes) and had dessert.

Dinner time, we were surprised by my mom’s friends and my goddaughter at home. They came by just to say goodbye to us. How touching!

It’s not easy going back to these photographs right now. My heart still aches from being away from my family, friends and the things I loved about the Philippines. However, going back to these photos also makes my heart warm and thankful. Our vacation is truly wonderful and has left us with memories we will always cherish. WE ARE GRATEFUL.

We want to thank EVERYONE who spent time with us, gave us thoughtful gifts and for just seeing us. THANK YOU for making our Philippine vacation memorable. Thank you for all the love. We love you ALL.

Seoul, I’m Loving You

20 April 2011 Ibyang Sanchez 11 Comments Category: Charmed Life of a Mrs, Cherished Memories, I Love Seoul, Milestones, The Married Life, Travel

Annyeong haseyo!!!!

Greetings from the land of happy, friendly and kimchi-loving people. My Husband and I are taking a quick break from our Manila vaycay to explore the streets of Seoul, Korea.

SPRING IN SEOUL. We thought we were too late to see the Cherry Blossoms but lucky that some trees are still abloom.

We’ve been exploring places, eating Korean cuisine, doing a bit of shopping, exchanging friendly banter with locals (despite our little knowledge of their language), getting lost and finding unexpected gems along the way.

The city is still cold even if it’s already Springtime but we feel a warmth while we are here. A city so charming and peaceful, we are wanting to go back and we haven’t even left yet.

CHERRY BLOSSOMS IN THE STREETS OF HONGDAE

KOREAN BBQ! Our first dinner in Seoul was at a Korean BBQ restaurant that didn’t have any menu.

YEOUIDO PARK

THE TEDDY BEAR PRINCE!!! The bears seen in the Koreanovela “Princess Hours” can be found in the TEDDY BEAR MUSEUM.

N SEOUL TOWER

Every night inside our hotel room, we have a cup of tea while we look outside our window and watch Seoul in amazement. We realize how blessed we are to be here, to be together, to be sharing an adventure of a lifetime.

The iPad 2 Experience

29 March 2011 Ibyang Sanchez 8 Comments Category: Aussie Life, Blog Life, Charmed Life of a Mrs, The Married Life

It took me a long while to be an owner of a tablet. When Apple launched the 1st generation iPad last year, I mentioned that it’s one gadget that I would really want to have. I planned to buy one then but the Husband suggested that I wait for the 2nd generation to come out. While the 1st generation is a great product already, I wasn’t quite satisfied with it and decided to wait for a better version.

Over time, I also contemplated on whether I should buy a tablet or not; on whether I need it in my life or not. I remember a plurk buddy who asked if buying an iPad is beneficial. And I said, “It depends on what you need it for.”

Believe it or not, I’ve always been hesitant in owning gadgets such as smart phones and tablets because that would mean I will have access to the internet all the time. While I don’t find anything wrong with that, I don’t like that I’m online all the time. I know it’s ironic especially that I have a blog and I tweet. When I meet people who read my blog, they have an impression that I’m always online, which is untrue. I have days in a week when I don’t open my computer and stay away from twitter because (1) I’m busy with other things and (2) I give myself rest from online activities because I’m on the computer all day at work.

I have long since accepted that the internet is part of everyone’s lifestyle nowadays. I know that it makes life easier and this year I told myself to just embrace it and stop fighting it from becoming a part of mine. With the demands of having an online blog and a column for a newspaper, I realized it’s reasonable for me to invest in a gadget that will help me in fulfilling these duties.

After Apple launched the iPad, out came other tablets from Samsung, Motorola, HP, Android, HTC, etc. The Samsung Galaxy Tab seemed handy and user-friendly, it was my 2nd option for a tablet but found it slow.

Late last year, we learned that Apple will launch a 2nd generation iPad so we waited. I hoped for a lighter and faster iPad with a camera so I can Facetime with loved ones. Later on, Apple announced that it will be on sale in Australia on 25 March 2011.

It was bad timing for us because we are leaving for a vacation the following week. The Husband and I contemplated on whether we should buy one before or after our vaycay. We knew that iPad 2s will ran out of stock the day after it gets launched (it happened with the iPad). A last minute decision occurred a few days before the launch and the Husband volunteered to dodge work and wait on queue at the Apple Store.

There were other options of course. The Husband called Big W and was told that they are selling iPad 2s as well. We knew that Dick Smith and JB Hi-Fi will be selling too. But for once in his life, he wanted to experience lining up for an Apple product.

On Friday, 25 March 2011, the Husband lined up for an iPad 2 at 12:00 noon. The queue was already long. Based on his calculations, it seemed he was between 200-250 people on queue. I called him every hour and asked questions such as, “Are you safe there?”; “Are you okay?”; “Are the people lining up with you nice?”. I was worried that there would be a riot or something.

I would have taken a half day at work so I can be with him but there were still so many things to do so I just left the office early. At 4:00pm, I arrived at the Apple Store and a big black cloth covered the ground floor area. The Apple team were already setting up the place, getting ready for the 5:00pm launch.

The line around the block from where the Apple store is.

The queue had to be moved to the other side of the street. This was Husband’s line.

According to the Husband, even if the wait was too long, the Apple store made the experience enjoyable. The Apple store gave water to everyone and lent their umbrellas to those exposed to the sun or rain (it rained in the afternoon). Krispy Kreme gave out doughnuts and Kit Kat gave away chocolates. For Husband’s dinner, I brought burger and chips.

The Apple staff also talked to the people on queue, asking how they are and if they already know what they will buy.

Lots of security in placed. There was no pandemonium, everyone just followed the line and got along with each other.

At 4:30pm, the Apple staff all came out and festively ran around the queue (at this time, the queue was up to Market Street), gave people high-fives. It was very entertaining.

At 4:45pm, they approached everyone on queue and asked what we want. When you make a decision right there and then, you can’t change your mind anymore. When you enter the Apple store and suddenly changed your mind, they won’t serve you. After telling them what we wanted, they handed a white card to us which specified the model we chose and a number code.

At 6:00pm, I had to leave the Husband because I had my farewell dinner with friends. I felt very guilty but as I said, the iPad 2 launch was very bad timing.

According to the Husband, he was able to go in the Apple store at 7:30pm. 7 and 1/2 hour wait! They servee the customers by small batches and once gathered, their orders were presented to them. After they gave your order to you, they asked if you need help setting it up. With my Husband, he said, “No, thanks.” to the offer because we already have personal accounts with Apple.

The Husband went to the 2nd floor of the store instead and looked for my choice of Smart Cover. I didn’t want the Smart Cover (not impressed by it) but the Husband wanted it so I gave in.

At 8:00pm he sent me a photo and text message that said, “You new iPad 2!”

After my dinner with friends, I met up with him at Starbucks and we went back to the Apple Store. We assumed it will still be open as the Apple staff told us they will be open til the last customer is served.

There was still a bit of a long line waiting outside Apple Store.

Since I only saw the box when we met, I was excited to see and touch the iPad 2. It is thinner and lighter and it is indeed faster than the first iPad.

The white iPad 2 turned out to be the bestseller and became the first models to ran out of stock. Almost everyone wanted the white iPad 2.

My souvenir photo of iPad 2’s launch in Sydney with the white iPad 2 on the background. That’s a Starbucks tumbler I bought which I will give to a friend in Manila).

The line at 10:00pm.

Police still securing the place. I love that the Apple Store made everyone feel safe during this launch.

They served the last customer till about 10:30pm.

The Husband and I felt very happy with our iPad 2 experience (even if I only experienced a fraction of it). He said it’s nice that he got to experience lining up for an Apple product once in his life. I said I’m glad that other than being a fun experience, it was also a safe one.

So now, we are both enjoying having an iPad 2. The wait was worth it.

Fun-filled and Productive Weekend

21 March 2011 Ibyang Sanchez 6 Comments Category: Charmed Life of a Mrs, Cherished Memories, Food, Photography, The Married Life

I think my weekend started on the Thursday last week. Thursday after work, the Husband and I went a little pasalubong shopping and then after dinner, I finished two batches of laundry. We had a full weekend ahead of us so I thought I’d start on a bit of weekend chores. On Friday night, I finished all laundry and got our home de-cluttered a bit.

Woke up early on Saturday and wrote my March article for “Ang Kalatas” then got ready and
attended my goddaughter Madie’s dedication day. It was our first time to witness a dedication ceremony and it was lovely. Being one of the godmothers, I had to read a “gift”. The gift handed to me was the gift of teaching.

After lunch, we went home, rested a bit, got ready and we were out again. This time, we attended the 50th birthday of one of my aunts. Lots of food and happy faces.

And there was lechon!

The Husband and I didn’t have photos during the party because we were asked to cover the event. Thank goodness for set up of a photobooth (by Photo Ops), we had a decent photo. (For Sydneysiders, if you need a photobooth service, let me know and I’ll give you the contact details of Photo Ops).

Sunday we drove up to Brighton Le-Sands to witness my goddaughter Sophia’s christening. It was a beautiful ceremony. The priest gave an insightful homily on the responsibilities of parents and godparents to the children of God.

This was our third buffet for the weekend but it was great that each buffet had their “main attractions”. Sunday’s lunch buffet’s attraction were the seafood and I loved the oysters best!

After all the festivities were over, we went back home to the reality of de-cluttering. After all the three weeks of sorting out stuff, it’s not yet over (at least for me). Sunday afternoon, I spent my time cleaning the fridge and pantry, looking at stuff that we need to get rid of, checking expiry dates and making sure that they are prioritized to be eaten.

It won’t be long now before our great vaycay. As of today, the food inside our freezer and fridge are enough for us this week. By next week, I’d only probably cook just two meals and if we get hungry, we’d probably buy take away.

We haven’t packed yet! No, I’m not panicking yet. I’ve got everything organized inside my head–on how I’ll go about packing. Husband and I are still pre-occupied with work and all the photos we took for the past two weeks. Don’t worry, we will make sure that we finish your photos (you know who you are) before we go on vaycay.

I hope your weekend was fun and great too!

De-Cluttering and Preparations for Vaycay

15 March 2011 Ibyang Sanchez 6 Comments Category: Charmed Life of a Mrs, Deep Thoughts, The Married Life

De-cluttering is a normal occurrence at home. Every weekend, I sort out stuff that needs to be thrown away. Every month, I file away documents that needs to be filed. Every end of season, we sort out clothes that needs to be donated to charity.

For the past three weekends, I’ve been seriously de-cluttering because of two reasons:
(1) I realized that even if I de-clutter on a regular basis, there are some things that still needs to be rid of
(2) Husband and I are going on a vacation and we need to figure out what we’ll bring and make an inventory of what we have so we don’t end up shopping for stuff we don’t need.

The first weekend, we de-cluttered our closet and sorted out clothes, bags and shoes. The process was physically and emotionally exhausting because it took us the whole day to finish and we let go of clothes that were dear to us.

One of the dress I gave away was the one I wore on our engagement party. I could have kept it for the sake of being sentimental but I thought the best way was to give it away and maybe make someone else’ life memorable too.

The task resulted to four big bags full of clothes, shoes and bags off to charity.

The following weekend I divided my time and sorted out
(a) my jewellery and accessories
(b) my make-up and beauty products

A few things I learned after I sorted my jewellery and accessories: I have a lot but seldom wear them; I have a lot because most of them were gifts; I should get myself a better and bigger storage box or jewellery box; and I should wear them more often.

I was able to put them in a temporary storage bag but one of the things I will look for when I’m in Manila would be a more user-friendly storage box for them.

I also safe kept the ones I will be bringing with me when we travel. Every time we travel, I make sure I bring a set of the following: gold jewellery, Pearls, Swarovskis and some fashion accessories, plus my watches.

This task took about four hours to finish because other than sort out, I also cleaned them.

sorting out of jewelleries & accessories

After sorting out my jewellery, I turned to my make-up, cosmetics and perfume lot. This task was a bit easy because I didn’t have that much make-up anymore. I only buy make-up once a year now, usually at the start of the year. One mascara, two foundation, two blush-ons, two sets of eye make-up and a couple of lipsticks and eyeliners–that’s about it really, those are my basic.

Again, after sorting them out, I segregated the ones I will be bringing with me when we travel. My little beauty area now looks like this….

Last weekend, I saved the best for last and sorted our files. The files would refer to cards and letters we received, bills and invoices paid, travel paraphernalia and souvenirs. I was supposed to do this task on Saturday but I actually did this on Friday night. I stayed up til 1:30am (technically, it was Saturday when I finished) because I needed to distract myself from all the sad news about Japan and the tsunami threat in different countries. The task of de-cluttering helped a lot in easing the sadness I felt that night, which only shows how much of a de-cluttering queen I am sometimes (take note: sometimes only, not all the time!). Yes, whenever I feel down & depressed, one of my instincts would be to clean whatever I feel like cleaning inside the house or sort out anything I can get my hands on.

Anyway, this task was very productive because I was able to finalize all the documents we need to bring with us to Manila and I was able to make an inventory of the travel tickets and bookings we’ve printed out.

Now that we’re done with de-cluttering and sorting out stuff, Husband and I are now focused on getting ready for our trip.