Sniffing Pages

One of my life's simple pleasures is sniffing the pages of a new book. Every so often I hold my nose close to the pages and inhale. When I finish reading a chapter, I fan the pages in my face to savor its aroma. The sensation I get from the smell of a book is beyond compare. It doesn't even come close to opening a lovely present on Christmas day, (yes, it also has a distinct smell), or unwrapping a piece of clothing from a shopping bag.

Apart from this addiction, I am what you can call a traditional reader. I have the need to read words from a printed paper. I have tried reading an excerpt of a book online but after a few pages, I gave up. I didn't feel the connection at all. Perhaps because the experience was something new to me or I was just used to flipping the pages with my hand. Clearly, reading from a real book is an experience all its own.

And so it came as a surprise when a dear friend gave me a Kindle 4 as a present. I initially didn't welcome the idea of reading from an electronic device, but I said I'll give it a try. When I first held it in my hands, it didn't feel like an e-reader. In fact, it looked so much like the usual photo frame that we put on display at home. E-books have to be downloaded from the net, and it took me a number of hours to finally get the hang of it. Plus, it's a treat that all classics can be downloaded for free.

I am reading my first novel on Kindle -- The American by Henry James. I don't get to smell the pages for obvious reasons but this new reading experience has exceeded all my expectations. I don't even feel that I'm reading from a device. It's just like reading paper! It is very impressive, to say the least. A traditional reader can be an e-reader convert as soon as he gets his first e-book on Kindle. It is also very convenient because I can carry my entire digital library right in my bag. Gone are the days when I had to put away some of my stuff just to squeeze in a 350-page book.

I'm not giving up on real books, entirely. But let me enjoy the Kindle until the "honeymoon stage" wears off, which I think will never happen.

Confessions of A Cheapskate!

I used to spend much on clothes. I even had to terminate my credit card account because my impulsive buying started getting me into trouble. But things have changed and I'd like to think that over the years, there's a great deal of maturity that I nurtured as far as my spending habits are concerned.

It's quite serendipitous that while I was recovering from impulsive buying disorder, I have found joy in thrift shops, or commonly known as ukay-ukay. Initially, I was uncomfortable with the thought of putting on a piece of clothing that was used by God knows who. But the practical side of it won me over. The trick to getting rid of the bacteria and dust is to wash it over hot, or possibly, boiling water. And voila, it's as good as new!

With a lot of patience in tow, an ukay-ukay amateur can turn into a pro once she gets over the initial shock that comes with digging on a rubble of dusty clothes. There's a certain degree of pride in finding a great item that no one has seen or discovered. You wouldn't believe how many items I have stashed in a matter of 30 minutes! My great buys never fail to bring me immense joy, something that I don't get from buying in a mall shop. When I hand over my hard-earned money to the cashier in a mall, I end up feeling guilty because I pay so much for something that I know I can get at a much cheaper price elsewhere. All too suddenly, paying Php900 for one plain top has become a crime. Given the same amount, I can bring home at least 8 pieces from an ukay-ukay shop! That's a huge difference!

Call me a cheapskate, I couldn't care less. I just want to get my money's worth because I work hard for it.

Here are my great finds!

It's Just A Fantasy

Every woman's fantasy is a closet full of designer clothes, bags and shoes. I am no exception. But since I cannot turn this into reality yet (perhaps, not even in this lifetime), I will rest content feasting my eyes on photos of beautiful walk-in closets. Indulge!

The Winner Is...

My 13 years of teaching experience has enriched my life in more ways than one. I learned to love the profession that I initially did not see myself pursuing. My early years were a struggle but the numerous rewards I gained from teaching compelled me to stay on because in my heart, I certainly made the right choice.

I am deeply honored that the learners I hold dear have given me a distinction, something I never expected. It is a validation that my heart is truly in the right place --- TEACHING.

Sale Ba Kamo?

NOTE: I want to emphasize that I'm not an impulsive buyer. Now, I can proceed with my entry.


Long weekends have a way of enticing people to make plans for short trips and getaways. While city dwellers were flocking to their respective hometowns, I made an "emergency" trip to a nearby province by my lonesome. My Saturday class was cancelled because my professor was on an out-of-town trip. Instead of taking a bus ride home, I made a detour which brought me to my favorite shopping place in the region.

I wasn't there to splurge since I only had a few in my wallet. I just wanted to relax a bit and have some quality time with myself. :) Little did I know that almost all the shops had this huge red tag on its glass windows. And you know this is something that a girl finds hard to resist.

I rarely go out by myself. It's either I'm with family or with my significant other. However, there is something quite liberating about doing things your way. The thought that no one was there to dissuade me from making a purchase, or no one would make me feel guilty about lusting over an outrageously expensive item made me feel that for once, I am in control.

I hopped from one store to another, patiently scouring their racks for items that would fit my personal style and most importantly, my limited budget. I found so many lovely pieces but I just had to let go of some. If they're meant for me, they'd still be there on my next visit.

Can't wait!

10 Things That Every Woman Should Have

Every woman deserves to have a little of life's comforts. It doesn't have to come with a price tag but if one works so hard to make a living, a little reward wouldn't hurt.

I have come up with a list of the 10 things that every woman should have. I personally do not have everything on the list but who knows, a good soul might read this blog and hopefully feel the need to be a Fairy Godmother to me. Haha, dream on!

10. Little Black Dress
This should be a staple in every woman's closet. Its functionality and versatility have done wonders to me. In the past, every time I get invited to an event on a short notice, I panic right away. Thank heavens, I have a few pieces that always do the trick.

9. A Perfect Pair of Jeans
Getting one has been quite a challenge. I am the type whose weight can be described as erratic. Blame it on my genes, no pun intended. I easily gain weight especially if I start bingeing on food that I love. And I have a major issue with my hips. The key, I think, is to identify one's body type. A few misses here and there will eventually lead one to the perfect jeans.

8. Red or Black Pumps
I think one of the best fashion tips we heard from our mothers while growing up was "Your shoes can make or break your wardrobe." Indeed, mothers know best! I have chosen red and black, again, for its versatility. Plus, it can be matched practically with any color.

7. A Sturdy Bag
When I was in my early 20s, my bags could fit a tiny wallet and a small make-up purse. That was it for me. Low maintenance ba. But when I reached my late 20s, I found out that my "essentials" could no longer fit in a small purse. My first consideration in buying a bag is its size. It should fit my wallet, make-up purse, two cellphones, iPod, medicine pouch, alcohol, hand towel, umbrella and my water bottle. Hindi kaya maleta ang dapat dalhin ko? Haha!

6. Camera
If there is any gadget that I cannot live without, it's my ever reliable digital camera. I had it for years and I must say, it is a worthy investment. A picture is a memory captured on film and it lasts forever. It's amazing how one moment can be relived through a glossy paper. I keep it in my bag in case a random special moment occurs.

5. A Comfy Bed
To some, sleep is a luxury. That's why when we get free time from work and school duties, we make it a point to hit the sack for a well-deserved rest and sleep. I personally want a super comfy bed that will make me want to hate getting up in the morning.

4. A Favorite Book
Not all women are book lovers but at one point in their lives, they have read something that somehow changed how they look at life. My favorite book of all time is Wuthering Heights. The enduring love story of Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff is both endearing and disturbing. I hated Heathcliff for his vengeful nature but I learned to love him for this same reason. He comes from a place where forgiveness and redemption do not exist. But in the end, Bronte made sure that Heathcliff's character will be remembered for generations of readers.

3. A Journal
A movie line once said that a woman's heart is a chamber full of secrets. I couldn't agree more! Mostly, these thoughts need to be written down so it won't be forgotten and constantly revisited so their lessons will forever linger on. The best way to immortalize thoughts and feelings is to write it all in a journal. This "hobby" has become a therapy to me. If I cannot pour out what's inside of me, I turn it into a piece of writing. It always works! I will be forever grateful to my friend Carrie who gave me a Moleskine journal for my birthday years ago. However, that notebook will always be under lock and key.

2. A Pair of Diamond Earrings (or diamond ring)
A diamond is a girl's best friend, right? Lucky you if it was given as an heirloom. At least, you'll save yourself a few bucks. It doesn't come cheap, you know. But truly, a diamond has a way of making one feel so valued and loved.

1. A Stamped Passport
This is one of the things you can find in my bucket list -- to travel the world. I have started quite late but so far the experiences I gained from my few travels have enriched my life immensely. There is so much to learn in every culture and every nation. Personally, I have learned that understanding others' culture is the best way to understand our own.

Boys to Men

There is something sweet about a man who is not ashamed to show his affection to his mother.

I grew up in a generation that is intolerant of a man who is extremely devoted to his mother. Admittedly, there was a time when I'd almost cringe at the sight of a man being treated like a boy by his mother. But when it's the son who spoils and pampers his mother, I can't hep but watch in awe.

Our culture does not allow a boy at a young age to show any emotions that could reveal his vulnerability. Thus, when he becomes an adult, he consciously makes an effort to maintain a tough demeanor even in the midst of crisis.

I know quite a few men who do not miss a single chance to show their mothers how much they are loved. Call them Mama's boys, if you wish. I call them REAL MEN. And for that, they have earned my respect because they remain true to the values their mothers instilled in them.

I have heard so many times that the best way to find out if a man has the makings of a good partner, observe how he treats his mother. I have proven that myself. :)

Lunch Date (Pare Ko Generation)

It's always a thrill to hang out with people who knew you way before everybody else did. I have met new and interesting characters through the years but nothing compares to the level of closeness and intimate friendship that I have shared with the people who I grew up with. Truly, high school friends have a way of keeping you grounded. :)

It's amazing that after all these years, it feels like nothing has changed at all.

Letter to a Daughter

Almost 12 years ago, my mother wrote this heartwarming letter for my birthday. Every single time that I re-read it, I shed tears. Truly, a mother's love is infinite.