Bitter and sweet, and everything in between

Julia Roberts, My All-time Favorite Actress

2009-06-29T16:15:00.000-07:00

Julia Roberts is the first actress that will come to my mind when someone will ask me who my favorite actress is. Her NOTHING HILL movie will almost automatically play back at the back of my mind. This movie is the best Julia Robert film for me that I don't mind watching it all over again, and again. Of course, Pretty Woman, My Best Friend's Wedding and The Runaway Bride is also on the top of my list of my favorite movies of her.

But it is indeed Nothing Hill my most favorite. The movie made me fall in love again and again. And every time I watched the film, never minding whether it was on the hundreth time, or the thousandth(?!), it made me more interested about my favorite Julia.

I got fascinated when the news broke that she got married at midnight(!) and in a very intimate, private affair, a very unpredictable event think how big celebrity Julia is. And even if I am not watching her in her films, I am always interested in everything about her.

I was also having my own high of joy when she won Best Actress in her movie Erin Brockovich.

Indeed I am a fan!

One time, my Nothing Hill DVD broke and got frustrated when I couldn't find a copy of this. Thank heavens that somebody told me about Direct Satellite TV, a wonderful satellite TV, and I subscribed myself in no time at all. There I am able to watch my favorite films and as well as different shows. I even got to know what's happening on Julia Roberts life, behind the camera!

I never regret subscribing at Direct TV. Even my husband and kid loved it. It has a wide variety of channel wherein we could watch our favorite movies, shows and news.

Friends, please nominate me in the BEST OF THE BEST AWARD.
Thank you.

Ravel Virtual studios

2009-05-18T11:05:00.000-07:00

My daughter is very much interested in music. That's why every opportunity she gets, she sings. At almost 4, I think that it is indeed the best time for her to hone her craft in singing. And I am thankful that a dear friend told me about this virtual studio.

I browsed this site and found out that this will really a big help for my daughter. An original composition was given to her as a gift and through this site, we able to come up with a very good rendition of the composition. It seemed like we personally went to a an actual recording studio, complete with all of the things we need, including back-up singers! A state-of the art, very modern recording studio, I almost forgot it's virtual.

Ravel Virtual Studio is indeed one of the best things that happen in the Internet world. A simple song or composition made this site very exquisite to the listening ears. It sounds like very professional, very good. Indeed, like a masterpiece.

More power!

Thank you for all your prayers

2009-03-06T20:19:00.000-08:00

to everyone who prayed for Althea...

thank you all for your prayers. She successfully underwent (white) blood transfusion and after 9 days in the hospital, she is now already home.

Praise God.

Please pray for Althea

2009-02-24T08:11:00.000-08:00

Baby Althea and my daughter Mica

This is my niece Althea, who is 9 months old now. I wrote a post about her when she is almost a month old. For those who want to read my previous post, here's the link.

We are happy that in the nine months that has passsed, though she has a few instances of having a hard time with her PDA case, she's still with us.

but tomorrow, she will undergo a blood transfusion.

So, I'm requesting everyone, if it's not asking too much, to please say a little pray for her.

She's an angel to our family. she brings joy to everyone, equally the same as my daughter Mica who, at 3 years old now has a lot of tricks and never fail to bring a smile in my lips whenever she says "love you, Nanay". But that's another story.

Althea is quite delayed in terms of locomotor development. but we perfectly understood why. The more important to us is that she's okay and never had a hard time catching her breath. And it is really a great pain to all of us whenever we see her in great physical pain.

Her need to undergo blood transfusion is still a mystery to me. She has a congenital heart disease and I am yet to ask the doctors if it is related to her heart condition. meanwhile, I am asking everyone to please pray for her.

As always, we believe in the power of prayer. It will do another miracle for her dear life.

Thank you very much.

Pocketbooks for sale

2009-02-21T06:44:00.000-08:00

Hello to all Tagalog pocketbook lovers here and abroad!

You can order the works of your favorite authors from this site:

Just click:

http://tagalogromancepocketbooks.blogspot.com/

for inquiries, send your email to:

tagalogromancepocketbooks@yahoo.com

Ilocos Trip 2008: Bangui Windmills

2008-06-01T00:20:00.000-07:00

Finally!

My Niece ALTHEA

2008-05-31T20:26:00.000-07:00

May 3, 2008, before one in the morning when Althea was born via cesarean section. our family were all excited. we patiently waited till that wee hour annd when we hear her cry, we all go to the nearest door to the OR where we luckily saw her wriggly and screaming while the nurse was bathing her.

During her first hours, she appeared well and healthy. But when Sunday came, she started to get violet especially when she cried. Her blood was tested and was first thought was she was having a hypoglycemia. Oxygen was also put on her to ease her breathing.

Monday when she was rushed to Jose Reyes Hospital in Manila because her condition was worsen. She was very critical and we couldn't do anything but to pray for her. The following day, after she underwent 2d echo, the pedia cardiologist said she has Pulmonary Valve Artresia, and that she was also critical that very moment. they even told us to pray harder.

It was heartbreaking. Imagine a four-day old baby with lots of IV's, heartbeat monitor, oxygen, respirator and other apparatus which I do not know the term for them.

Being an INC member, we asked for our minister to pray over her. And thank God, right after the prayer, Althea became stable and the color, from blue to pink!

Let me borrow the term to somebody who first said the rollercoster emotion but for the next two weeks, we had a ride in that.

May 18 when she was discharged, exactly 14 days in the ICU. We were told to bring her to the Philippine Heart Center after 3 days, which we obediently did.

It was another pressure for all of us. Whole day at the ICU made us weak emotionally and financially. Doctors there confirmed her condition and that she had to undergo stenting, a salvaging procedure and that when she get older, she would have an open-heart surgery. and what more, they even said, she has a fifty-fifty chance.

and when Althea's parents, my brother and my sis-in-law decided to take that chance, another doctor, the consultant, I guess, said it would be difficult for Althea to survive the stenting and that it would also do no good for her. The doctor said it would even make her condition worse.

and so, after another river of tears, we decided to leave the hospital.

we were left with nothing but faith and hope in God. before going home, we went to the nearest INC chapel and asked for a prayer.

it was the only strength we had after what the doctors said.

At home, when I finally had the chance to go online, i sent mail to my e-group asking for prayers for Althea's recovery. I am graciously happy that there are lots of people who said they are praying for Althea. Thank you to all of you!

Two days from now, Althea will be a-month old. We believed God healed her already.
Praise God.

***picture of Althea will be posted later...

Ilocos Trip 2008: Hidden Treasure Resort, Pagudpud

2008-05-04T09:32:00.000-07:00

The very first time I had been to Pagudpud was in 1999. With me are fellow authors MC and RT, male friend Jose Paolo who is now an author, too, and two lovely gals Cherry Lou and Sandra.

We stayed at the resort which at this time, I couldn't recall the name, yaiks! but that is the resort beside Villa Del Mar.

I was very excited then. It was the first time I came too close with the fine, white sand. Very much convinced that Saud Beach is indeed the Boracay of the North.

The second time was in September 2004 when our family had a trip before I got married. Pabalate family, our host during that time brought us to Blue Lagoon, another part of the Pagudpud beach which is also breathtakingly beautiful. there was no resort in that area, just a little hut where we could put our things while we were enjoying the water all by ourselves! It felt like we had a piece of our very own paradise.

This year, Yzel and Tyrone brought us to the Hidden Treasure Resort. Hidden, indeed, for I never thought there would be a resort after thrity minutes of driving on the rough road similar to the road in Kapurpurawan, nyehehehe!

But when we got to the resort, we forgot the rough road automatically. It was another surprise for me. Pagudpud really has its pride in having beautiful beaches.

Hidden Treasure Resort cottage... really nice

Father and daughter... their first time together in beach

Mica... in her element!

Mica and Ashtie Mela

Lola Pining

Yzel: "Let's go to our next stop!"

Ilocos Trip 2008: Patapat Bridge

2008-05-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

This is the Patapat Bridge. The road that joins the Ilocos Norte and Cagayan Valley Province.

Ilocos Trip 2008: Where is Kapurpurawan?

2008-05-04T07:49:00.001-07:00

On our way to Pagudpud, we saw this sign: KAPURPURAWAN, white rock formation.

We all got curious, so Tyrone immediately took a turn following the signage.

For the next minutes, we were amazed with the trees and grass that we saw.

We even joked, this is the road less traveled...

The road seemed endless...

We didn't see any human being. Just a group of goats that we had mistaken as a man riding in a bike from afar. but when we got near, we found out they were goats. Or ghost? that night, we discussed our trip there. We got goosebumps while arguing whether they were goats or man riding on a bike, nyay!

So, where is Kapurpurawan? We were looking for it for more than ten minutes and we hardly have an idea where we were heading to?

Is this the Kapurpurawan?

We really couldn't tell. Tyrone made a U-turn and we all decided to leave the place. It was getting scary.

Ilocos Trip 2008: Aqua Paradiso

2008-05-03T22:09:00.001-07:00

We took a brief stop at Aqua Paradiso Resort, the place I more know as Paraiso ni Anton. I have been here some years back with my fellow writers Mc and RT, Jose Paolo, Cherrylou and Sandra. There was no resort then. Just the breathtaking view of rocks and sea water that remind me of little rapids.

Paraiso ni Anton

Jordan & me and Y & Ty

Mica was not yet in the mood for picture-taking, but, Mommy and Mela were!

Ilocos Trip 2008: Cape Bojeador

2008-05-03T21:13:00.000-07:00

Our first stop was at the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse.

Mica and Lola Pining

This was my second time to be in this place. And I was very excited because the first time I was there, we just pose for some souvenir pictures at the view deck and that wa sit. This time we got the chance to come inside and even took the stairs to reach the top of the lighthouse.

Yzel and Ty, my sis Mela (in blue), Mica and Lola
if you could see that gorgeous man in red, he's Jordan :)

Yzel was very afraid. She stopped in the middle of the stairs and caught her breath. Jordan took Mica in his arms and continued to go up. Tyrone was the very first in line, excited like a little boy to find out what's on top.

I was giggling. My tummy was shaking becuase my cellulite has to work out involuntarily. He-he. I could not allow myself to miss the chance of seeing everything below while I was on top. And sorry, pardon my precious cellulites, I took flight and never stopped until I reached the peak.

the breathtaking view from the lighthouse. too bad, my lens got some dirt. :(

Yzel, my cousin, my friend

2008-04-24T06:01:00.000-07:00

I met my cousin Yzelie in 2004, when we stayed at their hotel in Laoag for our honeymoon. And I'm glad that she was very warm and accomodating to us, because I first worried that she was otherwise.

Well, she is definitely NOT.

She and her boyfriend then, Tyrone John, now her husband were very hospitable. They treated us iced coffee and then brought us to their favorite stall which sells the famous empanada.

It was quite "bitin" because she had a duty then, working as a nurse in Mariano Marcos Medical Center in Batac. But we kept in touch through SMS and Internet chat. Once in a while we saw each other when she was in Manila.

Sometime in 2006, she left for US and just came back for a short vacation in March this year, in time for her birthday. And this time, she and Tyrone treated us big time!

We met again the following day she arrived in Manila. It was a short date for we had a plan of having a short stay in Ilocos before the end of March. And indeed, after the much awaited, date, we came to Laoag in March 26 at around 7 in the morning.

Yzel and Tyrone had barely slept for they monitored our trip. And we were welcomed with a warm and sweet smile.

Our first breakfast.
fried rice, daing na bangus, sunny side up eggs, longganisang Laoag and tomatoes
yummy!

Subic Escapade 2008

2008-04-23T05:53:00.001-07:00

We spent the Holy Week in Subic for the second time around. The first time was in 2006 but that's another story, hehe. I can say we enjoyed it better this time. Mica is almost three years old and very excited to go swimming. In fact, she was not interested to play with her pail and sand molds. All she wanted to do was be in the water. The deeper, the better, more enjoyable for her, ohmigod!!!

She even went night swimming, ten pm till midnight!

And gets up at five in the morning, changed to her bikini and goes straight to the beach, again. (sigh)

I'm lost for words so I just uploaded more pictures for everyone to see.

Gem was looking for his ring... at one in the afternoon!

Indeed, looking for that ring which, I guess, has monumental sentimental value! After two hours, he found it, at last.

Somewhere in Morong, inside SBMA

the big boys went go-karting

Mica was afriad to ride the horsie...

Nanay, Mica and Lolo Pabling

I'm very satisfied with our picture here. I think we're cute, he-he.

FILIPINOS, let us all vote to this!

2008-04-22T20:38:00.000-07:00

Just yesterday, I heard in the radio, and later last night, I saw on TV about the new seven wonders of the world.

I was amazed (and became proud, eventually) that there are places in the Philippines that became nominees in this worldwide search for the new natural wonders. and why not? We indeed have lots of beautiful places we can always be proud of, especially if we learn how to preserve and take care the natural beauty of our nature.

These are the Philippine wonders that now included in the ranking, as of April 23, 2008:

Tubbataha Reef is an atoll coral reef in the Sulu Sea that belongs to the Philippines. It is a marine sanctuary protected as Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park. The reef is composed of two atolls, North and South Reefs. Each reef has a single small islet that protrudes from the water. The atolls are separated by a deep channel 8 kilometers wide. Over one thousand species, including many that are endangered, can be found at on the reef. These include manta rays, lionfish, tortoises, clownfish and sharks.

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located about 50 km north of the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. It features a limestone karst mountain landscape with an 8.2 km. navigable underground river. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it winds through a cave before flowing directly into the South China Sea. It includes major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large chambers. The lower portion of the river is subject to tidal influences. The underground river is reputed to be the world's longest. At the mouth of the cave, a clear lagoon is framed by ancient trees growing right to the water's edge. Monkeys, large monitor lizards, and squirrels find their niche on the beach near the cave.

I guess the Mayon Volcano in Bicol and the Chocolate Hills in Bohol are also nominees.

Fellow Filipinos, our vote on this will make us famous in the world again, on the positive side, he-he. And I believe it will make a big boost in our Tourism industry as well. Boto na tayo!

*pictures and descriptions of the sites are from the new7wonders website.

Maging Sino Ka Man, Book 2

2008-03-07T05:51:00.000-08:00

Exactly this moment, Maging Sino Ka Man Book 2 is airing in the Philippines. And I am bracing myself not to put the channel on 2. It's been a week since I stopped watching my most favorite TV show. I just couldn't take the scenes anymore. I hate that Monique (Bing Pimentel) died. And I hate it even more that Celine (Ann Curtis) is going to die. Or maybe, at this moment, she's dying on that show, geez...

I know, I know, I might regret not watching the show. But my heart simply couldn't take it. I might have a heart attack. I am so attached with the show since Book 1 but I don't want to be next in line resting six feet below the ground.

So I will just wait for the coming episodes where scenes will be lighter and I will be back watching it again.

Sorry, Eli, Jackie, JB and Celine. I love you, guys.

But I need to take care of my heart, too.

Wedding at Sto.Domingo, NE

2008-03-01T20:41:00.000-08:00

We covered a wedding at Sto. Domingo, NE last week, Sunday, February 24, 2008.

It was a different wedding from the usual weddings we cover in Pampanga and nearby towns in our own town Cabiao.

Although it was the usual barrio wedding, i was amazed at the their cultures in wedding which is very new to me.

Their very own version of Kinasal Na Manok really amused me. I couldn't help took lots of pictures at those two chicken who were tied up with wire, necks strangled to make them look like this:

It was sweet!

but we joked: Kinasal na Manok or Sinakal na Manok???

Whatever.

These very sweet and romantic looking chickens have their royal place at the presidential table. They stood as the centerpiece, which they really deserved.

The money dance was fun. I wish I had a money dance during my wedding, hehe. My mind became an instant calculator, watching those pieces of "Ninoy" and "Trio" (five hundred and one thousand pesos bill, respectively) pinned at their wedding dress one by one. The long line of "Etneb" (twenty pesos) brought large applause from the crowd when one of the ninangs wrapped the money at the newly weds.

It was a really fun wedding. And after my almost four years of marriage, I also got to meet Haidee again. My wedding emcee who was also the emcee of the said wedding.

My only downside was I always become an emotional during weddings. sometimes I forgot that I have a work to do and got attached to the sermon. While taking pictures, my eyes became wet especially at the moment when parents give messages to their children. I really can't help it. I just dry my eyes discreetly.

Otherwise, my co-photographers would laugh at me!

To Aldine and Erelyn, congratulations and best wishes!

Salvador Men - Aldrin

2008-03-01T19:39:00.001-08:00

Finally, my second installment for the Salvador Men is now approved. I cannot tell you the final title yet and even the date of its release. I will just keep you posted, guys.

Anyway, I can share you a part of the manuscript....

Everything in her life was ordinary. Even her name. Anna dela Cruz. She thought she would be living her life that simple forever until she met Richmond Salvador. Pangalan pa lang nito ay mayaman na. And he was indeed rich. Extremely rich, extremely handsome, extremely arrogant. At dahil hindi niya masakyan ang pagiging arogante nito, sa unang engkuwentro nila ay hinampas niya ito ng malansang isda!

To his hometown, he was more popularly known as Aldrin Salvador. Pero sa isang pagkakataon kung saan siya naka-engkuwentro niya ang pinakamagandang tindera ng isda sa tanang buhay niya, ipinakilala niya ang sarili bilang Richmond Salvador, after all, his full name was Richmond Aldrin Salvador. At sa palagay niya, kakaiba ang engkuwentrong iyon. Bakit hindi, ngayon lang nangyari sa kanya na may babaeng naglakas ng loob na salubungin ang topak niya. At hinampas pa siya nito ng malansang isda!

The 99 Club

2008-02-16T05:59:00.001-08:00

This is a forwarded email to me. I decided to post this to share to all of you.

It's really ironic how people turn out this way... hope we could learn to'get out' of the "99 Club"...

ARE YOU PART OF THE "99 CLUB"?

Hope not... But most of us, not knowingit,is a member of the Club!!Still wondering what I'm talking about?? Well, here's the story that goes along with the question above....... here's how it goes...

Long ago, there lived a King. This King should have been content withhislife, given all the riches and luxuries he had. However, this was not the case! The King always found himself wondering why he just neverseemed content with his life. Sure, he had the attention of everyonewherever he went, attended fancy dinners and parties, but somehow, he still felt something was lacking and he couldn't put his finger on it.

One day, the King had waken up earlier than usual and decided to stroll around his palace. He entered his huge living room and came to a stop when he heard someone happily singing away... following this singing... he saw that one of the servants was singing and had a very content look on his face.This fascinated the King and he summoned this man to his chambers.

The man, his servant, entered the King's chambers as ordered. The King askedwhy he was so happy. To this the man replied: "Your Majesty, I am nothing but a servant, but I make enough of a living to keep my wife and children happy. We don't need too much, a roof over our head and warm foodto fill our tummy. My wife and children are my inspiration, they are content with whatever little I bring home. I am happy because my family is happy".

Hearing this, the King dismissed the servant and summoned his PersonalAssistant to his chambers. The King related his personal anguish abouthis feelings and then related the story of the servant to his PersonalAssistant, hoping that somehow, he will be able to come up with somereasoning that here was a King who could have anything he wished for at a snap of his fingers and yet was not contented, whereas, his servant, having so little was extremely contented.

The Personal Assistant listened attentively and came to a conclusion. Hes aid "Your Majesty, I believe that the servant has not been made partof The 99 Club".

"The 99 Club? and what exactly is that?" the King inquired.

To which the Assistant replied, "Your Majesty, to truly know what The 99 Club is, you will have to do the following:... .place 99 GoldCoins in a bag and leave it at this servant's doorstep, you will then understand what The 99 Club is".

That very same evening, the King arranged for 99 Gold coins to be placed in bag at the servants doorstep. Although he was slightly hesitant and he thought he should have put100 Gold Coins in the bag, but since his assistant had advised him to put 99,that was what he did.

The servant was just stepping out of his house when he saw the bag at his doorstep. Wondering about its contents, he took it into his houseand opened the bag. When he opened the bag he let out a great big shout of joy.....Gold Coins.....so many of them. He could hardly believe it and he called his wife to show her the coins. He then took the bag to a table, emptied it out and began to count the coins. Doing so, he realized that there were 99 coins and he thought it was odd number so he counted again, and again and again only to come to the same conclusion.. .99 GoldCoins.

He began to wonder, what could have happened to that last 1 coin?For no one would leave 99 coins. He began to search his entire house, looked around his backyard for hours, not wanting to lose out on that one coin. Finally, exhausted, he decided that he was going to have to work harder than ever to make up for that 1 Gold coin to make his entire collection, an even 100 Gold Coins.

He got up the next morning, in an extremelyhorrible mood, shouting at the children and his wife for his bad mood, not realizing that he had spent most of the previous night conjuring ways of working hard so that he had enough money to buy himself that gold coin. He went to work as usual, only, not in his usual best mood, singing happily and whistling all day. He didn't even seem to notice that the King was watching him as he grumpily did his daily errands. Seeing the man's attitude change so drastically, the King was puzzled. He promptly summoned his assistant to his chambers. The King related his thoughts about the servant and once again, his assistant listened.

The King could not believe that the servant who until yesterday had been singing away and was happyand content with his life had taken a sudden change of attitude, eventhough he should have been happier after receiving the gold coins.

To this the assistant replied "Ah but your Majesty, the servanthas now officially joined The 99 Club." He explained: "The 99 Club is just a name given to those people who have everything but yet are never content, therefore they are always working hard and striving for thatextra1 to round it out to 100!We have so much to be thankful for and we can live with verylittlein our lives, but the minute we are given something bigger andbetter,we want even more! We are not the same happy contented person we used to be, we want more, and by wanting more, we don't realize the price we haveto pay for it. We lose our sleep, our happiness, we hurt the people around us, just as the price to pay for our growing needs and desires.That is what joining The 99 Club is all about."

Hearing this, the King decided that from that day onwards, he was going to start appreciating all the little things in life. Striving for more is always good, but lets not strive so hard and for so much that we lose all those near and dear to our heart, we shouldn'tcompromise our happiness for moments of luxuries!

By - Reshma Sakhrani
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight." (Proverb 3:5-6)

KC Concepcion in MMK

2008-02-13T07:54:00.000-08:00

Wednesday night when I first watched MMK's teaser for this week's episode featuring KC Concepcion. And I was amazed watching KC's acting. Indeed, talent is in her blood. It was just a teaser but I was deeply touched and couldn't believe my eyes got wet with tears.

Came Friday night, I sat in front of TV and eagerly waited for the said show. And I was really entertained, even cried again!

The story was really touching and heartwarming.

Plus, KC proved her self to be a genuine talent. I adrmired her ever since and now i became an instant fan.

Congratulations! And to my favorite long-time drama series Maalaala Mo Kaya, more power!

Salvador Men - Adrian

2008-02-11T19:00:00.000-08:00

Last month, I got depressed due to the negative feedback of the manuscript I passed at PHR. But I feel better now. I got a check, need to say more???

I cannot tell you the title yet but it’s about Adrian Salvador, the character frequently mentioned at my novel “the Wedding Gown Magic” and “Vicki”.

Adrian’s story also debuts the collection of stories of Salvador Men. I initially called them Salvador Brothers, although they are not literraly brothers but cousins, they are bonded closer than true blooded brothers.

And since I’m already through with Adrian’s story, I’m now into my own mind debate as to which character would be in the next story. Maybe it will be Vince, Adrian’s older brother. Or maybe, it will be Aldrin. Well, I got six more gorgeous men who can be in the lead. So it could also be Zeke, Quiel, Ephraim or even Jethro.

I would like to mention my fellow writer Vanessa for helping me in her most special way. Hey, Van! Clock is ticking… I saved the date.

Earn money online

2008-02-10T06:24:00.000-08:00

Lately I became interested in joining the money maker online. And this one, the hits4pay seemed the most realiable site. Come and join me. let's make money with minimal effort.

Thank you, Weng. As always, you help me in this online earning opportunity.

Precious Fans Day

2008-02-02T04:32:00.000-08:00

Precious Hearts Romances

Fans Day

March 17, 2007

Activity Center

SM San Lazaro

PHR writers Sheena Rose, Claudia Santiago,

Vanessa, me, Elizabeth McBride, Almira Jose,

Bernadette Licarte, Rose Tan and Laurice del Rio

with our Publisher Jun Matias

with my friend Katrina, finally, we've met!

I Am A Writer

2008-02-01T08:05:00.000-08:00

How I Started Writing?

I attended the Precious workshop but after the workshop, I didn’t concentrate on writing. I was busy in other things. When I wrote my first book, it was out of desperation and vengeance. I resigned from my eight-to-five work and wanted to prove to some people that they are other ways of earning and they are not the only company in this side of the world. I wanted to prove to few people that they can never put me down.

My first book was a disaster. The result was “for revision” but the three-page comment simply meant that it was as good as “reject”. I wrote another. It was for revision again but she told me I made a lot of improvements. My third book was finally approved in the first reading. That was Just Mine.

After my book Just Mine, I felt a little confidence that I can really write. I wrote Sometimes You Just Know, which eventually became a series, my very first series. It was not intended to become a series but having a series that time was a fad and I thought of giving it a try.

But writing was never easy.

For me, it is a work that I really need to exert lots of effort. And that was the time that I was still studying to earn a college degree while I was also working in another eight-to-five job. I had a little time for writing but it was also the time that I feel my “calling” in writing was so strong. So no matter how much little time left for me, I found time to sit down and touch my typewriter. Oh, yes, computer was only for rich people during that time.

Three manuscripts and alas, I able to save bucks to buy my very first, 386 PC. I quit my job in the office and made my writing support my last year in college.

After graduation, I was told to find a job related to my course. But I prefered to write. So I didn’t even take a glance on the ads paper but did long hours of sitting down and jumbling letters in the keyboard to produce manuscripts.

After a year of doing nothing but writing, I decided to give it a try. Applying in an office job, I mean. But it made me so bored that while I was waiting for my turn to be interviewed, my mind was wandering on what plot I was going to write the next minute I get back on my computer.

So I wrote again. Summer is the best time for me. Rainy days makes me so lazy that all I wanna do is sit down and read.

Ideas came from anything and everything. It could come from eavesdropping, hehe! Or from watching a movie or reading another book. Sometimes, even a one line from someone I was talking with could give me an idea on what to write.

But mental block also hits me, from time to time.

This time, yes, I’m into mental block.

For the meantime, through this blog, I share with you bits and pieces of every manuscript I wrote.

Blogging, let’s rock and roll!

Ask Me...

2008-01-28T04:06:00.000-08:00

Ask Me…

What is Love?
Love isn’t something that needs permission to happen. It’s a feeling too strong and powerful to ignore.

Why do we fall in love?
The experience makes us feel completely alive where every senses is heightened, every emotions is magnified, every reality is shattered and we are all flying in the heavens. It may only last for a moment, an hour or an afternoon but that doesn’t diminish its value. Because we are left with memories that we will treasure for the rest of our lives. (The Mirror Has Two Faces)

Cried during a Movie?
Yes, in the movie A League of Their Own starring Tom Hanks, Ginna Davis and Madonna. The reunion scene made me cry…

Own a car?
Yes. Red Ferrari, Silver BMW, Black Jaguar. In my dreams...

Do I believe in long engagement?
My answer goes like this. I met my husband in December 2003. We were officially on in Feb 1 the following year. We got married in November 2004, less than a year after we met. We don’t regret it. We ARE happy. Especially now that we have in our lives the most precious little one. Jamaica Pablita, our honeymoon baby.

Slumbook

2008-01-28T03:11:00.000-08:00

Things that I like...

food:

I'm a foodie. :)

and these pictures are personally taken by me, hehe.

color:
red

Books:
Dan Brown's Angels and Demons, Sidney Sheldon's Nothing Last Forever, Sandra Brown's A Secret Splendour

TV programs:
ABS-CBN's defunct Buttercup is my all-time favorite TV show. Now, I'm hooked in Maging Sino Ka Man.

Movies:
The American President
The Cutting Edge
Pay It Forward
The Mirror Has Two Faces
Wedding Planner
Sweet Home Alabama
My Best Friends Wedding
The Wedding Singer
Notting Hill
The Tale of the Red Violin
The Mask Of Zorro
The Rain Man
Mrs. Brown
A League of Their Own
Finding Nemo
National Treasure
Jologs

Songs:
Healing
Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
Annie’s Song
For Baby
Till There Was You
I Follow The Sun
In My Life
If Ever In Your Arms Again
(Our Love) Don’t Throw It All Away
If You Asked Me To
Tomorrow
What’s Forever For
What Do We Mean To Each Other
Thanks To You
From A Distance
It’s All Coming Back To Me Now
It Might Be You
All I Ever Want
Sa Tuwing Umuulan na Kapiling Ka
Is There Something?
Kung Ako Na Lang Sana
Sometimes You Just Know
She
Afraid For Love To Fade
Grow Old With You
For A Moment Like This
Lady and The Tramp II Theme…
(it goes like… it’s amazing someone in my life just might be loving me… didn’t know that I could feel this way… it’s so crazy something in my life is better than a dream… I didn’t know that I could feel this way)

CP My Secret Crush and Fantasy

2008-01-27T23:23:00.001-08:00

Class Picture Series 3 & 4

My Secret Crush and Fantasy

Book 1 & 2

Alejo and Fatima Mae's story in this book holds a very special place in my heart. Their story made me cry while writing it, and it also made me look back on my own high school memories with bittersweet smile.

This is one of my personal favorite among the books I have written.

Class Picture Series

2008-01-27T09:02:00.001-08:00

Class Picture Series 1 & 2

My Lover, My Best Friend

book 1 & 2

Aleamor was eager to organize a high school class reunion of her batch. It had been over a decade and she had lost contact with most of them.

And she knew now was the best time.

Then she remembere Joel, the one who could make things happen, for always.

And while she was planning the reunion, twist of events happened, too.

Just like in a snap, she found herself married to Joel...

Wedding Girls Series Batch 2

2008-01-27T06:57:00.000-08:00

There are few women who were scorned and in for revenge and there are also some who never lose hope and kept on dreaming…but deep in their hearts, these women definitely had one thing in commonlike the young, sweet girl in their hearts,they believe in love and romance and fairy tales…let’s find out how they met the men destined to be the love of their lives…

Wedding Girls Series is a collection of stories of women whose career is involved in wedding industry…

Batch 2

Jenna, Another Wedding Planner

Caroline, The Florist

Sienna, The Travel Agent

Samantha, The Caterer

Imee, The Baker

Lynette, The Jeweler

Sydney, The Wedding Singer

Donna, The Make-up Artist

Veronica, The Couturier

Alexandra, The Printer

Jamaica, The Wedding Photographer II

Wedding Girls Series Batch 1

2008-01-27T06:24:00.000-08:00

there are few women who were scorned and in for revenge
and there are also some who never lose hope and kept on dreaming…
but deep in their hearts, these women definitely had one thing in common
like the young, sweet girl in their hearts,
they believe in love and romance and fairy tales…
let’s find out how they met the men destined to be the love of their lives…

Wedding Girls Series is a collection of stories of women whose career is involved in wedding industry…

Wedding Girls 1

Evelyn May, The Wedding Planner

Ryan Olivares was handsome and tall. He seemed to possess a patent in sex appeal. He had a striking personality that Eve felt made her breathless. They shared heated kisses and passion consumed her.

But Eve realized she was goint to marry another man!

A year later, Eve became a widow. And she blames no one for it but Ryan. She voved to get even with him.

And they are now ensnared in the web of seduction game...

~~~~~~

The other wedding girls...

Lorelle
The Jeweler

Geraldine
The Cake Architect

Scarlett Marie
The Florist

Shelby
The Wedding Singer

Ysabelle
The Makeup Artist

Nicole
The Honeymoon Destination Expert

Adrienne Blythe
The Caterer

Faith
The Printer

Charity
The Wedding Emcee

Maxine
The Wedding Photographer

Julianne
The Bridal Gown Designer

Cagayan

2008-01-27T06:22:00.000-08:00

Places And Souvenirs

Distinct or intertwined romance stories set against the single backdrop of an exotic Philippine setting.

Cagayan is the last series I wrote for this book imprint.

Cagayan 1 – SANTINO (Enemies At First Sight)
Cagayan 2 – SEBASTIAN (You Belong To Me, I Belong To You)
Cagayan 3 – PJ (PJ, I Love You 1)
Cagayan 4 – PJ (PJ, I Love You 2)

Picture of the book will be added later, guys...

Boracay

2008-01-27T05:56:00.000-08:00

Places And Souvenirs

Distinct or intertwined romance stories set against the single backdrop of an exotic Philippine setting.

Four women of Womanly Magazine went to Boracay for business and a little pleasure. When they got there, they got entangled with gorgeous men that became the love of their lives.

Ilocos

2008-01-27T05:29:00.000-08:00

Places And Souvenirs

Distinct or intertwined romance stories set against the single backdrop of an exotic Philippine setting.

The very first series I wrote for this particular book imprint was Ilocos.

The first time I went to Ilocos was in 1994. From Vigan to Laoag, to different tourist destinations in that province, I felt that the place would be significant for me. and it's true, ten years after, November 2004 to be exact, for the nth time, I was in Ilocos province again, this time not with friends nor classmates but with a very special someone. Yes, we spent our honeymoon up north.

But that is another story...

Three special, intelligent ladies got their own little trouble. It was a blessing in disguise for they met wonderful men that capture their hearts.

I wrote P&S Ilocos in 1999, after I had a week-long vacation there with fellow writer Martha Cecilia and other friends.

Sometime You Just Know

2008-01-27T05:25:00.000-08:00

Series 1 – Mariel & Benedict
Series 2 – Roselle & Frederick
Series 3 – Bernadette & Juniel 1
Series 4 – Bernadette & Juniel 2
Series 5 – Riza & Roi
Series 6 – Marra & Tody
Series 7 – Quennie & Adam
Series 8 – Katrina & Jude
Series 9 – Meliza & Froilan Rei

This is a collection of stories about friends becoming lovers and arranged marriages between family friends.

My Lovely Bride

2008-01-27T05:20:00.000-08:00

another book imprint by Precious

The heroine as the prospective lovely bride—and the merits and sanctity of marriage as the ultimate goal of a romantic relationship.

And these are the books I have written under this book imprint:

Rachel & Ken

# 120 - Caitlin & Vergel

# 114 - Mary & Jeriq

# 97 - Julie & Froilan

# 87 - Jelyn & Franco

# 80 - Camille & Polo

# 65 - Jeninna & Roel

# 54 - Lilianne & Nick

Wedding Vows

2008-01-27T05:19:00.000-08:00

WV 1 - To Have and To Hold

WV 2 - From This Day Forward

WV 3 - For Better, For Worse

WV 4 - Till Death Do Us Part

This is my second series after Sometimes You Just Know. This four-book series is about friends Maurin, Kristel, Annalor and Maris who found love in unexpected time and events.

My Love, My Hero

2008-01-27T04:58:00.000-08:00

another book imprint by Precious

-The heroine as the damsel in distress, the stricken beauty. And her man as her hero—chivalrous and romantic knight in shining armour.

And these are the books I have written under this book imprint:

Liam Saavedra
Jasper Matias
Andres Figueroa
Segunda Ventura

Txt Lyf

2008-01-27T04:42:00.000-08:00

Could It Be Love?

Texters In Love

Two books I wrote for this book imprint:

Txt Lyf

-anonymous romantic messages sent to an unsuspecting beloved, the diminutive cellular phone as a device in bringing together two hearts into the very core of love.

Men In Blue: Ivy's League

2008-01-27T00:44:00.000-08:00

Men In Blue

in this book imprint, heroes are the gorgeous, rugged type.

Ivy's League

by Jasmine Esperanza

Ivy is the rich, spoiled brat raised by her grandmother. She's snob, prefers designer labels on everything and never eaten in a fast food all her life...

Lance Wilson is the exact opposite of her. Except for his gorgeous eyes, she will not take a second look on him. why, he's just an electric company lineman. And dirty.

And oh, she hated any kind of dirt...

But why does her heart dribble everytime she take a look at him?

Sylvia Roces Love Files

2008-01-27T00:40:00.000-08:00

Over The Bakod Lang Ang Pag-ibig

This is the only book I have written under this book imprint:

Sylvia Roces Love Files
-Drama in the life and love of a letter sender. Sylvia Roces is the sympathetic but no-nonsense sob sister who commiserates and gives advice.

PHR...Secrets

2008-01-27T00:33:00.000-08:00

Asin Sa Sugat ng Puso (Salt in A Heart's Wound)

Ninna

Two books I have written under this book imprint:

...Secrets

-Romance stories of the suspense-thriller genre, unusal events unfold as two hearts get more deeply involved with each other

Edward Thomas

2008-01-27T00:29:00.000-08:00

My only book under this book imprint:

PHR CLASSICS GEMS
-Romance in all its epic proportions. Longer, larger in scope, thicker plot and guaranteed romance.

Once You Were Mine

2008-01-27T00:22:00.000-08:00

Once You Were Mine is the only book I have written under this book imprint:

PHR CLASSICS

-lengthened and made more provocative and emotion-filled to suit the reader’s desire for prolonged excitement.

Precious Hearts Romances

2008-01-26T23:51:00.001-08:00

The Best Love Stories Of All Time

Tagalog Romance Pocketbook

Love in all its glorious forms…
Two hearts in the throes of despair and happiness…
Lovers in the splendor passion…
A celebration of fidelity, honor, family ties and values…
And infinite wonders of the human heart…
Top-rate romantic novels released by:
Precious Pages Corporation
Philippines

In this book imprint, these are some of the books that I have written:

Just Mine

Boy Next Door

Ever Since

Please Be Mine

Whenever You're Near

Second Chance At Love (Book 1 and 2)

Pretenders In Love (Book 1 and 2)

Ikaw Na Nga Ang pag-Ibig

For Our Heart's Sake

Narito Ako

After the Kiss

Soon I'll Find You

The Wedding Gown Magic

Precious Pages Corporation

2008-01-26T23:42:00.000-08:00

PRECIOUS PAGES CORPORATION (PPC) began in 1992 when most businesses were closing down due to the crippling energy crisis. At that time, Tagalog romance pocketbooks were gaining popularity among Filipino romantics, especially the women. Segundo D. Matias Jr. and Richard Reynante, two creative think tanks from advertising, film and television, knew very well the Filipino taste in entertainment, so they decided to pool their resources and came up with the romance novel book imprint Precious Hearts Romances (PHR).

This is the publication where all of my books mentioned here are published.

I Am A Fan As Well

2008-01-26T20:38:00.000-08:00

Before I became a writer, I was and I still am a fan to various artists, (singers, celebrities, authors.)

I am a big fan of Lea Salonga. I really like her during her Princess Jasmine of Alladin, the Movie.

I also like Roselle Nava during her Ang TV days.

When it comes to book, it was Helen Meriz on top of my list. But when I read Martha Cecilia's Akin Ka, Noon, Ngayon at Magpakailanman, I instantly became her fan. And up to now, I always look up to her.

I never expected to be a writer. Before, I was just dreaming of meeting Martha Cecilia. But when I became a writer, I also came to know more of my favorite writer MC.

Now, she's more than my idol. To most people, she's Martha Cecilia, the writer. To some fellow writers, she's MC or Miss Marthat. To me, she's Ate Baby, my friend, my adviser and my big sister, too.

Blogging Excites Me

2008-01-26T19:37:00.000-08:00

Okay, this is just my hmmm, 4th post, but i'm telling you, this really excites me. Thanks to Weng for introducing me to this craze online.

I have a lot of ideas to write about but i guess, it's better to focus on this first.

When you are a writer, a lot of people expects you to generate tons and tons of paragraphs in just a snap. Hello! we're just human. And human as we are, we need to sleep, to relax, to take our own time.

And so, after several years of writing pages and pages of scene for my books, i thought of giving it a try, blogging I mean.

Blogging is entirely different from writing a full-length novel. And while I am taking a short break from writing a novel, I want to make this blog.

To all my friends and readers, fans or critics, this blog is for all of you!

2008 Contract and Compliments Day

2008-01-26T19:21:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much Louwelyn (asawakomahalko) for tagging me. I really appreciate it!

2008 CONTRACT

COMPLIMENTS DAY

A real friend must be cherished beyond all worldly measures and shine brighter than gold and last longer than diamonds. A compliments day memo from a beautiful sexy friend. Thanks again for sharing me this, Louwelyn.

Blessing In Disguise

2008-01-25T10:21:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since i got this virus at Yahoo Messenger. I always apologize to fellow YM'ers for such an alien language that always pop on them every now and then. and they always send me this: Hey! You got a virus!!!

Until Louwelyn, approached me, well, with the very same message.

I apologized again.

And it started a nice conversation eventually convincing me to try blogging.

Well, why not?

So I'm here, trying to write a nice welcome post, hahaha.

Who am I?

I am Jasmine Esperanza.

You will know more and more about me next time.

Till next post...