writetowander

THE JOLLY BLOGGER AWARD :)

4:24 PM

Hey dearies! How have you been? Hope you’re feeling excellent and excited. BTW, thanks for all the love you showed for my previous post! J J J

Well, wow. Can you believe it?

Twelve days to go before “THE DAY”. Truly Christmas is in the air already! Everywhere I go, I can hear the merry songs and the beautiful blinking colorful lights. Not to mention the different eye- catching decoration on top of that! Right? In this most jolly season of the year, there’s this Jolly Blogger Award. And wow! I am so blessed and thankful for being a nominee! The beautiful mommy blogger (and turns out to be my sissy as well) of Sweet Baby Doll, no other than Rica herself, nominated me for such award. Geez! Thank you sissy! J It’s my first time to blog about an award, so I’m really thankful and happy! J

Now here are the jolly questions and my jolly answers:

1. Do you open your gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?

Technically, on Christmas Day since I open my gifts when the clock strikes 12 midnight. I, together with my brothers and sissies, open our gifts and somewhat brag about how awesome our gifts are. We actually tend to compare, and if one receives better than the other, we ‘pretend’ to be sad (or do they?). Haha! Siblings… J

2. Favorite Christmas Song?

My fave song is The Twelve Days of Christmas. I love the lyrics and definitely love how it is sung! The song is just so jolly and merry!

3. Favorite Christmas/holiday Movie?

I think there are a lot of holiday movies that I like but two of my beloved movies worth mentioning are The Polar Express and Barbie in A Christmas Carol. Aside that these movies are cartoons (yeah love ‘em!), we can also get valuable lessons from them. Lastly, these movies are not just for kids but for the entire family as well!

4. Favorite Christmas decoration?

Belen! (Or the manger) I don’t know why but when I see one, it always makes me happy. Plus, here in Cebu City, different well- known establishments like malls, shops, government buildings and banks display their uniquely designed Belens.

5. Favorite Christmas Food?

I’m a certified sweet lover so my favorite Christmas foods are desserts. The ever creamy, sweet and delicious Mango Float and Fruit Salad are my faves. Yum!

6. Favorite Holiday/winter drink?

I love to drink Mogu Mogu Strawberry Juice With Nata De Coco (love to chew the nata.. hehe). It’s cold, yeah, ‘cause there’s no winter here. (sobs) L

7. Snow or no snow?

How I wish there’s snow here in the Philippines. Even before Frozen, I always envy people or cartoons alike who make Olaf (by that I mean snow man) or ski complete with their cool winter outfits! I personally think that although it’s freezing cold, winter is a perfect time to be with your friends and loved ones. As they say, it’s a “cuddle weather”.

Olaf Frozen Snow Sculpture by Joanna Hiltz

8. Do you send out cards or no cards?

For me, presents appear to be more personal and sincere when there are cards. Also, it’s better since I can express more in writing than in talking.

Source: http://www.johannabasford.com/blog-article/183

9. Do you secretly still believe in Santa Clause?

Although Filipinos don’t believe in Santa as much as others do, I believe in the idea of Santa. It’s the idea that when it’s Christmas, you always receive gifts because there’s one person who always grants your wishes—may you be naughty or nice the entire year. Of course, I’m referring to God’s angel that He sent out to make you happy— either your family or a dear loved one!

10. Your favorite winter clothing item?

Thick coat, hat and knee-high boots are so cool! It’s my dream to wear this kind of outfit in my country. (Hmm.. maybe in Bagio?)

11. One beauty product that you cannot be without this winter?

Face cream. It’s important to keep both your face moisturized despite the cold season. It’s your best asset, remember? (And include lip balm as well)

I got this HERE. More beauty tips for winter is also there.

Your lips easily crack during winter season, so it's important to keep 'em moisturized as well.

12. Best Christmas Memory?

It’s always an achievement when you can complete the nine days of the mass for the Misa de Gallo. Waking up very early in the morning (like around 3AM) for the mass seems a tough challenge and sacrifice granted that you have work every day. Moreover, the weather is also a factor you need to consider since sometimes, it rains during dawn. Having survived despite the obstacles along the way is surely a rewarding feeling! Lastly, Christmas won’t be complete without me spending the Noche Buena with my family and relatives. Then we open our gifts together! J

Spending Christmas with my family is always the best gift I could ever receive from Him.

Those are my answers dearies! J Now before this post ends, I’d like to nominate some bloggers whom I think deserve to be called “Jolly Bloggers” as well:

Steph of The Thoughts of Steph G

Honey of Little Miss Honey

Renzo of The Closet Queen of Androgyny

Kandice of Kandice's Escapeland

Lenya of Fashion dreams and Lifestyle

To those who have been nominated, feel free to answer all the jolly questions mentioned above and don’t forget to link back the blogger who awarded you. You can also nominate bloggers whom you think deserve the award.

Merry Christmas and happy blogging, dearies! J J J

Dearest yours,

Jong J

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Photo Credits:

http://michellecsalon.blogspot.com/2009/12/christmas-season-and-belen.html

http://thesjsucareercenter.wordpress.com/2013/12/11/the-12-days-of-christmas-how-you-can-find-passion-for-the-new-year/

http://www.easydessert.org/mango-float-a-no-bake-layered-dessert/

http://wokwithray.net/wwr/2011/11/quick-and-easy-filipino-fruit-salad/

http://www.johannabasford.com/blog-article/183

http://new-beautyblog.com/skin-care-in-the-offseason-beauty-products-to-the-transfiguration

Christmas

Christmas: The Pinoy Way

4:04 PM

Christmas is always the favorite time of the year. Many people look forward to this day. Now that it’s only a blink away, I’ll be sharing the things I’m excited for about Pinoy Christmas.

Misa de Gallo

Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi (Dawn Mass) is a Filipino tradition which begins on December 16^th and ends on December 24^th. The celebration is held at around four o’clock in the morning (now there’s variation: like in Manila it’s held at night). This is also a time wherein we have to prepare ourselves for the Lord's coming. Moreover, a well-known folk belief among us Filipinos is that if a devotee completes all nine days of the Misa de Gallo, a request made as part of the novena may be granted. For me, it’s true! I’ve already completed the novena for four years now and all my wishes for the past years were all granted!! :D (Thank you, Lord!) So I’m excited for this year since it’ll be my fifth time to have my wishes come true again. (Hopefully I get to attend nine days straight!) J

Mass held in Cathedral Church in Cebu City

Trendy Pinoy Delicacies

I always look forward for the Misa de Gallo ‘cause right after the early mass, my breakfast would be Pinoy classic favorites! During Christmas season, Pinoy delicacies like puto maya & sikwate, puto bumbong and suman (budbod in Bisaya) are found almost everywhere! All these are made out of glutinous (sticky) rice we call “malagkit”. Take a look at these yummy foodies and you’ll agree with me that they’re all worth looking forward to! J

Puto Bumbong with Brown Sugar and Desiccated Coconut-- yum!

Puto Maya, Sikwate (Hot Chocolate Drink) and Mangoes-- perfect combination!

Chocolate flavored Suman / Budbod

If you’re interested on how to make these goodies, you can check it out! How to make Puto Bumbong, Puto and Sikwate and Suman (Budbod) here.

Shopping and Looking for Gifts in the Night Market

“Night market” is rampant these days. It is where business- minded people gather and sell affordable gift ideas! From the word itself, it’s only open during the night. Like around 6pm- 12mn. Well, these independent stall owners sell cheap yet useful items perfect for your gifts this season. This is really a big help for people who have a lot to give gifts to. J

Night market in Colon, Cebu City

And if you want more ideas ‘bout where to buy your gifts and you’re living in Cebu City, you can check THIS.

Gifts and Parties

As the song tells us, “ Give love on Christmas Day”. Most often than not, that ‘love’ is expressed through the gifts we give to our loved ones. I think this is also the main reason many love or look forward to Christmas since it’s the time wherein we receive gifts (of course, aside from our birthdays). Other than that, Yuletide is also a season for parties here, parties there, parties everywhere! Parties are great venues to build strong camaraderie between you and your friends or families. And don’t forget that these are also the perfect moments to showcase your fashion style. I mean, everybody dresses up for Christmas parties, right? Well, who doesn’t anyway? J

The gifts I received last week. You can check all the details HERE J

Noche Buena (that includes Lechon Baboy and Fruit Salad)

In the Philippines, Christmas is NOT Christmas without Noche Buena. It is a traditional dinner held on the 24^th (Christmas Eve). Everything lavishly cooked meals and desserts are on the table! YUM!! Of course, the most- awaited foodies are lechonbaboy or roasted pig and the all- time favorite (and best dessert ever!) fruit salad! J

Crispy, juicy and yummy lechon (Best with Sukang Pinakurat or Spicy Vinegar)

Delicious, sweet and healthy fruit salad!

Fireworks

Few people welcome Christmas colorfully, and one of them are our neighbors (not us.. ‘cause it’s expensive to buy fireworks as they say..haha!). My family, relatives and I go out of our houses and we all watch the amazing burst of color in the sky together. J

Look at all the colors!

Going to Church with my Family

It’s a Filipino tradition to go to church with your family on the 25^th of December. I look forward to this day since it’s the only time wherein we are complete in going to church (You see, I have four sisters and three brothers—huge family, yeah—and for the entire year we go to church separately). So after a year, we go to church together again! J We greet and kiss Baby Jesus (his image) on this day, and thank Him for the blessings and gifts we received not just on Christmas but during the entire year as a whole. J

Jesus was born in the manger

MMFF (Metro Manila Film Festival) Day!

A lot of movies are released every December 25^th as part of the MMFF. Pinoys as we are, we love to watch movies most of the time. That’s why on Christmas Day, malls all over the country are open because of this event. And mind you dearies, it’s always a struggle to watch movies on this day ‘cause a lot of people line up since it’s holiday. But it’s all worthy because you’ll be sharing this moment with your family and relatives dear to you! J This year, I’m excited to watch “Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles 2”, “The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin” and “Shake, Rattle and Roll XV”. You can check the entire list of movies for 2014 HERE.

Gosh! Christmas season in the Philippines will officially start next week, Tuesday, 16^th of December! And I’m just so excited for all of these!

How about you, dearies? What are you excited for this Christmas? I’d love to hear your thoughts about it! J J

Dearest yours,

Jong J

P.S.,

Credits to these links for the pictures I used:

http://tipsnikatoto.blogspot.com/2012/08/tips-sa-pagluto-ng-puto-bumbong.html

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/553731716655533841/

http://www.pangbahay.com/2012/07/suman-budbud-sticky-rice-sticks/

http://www.snipcebu.com/2011/12/16/cathedral-dawn-mass/

http://tenminutes.ph/join-weekend-shopping-madness-cebu-city/

http://www.metrodeal.com/deals/Metro_Manila/Lydias-Lechon/307550716

http://pinayforeverythingpinoy.blogspot.com/2011/12/food-for-noche-buena.html

http://dreamatico.com/fireworks/2/

http://www.dpreview.com/galleries/2181591556/photos/1618303

bags

I Only Ask Five, Santa!

3:50 PM

We can’t help it, dearies! Christmas is up in a matter of days. Santa will once again roam all over the world in just one night (on the 24^th ) and deliver his gifts right at your doorstep! Now that is really amazing, right? I wish I could use Santa’s sleigh so that I could also travel the entire world without sweating it out! Haha! Kidding aside, I know this season is everybody’s favorite time of the year. And it’s simply not just because it’s Baby Jesus’ birthday, but it’s also because it’s a time to show your love through the gifts you give to the ones dear to you! J

I don’t really make a Christmas wish list yearly since I’m fine with any gift as long as it’s given out of love. But this year is different (maybe because I now have a blog..hehe). Now dearies, I’ll be sharing to you the Top 5 on my “lengthy” Christmas wish list. Hope you’ll agree with me why I like to have ‘em! J

#5. PROENZA SCHOULER SMALL LEATHER BAG FROM THECORNER.COM

I personally want this bag since it’s small and handy. That means I can carry it with me anywhere. Plus, I like the color. It looks attractive and fab. Not to mention the design! It has an aura of sophistication. On top of that, it’s made of leather so I’m sure that it will last a long time.

#4. Emily and Fin 50s Long Strapless Off the Shoulder Kettle Corn Dress

I’ve been longing to have an off- shoulder dress in my closet!! Yes, you heard me right. I’ve never tried wearing one. Ever. So I want to try wearing it! I chose this dress since it’s Princess- like. I’ve seen many Disney characters who, in one way or another, wear this kind of design. It’s so girly and elegant, I can say. The shade adds up to a fiery yet chic look!

#3. Preen Pink A-line Box Pleat Skirt

I’m not the type who wears skirt often. In fact, seldom do I wear one. TBH, I love jeans and dresses more than skirts. But wait. This skirt changed my mind. My Korean manager at work always wears skirts like this and I got jealous ‘cause it’s way so cool to look at (she always pulls it off, that’s why). So I decided to put it in my list as well. Of course, the color is my fave. (Fingers crossed on this one ‘cause I really want to have this!!)

#2. ASOS PETITE Ridley High Waist Ultra Skinny Jeans In Clean Black

As mentioned earlier, I love to wear jeans. In fact, I have a couple of pairs in my closet. But despite that, I still don’t have good fitting BLACK skinny jeans. So I desperately want one! I chose to have it in high waist since I have bright looking crop tops which surely are a match. Gotta have this!! (fingers crossed again)

#1. Pink Converse Wedge (Ephemeral Filaments)

I’ve always wanted a pair of Converse shoes. When they launched their wedges, gosh, I was like: “I gotta have that!” It’s so girly, trendy and fab. Moreover, when you wear it, you instantly look effortlessly tall! It’s the perfect shoes one should have when you want to pull off a sporty yet still feminine look! I’ve been wanting to have this since last Christmas and I am hoping that I can receive it this year!

I know that this must be a lot but it’s just a “very” minor thing for THE Santa Claus. ~~I know that he will give these to me ‘cause I’ve been good this year~~. Well, Santa, if you’re reading this, I hope you will consider my request. I’ll be expecting them on the 24^th! Okay? J ~~Okay, Santa here.~~ J

What do you think of my wish list, dearies? Do you also have yours? I’d be the happiest to hear from you! J

Dearest yours,

Jong J

(P.S. All the pictures here are from Google)

life

Poetry's Stories: On The Bright Side

6:37 PM

A coin has two sides, as always. Just like life-- you choose which side to take. Of course, people want to be on the bright side always. Yet it's difficult to do that 'cause there are many hindrances everywhere-- greed, pride, jealousy, anger, hatred and more. And on this note, I only have two poems to share.

"What Now?”

The battle between good and evil

The fight between heaven and hell

Do these ring a bell?

Or unabsorbed by the mind still?

What life does a bad man give?

What sadness does a great man live?

Do both of 'em in sins dive?

Or in the sweet tune jive?

For this I say at once:

Never judge someone by chance.

They have their own unique style.

Within them lies a great mile.

Why not just offer a smile?

Instead of whine and fake file?

'Cause little happiness is all it takes,

To caress the burden that life makes!

“To Them Whose Lives I Despise Not”

No matter how hard they pull you down,

Never believe them or else you'll drown.

Don't let anyone say you're no good.

Nor let their ideas ruin your mood.

Those people are just insecure.

Their sickness don't have any cure.

They're jealous of what you have,

'Cause they see the things they love but can't have.

All their life their busy gossiping,

Since they don't have to do anything;

For they focus on others' lives,

To end the pity and the bad vibes

Yes, they're all in the same boat.

Those people who leave their minds to float:

In the gross misconception of reality,

Sank in lies, dipped in fallacy

They believe, “That is all life has to offer.”

So seeking the true you, they don't even bother.

They're contented with the mere hope,

That dragging you down will help them cope.

Listen: “Don't and never believe what they say.”

Because doing so will only give you dismay.

Believe in who you are and in what you can do;

In what you can achieve and in You--

You're better than anyone,

Because you're the only one!

Always stay on the bright side

Everything happens for a reason. And no matter what happens-- be it a huge trial, a hopeless case, a calamity (e.g.: a strong typhoon), a serious misunderstanding, a "dead end" trend, a health obstacle and many more challenges there are-- STAY ON THE BRIGHT SIDE. BE OPTIMISTIC. TRUST IN YOURSELF AND MOSTLY, TRUST GOD. HE NEVER FAILS TO MAKE YOU HAPPY.
BELIEVE.
Be positive.

Thank you for reading, dearies!
Stay safe.

(P.S., Here's a song during this time:)
"When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm
Father You are King in all the Earth
I WILL BE STILL
KNOW YOU ARE
GOD" J

Dearest yours,

Jong J

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