Cool Mom An2nette

Moments with Friends

2012-02-01T05:01:00.001-08:00

It is the bond with our friends that makes our life worthwhile and truly meaningful here in the Philippines. As a semi-retired couple, we're blessed with good friends that brings us joy and happiness. We're doing activities together that strengthened our friendship, moments that we will treasure forever.

Resort World Manila

2012-01-29T23:54:00.000-08:00

Resort World Manila is an integrated and entertainment complex feauturing three hotels including a 6-star all suite Maxim's Hotel, an iconic shopping mall, four high-end cinemas and a multi-purpose performing arts theater. We did drive there yesterday to watch the musical, The Sound of Music which accorded good reviews from theatergoers. I would say that the video direction, the grandiose set design and lighting astounded us not to mention the superb singing voice of the performers. We also did some shopping and browse around the nearby Mariott Hotel.

Bonding with Friends

2012-01-27T16:10:00.001-08:00

For the past days, we're spending a lot of time with our neighbor friends here. Its really nice to have good friends around doing activities together. Our subdivision is a very good choice for semi-retired people like us. We don't stop trying new restaurants, salon, spa and attending events here and there, so what else can we ask for.

Kung Hei Fat Choi to Everyone!!!!

2012-01-23T16:34:00.000-08:00

Today is Chinese New Year and heralds the Lunar New Year of the Water Dragon, a once in every 60 years occurrence. The dragon is perceived as a mystical and auspicious creature in Chinese cultures and this year is expected to bring prosperity and transformational change. For the first time, the Philippines celebrate the Chinese New Year as a non-working holiday throughout the country. It is one of the most revered and festive events celebrated not only in China but also in the Philippines by both Chinese- Filipinos and ordinary Filipinos as well.

Aside from business, Chinese influence is also pervasive in other aspects of our lives. We celebrated the chinese new year at Festival Mall and Alabang Town Center where i bought Tikoy, a chinese ricecake also believed to bring good luck. Other Pinoys join in Chinese New Year celebrations by partaking of Chinese food, checking Chinese horoscope and consulting feng shui experts before engaging in any activities this year.

Raymond's Birthday

2012-01-23T16:10:00.001-08:00

Raymond, a very good neighbor/friends of ours celebrated his birthday which also coincide with the chinese new year. It was held at the newly opened business hub which they co-owned. It was indeed a fun-filled night and we welcome the year of the water dragon with small fireworks.

Discovering Tacloban City

2012-01-18T17:04:00.000-08:00

I would admit that i am really a stranger in my own country. I've been to most parts of the globe and in the Philippines only the tourist spot area like Boracay, Bohol, Subic, Cebu and Palawan. Thats why this year we decided to travel around and first on our list is Tacloban City in Leyte. It is the premier city in Eastern Visayas which boasts of historical destinations that served as backdrops in the struggle to regain our independence. Speaking of Tacloban, first thing that comes to our mind are the statue of General McArthur when they first landed in this area, the first mass and the San Juanico Bridge. Join me as i show you our Tacloban City adventure.

Dinner at Sawyer's Place

2012-01-14T17:10:00.001-08:00

Yesterday the Sawyer couple invited us for dinner at their posh place. I got Bryan's message at Mary Pauline Salon while i'm having my foot spa with manicure & pedicure. Today is the grand opening of the salon with spa, carwash and coffeeshop. Its very cozy, with reasonable price and convenient for the residents of Southforbes and nearby subidivision. Back to our dinner, Lucy prepared chicken dishes, baked potatoes, vegetables and fruitcake with Kitkat chocolate ice cream as dessert. Its really a night to remember and once again Lucy proved her kitchen expertise, thanks again guys for the wonderful evening.

Back in the Blog World

2012-01-14T01:18:00.000-08:00

For the past days i really missed the blogosphere. I'm not in a hiatus mode nor i dont have any activities to share with you folks but the truth is Cool mom got sick. I was down with influenza and my problem with my left finger. I'm now on my way to recovery after barking/coughing for so many nights with my runny nose. As for my trigger finger, i still have to seek a second opinion from other doctors.

Prior to my sickness here are pictures of our activities with friends

A Rainy Sunday

2012-01-08T06:50:00.001-08:00

Though we did experienced a bad weather today, our plan to have lunch at an English restaurant in Festival Mall still pushed through. We then played bowling at Astrodome in Star Mall and have a spontaneous dinner in our place.

Evelyn's Birthday

2012-01-05T01:09:00.000-08:00

Evelyn, a very good friend of mine celebrated her birthday last January 3 at their posh house in Cabuyao. We really have lots of fun and its a great way of spending the first days of 2012.

A Happy and Blessed 2012 to Everyone!!!!

2012-01-02T23:08:00.000-08:00

For a change, we celebrated the new year with friends at Peninsula de Punta Fuego in Nasugbu, Batangas. It was a mexican-theme party and the foods, drinks and fun were overflowing. Its our first time to spend new year in nature so less smoke and no asthma for me. Thanks again to the generosity and kind accommodation of Jim and Yna Haskett.

As for the past year, its been an interesting ride so far, with some twists, turns and unexpected loops along the way. In totality, there are lots of blessings and i'm really thankful to Mama Mary and to the Lord as He continues to work perfectly in our lives.

Helping Others

2011-12-28T17:02:00.000-08:00

Its a very good feeling to help others who are in dire need of donations in any form. Yesterday, we did donated to the victims of typhoon Sendong in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. My heart melts seeing those victims and on a lighter note i'm happy also that a lot of our kababayans and other donors are helping in their own way to ease the sufferings of those affected. On the other hand, my daughter Astrid and her friends also helped the elderlies by giving goods/foods/gifts and share their precious time with them.

Our Christmas Celebrations

2011-12-27T03:41:00.001-08:00

Christmas is very special for a Filipino family. No matter what type of celebration we prepares, it is the spirit of sharing, giving and bonding which is the most important part of the christmas celebrations. I'm very happy to celebrate the yuletide season with my family and friends. It is our tradition that christmas should always be a time to be together and share the foods on the table.

Christmas dinner at Home with Friends

Christmas Eve at Annabel's Place

At home on christmas eve with my family

Dirk's Birthday

2011-12-19T17:55:00.000-08:00

First of All, A Merry Christmas to my Family, Friends, Readers, Bloggers, FB Friends and to Everyone!!!

Yesterday my schatz Dirk celebrated his birthday in our subdivision clubhouse. The birthday boy is beaming with happiness with the presence of our close friends. We have parlor games and we really have lots of fun. I'm really very lucky to have neighbors and friends who are very helpful and supportive to make Dirk's birthday a memorable one. To you schatz, happy birthday again and wishing you good health and more candles to blow, thanks a lot for the wonderful life you're sharing to me and my kids. We love you very much.

Southforbes Christmas Party 2011

2011-12-19T17:29:00.001-08:00

The annual SFV christmas party was held last saturday in our subdivision clubhouse. It was attended by homeowners, their families and guests. It was such a wonderful evening with parlor games, photo booth, dance/song number of kids, exchange gifts and dancing.

Golf Training

2011-12-17T01:01:00.000-08:00

It looked like that our partners who are golf players influenced us to try our hand in golfing. Dirk is very happy that i'm taking the lessons seriously. He wanted both of us playing in the green in the near future, why not??? Its always very hard in the beginning and i probably need hundreds of trips to the driving range and hit thousands of balls. We're going to have a formal lesson soon and in the meantime, our respective partners in life are our trainors. Aside from health benefits, I think doing the sport together is also good for the relationship.

The Essence of Christmas

2011-12-15T04:23:00.001-08:00

Christmas is just around the corner and for me giving, forgiving and sharing ones blessings is very important not only in this holiday season but all year round. In my life, I always remember the old adage, it is better to give than to receive. We also find the true meaning of christmas in the message of love and peace.

Wednesday Action

2011-12-15T03:47:00.000-08:00

Every wednesday, its always aerobics in the morning and bowling in the afternoon. Aside from health benefits, my friends and me became closer each day.

Weekend at Punta Puego

2011-12-11T00:50:00.000-08:00

We just had a wonderful weekend at the Peninsula de Punta fuego in Nasugbu, Batangas courtesy of the Haskett couple. We were treated like a royals at their cozy vacation house and we also attended the charitable christmas party hosted by the Tambunting couple for the benefit of Save the Ocean Foundation. It was indeed an enjoyable and relaxing experience away from the busy metropolis. We also viewed the lunar eclipse taking place before our eyes while the party is going on at the Tambunting garden.

Bowling with Friends

2011-12-07T17:00:00.001-08:00

We missed the right exit going to The Mills yesterday and because of the detour on the road, we reached Calamba instead. It becomes an adventure and nightmare as well because of the road condition. Anyway, our friends patiently waited for us and i was able to play just one game.

Girls Day Out

2011-12-06T14:32:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, while our partners in life are playing golf at Canlubang Golf Course, we decided to have a girls bonding day as well. We have a sumptuous lunch at Italiannis and halo halo time at Razons in Paseo. We also shopped for some items and while we're doing all these girly activities, we learn more of each other.

By the way, meet my new friend Gerbel, the cute dog of our neighbor

My Passion for LV

2011-12-06T01:57:00.000-08:00

I have built an extensive collection of Louis Vuitton bags and shoes because of my passion for this brand. It even stretched to our own house with LV inpired design and even to my house dress. The brand became my inspiration into the world of elegance and sophistication.

Eva's Birthday Celebration

2011-12-05T17:12:00.000-08:00

Reaching half the milestone is the age when you look back and smile at what you have achieved and frown at those missed opportunities. Whatever it is, there are many reasons to celebrate. A good neighbor friend of mine celebrated her golden year with hawaiian theme last saturday. Eva is a picture of contentment being a mom and granny. She celebrated her day with her loved ones, friends, relatives and former classmates. It was such a wonderful and enjoyable night with music of the 80's and catered foods.

Aerobics and Bowling

2011-11-30T17:20:00.000-08:00

Its now time to shed all those unwanted grams gained during our recent trip to Boracay and Singapore. To achieve this, i already started attending the 3 times a week aerobics in our subdivision and every wednesday bowling. The good thing is i met some new friends in doing these activities.

Amazing Singapore

2011-11-27T15:54:00.001-08:00

Its a dream come true for me and my two children the 3-day Singapore trip, thanks to my schatz Dirk for the realization of this wonderful experience. Words are not enough to describe the beauty of Singapore. Let the picture speak for themselves and please join me as i show you our journey to some of the major attractions of this land of great promises.

The flight and our hotel

Universal Studio

Vivo Shopping center

Marina Bay Sands Hotel and Casino

Singapore Zoo

Jewel Box and Cable car

Sentosa Merlion

Chinatown

Orchard Road

Family Visitors

2011-11-22T03:50:00.000-08:00

We're together in Boracay but our bonding with the Kriz family was stretched up to Manila. They are our guests in our house and Dirk showed them around our subdivision. We also did go to Tagaytay, Nuvali Solenad and Paseo de Santa Rosa.

At Home

Tagaytay

Nuvali

More Bora Pictures

2011-11-19T19:14:00.000-08:00

Boracay by night

Unlimited ribs steak at Nigi Nigi

Boracay Market

Boracay Discovery Shores

2011-11-17T16:25:00.001-08:00

The Discovery Shores is located in station 1, the best part of Boracay island. It offers attractive amenities, attractions and entertainment to young and olds alike. We have lunch there yesterday and their dishes are delicious as well.

Shangrila Boracay

2011-11-16T17:23:00.000-08:00

This five star hotel in Boracay island always fascinated us. Far from the crowds of Station 2, we always find serenity here and the panoramic view of the island was amazing. The lunch buffet in the hotel is out of the world delicious that we kept coming back in this hotel every year.

Boracay 2011

2011-11-15T16:52:00.000-08:00

For the past eleven years, we always manage to visit our favorite paradise island of Boracay. Aside from its fine sand, blue skies and waters, the place is very memorable for me and Dirk. We're here for a much needed R&R and also to bond with friends and relatives.

Events

2011-11-12T03:44:00.000-08:00

CELEBRITY BAZAAR 2011

PHILCONSTRUCT at SMX Covention Center Mall of Asia

IMPAKABSAT 2011 at Festival Mall Alabang

A Busy Wednesday

2011-11-09T16:22:00.000-08:00

Bowling at The Mills

Lunch at Italiannis

A visit to my family in San Pedro, very happy to see my children and grandchildren

Sunday at NAIA 3 and MOA

2011-11-06T16:44:00.001-08:00

My extended family from Germany arrived yesterday for a much needed rest and recreation in our country. We picked them up at NAIA terminal 3 where Mabel's family are waiting as well. After they were settled in their hotel, we then drive to the Mall of Asia where we have dinner at Italiannis.

Double Birthday Celebration

2011-11-05T16:44:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, John Daniel and Sophie, children of our neighbor/friend celebrated their birthdays at our subdivision clubhouse. I felt like a kid again with the jokes and magical entertainment of the two clowns. As usual, the children enjoyed the party very much and the big kiddos as well.

Christmas Decorations

2011-11-04T00:25:00.000-07:00

After halloween, the people are now preparing their homes for the coming yuletide seasons. Christmas is just around the corner that i also started decorating our home. I dont think its too early because i saw some houses in our neighborhood already with christmas tree and lanterns. I just make used of our old christmas decors but this time we add a santa claus in front of our house for a change.

Halloween Celebration

2011-11-02T04:38:00.001-07:00

Let the picture speak for themselves on how my family led by my sisters and my children celebrated the trick or treat in our place in San Pedro.

My daughter Rose Belle in Canada also celebrated the halloween in their own way

My Daughter Rose Belle

2011-10-31T19:13:00.001-07:00

In the beginning, i really oppose to my daughter's plan of working abroad. I don't want her to leave her children but because of her dream and ambitions, i suddenly found myself agreeing to her plans. She's a strong-willed daughter and mom who will do everything to give a bright future to her kids. I just wish her all the best and I know God will keep her safe and bless her in everything she does. Its a good thing there's Facebook and Skype that she is in constant touch with her family here.

Her work and newfound friends in Canada

Her departure from the Philippines and arrival in Canada

Her last day at work as Asst. Manager at McDonalds San Pedro

Bonding with family

Monday Treat

2011-10-31T18:59:00.000-07:00

The treat or trick is not only for kids but for big girl as well. Yesterday, Dirk's halloween gifts are my nex Xoxo flip flops replacing my 3 year old havaianas and my Reebok very light aerobic rubber shoes.

By the way, the kids in our subdivision and in our place in San Pedro are very happy with the loot bags that i prepared

Pampering Weekend

2011-10-31T18:35:00.001-07:00

Though we're really not stressed out, we also need to set aside time to pamper ourselves. Spending the weekend at Spa with foot and body massage is also our amazing way to keep our body healthy inside and out. Beside these regimen are part of Dirk's losing weight program and since we arrived here five weeks ago, he already lose an incredible 7 kilos. Keep it up Schatz, i know you can lose some more.

By the way, with my insistence he's now sporting a new haircut

Southforbes Trick or Treat

2011-10-30T00:05:00.000-07:00

The Southforbes halloween party was held last friday at the villas clubhouse. As usual, the kids enjoyed very much the program and the loot bags they collected from the homeowners. The kids big and small came in their best harry potter costume which is the theme for this halloween season.

Bowling Day

2011-10-26T17:04:00.000-07:00

For the past months, wednesday became our bowling day with close neighbor friends. It always started with a sumptuous lunch at Canlubang Golf restaurant then drive to The Mills for bowling. Its a healty activity and a good bonding moments with friends.

IBC Summit 2011

2011-10-24T18:09:00.000-07:00

After eight years, my classmates at Hochschule Offenburg where we studied Master in Business Administration- International Business Consulting (MBA-IBC) met in Gengenbach. I was invited to attend but we're here in the Philippines. They all look great and a picture of success. During our student days, i'm very close to the four attendees below who came from Mexico, Finland, Ireland and the one in long hair is Thomas from Germany.

By the way my FB friend and a former classmate/mentor from Mexico is now very successful in his teaching career.

Monday at Festival Mall

2011-10-24T17:56:00.000-07:00

An afternoon with my daughters and grandkids...

Sofitel Oktoberfest

2011-10-23T18:53:00.000-07:00

The only authentic bavarian festival in the Philippines is the Oktoberfest organized by the German Club of Manila. It is a celebration of traditions and entertainment which spreads reminiscent of classic german folk festivals, beers and german foods. The third day of Oktoberfest was family day in which the kids enjoyed some activities. We're also there for some bavarian feeling and enjoy the free flowing of foods and festivities.

Yna's Birthday Celebration

2011-10-22T19:27:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, a very good friend Yna celebrated her birthday at the Multi-purpose hall of our subdivision. It was just an intimate party attended by her family and close neighbor/friends. The birthday girl was beaming with happiness and we really enjoyed the foods and fun. The guests came in their best cowboy/cowgirl attire which was the theme of the party.

Bowling, Aerobics and Golf

2011-10-21T17:40:00.000-07:00

These are some of the activities that keep us busy here in the Philippines

Bowling

Aerobics

Golf

Lunch with Kids

2011-10-21T17:34:00.000-07:00

My childrens presence always makes me happy. Yesterday we have lunch together at Rose & Grace and lots of bonding moments in the afternoon.

Weekend Visitors

2011-10-18T16:40:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, Erik and his wife with their newlyborn baby Suri visited us at home. Miriam and me have a very nice discussions about life here in the Philippines, the challenges and motherhood. She gave up her successful career to be with the man she loved and be a mommy to Suri Minelli.

Committee Meeting

2011-10-17T03:04:00.001-07:00

Last saturday, the committee met to discuss the upcoming halloween party next week. Inspired from the success of the event last year, we come up with a Harry Potter theme and instead of catered foods, we're going to have food booths. Its going to be another fun event that the kids are looking forward to.

Rosana's Birthday

2011-10-14T18:41:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, our neighbor family friend celebrated her birthday at their posh and cozy house. The foods are a mixture of international cuisine and would you believe that our local pomelo is a big hit to the girls. Its understandable it came from Davao and just arrived fresh from the airport. I'm really very happy that we choose Southforbes as our retirement place, nice neighbors and wonderful place to live in as well.

The star of the night

Golf, Bowling and Bonding

2011-10-13T00:56:00.000-07:00

Dirk and some of our neighborfriends joined the golf tournament at Sta Elena Golf yesterday. While they are on the golfcourse, we spontaneously decided to have a girls day out. We played bowling at The Mills then have lunch at Canlubang Golf restaurant. Its my first time to drive there and Thanks God we all arrived safely on our destination despite heavy rains. We then continue the neighbors bonding at Imee's place with the usual karaoke and the never ending girly talks.

Pictures of Interest

2011-10-10T04:20:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share some interesting pictures...

My grandchildren's wonderful moments

Family lunch and foods..foods at Rose & Grace

Family visitor

Friends House-Hopping

2011-10-09T20:59:00.000-07:00

After our Bonifacio High street adventure where we attended the Mabuhay Germany event, we then proceeded to our german friends' house. It was really a wonderful sunday to be with close friends, dining with them and exchanging ideas and experiences. Our first stop was at Meredith's place, then Evelyn and Brenda.

Evelyn's Farmville

Mabuhay Germany

2011-10-09T19:59:00.000-07:00

Now on its 4th year, the Mabuhay Germany that carries the theme "Winning Moments" celebrates the victorious events between Philippines and Germany for its 140 years of trade partnership. It has always been an excellent venue to promote German-Philippine businesses and a venue to showcase the great things that the partnership has brought to Philippine and German communities.

The Week That Was

2011-10-05T17:21:00.000-07:00

Browsing at Festival Mall

Lunch at Rose&Grace and with the Hasketts at Canlubang Golf restaurant

Bowling with Friends

An afternoon with Friends

Aero session with neighbor friends

My first attempt at baking (partially successful)

A Wonderful Weekend

2011-10-02T03:29:00.000-07:00

Played bowling at The Mills with our neighbor friends

Evelyn harvested her banana and gave my share

While Dirk is playing golf, i attended the mass at St Benedict Church. Photo ops with Fr. Tito Caluag, a celebrity Priest and newscaster Angelique Lazo together with my neighbor friends after the mass.

The kids church attendees also received chocolates from Fr. Tito

We also browsed around SM Santa Rosa and pampered ourselves with a relaxing massage

My Bowling Ball

2011-09-30T19:19:00.000-07:00

Its my wish to have my own bowling ball and that was granted when Mutti gave me some cash as a birthday gift last May. So yesterday, we bought our own bowling ball at the MOA bowling centre. Its good because its personalized based on the size of our fingers. I choose a barbie design for some girly effect.

Friday at Mall of Asia

2011-09-30T18:29:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, we did drive to the Mall of Asia to attend an energy and water purification convention. We also browsed around the mall and do some food shopping. Its our first manila trip since we arrived here a week ago.

tight security around MOA

the very nice MOA bowling alley and computers for those who will not play

the organized level parking with red and green lights

the Roxas Boulevard, no more trace of typhoon Pedring

using the new skyway, its just 25 minutes from MOA to Alabang