Over a Cup of Coffee..

Beware of a person named ARNOLD GOMEZ of GUESS Shop in MOA

noreply@blogger.com (Manel Usapdin-Cosinas) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:36:00 +0000

I had a very terrible experience with a disrespectful, ill-mannered, and rude employee of a Guess Shop in SM Mall Of Asia.

I had a scheduled meeting with one of my December brides in MOA this afternoon and I decided to bring along Inigo and Mama since Ian can just pick us up there after he goes out of the office. Not knowing that Manny Pacquiao will be there at around 2pm, there were so many people gathered around the stage and within the area. We didn't even plan to watch hence, we decided to walk around and look for some place to eat instead. With the number of people in the area, you can hardly see where you are walking and you can hardly breathe. And since there are shops within the area, we decided to stop at GUESS boutique to catch some air and to let some people pass by since we are with Inigo and we are afraid that in any moment, there would be a stampede since Manny just came out of the stage and all of the people are trying to catch a glimpse of him and were running to the stage area.

We stopped at the front door of GUESS and after a few seconds, a guy was already telling us to go out. He is one of the staff of GUESS and he is standing beside the door. I told him that we will just let some people pass by since we are with a kid. He insisted and with a loud voice, he shouted at me saying "Ayan na o naglalakad na yung mga tao. Pwede na kayong dumaan!" At this point, i was fuming mad! Firstly, he should not be shouting at me. He could have said it in a more polite manner. He reasons out that we are blocking the entrance of their shop. Their door was wide open and at that point, we only occupy one side of the door. Nevertheless, he should have just told us to come inside so as not to block the door. I shouted at him also telling him that he need not to shout at me and I was asking him, "Baket, bawal ba dito?! Nakita mo nang madaming tao sa labas, hindi ba pwedeng maghintay ng saglit?" And at this point, we were already shouting at each other. Ian was not able to contain it also since he was hearing how the staff was shouting at me and reasoning out, Ian shouted at him also. I asked for the Store Manager and she was just staring at us when I saw her. She was apologetic however, she did not ask her staff to stop shouting and reasoning out.

The staff's name as what the Store Manager (Caludette Gaba) told me, is ARNOLD GOMEZ. I am planning to file a formal complaint to Calfiornia Clothing Inc., the distributor of GUESS here in the Philippines. I really feel that we were disrespected by this person and that their staffs should be given a training in customer service. Even if we just stopped by the store, we are still considered as customers and we should be given due respect. I have been a customer of GUESS ever since and I am really disappointed and upset about what happened.

I wasn't able to take a picture of ARNOLD GOMEZ but once I get hold a picture of him, i'll post it in this blog.

Pre-Loved Items For SALE!

noreply@blogger.com (Manel Usapdin-Cosinas) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:32:00 +0000

We are selling some of our pre-loved items:

Imarflex Microwave Oven
MOD-BS23D
3 IN 1 MICROWAVE/GRILLER/TOASTER OVEN
- Slightly used
- Priced at Php3,500

Geoby Stroller
- Lightweight
- Can be used by infants (flatbed recline)
- Priced at Php3,000

We're going on a trick or treating!

noreply@blogger.com (Manel Usapdin-Cosinas) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:14:00 +0000

I was able to visit Fun Ranch's website and found out that they will be having their Trick or Treat on Oct24. Excited as I can be, I immediately registered the kids when I learned that only the first 500kids who will register can actually join. You can just imagine a grin on my face when I received an email reply regarding the registration. It would be in Tiendesita's in Ortigas and I thought that it would be a lot better if it will be in their Alabang branch but hey, we are still joining!

Here's their websites:
www.kidsrulehere.com
http://funranch.multiply.com

For moms and dads out there, check it out and i hope that you still get to register your kids. I'm sure it will be such a hit with the kiddos!

Fashion made affordable!

noreply@blogger.com (Manel Usapdin-Cosinas) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:10:00 +0000

Please visit my new on-line shop: --TRINKETS--

If you are looking for fashionable bags and other accessories, and for corporate giveaways, --TRINKETS-- have it!

For inquiries, you may send me an email through tmsouvenirs@yahoo.com.

Weekend Family Day

noreply@blogger.com (Manel Usapdin-Cosinas) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 16:20:00 +0000

We usually spend our weekdays in the mall or going out of town to visit relatives. As for today, we went to ATC for Kuya Nigo's haircut, had our usual dinner at KFC. I have let Inigo taste DQ's Blizzard and he loved it! He is most of the time not into sweets but I think that the strawberry flavored ice cream did the trick. I am so looking forward to the day when Laureen can actually enjoy our family days :D

High Five Hi5!

noreply@blogger.com (Manel Usapdin-Cosinas) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:53:00 +0000

i promise to blog about this tomorrow. haha. i accidentally signed off in gmail which automatically signed me off too here in blogspot while my quite very long post is just saving! argh! for the sake of my sanity, (and yeah it's almost 1am already), I am posting the pictures I uploaded through slide :D

'tl tomorrow, bloggers!

Hi-5 in SM Malls!

noreply@blogger.com (Manel Usapdin-Cosinas) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 05:36:00 +0000

Inigo got all excited when he saw Hi5 perform in Wowwowwee today. I readily google-ed details about the event and found out that SM Malls will be sponsoring the show in coordination with Australian Embassy in promoting Australia as a tourist destination.

We will be watching their show tomorrow, Sept3 at The Podium at 5pm. We will be braving the hassle of commute since the car is on color-coding every Thursdays. Goodluck to us!

Our DORA Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Manel Usapdin-Cosinas) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:25:00 +0000

We had the chance to watch Dora and Boots live and perform one episode last August 21 at ATC. The concierge ran out of show tickets so we ended up posting ourselves beside the stage. Inigo was a bit starstruck-ed when Dora and Boots first came out and he did not even blink all through out the show! Laureen was in deep sleep even with the loud sound :)

Here are some pics:

Thank you Tita Cory!

noreply@blogger.com (Manel Usapdin-Cosinas) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 03:49:00 +0000

Me and my family joins the Philippine nation in mourning for the loss of one of our modern-day heroes, ex-President Corazon C. Aquino. I quote Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite, "Thank you God for the gift of Cory."

I hope that this will be a turning point as far as our government is concerned. Let's not put to waste what Cory fought for.

Salamat, Paalam at Hanggang sa muli Tita Cory!

Another year, another chance

noreply@blogger.com (Manel Usapdin-Cosinas) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 03:36:00 +0000

God has given me another year and I consider it as a chance for me to become a better person. So much has happened in my life and I can not thank God enough for all the good things that happened at the same time.

I hope and pray that God will continue to guide me as I continue to journey and to try to be the best that I can be.

When weight gain does matter....

noreply@blogger.com (Manel Usapdin-Cosinas) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:16:00 +0000

I am happy to say that I have been breastfeeding Laureen for 3 months now! Though I must admit, breastfeeding is not a "walk in the park" task for me. The fact that I must always be available for feeding even outside the home makes it more difficult and challenging. I have to think twice of what clothes to wear if we're going out because it has to be convenient for breastfeeding, means lesser wardrobe choices :) Don't get me wrong as I am not ranting :) Maybe I just miss the times when I can be very carefree. Oh, the sacrifices of being a mom!

We had her checked with her pedia today and had her vaccinated. She only gained 1/2 a kilo since last month and though it is still within the acceptable range, it might be a concern if she won't gain at least 1 kilo next month. This would mean that my milk supply is low and that we have to increase her formula intake.

Overall, Laureen is thriving really well and all is well with her health. Meanwhile, she has to re-learn drinking in the bottle since she often refuses it.

Just visiting!

noreply@blogger.com (Manel Usapdin-Cosinas) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:44:00 +0000

We had the chance to visit our relatives in San Pablo Laguna last weekend which was also Laureen's first visit. We headed off friday afternoon enough to be on the road before the rush hour.

Nothing beats the hot weather there but it was worth seeing relatives and enjoying some bonding time with Lola Led and Tita Lanie. Shout out to Tita Elaine who is invading Germany as of today! :D

I am happy that we got the chance to check out Palmera's Restaurant which is a few kilometers away from the house. It was a nice place (maybe much nicer during the night wherein they have a band playing) to dine and you get to eat a savory lunch or dinner in their gazeebos and mini-nipa huts. I also loved their little pond where they get fishes to be cooked so you can be sure they have it fresh :) Inigo did enjoy roaming around and exploring the place!

Laureen at 3 months!

noreply@blogger.com (Manel Usapdin-Cosinas) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 23:16:00 +0000

We are constantly thanking God for our little girl, Andrea Laureen. Our pregnancy with her was unplanned but it was never unwanted. We felt happy and excited when we found out we're pregnant and we were doubly happy when we found out we're having a girl!

Now that she turned 3 months, we are always in awe seeing her grow up with her big bro -- Kuya Inigo, who is fond of giving her a kiss.

God is good!

Our Family

noreply@blogger.com (Manel Usapdin-Cosinas) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 04:14:00 +0000

Make your Stick Figure Family at FreeFlashToys.com

Job Hunting?

noreply@blogger.com (Manel Usapdin-Cosinas) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 05:59:00 +0000

ITech Biz! is looking for candidates with the following skills:

Informix DBA
PeopleSoft version 9
.Net

Interested candidates may send their resume to:
recuiter.itechbiz@gmail.com

Party Planning -- Laureen's Baptism

noreply@blogger.com (Manel Usapdin-Cosinas) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 05:32:00 +0000

Another something to keep me excited and up-to-my-toes is our planning for Laureen's baptism come June 20. As a start, we have booked the church and the venue since last week. I am now busy putting together other details such as finding a cake supplier, waiting for the picture at TPC for the invites and tarp, souvenirs, and booking a balloon decor supplier (if budget permits). hubby and i decided that we will not anymore book a professional photog since we can count on our family and friends' cameras on the day itself.. hehe..

we feel so blessed!

I'm back from hybernation!

noreply@blogger.com (Manel Usapdin-Cosinas) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 05:26:00 +0000

Having two kids to look after and numerous, repetitive household chores, I have somewhat eluded the blogging world.. :D teehee!

but i am happy to be back and do some updating here.

see you around!

Andrea Laureen

noreply@blogger.com (Manel Usapdin-Cosinas) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 05:10:00 +0000

We are happy to share with you another God's beautiful blessing to us -- Andrea Laureen!

I gave birth to another bundle of joy (this time, a baby girl) last Monday, 06 April 2009 at the Paranaque Doctor's Hospital thru C-section. Laureen came out at exactly 9:10pm weighing 2.65kls and a length of 48in.

Daddy Ian's 27th birthday...

noreply@blogger.com (Manel Usapdin-Cosinas) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 06:14:00 +0000

Disclaimer: This is an already overdue post.. nyhahahah..

Daddy Ian and I celebrated the eve of his birthday having dinner at Circle's in Makati Shangri-La. How timely that his company gave him a price for being a "sort of" model employee.. teehee! (hugz daddy! you sure are doing a very good job!) We ate our hearts out with the sumptuous dinner choices from Filipino to American to Japanese food in the buffet table!

the birthday boy and the wifey starting with their yummy salad entree!

our main course..

the delicious dessert..

Overall, we went home with big (mine already a big one even before! hahha) and satisfied tummies!

The next day, we headed off to MOA for a quick mirienda at Don Henrico's and spent sometime at Tom's World :)

our little boy already fell asleep.. awww....

1st birthday, 1st haircut experience!

noreply@blogger.com (Manel Usapdin-Cosinas) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:00:00 +0000

We took the opportunity to have Inigo's 1st haircut on his 1st birthday to sort of get him prepped for his birthday celebration. We were able to visit Kid's Salon inside Rustan's Makati when we headed home from Cavite (we celebrated the new year with the Unabia family). As expected, Inigo was not cooperative all throughout the "gupitan" process.. heheh.. all three of us -- me, daddy ian, mama, and yaya were all like clowns just to calm down Inigo who was all the time wanting to get out of the car-chair. Overall, we were happy with his semi-kalbo cut.. :)

Inigo's 1st birthday Celebration!

noreply@blogger.com (Manel Usapdin-Cosinas) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 05:04:00 +0000

We had Inigo's 1st birthday celebration last January 3 in Pansol, Calamba and we were very happy to have celebrated it with the people who truly, truly love Inigo!

It was very challenging to look for suppliers since I have zero knowledge on the availability of whatever supplier we can get in Laguna. :) Searching the internet and some recommendations from my ever-reliable naw sisters helped a lot. Consequently, most of the thingies in the party are DIY (even the balloon decors).

Food: Cosine's Catering

Cosine's is owned by Daddy Ian's Tito Arnel and Tita Lanie (who, by the way, are also our Ninong and Ninang sa kasal). Since it was a swimming party, we opted to just order food and have it miryenda style lang. We ordered Pancit Malabon, Spaghetti, Morcon, Lumpiang Shanghai, and Rice. Nothing fancy about the menu but the guests were happy with the food kase masarap daw. :) They are based in San Pablo, Laguna.

Cake: Sugarbox

Emily did our wedding cake and there was no other supplier we had in mind when we are thinking of Inigo's birthday cake. We liked the idea that Emily's cakes are personalized and she really is very good in coming up with the idea and the look of the cake depending on the theme. Since we ordered an all-edible 3-layered cake and we need to transport it from Makati to Pansol, she recommended to have a display cake instead and then the edible cakes are put in a box. Guests were surprised when they knew that the cake is just for display because it looks real! Emily was also very generous to give us free cupcakes. hehehe.. Not to mention na super affordable yung price nung cake and hubby was surprised when we knew about the price kase nga mura lang.. heheheh.. super yummy din yung cakes nya..

Photography: Nikko Taytay

I found Nikko through google lang when I was searching for a photographer based in South. He also does wedding photography and was very accommodating answering my inquiries about his services. He was professional enough to be on-time during the party. He stayed with us for about 6 hours or more ata and since I was so busy attending to guests, ako pa mismo ang lumapit sa kanya and asked him if he wants to go na since some of the guests already left na and the kids are all in the pool na. His shots are ok although sana madami pang pictures of the kids in the pool.. hehehe.. But overall, we are happy naman with the pics.

Venue: Plums Resort (c/o Lai: 0921.222.9822 / (049)502.4491)
It took us almost 3 visits to Pansol before deciding as to which resort to book. I think we were able to check out almost all of the private pools inside Miramonte.. heheheh.. If i remember it right, Plums was the first private pool we checked out. ;) The deciding factor was the spacious function rooms and bedrooms. The resort was also newly painted which added to the fact that it looked new.. hehehe.. Also, one plus factor of plums is that Lai, the caretaker was very easy to talk to and they do not have any additional charges guests which saves us a lot since we are expecting more than 100 guests :)

Entertainment and Tables and Chairs: Osboy's Party Needs

We found Osboy's located in Los Banos just by actual strolling and surveying. haha.. When we went home to San Pablo for our Christmas vacation, we decided to stroll along Los Banos and try to look for a party needs shop. The clowns were very entertaining and the guests really enjoyed them. We also ordered 20pcs of balloons on stick as giveaways and kids' and some adult's table and chairs since Plums has a few adult tables and chairs.

Balloon decors: DIY

Much as I want to have a professionally-done balloon decors, however our budget didn't permit. hahahh.. I initially planned to attend a balloon workshop but that didn't pursue also due to time constraints :) We were able to buy balloons in Divisoria when we shopped for loots and prices. We got 100pcs of balloons and was surprised na kulang pala yun for the decors... hehehe.. Hubby and I thought that that would suffice na. We were able to decorate the function area with the help of my relatives who volunteered to be on the venue early to helps us decorate. :)

Lootbags: Divisoria

To avoid the Christmas rush, we were able to shop at Divisoria last November for the lootbags and for some game prices.

Name Tags, Thank you stickers, Picturebook/Guestboook, Invitation: DIY
With a little bit of time, I was able to make a simple name tags and TY cards and just have it printed at home using a sticker paper. The guestbook, I was able to learn digiscrapping using scrapblog and have it printed at PrintAvenue. Guests were surprised when they knew that i was the one who made the guestbook.. heheheh... For the invites, our friend Gail was the one who did the lay out for us. I just researched through the internet for possible style and she was the one who personalized it.

Invitations and guetbook printing: PrintAvenue
I saw Printavenue while browsing in Multiply. Aljo was very accommodating during the design approval and in finishing the prints eventhough rush na.. hehehe.. I was happy with the print quality.

Wardrobe: Guess shop for Inigo's pants and polo; Our ever-reliable closet for Daddy and Mommy's attire :)

We didn't hire a professional videographer however, Tito JR and Tita Emma were kind enough to take videos of the party.

Lastly, we would like to extend our warmest thanks to all of our guests who attended the party kahit na malayo :) And for those who did not make it, it is well-ok :)

For more pictures, you may visit Inigo's friendster site: http://profiles.friendster.com/inigolanceusapdincosinas

Party is coming!

noreply@blogger.com (Manel Usapdin-Cosinas) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 03:31:00 +0000

A week to go and all is set to the pool party we will have for Inigo.

Cake
Photography
Food
Venue
Giveaways
Entertainment
Decors
Music

We are trying to keep the party as simple and as relaxing as possible. Anyways, it's a pool party so most of the guests are looking forward for a lot of time in the pool :)

Party Planning Updates

noreply@blogger.com (Manel Usapdin-Cosinas) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 13:26:00 +0000

Last weekend was a long and a busy one. We were able to go home to San Pablo to visit some relatives of Daddy Ian and got the chance to book suppliers for the food, photographer and the venue. Teehee! And just today, we have finalized the invites and booked a supplier for the prints.

Things to do:
1. entertainment (clowns)
2. additional table and chairs -- since there is only a minimal number of tables and chairs available in the venue
3. finalize where to get the cake delivered -- dito ako mejo kinakabahan.. hahahah
4. double-check the lootbags -- just in case we will run short of these
5. finish the guestbook -- my DIY
6. finalize guestlist

.. seems like my list is getting longer and longer.. haha!

Pls vote: Party Invitation Design -- Thanks to all!

noreply@blogger.com (Manel Usapdin-Cosinas) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 13:20:00 +0000

Thanks to all who dropped a line and voted from the designs. We were able to tally the votes and the winner is..... (tsaka na lang namin i-announce, so wait for the supplier ratings.. heheheh)

We already booked a print shop to do the printing for the invites and hopefully we can get it within this week for early distribution.. It's already December and it feels that December is just a short month considering the long weekends since people are very busy..

Please vote: Party Invitation Design

noreply@blogger.com (Manel Usapdin-Cosinas) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 07:26:00 +0000

hi friends,

after harassing my friend gail to do concepts and designs for Inigo's invitation, she (harassed-ly) came up with three designs. kindly vote which one of the designs is likely to be inclined with our theme: pool party.

Design1 (snorkeling)

Design2 (fish)

Design3 (lifesaver)

You can vote by leaving a comment on this post :)
thanks!