Qatar Vacay

Hello 2014!

Again, I failed to update my blog even for just one post a month. I won't mention excuses because failure to update my blog with new post was done deliberately on my part, well no one else to blame, right?

2013 flew by just like that. I have the same job and same daily routine, work, home, went out with friends, attended school functions on behalf of my kids etc. But one thing major that happened in the last quarter of previous year is I got the opportunity to travel outside the country. I went to Doha where my husband is currently employed.

Actually the main purpose of going to Doha is to accompany my sister and her kids. She couldn't manage to travel with two kids ages 6 years old and less than 3 month old baby. The 9 hour flight was unbelievably exhausting. The baby would not sleep for more than an hour, so my sister and I would take turns in taking care of Baby Nadine (the 3 month old baby) and sometimes you have to carry her and stand to pacify her, can you imagine that?! But it's all worth it especially when we landed in Qatar airport and my husband John and my brother in law were waiting for our arrival.

I got the chance to spend alone time with hubby. Although work as usual for him after a couple of days since my arrival, he leaves as early as 6am till 5pm. He and my sister managed to bring me to places frequently visited by Filipinos and other tourists. It was a month long vacation. Hubby encouraged me to submit resume to companies in Qatar but I refused. I still would like to go home. Our company was kind enough to give me a month vacation and the least I can do is to fulfill my promise to our manager that I'll come back and so I did. But then, if God would support my 2014 plans and the timetable I have set will be executed accordingly, I'll be back in Qatar by second quarter of this year.

In the meantime have a look at my photos taken while vacationing in Doha. 

And oh, belated Happy New Year and advance Kung Hei Fat Choi! With positive attitude, 2014 will certainly be a better year!

 Ikea in Doha

 Katara, cultural village

 Villagio Shopping Mall

Souq Waqif

A Visit to Monasterio de Tarlac

Eversince my sister and my niece came home for vacation, actually my sister is pregnant on her second baby and is due to deliver on August 06 via ceasarian section, we've been spending our weekends eating, bringing the kids out somewhere, karaoke singing and do everything that would make us laugh out loud and put huge smile on our faces.

Last Sunday we went to Monasterio de Tarlac. It was a long trip, took us more than an hour to reach our destination, there was no dull moment since the SUV car is full with both adults and kids. We took a lot of pictures, made funny poses especially yours truly. Unfortunately, the mass was already on going when we arrived in the monastery.

The place is impressive. The reception area is spacious and tidy. A lot of people visit the monastery even if it is far away if you come from other province like Pampanga. The comfort rooms are clean with glade air refresheners. You just have to drop a donation for using the comfort room with any amount.

If you have no qualms taking long travels and in search of a place that'll give you relaxing and tranquil atmosphere, Monasterio de Tarlac is the perfect place to be.

Mt. Samat Adventure

My officemates and I made a trip to Mt. Samat last June 01 (Saturday). It is located in Pilar Province of Bataan. The Mt. Samat Cross of 302 feet is what it is famous for, but before you reach the top of the cross through elevator, you need to pass through several stairs.

We left Angeles City a little after 8am and reached our destination after 9am. I did not expect Mt. Samat to be that beautiful. I commend those who takes care of the place and transformed it completely to a tourist spot, very well maintained but the comfort rooms need major improvement, for the sake of the visitors especially foreigners who are curious to see the mountain.

The trip was exhausting but the feeling to be on the peak of the Mt. Samat Cross will make you forget the tiredness and scorching heat of the sun. The air coming from the windows is so cool. You will appreciate the beauty of nature when you look down and all you see is a tidy landscape and greeny green grass and trees.

Afterwards, we went to Harbor point for our late lunch slash afternoon snack.

I'll never forget our trip to Mt. Samat especially the unexpected and horrifying fainting of one of our colleagues while on the second part of the stairs going up. We talked and laughed about it on our way home.

Overall, the trip was memorable and hilarious.

Hello Blogger World

Hey! Hello...Aloha!!!

Gosh, it's been almost a year since my last post. Obviously I was on hiatus for so long. I feel bad for neglecting my blog though I take at look at it once in while and pay visit to my favorite blogs.

So what kept me busy all this time? Well, I got hooked reading ebook, the contemporary young adult and paranormal type novels. In a week, I can finish 2 to 3 novels but now I decided to slow down a bit, one novel a week is I think ideal. This way, I still have time to update my blog. It would be awesome to have a little time for everything, don't you think?

I'll be back very soon with a new post, promise!

Chic & Sassy 2nd Blogiversary Giveaway

I started liking Korean products especially Pomegranate facial masks from The Face Shop. I also love serum from SkinFood, however, a find it quite expensive. Blogger Des is addicted to Korean cosmetics and she's fond of buying Korean products from Ebay at a discounted price. She unselfishly share her reviews on certain Korean product after testing or trying it. Her blog is turning 2 years old and she's giving away a bagful of Korean products and more.

I just joined her giveaway and I urge everyone to do the same. If your reluctant to spend money just to try Korean products, this is your chance to get it for free if you win the giveaway!

For more details, please visit Chic & Sassy Mom blog.

The Beauty Junkee's 3rd Blog Anniversary

One of my favorite blogger, Ms. Martha of "The Beauty Junkee" is celebrating her 3rd blog anniversary and she's giving away 70k plus worth of prizes to her loyal readers! I have been busy with my career and personal life which is why I'm a bit late in joining her blog contest/give away. I will regret if I let this give away just slip away. Win or lose, I will always be a loyal reader of her blog because I enjoy learning a lot from her. I promised myself, as I near the age of 40, the more I'll continue reading beauty blogs just like "The Beauty Junkee". I want to keep myself updated with news regarding prettifying oneself.

I am replying to TBJ's questions: 

"What did you learn from The Beauty Junkee? 

I learned to appreciate more the morena skin, you can use any shade of eyeshadow or clothes for as long as you wear it with confidence regardless of skin color and more than make up, what really makes a woman beautiful is what she feels inside and her disposition in life. She knows her priority and even if you're face with personal problems, it shouldn't affect your job or the people around you.

"What else would you like to see in The Beauty Junkee's blog?" 

More beauty and fashion tutorials and maybe cooking demo of a menu that you learned to love in one of your food adventures. This I think will help you when you settle down in the future.

If ever I win, I'll be happy to receive either the Pro Beauty Loot or Modern Woman Loot.

For detailed information about the contest please visit "The Beauty Junkee's 3rd Anniversary Give-Away"