my christmas souvenirs

Misa De Gallo - This is originated from Spain meaning "Mass of the Rooster" when we were colonized by Spain they bought us Religious pratices and before people speak Spanish language and until now we are still using a lot of them. I guess, I find it easier to learn Spanish than French.

For us Filipinos we call it "Simbang Gabi" the mass is celebrated for 9 days until Christmas Eve. The mass starts at 4 in the morning before the sunrise. There are also people who sell in front of the church of their homemaid puto-bumbong, palitaw, biko, palamig atbp.

Parol - (Lanterns) This is our major Christmas decoration in every houses, schools, public transportations, stores and some other establishments. Parol is a handmade star-shaped made from bamboo stick and crepe paper (papel de hapon or a glossy plastic paper of any color). But todays generation our parol is more beautiful and iluminated ones because they have put more innovation on it! Laboriously decorated.

Belen - This is my favorite part of the mass, the nativity scene! When I was still in high school for girls in Quezon Province, the church is situated just beside my school. We usually see on the day of Christmas played by the people who are linked with religious organization.

Mano Po - When we see our Lolos and Lolas we usually say "Mano po Lolo or Mano po Lola" it is a sign of respect for the elderly including relatives. Without forgetting Mano po Ninong at Mano Po Ninang or else there would be no presents. lol. Kidding aside, I love this old traditional ways of the Philippine Culture.

Tikoy and Calamay - When my Lolo Goring (how I miss you) was still alive Christmas will not be complete without these on the table. How I miss the taste of these homemaid dessert. My Lolo even asked neighbors for help in cooking these delicious and savorous delicacies.

Tagalog Christmas Songs and Carolers (Cumbacheros) - Well, am sure that everybody would agree that they are "givers of joy" during Christmas season. From the youngs to olds ones, from the king and queen of Karaoke to the voices of casseroles (that includes me). When we speak about singing syempre di patatalo ang Pinoy ! I guess people will shout for joy. Lalo na syempre pag maganda ang boses ng kumakanta, bigay nyan malaki! Kung boses kaserola tama na piso! lol...

Apaz and Broas - These are another delicacies that complete table. Specialties of Quezon Province.

Christmas Party and Gift Giving - One of the highlights during holiday season. Christmas party is usually organized by the schools, companies and organizations before closing the establishments for holiday season. First there would be kris kringle before the Christmas party arrives. I experienced receiving small gifts everyday because we have this "something" stuffs that we need to offer to our monito or monita. I remember receiving a red lollipop for the theme of the day "something red". Isn't that cute !


There are a lot of things that reminds me of Philippine Christmas. Even if I don't spend Christmas every year back home, these are the good memories I have and will keep it in my heart. It is so true we have the longest and happiest Christmas in the world and that makes Philippine Christmas outstandingly unique.

HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS TO ALL !

ma vie en défi

Il faut dire que ces derniers jours je suis un peu stressée ! Comme j'ai dit sur mon blog précedent. La raison ? Jeudi dernier je devrais repasser mon permis conduire mais malheureusement il a été annulé parce que l'inspectrice été tombé malade et aucune personne ne pourrait pas la remplacer. C'est dommage eh oui! Tant pis j'attends toujours les dates de l'examen et j'esperai je l'aurai un jour. Avant ceci, L'ECF (mon auto école) ou je suis m'ont appellé (une semaine avant de jour J) pour me dire qu'il y a une possibilité de repasser mon examen le Jeudi, 30 Novembre à 9 heure du matin. Donc, je sais c'était un peu precipité ( (en fait j'ai été programmé de repasser pour Février l'année prochaine alors ils ont pensé à moi) mais je voudrais tenter ma chance encore une fois. Je me suis beaucoup mis à cet examen. J'ai même pris deux jours (Lundi et Mardi) de une heure et démi de conduite pour m'encadré. Résultat, je suis présentable pour l'examen. En plus de ça, je suis allée Mercredi justement pour les cours de V.I.V.E. (Verification Interne et Verification Externe de la voiture). Jour J, je me suis levée tôt ce matin là, j'ai pris le petit déjeuner, j'ai était vraiment calme, pas de tout nervouse! Mon mari qui resté avec les enfants, qui m'a soutenu jusqu'a bout m'a souhaiter bonne chance! J'arrive à l'auto école une démi heure avant le départ avec d'autres éléves pour allée au lieu de l'examen. Un moniteur été avec nous et en arrivant, nous avons vu d'autres étudiants qui ont fini leur examen avec l'inspecteur qui s'est avéré justement être mon inspecteur la dernière fois où j'ai passé l'examen . Le moniteur qui était avec nous a reçu un appel nous informant que l'examen est annulé!

Hier, j'ai appelé l'auto école pour demander quand sera l'examen aura lieu. Le secrétaire m'a dit que qu'ils ne savent toujours pas quand sera le prochain examen être parce que ce matin l'examen a été annulé. Elle s'est excusée et m'a expliquee qu'il n'y a pas beaucoup d'inspecteur et ils peuvent également être malades. Je lui repondu "je comprends pafaitement Madame mais s' il vous plaît pouvez vous m'imformer quand je pourrais passer le permis". Fin de la conversation, quand je reflechis, ce n'est pas plus mal du tout parce que j'aurais plus de temps pour continuer la conduite accompagner et réparer quelques petites erreurs sur ma conduite. Particulièrement, je peux faire beaucoup des manouvres car c'est mon points faibles. Je continuerai à relever le défi pour avoir ce permis et quand je l'aurai je ne sais pas Makis me classifierait avec mon signe de "A" derrière ma voiture! Peut être j'appartiendrais probablement aux conducteurs de dimanche ha ha ha !!!

L'histoire n'est pas encore fini, ce Vendredi j'aurai mon premier entretien d'embauche chez Alinea. Il y a deux semaine j'ai du postuler ma candidature (mon Curriculum Vitae et lettre de motivation par internet) comme Assistant Sourcing (Import-Export). Je suis très contente de faire mon premier interview en Français. C'est vrai depuis mon arrivée en France ( 5 ans en arrière) je ne jamais travailler car ma priorité est construire une famille, apprendre la langue, d'être integrer. Maintenant et aujhourd'hui je suis prête à relever le défi n'importe ce qu'il est !

Simple Translation :

I should say that these last few days I was a bit stressed ! As I've said on my previous blog. The reason? Last Thursday I should have repass my licence but unfortunately it was cancelled because the inspector got sick and no person could replace her. What a pity eh yes! I am still waiting for the dates of the examination and hoping I will have it one day. Before this, the ECF (my driving school) where am at called me (one week before D-day) to tell me that there is a possibility of taking the exam on Thursday November 30 at 9 o'clock in the morning. Therefore, I know it was precipitated (in fact I was scheduled to repass it February next year so they thought of me) a little but I would like to try my chance once again. I put myself much at this examination. I even took two days (Monday and Tuesday) of one and a half hour of driving to test my skill. Result, I am presentable for the examination. In addition to that, I went last Wednesday precisely for the courses of V.I.V.E. (Internal Checking and External Checking of the car). D-day, I woke early that morning, had breakfast, I was really calm, not really nervous! My husband who stayed with the children, who supported me until the end wishes me good luck! I arrived at the driving school half an hour before the departure with others students in going to the place of examination. A monitor accompanied us, arriving to the place we saw other students who finished their examination with the person who was apparently my inspector the last time I took the exam. The monitor who was with us received a call informing us that the examination is cancelled!

Yesterday, I called the driving school asking when will be the examination will takes place. The secretary told me that that they still do not know when would be the next examination because this morning the examination was also cancelled. She excused and explain to me that there is not much inspector and they can also be sick. I answered her “I perfectly understand Ma'am but could you please inform me when I could pass the licence”. End of conversation, when I think about it, it is not bad at all because I would have more time to continue driving (accompanied) and repair some small errors on my driving. Particularly, I can make much manouvres (parking the car) because this is my weak points. I will continue to face the challenge to have this licence and when I will have it I don't know how Makis would classify me with my sign of “A” behind my car! I would probably belong to the Sunday Drivers ha ha ha!!!

The story is not finished yet, this Friday I will have my first interview with Alinea. Two weeks ago I submitted my candidature (my resumé with letter of motivation by internet) for an Assistant Sourcing (Import-export). I am very glad to make my first French interview. It is true since my arrival in France (5 years ago) I never work because my priority is to build a family, to learn the language, to be to integrated. Now and today I am ready to face the challenge no matter what it is !

please tell me why?

When I was young I am overjoyed when someone offered me with toys...lots of toys!! Even simple ones. I really keep them so as not to damaged them. I even take care of them preciously. With my kids I don't see if it's the same case. I never really understand children, even my own kids if we talk about playing! We buy toys so they can play whenever they want but not to the point of spoiling them. Not to mention the gifts from family, relatives and friends who offer them every birthdays, christmases and in some other occasions. I remember my eldest Sébastien whenever he receives gifts he will open the gift but he wouldn't even care what's inside instead he will play with the carton. He would be very simply happy about it. I don't know what the carton has but he just wanted it tsk tsk tsk ! Strange !

Now that I have my baby girl it's the same thing. I have always been searching for answers but I have given up because I never really found them. Just look at these photos of Mayumi !

Behind her there are toys that she could really play and it's actually educational toys. But look at her she is contented with that wood spatula that I use for cooking! I don't know what's amusing about this one. It's not even colorful, usually kids play with colorful toys because it attracts there sense of sight right? Since during the day we are together I always observe that she plays with the toys but not that long probably she finds it boring ?! She will always tries to get something from the kitchen and plays with it! Is it maybe because of curiosity? But she could also be curious with the toys they have especially those educational and colored stuffs?

Now she's in the kitchen trying to find out how to open the milk in those tetra pak! Personally, I do not find this interesting and it doesn't amuse me. I prefer to see her play with real toys not to interfere in my kitchen.....my domain lol !

Well, could you please explain to me what's interesting about this strainer ? Boy, I don't really get it. Have you ever experienced this with your children, your nephews, nieces doing the same stuffs? Assure me please and I need an answer ! It seems children are really difficult to understand when it comes to having their choices of toys.....I am a confuse Mom and in fact, a bit hesitant to buy toys for them this coming Christmas season because my husband and I are thinking that they have already tons of them. Any gifts suggestions that can attract their attention this time? Maybe they could be more willing to play with it.

I am not this !

I'ts been a stressing days lately on my part....I will try to tell you more of it if things will turn just like I wanted it to happen. Nothing serious, for the meantime, I do not have something to post because I cannot concentrate but I will visit your site and that's a promise! Wish me goodluck...

il se prends pour qui ?

Comme tout les jours je pars vers 4:15 de l'après-midi pour aller checher Sébastien à l'école bien sûr avec Mayumi dans la pousette. Au moment donner il y avait un jeune homme environ (25-28 ans) que j'ai croisé sur le chemin. Au début je croyais qu'il lui ai dit bonjour à Mayumi car il a trouvé mignone. Notre conversation ça s'est passé comme ça.....

Jeune homme : Bonjour, ça va la petite!

Mayumi : Coucou ! (Mayumi qui as fait une signe de la main)

Moi : Bonjour !

Jeune homme : Alors, c'est quoi ton telephone ?

Moi : Excusez-moi ?

Jeune homme : Tu m'appelles ? (il m'a fais une signe de lui telephoner)

Moi : Désolé, je suis bien mariée!

En lui montrant ma bague. Je suis surprise, pourtant j'ai porté un jean et simple t-shirt et je ne me maquille pas.

Jeune homme : Ben, moi aussi !

Moi : Beh, alors pourquoi demander mon telephone? Il faut rester fidele vous ne croyez pas ?

Est-ce que vous avez remarquer qu'avant l'exchange des parole il me tutoyer quand j'ai lui dit "vous" là il a commercer à me vouvoyer!

Jeune homme : Vous avez les hommes non't pas comme vous le croyez! Il peuvent faire ce q'il veulent...

Je tien mon calme parce que ça sers à RIEN de s'enervé. Mais ça me faisait ch...

Moi : La mienne n'est pas comme ça! Je vous dire comme vous !!

Quel frimeur ce lui là, alors ! Il a voulu que la conversation allé encore plus loin mais je ne le cedez pas un seul instant parce que j'ai cesez d'être gentille... Je trouve que parfois les gens dépassent les bornes des limites. Je ne crois pas que je me suis fais dragé même c'est evident j'étais avec ma fille, alors là........comment il à pu osé de me dire que les hommes sont semblables! Je trouve que c'était fort, vous ne touvez pas?

TRANSLATION :

As usual I leave around 4:15 in the afternoon to go pick up Sebastien from the school, of course with Mayumi in the stroller. At a given time, there was a young man approximately (25-28 years old) whom I crossed on the way. In the beginning I thought he wanted to say hello to Mayumi because he found her cute. Our conversation goes like this .....

Young man: Hello, how's the little one!

Mayumi: Hello! (Mayumi waved to say hello)

Me : Good day

Young man: Well, got a phone?

Me: Excuse me?

Young man: You call me? (giving me a hand sign to phone to him)

Me: Sorry, I am very well married!

By showing him my ring. I was surprised, provided that I was simpy dressed up with Jean and tee-shirt and I did not even have make up.

Young man: Bah, me too!

Me: Bah, then, why ask my telephone? You need to remain faithful, don't you think?

Have you noticed that before the exchanger of conversation, he was addressing on me like we knew each other.

Young man: You know, men are not what you believe they are ! They can do anything they want…

I stayed serene because it's useless to get exasperated . But he annoyed me …

Me: Mine is not like what you think ! I Or should I say, like you!

What a show-off ! He wanted that the conversation go even further but I didn't let him not even a chance because I have stopped being nice… I find that sometimes people exceed their limits. I cannot imagine, that someone tried to flirt with me even I was obviously with my daughter, well ........how dare him to tell me that men are alike ! I think, he went too far, don't you think?


footnotes : brief explanation of words
"tutoyer" - (tu) term used to address someone you know (family, close friends, & younger person)
"vouvoyer" - (vous) term used to address a stranger, plural term (sign of respect)

bilib ako !

Ang larawang ito ay sa probinsya ng Quezon sa may likod bahay namin !

Habang tinatapos ko ang aking ibang mga sulatin nais kong ipamahagi sa inyong lahat ang napakagandang tugtuging ito! Nang aking mapakinggan bigla tuloy akong nangulila na naman .... Salamat sa iyo Jhona sa pagbigay mo ng "link" na ito. Ako'y napag muni-muni kung ano-ano ang mga na miss ko sa atin. Unang una ang aking pamilya at mga kaibigan, mga magandang tanawin, mga masasarap na pagkain, at ang mga kasayahang pinagsasaluhan namin kahit saan man kami mapagawi. Lalo na ng mapanuod ko ang isang pelikulang tagalog kagabi na pinamagatang Got to believe in Magic ng yumaong Rico Yan at Claudine Barreto salamat sa iyo Makis sa pagbahagi mo sa aking ng DVD na ito....para nga akong loka loka dahil nandiyang tatawa ako, tapos bigla na lang iiyak ! Ang totoo noong nasa Pilipinas hindi ako masyadong nanunood ng mga pelikulang tagalog (namimili lang ako ng mga panunoorin ) sapagkat minsan may pagka korni o baduy ang dating. Ngunit ngayon malayo ako sa atin, tuwang tuwa na ako panoorin ang mga pelikulang talgalog kahit na pinaka baduy at pinaka korni pa sya ! Nandyan pa ngang makipag agawan ako mapanuod ko lang yon.....subalit pag dating sa pakikinig ng mga kantang Pilipino....okey na okey ako dyan ! Kaya halika tayo na sabayan ninyo akong pakinggan ang awiting ito, napakagaling talaga ng Pilipino !!!

tag world

I was tagged by two co-blogger friends Leah and Sistah Nao . Here's the 4 for Friday Leah !

Q1 - Faith: What do you think? Does God exist, and if so, do you think God has control over events?

Yes HE exists and controls everything but HE let us do the job too therefore we will learn how to live and fight under any circumstances.


Q2 - Work: Do you socialize with co-workers outside of the office?

When I was working back home, I do socialized it's fun and a way of discovering one's personality.

Q3 - Holiday Travel: Are you traveling for the upcoming holidays or are you expecting family and friends to come to your home for Thanksgiving and/or Christmas?

We plan to spend Christmas in the north of France because almost of my husband's family live their and we will try to visit Paris too !

Q4 - You Choose: Which would you rather have...a personal assistant or a personal trainer?

Since I am a stay at home Mom, I don't need a personal assistant I would prefer to have a gym trainer to loose weight and keep the form ;) !

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There you go my "Truth and Lies" Sistah Nao, I don't usually lie hahahahaha ! Everything's simple and true !

1. I have my driving license already !

2. I miss working so I will be looking for a job soon!!! Just waiting for Mayumi next year to be in school.

3. Once in my life, my name was published in the newspaper, heard my name in radio stations because I won the PRISAA National Taekwondo Championship (National & Regional Competition held in Zamboanga). Wo

4. My husband is bugging me for our third baby.

5. I cannot live without cell phone.

6. I am a computer and television addict.

7. I am a good cook nye he he he.

8. I can do bungy or bungee jumping without getting sick hhhmmmm !!!

9. I have white hair (already) wwaaaahhhhh !

10. I was mildly harrased in Pinas but thanks to my martial arts knowledge I was able to defend myself !

11. I was once an activist student during my University days and experienced a 2 weeks rally and barricaded to prevent tuition fee hike.

12. Won the loto, gusto nyong balato ?

13. I've got new PORSCHE sportscar, wanna ride ?

14. I miss Philippines Mangoes :( just how I badly miss my family and relatives!

15. I am wild and sexy bwa ha ha ha !

O ayan na po ha sinagot ko sa abot ng aking makakaya, so bahala na kayong manghula kung ano ang totoo at hindi dyan !

fall in Marseille

Yes, it's the season of fall but I never imagine that it can be as hot like summer. The reason why I like to stay and live in the South, its because of it's temperature....the sunny mediterranian part of France . Specifically the capital of Provence, Marseille basks to have a dandy temperature where the sun adds life to the whole city and tourists enjoy their every visit . Though Marseille known to have "Le Mistral" (a wind from the northeast) the sun is always in it's exsistence the temperature stays to be favorable and exceptionally good. It is sometimes very unpleasant to have the windstorm but we cannot have everything we wanted, right !

Just like today, I decided to take some shots....the sunny side of our terraces ! This is Parc des Bruyeres during weekends I can't imagine the people who come and go....it's always full and no place to park !

The entrance going to the park. Left side shot facing the terraces.

This is the view on my right side facing outside the terraces, a big parking for the visitors and mountaineers. Superb views of hills and mountains and little villas.

Basti and Mimi profit the sun while it's still there. Winter terraces will be closed and no playing allowed :( !

What keeps Marseille weather smooth and gentle it's because of the seaside orientation. Winter breezes is infrequent, hence winter chill is bearable and weather normally keeps actual temperatures pretty low. And oh, I am very excited to see a blogger friend, I'm sure you know her :) Analyse and family and since Makis lives around the corner it will be a great occassion to welcome Les Dijonnais here in the south of France! Another Filipina friend Jhona will also be coming over. It is just so sad that a very good friend left the South of France ma belle Kala and Julien because the grass is greener on the other side (North of France, Paris belle ville), this is not goodbye but just a continuation of a good friendship! See you guys soon in Meribel . So this is it, if you are interested visiting the South of France you will not regret it ! And don't forget to call us it would be our great pleasure in welcoming you here ! Have a nice autumn to all !

aware and agree ?

Ok fine ! New techonologies are great but I don't think this is one of them. Having new cell phone with two sim cards right in your cell phones ??? To have the normal sim card and wait until you see it with your own eyes the new advance high technology cell phone is having a sim card which actually serves as your "carte bancaire" bank card or payment by card (whatever purchase) thru the use of your cell phone. I have actually seen tonight from the news regarding this new discovery of cell phone . With this new technology, I myself is aware of the many risks of danger in having this new technology in our possession regardless of stuffs you have MP3 , cell phone , (GPS) Global Positioning System . Alright, I consider the practicality and convenience side of it and I agree! But you guys have witnessed and heard a lot of hold ups and victims of aggression because of these new things. Oh and having this new technology will expose us in real hazard (pera na pinag uusapan dito) even if we have private codes or something that protects the money or bank details (meron na tayong mga hustler ngayon at sisiw lang sa kanila yan). Technology that involves highly advanced or specialized systems or devices is giving an opportunity of tempatation in the eyes of everyone and that is inevitable.

People, we are really becoming slaves of technology. I hate to say that I was once a victim, I wanted to have a normal cell phone without this camera (hindi ko naman kailagan eh) after being bulglarized 2003 (kasi nga nanakaw yung cell phone ko na 3310 Nokia lumang model pa yon ha, tapos kasama yung 2 credit card namin, tapos yung susi ng bahay namin talagang walang awa). Went to a shop to buy they've told me that they don't have the old model so I was forced to buy new cell phone integrated with camera (di ko naman ginagamit). I don't know if we are still safe and I am afraid that we are not protected by all of these. We are leaving in a world with abrupt changes around us and inventors think that they are too intelligent having discovered all these high innovation, new discovery, whatever you call it ! Personally, intelligence doesn't mean only by discovering that is out of normal but thru profound reflection! All we can do is to stay vigilant and careful (iba na panahon ngayon) and that makes me sad and think that we are leaving in this world to consume and not to live the way we wanted to be (dati rati wala naman itong mga bagay na ito pero masaya at kuntento tayo). Ask yourself...........

september brides Part II

After watching the final season of Grey's Anatomy I needed to look after the tons of laundry and ironing at home, good thing I'm done ! Finally, I would be able to vent into words about the happenings of the two wedding celebrations on how it went out perfectly. Since I have already shared some spectacular moments of Paris celebrations I still wanted to share more. Paris wedding was actually a very simple celebration and yet prepared with an exquisite taste. Invited people were family and really close friends of the couple and I am happy to witness the exchange of I Do's and rings, the chance to have met the groom's family was really a pleasure, they were really simple and nice people (groom is the ex-boss of my sister in the Philippines) . Got the chance to see Jenni (bride's sister) she usually visit us every summer in Marseille but this time was just too hectic so I hope next year she'll visit us once again. There was also Cleo (cousin's bride) present a very funny and gifted with an angelic voice (how I envie her) and bestfriend Ate Lou who is a very intelligent writer, charming lady and a good cook too !

The reception was just splendid and I was really mesmerized by sheer beauty of the place. A beautiful castle and a chapel in the middle of the farm aged 18th century. That moment, I have seen the couple in another pace....gratifyingly sharing those unforgettable happenings to their dear ones. And yes, a little presentation of a play (how they met) was prepared adding spices on that night (prepared by the groom's bestfriend), an interesting and funny slideshow and narrated presentation too with all these computer gadgets. Thanks a lot for this new computerized technology which make it is easier to produce something personalized and keeping it's originality. But the best segment of the party that I will not be able to forget was the beautiful song Besame Mucho that couple sung! Celebration was just fabulous!

Here we come Pays Basque or Country Basque ! It was Friday morning as we embraced the sun in the southwest of France. Travel at night was quite difficult because the freeway we took heading straight to Biarritz & Bayonne was at that time closed (during the night freeways are closed for a big reparation). Everywhere was a big mess ! We kept on turning even there were sign boards that we needed to deviate on this way. It was completely not well indicated so we kept coming back to the way that we have already taken (or maybe because of fatigue or we are just stupid to read & follow the deviation). Fortunately, we have with us husband's cousin Olivier to also take the wheel if in case one of them gets tired. Having two drivers is much better, right! I wasn't able to drive at that time because my children needed me most.

St. Jean de Luz beach. I took the pciture right away to enjoy the beauty just to take away the fatigue of night travel.

After 9 hours of driving they still look great and trying to tease Sébastien while looking on the toy's and souvenirs store !

Maman, Papa I want to buy this and this and this :) but he didn't even say a word honestly, good boy !

Alright so much for that ! Arriving in St. Jean de Luz we took our breakfast in one of the restaurants before embarking to the house of husband's uncle. Then we saw the whole family including the bride and the groom. We spent a little time with them, having coffee, conversation here and there, while Sébastien and Mayumi were playing with everyone or even bothering the fishes in the aquarium (they were fascinated). I was thinking why are they playing with the fishes here and not at home? You know why, they found NEMO (because we have diffrent type or kind of aquarium). After the hi's and hello's later in the afternoon we went to the hotel and have some rest. We have all that day to rest, sleep and eat after !

At 7 in the evening the future couple organized a dinner-out party....it's a sort of getting to know the guests(friends and family of each side were present). At first we went to a bar to have a drink or to have an appetizer but then when the clock ticked at 10PM I needed to go back to the hotel because children were exhausted and the odor of the cigarette inside the bar made me sick ! Especially it's not advisable for my kids (they were the only kids that night). Before hubby accompanied me to the hotel I haven't eaten yet since that afternoon for the reason that we prefer to sleep and take a rest. Good thing we found a sandwhich stand and bought Panini, french fries and coca-cola just for me. After bringing us back to the hotel, hubby went back to the bar and the party continues until 2 or 3 in the morning, I supposed they've have eaten their dinner in between that time.

D Day! I think I need to post this later on and will share some pictures too ! Need to save the energy for that . Otherwise this post will become boring because it would be too long. So see you next episode. Goodnight as I am really sleepy....naduduling na ako sa antok !

september brides

June has always been a traditional month of wedding celebration we oftenly call them June Bride "Don't throw the baby out with the bath water" as the saying goes. While in most European countries like in France month of September is I guess, most people get married (I got married too in September) it's because it's the end of summer and start of autumn season which and people are back from a long vacations (month of july & august people are off for holidays) . This time of the month, I have noticed that hotels & resturants, halls or any kind or receptions are fully booked. In fact, the wedding of my hubby's cousin should have been lieu earlier but the golf hall was inaccessible therefore they needed to move the wedding date.

Two consecutive weekends were consecrated for a wedding celebrations one in Paris (Francofil wedding) and in Pays Basque (the bride is the cousin of my husband). After bringing Sébastien to school Mayumi and I were accompanied by frenchhubby to the train station heading off for Paris Friday morning. Unfortunately, hubby couldn't come reserving his vacation for cousin's wedding in Pays Basque. We took the TGV (train à grande vitesse) it is always magical to travel with high speed train....3 hours then we're in Paris ! Oh mind you, I experienced riding the normal of 6 hours travel going to Paris, it wasn't bad at all just perfect to see and enjoy the beauty of nature. While thinking of what would be my life to start my own family, be independent because I don't have anyone here (family or relatives), and to be integrated in a foreign land.

During our travel I was thankful that my Mayumi was incredibly behaved and didn't cause me any trouble. I guess she enjoyed the scenery and was impressed by the high speed train. It was very funny because there was a family with their son (around 16-18 yrs.old) and he was busy texting. Mayumi of course heard the sound of the celllular phone. I knew that it caught my daughter's attention, and suddenly Mayumi imitating the sound of the cellphone and said ("tutututtutot halooo and putting her right hand on her right ear of course"). Mother was laughing and told his son who was then concentrated sending messages....they were obviously laughing while Mayumi continued doing her thing. And sssshhhhh.....she kept saying utot whenever she farts....buti na lang di sila nakakaintindi ng tagalog....LOL!

Arriving Paris at Gare de Lyon we were welcomed by the humble couple Ate Pat and Claude with sister Jenni. Mayumi and I went with Claude at their beautiful house while Ate Pat and Jenni needed to go to pick up their cousin Cleo from the Airport. Busy them! Thank you very much again for picking us from the train station inspite of busy schedules. Finally arrived at their residence!.... Delicious lunch was served and prepared by Ate Lou (bestfriend of Ate Pat). You are definitely a good chef ;) !

That night we had dinner together, we had so much fun while dining because of a non-stop exchange of funny stories. Late night, Jenni and Ate Lou prepared a surprise shower party for the couple it was just amazing and memorable moments for everyone especially for the couple. Before the party ended, I was called by Mayumi's cry so it's time for me to join my daughter and let her sleep while I sung a lullaby. Party was over, but the next day will be the Big Day and more grandiose! Wedding bells are ringing, cheers to a new happy life together !!!

I've always love to attend wedding ceremonies to witness the binding of two people in love, two hearts in the circle of a new vision of life together, starting a family and have kids after. I guess, everyone would agree with me. Marriage is sacred and we should keep it like that.

Oh I will interrupt this post. Need to continue the second part of the other wedding we have attended (cousin's wedding). I really need to watch Grey's Anatormy because it is their last season and I don't want to miss it. I will share some pictures the next time I am having problems downloading the photos.

To be continued............

P.S. Here are the pictures as promised !

Cool Slideshows

the twin

I thought my life drastically changed when I arrived 2001 in France because marrying a foreigner would definitely change almost everything in me...But compared to what happened to the twin tower and to the people of America is what I call radical change. Mine was a small alterations or perhaps it was NOTHING.

Though that moment happened so fast but my memory is still lucid. It was when Americas changed it's pace in a split of seconds! Though, I haven't been to USA but since learning geography at school makes me learn about United States of America. It is obviously one of the most busiest and powerful country on earth. Life is fast forward.

Month of September (last month of wedding provision), I was busy preparing for our wedding details. Suddenly, the happiness I felt turned to melancholy and shocked at the same time. It was September 11, 2001 that French televison diclose on direct the worst attack happened ever listed in the history. Who cannot forget the horrible and the saddest moment of America. New York is the largest city in the United Sates, with it's beautiful enormous buildings, mixed nationalities with different language and it's great cityscapes, including the famous World Trade Center which unfortunately turned into a dead city.

Today, let us commemorate all the victims because of this human made catastrophy. We thank all the unsung hereos that manifested during that terrible scene. It's been 5 years...and yet I felt like it happened yesterday!

ignorance has no place

It was Friday that we wanted to make a bank to bank transfer to Philippines. From our account to my sister's account since doing a withdrawal from ATM using our Visa Card is impossible because it is quite an important sum. That day, heading to our bank we were given a form to fill up. There were a lot of details asked and the only informations I have is the account number of my sister, the incomplete bank address (without zip code or postal code) and her house address. Therefore, the transfer was cancelled because they refused to accept an incomplete information. Out of hand, we were disappointed with the person who was accommodating us because service was not rendered as we expected him to do.

Today, my sister emailed me all the details and then finally I was able to make the transfer this afternoon. But the message I'm trying to reiterate here is that knowing our zip code is really consequential. Why ? Because I had the hard time filling up the form because they were asking the city and the zip code. My sister is living in Mandaluyong and the bank is in Makati so how the hell I would know every zip code of the Philippines. I'm trying to check google but the informations stated were not enough. We have many cities, districts and suburds in the Philippines and each of those have it's own zip code. It's like here in Marseille whatever district (arrondisement) you are living you need to put the postal code if not letters will be returned without them searching (the post office).

I learned my lesson well. I have noted everything concerning every addressess I have with zip code on it so then I will not have problems in the future. My conclusion.....Living in another country means knowing more of our country ! Probably, if I am still living in the Philippines I would not care about the zip code and I will maybe find it insignificant. Perharps having a better customer service is always we can be proud of. Even if the letter has no zip code the postman will still render a better service and assistance.

my secret wonder

I'm sure you recognize what's this white crystal thing is! In short, Tawas , I have been using this for over 21 years until now. I remember when my Mom told me to use tawas to avoid body odor but I didn't even know that this serves a lot of wonder. It can also perfectly whitens skin. I have noticed that after my two pregnancies, I use tawas everyday to get rid of dark skin especially in my armpits (which is normal in women during and after pregnancy). It really works and I can say that pumuti ang kutis ko ;-) ! From time to time I also use other brands of deodorants it's working and prevents wetness and body odor especially after doing sports but I must admit that my underarm starts darkening it's probably because of the chemicals compostion present which can darkens and irritate sensitive skin.

Research says that tawas is proven and effective! Please click this link to know more about this Natural deodorant crystal . Tawas is also use as a therapy of most healers Albularyos in various provinces in the Philippines. I don't believe in some of our "pamahiin" but what I can tell you that whenever my younger brother got sick when he was little "sabi na duwendede daw" or "nabalis daw". We often go to albularyo and healing his patients of just a little blocks of tawas as a "kontra" or healing medicine can cure and fight against "naduwende o nabati". Before I found it ridiculous to use tawas in healing. Since witnessing my brother was healed many times by the albularyo, he felt as if something never happened to him !

Just a simple advice, do not turn you tawas into powder...it is better in big block like this. Huwag kalimutang pakinisin ang inyong tawas, otherwise you cannot rub it against your skin, medyo matalas sya ! Remember to dip it in water then you can rub it with no worries !

sur le chemin.........

Depuis quelques temps je suis très rassurée de prendre le petit chemin derriere chez nous, pour aller à l'école de mon fils. C'est tellement rassurant car il n'ya pas des voitures qui passent ni même de motos et je peux le laisser mon fils marcher sans soucis dans la nature.

Sur le chemin j'ai eu toujours des conversations très agreable avec les gens grâce à petit Sébastien

Première Conversation :

Sébastien : Monsieur, Bonjour! ( avec un grand sourir)

Moi : Bonjour Monsieur

Monsieur : (un personne agé) Eh beh alors, si c'est comme ça tous les matin mon petit bon homme nous pouvons commencer la journée très agreablement. Et puis il est poli....c'est une bonne chose! Parce qu'il y a pas beaucoup d'enfants qui ne font pas et ça me fais plaisir de voir ce bon homme. Malheuresement, la generation d'aujhourd'hui a beaucoup changer et ça me rendre triste.

A la fin de conversation nous nous sommes separé.....

Deuxième Conversation :

Sébastien : Bonjour Madame

Moi : Elle es encore loin Basti elle ne va pas t'entendre

Mais mon fils est très motivé. Il n'arrêtait pas de lui dire.....

Sébastien : Madame, hohoooo Bonjour !

Madame : Bonjour mon garçon, alors tu vas à l'ecole?

Sébastien : Eh oui ! C'est ma petite soeur, elle est belle !

Madame : Oui je vois ! Au moins il adore sa soeur et il est poli ! C'est bien....donc travails bien a l'école et puis bonne journée et à très bientôt j'espère .

Sébastien : Au revoir Madame, bonne journée !

Madame : Au revoir et peut être a bientôt !

Tous les jours le petit Sébastien ne manques pas de dire bonjour aux gens qu'on se rencontrent sur le chemin. Bon je ne veux pas aussi donner tous les details je voudrai partager quelques rencontrent que nous avons eu.

Un jour j'ai rencontré une femme par hasard. En fait, elle habite dans une grande et belle maison juste au coins de la route prés d'un rond point. Elle juste devant sa portail, elle attendait quelqun et elle m'a dit " Les Asiatiques" avec un accent Marseillais. Avec Sébastien qui déjà lui dis "Bonjour Madame" pendant qu'on marché et Mayumi dans sa pousette en train de gazouillé !

Troisième Conversation

Sébastien : Bonjour Madame !

Madame : Bonjour ! (habillé tout en blanc avec des bijoux en or...j'ia pensé effectivement elle est bourgeoise)

Moi : Bonjour Madame ! ( Je continuée a marché avec les enfants mais elle a commencé a me parler donc, je me suis arrêté )

Madame : Ah j'adore les Asiatiques, ce sont de meilleurs. Je suis allé en Thailande et je suis ravi car les gens sont trés sympa, ils sont souriants, chalereux et très simple.

Moi : ça c'est vrai , mais je trouve que les Marseillais aussi sont chalereux. Il y a des gens qui sont moins sympa comme partout.

Madame : Oui mais pas comme vous...les Asiatiques ! Et vous êtes quelle nationalité ? Et puis, c'est la première fois que je vous vois passé par ici...mais c'est vrai que je suis pas tout les temps derriére la maison j'attends seulement quelqun de sortir de mon garage.

Moi : Des Philippines Madame! On passent tout les jours ici car l'école de mons fils est située par là. Peut être vous connaîsez L'école St. Marie?

Madame : C'est une bonne école! Ah oui je suis déjà allé dans votre payée, mais vous avez on aimeras visiter Palawan mais l'agence nous a dit de ne pas y aller parce que il y avait encore les histoires d'enlevement notamment des Francais. Donc on a arrêté les voyages. Il paraît que les Philippins sont plus gentils que les Thailandais. En plus, vous êtes bien élève! Pas comme les autres.... ils laissent leur petits faire des bêtises....ils font n'importe quoi! Je comprendre le governement....ils sont dur car nous sommes pas a l'abri.

Moi : Vraiment ! Ca fait plaisir d'entendre ça ! Mais vous avez Madame ce n'est pas parce que nous sommes Asiatiques nous n'avons pas aussi de côtés negatifs. Nous sommes comme tout le monde. Je suis ravie pour l'admiration que vous avez pour nous. La plupart des pays Asiatiques sont pauvres mais nous sommes capables de travailler dur pour avoir une meilleure vie. Faire de notre mieux possible pour éduquer et élèver nos enfants dans de meilleures conditions.

Personnellement, je suis contrariée avec elle...il y a aussi des autres étranger qui sont bons et des Asiatiques qui ne sont pas bons. Je ne fais que constater que c'est un signe de RACISM ! Bien sûr, d'être humain est une diversité, chaqu'un de nous est unique ! Le comportement d'une personne n'est pas lié uniquement à ses origines mais ça depend comment nous sommes élèves à la masion.

La rentrée scolaire s'approche et je suis très motivée de ramener mon petit Sébastien car il a beaucoup progressé par rapport au langage. Il s'exprime de mieux en mieux et j'en suis convaincue que nous rencontrerons les gens sympa, moins sympa, bizarre, les jeune et personnes agé mais Sébastien sera là pour commencer une agreable journée sur le chemin............

Translated Version

For some time I am very assured to take the small way behind our premises to accompany my son at school. I have much certitude because there are no cars which pass nor even motor bikes and I can let him walk in the nature with no worries.

On the way, I had always a very pleasant conversations with people thanks to my little Sébastien!

First Conversation:

Sébastien: Good morning Sir ! (smiling)

Me: Good morning Mister

Mister: (old person) Oh well, if every morning would be like this small boy we could begin an agreeable journey. And he is polite….it is a good thing! Because there are many children who couldn't act the same and that give me pleasure of seeing this good little boy. Unfortunately, the generation of today has changed a lot and it makes me sad.

At the end of conversation we separated our way.....

Second Conversation:

Sébastien: Hello Ma’am!

Me: She is still far Basti she will not hear you!

But my son is very motivated. He did not stop greeting the lady .....

Sébastien: Ma’am, hohoooo Hello!

Lady : Hello my boy, so you will go to the school?

Sébastien: Oh yes! This is my small sister, isn’t she beautiful!

Lady : Yes I see! At least he adores his sister and he is polite! That is good….so then work well at school and have a good day and see you very soon I hope.

Sébastien: Goodbye Ma’am, good day!

Lady : Goodbye and see you soon!

Everyday little Sebastien doesn’t forget to greet the people whom we meet on the way. Well, I do not want to give every detail but I just wanted to share some of the conversations we had.

One day I met a woman by chance. In fact, she lives in a huge and beautiful house right in the corner of the road. She was just right in front of the backyard and was waiting for someone to go out from her garage and she said to me “the Asian ones” (with a Marseille accent). While Sébastien already greeted her “Hello Ma’am” and Mayumi was in the stroller chirping!

Third Conversation

Sébastien: Hello Ma’am!

Woman : Hello! (dressed all in white with gold jewelries… I thought indeed she's rich )

Me : Hello Madam! (I continue walking with the children but she started the converstation, so then I stopped)

Woman : Ah I love Asian people, they are the best. I went to Thailand and I am enchanted because people are very nice, they are always smiling, warm and very simple.

Me: That it is true, but I find that the Marseillais people also are warm. There are also unpleasant people like everywhere.

Woman : Yes but not like you… the Asians ! And you are which nationality ? And then, it is the first time that I see you passing by here… but it is true that I am not all time in my backyard I am just waiting for someone who's going out from my garage.

Me : From the Philippines Ma’am! We always take this freeway because the school of my son is located not far from here. Do you happened to know the school St Marie?

Woman : It is a good school ! Ah yes I already went in your country once , but we also would like to visit Palawan but the agency told to us not to go because there were still the stories of abduction of foreigners particularly French nationals. Thus, the voyages were annuled. It seems that Filipino are nicer than Thailandais. Moreover, you are well raise ! Not like the others…. they let their children make silly things….they do anything! I understand the government….they are hard because we are not protected from them.

Me : Really ! It’s such a pleasure to hear that! But you see Ma’am it is not because we are Asians we do not have our negative sides. We are like everyone. I am glad for the admiration which you have for us. The majority of the Asian countries are poor but we are able to work hard to have a better life. To make the best possible one to educate and raise our children under a better conditions.

Personally, I don’t agree with her… there are also other foreigners which are good and Asians which are not so good. I have noted that it is a sign of RACISM! Of course, to be a human being is indifferent, everyone of us is unique! The behavior of a person does not only depend on its origins but on how we are educated at home.

The school entry approaches and I am very motivated to bring my little Sébastien to school because he made a lot of progress in his speaking manner. He can express better and better and I am convinced that we will meet nice people, not so nice , odd ones , young and old but Sebastien will be there to begin a pleasant day on the way.........

get back to basic !

This afternoon while cleaning our bookshelves I've come accross to an old gift that I offered to my husband year 2000. It is an English - Tagalog, Tagalog - English Webster Dictionary Copyright 1994. Filipino subject was one of my favorite when I was a student especially during my high school days. A lot of Filipino seem to find it very easy because we speak the language almost everyday but in reality Filipino Language isn't as simple as that. And who says that we don't write like French people do with their accents grave, aigu, circonflexe ? ( é, è, à, â ) Please click on the link The French Accents.

I don't know if you out there can still remember that we also have these accents ( sa tagalog diin o tuldik malumay o banayad,mabilis o masiglá,malumì o banayad na impít,maragsâ o biglâ, o mabilís na impít,mariín o mabagal, malaw-aw o paudlót.) so as to diffentiate a certain word and their meaning. Please click the link to know more about it Balarila Filipino .

( Sa anim na uring itó ng diín, ay tatlóng anyô lamang ng tuldík at isáng gitlíng ang ginagamit na panandâ, na gaya ng mga sumusunód:

tuldík na pahilís, ganitó: ( ' )
tuldík na paiwà, ganitó: ( ` )
tuldík na pakupyâ, ganitó: ( ^ )
gitlíng o muntíng guhit: ( - )

Here are some examples of the same word with different meanings and their accents :

abá - (interj.) an exclamatory expression
abâ - (adj.) humble, poor
ama - (n) wet nurse
amá - (n) father
anyaya - (v) to invite
anyaya - (n) disgrace
ay - (v) linking verb similar to the English to be
ay!- (interj.) oh !
babà - (n) chin
babâ - (rw) to go down, dismount
babâ - (v) to rest or lean against the hands
baga - (n) live coal, embers
bagà - (n) lungs, respiratory tracts
bagâ - (n) sickness of a nursing mother (tumor on the breast)
bagá - particle used in asking questions
bala -(n) bullet
balà - (n) threat, waming
bará - (n) obstruction, hindrance
bara - (n) measurement
basâ - (adj.) wet, moits
basa - (rw) read
batá -(n) child
batá - (v) to bear, to suffer
bata - (n) gown
kaka -(n) uncle
kakâ - (n) elder brother/sister
kaya - (conj) for this or for that reason
kaya - (n) ability
kita - (rw) see
kita (n) earning, salary
kità - (pron) you and I (used after the verb)
dala - (n) fishing net
dalá - (v) to carry
dalí - (n) inch
dalì - (n) speed, quicknees, earliness, ease
gabí - (n) night
gabi - (n) yam
gaga - (n) fool girl simpleton
gagá - (v) to appropriate, to usurp
galang - (n) respect
galáng - (n) bracelet
hamon - (v) to challenge
hamón - (n) ham
hità - (n) thigh
hitâ (v.n.) gain
laruan (n) toy
laruán - (n) playground, gaming place
ligaw - (n) suitor
ligáw - (adj.) astray
mama -(n) mother
mamà - (n) an address used in an elderly men when the speaker is not familiar
nana - (n) address for mother or grandmother
nanà - (n) pus
nasá - (n) desire, wish
nasa - (prep.) on ; in
pala - (n) shovel, spade
palà - ((intej.) an interjectional particle used to express surprise
pilin - (n) the side
pilíng - (n) bunch or cluster
sakdal - (n) law suit
sakdàl - (adv) extremely
sawâ -(adj) tired of
sawá - (n) kind of snake
sirâ - (adj) torn, defective
sirâ - (n) to tear
subô - (v) cannot back out
subô - (n) boiling as of rice being cooked
subò - (n) mouthful
sukà - (n) vinegar
suka - (n) vomit
tagá - (prep) from
tagâ - (v) to strike with a cutting tool, cut
tala - (n) bright star
talà - (v) to record; note
talon - (v) to jump
talón - (n) waterfall
tanan - (v) to elope
tanán - (pron.) all
tapa - (n) jerk pork or beef
tapá - (n) smoked meat, fish
tubo - (n) tube , pipe
tubó - (n) sugar cane
tubo - (n) gain, interest
yaya - (n) baby sitter
yayá - (v) to invite one to come along

I still have a lot to share but it's too long. I advise you to check your English-Tagalog, Tagalog-English Dictionary and you will understand more. I guess we also need to use these accents, otherwise their meanings are not the same anymore (buti na lang nagkakaintindihan tayong mga Pinoy kahit wala yang mga diin at tuldik na yan). Personally, we tend to forget these accents when we write a letter in our own native language. Is it because Filipino speak better English than any Asian countries and 90% of population find it easy to write and speak the Taglish way? Or is it really difficult for us to execute these accents? Better if we should start using it because it is part of our Filipino Phonetics & Education so then some foreign people will stop telling us that we do not have our own language and culture!

merçi les blue

Je ne realise pas qu'on a perdu pourtant c'est la verité! J'esperai que la France serra le champion cet fois ci. Malheuresement, ce n'est pas le cas. La défaite n'est pas la fin....mais ça peut servir un grand défi la prochaine fois. Pour l'equipe de France vous avez été magnifique sur le terrain, vous avez tous essayé de pouvoir importer le trophée et le triumph malgré tous qui s'est passé vous restez toujours le CHAMPION pour MOI !

Merçi Thuram...vous êtes un des meilleur jouer.

Zizou, tu était toujours provoquer et avoir un carton rouge c'est d'être humain!

Henri, vous êtes inébranlable bravo!

Thanks to the official website of FIFA for the photos !

vamos a la casa!

Yesterday it was a big and important match between France and Spain. Before the game started I tuned into TF1 and watched an interesting interview between the supporters of the two teams.

Spain Supporters : Oh well, I know that this time we will win against France! We have a very young players and they are in good form, they have the best techinques compared from the past years. We know that we always lost against FRANCE but this time, it gonna be SPAIN !

**With all the supporters in the background waving, cheering, screaming and showing with pride the flag of Spain...with their make ups in red**

France supporters : We maybe have the old players but they are more experienced! I know that this match will be difficult but we are confident that we will win! Afterall, Spain didn't win even a single match against us! Allez les Blues! Allez les France! ( Go Blue, Go France)

That night, when Ribery marked the first but...I was screaming and Bernard didn't stop running and dancing around the house from the kitchen to the terrace while singing Allez les blues! On va gagner! ( Go Blue, we will win )

Then another but from Veira, it was magical ! Then another but from the hero of all times Zinadine Zidane, magnifique!!!....now I guess he's ready to retire ! France qualified in the quarter final...isn't fantastic! Score France 3-1 Spain (the but wasn't that special... penalty but and that's all it was!)

But I know that the battle is not yet over ! Saturday will be another story...FRANCE against BRAZIL...let us see what will happen! I just hope that the chance will be on their side! Bon courage à L'equipe de France! C'est les temps de gagner après toutes ses année!


Please click the link : Calling France players as "Le Vieux ou Les Papys de Football" Le Monde

LET'S CHEER FOR FRANCE ! HAPPY VIEWING TO ALL ON SATURDAY !

the best but imperfect

Due to some reasons this is a way too late for Father's Day. Anyway, as the saying goes it is better late than never, right!?

Growing up I've always known my father as a strong person..... I've seen him raging in anger whenever things aren't done correctly or the way it should be. He never fears of anything even to the point of risking his own well being for the sake of his family or for the others.

That he never feels pain....I've seen him on a tough situations but he always stands out courageously facing life's difficulties. He gave us a beautiful gift of seeing humour even in the most difficult circumstances.

That he never cries.... Normally, men don't cry even just for a movie but believe me he did! I've seen him cried which proves of his sensitivity and I always believed that a strong man is never afraid to cry!

And he's always right (even he's not).... A father is always proud of themselves and often called the man of the house. You cannot break a father's rule, but sometimes when us children explain things he somehow listens, understands and tries to accept his mistakes which is not very easy to swallow especially for a man itself!

I always thought that my father has a big heart! Why, because even he has nothing left he always has a manner of helping even in his own little way be it for family, friends, neighbors or just for a simple stranger.

Of course, everyone of us has weaknesses and whatever his imperfections are he will always be the best father I could ever have. Thank you for being a wonderful father to us. To bring out the best in us. For loving us unconditionally....Happy Father's day and I love you Dad!

Thoughts to Ponder :

The most important thing that a father can do for his children is to love their mother.

It is easier for a father to have children than for children to have a REAL father.

weekends recap

If someone would ask me what is my favorite season that would be SPRING ! Not too hot nor too cold. I am imagining already the transient beauty and blooming flowers everywhere, fleeting's season of savorous cherries and strawberries. The goddess sunbathers of David (i call them) one piece, two pieces, topless name it we've got it, they're everywhere. Because of this abrupt transitions there goes the dramatic change of one's tune! La Mode (the fashion), the women and men in their best attire. Women, from pullover and thick leather jackets to sexy and short dresses, from close shoes to tongs (slippers or sandals) and stiletto high helled shoes. Men, in their sports wear, hunky shirts, printed shorts and sunglasses! They seem to enjoy and embrace the SPRING! Although this would also mean we will have MISTRAL in the south of France and our being allergic to pollen. Since the month of May has many long weekends we decided to spend it without wasting any single minute of it!

We had an appetizer at Kala's place to celebrate her birthday! Like Makis said we have fun with words! Exchange of funny stories, experiences, and the four of us Filipinas married with French guys are missing our native country, native language and everything in there! It was funny because Pierre was saying that it was so strange to hear again Filipinas talking in Tagalog and how he missess it and suddenly Apol crying out loud that we won (we're glad to have met Apol and Pierre too)...he he he because we talked louder than Frenchguys! A good occassion for us Filipinas to feel completely at home at last even for a shortest time!

Since we love sports, playing tennis keep us toning our sleeping muscles and hanging out with a very cute and young couple Kala and Julien. It was really a one good and sunny Saturday afternoon playing tennis! Though I am not a good player but it keeps me fit and just doing a little bit of exercise. We took our children with us so they can also enjoy roaming around playing inside the tennis court. After playing tennis, Kala cooked lunch for everyone ( and I discovered something for the sauce of gnocchi, btw thanks Kala loved it ). Makis arrived to join us and we later on went out for a walk in the park. Indeed, it is always pleasant to hang out with nice people!

Since Mayumi turned 1 year old on the 25th of April we celebrated it later on because we also need to consider the availability of our friends! Please see their own site at Angels in full Colours

I have seen a lot of nice places in the south and some places in the north of France, but I am not familiar with Carry Le Rouet where Makis lives and it's just 30 minutes drive from Marseille. I asked Frenchhoney to visit the place and then called Makis if she wanted to join us and voila, here she is ready to be our perfect and sympathique tour guide (thanks a lot Makis, it was wonderful)! After a long walk and sight seeing, the hungry troops (lol) went to a restaurant and have eaten a two big plate of delicious Pizza and Makis ordered a yummy banana split as a dessert while Basti :-) was asking her for a scoop ! A simple wander on the beach with a friend was just perfect!

There is always a time for a family getaway! We spent the whole day in Parc Borely and rented a bicylce to tour around. The kids enjoyed with the new design of the playground and parents were likewise amused and had fun! How about dining inside the restaurant of the park. Not bad for our weekend!

The next day, a friend of ours organized a piquenique in Campagne Pastré ( a park near the beach ). Unfortunately, we were the only family who were available at that time. The others have other plans! Even, we were few on that the day, it was still one of those extraordinary stroll in the park because I learned something very interesting for Sébastien and Mayumi's future outdoor sports! Horseback riding !!!

horseback riding inside the park ! excellent idea isn't it!

A FrancoFil couple friends from Paris (Ate Pat) who happened to be married to an Ex-Boss of my sister in Vivendi ( working with him for 9 yrs...company name now is Veolia Water, Phils.) came to visit Marseille! I invited them to come over for dinner and it was also a chance to meet my Frenchhoney. It is really a small world, and it's always nice to see people that we knew way back home!

Part I of rollerblading : Kala and Julien discovered a piste cyclabes (cycle track or bicycle path or runway) in Toulon therefore we drove one hour from where we live just to rollerblade! Imagine the effort we made just to have fun and see this new discovery of friends and just being together! Arriving there, at first I was excited to at last put my feet alltogether with my precious rollerblades. Sadly, it was a failure, I am worried with my left knee (problem of instability) because of that I finally went jogging and Mayumi enjoyed sight seeing while sitting inside her stroller! Though the cute couple proposed of helping me to rollerblade but there's always my fear of slipping or falling!
Part II of rollerblading : Two weeks after, I wanted Kala and Julien to try rollerblading inside the Stade Velodrome (where the famous football is being held). Though it is not as big and long as of Toulon pistes cyclabe but we had so much fun of just spending quality time...rollerblading.....talking.....laughing and just enjoying the great weather we have here in the south!

Hurrraaayyyyy !!!

My youngest brother is taking up Nursing course in Emilio Aguinaldo College knowns as EAC. It was his second year and last March he needed to pass the battery exam (i thought it is obligatory in all nursing schools ) but it actually depends on the schools. It is an aptitude test wherein they need to pass the school standard. And if the students fail the exam they will not be accepted anymore.

I've come to learn from my sister that my Brother had passed the battery exam. Actually, she was telling me that she was a bit afraid for him. Knowing our brother who is a nonchalant type of person and that he takes everything easy like peanuts. I mean he is very confident with himself, he knows what he wants in life and very determined whatever challenges he is into. I really appreciate his positive attitude in every step he makes. I admire him a lot for that. The last two months he was into summer school and it was his recompensation for passing the battery exam and not a punishment for not having a summer vacation on the contrary !

Last Tuesday I was chatting with my sister and she told me that Froilan again passed another test (second one) and that he will be doing the Capping on June 3 ( Nao can you elaborate on this. I need a translator please! lol ). My sister told me that we can call him now a real or genuine NURSING STUDENT !

All my congratulations to you younger brother ! I am proud and glad!

light at the end of the tunnel

1. Mga anak gumawa kayo ng schedule nyo sa paghuhugas ng pinggan!

2. Kayong dalawa Early at Hazel kelangan pagkatapos maligo huwag kayo lalabas ng banyo ng hindi labado ang panty at bra! Huwag ng iaasa pa sa katulong, private thing yan!

3. Maeng pagkagising tiklupin ang kulambo at linisin ang arinola yan, ang task mo everyday.

4. Maeng yung basura kelangan i-dispose na.

5. Hazel punasan ang mga display at siguraduhing walang alikabok.

6. Early yung windows punasan ng maigi.


If I can still remember these were several tasks given to us by Mom when we were kids. Growing up especially in my adoloscent stage, I did not understand her. I was thinking why doesn't she have to ask us to do things at home? What's the use of having a helper who can do the job, anyway she is paid for it! Because of immaturity and lack of comprehension on my part I was sometimes irritated and didn't want to do things at home. The only envy I had were watching television, collecting stationaries, or just merely playing with my friends besides that's what adolescents do, right !?

Although, a bit stubborn and disobedient with all the responsibilities given to me I didn't have the choice but to comply otherwise I will be punished. Still, I didn't get her point! If we speak about organization I was a topsy turvy and everything in our room is just a mess. And as a result, my Mom was particularly unhappy about it (my eldest sister is always the organized one :-). She always call me "burara" reminding me to always arrange my things inside our room, to fold my clothes, to shine my shoes and a lot of small things that an adolescent girl of my age can do.

Once my Mom uttered the very important phrases with sincerity "Tinuturo ko ito sa inyo para pagdating ng panahon na hindi na natin kailangan ang katulong, marunong kayong magtrabaho sa loob ng bahay. At pag nag asawa na kayo doon nyo lang mare-realize kung ano ang purpose ko!"

Now I wholeheartedly understand what she was trying to instill since the beginning. With this approach of my Mom, I realized it is actually an encouragement of life, building a skills that last for a lifetime! Since now I am also a Mother, I can say that I have actually learned a lot from my Mom. From the smallest thing up to the most difficult circumstances facing all through life's challenges. Especially I am a stay home Mom and living 10,000 kms from them I can do everything at home my Mom taught me without any worries. The only regret I had was not being able to learn how to cook when I had the chance. If you were to ask me to do household chores I can thoroughly and and perfectly do the job with my all my eyes close. BUT NOT COOKING...lol

To MOM , thank you very much for teaching me what is important in life, building my competencies, to raise us with discipline, learn how to sacrifice and prioritizes things. Knowing that being a parent is probably the most difficult and important job to perfom with exellence! Surely, I will also do the same thing with my children, telling them with pride that I learned this from my Mom when I was your age. Thank you again my for everything and I love you!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO YOU MOM AND TO ALL THE MOTHERS IN THE WHOLE WORLD !


Thoughts to Ponder : (searched thru internet)

"All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother." -- Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)

"God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers." -- Jewish proverb

"Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother." -- Lin Yutang

"The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness." -- Honore' de Balzac (1799-1850)

"My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her." -- George Washington (1732-1799)

"By and large, mothers and housewives are the only workers who do not have regular time off. They are the great vacationless class." -- Anne Morrow Lindbergh (1907- )

"The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom." -- Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887)

"Youth fades; love droops, the leaves of friendship fall; A mother's secret hope outlives them all." -- Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894)

"I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life." -- Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)

"The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother." --Author Unknown