Curbside Stories

No Valentine's Day blues for me. I celebrated it with friends over coffee. And besides, Valentine's Day is a year-round event for me because this little guy never fails to give me morning hugs and kisses.

I have a lot of things to be thankful for, the first one would be I am still alive today to greet the new year. Last year was a breaking point for me, to re-think about the life I wanted to be for me and for my child. Although there were many disappointments, the blessings that were given to me are more than enough for me not to hold grudges. I got promoted, I think it was the best part. So, what will 2014 have for me... I bet, it's still the best! Happy new year to all! God bless us!

Photo from here . What can you say about having extravagant Christmas parties before we hit the holidays? I know it only happens once in a year but ever since the typhoon Haiyan left Tacloban City in Leyte and other parts of Visayas literally flat, I feel like there is no sense having Christmas parties with tons of leftover foods and drinks when you see images of families who beg for food in the streets. I find no reason for spending parties in plush restaurants when there are still families who have no roofs to protect them from the weather. I applaud those companies and families as well who, instead of having parties this yuletide season, opt to donate or spend a day or two of charity works. I mean, at this point of economic hardships and calamities, we must be more sensitive to the feelings of others. Let us be more generous in giving to those who are most needy because I believe that if we are generous to others, God will also be generous to us.

Photo from yahoo.com. After 36 years, the curse has finally broken and the Philippines finally won the blue crown. The first ever Filipina to win Miss World is Megan Young, the 23-year old actress and model from Pampanga. She bested Miss France (First Runner-up) and Miss Ghana (Second Runner-up) and the other 123 candidates today in Indonesia. This is one momentous event for the Philippines. Everyone is proud right now just knowing that the beauty, talent and intelligence of a fellow Filipino was recognized internationally. Congratulations, Megan Lynne Young!

Getting married? Have you picked up a wedding dress already? I have! I know it is still too early, heck, I am not even engaged, but who knows? It is better to be prepared at all times. Anyway, I have here two of my most favorite wedding dresses from Dress First . This particular mermaid style dress is strapless with beaded lace overlay. The train satin tulle is long enough for dramatic entrance and exit photos. This is available in four colors (white, champagne, ivory and pink) but for a conservative church such as ours, it is white or ivory for me. This is currently on sale for $441.99 previously $579. A princess will never be caught dead not owning even a single ball gown so if you are dreaming of a princess-like wedding, a ball gown type of wedding dress is perfect. I especially like this one-shoulder ball gown with organza train and ruffle flowers. I mean, it is a ball gown yet it is not overpowering the bride. This is currently on sale at $260.00 previously $322...

Click here . Happy Valentine's Day!

Merry Christmas! I could not ask for more. God has blessed me with so many things this year that I am deeply humbled by His generosity. If there are things that I would wish to have, it would be for other people. I pray for the victims of Typhoon Pablo and the rest of the calamity-stricken areas to be safe and to continue to gather their faith and strength to build their lives again. I pray for the people to continue to help and extend their generosity to those who need their help the most. I pray for the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary and their loved ones to find healing, peace, acceptance and forgiveness so that they may be able to live their lives better than today like what the innocent children wants them to have. I pray for wisdom to all country leaders to exert extra effort to promote harmonious living within their country and among other nations. I pray for Your continued mercy. May You guide us towards the right path through your Son Jesus Christ, o...

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My mom told me that when she was pregnant with me, she's fond of eating pineapples... we call it in the Philippines as pinaglihihan. Pineapple is not one of my favorite fruits because I don't like my food sour. I won't eat it unless somebody tells me it is of the sweet kind. So why did I cook a dish with pineapples? I don't have much ingredients in my kitchen. The things that are available are chicken, evaporated milk, bell pepper and pineapple tidbits. I was thinking of cooking adobo but it was just last night that we had soy sauce based dish for dinner. Well, it turned out delicious... my son could attest to that because he only eats chicken when it is barbecued, fried or if it is adobo. If you like to try this dish, here is the recipe:

Let me begin this post by saying 'Thank you!' for supporting Random Thoughts. It wouldn't have gone this far if it weren't for your visits. I hope you'll keep up with me for a longer time. God bless you all! Merry Christmas!

On Sunday at MGM in Las Vegas, the world will finally witness another boxing event that will leave a mark in the world of sports and hopefully will end the question of who is the world's greatest boxer. <a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/5660870/">Who do you think will win?</a>

It's been a while... My younger sister gave birth to a healthy boy last October 22. He looks like my son when I gave birth to him. He is too cute for words! How I wish I could carry him. They are living in another country so we'd probably see him when he is already walking. I brought up the news to dad and he asked why I didn't name my son that starts with "J"... I broke the unwritten rule... his  name starts with "J' and so are my sisters, brothers and nieces. A few weeks ago I have been busy going around town meeting new faces, meeting clients and taking driving lessons. I don't know if I mentioned in this blog that I promise to have a driver's license before I turn the big 3-0. Yep! I already know how to drive. I'll get my non-professional license before the end of this month. SO HAPPY! We had a Halloween party in our grandmother's house. It was organized by my cousins. They all wore costumes, we played games, we sang a...

Where were you when the World Trade Center was attacked by terrorists? I could very well remember that day. I was in my room watching E! in the afternoon when I suddenly received a text message from a college friend. She said the World Trade Center was hit by a plane. I thought it was the WTC in Manila but her message was followed by "the second tower collapsed". I immediately tuned in to the news to see what was happening in the US. The videos of the twin towers slowly collapsing and seeing people jumping out of the building were horrific. Tomorrow, the world will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the most brutal terrorist attack man shall ever know in his life.

Photo from here . Happy 113th Independance Day to my fellow Filipinos!

And they kissed twice!

Photo from Huffington Post . Congratulations to the newly weds! I am one of the billion watchers from all over the world who eagerly watched the exchange of vows of the most famous couple of the century--Prince William and Kate Middleton. I actually was teary eyed while I watch Kate walk down the aisle and when she and Prince William walked on the aisle for the first time as husband and wife. It was a really touching experience although I only saw it on television.  Perhaps the most awaited reveal of the wedding is the designer of Kate's dress. Well, lo and behold, it was Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen! The dress is reminiscent of Grace Kelly's wedding dress --classy and not as grand as everybody expected it to be--but, nevertheless, seeing her in a McQueen dress is an unforgettable moment in fashion and it will surely be on the list of the most iconic dresses of all time. Her shoes are by McQueen, too. And, Queen Elizabeth II is so gracious to lent her the 1936 Carti...

Live TV : Ustream

Photo from here . If you are one of the millions who await the kissing of Prince William and Kate on the altar, sorry, they won't kiss . Apparently, it is not customary in England churches. When Prince Charles and Princess Diana wed, the world also did not witness any kissing, but, they did kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. And it will happen again on Prince William and Kate's wedding.

Last Sunday, February 28th, our barangay celebrated the Feast of St. Augustine of Hippo. We always celebrate it every last Sunday of February. It is something that I personally look forward to each year because   I get to witness what Filipino hospitality and religious devotion is all about. Young boys carry on their backs the statue of St. Augustine of Hippo and parade it around the whole barangay . Elderlies danced on the streets following St. Augustine wearing the Philippines' traditional baro at saya . We call this tradition karakol . It is a colorful form of thanksgiving dance practiced in all parts of the Philippines for their patron saint. Anyone can participate, even if you do not know how to dance.

Photo from Mister Greeting Card . Happy New Year to all our Chinese brothers and sisters from all over the world. To the Chinese, the year of the rabbit officially starts when the clock hits 12:00MN. If you have missed the New Year because of whatever reason (lame), you can still celebrate the new year tonight. Did you receive any nian gao (tikoy) today? According to Wikipedia , eating nian gao has a symbolism of raising oneself higher in each coming year. If you haven't eaten a nian gao, it is a sticky rice cake. In Chinese tradition, nian gao should be given as this is also considered good luck. If you bought a nian gao for yourself, better give it away and wait for other persons to give one to you. It actually makes sense because the famous saying goes, "it is better to give than to receive."