More Baguio Pictures and Isdaan in Gerona, Tarlac

Just have a few more Baguio pictures to share. On our last day in Baguio, we had breakfast at Cafe by the Ruins. You really shouldn't miss the camote bread that they serve over there. I found it delicious, smudged with a bit of butter & strawberry jam. Of course, I had to take home a few rolls. The funny thing though, it tasted mighty better up there in cool Baguio than down here in hot Manila. Ha-hahaha...ambience certainly makes a whole lot of differece!! And to my idol BJ, here's the corn-on-a-cob with extra butter and a sprinkling of salt. Yummy!!!!

Alas, all good things come to an end and it was time to get back home. For lunch (a very late one at 2pm), we ate at Isdaan restaurant which served great food plus so much more. It is located in Gerona, Tarlac, almost halfpoint between Baguio & Manila. You won't miss the place since it's right along the highway and has an army of huge, kitschy stone statues all over the entrance.

We were quite surprised to see the place still full at 2 p.m. The eating area actually sits atop huge fish ponds and while waiting for the food to be served, the kids were given fish food and were allowed to feed the gorgeous carpa swimming around the ponds. At the end of a very pleasant meal, the kids smashed a few mugs at the Tacsiyapo wall. Yes, as in smash it to bits and pieces. Great way to let off steam??? Well, why don't you try it out?

Baguio in My Mind

Last weekend, our family enjoyed a 4 day vacation in Baguio. The last time I was in Baguio was about 16 or so years ago but it was my kids' first time up in the mountains. They were amazed that the weather up there could get that cold!

Baguio has changed a lot since the last time I've been there. There are more people & more traffic. It's still a very lovely place to visit though. We loved the food, the weather, the sites.... Already, my youngest DS wants to go back! Hmmmm... I hope it won't be after 16 years again though.

Lasting Impression

What else can I say? I feel so lucky!!! Thank you for having faith in me!


Photos by Lumeng Lim & Jeff Lopez. Thanks, Jeff & Lumeng!!!

Please check out Lasting Impression's gallery for credits. Thanks so much for never tiring of visiting this site!!!!

Artzdescraps Mini Album Challenge

I grew up in a large, rambling house in Mandaluyong City. It was a happy, comfortable place where I shared many lovely memories with my family. We always had pets around, friends always came to visit & play. Each nook & cranny of this beloved house is clearly etched in my mind. Sadly, the old house no longer stands. And even more sad is that I don't have a single photo of it as a keepsake.

I want my kids to always remember their home & all the beautiful memories they may keep so I made this album. Hopefully, I will be adding more pages for more memories to come. And hopefully, they will be able to share it with the generation to come.

Of Family Pets and Birthdays

I've always wanted to do a layout of Jesi. She's the family pet and is totally devoted to us. I was so happy with how it came out! A fitting tribute to a loyal member of our family.

I so enjoyed using the Sandylion papers that I made another one for my birthday LO. I've always celebrated my birthdays quietly, preferring to spend it with family and close friends. This year turned out to be different as I received a gazillion greetings from dear friends from the scrapbooking community. Thanks, everyone!!!! You bet, I had a really, really good one!

Please check out Lasting Impression's gallery for the materials used for the 2 layouts. Thanks for looking!

Cosmo Cricket Challenge of Lasting Impression

Lasting Impression's Cosmo Cricket Challenge is still ongoing. You may upload your layouts untilo April 15! Check out the details here!

Got Game?

What are the kids doing this summer? My DD is taking guitar lessons while my eldest DS, well.... I'm still trying to figure out what to make him do aside from planting himself in front of the computer. Meanwhile, everyday is an eternal summer to my youngest DS. The gift of toddlerhood, I believe.

With the children in the house, the pantry gets emptied as fast as it is re-stocked. They endlessly whine that there is nothing for them to eat. Our harried cook has to think double time on what to prepare for merienda otherwise things would become really unpleasant.

So what are your kids doing this summer? Get them lessons, scrap with them, bake or cook with them! Give them assignments or chores and check on what they accomplished at the end of the day. Enjoy summer.. but make sure to keep the fridge stocked!!!!

Please check out Lasting Impression's gallery for materials used for this layout. Happy summer to all!!

Making Memories and Easter Layouts

My DS attended his first "public" Easter Egg Hunt in our village. For the past years, I've always arranged an Easter Egg Hunt in the comfort of our home away from over-zealous parents/yayas/grandparents who most of the time do the hunting themselves. I felt that this year, DS was ready for the real world.

I'd have to hand it to this year's organizers, the village SK. Everything was so organized. And guess what.... NO ADULTS were allowed in the hunting area. It was all up to the kids to find their own loot. It was so heartwarming to see all the grown-ups cheering the kids on. Good, clean fun!

DS made me really proud that day. Being below 5 years old, DS was one of the first in the hunting area. He happily hunted for about 5 minutes then came to us to show off his loot. He wanted to go back and hunt for more eggs but we explained to him that we had to give the other kids a chance too. Upon hearing our explanation, DS quickly agreed and proudly announced with a big smile: "Mama!! I got three!!"

Simply Life Journaling: Gabriel, today you learned an important lesson that I hope you'll remember all your LIFE. Today, you learned to share with other children. You shared willingly & wholeheartedly, with a beautiful smile and a pure heart.

An Easter Story Journaling: You wanted to go back to get some more eggs but when Mama said that some of the other kids didn't get any yet, your face broke into a huge smile and you proudly said, "Mama, I got THREE!!!!"

Please check out Lasting Impression's gallery for the materials used for the Easter layouts. Hope you all had a Happy Easter. Thank you all for looking!!!

Life's a Beach!!!

A day on the beach with a cool drink in hand, children frolicking in the sand and no worries at all. Welcome, Glorious Summer!!!!

I'm Guest DT!

I am honored to have been asked by Ms. Helen Chua of Memory Lane to be her Guest DT for the month of March alongside with the very talented Timi Mercado. I was provided with beautiful Cloud 9 papers which were so fun to work with. Thank you, Ms Helen, for giving me this great honor.

Materials Used all available at Memory Lane Store: Cloud 9 Be Loved paper pack; Making Memories Metal Words; DCWV Glossy Sticker True Love; Heidi Swapp Chipboard Alphabets – Newsprint; Making Memories Eyelet Quotes