My 28th.

I just turned a year older last Monday and I said to myself that I am ready to make this year a productive one for me. I turned 28. A number that I feared when I was 10 years younger. I remembered thinking to myself way back then of how unpleasant that must have been to become that old. haha! 10years fast forward here I am, not feeling quite old and thinking to myself that age is nothing but just a number.

The big 3* on the other hand is scarier. It is scary because time flies really fast. Although I think it wouldn't be as scary as I think it would have been if by then I have accomplished my plans.

A wiser version of me, more loving, less naive, more considerate, less stubborn = (for short) a better ME (I'd like to think so, of course). That is who I have become after 28 years of searching myself. I still haven't figured out where I should be but I know what my goals are, and I know I still have to search more to find who I really am. I think I have enough patience to last for a couple of years though. So that's a good thing!

For now I am happy and satisfied with who I am, I know my strengths and weaknesses, I know where I want to go and know where I shouldn't. I know what and who makes me happy and vice versa. Most importantly, I know something really big is waiting for me and I know the Lord has laid out his master plan for ME.

Happy birthday to me! =)

What you don't know won't hurt you.

It’s probably true, that what you don’t know won’t hurt you.Things are hidden for some reason. Some are good while some are bad. Maybe that’s just how it is. You sort of have a little help from the big man up there. Because sometimes, things are better left unknown.

However, some things are discovered without effort because maybe it is time for you to see them. If it was a good thing, it will help you in reassessing your life in order for you to make a better judgment. But what if you discovered the opposite? What if you found something that really sucks? How can you make a good judgment when an emotion called pain surfaces? How can one be rational enough to make a well-thought of fair decision in the end?

The answer lies in one persons ability to see things realistically, to forgive and not forget (because chances are you never will) and lastly, to accept and move forward.

*God opens certain windows to use it to help us grow and prepare us for the doors that he will open for us, soon. Have faith in his plan. Never forget that no matter what happens, life is full of wonderful things. Smile. Let go of the negative things. Live, laugh and love.:)

http://charla.seguerra.com/?p=9

Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

I have seen the rest of the Harry Potter movies and the Half-Blood Prince is one of the darkest in the 7 books. Harry, Ron and Hermione are now grown ups. Even Ginny Weasley. I love the special effects in the movie, it made it more real, like you really are in the Wizard world.

The cast did a great job, as always. Michael Gambon as Dumbledore was always convincing and is just perfect as the Headmaster, Alan Rickman as Snape, portrayed to perfection, and Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, always and forever is perfect.

I enjoyed watching the movie, not only does it posses the darkness but it also had its natural comedic scenes and teenage love. People were all reacting to the Ron-Hermione affair. Obviously, the cinema was full of Harry Potter fanatics. Ron was always funny and I was one of those who laughed so loud! Ginny is now a lady, a pretty one as a matter of fact, her affection for Harry was all over the place and people just cannot help but giggle. Harry Potter has always been the same as he was except that I want him taller instead, more like a man by now. I also love the part where Harry drank the Felix Felicis potion, or also known as the "Liquid Luck" potion. He was extremely high on it and his face was really funny! I can't help laughing!

Dumbledore's death was tragic, just as it was on the book. I shed a tear even though I knew what was about to unfold. It was just painful to see how Dumbledore died. However, some of the fight scenes weren't included and they skipped the funeral of Dumbledore in the movie. I guess it was just hard to capture how J.K. Rowling made it. With all the white tomb, and with the solemnity of it. I think it would have been better if they included it in the film, or it's just me.

Overall, I think the movie was a good one. Although some parts were missing, I still enjoyed the movie because I am just addicted to Harry Potter and even if you haven't read the book, I still think it was a great film. I can't wait for the Deathly Hallows and hopefully they give an incredible finale.=D

Ashamed.

According to http://www.merriam-webster.com, ASHAMED means:
a: feeling shame, guilt, or disgrace
b: feeling inferior or unworthy

I am lost for words. I just could not sum up how I feel at the moment. Been thinking things through back and fourth on what I could have done to make things right or could I have prevented all this chaos, I ask myself. To have your good friends fall apart right in front of you is the biggest nightmare anyone could ever have. It's almost like having someone died.

I am ashamed of myself because I feel that there is nothing that I can do anymore. I feel unworthy of being their friend. I am in the middle of it all. It's all a mess. It's heart breaking, and it's killing me slowly as I see the possibilities of having all of it go away. It is not one persons fault. No one is to be blamed because if I start pointing fingers then I would not be fair. It is no ones fault because when you are FRIENDS, no Pride is too much and no Anger is Unforgivable.

You give chances over and over again. You understand over and over again. Because you love them. Because they are your friends.Well, that's how it is when you are friends, that is basically the general rule.

It's just a shame to witness the ending of such. Hopeless to say anything. Ashamed to witness one downfall.

Krispy Kreme's Apple Cheesecake Doughnuts

Welcome Krispy Kreme's Apple Cheesecake Doughnuts!

Krispy Kreme has released a very special doughnut for the upcoming holiday, Mother's day!!! It is a treat for everyone and most especially a treat to the most special woman in our lives, our Mom's!

The all-time favorite doughnut in the world fills this very special dougnut for Mother's day, the Apple Cheesecake Doughnuts, with tart, apple filling offset by a sugary drizzle of caramel, rich cream cheese icing and fresh silvers of red and green apples.

When I tasted Krispy Kreme's Apple Cheesecake Doughnuts, it was one good experience for me. It gave the right blend of sweetness that would compliment the apple filling and the rich cream cheese of the doughnut. It was also very good paired with a cup of coffee.

Such a wonderful treat to everyone! Try it to believe it! =D

An Affair.

I think I have an affair. I have been slowly falling in love...
with DAKKI!!!

>>>>>>>>>>
He's the sweetest and cutest dog (next to my Barbie of course). Oh my! Am I just a dog lover? Or maybe Dakki is just so sweet.

Well let me share to you when this affair happened. I met him last year. He was recovering from all the doggy sickness. He was not cute then I tell you! haha Then as months passed by, Dakki grew his hair and he was happy and playful. Back to being happy and playful I guess. Probably because his hair is all back! Whenver I come over to Dadoo's place, most of the time Dakki was there. Well that is because his parents leave him there when they are out. Dakki is one sweet dog. He plays with you. When you carry him, oh he will surely love it. He cuddles. He likes that. Haha!!! Most days, Dakki smells good.hehe Sooo cute. He even tries to jump! hahaha! He loves adobo and he loves all the pillows in the living room! He was partly my date last Valentine's. Hehehehe ♥

Hmm... I think that is how the affair started. I just cannot help it. Dakki is just soooo cute and sweet! *I hope Barbie does not hear about this, tsk tsk tsk! Shhhh!!! Don't tell Barbie. Waaaaa

Letters.

I am a big fan of making letters and receiving one. I love it! I think it gives you a sense of personal touch, a certain connection from the sender because you know that you were given that "time" of that "person" just to make you that "letter".

It really does not have to be long or perfect in grammar. It does not require an occasion to make one, any day is perfect. As a matter of fact, any letter is perfect as long as it was made out of sincerity. I personally like making letters because I like to express myself that way. It has my personal touch (plus I get to use the nicest paper and nicest pen from my collection =D). Especially the fact that you froze that certain moment. It just feels different when you pour your heart out in handwritten letters with pen and paper as your gadgets as opposed to texting or email-ing. Although it is convenient and accessible, it loses its personal touch. Maybe because you cannot hold on to it like in handwritten letters. Nothing beats the old school way of making letters. Probably because I grew up this way, or maybe I got it from my Dad. It could be in my genes or it could be just me. Whatever it is, I love it.

Having read the blog of my friend recently, I realized that although we were miles apart, in the midst of her "trials", when she read my letter, it suddenly made her feel good somehow, for her to take the time to read it again and write about it on her blog, it sure was like a happy feel-good pill I assume. It was like I was there with her all of a sudden. Nice to know that my letter made a difference to her, that it helped her in some way. It probably was a good letter because she brought it with her when they moved, so I am flattered, very flattered that even after so many years, it still has that certain magic, to her at least. It was such a nice compliment.

Expressing myself through pen and paper have always been a good way, mostly. With that being said, I will never stop making letters for the people that I love and care about and I will of course gladly appreciate receiving one as well. It just feels like I'm back to being a child again. It's a good feeling. I like it.=)

Confessions of Charla.

*** ATTENTION: This entry contains some spoiler if you haven't read all of Rebecca Bloomwood's adventure.

It was a night of high expectations. I watched the movie version of Confessions of a Shopaholic the other day with Dadoo and some friends. It was a nice film, I did enjoy Isla Fischer’s portrayal of Rebecca Bloomwood. She was all cute and funny just like how the movie went and I enjoyed it.

However, I dislike the way the movie turned out. Only because I am a big fan of Sophie Kinsella’s books and I know pretty well how the story went. There were inaccuracies in the characters and in the story itself. Becky Bloomwood was British for God's sake and it was a BLUE Denny and George scarf not green. Luke Brandon was perfectly handsome and rich and successful in the book, I do not understand why they changed it. He is a rich PR CEO because he owns Brandon Communication and is not working at Successful Savings as an editor. Derek Smeath did not humilate Becky. Alicia was Luke's employee and not some rival of Becky (like the way they have put it) or Luke's love interest. And oh my! Where the bloody hell is Sacha? Aaargghhh!!! And Suze was blonde, very talented in her frame making biz and uber rich. Tarkie was uber rich as well, did not have any sense of fashion and they were not suppossed to reveal that Suze and Tarkie would end up together. The supposed wedding of Suze was so intimate as based on the book but definitely not in the first book. They should have shown all the letters that Becky made to random people just so the crowd would have a feel on the real Becky Bloomwood as described by Kinsella. I personally did not like the movie because it was soo not the book anymore. They should have changed the title of the movie. It was like they only used the book's fame and they used the characters, put them in the film but with a totally different character.

The book was perfectly written by Sophie Kinsella, not to mention the way she described the characters, it was really all perfect especially the lead character Rebecca Bloomwood. There really is no need to change the story and the characters. Although the film was cute, fun and enjoyable, I think it would have gone better if they did no changes. I am such a HUGE fan of Bex that's why I am soo disappointed. :(

Friday the 13th.

Friday the 13th.

In the olden days, they say that Friday the 13th is a unlucky day. But I highly doubt it now. A lot of good things in my life occurred on a Friday the 13th. Not only are those things good but they also changed my life totally.



So this time, we had dinner with our good friends, Mj and Son at Tender Bob's Promenade. It was somewhat memorable and special for me not only because it was Friday the 13th but also because it was the day before Valentine's day! I enjoyed hanging out with them. It was always fun. We talked about almost the same old stuff and of our next adventure and of our dear friend Lei, who is far from us. How we miss her... So far, in the fast paced life we all have after college, they are the ones that we hang out most next to my best bud Apple. It was just a nice feeling! Refreshing.=)

Technomarine Cruise

I have been using my Technomarine Cruise Chrono watch for more or less 3 years now. It is my favorite wrist watch! I just change the strap and it totally has a new look! So worth every penny! Not to mention the sentimental value of this one. c",)



Out of boredom I took a macro shot of it using my Lumix LX3. Isn't it lovely? Oooh! I totally think so.:)

My Happy Life :)

Just thought of sharing tidbits of my life. So here's the slide that I made.=)

Product Review: Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

Being an eyelash curler addict, I have tried almost every branded eyelash curler available. I did have a favorite then (and it required my very special skill in curling to create the most perfectly-curled lashes) but when I started using the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, I was totally hypnotized! I could not let it go! :)

Well, I am very picky in these matters despite the fact of having a long lash already (thanks to my parents for that!), I still want that perfect curl and with less effort on the user's part of course. Since most Asians are not blessed with long and perfectly curled lashes, it has been quite a struggle for the ladies to achieve such perfect lashes. Luckily, Shu Uemura invented the BEST Eyelash Curler to date!

This isn't like any eyelash curler. Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler is perfectly made practically for any one who is in need of it. They are famous world-wide for this invention! It caters from those of the short and straight lashes to the long and oh-blessed-lashes. The curved angle on the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler suits all eye shapes! They have a "patented hinge with precise engineering that applies perfect amount of pressure on eyelashes" (as quoted by Shu Uemura c:) and a silicone pad in a "mushroom" shape that provides a protective, stay-put edge for improved safety (avoiding the annoying instances of nipping ones eyelids) and optimum curl (as in beautiful and perfectly-curled lashes). And that is why they are so great!

I have been a user for more or less 6 years. I am very satisfied! It is the ultimate must-have for ladies! I honestly could not live without it! I even have 2 of it! hahaha

***One nice tip I have for everyone, it is not all about the mascara. To achieve those oh-so-beautiful lashes, it is a TEAM effort and it includes Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler and your favorite mascara! =)

Product Review: Celeteque Facial Wash

I have been using Celeteque Facial Wash for more or less four years now. It is has been hard to actually find a local brand that cleans my sensitive skin. I have been using Cetaphil for many years and next to that, the only thing that can give me the same satisfied result is Celeteque Facial Wash.

Celeteque Facial Wash is an effective facial wash that swears in giving you a clean and smooth skin. It removes deep-seated dirt on your face and is also hypo-allergenic and non-comedogenic (which DOES NOT CLOG YOUR PORES, YEY!!!) and with Natural Moisturizing Factor that helps skin become clean, smooth and free from pimples. It is the ultimate skin treat!

Celeteque Facial Wash is safe to use everyday. I actually use it whenever I want to. Sometimes I use it more than 3 times a day and my face never feels dry. My skin feels moisturized in just the right way and I can honestly feel that it really is clean. It is also very easy to use since it is in liquid form, just about 1 or 2 light pumps (or even just about a pea-size as what dermatologists recommend) and you're good to go. You'll feel your face cleaner and smoother after using it. True to its promise on being NON-COMEDOGENIC, my skin does not get zits anymore (even if I don't get facials monthly) -- as long as I have my Celeteque Facial Wash with ME, I know I am in good hands.:)

For ME, Celeteque Facial Wash is the best facial wash brand locally and can be in the same league with the famous international brand Cetaphil. I love the product plus the fact that it doesn’t also cost pricey though they have increased their price from the first time it came out. But the smallest bottle is very affordable and can last for more or less 2 weeks. How great can it be to have a good hypo-allergenic, non-comedogenic and affordable facial wash? It's just so great I can't stop myself from using it!


***Thanks to Unilab for the picture. :)

Dadoo's 2nd attempt to videography

Dadoo's 2nd attempt to videography. This was taken in Nasugbu, Batangas with my Tica family. We spent 2 days there and it was so much fun! Soo relaxing indeed. It was our year-ender holiday as a matter of fact. Too bad we could not stay longer because of Dadoo's work. Anyways, so here is the video. Enjoy! :)


Tagaytay December 30-31, 2008 from John Paul Tica on Vimeo.

Dadoo's 1st attempt as a VIDEOGRAPHER :)

My Dadoo, John Paul Tica has attempted to become a videographer. So when we got our Lumix LX3, it was easier to make videos especially with the LX3's HD video recording! So here it is, the 1st attempt.

*The video took place last December 28, 2008. We were suppose to have late lunch with the birthday girl, MJ with bf, Davidson a.k.a. Son, @ Tender Bob's, Promenade. Then Jp's mind had gone to extremes and decided that we should go to Tagaytay instead. Of course, the birthday girl was super duper happy with that twist because it has been her secret dream to go to Tagaytay with us, her Garfield family, as a result of years piled up envy towards her sister, Lei.:)

So here it is... Brace yourselves :)



Mj's birthday video from John Paul Tica on Vimeo.


***Too bad Lei was not here to celebrate with us.:(

Welcome 2009!♥

Welcome 2009! Another year to fill with memories, good memories. I'm very happy and excited! I hope this year will be better than the last :)

Ten Tips from ME to make your 2009 a fruitful year:

1. Smile.
*Oh yes, SMILE a lot :) It somehow prevents aging and somehow makes you happier:).

2. Relax.
*Relaxation is the key to a balanced life. Find time to relax and it will surely make you feel connected to your inner being (the most important key to life) and then reflection follows on when you feel relaxed. You owe your self that.

3. Be patient.
*No one could ever control every single thing around you. So, be patient.. with the things that you never thought would come; with the people who gives you those ill-feelings, because really you cannot change the way they are (you can only do so much!); lastly, be patient with YOUR SELF because you are only human, you will forever make mistakes because you are not perfect, so be kind, be PATIENT to your self.

4. De-clug your closet.
*Oh yes! We do have to remove the old, no-longer-used stuff and start the year fresh!

5. Exercise.
*Exercise releases the happy hormones and not only that, it also makes you healthier and slimmer.:)

6. Save more money than you ever did in the past year.
*If you are a spender, then you should learn to cut back on the unnecessary purchases and save some more instead. You'll never know when you would need extra savings. But learn to keep it balanced. You do have to spend on things that are of importance to you.:)

7. Eat wisely.
*We should all watch what we eat. Not only will this make us fat, it can also affect our health in the long run. So eat wisely.

8. Love your family more than you did.
*To give love is the best gift you could ever give to anyone. Your family is the most important people in your life. So love them more this year. Say your I LOVE YOU's to them :) You just don't know how lucky you are to have them around.

9. Love your lover more than you thought you ever will.
*Once you fall in love, you should give it all. Honesty to your self, to honestly love your PARTNER and give more than you thought you ever will is the only thing that will make your fairy tale come true.:)

10. Give THANKS for all your blessings, for all the love you have and all those you receive and for the gift of life.
*The Lord is always looking down on us and guiding us every step of the way. The things that we have and do not have does have its purpose. Giving thanks for all the blessings is what the Lord wants. Just the appreciation to life it self, and to the Lord Almighty.

Happy New Year to ALL!



***some of the pictures are from rebelpixel.com courtesy of my brother, Thanks :)
In the photos are Mi Familia except Dadda whose out of the country at the moment.