Saturday, December 29, 2012

Ohh Sweet Life!=)



Eating sweets is part of every life’s situation. Whether you're celebrating happy moments like Christmas, birthdays, weddings and anniversaries, or when you’re dealing with a troubled heart; you can surely expect a box of sweets somewhere at the corner of the room.

Can you imagine a life without cakes, chocolates and ice cream? I can’t.


I just can’t live without my usual ice cream and chocolate fix in a down day that will surely make me crazier (because I’m naturally crazy. hahaha).

We just love to eat and we just love to eat anything sweet. If you’re celebrating an important occasion soon, if you’re not done buying your Christmas gifts or if you simply want to have your sweet fix; not to worry, check Sweet by Madelaz and you just might find the right gift or sweet fix that you’re looking for.


Sweet by Madelaz is custom-made cupcakes for all occasions. For more information please like their Facebook page at Sweet by Madelaz.

  



Live a little more sweeter LiFe!

Mai=)


Note: Photos are provided for by: Sweet by Madelaz.

Friday, November 9, 2012

Advocacy:Global Pinoy Bazaar (Support Filipino! Support our Peso!)

My October and November schedule are really packed, packed to the brim. Not only once did I have to decline invitations and meetups with friends the previous month because of my many engagements, even my writing had to slow down for a while too. But there’s one event that I should never miss. And this one, you shouldn’t also miss.

One day to go!

 I’d like to invite all of you again to the Global Pinoy Bazaar on Saturday and Sunday (Nov 10-11) from 10am - 10pm at Rockwell Tent, Makati City. 

This 2 day event is an invitation for all of us to spend our peso for Filipino. Buy Filipino. Give Filipino gifts for Christmas. Let’s help empower our peso!

Filipino products is worth your every peso. Support Filipino! Support our Peso!

Below are photos of some of the things you can see at the Global Pinoy Bazaar:

 
 
 
Photo Credit: Yabang Pinoy Facebook Page


There is surely something for everyone.=)


Live Life!=)

Mai



Related Posts:

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Dream Destinations Series: Batanes, Palaui Island, Mt. Mayon

So this year, the Gods of the calendar conspired to give all of us succeeding long weekends; a great, great opportunity to be away from our busy schedules. Can anyone relate with me? I’m sure a lot of you feels the same need for a getaway. Have you planned your destination for the next long weekend yet?

Today, I’d like to believe, that money is not an issue for me; that I can go wherever I want to go, be wherever I want to be and have whatever I want to have, anytime and anywhere I want. So, today I’m inviting you to join me spend all my fortune let’s buy time and let me treat you to enjoy with me my dream vacay. =)

So, "Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome aboard this lucid dream. Please let me have your attention as we prepare for takeoff. “Please fasten your seatbelt low and tight across your lap. Insert the metal fittings one into the other, to tighten, pull the loose end of the strap on.” Please remain seated and enjoy the view of the soft clouds outside your window, the scent of the summer grass, the relaxing sound of the waters as it waves ashore, the warmth of the sun as it kisses your cheek, and the sound of silence as it touches your soul. Aahhhh....life.=)

I have a thing for organic travelling. There is that strong call in me to commune with nature; and when talking about nature several destinations come to mind.

Batanes. Every time I thinking of solo travelling this place always comes to mind. It maybe is selfish to want to enjoy the place by myself, but Batanes has that mysterious call in me; to experience an endearing silence that draws the heart closely to its womb, the serenity of the evening skies and peaceful mornings, a promise of solitude in every sunrise, the solemnity of life. Solitary life is what every single soul desires and for me that’s what its high mountains and strong stones hide; a peaceful life.


Batanes
Photo Credit: BCTA

Palaui Island (Cape Engaño Lighthouse). I’ve never lived near a coast or have I seen a lighthouse, but I have this unexplainable interest in seeing and being in a lighthouse. They are a mystique piece of art. They stand mightily uphill above the coast; distant, alone, yet they remain strong. Lighthouses have weathered storms, strong winds and dangerous waves and they have endured all unanswered calls from all its distant love affairs with the boats. Lighthouses so lovingly lead all boats along to safely anchor at the harbour, giving comfort and company an assurance that they are not sailing alone. But theirs is a tragic story. The boats are meant to just pass lighthouses by while lighthouses are meant to stay. Such are some people’s story.

Palaui Island (Cape Engaño Lighthouse)
Photo Credit: 
Above(Wiki Commons) 
Below (Philippinterest)

Mt. Mayon. It’s amazing how nature can form a land of mass in perfect symmetry. Mt. Mayon, it has in it a power to stop time for you. It encourages you to sit by and look and admire its beauty; to detach yourself from the rest of the world and just let time pass for a while. One day Mt. Mayon, I will join you one day. And like you, I will just sit on my feet silently watching, while the world is going crazy.

Mt. Mayon
Photo Credit: Wiki Pedia



So have you chosen your next destination yet? Come join me! I can’t wait to enjoy this dream vacay!=)



Live a wonderful life!=)

Mai




P.S.
This entry was outlined a few days before the two succeeding weekends but was published late due to busy schedule. Forgive me.

This month will be concluded with another long weekend treat. I hope to be able to post another of my other dream destinations to add to your vacation options.


For your booking and reservation needs:

My recommendation for your other ticketing and travel:
L.O.L. Travel and Tours: http://www.facebook.com/Lol.Travel


Sunday, October 14, 2012

Buy Filipino: Global Pinoy Bazaar(November 10-11)

Hi SavourLifers,

Remember Yabang Pinoy? I wrote about them here.

I received an email from them last weekend inviting me to the Yabang Pinoy Media Night which was held last night (I will soon write on a separate entry about last night’s event).  It was a fun night with food, games, gimmicks, prizes and surprises.  Apart from sharing with us the various advocacies of Yabang Pinoy, the bloggers were also introduced to the different brand partners of Yabang Pinoy; the reason why we were invited to a media night event.

Yabang Pinoy is celebrating its 8th PHmade movement and they will be showcasing the brands presented to us at the media night along with  other brands which were part of the Global Pinoy Bazaar the previous years (check some of the brands here). This years  Global Pinoy Bazaar will be held on November 10-11 at Rockwell Tent, Makati City.




I'm giving away tickets to the Global Pinoy Bazaar 10 lucky readers will win 4 tickets each!!!


To win tickets, here's how:


TWITTER

1. Follow @yabangpinoy and @letssavourlife.
2. Tweet @yabangpinoy and @letssavourlife this:

“Hi @letssavourlife and @yabangpinoy! I’ll buy Filipino! I want tickets to the  #GlobalPinoyBazaar!

Or

FACEBOOK
1. Like the Facebook page of Yabang Pinoy here and Let’s Savour Life here.
2. Post on your wall: 

“Hi Letssavourlife! I’ll buy Filipino! I want tickets to the Global Pinoy Bazaar! with Yabang Pinoy  and Letssavourlife.”

Below are among the products presented at the Yabang Pinoy Media Night. 



These are from Punchdrunk Panda visit them at:
http://www.punchdrunkpanda.com/



As you think of the best Christmas gifts you’ll buy for your loved ones, think Pinoy. Buy Filipino. Let’s choose Filipino this Christmas.


Live Life!

Mai=)


Monday, October 8, 2012

Tough as a Nail: Juste Un Clou chez Cartier

I was once among the many women addicted to buying fashion magazines. For several years I've been purchasing all 12 issues released by my favourite glossy outfit every year. But a point came when I thought their features turn to be the same almost every time, it started to bore me; I don’t get to read anything new from them anymore. So I decided to stop buying them.

But an assignment at work made me decide to purchase a glossy again, this time from another outfit, the first-time I purchased an issue from this glossy company. The magazine, I’m not sure if I like it or I don’t; maybe I still need to warm-up with them. But something caught my eyes while browsing the pages.

It's breath taking, it was shining brightly at me making me glow, its promise was certain, it knows how to complement your beauty, it’s very secure about its makings making you feel very confident in it, it’s a very silent piece of embellishment but its presence commands importance. 

Cartier. Their pieces will always remain a mystery and their incredible craftsmanship will never ever go unnoticed.

I'm probably among the very few women who’s not very much attracted to jewelleries. Well, I know how to appreciate a piece but I won't kill for it. And though I understand how enchanting these metal pieces are; it’s just seldom that they ring a bell with me. But if it's a piece of jewellery with great aesthetics then that will surely be a reason for a change of heart on my part. 

Juste Un Clou, literally translates to "just a nail". That's the bracelet I saw on my glossy.The only metal piece I eyed the longest, full of wonder; even lust. I was captivated, I fell in love at a glace. It held me paralyzed. I was staring in awe. But, knowing the price of this metal piece; I know it will soon be placed at the top of the list of my unrequited. Ohhh no...this will be difficult...=(

What I like about it. It's refreshingly unexpected ― a nail for your wall transformed to fit your fingers and your wrists. Simple, yet elegant. Minimalistic in design, yet something no one can ignore. It holds a presence in it's silence and it draws you into its mysticity. 

Here's a photo to leave you lusting too... 
(below are photos, secured at random from the internet)


Here's a video to leave you wanting...


Video credit to Vimeo, Cartier: Juste un Clou from Bagahol Cartier: Juste un Clou

Yeah,yeah,I can hear you...gorgeous right?Now, I think I now believe in Love at First Sight...no minus the lusting part... Watch the video over and over and I'm certain; the image of that bracelet will be hovering at the surface of your imagination forever...

RRRrrraaaaRRRrrrrr....I'm literally squirming and giddy at the same time...ohhh nooooo!!!Juste Un Clou !!!you got me bad.Really bad... 

I hope one day, i'll have one of those...Ohh world, ohh rich,rich world you heard me. I want one of those!!! I want one of those!!!I want it so much I wanna cry...haaayyy....

Juste un Clou bracelet you, your charm is so tempting you're so hard to resist, you've created a very deep hole in my heart, ummm in my head? Well I don't know which part really, but yeah, you did that. And yeah you nailed it good!Really good, or should I say bad?...Whatever, but one day, you'll wrap yourself around my wrist and I will never ever let you go. You'll be permanently hinged at my wrist. Remember that!

Ok, this entry is somewhat a slight sight to lunacy yeah? So before completely crossing the line I'll stop here.

Well, let's live forever hopeful at whatever the riches of these world can afford for us.*wink,wink*=)
  

Live with hope and full of Life,

Mai


P.S.This is not a sponsored blog entry

 

Sunday, October 7, 2012

On Life Lessons: Remembering how to be Strong




A friend came to visit more than a month ago.

This friend of mine is among my most beautifuls. Blessed with a face of that of an angel, she carries in her banner fun and laughter; a voice that soothes fear, anger and pain and a heart that seem to not understand hurt, betrayal or danger. But her ability to love beyond love appears to me her greatest gift as well as her curse ― behind the pretty face is a heart breaking story...

I've know her half my life. I know her struggle, her pain, her ghost; I saw her truly loved and broke her wings, healed but scarred; tried to fly again awkward, blind, and uncertain with her direction.

It pains me.  There were so many times I wished to take her loads off her shoulders; my protective self tells me I’m stronger than her, my protective self tells me to take her away from the demons of her past, my protective self tells me to take the lashes and spare her bruised body from it; and once,  I did take it. It tasted acid; bitter, murky, evil, rusty, lethal.

But seeing her again after a short while that we haven’t seen each other― a change; a new beginning, a stronger heart was born. Not only once did I shed a tear with her narrating of her story; but I looked at her and her eyes are dry. She no longer weeps, no longer weeps for the past.

I am happy that finally the tides are starting to turn for her. Currently she is anchored safely at the harbour. But should she sail anew I fervently pray she would never have to encounter a storm of the same form.

A beaten soul can only endure so much adversity in a lifetime.




Initially this was supposed to be a standalone feature story. A written reminder on how to be strong, on who to look up to when I need to be strong; to inspire me and you my readers who might be sailing a difficult course. But amidst the pandemonium on the controversial Cybercrime Law a few days back; this friend of mine is who I have in mind while educating myself about this new law. 

She, like many of us benefited and enjoyed the freedom in accessing social networking sites on the internet. But unfortunately for her that same freedom that she enjoyed was used against her ― a victim of so many forms of violence from the actual physical, emotional, psychological abuse; to moral defacement and verbal deprecation, actual public humiliation and cyber malicious derogatory abuse. She had it all. 

Sometimes when I look at her I can’t help to ask myself “how can someone this good allow herself be treated this bad?” But I think to a certain point I understand...I have learned to understand...




Cybercrime Law. I hope for it to hold more promise to protect the ordinary netizens. I hope for it to be clearer in purpose. And most of all I hope for it to be able to carry out its purpose and not disappoint. On a personal note while most people are angry about some parts of this law, I secretly hope for this to be of help to my friend in winning her battle. Self-serving I know, but from where this is coming I think it’s understandable.

Until then, let’s carry on...

And to you my Dearest, like what you told me. From everything you've been through, nothing is too difficult. Something I learned from you. You’ll carry through, you always have.=)



Live a Better Life,

Mai =)



Nota Bene:
This entry is written with consent from the involved party. Some details from the image attached were intentionally removed to protect the privacy of the parties not part of this feature. 


Saturday, September 29, 2012

From My Personal Journal: Conversations with GOD

September 13, 2012

Last night was just one of my many ordinary nights ─ or so I thought…

I got home a little late than usual. I had a doctor’s appointment after work and the consultation took a while; so, I was a little tired when I got home. I did all my usual menial activities, I checked my phone for unanswered messages, eat whatever food left in the fridge (I was in my “I’m not really hungry, I don’t think I need dinner tonight” kind of mood), prepared for sleep, took my journal and my bible to my bed, looked out the window, looked up the sky while hugging my bible close to my heart and started talking to GOD.

I talked to God like I would to a friend when I pray. I told him about my usual prayer. The only prayer I asked of him for myself. Then suddenly pools of liquid spring to my eyes. They trickled down my face and would never stop. I poured my heart out to God. And he encouraged me as if saying;

“My child, I am here. Tell me everything. I saw you trying to numb your heart for a long time. I am aware that you haphazardly picked yourself up and glued your heart to piece them back together, put a smile on your face, walked to the world nonchalant about your pains. But that’s not what I want for you.


I want a brand new heart for you; you have always asked me that. And that is what you deserve. Remember those glue and bandage you use to hold yourself back up? You see, those are just temporary bonds, it may have hold your heart for awhile but those actually made all the gaps and the cracks in your heart more visible to me. Temporary bandage are not good enough. That’s not what I want for you.

Don’t be scared of your tears. Don’t be scared of your pains. I tell you what I did. Those temporary bonds in your heart, you don’t need them. I turned them into liquid, let go of your pains and release them through tears. I heard you, I am here and I will heal you. Pour out your heart, let go of all your tears, let go of all your pains and I will reward you with a heart that’s whole like the one you used to have. A heart who knows how to forgive, to understand, to support, to listen, to be patient, to love and to trust. That’s the heart that you deserve to have; the kind of heart that I want for you to have again. My child, this has always been your prayer, be patient and I will give it to you in time.”

I was immovable for God knows how long. I was just crying out to him. I cannot believe myself. He spoke directly into my heart. His words bypassed my logic I didn’t have time to think I did not even tried to think. I did not want to let go of that moment. And then after a while I stopped crying opened the Bible at random and this is what it says:

Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.
Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven.
The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest.
Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.
Psalm 85: 10-13

And then I started crying again. Have you seen those video clips from the midnight program of The 700 Club on TV? Those moments when the person giving his testimony decides to go back to God and encounter their turning point? You could picture me somewhat like that only those clips only last for a few seconds. Mine took a longtime. I honestly don’t know how long I sat crying and rocking myself while hugging the Bible like that. I am happy with my faith, I’m not religious but I believe in my God with full understanding of my relationship with Him. I don’t claim to know him too well and I am not learned in Bible reading. And honestly my logic could not explain what that scripture wants to speak to me. But my heart says that scripture is the completion of his word to me a few weeks back.



Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
(Psalm 27:14)





***It took me a while deciding whether to post this or not. Firstly, because I promised not to post my life’s drama in this site (so forgive me for failing to keep my promise). Secondly, because of matters of conformity (though I’m not really a conformist, it’s just that I don’t want you, my readers to feel uncomfortable about this topic). The thing is I’m a Catholic, and Catholics are not really known to be openly talking about their encounters with God nor are they known for reading the Bible on a day to day basis (More about this on my future posts). But then again I reasoned why would people feel uncomfortable talking about God? And then, something told me, just post it. It’s never wrong to tell the world about God. The world needs to hear it (read it…), the world has to know. Besides, you wouldn’t know, there might be someone out there who needs it. Maybe it’s not for you; maybe someone else needs to hear it through you. So go ahead, post it.

God will see us through (This line I added just today, and I’ll hold this in my heart. God will keep me, protect me, and will never let me go through anything to push me away from him, to make me feel unloved.). He is God the beginning and the end…only in his time…



Live to Love and Honor God

Mai

Thursday, September 27, 2012

The I Do Project:20 Things I Want To Tell Engaged Women


1. Marriage is made up of two good forgivers. Because every marriage is made up of two sinners. (Romans 3:23) 

2. At some point, you will have to learn that life isn’t all about you. (Philippians 2:3)

3. Don’t listen to women that tell you that passion fades…it doesn’t have to! (um…all of Song of Solomon)

4. Don’t give up. Love never fails. (1 Cor. 13)

5. He wants a kind wife, not a maid or another mother. Be nice. (Galatians 5:22-23)

6. Give your husband the gift of your respect.  He needs it more than you know. (Ephesians 5:33)

7. Be mindful of your expectations. 

8. Honor the Lord above all things. Colossians 3: 17

9. Find your worth and security in the Lord, and don’t look to your husband to

meet all of your needs.

10. Be very careful about reading romance novels, they set you up for an unrealistic view of romance.

11. Real romance is finding that one spot in the crook of his arm to snuggle into, that shared look over the dinner table when the kids are acting crazy, and the way he fixes the leaky sink when he is dog-tired after work.

12. Love is about relationship.  The more I love my husband, and seek a relationship with him, the less critical and duty-bound I become.  It is similar to my relationship with God.

13. Be thankful for the husband you have. Accept him as he is, not for what you want him to be.

14. Don’t compare!! Don’t buy into the game of comparing him with anyone else’s husband.

15.The Biblically “normal” marriage is filled with joy, connection, laughter, and peace.  It’s not free of hurt feelings and conflict, but they know how to process their pain with one another so that they live more often in a meadow than at the scene of a train wreck.  This is not the average marriage, but it normal – -because it is a visible display of Jesus’ relationship with His bride (Ephesians 5:22-33).

16. Your marriage is a testimony! 

17. Pray for your marriage. Pray hard.

18.I’ve heard that is gets better with age.  I have to say in my short {13 year} experience, that is so true.

19. Where there is God, there is always hope. Even for the most broken marriages. “With God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

20.Marriage is commitment and sacrifice. But it’s also the best, most wild ride you will ever have with your best friend.

 

 

 

 

This is another Great, Great, great reflection about Love. I’ve read this a few times and it never failed to make me misty eyed every time. She perfectly articulated the wife I want to become when it comes my turn. When it comes my time…I’ll strive to be this kind of wife…

I’m tempted to add my own thoughts about marriage and relationships but I’ll hold my tongue. Instead, let me share what one of the Ninangs one liner speech in my officemate’s wedding a few weeks ago.


 

“Wag sanang magtanong kung sino ang mas nagmahal, ang importante, may pagmamahal.” 


That’s all that she said, simple, direct. But it made so much sense. It resonated so much with me.

Love can be painful sometimes, but there was never a promise that it will never hurt. So, long as there’s love…



Live and Love with all your heart!

Mai




*****Visit her site there are a lot you can learn from her. Also linked above is her article for  A Kind Wife another great article by her.=) 
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My brand of love, the only brand I know. What I want to have and hopefully what I can give...

 

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."

 1 Corinthians 13:4–8
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