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.*