sujee's spot

Alektorophobia and Ornithophobia

2009-10-16T03:55:00.000-07:00

Although I didn't really look for a definition of such fear, I came upon an article in my husband's Medical Observer magazine about Alektorophobia - the fear of live chicken.

Yes. I am afraid of these farmyard critters. If you want to torture me, simply leave me in an empty room with only one chicken (or chick) and I will surely die of fear.

On second thought, I not only fear live chickens but all sorts of feathered creatures. I will refuse even the most expensive of birds so dealing with pigeons in Europe (given that I will visit the continent in my lifetime) will be an extra challenge for me. Therefore, my fear could probably be classified as Ornithophobia - fear of birds.

According to Mednet.com, Ornithophobia is an abnormal and persistent fear of birds. Sufferers from ornithophobia experience undue anxiety about encountering and even being attacked by birds although they may realize their fears are quite irrational.

In terms of anxiety level, let's just say that I don't go wild at the sight of them but, as I said, I cannot be left alone in a room with any feathered creature.

Ondoy

2009-10-14T04:06:00.001-07:00

Someone mentioned to me a while back that it is our obligation to help those affected by typhoon Ondoy. I agree completely.

An acquaintance lost his belongings in the flood. I am not sure if he was able to go home since Ondoy. Last time I heard, he was living at his aunt's place, with only a few clothes in his gym bag. I'm still waiting for an update re his situation. My ex-boss lost her house to the flood - the material things she worked hard for as well as family memorabilias. My aunt's entire 1st floor area was submerged in water. Relatives of ours, who are not well-off, still have mud in their house. I'm sure you personally know people who had a bad Ondoy story.

The tragedy that passed affected impoverished people as well as the middle and upper class. We could have been one of them and we would have been grateful for any help extended to us.

I went to mass on September 27 (the day after Ondoy) and asked God to have mercy on the flood victims. God answered me, and it was so clear; He said, "I WILL HAVE MERCY ON THEM THROUGH YOU." I believe it is a message for everyone.

Let us remember how blessed we are to have been spared from the problems brought about by the typhoon.

Let's try our best to help those affected through our community or through any other organization.

Our blessings are meant to be shared.

Early Booking Boink

2009-10-11T18:13:00.000-07:00

The holidays are fast approaching. I can feel it in the air. I can feel it everytime I look at the calendar.

BER - the last syllable in the last four remaining months of the year - also means that I have to start making travel plans to my hometown, Davao. We either spend Christmas or New Year there. This year, it's going to be Christmas.

Booked our flights early this time to avoid expensive travel cost that is usually a result of late decision-making. I was able to get really good return flight rates from a small but legitimate travel agency a few weeks back. When I finally booked our departure tickets last week, guess what happened? A few minutes after completing my online booking, I received an e-mail announcement from the airline about promo fares - half the price!!!!

The e-mail made me a little dizzy. Anyway, I contacted the airline and, based on computation, cancelling the flights and re-booking won't be worth it.

So if you're interested to go to around the Philippines between 1 November to 31 December 2009, visit your travel agency and check the promo rates from Cebu Pacific or visit their website http://www.cebupacificair.com/. Last day for booking is today, 12 October 2009.

(Logo courtesy of http://www.cebupacificair.com/)

Prep Camp in BF Homes, Las Pinas

2009-09-25T02:51:00.000-07:00

In searching for a toddler school, what do you look for?

Aside from making sure that we get our money's worth with the standard of education the institution provides and, of course, the security, we are very particular about cleanliness. The classrooms should be bright and uncluttered. The restrooms should smell fresh. The playground equipment should be free from rust and the grass always mowed. The teachers should look neat and pleasant.

After visiting a few schools in our neighborhood we decided to enroll our 2 year old in Prep Camp. It's all a first-time mommy could ever want in a school for her toddler. If there's one word that comes to mind when I think about Prep Camp, it's "immaculate." It's all of the above and I have to say that we are extremely satisfied.

Prep Camp is located along Tropical Avenue in BF Homes, Las Pinas City. The school has been in existence for about 20 years and some of the teachers have been with them for 10 to 15 years. Toddler classes are being facilitated by 2 teachers and one assistant. No nannies or parents are allowed inside the classrooms during class hours to encourage independence. The classrooms are air-conditioned and is cleaned almost after every activity. They have a manicured lawn where children can play with safe playground equipment. Just as their website says, they created the school to be an extension of the home.

Of course, something this perfect doesn't come cheap. The tuition fee is quite pricey. How much? Let's just say that some my little girl's classmates have body guards. However, payment is on a monthly basis and I think we have an option for a 3-day school week. If you can afford it, it's definitely worth it.

Ever since our daughter entered Prep Camp last August, there have been a lot of exciting developments. She loves school and is always excited to show me her stamps.

For now, we're sticking with Prep Camp until it's time for her to go to big school or until we feel that the tuition fee creates a dent on our monthly budget, whichever comes first. :)

For more information about Prep Camp, visit http://www.prepcamp.edu.ph.

Roseola Virus

2009-09-23T00:51:00.000-07:00

First-time parents like myself learn a lot of things as our kids grow up.

A couple of months ago, I was so stressed with worry because my little one had an on/off fever. I was scared that it might be dengue so we had her blood tested twice. However, her pediatrician assured us, after looking at the laboratory results, that it was not dengue.

Her fever persisted for five days and it was replaced by rashes on the sixth day. Of course, the first thing that entered my mind was measles...and I was pregnant! I texted her pediatrician once I noticed the rashes and he called at once. When I described the rashes to him he told me not to worry because it wasn't measles and, again, it wasn't dengue.

What was it?

Since we weren't satisfied with a diagnosis thru phone, we brought her to the pediatrician's clinic for the nth time (since her fever started) and showed him the rashes. He immediately identified the illness as Roseola Virus. Hubby and I looked at him blankly. What in the world was Roseola Virus? Apparently, it was normal (yes, normal) for toddlers and infants to catch the virus.

According to http://www.essortment.com/, "Roseola is a generally a non-eventful childhood illness. Once it has run its course, it goes away with out any further complications." Our pedia said that the rashes usually come out after the 5th day of fever or when the fever is gone.

Our pediatrician just prescribed us with Ibuprofen to control the fever and prevent seizure.

It was one learning experience that I will not forget soon. I realized then that I should trust our pediatrician more. He has good credentials and a lot of satisfied patients.

As for our little girl, I have to say that we're blessed with a strong kid. She didn't show any signs of fear when blood was extracted from her fingers. She didn't even flinch. In fact, she even looked on as the medical technologist was conducting the procedure. She's just like her mommy. :)

ACT LIKE A LADY / THINK LIKE A MAN by Steve Harvey

2009-09-18T02:01:00.000-07:00

My brother gave me a belated birthday present which I received yesterday. It's a book by Steve Harvey (who, by the way, I don't really know) entitled Act Like A Lady / Think Like a Man. It's supposed to give women insight on "What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment." Sort of a play book for women to understand men. Mind you, it's a #1 New York Times Bestseller.

I'm only on the second chapter of the book and I already find it more entertaining than informative. There are points in the book that I can't help but share here in my blog.

1. No matter if a man is a CEO, a CON, or both, everything he does is filtered through his title (who he is), how he gets that title (what he does), and the reward he gets for the effort (how much he makes).

2. Encoded in the DNA of the male species is that we are to be the provider and the protector of the family, and everything we do is geared toward ensuring we can make this happen.

3. Even more, we want to feel like we're number one.

4. Because in his world, he's being judged by other men, based on who he is, what he does, and how much he makes. That affects his mood.

5. His eye will be on the prize, and that prize may not necessarily be you if he isn't up where he wants to be in life.

6. Chapter 2: Our Love Isn't Like Your Love

7. I'm just saying that a man's love is different - much more simple, direct, and probably a little harder to come by.

8. If your man loves you, he's willing to tell anybody and everybody, "Look, man, this is my woman" or "this is my girl," "my baby's mama," or "my lady." In other words, you will have a title - an official one that far extends beyond "this is my friend," or "this is ___________ (insert your name here)."

9. And a man who truly loves you would never makey ou ask for money for necessities - he would make sure that you need and mostly want for nothing,...

10. ...a man - a real one, anyway - wants to feel needed.

I shall read the book some more and share some more points soon.

Newlyweds@work

2009-09-18T01:29:00.001-07:00

I'm part of this wonderful e-group called newlyweds@work where moms and wives (sometimes husbands and dads) share tips, information, experiences, worries and other things. Although most of them are faceless, it's great to be part of a group that you can "run to" when you need advice, opinion, help or prayers.

Females usually have a lot to say about marriage and parenthood so it's not a surprise that the active members are moms and wives. From conception to childbirth, from diaper brands to choice of school, from house loans to choosing furniture, from intimacy to infidelity; name it and I assure you that it has been discussed at some point in the e-group. Those of us who have online stores even advertise our business in the e-group. For some, it has become some sort of support.

Our mothers didn't have this kind of privilege and access to so much information. Their life would have been a lot easier, not to mention interesting.

Technology has a positive and negative side to it. This e-group is definitely on the plus side. I'm glad I found it.

Cory In My Life

2009-08-19T03:05:00.000-07:00

Let me talk about Cory Aquino and how her death has affected me.

When I learned that she had colon cancer I felt sad because it reminded me of a close aunt who passed away due to a colon disease. More than that I knew that only a miracle could cure colon cancer...even though Mrs. Aquino was a person worthy of divine healing.

When she passed away during the first week of August, I cried. Of course, nobody saw me because I did it while I was in the shower. The tears were for her, for her family, for the country and for the many memories that her death brought back...

I was in kindergarten in Davao during the dictatorship and I could never forget seeing dead men on the roadside, on the public highway where we passed going to school in the morning. "Salvage" was a common word in Davao city and I remember hearing adults saying "curfew". I didn't understand what Marshall Law meant then.

Cory Aquino's death reminded me of my happy childhood and of loved ones who are long gone - my wonderful maternal grandmother, a beloved aunt, cousins, my school.

Although away from EDSA, I could remember the yellow ribbons made of glossy, stretchy material that we - yes - tied on trees. I remember the Ninoy shirts and the relief on adult family members' faces when the dictator was gone. But I especially remember the time when Mrs. Aquino's helicopter landed on our school's field for her Davao visit. Did I see her? I know I did but I don't remember how she looked.

Cory Aquino also meant my first airplane ride. It was right after the EDSA Revolution when my parents decided to bring me and my brother to Manila (also for the first time). Part of our itinerary was to visit Malacanang Palace and that was an experience that I would cherish until this day. It's just unfortunate that cameras were not allowed in the palace but it would have been so great to have photos of Ferdinand Marcos' room, the golden toilet and bath, Imelda's shoes and jewelry, the beautiful paintings and statues.

It was only when I grew older that I realized how much I valued the democracy that Ninoy died for and Cory fought for. They loved the Philippines so much that they sacrificed time with their children. They loved their fellowmen so much that they fought for what they believed in until each one's end.

Cory's son, Noynoy, was asked about the family trial that they had to face during their mother's demise. I don't remember the exact words but he said something about growing up with trials in their life. I thought, that's what he remembers about growing up - the trials. How hard it must have been. And yet the Aquino children do not harbor any ill feelings toward their parents or their country. In fact, they continue to serve the very people who have stolen their parents time from them. This was the reason why allowed tears to flow for Cory Aquino and her family.

I thank Cory (and Ninoy) for believing in the Filipinos when we, ourselves, did not, for the prayers she said for the country and especially for sacrificing time with her beloved children to serve the Filipino people.

Back to Blogs

2009-08-19T01:43:00.000-07:00

After a long hiatus from blogging, I'm back in the blogging world again. A lot of things have happened since my last entry....

1. Cory Aquino passed away
2. Smart finally gave me my new (retention) cellphone - E63
3. My little girl now attends toddler school every day
4. We went to Davao for another holiday last July
5. Househunting has been one of my favorite pastimes recently

I'm sure there are a lot of other things that I don't remember (my alibi: epidural) right now but will probably blog about in the next few days.

Oh, by the way, there's one more thing that happened - I got pregnant with Baby # 2.

SARAT...Our 100% Pinoy Online Store

2009-06-18T06:27:00.001-07:00

ECOMARKET @ Market! Market!

2009-05-14T05:42:00.000-07:00

Friends of ours opened shop at Market! Market! in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig. Aptly named ECOMARKET, their store offers all-natural products that WON'T make you feel like you're contributing to global-warming.

I meant to blog about it before they opened but didn't find the time to do it in March.

Let's Go Green! and visit ECOMARKET!

"ECOMARKET is your one-stop shop for earth-friendly everyday products... from household care to personal care... from mommy-care to baby care. We proudly carry your favorite brands like Messy Bessy, INDIGObaby, Leyende, Planet Noah, and Victoria."

Possible Impact of LBC Ad

2009-05-11T06:28:00.000-07:00

Teacher: Spell "remittance."

Student: Ma'am, L-B-C!!!!

Dior Bag : Authentic or Not?

2009-05-10T19:47:00.000-07:00

My mom received this Dior bag from my cousin who works for a shiek's wife in Saudi Arabia. I plan to sell it and give the proceeds to my mom, of course. However, I'm wondering if this Dior is authentic. I researched on the internet and it looks like it is the real thing.

Just to make sure, I asked my husband - who is in Singapore for a business trip, to bring the bag to a Christian Dior boutique and request if they can authenticate the bag.

Adidas. Wanted: Old Shoes

2009-05-10T09:30:00.000-07:00

Whoever thought of this is brilliant.

Blue Waters, Samal Island

2009-05-10T08:49:00.000-07:00

I'm too lazy to say something so I'll just leave you to look at the photo and figure it out.

Oh and just one more thing...it ain't Pearl Farm.

Worried Mum

2009-05-10T08:28:00.001-07:00

Ever since we arrived from the US last October, my beloved daughter has been in and out of the pedia's clinic. She's been taking too much medication and it's making me worry.

This makes me wonder....IS THE PHILIPPINES MAKING HER SICK?

La Luz Beach Resort

2009-04-28T06:48:00.000-07:00

It was a goal for us to go to the beach during Holy Week. Our target was the beach strip of Brgy. Laiya, San Juan, Batangas. However, due to procrastination, we ended up only staying for one night - Holy Wednesday night. By the time we came around to booking a resort, only Holy Wednesday night at La Luz was available.

We've been hearing good things about La Luz from our friends and we were not so disappointed with the resort.

The amenities were satisfactory. Our room's distance from the beach was just right; not too near, not too far. The food (P1,050 for 4 meals for an overnight stay) was okay according to my standards, not my mother-in-law's. The beach looked beautiful but the sand was horrible. Correction. They didn't have sand, they had pebbles. Ouch! I have to remind myself to bring aqua shoes next time I visit. However, waters were great for snorkeling.

It was a pretty resort but, honestly, not one that I'd go back to unless they grind their "pebbles" to smaller bits.

Davao Quickie

2009-04-27T03:29:00.000-07:00

Homesickness led me back to my hometown Davao last week.

With sheer determination, I was able to survive flying alone with my toddler. It wasn't that bad. In fact, it was a breeze. She cooperated and was playful. Not fussy at all. She wowed the passengers in our row as well as the flight attendants who wanted the chance to carry her. One FA wanted to keep her!

We spent a total of 7 days in Davao. My husband M followed on the 5th night and we went to the beach on the 6th day, Friday.

I was supposed to book a night at Chemas by the Sea but it was fully-booked so I settled for the resort beside it - Blue Waters which wasn't that fantastic. That's another story.

Of course, I went to Harana but ate there before my husband arrived. He isn't really fond of Harana. It was also the first time for me to dine at Bigby's and I was surprised that the food tasted good. The biggest surprise was on the last day when we had glorious crabs for lunch at Asia Restaurant.

It was a week of quality time spent with my parents. I'm glad I took the time to visit them.

2009-04-14T21:27:00.000-07:00

Children are the way they are because they are exactly what they are - children. They are curious, observant, playful, inquisitive, active, adventurous, fearless.

Most of us adults are exactly the opposite. Especially us parents.

My brother told me once that the reason why we get irritated with our kids is because we sometimes feel that we are inconvenienced by them. There is some truth in that.

The past three or four days have been a little more exciting for me since our daughter's yaya (nanny) left us. I'm back to being my daughter's constant caregiver, playmate, etc. I'm proud to say that I am more patient with her now. This is because I remember what my brother said.

I now allow my daughter to play with the stones in the indoor garden without fear of her becoming dirty because I know that she is merely curious. In fact, I sit with her and point out to her the colors of the stones she picks up. Now when she picks up a stone she says, "Color, mommy!"

She loves our laptop and there are times that she insists on sitting on my lap to tinker with the computer. I used to hate this especially when I was doing something. Now I gladly put her on my lap and switch on Microsoft Word so that she can type letters and numbers with my guidance. Now she can identify letters and numbers.

Now I make it a point to watch her videos with her so that it can be a more interactive activity. We now dance to Barney's "I Love You" song and we sing together with Dora.

Spending extra time and giving extra effort in making sure every moment is a learning experience for my daughter is more fun than saying "No" and "Stop" all the time.

Touched by Tuesdays with Morrie

2009-03-26T17:41:00.000-07:00

Finally finished reading Tuesdays with Morrie. It blew my mind. I think everyone should read the book to learn how appreciate what really matters in life.

I would have just breezed through the book if it were fiction. Mitch Albom, the author, did not just write the book out of the right side of his brain. Morrie was a real person. Tuesdays with Morrie is a true story.

Here are some of my favorite lines in the book as quoted by Morrie Schwartz:

"Dying is only one thing to be sad over, Mitch. Living unhappily is something else. So many of the people who come to visit me are unhappy."

"Everyone knows they're going to die but nobody believes it. If we did, we would do things differently."

"Do what the Buddhists do. Every day, have a little bird on your shoulder that asks, 'Is today the day? Am I ready? Am I doing all I need to do? am I being the person I want to be?' "

"Learn how to die, and you learn how to live."

"The fact is, there is no foundation, no secure ground upon which people may stand today if it isn't the family. It's become quite clear to me as I've been sick. If you don't have the support and love and caring and concern that you get from a family, you don't have much at all. Love is so supremely important. As our great poet Auden said, 'Love each other or perish.' "

"You have to find what's good and true and beautiful in your life as it is now. Looking back makes you competitive. And, age is not a competitive issue."

"Money is not a substitute for tenderness, and power is not a substitute for tenderness. I can tell you, as I'm sitting here dying, when you most need it, neither money nor power will give you the feeling you're looking for, no matter how much of them you have."

"Part of the problem, Mitch, is that everyone is in such a hurry. People haven't found meaning in their lives, so they're running all the time looking for it. They think the next car, the next house, the next job. They find those things are empty, too, and they keep running."

"Still, there are a few rules I know to be true about love and marriage: If you don't respect the other person, you're gonna have a lot of trouble. If you don't know how to compromise, you're gonna have a lot of trouble. If you can't talk openly about what goes on between you, you're gonna have a lot of trouble. And if you don't have a common set of values in life, you're gonna have a lot of trouble. Your values must be alike. And the biggest one of those values, Mitch? Your belief in the importance of your marriage."

"Invest in the human family. Invest in people. Build a little community of those you love and who love you."

"In the beginning of life, when we are infants, we need others to survive, right? And at the end of life, when you get like me, you need others to survive, right? But here's the secret: in between, we need others as well."

Maid and Brassieres

2009-03-18T17:58:00.000-07:00

One of the things I dislike most about being a grown up (here in the Philippines) is that I eventually have to deal with helpers. No, it's not what you think. I respect helpers and I'm grateful for their service. But when issues arise and you have to confront them...that's what I hate.

Take this morning, for example. I've been instructing our helper (not the nanny) not to fold my padded bra inward. I explained a few times already that if she does this, the pad will get deformed and I won't be able to use the bra anymore. But, lo and behold, this morning I found a padded bra of mind folded inward again! Argh! What's worse was that when I pointed it out to her again (for the nth time), she denied folding it....which she does everytime she's corrected for doing something wrong.

This may be a petty issue for me to rant about but I have my reasons. First, good bras are really expensive. Second, instead of admitting and apologizing, this helper denies and blames someone else for doing it - in short, she's a liar.

If we weren't living with my in-laws, I'd request that helper to leave us and find another one. My mom-in-law likes her because she can cook and clean well. But she's a denial queen and we've caught her lying a few times already. That includes a car scratch...but that's another story.

Make-Up By Sujee Isturis - Sarmiento

2009-03-16T22:12:00.001-07:00

I created a new blog dedicated only to my career as a make-up artist. It will showcase my work, both past and present, as well as thoughts mostly related to beauty.

Hope you link me up!

Oh, and by the way, you may be intersted to get me for weddings, debuts, proms, pre-nups, etc. Just let me know :)

Gadgets in '05

2009-03-15T19:21:00.000-07:00

Some of my earlier projects were with Gadgets Magazine. I was still Brand Manager for Elizabeth Arden (Fragrances, Skincare, Cosmetics). Gadgets got Elizabeth Arden to sponsor make-up for the magazine and I had the opportunity to do make-up for their cover and editorial.

Models for the July 2005 issue were Hawaiian Tropic girls Jocelyn Oxlade and Faith Amigo.

Models for the September/October 2005 issue were Angel Locsin (who was very young then) and Matteo Guidicelli.

Introduction to Theater Make-up

2009-03-12T23:52:00.000-07:00

Introduction to Theater Make-up was part of the Module 2: Advance Beauty, Photography and High Fashion Make-up curriculum at the Philippine educational arm of Make-up For Ever - Maquillage Professionnel.

Two days were allotted for the subject. On the first day, we tackled Aging Make-up and we discussed Character Make-up on Day 2.

Here's my ever-patient model, Jo-Anne, as Lola and Kuting. Plus a photo of her and Valentina (by Kay Rodriguez).

Spoke Too Soon

2009-02-23T03:01:00.000-08:00

Make-up For Ever Academy called. They're taking me in as their one and only student for their advance make-up course. Since no one else enrolled in the course, I'm going to have one-on-one training with the instructors. Classes start tomorrow until mid-March.

The Lord has plans for me and I'm super duper excited!