White Screwed Again!

It does bother me that, for the second time, one of White’s tires got screwed again. This time is the front right tire. Just few months ago, some same type of screw hit the rear right tire! Gggrrrrrr! Why meeeeee????

I am telling this story because some of you might smack the same fate in the future… But I hope NOT *fingers crossed*!!! I was going to work last Wednesday when I heard something very very unusual with my car. I knew there was something wrong because I always bring my car to the office every day, so I know at the very least what’s normal.

Around 500 meters from our house, I heard this recurring sound (TUG TUG, TUG TUG) and got me more freaked out when I was reaching 35-40kph… the sound was even more louder and faster. I immediately went back home to avoid any more damage to my car! Ano ba yan! O_o Fortunately, my boss was very considerate enough to allow me to work at home after learning what happened.

When I reached home, I opened the hood and stepped on the gas pedal while in neutral mode to see how the engine was – okay naman, nothing unusual with the sound even if I reach 2500rpm – I was relieved! I checked out some articles/blogs from Google and got some ideas that it might be something about the ball joint or the tires.

Just in time, I had an appointment the next day at Honda Cavite for the warranty service of my backlight. As soon as I checked in my car, I asked my servicer to check up on that sound right after the backlight service.

After few hours of waiting, test drives and checking, it turned out there was a screw at the front right wheel which was already hitting the mags because the tire was already deflated BIG TIME. Tumatama na daw sa mags kaya may rhythmic sound.

I paid P490.00 for the checkup and diagnosis, which it could be waived if only I knew my tire was screwed in the first place. Also, I paid an additional of P100.00 for the vulcanizing service in Imus.

One thing bothers me is that the same screw hit my rear right wheel..same screw on the first time!!! Onoboyon!!!!

Have a safe trip, girls!

Random Thoughts

 

ChaTime Philippines

We have visited two branches so far, in Landmark and the other one in MOA. There are always lines on their stores, because people are willing to wait for their teas! Try it and I know you’ll love it! Don’t forget to ask for their loyalty card coz you might need it for you next rounds! ;-)

 

Secret Garden

We had another special dinner at Sonya’s Garden for the second time. This ‘worst-kept-secret’ garden never fails to bring out the romantic mood in us. During our first time, most guests were couples but this time – big families! But in spite of, um, happy noise from the other tables, we find our perfect spot just near the kitchen – with easy access on refills and requests. ^_^v

After a funny movie, Johnny English, from Rowan Atkinson at SM Dasmariñas, we arrived at Tagaytay just the perfect time when all the lights at restaurant are sparkling on. For two hours, we really enjoyed the food, the ambiance, the sound, and the mushy talks. Love, love, love.

 

Ideal Weight

Did you know that I am 4 pounds away from my ideal weight??? Hell YEAH!!!! But I still need more workouts to spread the fats on their perfect places. 0_o

 

Bora Hindi Natuloy

My close friends knew that I was having the vacation of my life in the islands of Kalibo and Boracay! I planned it for more than two months. Everything from the plane tickets, accommodations, budget and even the itinerary were planned by yours truly. But but but… I had to make way for my Brazil trip. :-/

I realized that fate is still getting aligned with my rule that “Pupunta lang ako sa Boracay kapag may ka holding hands na ako.” Hahaha!  I said it to myself for about two years ago… Well, I still yet to grant it to myself in the future…

 

Joseph Birthday

Oh how we really love to sing! For Josephs birthday this year, we ended up at Center Stage in Makati City to belt our favorites songs after our dinner at Sinangag Express (SEx). Belated happy birthday, Joseph, even though our Boracay party didn’t happen, we still have a lifetime to plan for it ;-)

 

 

 

Random Recollections

 

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            I surpassed White’s first 6 months preventive maintenance schedule after being so paranoid with all the negative service feedbacks for Honda Alabang branch especially items or parts being missing or not replaced! I think mine went okay. I put away all valuables items inside my car, including tools at the trunk. I set my appointment over the phone and then learned that the online appointment is not working. OLATS. The number I dialed was 02-902-9439.

            Even though my Service Advisor (that’s what they call the guy that should assist you all throughout the process) offered free ride to Alabang Town Center/Festival Mall, I opt to stay at the lounge area, watch HBO and get myself comfortable over the couch with unlimited coffee. I did not have much sleep that morning because I came home around 2:00AM. At 8:00AM, I was at the car wash (and later realized that a car wash was included in the service. Duh!) I came 30 minutes earlier at 09:30AM as advised, and by 2:30PM, White looks good as new – with 3 movies for 5 hours. I even tried to get some sleep pero nagdalawang isip ako kasi baka bigla na lang ako ngumanga don! Hahaha!     

            White’s A/C is even colder this time. Also, I have been having issues with my shift stick at gear 1 and it is gone now. It cost me P4,519.00 for the whole service – change oil/items replaced/fluids filled/parts checked/car wash. Next schedule is on January 2012.

            I had a hard time driving pauwi, super traffic at Aguinaldo Hi-way area. Ano pa nga ba ang aasahan ko, it was Saturday at the peak of rush. I was supposed to go to Dave’s birthday party pero hindi ko na talaga kaya.

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I prepared Fried Lumpia earlier today while Beef Broccoli yesterday, perhaps Tinolang Manok tomorrow.

 

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            Mistakenly sending a text message to someone whom both of you are *not on speaking terms* mode (hahaha!)… is not the best feeling in the whole world! There were two supposed-to-be recipients on my message; unfortunately, the other one was alphabetically residing next to that person. You might be thinking why that person is still on my list. Ok ok, I don’t have plans of deleting any; I just think that is sooo immature. I used to do that long time ago, and then I add them again later LOL.

            It was so embarrassing! Imagine me doing a facial expression while on the bus with my right hand slowly covering my face! (Now I am really laughing!) The pride was kicking in, I must say. I even blamed the roller on my Blackberry Bold. Ang sensitive kasi, kaunting touch mo lang, gumagalaw na!!! Those have phones like mine would totally understand me. *wink* *wink*. Okay, enough of the explanation! Hahahha.

            When it rains, it pours. There were two recipients and I badly needed the text to reach them until *boom!!!*

Sa kanya lang na send…
Piso na lang pala ang load ko (I blamed the internet charging of Globe)…
‘Message not sent’ na dun sa isa…
The text didn’t reach any of my intended receivers…

 The text was about work and it was important to me. When I came to the office, (White’s coding by the way, so I took the bus) I fixed what needs to be fixed and I moved on. ^_^v I logged on to BPI for mobile reload, coz I always make sure I have calling capabilities since I started driving. Mahirap na baka magkaaberya ako sa daan.

            Later that day, I received a message and guess what?... from that person. I did not really expect to receive one, or I did not bother. I just made sure my replies were calm and mature. Hahahaha! SUCCESS!

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We watch Transformers 3 at Greenbelt. MOA was our first choice, but having volume of movie goers there in our minds, we decided to go to Greenbelt 3 instead. Inay ko po! Pang 8:00PM na ang next available cinema time. Then we ended up seeing the movie at Greenbelt 1. I like the movie and I love Rosie’s pretty white wardrobe!

Pepper Lunch at dinner! Swak!!!

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How cute is this?
It is Monica and our new dog, Cha-Cha.

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Vinegar for your hair… anyone?
^_^v

 

 

 

Learn From the Scratch

The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing. Naaalalamo pa ba yung mga peklat mo bago ka pa natutong bike? Eh yung galos sa tuhod at sa siko mo dahil sa kaka-master ng agawang-bahay? Ako oo!

I learned how to ride a bike when I was in grade two, all by myself by the way – using Tatay’s bike under his nose. Hehehe. Mas patakas, mas masaya! The thrill of learning how to ride on a bike has never been easier. I was taking it to the basketball court and spend the whole afternoon watching myself falling and getting up again steering and balancing the two wheels.

Now that I have White, the experience is never different to completely learn the tricks of driving. I already made four scratches so far – both side mirrors (twice on the right) and one at the bumper. I think I wouldn’t be more careful now in taking my turns if not from those scratches.

And it is my turn to reward White. Those scratches are sooo much eyesores to me. For P700.00, everything disappeared like almost a brand new!

Instant Subic Road Trip

I slept and woke up the day with the stamina and determination to experience my very first long drive. Together with my very supportive partners in adventure, nothing is impossible… even for an instant Subic Road Trip!!! Yebaaaaah!

Mind you, it was supposed to be “Baguio” Weeee! The plan was to stay at a cheap hotel, just buy few shirts and drive to the highest city! But Joseph, dominated by the coffee during our three-hour stay at Starbucks, got too scared to say the magic word “YES”. Hahahaha! He has a lot of worries but the girls think otherwise LOL! ^_^v

Until we all agreed… it should be S-U-B-I-C! For a city which has a lot to offer, it is no surprise to be the tourist destination among the southern-ers. It is absolutely considered as one of the face of tourism in the north. At this point, I imagined myself racing at the express way! ASA.

After White’s spa engagement at Big Berts, we headed straight to NLEX and had our buffet lunch at a Mocha Blends coffee shop – their rib steak is really GOOD. However, the service is poor enough to make Ken turn red. ^_^v. The crew was FORCING us to get some shake instead of our order, Mango, just because they run out of ingredients and the milk allegedly won’t last after being opened and we had to order shake that uses that special ingredient!  “Eh kung may allergy kami don?!” Taray! Go girl! LOL And why do we have to pay for something we did not order???? Duh?! Anyway, we did not touch the additional bottle of water served to us – “alam nyo na… baka may masamang ginawa dun sa tubig na sinerve sa amin” Hehehe.

Feast Lunch

Ubos

Then we headed straight back to our trip with fully charged stomach and emptied bladders. Mahirap na! hehehe. Just after DAU Exit, SCTEX is almost there. The same view when we had our North Luzon trip but time, instead of turning right, we went straight. And White went ballistic as I reached 134kph somewhere along the bridge. ^_^v it’s a must try! HAHAHAHA. I felt so good and in control. Speed Radar vans are all over so those over speeders like me won’t abuse the place. It is for the safety of all travelers. ;-)

After a three-hour drive from Manila, we finally got to Subic Freeport. It was in 2007 when I last visit Subic during La Salle’s summer outing. The experience is different now because I am more focused on road direction. Being a new driver gives me different perspective on my trips. :-) Naks! Subic has a very strict traffic rules! One mistake and you’ll get ticketed. Good thing I have good instructors! Subic has a lot to offer - from beach to modern needs. It was really the perfect place for me to experience White’s first official road trip.

As we go along the seemingly endless road, our first stop was Camayan Beach Resort where the forest meets the sandy beach. We were so amazed to see the fishes along the sea wall – absolutely stunning! Picture, picture!

It would be incomplete if we couldn’t give White the spotlight. Joseph found the first interesting spot at the LTO grounds. It was an open space with dirt colored floor, perfect with trees background and blue sky. White had its photo shoot.

 Since it was too early to visit the resto, we went to Pure Gold for some shopping and saw PBQ736. And another perfect spot we hit on the side of the road facing the sea.

To slow down a bit, we headed to the beach near The Lighthouse resort. We saw beach wedding at a distance. We bought souvenirs and more pictures. Soon enough, we went to Giligan’s and had my most dramatic dinner in Subic. ^_^v

We went back home at 8:00pm and arrived Cavite at around 12:30am. It would be earlier if not for the road accident at Balintawak.

To sum up, our TRIP was not just about the getting there but also to enjoy each other’s company as well. We have necklace/bracelet keepsakes to remember this short getaway. And that made up our Instant Subic Road Trip. :-)

Foamy Sunday

Sunday is a perfect time for me to bring White to the car wash. This time, they’ve upgraded their foamy wash :-D dati parang malagnaw, pero this time, mas maganda yung machine na gumagawa ng foam :-D

Ligo time!!!

I'm more confident parking white now, Going back and forth to SM helped a lot. :-) Weeeee!

966 KM

It was time for White’s first 1000 kilometer preventive maintenance service schedule!  ^_^

 As early as last week, I already got my schedule in Honda Alabang through their customer service number (02)902-9439 and soon after I received a confirmation message sent to my mobile.  I was told that the service involved checking, cleaning or adjustments of fluids, brakes, hoses, connections, battery and joints (malay ko ba sa mga yon?).  Everything went OK and when I drive White again – perfect! Parang mas gumanda! LOL (psychological lang ata, pero in fairness, hindi na ako namatayan ng makina) Next schedule is on the 6th month.

Hitting two birds in one stone, Joy was able to test drive Civic – as she was planning to buy one. “Joy, great choice!” Ken, Jo and I had free-lunch at Pancake House in Filinvest courtesy of Joy!

On a side sad note, may bago na ulit galos si White :-(

“I’ll make up to you na lang…”

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The other day, I went to SM for bills payment. :-D Given that I am a parking-engot, I decided to wake up early and have the whole parking lot empty for me Hahaha :-)) here’s a picture of my parking…

 

Toinks! 

 

Bagnet

Heard of Ginataang Bagnet? Or Bagnet Sisig? I still chose Bagnet Original as my order together with Ensaladang Talong. I had dinner out with Ron, Mike and Warren last night and we tried 8065 Bagnet along Estrella Street in San Antonio Village. What makes it more interesting is that the place is owned by the family of Kitchie Nadal. And undoubtedly, they are serving delectable Bagnet dishes!

The place is not that big, just enough for five six-seater tables and a couple of benches outside. The ambiance is so homey with the old paintings on the wall and vandals as design. We were so tempted to write our names on the wall but we were more interested with the food!

 

Their shrimp-looking pastillas (sabi ko) are heavenly too!

A Busy New Year Starter

Jan 1. Let me rewind to you the first half of my January 2011 by starting off with our New Year celebration! It was a simple yet special January 1 for us at home because we are still happy and healthy together like we always pray for. Dith and Kuya had overseas calls earlier that day to avoid the phone line clogs by night. It was a shabu-shabu dinner for us, inspired by one of our dinners during our family reunion last year – yummy! The day before, that was the first time I drove White all the way to SM and parked! Hehehe.

Parking is … driving me crazy!!!

I also bought Tequilla, first time for our own consumption. I used to buy this spirit as gift! As expected, I only had 5 small shots; just an itsy bitsy tiny sip for Ate Doll and Ninang Nina and the rest went straight to Kuya Joel’s throat until the next day. Hahaha!

Jan 3. Until now, I am still excited about having my first car. Trust me it is way more than having a new laptop! On the first week, it was funny that I got obsessed with car-wash! Hahahaha. I got White washed twice in just a week!

Jan 4-7. I also got a one week of driving practice from home to work and from work to home, accompanied by Diko Ermie. It was fun. I got to learn a lot of stuffs. But I still suck in overtaking, hanging and parking! Grrrrr. I need more and more practice. That is why Tatay did not allow me to use the car alone this week going to Makati.

Jan 8. At the first weekend, we enrolled White at Big Bert’s Professional Detailers in Ortigas for their OptiGuard paint protective maintenance program for a year. Too bad Marc mistakenly caught of beating red lights just a block away from Home Depot! P200.00 straight to someone’s pocket! Then we went to Megamall after for a bunch of cleaning stuffs. We also got lost in C5 while almost running of gas and work waiting for me at home! Hahahaha.

Jan 13. I also got my non-pro driver’s license at last! … With the help of Kuya Peter and a lesson of Karma, big time! Hahhaha!

Jan 14. I did my very first hands on car wash for White – followed carefully the instructions from Big Bert’s! I had Ailyn as my assistant. Tire black na lang kulang sa cleaning stuffs collection ko. Had dinner with Marc at Sultan Mediterranean Cafe a.k.a Sinbad and caught the waitress puting extra amount on my bill! Duh!? Hindi mo kami maloloko. Prices are cheaper compare before, ranging from P160-P400. Food is less tastier than before.

Jan 15. After a week, we went to Honda again for the installation of the backing sensor. Sucked again in parking at Alabang, watched entertaining Tron, got lost again in Festival mall, got Cruzee car washed in the middle of the night, had a blast at Jo&Kristle’s place while videoking and then it rained! Wahahaha. Carwash goodbye. We were supposed to go to Buon Giorno but time did not permit.

Jan 17. I caught Putol peeing at White’s tire!!!!! Grrrrrrr. I had to seriously talked to him (i hope he understood!)

Jan 18.  I had hilarious chats with Ate Lanie, Ate Rina, Tinay and Sheh! I was really laughing my heart out! and later that day I had car care session with Warren.

Jan 19. I practiced parallel parking again at home. Bagsak daw sabi ng Tatay. I have been pigging out with food this week O_O. Worked to the extreme and planned crazy stuff like Skydiving in Clark, Pamapanga on December 2011.

These were my busy weeks! ^_^

 

A 2010 Year-Ender

In our company’s Newsletter last September 2010, I was asked to write something about what I really wanted to accomplish before the year 2010 ends. Here's my answer:

 

What do you want to complete in the last quarter of 2010?

 

“Upon reading the question, the first thing that popped in my mind was to challenge myself to be able to complete the last quarter of this year with no tardiness and unplanned leaves at work. But there is something more important that I want to achieve this year and that is to buy a car. I have been saving money for half a year now, enrolled in a driving class and got my driver's license, too! So these are the things tops my to-do list this year.”

 

… And just before the year ends, I got a hold on the things I have been asking for all these years, actually everything :-) I really DID it!

Here's white when I first saw him while we picked him up at Honda Alabang.
... then we went straight to Tagaytay! ^_^v

 

The lazy cat is greeting you a…

Happy new year everyone! ^_^v

I Survived Makati

I went to Tagaytay twice last week with White and last night… in Makati! Weeeee. Little by little, I am learning the world of driving and getting more acquainted with my new bestfriend on the road!

Gems: “madami ka pang bloopers na pagdadaanan, good luck! Hahaha!”

Gems and Che had so many stories to tell last night during our dinner. Wala pa nga ako sa kalingkingan Hahaha! White and I still have a long way to go and together we will embrace our new partnership. Aribbaa! ^_^v