Celebrating Valentine's Day From A Distance!

by: Mhe-anne L. Ojeda - Isidro

the Mr. & Mrs. Salt and Pepper shakers are gifts from my friend May M. Rogers

Since our wedding day, Raymond and I had been inseparable 24/7 (except of course during that dreaded monthly red-letter day when I didnt't want to be with hubby lol!). We'll I mean, we have never been away from each other on an extended period and always been together in all our travels, anniversaries and important occasions like Valentine's Day! 

This year though is quite different, as we were not in the same place and time zone on February 14, 2016! But that's no reason for me to sulk or for us to not celebrate heart's day with each other! 

How we did it? We advanced the Valentine's celebration this year! 

As we were traveling together around the United States of America from December 14, 2015 until January 29, 2016, we look for the "heart" during the last week of our togetherness. 

January 25, 2016. Ralph's Supermarket in Goleta, CA

We stopped by Ralph's, my favorite supermarket, on our way to Seal Beach from San Francisco and found it with everything we need to say "I love you" and show how much we care. Then we bought his fave chocolate "ice cream" and munched it on a winter night to keep us holding on to each other for the rest of our trip to Seal Beach while singing ala Elsa "the cold doesn't bother me anyway"!

January 26, 2016.  Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California.

Though we know that Disneyland does not really decorate "hearty" even on Valentines' Day, we chose to be at the happiest place on earth for our advanced V-day celebration simply because we "heart" Mickey Mouse and glad that we were able to meet him at his house and hang loose with him (see my hand sign!). And even without little romantic help from the decors, we were able to declare our sweet nothings for each other just the same while aboard Casey Jr. Circus Train, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, and Storybook Land Canal's Boat among other attractions that we tried. Also it was Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration this year so we commemorated 60 years of Disney magic during the Parade of the Stars, and night time spectacular - Paint the Night Parade and  Disneyland Forever that visually took us into amazing adventures of timeless Disney tales like Simba, Peter Pan, Nemo and Frozen in fireworks display! Truly an unforgettable destination to be with hubby on our own Hearts' Day celebration, so what not to love?

"Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are FOREVER". - Walt Disney 

January 27, 2016. Micheltorena Stairs in Los Angeles, CA

Ok, I confess it was my idea to visit this hidden staircase in Micheltorena St.in Los Angeles after I saw online the cute "hearts" painted on the stairs! I knew I cannot passed the chance without taking a selfie with hubby at this so - called "Stairway to Love". 

January 28, 2016. Benihana in San Francisco, CA

As a going-  away dinner since I fly back to the Philippines the next day, my BFF Dearie made reservations at Benihana in San Francisco for a party of four after our Los Angeles road trip. Benihana is known for its teppanyaki style of a chef cooking in front of you on a hibachi. Our assigned chef was funny, very entertaining and brought the house down with his cooking tricks. But he got a hearty thumbs up from me when he prepared a heart-shaped fried rice and let it thump and pump!! It was a perfect V-day surprise for our early Heart's Day celebration! 

January 29, 2016. We say it on tee!!! San Francisco

Of course, our advance Hearts' Day celeb will not be complete without our couple shirt staple. We got each other an "I HEART SF" shirt and dined at IHOP for a hearty breakfast just before my flight!

And since we have already advanced our "love day" celebration, we can be with other people who also matter in our lives - like families, friends, and those we work for on February 14! Besides, not beig together and living on a different time zones this year's Valentines Day means celebrating the Hearts' Day twice and getting two "hearty" phone calls (because of time difference!) which I never get to experience when we are together on Valentine's Day!

Eleventh Monthsary As A Couple: Steel

by: Mhe-anne L. Ojeda - Isidro

Steel is the traditional symbol of an eleventh wedding anniversary because of its of strength and durability. So for our eleven months of marriage, I was reminded of the Stainless Steel 4 Heart Shaped Measuring Spoons that we carry during our travel, as a fitting symbol for the last month-sary that we will be celebrating! (yea, next month  is already our first anniversary! yippee!!). Each Spoon has a heart - felt quote:

1 Tablespoon "A HEAP OF LOVE",

1 Teaspoon "A SPOONFUL OF AFFECTION",

1/2 Teaspoon "A DASH OF TENDERNESS", &

1/4 Teaspoon "A PINCH OF JOY"

Since our eleventh month-sary (August 21) fell on a national holiday, the Ninoy Aquino Day, which means traffic and more traffic for us here in Manila, we decided to have a two - fold celebration. 

On Thursday, we just stayed home for a Just Married movie marathon that Won't Last A Day Without You (some movie titles!). We have all we need - a bunch of CDs we bought from the Video City branch that is closing down, a pack of Happy peanuts that Red loves and a bottle of Chamdor, an alcohol free sparkling grape juice that we bought days back. Except for the cork flying out -of - the - bottle –too- soon incident that hits Red's forehead and left us laughing to our heart’s content, I can say that it was the best date ever that didn't break the bank and didn't require us to drive or dress up! 

Then on Saturday, we went out on a date wearing our identical Hawaian tees. We attended a food tasting event hosted by Executive Gourmet (a catering company that I am considering to get for our organization's event), so it means we had a free lunch date!  After that we went to Caloocan, a haven for motorcycles. Red loves motorcycles and we are planning to buy one so we do not have to use the Volkswagen for small errands. We are considering either getting a Duke 390 (a big bike that can be used for SLEX and NLEX), a Madass Bike from Germany or a Visar (cheapest small motorcycle). While Red was doing a drive test, he brought me to Brillantes Spa salon for a haircut (with bangs!) and a pedicure. We ended the day with me shopping for more clothes and taking home four pieces!

These two celebrations look very simple and cheap to celebrate our eleventh (11th) month-sary. But to me, both times allowed us to be together outside of work and let us exhibits to each other a heap of love, a dash of tenderness, a spoonful of affection and a pinch of joy! 

Philippine Independence Day and Our First Year Engagement Anniversary

by: Mhe-anne L. Ojeda -Isidro

Our Philippine Flag - inspired Wedding Reception Table Setting 

I love the Philippine Independence Day, a national celebration to commemorate the country's Declaration of Independence against Spain on June 12, 1898 by General Emilio Aguinaldo and Filipino revolutionary forces. It was during this day that the Philippine Flag, which symbolizes our country, was first raised and the national anthem played. On June 12 each year, I usually participate in parades and rallies and make miniature Philippine Flags as my way of tribute to those who have shown great courage in fighting for our country to give us the cherished freedom we now enjoy.

Engagement Day Photo in Bacolod showing Philippine Flag -inspired colors 

On a personal level, Philippine Independence Day is my favorite holiday. It was on June 12,1991 when I met Red for the first time, while I was participating at a rally in UP against the US bases. After two (2) decades of separation, Red suddenly appeared, and after dating for a year, has proposed to me and offered to give me freedom from loneliness and lots of love and happier moments together! 

Fruit Cocktail Cake - 2 eggs,1 1/2 cups sugar, 2 tsp. baking soda,

1/2 tsp. salt, 1 – 14oz. can fruit cocktail with juice 398mL, 2 cups flour, 

3/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup butter, and 1 tsp. vanilla

Yes (if you do the math! lol), today marks our 22nd year from the time we first met, and our first year engagement anniversary. To celebrate this day, we wore our identical Bacolod tee shirts and shorts with Philippine Flag - inspired colors (red, blue, yellow and white) that we wore during our engagement trip last year. Then I baked a Fruit Cocktail Cake and had dinner at home together (since Thursday is our car's no - drive day). 

Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in 
which chance has placed us, but is always a result of a good conscience,
good health, occupation and all good pursuits - Thomas Jefferson

So with that "kiss" from Red and a sweet shared dessert, I  can say that I have no regrets losing my "independence" on Philippine Independence Day!

2014 Couple Date Nights: Silly Selfie Moments

We have gone on dates everyday this week, and we made sure that whatever we do - stargazing or sunset viewing, or satisfying our cravings or just enjoying the good life, we take plenty of funny, silly Selfie photos!

As Oxford Dictionaries word of the year for 2013, Selfie which means "a photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically one taken with a smartphone or webcam and uploaded to a social media website" is one inexpensive couple date idea you can try. We did it over and over again this week using the Nikon camera or the Lenovo smartphone that Raymond gave me last Christmas. We truly feel connected looking at those funny and silly photos!

Satisfying Our "S" Cravings on Wednesday Night (January 15, 2014)
As nocturnal beings while in Sta. Rosa, hubby and I headed to Nuvali at night to satisfy our "S" cravings! And before you get the "S" all wrong, it stands for Sisig, Starbucks' Choco Chip Cream and Seven Eleven's Hot Chocolate!


Cost: Sisig - P100, Starbucks Choco Chip Cream Venti - P180 and 7-Eleven's Hot Choco - P45!
Romantic Meter: Satisfying. The chill of the night makes you long for each other's embrace and taking the silly selfies get you feel even more connected (if not more techie resourceful lol)

Short- Trip To Tagaytay on Thursday Night (January 16, 2014)

We live about 15 minutes away from Tagaytay, a tourist destination and where we had our wedding ceremony! So tonight, we thought of driving there to satisfy my hubby's craving for "Bulalo". He loves beef esp. the bone marrow and missed it for a long time since I'm allergic to anything "beefy". The Tagaytay Mahogany Row Restos serve the best Bulalo according to hubby which you can get "solo" (P80) or "with the bone marrow". I feel good seeing my hubby enjoys his dinner, while I enjoy the free use of "wifi" there of all places lol. After dinner, we went to Sofia's Cake to pick up our wedding cake topper figurines that we have them fixed.

Cost: Bulalo with bone marrow (P350) & 3 order of rice (P45) for hubby.Half order of Adobo (P50) and rice (P15) for me! He had the rest of the Bulalo for 'take-out' which he ate for breakfast and lunch the next day.
Romantic Meter: Sugar high "sweetness" you won't need any dessert and sure way to fall in love all over again!!!

2014 Couple Date Nights: Stargazing and Sunset Watching

Our house in Sta. Rosa (near Nuvali)has an extra room and is much closer to the airport than our house in Valenzuela,so we decided to come here for the weekend to host my PhilAm friend Kami from Utah. She volunteers for a medical and relief mission for Yolanda victims and arrives in Manila on Friday night before proceeding to Cebu on Sunday night. But after seeing Kami off, we decided to just stay longer in Sta. Rosa to enjoy the chill and some peace and quiet. The result? We have gone on a nightly Smorgasbord(or a large mixture of many different) romantic dates instead of our usual once a week date - comedy movie and Wensha Spa pampering!

STARGAZING on Monday Night (January 13, 2014)

I got a text message from my friend Ver telling me to get out of the house and take a glance at the moon which we did. Wow! The moon has a halo around it which we found astonishing, so we threw a picnic mat on our lawn and reached for the camera for this one awesome date! Later, we learned from news and social media that the rare optical phenomenon is caused by sunlight refracted in millions of randomly oriented ice crystals in the atmosphere and usually happens during cold months to warn of a coming storm. To us though, this phenomenon made way for us to spend one romantic night outside the house just checking on the sky, the moon, the stars and of course – each other without any pretense!

Cost: Nothing.
Romantic Meter: Steamy High *wink *wink

SUNSET Watching on Tuesday Night(January 14, 2014)

We spent the whole day driving between Chinatown and Pasay to purchase and deliver the school packs that Kami and Help One Future are donating to students of Balangkayan Central Elementary School. Since we loaded a whole lot in our Sportivo, we were driving rather slow. At around 5:46pm, we found ourselves along Roxas Blvd. and whooah, a chance to view the Manila Bay Sunset!

We decided to stop at CCP Complex Harbour Square and enjoy a dimsum treat for half the price at Hap Chan (P350) and Banana Split at Icebergs (P198).

Cost: Sunset viewing is free.
Romantic Meter: High, as it comes with unlimited photo ops for those silly selfie pictures that makes us feel even more connected to each other.

2014 Couple Date Nights: Wensha Spa Pampering!

Since our first date night involves only the two of us enjoying a comedy movie, we chose a date that includes couple of friends for this week's date - pampering at Wensha Spa!

My friend Leily's flight back to US was at 6am of Wednesday and she needs to be at the airport at dawn. So instead of letting her wait alone and sleep at the aiport, I thought of inviting Leily and Jean to join me and Raymond for our weekly date. Leily's friend Walter happened to be in town so it's like a double - date with a third wheel. sorry Jean lol!

Why Is It Cost - Effective? WENSHA SPA is a 24/7 facility and there's one by the airport in front of World Trade Center in Pasay. For any service availed of, one could stay for eight (8) hours inside the facility (including the time of the availed services). So if you want a whole body massage,for example, you will pay P780which comes with a free use of steam bath, dry sauna, hot jacuzzi and cold whirlpool. It also comes with free provision of lockers with safety automated wristband locker key system, robes, shorts and towels (and there are toothbrushes, toothpastes, comb and lotion for free use). But that's not all! The P780 (or P680 for foot spa) also comes with a free complimentary food - an eat-all-you-can buffet of Shabu shabu and ready -to-eat Filipino dishes, bottomless juice drinks and ice cream,available anytime during the 8-hour stay.

Given Leily's early flight, going to Wensha Spa is a great idea since she goes home fully recharged and ready to start work right away with the relaxing whole body massage and she was able to sleep / rest after the massage. For our weekly date, this is very cost effective since it is much cheaper than what we would normally spend for our regular massage at TonTon's (P300), dinner (usually P400) and breakfast (usually P300) and accommodation at hotel (Sogo lol) to use their sauna and jacussi (P1,500 cheapest) and it has no steam bath!

Romantic and Fun?. It was FUN to the highest level! I love the time we are actually cooking with friends, serving each other [and getting naked among female friends at the jacussi] which removes my inhibitions when I'm with my husband. And oh yes, getting a simultaneous "rub" is truly romantic. Although Raymond and I were on separate rooms during the actual massage, we both know that we are getting the same strokes that we could both apply to each other when we are at home.

The night after our Wensha Spa pampering is to date our "best night" ever as a couple! SUCCESS Baby!!

2014 Couple Date Nights: Watching A Comedy Movie!

"honey, there are far too many "lovely" fishes in the sea, but you're the one for me!- Raymond ".

That was our first date when we were sweethearts! Now that we are married, we vow to go on romantic dates once a week as part of our 2014 resolutions. But not just any dates but with a new twist - since the date has to still be romantic, fun, sweet but inexpensive or involves no money at all (to let us save for our escape fund!) So for our first date for the year - we watched My Little Bossings!

"hubby has now loosened up to take this romantic selfie after the movie"

Why Is It Cost - Effective? "My Little Bossings" is a family - oriented comedy movie entry for the Metro Manila Filmfest which featured Vic Sotto (the bossing) and the debut on movie screen of Ryzza Mae Dizon and Bimby Aquino (son of Kris Aquino who also starred in the movie). I was given two free passes by a co-alumnus of Pres. Sergio Osmena High School, which we exchanged for movie ticket at the SM North Edsa. We paid P6 for each ticket so that's only Php 12. For snacks - we have two (2) hotdog on sticks (for me!) and hubby got a hotdog sandwich for a total of Php 145. We splurged a little on drinks by having choco chip cream from a nearby Starbucks (just because I'm collecting stickers for a grab of 2014 Planner!). This cost us Php 330.

"Mhe-anne, You are my little bossing" - Raymond

Romantic and Fun? Oh - Yes! This was our "first" Pinoy movie together and we were laughing the whole time so we don't care if the story line is very simple or lack any depth. Who was looking for depth anyway? We just want to spend time together and get entertained and that exactly what happened! And it was easy to relate with the characters as evidenced by our conversation just before going to bed -

Mhe-anne: Ang ganda ng "My Little Bossings, ano honey?
Raymond: Yes, my little bossing!!! Haha.

He now calls me his little bossing or sometimes my cutie bossing! Sweet!!