Happiness is....

How many times have we heard the saying: "Best Things Are Free!"...  I for one, believe in this....   very much so....   I mean, I have nothing against LUXURY items and Brand Names - but we must not overlook the rest....   and if one looks close enough, one will see that often, the saying is SOOOOO TRUE!!!

I mean, each and everyday we wake up, we can already start the day by being Happy and Thankful that we have another day to experience life and see more wonders of the world...  the skies (rain or shine)....   the wind blown trees....  the shining sun....   birds chirping....  kids playing....   and other surprises that comes our way...

Today is NO DIFFERENT as I a biiiiig surprise....  one is a VIP AMEI Concert Ticket - happening tonite at the Taipei Arena...   Lyn & Shaun had extras and just gave to us....  so this is something am really looking forward to.... 

Over the years I have accumulated a few things given to me by family, friends, and acquaintances....   all of them I keep and holds special meaning to me - not because of their Price Value but their Sentimental Value - which really out prices any luxurious items one could, or not,  afford to buy....  :)

My other source of Happiness are the Items I acquire from diligently collecting points like 7-1l, Life, High Life, etc....   my entire Jimmy Liao Be@rbrick collection came from Hi-Life, as you all might remember....   and now I have just completed my set of 4 Care Bear Mugs courtesy of Family Life....   so many of the cute vinyl Open-chan (& friends) items I have came from 7-11 and not forgetting, McDonalds is always a Great Source of Premium Vinyl Toys....

So, look around, there are so many things to be Happy About....  and so  many of them will cost you NOTHING...  just a little effort...as little as just Opening Up Your Eyes to everything around you!!!

Just a few things that makes me Happy these days... CLICK HERE

Comeal Cafe - Kaohsiung

This visit in Kaohsiung, had the pleasure of experiencing another new Cafe/Resto, Comeal Cafe - a Fun, Spacious, Artsy, & Cool place to hang out with your friends...   and eat tasty entrees & refreshing concoctions at the same time.....

The 2 level Cafe is a feast to the eyes with it's various wall art - hand painted especially for the place by a local artist....  I love the old feel of the wall painting...  reminiscent of those from the 50's or even before... styles that are quite popular now.....   the seat and tables fits right in...  a dash of color to accentuate each table...  and everywhere you look there is something to catch the eyes - though some are a bit cheap looking, for the most part each item catches ones' eyes....  the display case boasts a collection of Jimmy Liao licensed goods - so you know am already in Heaven looking at them.....  the really cozy feel of the 2nd floor is soooo inviting wish we were seating up there.....  the hanging whimsical light fixture is sooooo  cute I wanted to take it down and bring home with me....   LOL....

The food I cannot complain about either....   tasty...  a variety of offerings to choose from....   and reasonably priced....  LAVAZZA coffee is the Coffee of choice, not bad at all... and the Iced cold drinks are perfectly concocted to keep on refreshed and satisfied....

The staff are quite friendly, as well...  and it helped that on of the current staff is none other than, Johnny Wu - always GREAT when you get extra service....  even the Laoban (Owner) came to our table for a chat...  and even graciously served us with perfectly brewed coffee....

Be sure to check out the place when in Kaohsiung....  and, not sure how long this promo is running for - but if you checked in on Facebook while dining - a plate of Yummy Fries will be served to you - FREE!!!

FOR MORE PHOTOS CLICK HERE

Moody Monday

Starting the week off a bit put off, really.....   such a shame as it is a beautiful Monday too....  just hope this is not an indication of the week to come....  Must Shake It All Off!

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Anyway,  here's why...

The last couple of days I have been having my own kind of fun, looking through my TRAVEL albums - as far back as the mid 80's....   looking through them... reminiscing.....  seeing old friends....  and basically reminding myself of all the places I have been the last decade and a half....  and thinking of all the people I have met, and beutiful places I have seen....

I enjoyed it soooooo much that I decided to create an album for them in my Facebook account...   to share them with my friends.... and especially with the ones that had been part of my many travels....  I came to realise that not everyone share my sentiments for old photos....  when sharing them with someone this morning, I was replied to with not just a sour look but with a really sad remark: "you look at your photos then - and you look at yourself now - and you can be Happy?"   OUUUUUCH!!!  And here I was, enjoying the photos - not even focusing on what I look like then or now....  :(  

It really bothered me the whole morning....  but as with every other negative things that comes into my life - i learn to be quiet...  and let go of it all....  so am over it....  over it in fact, to a point, that I will continue posting my photos for my pleasure and the pleasure of others who enjoys them, too....  and just let others be as miserable as they want to be.... 

***Beautiful Sunday***

Weather has been quite strange again the last few days... sun, gloom, rain, sun, gloom - and just COLD AIR all throughout the days....  but am not complaining as am able to still get around....  run the errands... do work.....  and enjoy my days.....  even got to see The Hunger Games last Friday.....  

 Life, like the weather of late has been erratic, as well.... work frustrations, little happiness...  disappointments..... family dramas.... and yes, even my Uncle's Death a few days ago....  am sad I do not even get to attend his funeral....  but such is life of living far away from home....

Now it is Sunday....   am having my morning coffee, sitting by the window, enjoying the beautiful blue skies....   and in a little bit it is time to get ready once more for Sunday Mass....  I can only hope the day stays like so....  both weather wise and everything else....

HAPPY SUNDAY ALL!!!

FUN Tees @ UNIQLO

Need some FUN Tees - run to the nearest UNIQLO or find someone who can get them for you.....  the last two years since UNIQLO opened up in Taipei - the brand has consistently served up a variety of Tees that are very much worth checking out... and taking home.....  

From statement Tees...  to Music Legends (Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, etc)...  to household POP Icons (Hello Kitty, Barbie, Disney, etc.)...  to COMIC friends (Snoopy, Marvel Heroes,  DC COMICS Heroes)...    and to the ones that catches my eyes all the time, MANGA collaboration ones (One Piece, Transformers, Galaxy 999,  etc)....  

FAVE Taiwanese Idol/Hottie sports  WARHOL's Campbell Sour Tee...

Currently available in the Taiwan and Bankok shops are: Charlie Brown and Friends, The Beatles, Andy Warhol, Hello Kitty and DC comics Heroes....   Truly something for everyone... just as their MOTTO say: UNIQLO Made For All.

For me, checking out these Fun Tees is an extra added bonus whenever I happent upon UNIQLO - anywhere in the world.... :)

...and speaking of UNIQLO - am loving their new SPRING promotions of these colorful hoodies - for both Male and Female!!!!

Rest In Peace Papa Mike

Today, my Uncle passed away...  it is a very SAD day for all of us who got to share our lives with him.... Though I did not see him much most of my years in the US - I have nothing but FOND memories of him...   I remember before heading to the US, we always spent my school summer vacation at his family home in Batangas....   He was always fair, loving, and generous - not just to his own kids but to us, nephews and nieces, as well....   and he was always willing to help family generously and positively...  I know that from my Mom's stories, he was always helping her out, throughout the years while he was still working...  most of the time secretly, so as to not upset others... 

He worked many years in Saudi Arabia....  brought up and provided for his wife and 4 kids and kept his family very much together.....   this he did happily for so many years, till he suffered an accident that left him a bit paralyzed for a little bit....

Over the years I got to see him now and again, as I visited Manila from the US....  and of late, from Taiwan..... sadly, not so much the last few years but did get to see him last Oct (2011)....  he came with us to visit my Mom - along with their youngest sister, Tita Yvonne....  a mini family reunion... it was one of the Happiest day of my life.... seeing all of them - together - chatting about their families, lives and even their childhood friends....   All three of them Sharp as Nails!!!   Papa Mike even talked with me for a bit about traveling...  working abroad.....   the things he misses about life in a foreign land.....  and yes, told me some stories he remembers of my childhood....  for these, I will be Forever Grateful....  the chance to have spent a bit more time with him will stay in my memory and in my heart....  He was happy chappy chatting up a storm with us all....   I never even knew he had Cancer...  none of us really did....   we just knew about the mild stroke from many years ago but nothing more....

To the end, he proved himself strong....   he knew he had cancer and he accepted this and just chose to live his life as well as he could - happily....  he thought at his age, he had lived and did not want to suffer the family and cost them more grief and more pain - emotionally and financially...  so it was a shock to me when I found out about the Cancer a couple of months ago - we were told as the Cancer has started really kicking in and damaging/ affecting his health even more....  this past week, he was in a state of coma and today, he passed on....  Truly a strong and generous man - till the end....

Rest In Peace Papa Mike....  

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Now for my Biggest Dilemma:  to tell or not to tell my Mom....   I know that she should know - even if she is not able to attend the funeral because of her health....  but am so worried what it will do to her mentally, emotionally & physically.....  AM LOST!

Happy Hump Day!!!

Boy, Oh Boy!!!!  Been a while since I have posted.... where, oh where the time has gone.....   been running around so much lately, I seem to be too POOPED OUT to even manage to LOG IN on this BLOG of mine.....  but I MUST...  I MUST....  it is after all, still one of my GUILTY PLEASURES and FAVE thing to do....  it helps me think....  it helps me unwind.....  so don't GIVE UP ON ME yet....   will keep writing, for sure.....  and that's a PROMISE!!!

For now, I leave you all with a few HUMP-A-BLES....  in my book anyway... :)

Even Sexier when one gets SEXY for a CAUSE!
Jensen Ackles doing his bit for PETA...

Because sometimes, one does not have to strip to be SEXY!
Dreamy Eyes, Kissable Lips and boy, can he SING!!!  My Most Favorite GLEEK: Darren Criss.

INKED SEXY!
He's got Tats and he is Always Happy to show them!
Designer Marc Jacobs

SEXY in MOTION!
Makes me wish I still dance more....  Harry Shum Jr of GLEE.

what-a-week!!!

Just came back home from taking Cousin Jhay to the SongShan Airport - where he will take the bus to TAOYUAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.....   yep, he is on his way back to Manila......  cannot believe time flew by - FAST!!!!   As they say, ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END. 

Really hope he had a good time...  as I Did.....  and Juju, too......   will Miss him singing to Juju that MINAJ song and she jumps up to dance right away - smiling and  shaking with all her might....     will Miss our walks, talks, photo taking,  and eating adventures.....   and most of all, will Miss having family visit me here in Taipei....  it is not an often occurrence.....  So it matters not that this past few days am a bit more tired, between babysitting, working and playing tour guide - it is all worth it!

Am actually AMAZE and PROUD of my Cousin Jhay.... already 5 years with Philippine Airlines - and already flying Internationally....  so far he has flown to all the Asian countries that the Airline flies to... plus he has been to Canada and USA (both San Francisco and Los Angeles)...   he has hung out with not only his half brother in America - but also my nieces and nephews - who are all back, living in the Bay Area....  it gives me joys that they all keep ion touch - no matter how little - they manage to see each other and enjoy each others' companies....  Family is indeed, Family - no matter what!

The other thing am in AWE of Jhay is his CONVICTIONS....  he has managed to stay focus....  fight for his rights both personally and professionally (where he also fights for other's rights!); keep up with his family and help where he can; and most of all, his religious convictions.....   I had the pleasure once more of attending mass with him Sunday....  and watching him go through the Mass is always amazing....   he knows very part, every line and every song.....  and this I LOVE as for the most part, I just know the hymns.....  

Sometimes I think that maybe:

-if only I also grew up with our Grandmother (Father side) maybe I would be as religious and as focus..... 

-if only I grew up in Manila, surrounded by families, I would not have missed out on all the family bonding and sharing - and not soooo independent....  plus, I would know most of our family - and not just on Facebook....

But reality always sinks in....   and I know that "Life is How it is Always Supposed To Be."   so am not complaining.....   Going with the flow and just enjoying life and living it as Best I Know How...

Catholic Sanctuary of Our Lady of WuFong Ci

Day 3 of Cousin Jhay's visit (March 2nd) was an out of town outing as it fell on both Lyn & Shaun's day off and with nothing to do - we all hung out together and they wanted to take us to - SURPRISE: Yilan!!!   Shaun's favorite destination.....  All fine by me as it gave us a chance to get out of the sity without having to take the train and the bus.....

First stop was Jiaosi...  a little hike up the Catholic Sanctuary of Our Lady of WuFongCi....   I remember going to this one a few years back but ti was nighttime - so this is a different kind of experience as it was still light - better to appreciate and really enjoy the surrounding views.....   mountain trails on one side and the other side, a look down into the vast city......

This Sanctuary Retreat place is quite a popular destinations bot just for Catholics but for many other tourists....  Legend has it that it was built on the actual place where Mama Mary appeared to 5 lost hikers and helped them guide them our of the mountain trail, which was not fully developed back then....   Mama Mary's Grotto was built on the exact location where she supposedly appeared... and a beautiful church and retreat homes adjacent to it.....   as an added bonus,  the hike is blessed with beautiful water falls...   we spent quite a time here - giving respects, admiring the design of the place, and taking in the views.....  Relaxing and Peaceful place, indeed....

Afterwards, we took a dip in one of the city's many Hot Springs.....  a nice relaxing break....   after an hour's dip, we drove on a few more minutes into Yilan and went to the famous LuDong Night Market for some Taiwan delicacies for dinner....  and of course, sweet treats!

It was already 11PM by the time we got back home....  just enough time for a shower, a cup of tea and processing photos from this beautiful place.....

Balancing Act!

This is going to be March Madness, indeed - and it all started since the 29th of Feb!!!  My cousin Jhay is here visiting for the 2nd time - His first time was back in the  Spring of 2010......  so, in between Babysitting, dealing with Mom's ever changing moods, and of course, all the hassles of work lately - am playing TOUR GUIDE once more!

PHOTO LEFT: We are Cousins alright....   even in clothing we matched without knowing - LOL!

Am not complaining... am HAPPY to see my cousin here again... I do not get a visit from family or friends that often - so each and every time is MOST WELCOMED!!!  Just a matter of time management and making the most of things....   making it all work out.....

Since his arrival the 29th, we have been on the go...  with Jewel in tow...  First day, after I met him at the bus drop in the SongShan Airport, we took in the view at the Airport's Observatory Deck....  and had a lite lunch in MOS Burger.....   then  we went back home, waited for Jewel to be dropped off and headed to Miramar area to take in the buildings....  the views... and of course, ride the Taipei Eye on top of the Miramar Mall.....     This is my 5th or 6th time riding this Giant Ferris Wheel and I still am scared of it...LOL....even Jewel was a lot more  at ease on her 2nd venture on this ride...  not sure what it is, I really cannot get over this, somewhat, fear of heights...... 

Right after, we window shopped a lot.....  enjoyed the little rides for Juju....  and then we had a Japanese Dinner - Tonkatsu, Sushi & Sashimi, Oh My!....    it was culinary Heaven!!!!    we were all so stuffed right after, we did not even have room for dessert.....  IMAGINE ME saying NO to Desserts....   not a common thing.... hahahahahahahaha...

It was already night when we headed back home.....  tired but happy....   and even happier as we got to see the night lights of MIRAMAR before heading back home....  such a pretty sight!!!

Complete Photos of First Day Here: Feb 29th, 2012

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Fay 2: March 1st

Today was Museum day.....  I went for a morning run... then Jhay and I got ready and went to the market to look around and pick up something light for Lunch....   Pancakes and Taho....  as we were still stuffed from the steamed PORK BUNS for breakfast.... 

After JUJU arrived, we right away took the 307 bus and headed on to the MOCA district....   I know that I have not brought Jhay there yet and it is such a place that is always worth visiting - for the cool, modern exhibitions - and even cooler area to walk about.....

  we had such a GREAT TIME taking photos of/and with the different art pieces sprinkled all around the area of the Museum....  Cool, Colorful & FUN!  Even prettier and brighter on this sunny day.....

Then it was onto the Museum to take in the AUSSIE EXHIBIT: WONDERLAND....various installations from many of Australia's cool and popular artists - in different mediums.....   as always, it is a GREAT SELECTION of pieces exhibited....

Tonight's Dinner Choice was Shabu Shabu....  Always a FUN and Filling Choice!  Something for everyone... including Juju!!!

Complete Photos of Day 2 Here: March 1st, 2012

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Photos of the WONDERLAND EXHIBITION Here