Loveliest Triangle in the City

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I used to work in Makati 7 years back but never had the chance to explore the entire business district. So whenever I have the chance now, I try to enjoy a short stroll from Valero Street going to Ayala Triangle. After a busy day, jumping from one meeting to another, this place helps calm my nerves. Not to mention that green is healthy to the eyes.

 

Arrows pointing to five directions, a triangular area that is mostly accessible to all.

 

Although I never wanted to catch myself in Makati again after 6pm onwards due to heavy traffic and wild MRT ride, I still look forward to see the colorful dancing Christmas lights with my kid. This place is known for the extravagant evening show every Friday night (or is it daily now?) that makes it a perfect place to hop into during the holiday season. 

 

Trees everywhere and very clean! Somehow, pollution seems to be nowhere seen. 

 

No wonder a lot of Makati-based office workers enjoy the afternoon walk too. I've also spotted a few jogging around. That's why I'm really inggit that I truly wish we have the same thing in Mandaluyong. *wishful thinking*

 

Plus there's Bannaple somewhere in between that long stretch of restos. Well, I still have a few more days, will definitely come back when lights and music are on..

 

.. and run around this big blue tree with my little one! :)

Much Love,

OneGutsyMom

Stay Protected With Hygiene Science

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As a Mom, I'm very much conscious about keeping my daughter's hands sanitized at all times. Last year, she encountered throat infection which resulted to severe cough that lasted for a week.Her pediatrician advised that this may be caused by her ability to put anything within reach into her mouth.Of course, I was in denial at first because I believe we always maintain a clean house due to the fact that we have a toddler walking and crawling around. But no matter how much cleaning you put into place, bad bacteria is always present and kids' immune system is never safe from them.There is always a need for disenfectants to reduce unhealthy microbes.

Few weeks ago, I received products from Hygiene Science, Inc. to introduce their latest products namely Hygiene 24 and Hygiene Pro. And since I want to ensure sanitation is placed as a top most priority, I truly believe the need for disinfectants to reduce bad bacteria. 

According to the kit:

These new antimicrobial products promise to reduce the danger of unhealthy microbes from infecting your hands and establishing colonies on other surfaces. These products, have in fact, been proven to work better than hand sanitizers, soap and even famous surface disinfectants!

Hygiene 24 is an antimicrobial hand shield that works continuously for 24 hours a day. It is a completely unique product that promotes intensive bacterial protection for adults and children at work, in school and at home.

Hygiene Pro, on the other hand, is a clear, colorless, antimicrobial solution. It contains no thickeners, stabilizers, colorants, dyes or additives. It is non-toxic, non-used for hospitals, restaurants, schools and other industrial institutions.

I was ecstatic to try them both, in fact, I take the Hygiene 24 sanitizer anywhere I go. Personally, I liked it because there is no sticky feel (anything sticky on the hands look dirty to me) and it doesn’t produce a strong scent (perfect for my daughter who’s prone to nasal irritation). I feel protected from harmful bacteria especially when we are in a public area. Notice this picture below when we had a family lunch, I made sure that my Hygiene 24 is now part of our hygiene habits. 

For the Hygiene Pro, I decided to use it in our toilet and bathroom since it is more prone to unseen molds. We can’t assume that just because it’s clean and white, there are no potential microbes around. So after cleaning the T&B, we immediately apply the Hygiene Pro on the sink and toilet bowl. These have been a part of my precautions since then and will continue to purchase the product to ensure our health and safety. 

Want to stay protected too for 24 hours? Visit their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/247protected or click photo below and check out the helpful benefits you might be looking for.

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#PacquiaoMarquez4

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First of all, I am no boxing expert and neither do I wish to be one. I just can't help myself but post an entry about the shocking experience yesterday. I was never a fan of boxing because I never liked seeing blood in any sport, but Manny Pacquiao introduced this to me or maybe even to many Filipinos. Even if it certainly looks like a battle of life and death, I've  learned to watch live streams with my husband or even exerted effort to wait for the late telecast. What actually helped me somehow "accept" this sport is seeing Pacquaio's reaction every time he defeats his opponent. He never bragged his winnings or jumped  with thrill on the ring when he is usually announced as the winner. I even felt his concern especially during the Pacquiao - Hatton fight. He had always defined the truest sense of the word sportsmanship.

When he fell during the third round yesterday, I thought that it's the start of a major turnaround as it may ruin his composure and lose that game eventually. Although it seems like Pacquiao's figure is better than Marquez', the latter is really determined to win this one, thus, full of motivation to bring him down.

The sight of  Pacquiao faced down and unmoving when he fell on the 6th round was devastating. I screamed and cried! My tears just kept pouring thinking that he could already be lifeless. When I saw Jinkee crying, I literally felt the pain in her - seeing your husband in that most hated situation. It was a crazy few seconds and all of a sudden I remembered one of Jessica Soho's show that featured one of our local boxers who died on the ring after his fight. When Pacquiao was held, I was still in denial seeing the best pound for pound boxer grasping for his breath. One of the strongest man I know is suddenly helpless.

Just like that, his life could have been taken away. Just like that, he could have been a part of history together with that dreadful few seconds. But we are thankful that these are just "have beens" and his condition is now fine. I hope what happened will lead us to a realization that life needs to be valued on top of anything else. One snap is all it takes. This brings back my hate on extreme sports / outdoor activities where life is more often at risk. Sigh.

Needless to say, I am thankful to Manny Pacquiao for bringing pride to the Filipinos all over the world. Win or lose, you'll always be the People's Champ!

p.s. I wish to post some pictures but decided not to. It's just too heavy to see them. 

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It's the first Friday of the month, can you believe that? (Whoop TGIF!!) Few more days and we'll say hello to a new year. A lot of good things to look forward to but I can't thank enough this year for allowing me to measure my own strengths and capabilities. It's been a challenging year, a tough one to be exact, but nevertheless worth every sweat! Leaving you with this photo that tells exactly how I want to project my 2013.

Catching Up

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I've posted a few tweets recently stating how I truly missed blogging. I realized how it really takes huge efforts to make time for writing especially for Mommies. 24 hours is noticeably ticking so fast that's why I really admire Mothers out there who can juggle their time with family, career, social life, and interests. In time, I'll get there too. So what's up with everyone lately? I hope you're all enjoying the holiday rush. Happy to see Peppermint again on Starbucks menu and how we see our friends or relatives urge themselves to complete the required stickers for the planner. I'm still thinking of what to get for 2013. By that time, I'll be 32 so I hope to get something that suits my, ummm, age? LOL.

Kidding aside, it's the time of the year again when we celebrate reunions and this makes me really excited. During my "hibernate" mode, I literally devoted my time to my family. It allowed me to contemplate about so many things which strengthened our relationships. My daughter is our dear angel at home who passes the halo on our heads, my Mom is a great example of how it is to be a total homemaker while my husband defined the true meaning of a pillar. It certainly is a small family but definitely what I need. They are my constant strongest support system during my highs and lows. So starting next week, I will give time to celebrating friendship from people I haven't seen in months. Friends are extended family anyway, right?

After taking lunch today with my colleagues, I spotted a few items that will not cause a hole in our pockets. These fragrance sticks with mild scents in colourful boxes can be a good choice for gift-giving. See that Family wood candle holder on top? They're prefect too! The shopping part can be quite dragging now, bazaars and mall wide sales here and there causing heavy traffic all over Manila. But if you ask me, I'm more excited on the gift wrapping part, seriously! So there, share your blessings OK and enjoy the countdown! BTW, yes I still owe you that "update" I've mentioned prior this post. :)

xx,

OneGutsyMom

Over Cheesecakes and A Cuppa' Coffee

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If you noticed my previous post about Cafe Juanita in Burgos Circle last September, this was our second stop after that sumptuous dinner. I'm glad that my teammates chose Coffee Bean that night over other coffee shops nearby. (Boy, this incomplete entry was in my draft folder for quite a while!)

I am always fascinated with their ambience. So far, they were the most consistent in the market (I think). I am easily displeased by shops with empty displays and disorganised facade.

See these yummy cheesecakes? All of them are worthy of that added dreadful calories, aren't they? No guilt feelings!

I'd like to present our people from development and finance. They're all Daddies - meaning they most likely go home straight after work so  we're lucky to book them at least for that evening. Umm, except for the one in stripes pala. Haha! Coolest Dads I've ever worked with!

You'd probably ask what's up about this dinner / coffee group date we had? Well, this is supposedly a send off dinner for my Billing partner - Dan. Our team organised this solely for one person.. but.. after the unexpected turnaround, it happened to be a send off party instead for the entire Billing and Support team. And that includes yours truly! It was really funny to think that it was me who originally came up with this plan! *grins*

Well, just to share you some highlights, my decision to leave was absolutely a major leap this year. I consider my job a stable one and the earnings involved is something that a married woman with a 20 month old daughter cannot easily decline these days. Besides, it's almost the end of the year so landing to a new job is quite at risk. Though of course such decision gravitates to a valid reason, which I'd rather not disclose, thank you. So many things shook us and believe me when I say it's been a series of inconvenience. But yeah, those were just a few of life's major tricks and you should always be prepared to maneuver the situation. What happened taught me to remain positive as much as I could. Honestly, I can't be grateful enough for having a husband who shares the bittersweet taste of reality. It's like having a second opinion if and when you can't pick which cake to try below. :)

Anyhoo, let me continue indtroducing my team. Here's Zen beside me (our application support) and Dan (who has now ventured in another BPO company). I'm really happy that we all had the chance to work together. You were like brothers to me and I thank you for your commitment to meet our goals each month. You guys made my technical life easier in billing!

While here's the entire Select MNL team (this time with Julie in white skirt from design and Judith from accounts). You see, we were just a small group compared to the others in the company but never a dull moment in that quarantined room. I will certainly miss that "aquarium" area overlooking these condo buildings where I am at, our never-ending pizza deliveries, our Sunny Dad's lunches with Zen's favourite ketchup meals, our jittery elevator rides, our deadlines before COB and of course, all of your presence. Our laughter and frustrations each day of that 6/7am shift were all worth it. Thank you for the years of friendship! Cheers, mates!

Now, just like these coffee mugs below, which represent myself, one has turned its back with a history written on while the other one is facing and standing firmly near the edge. It seriously needs a coffee refill, don't you think? See future post for updates. *winks*

x,

OneGutsyMom

Philips Get LightstyLED Event

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Echoing the belief that “Home is where the heart is”, Royal Philips Electronics, the global leader in lighting solutions, today unveiled its newest range of stylish and versatile LED home lighting solutions, to address the growing demand of Filipino consumers for quality lighting products that combine style and functionality. Light is more than turning on or off a switch. True enough, it can make a difference to our life and our home, affect our mood and transform a room in an instant. I'm sure many of you will agree on that and what make our lives easier is that with the use of Philips LED lighting solutions, there are more possibilities than before.

The event was graced by Fabia Tetteroo-Bueno, General Manager for Philips Lighting Philippines, which according to her speech, “Philips is committed to fully understanding the needs of its consumers. Innovation and design is key to our LED lighting solutions. We continuously strive to develop innovative lighting solutions that can further enhance the quality of people’s lives. By using Philips’ LED lighting solutions, homeowners can transform spaces and enhance the overall human experience. We give our consumers the unique opportunity to see and experience life, as well as its precious moments, through a clearer, more colorful perspective."



Through its comprehensive LED lighting range that offers lamps, luminaires, and controllable ambience solutions, homeowners can transform houses into homes, kitchens and dining rooms into areas that promote bonding and friendship, studies into havens of learning and inspiration and bedrooms into cozy sanctuaries. See below photos taken during the event. Not only it feels home and relaxed having these LED lights, we also get to save energy consumption in as much as 50-80%. That is equally important for Mommies like me who strictly monitors the monthly electricity bill.

My family has been a Philips' loyal customer since then and we intend to continue supporting the brand that commits to meaningful innovations and helps consumers to be mindful of the environment. I am very much pleased to be a part of this launch. Special thanks to Ms. Christine for inviting me on this event.

*Philips diverse range of LED lighting solutions is available in all Philips stores, and in over 30 branches of Wilcon Home Depot nationwide.*

On Hibernate Mode

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It's been weeks since I last posted an entry and I really apologize for the lack of enthusiasm. I have so many interesting stories and photos to share but for now, I'd rather stay away in front of the computer at home. My daughter has been ill with diarrhea just a few weeks ago (and now cough) and it's already taking too much energy from me. I usually blog at midnight when she's already asleep but my habit needs to be skipped for a while.

I promise to be back very soon. I honestly missed blogging and uploading photos on Flickr! For now, let me live "THE" life and enjoy Mommy duties. I am overwhelmed with my blogger views despite lack of post. For that, I am so thankful for regularly visiting my site. Hope you all have a very great weekend ahead.

x,
OneGutsyMom

Power Plant Mall at Rockwell

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Power Plant Mall serves up food, fashion, cars and discounts in October!

Power Plant Mall’s all-time favorite bake fest – The Baker’s Dozen – is back! And mall goers get to enjoy it with a whirlwind of other mall activities this October that will definitely delight the foodie, the fashionable, and the car aficionados of Metro Manila.

Baker’s Dozen turns the Concourse Level into a sweet-tooth’s heaven with cakes-and-desserts galore and all sorts of yummy treats sure to win up in everybody’s shopping bag. Satiate your sweet tooth with offerings of Alfajores and Toblerone sansrival from Sugarbee, Blue Velvet Cupcake from Sugar Cakes, Nutella cupcakes and Cheesecake Cups from Sweet Therapy Cupcakes, white chocolate and salted caramel cookies from Casa San Luis, and fresh fruit jams from Fruit Garden.

Shops will hold a Pre-Christmas sale on October 11-14. A variety of great products are marked down to as much as 70% off at Muji, Nike Stadium, Evita Peroni, Springfield, Kenneth Cole, and many more.

Shoppers get the chance to win Php100,000 worth of shopping spree and also win exciting prizes from the Fashion Blow-Out – a Power Plant Raffle that shoppers can join just with a minimum purchase of Php2,000 from the fashion stores of Power Plant Mall from October 11-31.Receipts can be exchanged for coupons at The Grove Model Unit at the South Wing. Draw date is on November 5. Besides the Php100,000 grand raffle prize, lucky shoppers may also win some Ray-Ban Wayfarers or Aviators, Bose headphones, a Suunto “Quest” running kit, Nixon “The Chronicle” watch, Michael Kors “Jet Set” travel bag, or a Kate Spade “Small Coal” bag.

Power Plant Mall will be turbo-charged at the South and North Courts and the Plaza Parking from October 15-21 called “Focus on Cars”, featuring the hottest rides, with the Plaza Parking showing off Land Rover models, while the Subaru reigns supreme at the South Court, and the Jaguar lords it over the North Court.

Power Plant Mall is definitely the place to go this month for a fashion fix, dessert delights, and a car carnival. And that doesn't even include Halloween! Head on over to the Power Plant Mall for an outstanding October!For more information visit http://www.facebook.com/PowerPlantMall or call 898-1702.

Pre-Christmas Sale, October 11 to 14, 2012, per DTI-NCR Permit No.A2-0919,Series of 2012. Fashion Blowout Promo, October 11 to 31, 2012, per DTI-NCR Permit No. A2-0918, Series of 2012. See posters and print ads for more details.

Instagram Bucket

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Pardon me for my lack of blog entries lately though you will still see me active on Twitter and Instagram. To keep it up with you guys, I'm sharing some of my recent IG photos posted. Anyway, my Instagram addiction all started when I had my first iPhone (3G) and currently I got 585 photos stored in there. This is also one of the main reasons why I shifted from Blackberry. Funny but true! So if you have an Instagram account, feel free to follow me - OneGutsyMom.

I just learned how refreshing MoguMogu drink is. Lychee's my fave flavor.

Learning how to prepare home-cooked healthy snacks for the lil' one. 

Aside from watching videos, she's into socializing too. 
Well, she just tweeted Kuya Kim lang naman with random letters! Bongga! 

How kikay can you get while maintaining healthy teeth and fresh breath?

Chuckie helped her learn how to use the straw. There's a free pencil & case too!

Daddy's random pasalubong for us. 
Simple gestures that I truly appreciate.

Last week, my lil' one had diarrhea due to teething.

She has sore gums surrounding her molars up until now.

Which resulted to diaper rash. Our first time to use diaper rash cream. Tsk. 

Last week also marked my very first winning experience from a blog contest. 

Thank you Dianne for hosting this! Those were By Nature Handmade Soaps.

And our most recent pic together. She's still into porridge and banana diet. 

Oh, I just want to include this IG photo taken 57weeks ago.. 

Isn't she the cutest? ^_^

See you on IG! ♥

Sunday at the Clubhouse

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 This is just a quick post about our Sunday family day today. It was a gloomy morning to start with but we were thankful that the sun still came out. We spent our afternoon with the little girl at the clubhouse which she truly enjoyed. Our place has a mini-playground where kids can exercise their reflexes and just run around. You can just imagine how my daughter screams at the top of her lungs because of too much excitement! She keeps running and pulling her Dad. If not, she'll ask me to carry her just so she could go up on that plastic stairs and jump. The slide was kinda muddy as it rained earlier so she tried the climbing knots instead. It's fun observing her and how she loved simple activities like this. I'd rather see her active and lively even if that means we need to be full of energy too.

I would also like to share some candid snapshots I took. Isn't it lovely to see how Daddy's girl she has become? At 18 months, she knows how to melt her Dad's heart with her natural sweet affection. She can be tricky at times when she wants something bad but I guess that's the beauty of having a child. Give them milk when they're hungry or change their nappy when they feel uncomfortable and they will surely be sound asleep. Their innocence teaches us how possibly life could be a lot happier if we are pleased even with the most simple things.

I hope your Sunday is as happy as ours. We usually treat Sunday as our family day so I hope it was a day well spent with your loved ones! ♥

Much Love,
OneGutsyMom