the canDIshhh tales

What is a miracle?  Miracle, as defined by dictionary.com is: So this morning was a bit unusual.  For almost two years, I have been on *hatid* duties.  There's a driver provided by my in laws, so all I need to do is accompany Kailee and our carpool mates to school every morning.  Not once has a driver not shown up on time.  I think there was one or two occasions last year that the driver would call the guard or text me that they won't be able to make it.  I thought it was very nice of them to text or call to inform me, right?  Well, I appreciated that gesture very much. So anyway - this morning, I was just supposed to bring Connor to school.  My Panget has asked me weeks ago that I would be on that particular *hatid* duty because he'll be too tired from playing bball the night before.  So okay, the arrangement was - that Yaya B will bring Kailee to school, while I will bring Connor to school.  You see, if I bring both of them to s...

I've honestly never been to a massive book fair.  It was my first time to see that many books in one place.  It was overwhelming and at the same time, very exciting.  I like reading books, I used to buy a LOT when I was still single.  But when I got married, well - the books I bought only gathered dust on my side table.  I can't seem to find the time to finish a book. I feel that books are an investment, so whenever we go to a bookstore and the kids like to buy a book, we most of the time let them.  We feel that it's better to buy books than toys.  What do you think? I remember someone telling me that books, the hard copies (publishing industry) is dying because of the rise of e-books.  I felt sad honestly, it's still different when you have *kilig* when I see my children open a book and read.  I look at them lovingly when the do it.  Kailee now is especially into reading, she just started to learn to read and it makes me so prou...

Here are whats in store for us from Starbucks Philippines!! BUTTERFLY PEA COLD BREW LEMONADE A mesmerizing hue of blue Butterfly Pea flower tea layered with refreshing lemonade and topped with deliciously smooth Starbucks Cold Brew coffee. Starbucks®, Butterfly Pea Lemonade Cold Brew features butterfly pea flower tea – a trending ingredient in Southeast Asia, which is distinct for its natural blue shade and color-changing properties. It reacts with the lemonade to create captivating swirls. TAHITIAN VANILLA MACCHIATO A customer favorite returns this season! Starbucks® Tahitian Vanilla macchiato infuses velvety steamed milk with aromatic, caramelly Tahitian vanilla syrup, topped with Starbucks Signature Espresso and finished with vanilla bean specks and vanilla drizzle in a classic double crosshatch pattern.   EVERYTHING LOOKS SO GOOOOOOOD!! And these will be available starting February 20, 2018. Below are the Easter editio...

PRESS RELEASE Ballet Manila brings lyrics to life with the newest installment of “Ballet & Ballads” A tradition in almost all of Ballet Manila’s performance seasons, Ballet & Ballads, once again returns to the stage to bring music and lyrics to life. And in an effort to bring ballet to the people and the people to the ballet, the country’s premier classical dance company plans to close its current season with a star-studded affair. Ballet Manila CEO and Artistic Director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde muses about the latest installment, “It combines a singer with ballet numbers—an interesting concept that we’ve been experimenting with for quite some time now. It’s an entertaining way to enjoy ballet, especially for first-time audiences.” Heartthrob crooner Christian Bautista is set to lead the roster of singers as a guest performer. He’ll sing some of his greatest theater hits, as well as songs from his latest album. Joining Christian are artists from the Kla...

Recently, I turned a year older.  I am not one of those who dread getting a year older.  Aging and growing up is a part of life.  I honestly don't understand those who get offended when they are asked for their age.  We can't stay young all our lives. As I turned a year older, well - as every year passed by - celebrations have become less festive.  I feel that as I age, I want my birthday to be a simple and quiet celebration.  I have appreciated more those simple gestures of greetings because I feel they are more sincere.  I am proud to day that I turned 38 this year.  Another year wiser.  Looking back, I know I've wronged people, I've hurt friends and have been on that same end.  But what I have done is forgive them, and shake off those negative feelings.  I just hope those who I have hurt and wronged will learn to forgive me as well.  I know it's not an easy process, but it will eventually get there. One of the things tha...

Nearly 7 years ago, I became a first time mom.  I didn't know what to expect.  I read books and articles, spoke to moms but nothing prepared me for what was in store.  Advices were given, but you know what - you won't truly know what to do until you really become a mom. Motherhood doesn't have a manual, don't all moms wish that?  Life throws unexpected punches and we either dodge or be punched.  Being punched in motherhood's face isn't so bad.  Yes, it's hard, it hurts, entails a LOT of sacrifices, sweat, tears, fears and a whole lot more.  But you see your child smile or when they give you an unexpected hug - you seem to forget all those not so nice things. Being a mom twice over doesn't mean that I already have a kept it together.  Life every day is different, every day is a new challenge.  You sort of get the hang of it, but remember - two kids, two different genders, two different personalities, two different minds, two differ...