[ A U G U S T ]

August has been very busy.

As you can see, I haven't been writing enough. Blogging has always been into mind, but I just couldn't find time.

This month, I got to try things at work which I haven't experienced before. Just like braving the waist-high flood just to distribute relief goods to fellow Pinoys affected by the heavy monsoon rains earlier this month. We also went on a medical mission and felt so thankful that my Family stays safe inside a flood-less home, with concrete walls and a stable roof. I also got to meet and be working closely with more Politicians, SM Foundation Team, Barangay Chairmen, Rotary Club Heads and DSWD workers.

SM also held the Brilliante Mendoza Film Festival and got the chance to work  with the Director...

Marc also did so good with all his dishes for this month. Sarap! His Pork Medallions, Chicken Curry and his own version of Sisig were simply the best. 

 

 I also got to cook this month. One thing I failed doing when I started to work again. Of course, my best recipe would be my  Chicken and Pork Paprikash and my Patola Soup ala La Paz Batchoy!

I am also so proud with my diet. I can definitely say that I am eating a lot less. I eat during dinner though, Marc cooks, what can I do? But, I can control my food intake now. I could somehow wear my clothes more comfortably. I am happy about it :)

It is also in this month when Marc and I got sick during the same days of the week. We were (include Arkin) just inside our house on those days.

As for my son... He had his "first" haircut after his "real first" haircut. I guess he will have his hair done now, on a "more often" basis. The three of us are all going crazy over mega blocks. Arkin is also developing really really fast. He speaks very clear and asks us clever questions. He could do some chores already; like putting his toys back, throwing things in the trash can, cleaning water spills. He is also very malambing. Arkin met Anna this month --- which made me happy because he found a new friend in the village; but made me think that someday soon, he might end-up falling-in-love with a random girl he met. Haha :)

Mama visited Los Baños after her last visit in July 01, 2012. I missed her. Sure did my Boy :)

Bakla and Perx went to La Union and Baguio.

We stayed at Daddy and Mommy's house overnight. It felt really weird that I was half-asleep at my parents house all night. Well, it is not the "home" I am used to --- like our home in Faculty.

This month, I missed my godson's baptism. It was a crazy story! Nahiya talaga ako kay Ela.

After almost 3 years --- i got to speak with my best guy friend, Vyjay! He called me up when I sent him a birthday greeting through an SMS. I also got to talk to his wife, Jenn :) I hope that they will visit the Phils soon so that we'd see each other... I really miss Bugoy...

August is my third month here at work. I got my 3rd Month assessment. But, it is also in this month, when I am formulating a plan in mind for a better career path. That is because, I got to drive a car after 9 months... and I missed it BIG TIME!!!

[ emotional scars aren't healing... ]

Bonggak Pastries: Bringing Life to Celebrations

Almost all celebrations are made meaningful with the presence of  this scrumptious, moist, tasty and delicious CAKE. The history of cake dates back to ancient times. The first cakes were very different from what we eat today. They were more bread-like and sweetened with honey. Nuts and dried fruits were often added. Now, from a bread-like piece, cakes eventually improved its baking techniques as well as its decorations. 

Cake decorating is an edible art. It is interesting to note how cake decorating, like most other things, is simply a reflection of the society and life of the people who developed it.

February 1, 2011 --- It is in SM City Calamba where a local specialty cake shop was first introduced to the market --- BONGGAK PASTRIES. It is a family owned and operated pastry shop since 2009. Bonggak Pastries only started as a very small stall in Los Baños, Laguna with only one employee. Its proprietor, Cecile Helene Miranda Devaux, also managed to put up her brand online through the social media, Facebook and Multiply. 

 

 

 

Bonggak Pastries specializes in Fondant Cakes. By definition, fondant is an icing made of confectioners sugar and water, giving the bread foundation a layer of smooth finish. Their cakes offer clients sweetness that is just right, a smooth bread texture and an array of yummy flavors (comes in Chocolate, Red Velvet, Carrot  and Butter). The brand enables their costumers to customize their own cake and cupcake designs too. Cakes by Bonggak Pastries are known to be full of colors; it could also be noted that there has been no cake with the same exact theme; their brand is always innovative, changing and unique. Customer satisfaction is their top priority, which means giving customers flexibility on the cake's design and most especially, its price. The brand has also been featured in SmartParenting online.

Bonggak Pastries became, by any definition, a successful business venture since its first day of opening in SM City Calamba. From a stall of one employee, Bonngak Pastries now has 21 employees and is already in more than one SM Supermalls in South Luzon. Their branches are also located in SM City Lipa, SM City Dasmariñas and is recently opened in SM City Sta.Rosa in August 03, 2012.

Any celebration will never be complete without a CAKE to celebrate with... Bring life to your celebration. Why choose ordinary? --- celebrate with Bonggak Pastries.

Not-So-Perfect Day

I always look forward to sleeping. I love to sleep a lot. If only I have written every dream I had, I could have a dozen of 4-inched book already.  Actually, I do not have any intention with this post. I just feel so tired at this very moment. I feel like going to bed already... *devilish grin*

I am still at the Mall and it's already 8:45pm. The mall hours have been extended to 10:30pm from it's original closing time of 10:00pm. It's because the mall shoppers are still enjoying.

I feel good whenever I wake-up on weekdays. Even when I feel that there is none, I mind-set that I will spend my day for whatever purpose. It makes me feel productive when I am able to do things and finish a task. I like it like that.

But please, I really wallow a lot in bed on weekends. Tomorrow is Saturday, and I will be at the Mall. Ok, well then, going to work will be the purpose of my day. I will just have to wait for Monday and Tuesday so I'll get to rest.

I am really tired.

SMCL on a 3 Day Sale

where leadership starts...

It's the weekend. It was may rest day and so I see to it that I will find time to spend with my son. At the very moment, my thoughts have been wanting to write something about Leadership; to have it submitted to HR for the SM News Bulletin. This is my first-time.

My Son, who is turning 3 in November, was asking me to build a house with his Lego blocks. I told him that I shouldn't be the only one to do it, we should both enjoy it instead. I told him that I will be there as his guide, but he should be the one to conceptualize how our Lego House would look like; he will tell me where he wants the doors and windows to be placed; he will also choose the colors of the blocks, decide on the house's size and if the house will have a garage. I then, will inform him of how I view the choices he made for our project. Because he is still young, I will thoroughly explain and model the way on how these building blocks work. I would make him want to aspire for us to come-up with the Best Asian Modern Lego House ever built!

The thought of this quote, "Good Leadership Starts at Home" suddenly popped into my mind. I say, "Good Leadership starts at HOME, just like a mother's dedication to his child; a leader is to his team."

A good leader knows how to INFLUENCE others, as I would definitely want to be the most influential person in my son's life. Such influence would aim towards accomplishing an objective or a common goal. On that day however, it is as simple as building the best Lego House.

Leadership, just like motherhood, is a never-ending process of self-study, education, training and experience. It is through this process that we develop someone else' CHARACTER. They say that character defines a person and if we can develop others to be "a Man of Character," someone who looks at failures as a true learning experience, we can already assure them that they will go far in life. Being a leader means wanting to see others reach SUCCESS because you INSPIRED them; you make others yearn to achieve high goals because it's your "followers" who will determine your success as a leader. Leaders have an honest understanding of who they are, what they know and what they can do rather than just bossing around. They ensure that everything is understood, well-supervised and accomplished. They have a high sense of responsibility; makes sound and timely decisions and sets as an example to their followers.

I am a first-time mother. I can say that in three years, I have been making a great sense on being my Son's lead. That weekend made me realize things --- it was more than just playing, building and finishing-up the best Asian-Modern Inspired Lego House with Garage. More than developing the leader in me, I was also encouraging my son's heart and character to be someone someday. As simple as it was, it's an unconcious  start of instilling a strong foundation towards aiming for his success... So that when he is all-grown-up; when he is already accountable to others and to our society --- He will be A LEADER. A GOOD ONE.

Let us exemplify the Leaders within. Home is where one starts from.. 

[ article's Theme was inspired by the creative juices of by Ms.Cory Delos Reyes, SM City Calamba's Resident Engineer ]