My Tatay Passed the Real Estate Appraiser Examination 2014! :D

First off, what is an appraiser? As Wikipedia puts it: 

"Real estate appraisal, property valuation or land valuation is the process of valuing real property. The value usually sought is the property's market value. Appraisals are needed because compared to, say, corporate stock, real estate transactions occur very infrequently. Not only that, but every property is different from the next, a factor that does not affect assets like corporate stock. Furthermore, all properties differ from each other in their location - which is an important factor in their value."

An assessor is for government properties, while an appraiser determines the value of private properties. An assessor is automatically also an appraiser, but an appraiser cannot be an assessor until he passes the licensure exam.

The licensure exam took place last July 13, 2014 at the Manuel L. Quezon University over at Quiapo, Manila. But before this day, Tatay had to take review classes from Cesar Santos that spanned a month of whole-day review sessions and he would even review at home. A few weeks prior the exam he would stay up until the wee hours of the morning just studying and solving problems. Imagine someone in his 50's who was still willing to go through all that effort to pass the exam... it was very inspiring!

I kept asking him if he was nervous but he just laughed it off and said he had faith in God. :D

Come exam day, me and mama were in full support of tatay and accompanied him to the exam venue.  Unfortunately there wasn't an allotted parking space, but we were lucky we got there early so we got to park right beside the gates. Mama didn't want to walk around the place so we spent the whole day just stuck inside the car. Thank goodness we had newspapers and other reading stuff so we didn't really get too bored. I think I even blogged there. Lol.

I managed to take a couple of snapshots from the exam venue so well here's what it looked like:

Aaaand before we knew it, the exam was over. The exam took one whole day (just like the UPCAT!) and  Tatay got tired so we headed over to Pancake House at the Mall of Asia to eat.

We only found out the results about a week after, but it appears that they already released it 3 days after the exam. Turns out the exam was harder this year, with just a 36% passing rate. Buuuut yeheees!! Tatay passed!! Yeahmeeeeen!!

You can find the complete list of successful examinees here:

http://www.prc.gov.ph/uploaded/documents/REA0714se.pdf

I am SO SO SO SO proud of Tatay! Of course we're really grateful for all the help that God has blessed us with, BUUUUT you have to admit that you really won't go anywhere if you don't put hard work into it.

So! If there are any real estate properties, both privately or government-owned, that you would like to have appraised, just contact me or hit the comments section below and I'll refer you to my Tatay, okay?? It appears that there's a lot of technicalities involved in these things that you really need a professional to work these out. My father is also a licensed real estate broker, you can visit his Sulit (Olx) page here for available properties (majority in Laguna, Cavite and Batangas area).

So yes, contact us! :D

Congrats again Tatay!

Say Hello to Cebu's Napoletana Pizzeria!

Two weeks ago me and nanay made a weekend trip to Cebu. I thought it would be an uneventful  2-day visit but hah! I was wrong!  We had a grand time  during our short stay, it's just sad that we didn't get to see everyone but we can always come back next time!

What I'd really like to share here is our visit to my cousin Kuya Jeremy's brand new pizza place. Okay so who among you DOESN'T like pizza? BOO!! Hahah! I strongly feel that pizza is among the top ten gifts of God to mankind lol! It's  the favorite comfort food of many and a staple among lots and lots of group dates. So when I found that Kuya Ji now had a pizza place of his own, we just HAD to check it out!

Napoletana Pizzeria is a cozy hole-in-the-wall dining place that serves authentic wood fired brick oven Italian Pizza. Here in Manila, we have Gino's Brick Oven Pizza over at Makati and Katipunan and it's definitely a hit!

So what's the difference? Most pizzas use conventional ovens that take forever to cook and can either make your pizza too stiff or overcooked. You don't get these from brick oven pizzas.

Behold 'ze Brick Oven! (photo taken from the Napoletana FB page, click the photo!)

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Experience is the Best Vaccine - Hello 2014!

First off, HAPPY NEW YEAR! Are you people on your way to making good of your new years resolutions? How many of you even had one? :)

While everyone else was jumpstarting their year with all sorts of motivation, I on the other hand, was tossing and turning in my bed right from the first day of the year.  I unfortunately got hit with measles. I was fired up, not with conviction, but with extreme fever that plagued me for days. What a way to start!

It started with headaches, I thought my head just got mad at me again after sleeping three days at 3am straight. So I popped in some Biogesic and Alaxan to keep me up. But the fever wouldn't go, and was soon followed by some coughing. At first the doctor thought it was just an allergic reaction because of the change in weather, incidentally it was found in my urinalysis that I also had Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), and this can also cause fever.

A couple more days though the rashes started appearing in my face, and my eyes started getting watery.  One look from the doctor was all it took for her to decide it was measles. I'm not one to join trends, but hey looks like I just jumped the bandwagon!

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Simple and Meaningful Christmas :)

It's Christmaaaaaas!!! :D

I gave myself a 2 week Christmas break and I'm so giggly about it hahah! I'm considering this as a reward break from all that nonstop working that I used to do. For 5 years, a buzz of pressure was always at the back of my head, if I'm not working I ought to be studying, and if I'm not studying I ought to do something productive to make the most out of that precious, precious time. I know things are entirely different now because I can finally tell myself "hush sweetie, calm down, we've got time". :)

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Flowers For Love

A woman is like a flower. She is fragile, she is delicate, and she is beautiful. One doesn't need to look very far to appreciate the wonder of her.

 

Gumamela's can be found in almost every community.

In spite of it, a woman is strong, she does not yield too easily when she knows she is right. As meek as she is, she knows when to stand her ground. She might be too common and risks being taken for granted, but she will not be belittled because the moment you do you will be in for a surprise.

In spite of typhoons and strong winds, flowers just shed off their petals and continue to live on resiliently

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The Bantayan Love Affair

It started on the Ro-ro boat, then fluorished on the pier, then blossomed into a love affair when we got into the beach. Bantayan Island was a wonderful and refreshing sight the moment we laid our eyes on those shores:

Breathtaking!

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What The Blind Man Sees

We only needed to walk a couple of meters to get into the house. It was a simple bungalow with a mini sari-sari store by the entrance. The sala welcomed us with a charcoal portrait of the charming king and queen of the Segismar clan.

Lola welcomed us with a warm tight hug, just like she did last year. They have been waiting for us since early afternoon however a couple of unexpected events prevented us from getting there as early as we would've wanted. But we were there, and I've been eager to meet the man whom I've heard a lot from. I didn't know what to expect but I looked forward to it.

Lolo is 83 and could no longer walk around like Lola does. He sat at one corner of the receiving room. I approached him and gave him a hug as Ray introduced us. He held my hand as his eyes looked straight ahead for he could no longer see. He lamented that he could no longer see my face, so I joked that at least my voice was beautiful enough.

From then on he did not let go of my hand. He started with "kanus-a mo mag-minyo?" (When will you get married?), followed by nervous laughter from me and Ray. He then sat up straight and reached his other arm to his grandson and said "Ang importante sa tanan, magka-sinabot mo" (Most important of all, is that you understand each other).

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Cebu Day 4

It's our 4th day of vacation and we just came from the awesome, awesome Bantayan Islands. I'm about to save the photoshoots for later, but what I can't wait to blog about is how much I loved bonding with my cousins, super fun! I'm happy that I get to do this at least once a year. I may not always be there but the few times we are is super worth it. :D :D

More to come!! \m/ Tomorrow I'll be going to Minglanilla to meet with Papa Ray's relatives. Heheh. 

Yey! :D

Cebu Here We Come!! \m/

So that's SUPPOSEDLY the title of this post. BUT by the time i post this we'd already be in Cebu. Becaaaause we almost got left by the plane. And our names were already called for last boarding by Cebu Pacific. Wahaha! Nagenjoy kami masyado sa aming Jollibee dinner. It appears that the flight was pulled in a couple of minutes ahead of time. Yes you read it right, AHEAD OF TIME, which is totally new for Cebu Pacific. Hehe. There was alot of waiting time at the runway though, because of the number of flights.

Anyway, yiiiihaa! Hello summer vacation! First off i'd like to rave at the fact that this is the first time that I was able to really prepare for a flight. For the past few years most of my packing has been done in a mad rush with me sticking to my bahala-na-si-batman ways. Mostly because our trips also coincide with hectic seasons at the office. However, being with an OC boyfriend does have its perks, and this time we already had a full checklist and we've also scheduled our pasalubong-shopping ahead of time.

I'm also blessed to have had a day off prior the flight, since i've been working overtime during the past couple of days (including Sunday) so i got worried that i may not have enough time to pack. There's a hell lot of difference when you pack with a relaxed mind, i got to remember most of the important things to bring plus some add-ons, i also got to plan how i'd stuff them all inside the suitcase. I was so proud of myself when my mama kept asking if i've brought this and that and this and that and all my answers were "yes nanay!". If you knew me and how forgetful i am, you'd know that it's a really big deal. Heheh!





What we're most excited about? BANTAYAN ISLANDS. Yeahmen! I'm looking forward to bonding with my cousins again and also with papa ray's relatives. Most of all, a break from all the stress and toxicity of the workplace. We're not forgetting the essence of Holy week though, as Cebuanos are some of the most devout Catholics in the country.

I'm just really thankful for breaks like this. No matter your plans, spend it wisely! Before we know it we'd be back in the real world. :p So how do you plan to spend yours?


Happy Vacation everyone!
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Photo-Stress-Busters

I think all sorts of careers get more stressful by the minute.

I used to think that what we do at work is more stressful than others, but sharing work-rants with roommates and meeting other people, made me realize that everyone else just leveled up. Expectations are higher because technology kept making a way to make everything easier and more convenient, thus more to do with lesser time. Or maybe it's the other way around: technology had to keep up with rising expectations. You see, easier doesn't always mean better (at least for us).

Stress knows no time, and doesn't give a damn. If you don't handle it then it handles you. Stress and work haunts us even until we get home. Fact is it has become a norm. And that's the sad part because it's the family that suffers the most. I'm fast realizing how much quality time with family and the people who matter, has become more precious nowadays, and making these moments count are just as important.

I came across Papa Ray's photos from his Christmas 2012 vacation and a much deserved break. What i have always loved about him is that he never fails to make his whole family feel loved and cared for even if he's miles away from them. And I just love how photographs are able to capture these precious moments that only happen once a year:

The queen of the clan: Lola Nita! :)

Baaaabiiiieees!! Super cute! :)

Pretty cousins, noh? :p

In spite of all this RH Bill brouhaha, who's to say that small families are better with wonderful smiles like that? :p

And below photo is from the birthday party of our dear friend's son. It was my first time to attend a Jollibee birthday party and indeed it was alot of fun! Baby Josh couldn't get enough of Jollibee! :)

Now I know why Jollibee is such a classic hit :)

I guess I can't blame the rising prices of cameras and other photo-gadgets. Pretty much like fashion, you don't really need high end designer clothes but you'd love to have the best quality anyway. And these photographs aren't merely images- they're frozen memories. A quick break and escape from the fast-paced environment that we have here in the city.

It doesn't really mean that we all need to burn money with those DSLR's. Almost all mobile phones already have their own camera and I'm still happy with the 5.0 megapixel snapper of my Samsung Wave. A photo may be pixelized and all but as long as it captures the memory of a moment well spent, then its worth much more than a high-end image of nothing but fake smiles.

So while we're all struggling to deal with stress levels at an all time high, let's keep counting those happy moments and just snap away. Yes? :)

Twelve-on-o-Twelve: A Year-end Gratitude List :)

There's been 365 days this year and 365 chances to live, to make it happen, and to let life happen to you. My 2012 has been FULL and AMAZING, that I can only end it with a heart full of THANKS. :D

So I compiled a quick list of of my top dozen super-thankyou-universe-dozen for the year (in no particular order) :D

1.      FINALLY managing to cut my "no-swipe's" at the office. bweheheh. I am one forgetful lady and I know it. But the most harm it has done to me was losing approximately 20-25 days worth of pay last 2010 only because I keep forgetting to swipe out of the office, and at some point got too embarrassed to file for adjustments. Thank God I was finally able to discipline myself to stick to a routine and effectively cut my “no-swipe” down to only 5 this year. Oi achievement na yun!

2.      The gift of “renewed” health. Sometime September this year, we went to a popular Chinese doctor over at Binondo, and I was diagnosed with ovarian cyst, gallstones, and fatty liver. FREAKY! So I went to a ‘real’ doctor and had all of these verified via lab tests and they all turned out fine. I know it’s just a bozo experience but this made me conscious with the things I ate because I swear I had a real scare. I even got to see a matured egg cell in my ovary during the ultrasound it was so cool heehee. I’m healthy! Yey!

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The Ocean Adventure Experience :-)

For the past "n" years, me and my parents have always celebrated christmas just resting in our house and just waiting for the inaanaks to pickup their goodies. However, my mother was blessed with a brand new company car just in time for Christmas. So for a change, me and my parents celebrated christmas out of town and in the bustling town of subic to visit Ocean Adventure and to serve as a brake in of the new car. :)

First off, my parents marvelled at the beauty of the SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway). It's one extremely long expressway stretching from along Star toll to Subic and Pampanga. The best thing about it would have to be the mountain's that were parted right in the middle to allow the vehicle to pass through instead of having to climb it. It was a beautiful sight though i couldn't help but wonder how the hell they did it, and how much damage it could have brought. On one hand, maybe this is better because it allowed the remainder of the mountain to be left untouched.

I didn't really have alot of expectations with Ocean Adventure because i thought it was just a simple theme park with a couple of fishies swimming around haha. Well it is a theme park, yes, but of a topnotch class i have to say.

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And Though It's Been Said, Many Times Many Ways...

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,Jack Frost nipping on your nose,Yuletide carols being sung by a choir, And folks dressed up like Eskimos.Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe, Help to make the season bright. Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow, Will find it hard to sleep tonight. They know that Santa's on his way; He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh. And every mother's child is going to spy, To see if reindeer really know how to fly. And so I'm offering this simple phrase, To kids from one to ninety-two, Although its been said many times, many ways, A very Merry Christmas to you 

When I think of Christmas this song always plays in the background. :) I just love the classic rendition of Nat King Cole. Makes you want to sit in a couch as you feel your insides warm up :)

This Christmas has been very very meaningful to me, in the sense that a couple of things have inspired me to really share my blessings. This year has just blessed me with so, so, so much. And it really felt good to give it back to the universe, in a more significant manner. More so, when I knew that those whom I shared it with, badly needed a blessing. 

At one point it has gotten sooooo stressful. I mean I wasn't really used to it. I'm used to spending Christmas only fussing about myself, my family, my monito, some friends, and one inaanak. But this December was a different story altogether. All the extra-curricular activities and gift-giving/ gift-wrapping/ gift-hunting with schedules that are hard to beat, was almost driving me crazy.

But then when all was done and given, it felt very FULFILLING. :D :D And for this I have him to be thankful for. Thank you for really inspiring me with your ENORMOUS heart. :) :) Being with you is seriously life changing in all aspects hahah. 

"This is the message of Christmas: We are never alone. - Taylor Caldwell"

I think I just experienced the real essence of Christmas.  :) 

****

Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall.

- Larry Wilde, The Merry Book of Christmas

Driving Notes

I'm finding driving to be a highly enjoyable feat.

Its forcing me to focus in ways that I've always found hard to achieve, with me being so easily distracted. Well how would I not? A wrong step on the gas or not being able to hit the brakes could endanger a life. It's crazy.

It's also empowering in a sense. It requires you to develop instincts, much like riding a bike but way more complicated. You have to keep in mind the side mirrors, the road bumps, the intersections, the pedestrians, the sidewalks,the parked cars, and more importantly (for a beginner at least), centering the car on the lane.Stressful but fulfilling when you manage to work on bumps smoothly and when you feel that you are able to somehow drive the car well. It's suuuuuper fun. Life ought to give us more good stresses like these. Hehe!

What I'm carefully taking note of is the correct driving etiquette. Use of the pass light, overtaking from a good distance, driving at a safe distance and not doing 'tutok', a respectful way of beeping the horn, and always, always, doing the DEFENSIVE driving. I'd like to be a driver with class. :-) I'm glad to be student of one of the best drivers i know, my tatay. :-)

Will be converting my student license to a non-pro soon. I hope to be confidently driving the streets by January next year. Wee! :-)

Cars, Driving, and Such :p



So hot you want to lick it :p

I've always had a thing for shiny cars heheh. This is taken from a transport show of vintage cars by papa ray. Was browsing his photos when I came across this one. *Fell-in-love*Just like Asiong Salonga's car!

**

Tatay asked me "What if we upgrade your license to non-pro?"

Geez I wish I even had the time to finish our driving lesson sessions. I really get a kick out of sitting behind the steering wheel. :p

Tatay has got to be one of the best drivers I know. Basically because he knows how to enter a time-space warp every 6:45 am just to beat our shuttle to the pickup point, OR chase it all the way to San Pedro. Hahaha! Early morning thrills for ya! (And I enjoy the father-daughter talks we share on the road :p )

AND, he takes the ride so smooth you don't even feel you're chasing. Well unless he beats the green traffic light as it counts 3…2…1… SPACEWARP!

Haha. Must finish those driving lesson sessions this year. #notetoself