Resolutions

I will only make 7 resolutions this year. 7 promises I really hope to keep:

1. Once a week CHEAT day only. I promise to stay away from carbs (except crackers), pork and all junk food (chocolates, pastries and chips), but will give myself a break, once a week. This way, I stay healthy and at the same time save money

2. I promise to continue going to the gym regularly--- Regularly meaning not less than 3x a week

3. I promise to open a bank account before I'm 30, and to spend money more wisely this year.

4. I promise to celebrate my 30th Birthday with a BANG

5. Hopefully, go to more TRAVELS especially to Bali, Indonesia (EAT, PRAY, LOVE)

6. To go to Mass every week and to pray daily. Unfortunately, my prayer life has suffered through the years. I hope to find God more this 2013

7. Finish my Masteral Studies

This will be my year...Flirty Thirty! 2013...I can't wait to see what you have instore for me.

Until Next Year, Fierce Ladies

Andrea 

Goodbye, 2012

Today, I want to look back at the year 2012 before I totally say goodbye to it. 2012 was a roller coaster ride for me...up and down, but it was fun! It could have been greater, but I'm satisfied.

picture from brewpublic.com

Here are the highlights of my life this 2012:

Achieving my 2012 New Year's Resolution
If you read my last blog in 2011, I came up with a list of things I wanted to do for 2012. I'm happy to say that 8/10 of the things I listed, I was really able to do. The top 3 things I am very proud of:
A. Winning the Biggest Loser Competition at work and starting a HEALTHIER Lifestyle

Boxing at Elorde

B. Travels: This has been top priority this year:
Korea

Bellarocca

Cebu

Palawan

Of course, I must not forget the little road trips I had this year: Tagaytay, Batangas, Subic and  Pampanga

C. Trying something NEW
For the very first time in my life...New Hairstyle for 2012

Unfortunately, I still didn't find the opportunity to open a personal savings account nor was I able to find a significant other. These two things, I hope to achieve by 2013, which gives me something to look forward to.

Second highlight of my life:

Hotel Escapades with friends. Sometimes, it's just nice to be able to sleep and relax in a hotel where you're far from worries and stress. This 2012, I had the opportunity to stay in 4 beautiful hotels


March- Edsa Shangri-La with my good friend, Bess

June- Crowne Plaza with Rina, Rey and Allen (not in picture)

July- New Horizon Hotel with Rina and Rey

August- Grand Hoyah Hotel, Subic

Third highlight would be the Wednesday Group Food and Bonding Sessions

At Sunrise Bucket

At Tin's House

At Pastry Princess

12/21/12---The complete group picture

In Snow World, Star City

Ending the world with an outreach

Fourth highlight: MA in Educational Administration in Ateneo

I never thought I'd ever step foot as a student in Ateneo...  but since the offer was too good to resist, here I am taking my M.A. studies

While the proctor was giving intructions for our entrance test

After the first sem with Fr. James and Mr. H

Fifth Highlight: Erzullie Summer Collection

Being in a photoshoot is not as easy as I thought

Sixth Highlight: Nuvali Torchbearer

during the closing ceremony of the Faculty and Staff Sportsfest 

Seventh Highlight: 3 major concerts and one meet and greet

Simple Plan 

New Kids On The Block with Backstreet Boys

Lee Min Ho's meet and greet

Jlo's awesome concert : )

Eight Highlight: My grandfather's 85th birthday

He was in and out of the hospital this year, but he made it to his 85th birthday. Thank you, God for taking care of my grandpa. May he have more birthday's to come.

Ninth Highlight: my Magazine Article on Health Today

Tenth Highlight: The gift of Middle School...

Things may have been different this year, but because of the love and bonding...We survived.

Eleventh Highlight: Leaving Unit 3

Because of the transition into k-12, we had to say goodbye to the best unit ever

During our closing celebration

Twelfth Highlight: The last Singles' Valentines Dinner

This 2013, I have promised to let go of organizing this singles' event.

Since it's 2012, I shall end with the twelfth highlight of the year. I do still have a lot to be thankful for, and therefore, I conclude that despite the difficulties of the year, I am truly BLESSED

I hope 2013 could be just or even better than this.

Until Next Time, Fierce Ladies

Andrea

Food. Food. Food

I promised I'd write about my top ten favorite outfits, however, our laundrywoman did not come for the past two weeks, so all my favorite outfits are in the laundry since I wore them to different parties (which means I can't take an actual photo of those clothes), so this made me think of an even better topic: FOOD

Yes, you heard me right...My friends might say that since I have been dieting this 2012, I am not in the position to write about food, however, I must admit that though I controlled food intake on most of the days, I had cheat days to still enjoy.

I will take this opportunity to write about great food finds this 2012, and I hope that you get to try these places and enjoy the food as much as I did.

1. Wooden Spoon in Katipunan, Quezon City
✓ Stuffed Pechay and their Desserts are to die for.
✓Everything we tried was yummy
✓Service is excellent
✓Affordable
✕ Place is quite small so you have to wait to be seated

2. Eat Fresh Famous Hong Kong Street Food in San Juan City

Enjoying a meal at Eat Fresh after work

✓Laksa is highly recommended
✓A variety of food to choose from --- street food (isaw/ intestine) to short orders like Salt and Pepper Squid
✓They serve Lemonade, fruit shake and even Milk Tea
✓Very Affordable
✓There is an available place for dine in and a separate place for take out
✕Parking can be a problem
✕You'll smell like food once you leave the place

3. Pastry Princess in Granada, New Manila Quezon City

My friends and I with Jessa, the staff, of Pastry Princess

✓Salted Caramel and Red Velvet are must tries
✓Very friendly staff
✓Relaxing place to sit and chat
✓Affordable
✓Baked by the owner herself (a young teenage girl)
✕Some flavors are only available on certain days
✕They close early because once the cupcakes are sold, they don't come up with a new batch

4. Afters Espresso and Desserts in Tomas Morato, Quezon City

My favorite lava cake with espresso

top left (Owner of Afters)

✓ Lava cake, Green Tea Latte and Homemade Gelato are my favorites
✓Cozy place to hang out
✓Very strong WIFI connection
✓Stays open even when late
✓Owner is very friendly and makes his guest feel comfortable
✓Gelato is prepared by the owner---Must try: Ferrero and Salted Caramel
✕Parking
✕Main Courses are really limited because it's really an after dinner place

5. GREENS Vegetarian Restaurant in Tomas Morato, Quezon City

Our order of Vegetarian Kebab

✓ sisig and kebab taste like real meat
✓relaxing ambiance
✓a variety of food to choose from
✓affordable
✓healthy
✕parking
✕not for the meat lovers

6. Paire Cocktails and Pastries in Scout Tobias, Quezon City

✓ Drink All You Can Cocktails
✓Colorful place with relaxing interiors
✓A variety of tasty food to choose from
✓big servings
✓Can be rented for different occasions

7. Greeka Kouzina in San Juan City

✓Lamb Souvlaki, Moussaka, Lamb Meatball Pasta and Greeka Baby Back Ribs are heaven
✓Food is for sharing
✓Sidings are so worth it
✓Tasty
✓Outstanding Service
✕Quite Expensive
✕Place easily gets full so reservation will be needed

8. Vikings in SM Marikina

After trying a lot of buffet places this year, I conclude that compared to Yakimix, Sambokujin, Alba, Something Fishy and Buffet 101...Vikings would be my favorite
✓A variety of choices with drinks and dessert included
✓food is immediately replenished
✓Price is very competitive when compared to other buffet places
✓Spacious


9. Zoricho in Silver City

✓ very tasty Chorizo/ longganisa
✓A variety to choose from
✓Different kinds of vinegar available to go with your meal
✓The best Red Velvet Cake Ever
✓Sell raw chorizo/ sausages for take out (Mini Deli)
✕Quite Expensive
✕Serving Quite Small
✕Other meals are not as good...I suggest that you stick to their specialty (Sausages/ Chorizo)

10. U. P. ... yes!, as in University of the Philippines
✓ Best Isaw (Pork and Chicken Intestines) ever
✓Fruit shake tastes better than Jamba Juice and is way cheaper
✓Street food (Noodles, Fishballs etc) also available
✓Good hangout or jogging venue
✓Most affordable place to eat
✓No problem with parking

Other establishments I tried and are good, but didn't make it to the Top Ten
Ababu in Katipunan
Shi Lin in Podium
Tapsi ni Vivian (with the best Bulalo/ Beef Soup)
Ken Afford (Affordable Homecooked Meals)
Flaming Wings
Little Store
Banapple
Yabu
Le Ching
Charlie's Grind and Grill


Until Next Time, Fierce Ladies


Andrea