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August 22, 2015
August 11, 2015
Maternity Shoot
Last Sunday, my husband Jabar gave in to one of my wishes---an outdoors maternity shoot. It was very amateur as we had his sister who's temporarily staying with us to get behind the camera while Jab and I did the directing and, of course, acting! It was also very awkward as it is our first time to do something like this (we previously didn't have a prenup or postnup photo shoots). Hahaha! I'm sharing with you the best shots that we were able to muster.
I searched the internet for some posing ideas as well as the best location here in Bangkok which turned out to be at the King Rama IX Park, the largest green space in the city.
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| That ring I was wearing was from my Mom, her own wedding ring that she handed down to me. It used to be very loose on my finger but now, it fits snugly! |
One thing I realized, we should have done this at around 30-33ish weeks AOG when the baby bump is evident but not too huge and the body swelling has not yet materialized. I'm on my 38th week now so aside from the discomfort arising from the heavy bulging of my entire body, there's a threat that I might just contract anytime. Haha!
I'm really glad that we were able to pull it off even though 1.) we're not still very familiar with our EOS-M Canon (yan na nga lang hirap na ako ano na lang 'pag yung mga highly professional cams? tamad lang talaga akong aralin ang specs nya. lol!) 2.) it was soooo hot! 3.) worst case that can happen in a photo shoot? Run out of battery and having no extra to use!! It happened! So we had very limited shots plus we were in a hurry as the red warning sign blinks. Kaloka! But it was a fun day and I'm grateful that Jabar was cool about it!
August 6, 2015
From coloring to colorless while waiting outside the doctor's clinic. 📖🏥 #harukimurakami #currentread
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Colors of the World
Seeing some friends and celebrities on Instagram (wish I could say "celebrity friends", haha!) get into adult coloring books as a relaxing hobby brought me back to my kindergarten and gradeschool years when my Mom used to scold me for creating a "bad artwork". I suck at every art class I know. I don't follow the "one-direction stroke" policy in coloring, plus, I was bad at drawing. Unfortunately I didn't know that abstract form of arts do exist so I can use it as a valid excuse. Hehe. I see this now as the reason why I appreciate artists and their works since I am incapable of creating such. I have to admit, I wasn't endowed with that gift.
A week ago, my OB advised me not to walk around too much since the baby's head has already entered my pelvis (we call it engagement in medical parlance), I did a self-imposed bed rest while also waiting for my parents' arrival. I want them to be here beside me when I give birth. So I thought, aside from reading and watching TV, I can also make use of my time by returning to an unfulfilled childhood accomplishment in the coloring department! Time to redeem myself from the judgment of my own mother! Hah!
I went to Siam Paragon and to Emporium to look for a coloring book but to no avail. Thank God for Kinokuniya, they have all kinds of coloring books for adult that came with a morale booster! I picked the Creative Coloring Flowers by Valentina Harpers as flowers seem more relaxing than abstract drawings.
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| My first work using colored pencils. |
While executing the strokes and making sure that I don't go beyond the lines, I had several stuff play inside my head:
1.) Those tiny details contribute to the beauty of the whole picture. We always say that little things in life matter, I can't agree more. We always aspire for a better life when we have everything that we want and need staring right at us, we just don't take notice and let them slip by. I am at a point in my life when a single message from any of my siblings and a Facetime conference with my parents are priceless. Then I remember all those mundane things we do at home, those tiny squabbles with my brothers, all those things I used to shrug about defined the kind of family I have. While living here in Bangkok, I want to keep vividly in my mind all the moments I wait for my husband to come home, our daily cooking and coffee bonding sessions, the walk in the park or in the mall..every little thing..because these seemingly mundane daily routine contribute to the beauty of the bigger story.
2.) With persistence and hardwork, you will come a long way. I have been suffering from pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome for more than a month now, but the numbness of my fingers and the pain on my wrist didn't stop me from pushing the strokes! Haha! Effort much, eh?
3.) I thought, at my age, coloring would be an easy job. Contrary to it's "relaxing" slogan, selecting colors that blend perfectly with each other and those that in synch with nature would come as a pain in my head. No wonder most artists stereotypically look unkempt. Haha!
4.) Never underestimate the capacity of anything/anyone. Subdued colors may just perfectly blend into the loud ones, sometimes they are even more noticeable. So stay humble and never look down or step on anyone because you think you are better. Bilog ang mundo, you know.
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| "Friends are flowers in the garden of life." SUBSTANTIAL friends, that is. |
I am currently on my fifth coloring artwork. It's fun while I am waiting for the little one's arrival, I am not sure if I can squeeze this in between breastfeeding, changing diapers, cooking and tidying the house. Haha! Good luck to me, then. :)
July 17, 2015
July 12, 2015
July 10, 2015
July 6, 2015
"We then formed the sperm into a clot of congealed blood; and the clot we made a lump and formed the lumps into bones and clothed the bones with flesh; and then brought him into being as another creature. Blessed be Allah, the Best to create!" Holy Qur'an 23:14 👶🏻👧🏻 Photo from www.aitch.ro
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June 15, 2015
Advance Happy Father's Day! 👨🏻 #fatherlove #bookworm 👓📖#theparentalsinbkk #bkkliving ❤️
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June 12, 2015
June 9, 2015
Lovers in Bangkok. 😍😂 #theparentalsinbkk #bkkliving #screwthatfilter 💕
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June 2, 2015
Preggo Woes
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| Working my butt off in the gym at 27 weeks AOG. |
This pregnancy brought out the paranoid person in me. Since this is a planned pregnancy, I took all the necessary precautions as I was anticipating for a possible conception. I was taking folic acid as early as 2 months before I got married (and stopping every time I found out I'm not yet pregnant, haha), got rid of all whitening lotions and creams, finding my way to eat healthily and I took yoga classes when I got here in Bangkok. I was ready to do anything just to have this little muffin.
One year and nine months of marriage and four unsuccessful attempts later, my pregnancy sets in however it is accompanied by a hullabaloo of negative scenarios such as abortion. As much as we want to share the good news to everyone, I asked the husband to keep it to ourselves for the mean time as I was afraid I might only disappoint our loved ones if I lost the embryo. But our little secret didn't last a week as he was super excited to break it to our immediate family members. We implore them to pray for a successful and healthy pregnancy and baby.
At 27 weeks as of writing, the last week of my second trimester, I am beyond grateful that everything went smoothly since day one. I suffered the usual 1st-tri distress of headache, nausea and fatigue on an almost daily basis for almost three months. Adding to that is the contrasting hunger pangs and lack of appetite. I mainly craved for Maranao food particularly my Mom's cooking but since it's out of my reach, I can only be patient with whatever in store for me here. I didn't want to make my pregnancy a burden to my husband, I am lucky enough that he frequently brings me anything I might want to eat but my taste buds seemed to have been numb during those days. So unlikely of me. I am quite lucky to be not working while pregnant because I can just lie down at home whenever I feel nauseous (I haven't experienced vomiting, lucky me), I can only imagine those mothers or mothers-to-be who are enduring all the discomfort in the middle of work.
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| My baby bump says hello! :) |
On the second trimester, the discomfort gradually disappeared but my appetite came back not without a fierce revenge! I eat almost every 2-hours that my taste buds seem to be very accommodating to whatever you shove in my mouth! Consequently, I gained quite a lot of weight, some few pounds in excess of what I am supposed to gain at this stage of pregnancy. I try to eat healthily, meaning totally cutting out caffeine and soda drinks, more on dairy products, fresh vegetable and fruits, fish and meat, rice and bread. I try to strike a balance with the nutrients that my baby and I need without gaining too much weight, but I guess I can't help to eat more than what is required. Well, I'll deal with that post-delivery. Haha!
As I am gearing towards the third and final trimester, some of the physical discomforts are slowly coming back. I suffer from pregnancy insomnia, difficulty of breathing when lying flat on my back, allergic rhinitis attacks, the creepy-crawly sensation on my legs whenever I lie down to relax which urges me to frequently move my legs (restless leg syndrome), and my appetite is no way going downhill. My baby kicks very strongly and frequently nowadays that sometimes she's giving me a hard time to sleep. With all of these, never did I complain. I embrace all these distress and consider it as a blessing. With all the pessimistic scenarios brewing in my head during the first trimester, I am so grateful that my baby and I have reached this far. In few months' time, I will cradle my beautiful daughter in my arms and shower her with all the love in this world, in shaa Allah. I always caught myself daydreaming about her and our future conversations. The husband and I are so blessed beyond words.
Confirming the truth of what other mothers say, it is during one's pregnancy that one realizes to appreciate our very own mothers. Being a firstborn, I constantly think that all the excitement stirring inside me must be the exact same feeling that my Mom had when she was pregnant of me. My Mom was even working so I can only imagine what she went through for the six of us, most especially when she was pregnant with my triplet siblings! OMG. True enough, no matter what we do for them, we cannot repay all the hardships that our mothers have endured to bring us out into this world and eventually in raising us to be morally upright people.
My parents are coming over here in Bangkok in two days' time, I am so excited to tell them my pregnancy story. I cannot wait to hug my Mom so tightly and THANK her for everything she's done for me and my siblings. Friends, while we still have our mothers with us in this world, let us not waste a single opportunity to give them joy and happiness. In shaa Allah. :)
Lakbayan C+
Lakbayan upgraded me from D to C+! Haha! Most of my travel opportunities were attributed to medical missions during my DTTB stint which brought me to Davao Oriental (Typhoon Pablo), Leyte and Samar (Typhoon Yolanda), Zamboanga Peninsula (Zamboanga seige), and seminars in General Santos and Davao City. I hope I can visit a lot more places all over the country when I get back, doesn't matter if it is for work or plain leisure and I will definitely tag the little one wherever we go. Hihi. On top of my Philippine travel bucket list include: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Surigao del Sur, and Negros Occidental. In shaa Allah.
How much of the Philippines have you visited? Check it here: http://forge.codedgraphic.com/lakbayan/
June 1, 2015
May 24, 2015
Robinhood
I was browsing books at Kinokuniya earlier when I chanced upon this quote and suddenly, a part of my DTTB (Doctors to the Barrios) experiences came in a flash. At the time, I had a grasp at how politics is being played not only in my home province but in the whole country as well. I was able to answer some questions on the root cause of our country's corruption and consequent poverty. I found out that it is a mutual give-and-take relationship between the elected leaders and the voters.
I remember one afternoon when I was backriding a motorcycle driven by a barangay captain in the municipality I served, we were on our way to his barangay to see a patient. Our ride was relatively smooth, thanks to the tire paths (see photo below) carpeting the narrow barrio roads. The captain was telling me how grateful he is to the local chief executive for constructing those tire paths making the transportation to and fro the far-flung barangay easier for his constituents.
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| TIRE PATHS. Basically, two narrow concrete roads constructed to fit only the tires of vehicles. This is one of the PAMANA projects of the DSWD. I took this photo when my staff and I were on a convoy to one of the barangays. |
As far as I know, all the developments in that municipality, including the tire paths, are government projects through different agencies such as the DSWD, DA, DILG and DOH. None comes from the personal budget of the local chief executive. And yet, the community people think of it as personal projects of the LCE. I do not undermine the gratitude of the community people, of course we have to consider that without the consent and cooperation of the LCE, none of those projects would materialize. When I was there, I was also beyond grateful for the warm welcome and the kindness that the LCE and his family have shown me and my staff. But I also believe that they should not entirely own up to the developments, in fact, it is something that they OWE to their constituents, and the latter must also understand that being taxpayers (well, only a handful of them) they deserve each and every project in the municipality that alleviates their living condition such as concrete roads (which they majorly lack), educational reinforcement, agricultural/livelihood help, and health support and monitoring.
I have observed that, generally, in the fifth/sixth municipalities (poorest of the poor), most of the constituents rely solely (or shall I say, beg?) from the local chief executive. This starts during the election period where vote buying is not a secret to keep in our country. It is illegal but majority does it. We live in an era where a "clean intention to serve" neither qualifications matter. Money matters. This is where the give-and-take relationship I mentioned starts. The higher amount you give to the voters, the more chance you will get of being elected to the position you're vying. After election, the politician's financial resources is depleted and he now relies on the IRA and other government projects to "save up" again for the next election. Infrastructure and other major developments are compromised in this practice. Since services lack in the municipality, the constituents practically beg to the LCE for personal financial help. This is where the feeling of "helping the people" commences, and the constituents are largely "grateful" to the LCE for the help extended to them. Robinhood, eh?
Basically, our nation's problem in corruption and poverty is a two-way process. We cannot isolate the politicians as blameworthy, if we have accepted their money when we voted for them, then we are their accomplices. We chose them, therefore, we must endure.
As the national elections come to a close, I fervently pray to God for enlightenment as we vote for those who are capable of leading us to progress and prosperity sans the sugar-coated words and "charitable deeds" while obviously stealing from the taxpayers' money for his personal gain. May God spare us from hypocrisy and following blindly. Ameen.
May 16, 2015
So this is how fresh lychees look like. 😍 Juicy and sweet indeed. 🍇 #bkkliving #betterthancanned #fruitslover #loveatfirstsight
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May 15, 2015
May 11, 2015
Hooked With Books
It's been six month since I've been here in Bangkok spending most of my weekdays time alone while my husband is working his butt off in the office. Aside from growing another human being inside me, I look for alternative activities to make my days productive. I've finished multiple seasons of my favorite American and British TV shows continuously and read books to my heart's content.
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| One of my favorite Tyrion quotes. Googled photo. |
Before I left, my father worried that I may succumb to idleness by being a stay-at-home wife. Being the greatest influence on my love for reading, he closely instructed me to never waste a single day without reading. "Read good books everyday", he told me. Now, he frequently keeps track on what book I am reading whenever we go on Facetime! Haha! Pressure si Papa! In this entry, I'll wrap-up all the books I read (one is a re-read) for the past six months.
1. Eat, Pray, Love (Elizabeth Gilbert)
This one's a re-read from four years ago. I wanted to refresh in my memory the author's journey to three countries (Italy, India and Indonesia) in her quest to finding happiness, balance and a profound meaning to her life. I was re-reading this while I was in a yoga class before I got pregnant, so it made me understand more of the concepts of yoga and meditation. I love how she stringed together all her experiences throwing out the dirty ones brought about by her divorce, exploring new places, learning a new language, embracing new ideas and concepts and meeting awesome people. All of those were major influences in her realization that her happiness resides within the the balance between worldly enjoyment and divine transcendence.
2.) The Winner Stands Alone (Paulo Coelho)
From one of my favorite authors, this book tackles about passion, materialism, power and fame. Set in the backdrop of the Cannes Film Festival in France, it's a psychological thriller about supermodels, fashion designers, film producers and capitalists grappling for the sweetness of money, reputation and world dominion. It reminds us of the reality wherein the so-called Superclass reign one side of the world while creating wars on another.
"People are never satisfied. If they have a little, they want more. If they have a lot, they still want more. Once they have more, they wish they could be happy with little, but are incapable of making the slightest effort in that direction." -The Winner Stands Alone3.) The True Secret (Amira Ayad)
As Muslims, we perceive Islam as not merely a religion but our complete way of life. This book by an Egyptian author is a guide to evaluating one's self and changing actions or beliefs that may have been a hindrance to achieving eternal happiness, meaning in this world and in the hereafter. It is like the Islamic counterpart of Rhonda Byrnes The Secret which I wrote about here, with citations from the Holy Qur'an and the Hadith (traditions of the Prophet Mohammad peace be upon him) as the main foundation of how Muslims are supposed to lead a balanced and happy life.
4.) Sunset Oasis (Bahaa Taher)
Written by a winner for International Prize for Arabic Fiction, Sunset Oasis depicts the story of a 19th-century Egyptian government official who was dispatched by the British colonizers to govern a remote oasis occupied by Berber settlements in the deep desert. It gives us a glimpse to the ancient history of Egypt down to the British colonization and its impact to the culture and beliefs of the desert bedouins. It also emphasizes the courage of the women fighting for their rights during those days largely dominated by machismo.
5.) Haroun and The Sea of Stories (Salman Rushdie)
It's a classic children's novel! Hahaha! I know. I guess, we don't easily outgrow Alice in Wonderland in us. Haha! Well, I grabbed the book from the rack because it's Salman Rushdie without flipping through it first so I was quite surprised when upon reading, it brought me back to my favorite cartoon shows about exotic landscapes, magicians and talking animals! But hey, I did enjoy it the same way I would enjoy it if I read it 20 years back. Hehe. Nevertheless, I think it is an allegory to the present day society afflicted with power greed leading to imperialism. The most important thing that the author wamts to convey is the strength of literature or journalism (as symbolized by "story-telling" in the book) in shaping the minds of the masses.
6.) A Song of Ice and Fire: Game of Thrones (George R.R. Martin)
7.) A Song of Ice and Fire: A Clash of Kings (George R.R. Martin)
Who doesn't know Game of Thrones? The TV series on HBO based on the epic fantasy novels A Song of Ice and Fire is a huge hit. I heard people talk about it but I previously had no spare time to read or watch the shows until now. I gave it a try and finished the first two books. I initially liked it as the story unfolds and the twists are very interesting. However, while I was nearing the end of the second book, the loathsome harshness of some characters compelled me to take a pause until I recover from the emotional pain it caused me. Hahahaha! I fell in love with some characters who died off and since I was on my first trimester when I was reading the books, I had a strong emotional attachment to them I felt the need to let go. Lol!
8.) Diplomatic Baggage: The Adventures of a Trailing Spouse (Brigid Keenan)
This book was given to me by my husband's embassy colleague as she thought I might relate. It's a hilarious account of a British diplomat's wife (the author) trailing her husband in posts, she also happens to be a London journalist. She talks about her funny experiences in the mountains of Kathmandu, the dramas and traumas in Ethiopia, giving birth in Brussels, their family's first Christmas in Trinidad, the children's struggle of adjusting in their new school in Barbados, the colorful and rich culture of New Delhi, her adventures in Gambia and later on in Damascus, and living on the steppes of Kazakhstan. She opens up about what a wife has to go through, leaving her profession behind and raising a family, while undergoing several adjustments whenever the husband is posted in a new country. In return, she met a lot of important people in history which makes her experiences priceless. I laughed at almost every page as she tells about her story!
9.) Love, Rosie (Cecelia Ahern)
This is a story about two best friends who are supposed to be together but are not courageous enough to confess their love because they just can't seem to get it right, each eventually ending up in failed marriages. Being a married woman, here are my thoughts: a.) marry your best friend; or rather, make your spouse your best friend. b.) when you have issues in life, pour it all out to your spouse before anyone else, make him/her your first priority. The moment you open it up to someone else, that's when your marriage starts going downhill. c.) I don't think it is safe to open a communication with someone you have had romantic feelings with in the past, unless it is work/business related. Finally, d.) what's meant to be will always happen. :) The book reminds me of One Day by David Nicholls, they have a similar theme except that Love, Rosie is much more fun to read and it leaves you guessing until the end of the book.
10.) The Book Thief (Markus Zusak)
One of the best books I have read this year, I must say. It talks about the struggle of a nine-year old girl in Nazi Germany to become literate by reading books other than what the dictatorial regime limits them to read. It is a beautiful story about family, love, friendship and the German struggle during the time of Fuhrer Adolf Hitler. The author also portrayed all the different kinds of Germans at that time, from the truly committed Nazis to the likes of the girl's adoptive father, Hans, who is indebted to a Jew, therefore resists the anti-Semitic propaganda. It is a thought-provoking and wonderful page-turner which I highly recommend.
11.) Have a Little Faith (Mitch Albom)
From one of my favorite authors, this book is a true account of two men from two different backgrounds of two different faiths. It inspires the reader to reflect on his own faith and find purpose in life by creating that divine spark inside all of us. This book does not preach nor does it talks about the technical aspects of any religion, it simply illustrates the spiritual journey of the two main characters: a Jewish rabbi and a Christian pastor. Being a Muslim, I love reading books that tackles other religions. It made me find the convergence and the commonalities of these controversial religions that create division in the world since time immemorial. The truth is, all major religions have a lot more in common than differences. We all believe in one God, in the hereafter, and we all encourage doing good that will benefit our community, and at the same time, we all abhor evil.
12.) Act Like Success, Think Like Success (Steve Harvey)
The first book I read from the same author was Think Like a Lady, Act Like A Man which was lent to me by my medschool classmate and friend. That book inspired me so much that it made me value myself more as a woman. So when I saw this, I didn't think twice about buying and reading it. The author Steve Harvey, a famous American comedian and host, talked about his ladder to success, the setbacks that he encountered along the way and how he dealt with those. He basically talked about recognizing our individual God-given gifts, pursuing our dreams, preparing for failures, and acquiring the character of not giving up easily for our unlimited dreams.
13.) Life Without Limits (Nick Vujicic)
Have you heard about that limbless man who tour around the world to spread motivational and inspiring words? Yeah, he's Nick Vujicic. In this book, he laid down his life growing up without limbs and how he lead an extraordinarily independent and fulfilling life. He is inspiring and at the same time challenging the reader that he, a man born without limbs, can pursue a happy life, then why can't a normal man with complete appendages and senses like the rest of us? He is a proof that no adversity, physical or economic, can hinder a man from living his dreams. I was really amazed and impressed by Nick, he can do so much better than a normal guy with complete limbs. What amazes me more is the kind of mindset and character that he has, and how he can just laugh at his condition like it doesn't bother him at all..
14.) Oracle Bones: A Journey Through Time in China (Peter Hessler)
This is a narrative non-fiction of the twenty-first century China as it opens its doors to the outside world. The author illustrated the modern-day China through the lives of the ordinary people he met while living in the country as a journalist. I learned a lot about China's past history, its impact on its present people and how the ordinary Chinese view the government's efforts to become the world's superpower. In here, I also encountered the story of the Muslim ethnic minority in Xinjiang and how they are subtly oppressed in the past and even in the present. Their story is quite similar with that of my own Bangsamoro, both are accidentally included in the colonized territories and are now seeking for self-determination and independence. I love how this book has transported me across the vast land mass of China, its relationship with its neighboring countries, its ancient past and its modern-day aspirations.
There you go, fourteen books in six months!! Haha! Considering that my time is not occupied by anything super relevant right now, fourteen books are way too few. I know I can do better. I initially aimed for one book a week, but sometimes the TV and the internet gets the better of me. Hehe. I have one book in hand right now which I hope to finish this week, and hopefully, I will be able to read MORE before I pop out this little munchkin inside and before I go back to the loving arms of my medical books. :)
Alhamdulillah.
May 1, 2015
Snack buffet at the Director's Lounge kaya sulit na rin. Hehe. 😄🍦🍪🍮🍰🍹 #AgeOfUltron #VIPseats #moviedate
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