A New Chapter

With such a long hiatus, I am simply lost for words on where to begin... Surprise!? Hello Hello!? Long time, no see? Super extra mega sorry? Intros to this post are just countless. *sigh* And with my loooooong absence, comes a looooong list of blog post I've been attempting, dreaming, lazily drafting in my head, to do. 

I know I have let my humble number of readers down by putting my blog life on hold because of life-changing events that has happened in my life since last year, and honestly, I've been pondering whether I should kill the Clueless Mrs. and give up already or keep it alive.

Live Active

I've always deemed myself for living a healthy and active lifestyle (or at least I try to) and  playing sports, going to gym or joining a fun run are just few of my "get fit" (sometimes pocket-burning) activities that I'm very fond of, until lately. 

Yes... It saddens me to admit that I've reached the "point-of-no-return" as I call it when the weighing scale is about to tip and the muffins (not the yummy looking ones) are getting more and more obvious. They say that step one into self transformation is admitting what you've been trying to deny to yourself. So Yes, I have gone overweight, so much so that I sometimes find it hard to carry myself already and all my fave clothes just won't fit flatteringly anymore, and it is with deep regret that I have become victim of my own depression that led me to the unhealthy couch potato habit. *sigh*

B-U-T. As one of my favorite saying goes "It's never too late, if you start now." 

It took me a while, and one fun-filled visit to the Village Sport Club sealed the realization that... I HAVE TO TAKE BACK CONTROL OF MY LIFE! (Sorry for the big bold emphasis. I just had to so it would stick to my head) 

A southern treasure, or should I say, a hidden lifestyle paradise tucked inside BF Homes, Paranaque - The Village Sports Club (VSC), an exclusive members-only lifestyle community, is viewed as a utopia for sports lovers and regular active individuals like me (or just how I wish *lol*) who wants to find the perfect balance between work and play. And a few weeks ago, I've been very fortunate to get invited to an exclusive tour and experience what VSC can offer. And I have to say, they offer a whole LOT well within the comforts of my own community. *Proud Southern Belle* Getting envious? You should.

The Gallery - a welcoming facade of the Village Sports Club

Since I'm an event planner as well, what first excited me most was their function rooms, ballroom and event areas. And, If I were to organize a holistic business with pleasure event that I can freely do in the South, VSC will absolutely be my top choice. Spacious rooms, well-equipped with high-tech AV equipment, a ballroom that can sit more than 300 guests, and a lush and breezy cocktail area with a view? What more can I ask for?     

Business Center (photo courtesy of VSC)

Going back to the business at hand though- that is, the "exclusive tour," I was amazed to discover that the event areas that tickled my excitement was just the tip of the iceberg coz there's soooo much more one can find and experience inside VSC. 

To give you a somewhat digital version of the tour I experienced, let me start off with the Tempus bar, where they house the media room where you can sing your hearts out with a videoke session with the barkada or maybe play xbox with the kids...

Media Room (photo courtesy of VSC)

Play Foosball or Air Hockey...

Tempus Bar - Foozball and Air Hockey table games
(photo courtesy of VSC)

Or watch your favorite game with the boys. Don't you think Tempus bar can also be a perfect venue for a wholesome bachelor's party? This room just screams testosterone...

Tempus Bar - Big Screen for the Big Boys

And... yes, I'm not finished yet... They also have a bowling center! Beat that! VSC Member and Pro bowler cutie, RJ Bautista, also practices here. As a matter of fact, we met him *with yabang effect* but I was just too shy to ask for a picture. *haha*

Tempus Bar - Bowling Alley

After that, we crossed the lot and went to the more sporty side of the club and on our way had a peak of their body magnetizing pools. I swear, if I could, I'll jump into water to beat the heat right then and there but we had few more rounds to do. And oh, for Matteo Guidicelli fans, as another proud VSC member, he does laps here too. More reasons to join the club , huh?

Pools (photo courtesy of VSC)

Upon entering the two-storey facility at the other side of the club, we were greeted by two doors (not counting the clinic), one for the ladies and one for the gents. And I won't be including this in my digital tour of VSC if they were just doors to the restroom. *lol* They are actually locker rooms, and not just any other locker room because it was a maze with amazing interiors that leads to...  

The Locker Room

the Zenith Wellness Spa complete with relaxing sauna and steam rooms... 

Zenith Spa

the Day Care Center for the kids to play while the parents do the same...

And the Zenith Gym that's equipped with the most advanced, high-tech exercise equipment from Technogym, including the finest strength and cardio equipment carefully handpicked by VSC to provide its membres the ultimate workout experience.

Zenith Gym (photo courtesy of VSC)

Here's the chubby version of me reminiscing my young ballet days inside Zenith Gym's dance class room.

Moving on with the tour, we then crossed more sports facilities that made my eyes just bigger and bigger with excitement, such as the covered clay tennis courts, a football field with jogging path... 

I love sunset photos and this in particular makes me miss playing football.

And more modern sports facilities like their indoor basketball court, built with a FIBA-approved maple hardwood flooring, with court overhead lighting and an electric scoreboard... 

Basketball Court (photo courtesy of VSC)

Impressive eight (8) indoor Badminton courts certified by the World Badminton Federation that are used for Badminton and can be converted into multiple courts for Volleyball or Futsal...

Badminton Courts (photo courtesy of VSC)

and for table tennis.

Table Tennis (photo courtesy of VSC)

*Sigh* How I miss my P.E. and Volleyball Varsity days just by stepping on the courts.

Before I forget, after a day's work and exhausting play, don't worry because VSC also offers a wide array of dining experiences to satisfy every craving. Click here for Dining at VSC

To end our tour, we were treated with cocktails at their Verde Events Lawn, a perfect outdoor setting for a wedding or a debut party. And if you can see the open lots in front, that's going to be part of VSC's phase 2 development where villas and more events and lifestyle areas can be expected to bloom. I, personally, can't wait for that.

Another sunset shot. This place would be perfect for 
romantic cocktails right after an intimate wedding ceremony.

What a lovely sight. Can you imagine a walk down the aisle in an intimate Christian wedding here? *sigh with much kilig*

Anyway, nothing beats a relaxing day with people you share the same interests and have engaging conversations with. Here's a photo of the girls of the group I shared the day with at VSC. And just to share... What I will forever remember from this sweet afternoon is a quote from Alexa who's a journalist, a blogger, and a girl who finds time every week to attend a dance class right after work- "I decided to make time" - a short phrase that makes a lot of sense especially to those who think they just don't have the time for exercise and to live a more active life *guilty*. So, how do you find the perfect balance between work and play and live active? Decide to do so and make joining the Village Sports Club part of that. Amen.

photo courtesy of Ruth Floresca of MommyWrites.Blogspot.com

To learn how to be a member of the Village Sports Club and enjoy the privileges that come with being part of this exclusive lifestyle community, call (+63 2) 822 1000 or email vsc@thevillagesportsclub.com.


The Village Sports Club
El Grande corner Tropical Avenue
BF Homes, Paranaque City
T: (+63 2) 822- 1000 
E: vsc@thevillagesportsclub.com

Make "I decide to make time" your mantra.

xoxo,

The Clueless Mrs.

Me, Myself, and My Thoughts

When I was in College, I used to have these random moments where I distance myself from the crowd, sometimes even the whole world and put myself in an alter universe where it's just me, myself and my thoughts. Yes, I am one of those who just looooove to think - A LOT. Back then, while other kids spent their quiet time reading fiction books, my "alone" moments were spent thinking about how good life is and imagining how life can get even better. I just reflect about my life and try to inspire myself by what I see and feel, and by the people around me. I was very optimistic then when life was very simple. 

I can say that I've carried this optimism of mine all throughout my career life. I'm really good in finding a way and fixing things. M-A-K-E I-T W-O-R-K. That's my motto. *snaps from left-right-left* Although I do have my breaking points, I get back up and finish with a bang. Finishing a successful campaign or an event were my proudest moments. *sigh* 

Another thing about me is that I always see goodness in people even how difficult they may be. Since I love "fixing" things, I have this attraction to people with psychological and personality distress whom I make my personal mission to "fix." I specially love to do this when I was a kid and my favorite were younger kids who are very pasaway (hard headed). That's one of the reasons why I considered taking Psychology and thought of mastering Child Psychology. For me, they are just misunderstood and are most in need of help and attention. I'm glad to say that I had few "projects" that were successful. *another proud moment* Again, I was optimistic then when life was simple.

While I am struck by realities of life now, "thinking" becomes "worrying" and "optimism" becomes "doubt." Although I still appreciate my alone time, worrying and doubt - a deadly combination- is just sucking the life out of me, up to the point where I cannot breathe and I don't know how I can pick myself up again. Sometimes I think I'm going into this depression that I've never in my whole life thought I would ever experience. Well, maybe I always knew that I had this 1% possibility of going crazy because I just think too much. If you've ever watched "I Don't Know How She Does It" - this is me now (somehow). And I think some wives and most mothers can relate to this. 

I'm sure you've heard about the saying "do not focus on what you don't have but on what you have because some people have less" or something to that effect. Well, it is really easier said than done, specially when you used to have more. 

Funny thing is, even how much time I spent thinking (partially planning the future) when I was in College, I never got to prepare for this - real adult life - where some (or most) responsibilities are really a burden. I recently read this Facebook post of someone's thoughts about the UP student who gave up on life because her family cannot afford to pay her tuition, *so sad* that because kids these days have it too easy versus what the older generation (our parents) went through, when life way back then was much even harder, we tend to easily give up when life gets a bit difficult. Maybe the person who wrote the article is right because my parents started from zero and the case was different when were growing up. We had it easy. Maybe too easy that glitches in life sometimes rattle me like what it is doing to me now. But then again, I am a fighter and I will face life with a bang. 

Probably these thoughts that I am sharing won't mean anything to you, although I hope it will. It just really helps me when I pour my heart and thoughts into writing and I hope that this will also help people who are experiencing the same things that I do with this post. I am not an expert in life specially on giving life advice but in my (still) short life experience, I'll leave you with these:

* Motivate. Surround yourself with people you have the same goal with. OR be the motivator and encourage the people around you to finish what they started.  

* Share. Even how less you have now, still share whatever centavo you have left to share.  If you believe in karma like I do, everything will come back to you a hundredfold. 

* Love. Give all the love that you can give. Blessings will pour back in when you least expect it.

* God. When in doubt, pray.

“Promise Yourself"

To be so strong that nothing

can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness, and prosperity

to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel

that there is something in them

To look at the sunny side of everything

and make your optimism come true.

To think only the best, to work only for the best,

and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others

as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past

and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times

and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself

that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,

and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world,

not in loud words but great deeds.

To live in faith that the whole world is on your side

so long as you are true to the best that is in you.” 

― Christian D. Larson, Your Forces and How to Use Them

xoxo

The Clueless Mrs.

My Favorite Week

If you ask me what my favorite week of the year is... I'd say, it's not the long holiday during Christmas season nor it is Holy week. Any guesses? Well, I think the photos below gives it away. My favorite week of the year is actually 7 days from February 28 to March 7 (8 days if it's a leap year) simply because it is the week when my husband and I celebrate both our birthdays, exactly one week apart. Our celebration usually starts a day before his birthday because my husband shares his birthdate with his dad. We have this so-called "pre-birthday" dinner with just the two of us, then celebrate his real birthday with the family the next day. 

So, how did we spend our birthdays this year, you ask? Another giveaway... we binged on sweets! A whole loooot of sweets.

Have you tried Tous Les Jous? MUST TRY! Specially to those cake lovers who aren't necessarily ultra sweet lovers like me coz some cakes are really really sweet to the point that your tooth will hate you. But Tous Les Jous? Oh TLJ... Sweet perfection to my palette. This is aside from the fact that they design the cutest cakes and the price is just right. 

Classic Chocolate Cake @ P398

For the hubby's pre-birthday dinner, I surprised him by bringing him to this new French resto in Molito, Alabang I've been dying to try- Le Petit Cheri. The place was very charming with touches of Paris here and there that's just so cute. They also have this nice area on the second floor, perfect for small events like bridal showers (the tamed version), baby showers or for any simple affair. 

The Clueless Mister surprised by my gift - a hard to find, already faced out, Ipod Nano (watch) for his once in a blue moon jogging sessions.

Surprise! Surprise! 

The food was good, although the meat served was not perfectly cooked and the potato salad needed a dash of salt and probably would have tasted better if it was cooked a lil longer. What's winner for me is really the ambiance coz everything's so pink! *haha* How girly of me to critic that. I guess I'm just not really that kind of a foodie. I just love to eat. The price range is P250 to P400, decent for special occasions.

Quick Verdict: Overall experience? Good. Will I come back? High Probability.

Now enough of the husband, it's my turn. For my pre-birthday dinner, it was my choosing to dine at a shabby Korean joint in BF Homes called "Masarap" (Delicious) *lol* No kiddin! When my friend invited me "Kain tayo sa Masarap" (Let's eat somewhere delicious) I thought she's generally saying to eat anywhere that's good. Little did I know that that's the actual name of the place. Don't judge the place by it's exteriors nor interiors though coz the food is actually really masarap, comparable to other pricey Korean restos in the village, but at a much cheaper price. And to have a sweet ending, we bought few cupcakes from Larcy's.

Larcy's Cupcakes

Larcy's created buzz in BF Homes when it first opened in December because of its  pink *again with the pink* and adorable architecture. I actually thought of celebrating my birthday there for a cupcake party but it failed my expectations when we first visited the place. Because giving up on a person nor place is not in my nature, I gave it one more try but sadly it failed me again. I don't hate it but I also don't love it. My pet peeve about the place really is that servers don't use gloves when they pick up your cupcakes and place it in the box and don't hate me but too much food coloring in their best-selling Red Velvet Cheesecake stained my teeth. I really hope their cupcakes and the smell of the place improves because the place does have potential. *Note to owners: I'd love to help*

To be honest, I was somehow sad when I celebrated my birthday this year because I usually plan my birthdays months before because I always want to make it special even how simple it may be. But this year? I really just had no energy although I tried planning a quickie hipster party but then I decided not to push through with it. 

Anyway... excuse the drama, it's the thyroid talking. So, I decided to turn the day around by having a simple dinner with the family at Papa John's, by special request of my dad. To my glee, the night turned out fun and nothing really beats spending your special day with the closest people in your life.

Sweet flowers fresh from Tagaytay from my Hubby

I don't know the relevance of siopao. I know, it does not complement Italian food but my mom got crazy buying a monster siopao for my birthday and served it on the table just for the funny sight of it. It remained untouched until the end of the evening.

Making a Wish

Can't get enough of Tous Le Jous, I just had to have one too. Special thanks to my sister.

For the sweetest finale, my sis-in-law also gave my cupcakes, this time from Sophie's mom. And between Larcy's and this, Sophies' Mom Cupcakes is the absolute winner. 

Sophie's Mom cupcakes

Sorry again for the late post. Just wanted to share...

xoxo

The Clueless Mrs.

30 before 30

This blog post is actually inspired by the 30 before 30 List of We Are Sole Sisters whose story is very inspiring specially to those who dreams of traveling the world or simply wants to live a life of adventure. (To We Are Sole Sisters, hope you don't mind me borrowing the title)

Since I have 364 days left before I actually do reach 30, I think doing this list is just very timely and will (hopefully) help me achieve some of the goals I have while I'm still in my 20 something. 

--- okay, 10 minutes staring at a blank page is just sad --- 

--- I thought this is going to be easy ---

Let me start with the things I want to prioritize and hopefully, the list of dreams I have been keeping in my head will just flow out in writing...

1. Get pregnant - Well, to be fair to the super wannabe lolos and lolas (both sides) it has been a year and I really do want to start a family already. I just hope "in God's time" comes quicker.

2. Get my Weddings & Events Coordination business (really) off the ground - I'm there. Almost. Just need to keep my focus and really work hard.

3. Get back into Fashion School - Done with my first day in taking a refresher course in Basic Pattern Making and hopefully I can really finish it till the end so I can advance to other courses.

4. Enroll for Advance Pattern Making and Haute Couture and be part of Fashion Institute of the Philippines' 2013 Graduation Show 

5. Experience surfing. Any surfing spots will do. 

6. Join a Volunteer program - I'm eyeing on something. I just hope it pushes through.

7. Lose 15 lbs. by May - Been trying since January and I have given up rice since Ash Wednesday. I cheated a bit yesterday at my Pre-Birthday dinner but I.CAN.DO.THIS.

8. Work on the interior design of our condo - Budget is all I need. I'll say one corner at a time.

9. Drive - Not just within the village but actually be able to drive going as far as Quezon City (North) and Batangas (South).

10. Get myself an iPad - To justify, I need this for my job. At least one client says so... many times already *wink*

11. Go or at least book a trip to Hong Kong - It's has been more than 10 years since my first trip to HK with my family and my husband hasn't been there so this is very important.

12. Fix up my blog and make Clueless Mrs. a dot com.

13. Own a car - long shot but who knows? I might be lucky enough to win the lottery or a raffle promo.

14. Start selling samples of my designs by December

15. Explore Mt. Pinatubo

16. Get featured in a magazine

17. Be recognized as a Fashion/ Prenup Stylist

18. Learn basic Make-Up

19. Learn how to bake

20. Get a bad-*** camera

21. Get another big break in modeling - last year has been a good one for me. Hopefully, this year would be better.

22. Go to Coron

23. Explore Cebu - I've been to Cebu twice already but both are business trips so it doesn't count.

24. Join at least three (3) Bridal Fairs this year - I've already joined one. Two more to go :)

25. Be more experimental when it comes to clothes and dress up beyond my "classic" comfort zone.

26. Apprentice with a Couture Designer - Really get hands-on experience in couture designing, sewing, etc. I believe this will help me master my craft. 

27. Eat at an authentic Indian restaurant - I'm talking about the ones where you have seat on big colorful pillows and belly dancers entertain you, with shisha and all. Sadly, I haven't tried this and I don't know where to actually experience this.

28. Learn basic photography

29. Start planning for our dream home - Also a loooong shot but only God knows...

30. Earn enough without finding a need to get a full-time job. - this would definitely be sweeeeeeeet.

So there, that's my 30 before 30 List! I know I still have 364 days but life is too short so I've got to start NOW. Let's see what happens and good luck to me.

Do you have yours too? Share it with me by leaving a comment below.

xoxo,

The Clueless Mrs.

Rewind in Fast Forward

Before February finally ends (oooops... It's March already) but still - allow me a quick rewind of important milestones and blessings that showered my way this (last) month. 

Ever since I went into retirement and ventured full-time into business, I have to say I have been more hectic than ever. From legalizing my business, signing up for bridal fairs, ingress here and there, DIY-ing all my business needs from designs, website, and other paperworks, to non-stop meetings and research and follow-throughs post-fair *phew* it really never ends. They say, when it rains, it pours. Well, good thing I have a lot of pails and buckets to catch every drop from Heaven.

1. I've finished ALL permits and requirements to make my business as legit as it can get. 

Just in case you are curious, to start up a business you need to:

1. Register your Business Name with the Department of Trade & Industry (for sole proprietorship) OR with Securities and Exchange Commission (for partnerships & corporation)

2. Get a Barangay Clearance

3. Get your Mayor's Permit

4. Register your business with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)

Once you've secured your BIR Registration, Plate "Ask for Receipt," Accounting Journals and Official Receipts from BIR *voila* you are ready to go.

2. Booth Set Up #1 at the Lucky Chinatown Mall (Annex Bldg) as part of DTI's special collaboration with Megaworld for SMEs.

Our beautiful boutique shared with Dream Maker and BSK International Dolls

At the ribbon cutting ceremony of the Metro Festival at Lucky Chinatown
and here's my pretty mom doing her opening remarks.

DTI + Megaworld + Chinese Business Community

I-spy with my hazelnut eyes Fairytale's logo. Can you see?

During Chinese New Year with a Dancing Dragon at work.
Beside me are my very supportive and loving mom & dad.

3. Booth Set-up #2 at the Weddings & Debuts 2013 Bridal Fair

Our humble booth at the Weddings & Debuts 2013 Bridal Fair

Day 3 - Haggard and Exhausted but still smiling.

At work

I can't believe I achieved a lot in just 28 short days and I couldn't have done it all without the unending support of my family and the encouragement of all my friends and readers. So, thank you everyone and AJA! AJA! AJA! (to me).


xoxo,

The Clueless Mrs.

Yeah, I am this haggard nowadays :)

When Every Town was Painted Red

I know it's late (as usual) but I just want to share the culturally enriching sights I enjoyed last Chinese New Year when we spent it for the very first time in Binondo. All photos via Instagram.

While the Dragons rest

Luck Dragon @ work inside the Lucky Chinatown Mall

Money Tree

The Art of Paper Cutting

Chinese Calligraphy

Chinese Checkers

Lighted Cherry Blossoms at night

Illuminated Chinese Lanterns at night

Sometimes, it really just take a simple photo to tell a story and take a glimpse into history. It is fun to be part of a festive and rich culture that paints the whole country red every year with dancing dragons, loud drums, and a whole lot of tikoy. So, even how late this post came in, I'm glad to have shared it with you. It's really better late than never, don't you agree?

xoxo,

The Clueless Mrs.

Random thoughts of a Clueless Mind

Wow, I can't believe that it's almost my birthday month and I still have a LOT of blog backlogs to catch up on for this month. This February was tremendously hectic for me, which is now causing my body to break down a bit due to my big and heavy backpack, long-haul commuting, non-stop meetings and excessive over-thinking. Yes, the redundancy of what I'm saying is necessary. 

Nonetheless, I am overwhelmed with happiness and pride as I take every inch of a step to reach my dreams. That is to work for myself, do what I love and what I do best, and eventually end up as a couture designer. Being an event coordinator is the most strategic entry-point for me, I think, because organization, coordination and execution is what I do best, while I take necessary studies to be what I really want to be. 

I'm particularly thankful for the people who continuously inspire and encourage me in the clueless road that I am taking. Many have called me "fearless" in a sense that I had the courage to risk all of what's left of my career with the hopes of making it in the competitive world of business. 

Funny thing is, there's nothing much to risk honestly. That probably only make things more difficult for me. I have tried and tried and tried for so many years in my "booming" career life to save up some capital and start my own business. And in those years, I managed to save up enough and then land back to where I started with a series of shopaholic events, traveling, and getting married. Don't take me wrong though, I never regret any single bit of what I spent on and experienced. Well, maybe those few pairs of shoes that I only wore once. Anyhow, what I'm trying to say is... sometimes, there is just no perfect time nor enough amount of saved up capital to start striving for what you really want. Sometimes, you just got to have faith and take that giant leap even if there's a big fat chance that you will fall flat on your face. 

Yes, I must be fearless. 

What's sOoooo a-mazing is... just when I thought I'm about to hit rock-bottom, blessings  come pouring in. Again, you just got to have faith and literally give your ALL. Period. I may not already be in the stature of success but I am getting there. One day, or may I say, one lovely wedding and event at a time. 

A post inspired *again* after watching "The Pursuit of Happyness" for the nth time last night.

Christopher Gardner: Hey. Don't ever let somebody tell you... You can't do something. Not even me. All right? 

Christopher: All right. 

Christopher Gardner: You got a dream... You gotta protect it. People can't do somethin' themselves, they wanna tell you you can't do it. If you want somethin', go get it. Period.  

Have an inspiring week ahead everyone!

xoxo,

The Clueless Mrs.