Marriage and Beyond

posted by Jennie on Oct 25

When it comes to personalities, my husband and I are opposites. The first years of our marriage are testaments (bickerings, mostly) of living with someone who we are poles apart with. We knew that we complemented each other, sure. But there are just times when the crazies (selfishness) get the best of us. Real life stories are made of that as well.

One of our many differences is that he is sporty by nature. While I’m a bit too comfy on being sedentary. But even if there was no way the husband can have me trek with him, we found a few things that we enjoy doing together.

We learned to enjoy playing badminton before we got pregnant. Then that was it. We recently played again but we can’t seem to get back to the grind of playing on a regular basis. Who would have thought that after almost 10 years of marriage, we will still find something new that we enjoy doing together! Kart Racing! It is probably the funnest thing I have done in a very long while. I was so thrilled that I found myself shrieking my lungs out in the middle of the track as I floored that gas pedal! Adrenalin rush at its finest!

Thanks to Mauie Flores for the shots.

As for the hubby, there was not a doubt in my mind that he was going to excel in this race. A cousin of mine describes perfectly what he does on the streets – no holds barred arcade driving.  By nature, he is a very patient person but drives like a mad man on the streets.  He will mellow for a while when I remind him. But gets back to his old self after a while.  We agreed that this kart racing will have him release his need for speed so he can tone way down when he gets to the streets. Fine by me.

We almost regretted going through the rough Saturday traffic last Oct. 15 to attend the Bloggers Blaze Fun Cup held at City Kart Racing located in Parksquare 1 in Makati. Turned out the race was the best way to express our frustration over the horrendous c5 traffic. It was exhilarating through and through!   Jeff went kart racing again thrice that week, while I had to nurse my sore limbs and biceps. Yes, I suddenly developed biceps, would you believe! We’re going kart racing again very soon with our son in tow. He’s past the 4 feet mark, he will try to do a track or two. Even if he’s past 4 feet, we’re still not sure if his motor skills will allow him to race already. He loves cars and racing way before he can barely utter an intelligible word. Now that he’s practically the radio of the neighborhood, he will play Need for Speed Shift the whole day everyday if we let him. We don’t. Just so we’re clear. Haha! Leave him with a gadget for more than an hour and he gets zombified like crazy.

City Kart Racing was introduced in the Philippines in 2006 by Jean-Marc Freihuber (pictured above with the rest of the bloggers), former French professional racer with 15 years of experience with kart track management in Europe and 4 years in the Philippines. They use state of the art racing machines. These alone tell us that we can kart race with confidence. Plus the awesome technology that tracks racers’ stats down to the last nano second  is the coolest I have seen to date. And did I mention that they have this Facebook App that posts your stats on your wall every time you finish a Heat? You also get a copy of  your race stats over email.

My husband published a more detailed post about the Bloggers Blaze Fun Cup. I wouldn’t dream of beating the hubby in this sport. It’s just not gonna happen. I’m good with that. It’s just fun to know though that I did the best time amongst all the girls that day. My best lap time being 1:0.315. My next goal will be to race under a minute.

I recorded a short clip of the hubby on the track. Real speed is probably ten times more than it seems from this recorded video. Sorry for the shaky capture.  We’re excited to go back. The hubby is already looking into getting hold of Compacc.com shoei helmets for us. He brought some of the young men from church to City Kart Racing last week and they all loved it. We’re bringing a couple more friends on our next visit.

City Kart Racing Makati
7th Level car park, Park Square 1,
Ayala Center, Makati City

Open everyday except for Christmas and Good Friday

Monday to Thursday: 3pm to 10pm
Friday to Saturday: 10am to 12mn
Sunday and Holidays: 10am to 10pm

For more information visit CityKartRacing.com
Contact Nos. +(632) 856-9155 or +(63917) 585-9155

posted by Jennie on Oct 24

As opposed to most families, we actually spend our family days on Mondays. It’s something we’ve gotten accustomed to and don’t mind at all. Sundays are normally hectic (but blessed) days for us. The hubby preaches three times every Sunday and there really is no time to squeeze quality time in together, save for a very quick lunch. Yesterday, we just did a drive-thru since we spent quite a bit longer at church because I had talk with a few people (something I’ll never get tired of too). In spite of not being together much on Sundays, it is a joy to know that our little man still looks forward to it. He’d most of the time would go, “I love Sundays because we get to praise and worship God at the church.” Humbles my heart as it affirms that he’s getting quite a grasp of how it is to be in the ministry.

An interesting convo we had on our way to church last Sunday was when out of the blue Jed blurted out (like he does most of the time), “Papa, can I use your church when you’re dead?” The question came as a shock to me, that I almost reprimanded him. But I held my horses and asked the little guy what he meant. He said, “I was just hoping I can preach at your church when you’re gone.” It sure sounded a lot like this boy is more ready for his father to go than I will ever be. But then, what’s more interesting is, he wanted to be just like his father.

All right, he’s told us all the things he would want to be when he grows up. Aside from being a scientist and a robot maker, he also wants to be a pastor. We had to tell him out right that he can actually preach even if Papa is still around, for as long as he is ready. He then, gave us a sigh of relief and babbled away about his many plans of sharing Jesus to the world.

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posted by Jennie on Oct 18

It is not unbeknownst to our dear readers that we, from time to time attend blogger events, launches and the like. While we know that there are some people who are absolutely appalled at the idea of brands taking advantage of the online media (and vice versa), we figured that it really is just a matter of filtering through the invites.  For one, there are a handful of innovative brands and services that we came to know via this avenue.

So when I learned about Blogapalooza holding its very first event last month, well, let’s just say, I was curious to check it out. Aside from being able to catch up with blogger friends, I also got to hear from brands (most of which we already patronize) and got acquainted with an interesting few that we only heard about at the event.  It was all in all a very good avenue that WhenInManila came up with that allowed for brands to be introduced to the online community. And what savvy and catchy name, at that.

Marikenya.com, MarriageAndBeyond.com and PinayAds.com

Did I mention that I also scored a huge Carlton luggage at the event when I helped solve a fellow blogger’s dilemma of having to commute the enormous hard case luggage home? At a price that she could have refused but chose not to.  Thanks again, Nicely! It will be perfect for my next getaway with my boys. Thanks to Tripologie too! They have branches in Eastwood and Alabang. It was my first to hear about Tripologie. We only go to one travel bag shop before. Now, there’s another travel stuff store we can check out that also carries the quality brands we love – Tripologie!

And here is when I launch another blog contest. I’m raffling off 5 of the Gift Certificates I received during the Blogapalooza event and 1 Phiten Rakuwa Bracelet.

5 Gift Certificates:

1. Galileo Free 2 Week Scholarship –> Here’s an article I wrote about Galileo Enrichment Learning Program.

2. Sparkle Gift Certificate –> Check out their website www.sparkle.ph

3. Jap-Ok! Resto and KTV GC –> complimentary use of KTV room for two hours with complimentary Golden Chicken Shots. (good for 4 persons).

4. CreatiVoices Productions GC –> 1 Hour recording time worth P3,500

5. 360º Fitness Club Free 7 Day Pass GC –> www.completethecircuit.com

Phiten Rakuwa Aqua Tita Bracelet in Maroon

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posted by Jennie on Oct 17

My son is growing up so fast that sometimes, I think he thinks and acts like a grown up man. Time really flies so fast, so they say. Even so, I can still remember when he was still a baby. Wherever we go, we always bring Baby Jed with us. Those times were not hard for my husband, Jeff and me, because we always have with us a baby travel gear, like the baby stroller gear that used to carry him. Stroller was very helpful during those times since  Jed is very active and we’re afraid that he won’t enjoy our trips when he’s not free to move if we just carry him with our bare hands or with just a simple baby carrier.

Now that he’s already six years old, I am still proud to say that I’m a hands-on mother; I personally take care of our little “man,” together with my husband, in order to raise him aright. We even decided to home school him not just so my professional license to teach will not go to waste but also because we feel strongly that this is the road that we ought to take.  It certainly is one of the best decisions we have made as a family.

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posted by Jennie on Oct 17

First of all, thanks to everyone who joined Marriage and Beyond’s ProMama Giveaway! We’re running another raffle very soon, so that is something to look forward to. If you happen to be a liker of Marriage and Beyond on Facebook, chances are you also joined our recently concluded 950 Liker Mark where we gave away $10 via PayPal.  We’re currently less than 40 to go to reach our 1,000 Liker Mark and we’re giving away $20 then!

Please make sure you fill out this form to make sure your name is included in the raffle:

—>Marriage and Beyond Facebook Likers<—

Random.org picked out #38 amongst all 41 entries!  As I recently mentioned via the giveaway I just concluded a while back via Kikay Corner, I only click the “generate” button once to be fair to everyone who joined. Interestingly, a guy won the contest. He might not be a ProMama candidate, all right. But he probably knows someone who is, who he will give this ProMama gift set to.

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posted by Jennie on Oct 14

Less than two months until our 10th anniversary! As excited as I am, I still have not figured out what to give my husband. From the moment we got married, I only surprised him with a gift twice. While he gives me a minimum of three surprise gifts every single occasion – birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, heart’s day. Name it, he has not missed a single occasion. Yes, not counting the “monthsaries” we used to celebrate when our marriage was brand spanking new.  As forgetful as my husband is in all other areas in his daily routine (he almost always needs to come back home minutes after he left because he forgot something), boy am I so blessed to be so loved enough not to have one special occasion forgotten. I actually realized this just now. Oh, the things I take for granted!

For nine whole years and some, he always managed to act that he does not have a gift for me every time. Saying all kinds of reasons. I bought it during the first years but finally figured that I married an award winning actor no less. It is that or I’m really as gullible as can be. Because I totally get surprised every single time still by his gifts I find at random places. It’s like an easter egg hunt for me every time. Except that I try to do it discreetly. Because I always think, what if it’s true this time that there isn’t a gift at all. I don’t know how he does it really. He plays with mind like that.

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posted by Jennie on Oct 11

If there is one thing we cannot ignore in our monthly roster of bills, it is the electricity bill — Meralco bill, for us who are based in Manila. Trying to ignore it is really not an option. Else you will find your family literally walk in the dark. I have mentioned in a few of my previous posts that I have a mom who is very prudent. I would like to think that this is one of  the few values I acquired from her through my growing years.

Meralco AppCal (Meralco Appliance Calculator)

I grew up being conscious of our Meralco bill/electricity consumption. Hence, it is a default for me to not just turn off but unplug appliances that are not in use. My 6 year old son is benefiting as well even as I see him doing the same. It was during an event by Meralco last week that I learned that the Meralco AppCal is now available for download via our gadgets - iPhone, Blackberry and Android. Talk about giving us zero excuse to not be informed when it comes to us being able to take control of our electricity consumption. Thank you, Meralco! My mom will really love this App! I will have to get her an Android unit though. Wait, did I mention that one of her routines during the day (aside from blogging and her soap operas) is checking the electric meters and jotting the readings on her notebook? It used to really annoy me. But then again, it’s the OC in her that we all can actually learn from. Maybe to help us become better stewards of things that are given us.  :-)

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posted by Jennie on Oct 9

Marriage and Beyond is giving away a ProMama Gift Set to a dear reader next week. Thank you Campaigns PR for providing the gift set. Since I am not in the family way, I would much have this product in the hands of someone who will benefit from this pre-natal drink or at least a reader who knows someone who is pregnant.

From the Press Release:

ProMama helps women meet the increased nutritional needs of pregnant and lactating women. Only ProMama contains Pro-Nutri Builders, ingredients that support the health of both mother and child during the delicate journey of pregnancy. These include Maternal Immunity Enhancers like Beta Carotene, which has antioxidant and immunostimulatory properties, and Vitamin C, E and A, which also helps promote good vision and cellular growth.

ProMama’s Pro-Nutri Builders also include Fetal Mental Enhancers like DHA, a nutrient important for a child’s visual and mental development. Folic Acid, which is essential for the development of the nervous system and in preventing neural tube defects, and zinc are two more ingredients in ProMama that help in fetal neurodevelopment.

ProMama also contains Fetal Bone and Muscle Builders like Vitamin D, important for calcium metabolism and to support fetal bone and teeth development; Protein, the building block of all tissues; Iron, which helps in the generation of red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of the body and Calcium, which supports bone development.

Just 2 servings of ProMama daily can help promote appropriate weight gain during pregnancy.

What the winner will receive: A gift bag with a 350gram of ProMama by Wyet Nutritional Drink, 1 charm bracelet, 1 charm anklet, Pre-Natal Care Book and a foldable fan

Contest Mechanics:
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posted by Jennie on Oct 1

It has been a little over four months since our stay in Dumaluan Beach Resort in Bohol. A delayed post, I know. But better late than never. We were supposed to book in Bohol Beach Club but there were no available rooms for our travel dates. I have had friends recommend resorts in Alona Beach but we chose Dumaluan over all others essentially because it is a beach front resort. Most resorts in Alona will have you walk a block or two to get to the beach.

Dumaluan Beach Resort is also what our tour guide Tatsky recommended. Tatsky has very good reputation amongst my friends. A friend from church and a fellow blogger both availed of his services when they were in Bohol and only have good words for him. We are very satisfied too. Even if one of Tatsky’s cars had to be serviced, he made a way for us not to be inconvenienced. First day of tour we rode a van. Ideally, they use the vans for larger groups of people.  Airport transfers via Tatsky is cheaper by a hundred bucks too.

I wish I can say we were as satisfied with Dumaluan Beach Resort‘s customer service. Right from the time that we arrived at around 11 A.M. Until the very last day we were there, Dumaluan was not able to redeem themselves when it came to customer service. As soon as we got there, reception was already having a discussion with an unsatisfied guest. When I handed them the voucher receipt for our booked room, I was told that the room is being prepped and should be ready in an hour. Since it was lunch time, we decided to head over the restaurant.  After lunch, we waited another hour or more.  While I understand that check-in time was at 2PM, they were the ones who told us that the room should be ready “soon,” an hour to be exact, as the lady told us. A total of three hours from the time we got to the resort to the time we got in our room.

What Dumaluan Beach Resort lacks in customer service, their lovely beach front view tries to make up for. Read the rest of this entry »