♥ Filipinos tougher than ONDOY &hearts

Monday, September 28, 2009

Since yesterday, I've been worried about my family, relatives and friends especially those who are from Marikina. Today, as I/we browse for news about the recent natural calamity that hit our nation badly, Ondoy, we could not help but get worried more not just to the people we know, but for all our countrymen. I read my FB and saw all the messages of both concerns, advisories and appeals as well. Also, it was part of the world news yesternight.

Ondoy has been the worst typhoon in terms of rainfall for the past 40 years! In 6 hours, it was able to pour amount of water which is equivalent to a whole month's rainfall!

Let's not make this deemed-merciless typhoon Ondoy / Ketsana (called here) succeed and take all what we have. It may have been cold during those 6 long hours but the Filipinos managed to keep their hearts and helping hands warm It may have left the Philippines with flooded streets, but it also left Filipinos' heart flooded with love and care, sympathy and togetherness, more faith in HIM and more hope.

The rain may have stopped, the water may have subsided, Ondoy will indeed pass but not the Philippines nor its people. Filipinos will always stand up, even when bruised or wounded, it will rise up, tougher and will claim victory over any typhoon.

I have watched some footages available on youtube and it made me cry - cry of sympathy, worry and fear, cry of being touched seeing those who became heroes, instant heroes...

My ♥ goes to my home country especially to those who are greatly affected. This Sunday, I will request our local parish to offer a prayer for them.

It's also a reminder for all of us that nature is good but when misused, it can be very dangerous.

Miss Sachi
PS: Kindness in the Philippines is not yet extinct and will never be! (for those who claim/thought there's nothing else good back in RP)

image from google, stuff.co.nz, reuters

♥ Just a POV ♥

With the recent cases/issues regarding the air of one's personal opinions in the cyberspace, I'm not so certain if this is a smart thing to do. =p Well, anyway these are just nobody's thoughts about the 2010 election.

Personally, I am 70% decided as to whom shall I give my single vote. But, from now to May 2010, I still have some time to think things over. Yeah, and read more facts about the candidates' PERFORMANCES in their present offices, including ATTENDANCE and EXPENDITURES.

Here is our country once again, being faced by a challenge - to vote for the least evil among the candidates. In our culture, we choose candidates either because of the artists endorsing them or because of their family background. But, that was before... nowadays I'd love to think that we've become smarter. I also believe that an elected public official is not made overnight. I hope everyone joins me in searching the right person who will handle and represent our nation for the next (hopefully) 6 years.

My hopes....
1. More news about a canidate and his platforms rather than his sibling and artists endorsing him.
2. A clear explanation for the allegations to another candidate, this time coming directly from him.
3. Those running independent... be independent all the way.
4. Endorsers help, family background as well but I'd rather take a look at the PERFORMANCE.

As I've said, May is near yet too far. Plenty of time to know more of these wannabes. =)

All hopes,
Miss Sachi

♥ Flooded with Worries ♥

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Only NOW have I found out through news in the internet and fellow bloggers the gravity of Typhoon Ondoy. While reading the stories, I felt something heavy in my heart and worries flooded my mind.

Then it became clear to me....
It was becoz of Ondoy why I couldn't reach my mom's cellphone... =(
My bestfriend bid goodbye to me while chatting yesterday @ around 12noon, telling me the river near their house is rising. She lives in Marikina with her family, in a one-storey house. She's not online AOT, which is unusual! =(
I heard of the flooding incident in Las Pinas, my sister and her family live there. =(

I'm WORRIED for my loved ones. I want to cry for not being able to hear from them! What's the use of my notebook or cellphone if I could not make sure they are all fine. =(

I hope to contact them real soon. For now, I'll just prayerfully hope that everything's fine.

Please, just to learn they're safe and fine... that's all I ask.

Miss Sachi

♥ new 'pebbles' for sachi ♥

Friday, September 25, 2009

Hello buddies! Before I finally tuck myself into bed. I just wanna share my latest blessings...

I love organising, thus I love organisers too!
So, aside from having a Palm PDA turned MP3 player,
MP4 turned gaming machine, 2 cellphones and
BDJ planner turned scraplanner/diary...
I decided to add another gadget
for a more organise life... =)
My new blackberry.

Since, Lovey and I are now hooked on
video games, I decided to buy Sony PS2 Slimline!
(Lovey also bought one!)
We still play the classic Nintendo type but
Ps2 is definitely something else! =)

Before all these, there were "Shukri" and "Purdy".
Shukri is a notebook which is very ideal
for traveling, browsing and blogging! =)
While Purdy is a typical laptop ideal
for home use, like for Nintendo games
and DVD watching during late nights.

Life indeed is full of pleasant surprises when you
just open your hearts to them.

These are the latest additions to my pebbles.
Yeah, just pebbles... =)

All Love,
Miss Sachi

♥ Inspiring Story ♥

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

I found this story on a church newsletter and I was immediately enlightened/reminded and inspired, so I thought to myself, I might as well share it to other people.

The Mayonnaise Jar and The Two Cups of Coffee

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in
a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the two cups of
coffee.

=============================

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.
He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The
pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes".

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, " I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.

The golf balls are the important things in life. Your God, your family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions: things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car.

The sand is everything else: the small stuff.

"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.

Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean house and fix the disposal.

Take care of the golf balls first; the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."

♥ ♥ ♥

I hope you find the story nice, as well.
Coffee, anyone? =)
Miss Sachi

♥ TraveLicious ♥ Rotorua & Taupo

Monday, September 21, 2009

Sharing to you what I did to enjoy and give in to my passion (i.e. TRAVEL) this weekend, a quick, fun-packed one-day getaway (includes Mt. Ruapeho)!

We decided to stop at one of the many mountain-fields.
Sachi w/ ostrich.

Some sheep in faraway, background.
They were shy, I guess. hihi
(excuse my hair, it was WINDY!)

Inside the cable car @ Rotorua Skyline Skyrides.

Riding/Enjoing Luge Ride @ SkyLine SkyRides, Rotorua

Me and Lovey, goofy shot up on air
while riding another cable car.

Mudpool @ Taupo
I really see not just swamps but grounds
steaming smoke!

Huka Falls @ Taupo

first sunset

One day, less than 24 hours actually can make a difference in one's life. I now have a clearer and more faithful outlook in life. I'm reminded of myself, of my passion - travel and travel some more, enjoy God's gift of nature. I'm reminded that there are greater joys not brought by material things and I am reminded how big the world is, how short but wonder life can be. =)

Love you aLL,
Miss Sachi

P.S. I hope you enjoyed the long weekend in Philippines. =)

♥ Finally... SNOW ♥

Finally, after 4 months... I can now say,
going here is worth it after all. =)

After 5-6 hours of trafficless drive, being on the road
@ 2am start...., I could not help not to lay down the ice....

Now, I'm feeling the old me - LOVING
TRAVEL... love being just a tourist! =)

Mt. Ruapeho experience, an active volcano and the
nearest ski resort from WLGTN city. The place may not be
the greatest ski resort in the whole world
but for me coming from a tropical country,
the experience itself was definitely
an A+.
We were accompanied by truly great and
friendly Samoans... Thanks to them big time!
I really enjoyed as I savored the grandeur of HIS
another truly magnificent creation.

Thanks, I had a great time with ICE.

Loving snow,
Miss Sachi

♥ Mt. Ruapeho sneak preview ♥

Friday, September 18, 2009

Didn't I tell you we'll be hitting the snow this weekend?
Now, there's a name of the place...
Mt. Ruapeho... say hello to Sachi!
It's half past 11 on this side of the earth.
At 2am we'll be hitting the road...
the road to SNOW!!! =)

All excitement,
miss sachi

image from google

♥ Bird Story ♥

Good eve' buddies! I hope you had a good Friday... =) Before I f'nally say goodbye to workdays and hello much awaited weekends, lemme just share to you my personal thought early this morning.


Coming to work, I was half an hour early so I decided to sit on a nearby bus stop. There, I found an old man, from his pocket he threw pieces of bread on the ground (birds' breakfast I guess). He fed them more. At first, the birds quickly ate what they can eat and when they heard some footsteps (from people walking on the street) or cars passing, they fly away. Two birds caught my attention as I observed them in silence. At first, they were among those who flew away when heard any sound. But one time, when a car passed and all other birds flew away, the 1st bird just stay put, looked where the sound was coming and then like knowing it was harmless, he continued eating and the 2nd bird flew away but he had in his beak the piece of bread.

Then it struck me. COURAGE. The (1sr)little bird had the courage to do what he loves to do; what he needs to do; and what he has started doing. He did it despite all other birds has fly away. He did it alone. Then there is RESOURCEFULNESS showed by the 2nd bird. If he cannot eat in peace in the street then he just take away the food with him. I'm reminded - I AM QUITTING THE PATH, BUT I AM NOT QUITTING MY DREAM.

It's funny how HE talk to us. I know, my thoughts about those birds came from HIM. =)

Renew your dreams this weekend!

All Love,
Miss Sachi

image by yours truly.... =)

♥ Sachi's day! / CooL Sites Discovered ♥

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

I started my day with some kick-*ss!!! I was one breath shy from being left by the scheduled bus, thank God the driver is in good moody. =) So he waited for me while I cross the street, holding my spare shoes on my hands! LOL

But all good when I finally started my work. Aside from one incident of "frozen system", everything went pretty well.

Today is my Lovey's sister birthday, Marie, that's why after work, we headed straight at a Malaysian Cuisine somewhere in DT Wellington - Courtney Place, called SATAY KAJANG. We ordered the all-time fave "MiGoreng" with some spicy squid and banana crepe. Later, I "might" give my personal verdict to this resto. =)

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

For now, lemme just share to you my latest discoveries - cool websites!!!

If you're into fashion and...
if you love paper dolls,
then you'll definitely adore this site.
www.y8.com (go to dress-up section)
Highly recommended for kids and not to mention,
KIDS @ heart!

Revive the Tamagochi days but do it
with the latest techie (wifi, internet), because online
yo can now own and take care of your
very own virtual pet!
Just go to www.foopets.com.
Sure hit for kids and young adults
who want but cannot in one way or another
own a real pet.

I know, there are zillions of games out here in the net. But sometimes, in that "many" we can't seem to find the one perfect for us. That's why I'm sharing these 2 cool sites based on my personal preference! =)

Enjoy everyone!
Miss Sachi

♥ Advanced White Christmas ♥

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Me, Lovey and some friends are sched to hit the SNOW this coming weekend!
Finally, another check mark on my "bucket list" (the other day was
the SAKURA experience).
Yes, am excited...
Makes me wanna end the day right away.
Had to prepare for the cold. =)

All Love,
Miss Sachi

image from google

♥ Mangled English ♥

HeLLo blogbudz! I was kind of forced to post another new entry just to cut the trend of my blog topics... so creepy and uncomfy, yah know. =)

What about the Mangled English? I happened to read an article published at Dominion Post about some prominent personalities who happened to be victims of mangled English. It gave me a quite a big laugh. =) The poll was inspired by Plain English Campaign and was participated by 4000 people.

So I searched the net so I can share it to everyone else who has not bumped into it yet. Here is the link and read on to my top 3 picks as teasers. =)

"Our enemies are innovative and resourceful and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." - George W. Bush

"I think that gay marriage should be between a man and a woman."
- Arnold Schwarzenegger

"Reports that say that something hasn't happened are always interesting to me, because as we know, there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns: the ones we don't know we don't know."
- Mr. Rumsfeld

Miss Sachi (all smiles)

♥ Ghost ♥

*My previous post was about people who already passed away. I sincerely do hope that this will be the last time I'll be sharing a topic about someone passing away. *

Who would have not known him?
He, who always say ditto instead of those magic words.
He, who is oh so very charming especially in the
pot-moulding scene, while 'Unchained Melody' is playing.


GHOST, DIRTY DANCING star
PATRICK SWAYZE
DIED September 14, 2009
ANOTHER BRAVE FIGHTER of the dreaded C
MAY HIS SOUL FIND THE LIGHT

> Ghost is one of my personal favorites. One of the very first movies that taught me something about LOVE. <
"It's amazing, the Love you feel inside, take it with you."
Miss Sachi + Shukri

nj.com for the pic.

♥ What do they share in their deaths? ♥

Monday, September 14, 2009

FERNANDO POE Jr., - King of Philippine Movies, best friend of ERAP, Presidential Candidate of 2004 National election. DIED December 14, 2004

JAIME CARDINAL SIN - present at EDSA 1 and 2, which ended Martial Law and ERAP (allegedly corrupt) administration respectively. DIED JUNE 21, 2005.

RAUL ROCO - Philippine Senator, former DepEd secretary, participated in President Estrada's impeachment. Ran for President in 2004 National Election but his health took its stall. DIED August 5, 2005.

CORAZON AQUINO - 11th President of the Philippines. Present in EDSA 1 and 2. Friend of Cardinal Sin. Wife of NINOY AQUINO. DIED August 1, 2009.

ERAñO MANALO - also known as Ka Erdy, Executive Minister of INC (Iglesia Ni Cristo) INC is known capable of giving a solid support to any Presidential candidate. DIED August 31, 2009.

It is yet too early to remember the souls of these leaders and icons. So, why this post, because I find it quite trivial and interesting. There is SOMETHING COMMON on their deaths. No, it's not the causes. All are big names in Philippines' politics and/or religion. All are respected and loved by their supporters.

ALL DIED DURING ONE (PGMA) Administration (2004-2009)
God bless their souls.

Miss Sachi

pics and infobits from wikipedia and google

♥ Spotted ♥ Botanical Garden of Wellies

Kia Ora! (hello!) blogmates... My apologies for being inactive for the past days, I've been busy with acquiring new "babies". I might share them to you soon. But for now, all I can share is my happiness brought by my babies, Shukri and Purdy. =)

To make it up, here is a very fresh happening to me, actually just 7 hours ago... I finally made it to Botanical Garden of Wellington at Karori. September is the start of the SPRING season, so flowers are blooming almost everywhere especially at the Botanical Garden.

I love flowers. In fact, that's one aspect of my lovey that I really appreciate - he often gives me flowers. It's so nice to look at them, take their photos or even just to smell them (even though they are odorless most of the times!)

At the Botanical Garden, oh yeah baby, there are MANY FLOWERS, name it! But there were some that really captured my attention and simply took my breath away.
What are they?

DREAM flowers, my first time to know and see them.
They are simply beautiful in white and yellow!
Seen oftenly as notebook covers, a'ight?

My ever favorite Tulips. They are lovely.

Thinking they were Sakura, but they are actually called,
California Poppy which is very awesome and fragrant too!
Yes, they smell real sweet and nice.

A SAKURA leaf in my hand!
Yes, I've finally experience Cherry Blossom, and that my friends
completed my day, my journey even here at Welly.
I only see them before in Japanese cartoons
but now, it's in my hand.

The Wellies' Botanical Garden is no doubt a photographer's
and nature lover's haven. (Is that me!?) dream on, i know. =)
This garden is so relaxing so I'm giving it a two-thumbs-up and
a rate of 9/10! (especially becoz there's no entrance fee!)
It's a must-visit for tourists.
And oh, they have a tree-house, rose garden, duck pond,
cactus garden, fern garden and many more!!!

I've been to Paradizoo at Mendez Cavite also, though in land size they will
surely lose, I can safely and proudly say that when it comes to
FLOWERS per se, they can put up a good fight! =)

Loving Nature,
Miss Sachi, Shukri & Purdy

My debts =): (posting soon)
♥ Central Park
♥ Cable Car

♥ Tastebuds ♥ WHITTAKER'S chocolates

Monday, September 7, 2009

Hello blogchics!

I've been busy with stuff lately but I'm back. 'wink' And as I promised I will be sharing my chocolate experience in this side of the world, here where Hershey's, Toblerone and even Ferrero or any other US or Belgian chocolates are not so click.

I'm introducing to you all, NZ's very own and number one chocolate since 1896, Whittaker's.

"Whittaker's premium quality chocolate is crafted to a traditional recipe using the finest West African cocoa beans and creamy whole milk. The beans are roasted to perfection to give the unique European style and flavour that has made Whittacker's a famous NZ company since 1896." - from the chocolate's packaging

I was able to buy 10 or more of their variants and decided to try some of my personal favorites and here I am sharing to you my experience with them, a yummy one! =) Before I proceed, I must tell you first that I naturally have a sweet tooth that actually runs in my family, so a little trace of bias in here but I'll try to be as factual. =)

The first one I tried is their WHITE CHOCOLATE.
I love white chocolates! So, did I like it too?
Honestly, not much. I'm a bit disappointed becoz though I got a
sweet tooth, I do not like the sweetness that cuts like a knife straight through the brain!
For me, it's sweeter than Toblerone white chocolate and Toblerone has bits of nuts
that seem to moderate the sweetness. That part is what's missing in Whittackers.
Well, I told you I'll be factual.... and bias, so my rate is 6/10.
Will I munch it again?
Yes, but just a small bite at a time. One bar for a week or two, maybe.

The 2nd one I tried is their PEANUT BLOCK.
It is actually my lovey's choice since I'm no fan of peanuts.
I fear that they would cause me pimples after. =)
Did I like it?
Are you kidding? I LOVE IT! - so much that I forget about side effects.
Just right sweetness and very yummy peanuts. hmmm...
Will i recommend it?
Definitely, at the rate of 8.8/10!
I just dunno if Filipinos would love it as well, especially the elders,
why?, becoz of the hard nuts (remember their teeth) and they
may find it similar to our very own panutsa! hehe

The last type for this batch is ALMOND GOLD.
I got so high with the Peanut Block that's why I chose this.
Did it disappoint me?
Nope, but it neither gave me much of a big surprise.
I don't know if its because of the after-effect of the peanuts
or its just that the almonds used were not as delicious as others.
I too, liked better the taste of the chocolate in peanut block.
Will I have it again?
Yes, especially for gifts and pasalubong.
Almonds are more appealing than mere peanuts. =)
my rate: 8/10

Chocolates, chocolates, chocolates... if I could just have you all the time without having to worry about break-outs, weight, figure and diabetes. =) But it's still fun to taste-test even if I do not have to eat the whole block. Yes, I did share it my friends. Thanks to blogging, I have the perfect excuse!

Until the next batch,
♥ Miss Sachi

♥ TraveL Pick ♥ a glimpse of WETA CAVE

Friday, September 4, 2009

As I posted previously, my Lovey and I were able to go to one of my "to visit list" here in Wellington, NZ and that is the WETA CAVE located at Miramar, unexpectedly. We just overheard some kababayans who were heading there, asking the bus driver for directions, so we "secretly" followed them. =)

After going to Central Park early in the morning (so please excuse my haggardness in picture), we were supposed to buy some favorite cookies at The Warehouse but then, one bus ride and the rest of our afternoon that day changed, beautifully I must say! Everyday is indeed full of surprises...

Weta Cave is not literally a cave.
It is a place of the multi Academy Award winning company whose
artists and craftsmen helped bring The Lord of The Rings, King Kong and
The Chronicles of Narnia.
Weta Cave screens an exclusive behind the scenes look at WETA and
interviews with WETA co-founders Peter Jackson, Richard Taylor etal.
There is a mini museum which presents proudly some characters,
props and displays from various movies including
LOTR's!
Ofcourse, there is a souvenir on the side too, to complete
everybody's visit.

Sachi's rate: 7/10

UPside: Marvelous talents and crafts were showcased. The WETA workshops products are truly amazing and deserving of not just recognitions but also people's attention. It's AMAZING!

DOWNside: Sorry pals, aside from not being a "big fan" of films such as LOTR, Weta Cave is small, too small for a place for such magnificent crafts. It does not meet my expectations, maybe as to size and grandeur.

glimpses

Til the next place we explore,
Miss Sachi

Next...
♥ Central Park Trail
♥ Cable Car!

♥ 1st batch of CHOCOLATE reviews =)