Currently disappointed at OLX.

I have been an OLX (previously known as Sulit.com.ph) member since 2012, according to my profile:

and I haven't experienced any problems with them...until now.

I started selling brand new stuff I haven't used as well as preloved items when I realized that they've been taking up too much space in my small room. Most of them I'm too hesitant to actually throw away because I still haven't used them or they're still too pretty to be in the trash bin.

As I've mentioned, I didn't encounter any problems with them for a full 4 years and a few months after. The problem started just last week, when I was reposting a new ad.

An ad's life is around 7 days before OLX notifies you that it will be temporarily taken off their listings. It was fine before 'cause you just update your ad and the site'll do just that. When I updated my ad a few days ago, this happened:

They were asking me to pay for new ad slots for a hundred Pesos a pop which is totally unfair because #1:

This isn't true now, is it?

and #2, PHP100? Seriously? That's way too much, I think. For people who earn as much as I do, it's way too much to ask. Plus, the reason why people like me go to sites like this is to sell our stuff online so we can earn extra income but how can we do that if we sell, say, a top for a hundred Pesos but the money we earn from it goes to OLX a number of posts from now? Balewala lang ang sale.

I've also been looking for venues where I can air my sentiments but couldn't find any e-mail address I can contact so I resorted to posting a tweet on my personal Twitter account, tagging them, but still haven't gotten any response.

Has anybody else experienced this, too, and did a person from the OLX team explain to you what's happening? Please share it in the comment section because I rely on my OLX account for additional income. I really need all the help I can get, fellow stay-at-home moms.

Day 2: #TeCasIlocosTour2015

I know I took a hella long time since I last posted about our Ilocos tour back in January but better late than never, right? Hihi!

We woke up really early January 16th for the second leg of our tour. We stayed at one of the resthouses along Saud Beach in Pagudpod. It's not much of a room, but that's to be expected in a place along the shoreline. I mean, you wouldn't spend much time in the room anyway.

We drove half an hour from the place we were staying at to visit the Patapat Bridge when we saw this pretty rainbow.

And then, the Patapat Bridge...which they also call the Patapat Viaduct.

Fun fact: The shoreline at the foot of Patapat Bridge is literally the edge of the Philippines. I would've taken a screenshot of the Google Maps app to let us know where we were but we were all Globe subscribers and Globe didn't have reception in the area. As in the whole of Pagudpod...I think. Haha!

After Patapat Bridge, we went to Paraiso ni Anton.

Paraiso ni Anton - also known as Calvario de Patapat - is a small waterfall that's believed to be magical. People who want to heal themselves or to prevent any sickness would drink or bathe water from this waterfall. Of course, I had Brianna experience this:

I just have to mention: I love Ilocos not only because it is the most beautiful place I have been to but also because their pasalubongs are really cheap! Their souvenir shirts cost PHP150 each and the quality of the shirts are great! I mean, I remember seeing shirts in Bora with the same price but the shirts would, like, melt after a few washes. But the Ilocos souvenir shirts? Pwedeng ipanglakad! The designs are classy, too!

After that miraculous waterfall, we headed to Blue Lagoon, the Boracay of the North but we just had to pass by the Timmangtang Rock - which I don't have photos of because the wind was blowing hard and no way was I risking getting sick during the trip - and the Kapurpurawan Rock Formations:

Pagbigyaaaaaaaan...

The Kapurpurawan Rock Formations was a very beautiful place and it gives a great view of the West Philippine Sea. It was quite gloomy the day we went there but the view still took my breath away. The rock formation itself, too, is something else:

We headed to the Boracay of the North for a little beach time and for lunch.

The shoreline of Blue Lagoon was where the 1980 movie starring Brooke Shields with the same title was shot. Of course, the name of the movie was where the place was named after.

Brianna is so addicted to the beach that she still went to play on the damp sand despite the very very very cold air.

We had food cooked by the locals who live by the beach. It cost us around 500 to have a kilo of crab, a kilo of shrimp, a whole clump of puki-puki (tortang talong but soooooooo much better than the way !), and like 5 kilos of rice cooked for us. The fee also included plastic spoons and forks, and paper plates and cups. Not bad, eh? You'd think I'd taken photos of the boodle table but noooooo. Everyone was so hungry, including me, that our phones hadn't made it out of our purses 'til we got back to the van.

We then headed to the Kaibigan Falls after but Brianna and I stayed behind because she was too tired, she fell asleep the moment we sat in the van. When they got back, they all were raving about how majestic the falls was, I was so jealous.

That was our last stop for the day and we headed back to Saud Beach for more beach time...

...and of course, take a photo of the sunset.

That ends our second day in the beautiful province of Ilocos. Day 3's packed, like day 1 so I might be writing it in 3 parts again. Hihi.

5 Selfish Things I Want Right Now

Ever since my daughter came into the picture, I haven't had a single time-off from anything. I am so so so thankful for having her in my life, don't get me wrong, because I wake up every single day thanking God for giving her to me. I guess it's safe to say that all moms have this feeling in their hearts for their children that the phrase "I never knew I could love someone this much" takes on a whole new meaning.

Becoming a full-time, work-from-home mom was my sole decision, too, and no matter how tempting being a career woman is, I wouldn't trade anything for the non-stop snuggles from my daughter. It's just that there are times when I want for it all - or at least, some of it - to be just about me. (To be quite honest, those "times" are usually around when I'm nearing my period. PMS galore!)

Here are 5 things I usually want whenever my selfish self comes by to say hello:

1. Quiet, alone time (!!!).

Taken way before selfies were a thing. Obvious naman sa quality ng camera. Haha.

I can't remember the last time I went into the shower without having to step out a few minutes after because my toddler can't stop asking for a bowl of cereals. I'm not even asking for much here - although, a trip to the coffee shop without getting guilty over spending half the day there like I did in college wouldn't hurt at all! - just a few minutes inside the loo without anyone knocking, asking for Coco Crunch, would be real nice.

2. Shopping spree.

At the SM Megamall Sale back in 2010, with Jake Cuenca photobombing.

Since I am also a full-time, work-from-home employee, I still get paychecks. Although it's not actually enough to sustain the lifestyle I've grown used to, I still manage to make it work. But sometimes, I just want to just splurge for myself. Like buy a new Macbook Pro or a hell lot of bags or maybe buy all the Ritz Sour Cream Crackers my money could buy. It's been a while since I actually got something for myself that I just want and don't really need.

3. Go out without guilt.

Downing tequila shots like nobody's business back in 2009.

I used to be a heavy drinker before I had Brianna. I'm not proud of it but there were times when I didn't know how I actually got home because I was so drunk. Although I am not planning to get totally hammered anytime soon ever again, it would just be nice to actually go out of the house - without my daughter - without the guilt hanging over my head like a dark cloud.

4. Go on spontaneous trips.

On a jeepney en route to Batangas. Ecstatic but real sleepy.

I would love to go on a spontaneous trip again. Like, "Tara, Baler?", pack my bags, and leave within 30 minutes. Being a mom (single, work-from-home) entails careful planning when it comes to trips. You can't just withdraw a couple thousand Pesos from your bank without thinking of its repercussions in the future. Dropping everything - ballet classes, lolo's birthday party, what-have-yous - isn't that easy anymore now that I have someone in tow.

5. Sleep.

Taken in 2006, the time when I got enough sleep.

I get to sleep, yes, but I haven't slept straight since 2011. I still live with my parents and Brianna and I share a bed. Everytime my daughter makes the smallest movements or sounds, my eyes would automatically open. I can't remember how complete sleep feels like. One night of uninterrupted sleep, that's all I ask.

How about you? If your fairy godmother were to grant you something selfish at this point in your life, what will it be?

Brianna's Moving Up Day 2015

(I would have to hold the Ilocos Tour posts and practically everything else, basically, - AGAIN - to give way to my post regarding my daughter's moving up day. Not really good with the updating the blog regularly thing. HOW DO YOU GUYS DO IT?!)

(Also, PHOTOS GALORE!!!)

Last Tuesday, March 17, the KinderCrib Learning and Childcare Center held their Moving Up Day at the Tanghalang Pasigueño main theater.

What Not To Do During Moving Up Day

Yesterday was Brianna's school's Moving Up Day presentation general rehearsals. As much as I wanted to focus on the fact that Brianna did a great job in the rehearsals, there were some annoying things I noticed which I am pretty sure a lot of parents (and yayas) were rehearsing for the event itself that they shouldn't.

Since it is Moving Up Day season, here are things I think you should avoid doing during your kid's graduation day:

1. Sit on a chair where someone else was sitting. I guess this just all boils down to scarcity thinking. In an auditorium as big as the main hall of Tanghalang Pasigueño, there'd be a huge number of empty seats especially for a preschool with a student population of about 60. If you saw someone leave their seat, don't assume they won't be back unless they haven't come back for, say, 15 minutes...maybe not even because the line to the restrooms tend to get pretty long.

2. Block the view of someone else. I guess with us being proud parents and all, we tend to take as much video as we can of our little darlings. What I am trying to say here, though, is for you to just be aware of your surroundings. If you feel you're blocking another parent's view while trying to find the perfect angle, adjust accordingly.

While we're on the subject, don't...

3. Use your iPads for taking photos and videos. Yes, I am hating specifically on iPads right now even if I, myself, have one. If you own one of the iPad units that have huge screens (iPad2, 3, iPad Air, etc), never ever EVER use this huge chunk of a gadget to record your kid's precious moments. Believe it or not, some people don't really want to watch their kids through a mobile device's screen.

4. Talk on the phone. Okay, maybe you can do this if you keep your voice low enough to not disturb everyone around you. If not, head on over to the nearest exit because no matter how loud Tomorrow's blaring through the speakers, you'd still probably disturb a mom who has super hearing powers nearby.

And lastly, don't...

5. Gossip about the kids. The women I heard talking didn't talk about Brianna but it still made me sick. It doesn't matter if the poor boy has a hideous costume or if the little girl doesn't exactly look like a movie star. Never EVER gossip. It's generally a horrible thing to do, let alone do it to kids! Just. Stop.

You'd think adults would know and master respect by the time they hit a certain age but I guess some of them haven't had the time to grow up yet.

-End of rant-

Kiss kiss kiss for Lemon Kiss!

Ever since Brianna came into my life, I've been immersing myself with little girls' apparels brands. There's not one shop that I haven't visited, to tell you the truth. Most of the time, I come out with a handful of dresses, blouses, and shoes and, of course, an empty wallet. There are no regrets, especially after seeing my daughter sport those cute clothes and getting compliments not only from family and friends but also from strangers.

That is (MOST) probably the reason why when I came across the brand, Lemon Kiss, I had to see all the clothes they have in their catalogue. And yep, you guessed it, after selecting through their lines, I fell in love with this particular dress:

You would think that I'd fall in love with a pink dress - and I did, this one - but when I opened Brianna's closet, all her clothes are in different shades of pink. Anyway, this dress is too pretty not to love. It looks classy but not too much for a child.

Their whole line actually is that: Classy. You'd think that these dresses would cost you much but they don't. The dresses' prices range from PHP700-PHP800.  Not bad, eh? Now, all you have to find are the perfect pair of shoes and your darling daughter are off!

If you're looking for the best party dresses for your little girl, head on over to Lemon Kiss' Facebook page to see their whole collection.

Basic First Aid Training for First-Time Parents

I guess it's safe to say that whenever our kids get a booboo, no matter how small, we all get a little panicky at first. We want them to learn on their own. We want them to see what hurts and what doesn't. We want them to rise back up when they fall. Yes, we want it all but at the same time, we don't want to see them hurting. #yearofthewhogoat

There are a lot of ways for us to help them with this and personally, as a first-time mom, I have no idea where to start. I even get to the point where I get all paranoid and think "Oh no, I won't be able to help my daughter. I might screw this up...I might screw HER up."

Good news to all (paranoid) parents like me: There is a workshop to help us refresh our first aid training back in highschool (where we should all start in terms of helping them recover from EVERYTHING that will hurt them deeply... #yearofthewhogoat talaga!) that - I am pretty sure - you didn't take seriously, too.

Manila Workshops, in partnership with Best for Families, Inc. and the Philippine Red Cross, is conducting a 4-hour, intensive seminar for first aid training called First Time Parents: Basic First Aid. All you need to know regarding first aid will be presented to you by professionals from the Philippine Red Cross.

First Time Parents: Basic First Aid will be held on March 14, 2015, Saturday, from 1:00 PM til 5:00 PM at the Best for Families, Inc. headquarters located in #29 1st St., New Manila, Quezon City.

Registration fee's at PHP600 for one person and PHP1000 for couples. You can pay via BPI, Unionbank, and Paypal. To register, you can visit this link and put in your details. Kindly use SMCFTPBFA1 in the referral code in the registration form to let them know you got to know about this event from Supermommy Chronicles.

For more information, you can contact Ms. Donna Donor of Manila Workshops at donna@manilaworkshops.com. You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter for real-time updates regarding the workshops and seminars that they are and will be holding.

Brianna's 4th Birthday Celebration

Sharing Brianna's 4th birthday Jessie the Cowgirl celebration photos at the KinderCrib Learning and Childcare Center last Thursday. She had fun but she kept on getting the urge to cry and we don't know why. We assumed she was just so touched by her teachers and classmates. Haha!

After greeting Brianna a happy birthday, they played 2 games: Musical chairs and this game where they tuck a ball in between their legs and they race around chairs and pass it to the next person in line. 

After the games, we sang the Happy Birthday song:

And she blew out her candles...but not without letting go of my hand. That's why you can spot my hand in the photo below.

She also didn't get to blow them all in one go so she pulled me in to help her with them.

After that, eating time of course!

And then, gifts and giveaways time, their (seemingly) most favorite part of any party. They were all too excited to receive the lootbags, a lot of them kept going to the lootbags and the teachers had to make them sit one by one. I really admire the patience of preschool teachers...

And there you have it; Brianna's birthday party. The birthday girl wants to thank you all who greeted her (pati narin yung mga humahabol pa).

Day 1, Part 3: #TeCasIlocosTour2015

(You can read Day 1, Part 2 of our tour here.)

Before heading to Pagudpod, we passed by the Cape Bojeador Light House and the Bangui Wind Mills. On our way to Cape Bojeador, we stopped over at this place that sells salt. Some of us went down to see how salt from Ilocos are made but most of us stayed inside the van because we were parked on the side of the road and we didn't want to be like that roadkill I mentioned before.

After that, on to Cape Bojeador, which was breath-taking. I don't know why old buildings have this kind of effect on me.

It was raining when we got there so we didn't spend much time there. Although there wasn't really much to see there. The view, though, oh my gosh:

This photo was taken by a foreigner, probably a Swedish guy. After taking this shot, he asked us to take one of him and his Filipina date. They were so cute, they kept on laughing the entire time.

After that last shot, we literally ran to the van because it was beginning to rain hard. We then went to the Bangui Wind Mills. We didn't really get to enjoy the place and take loads of pictures because by then, the rain was pouring down hard on us. Brianna was also too tired by that time so we stayed in the van while she slept. The warriors that were my family and the Castañeda family went through with their picture-taking session by the wind mills:

They were shivering when they entered the van. They were too wet because of the rain/mist from the sea and the wind was blowing so hard at the same time. We had to turn the air conditioning unit of the van off for a few minutes so they could recover from the cold.

After their chilly Bangui Wind Mills experience, we headed to the Saud Beach in Pagudpod where we settled and ate early dinner in - SUPER SARAP NG FOOD OHMYGOSH - so we could sleep early.

Our first day's quite tiring. The trip from Manila to Ilocos itself is tiring, add that to the full itinerary we had and that will equate to an early night in. If you will be booking with the agency we booked with, N.E.C. Tours, you most probably will have the same itinerary.

Our second day's quite chill, though...

For the birthday girl...

To my dearest baby girl,

Happy 4th birthday, Brianna! You are growing up so fast, I wish I could grip whatever it is that's making you grow and just ask it to slow down a bit.

I am so proud of all the things that you are doing and all the things that you are trying to do. No matter what happens, kahit sobrang naghihigpit ako sayo (sabi nila), please know that I've got your back - and your well-being in mind - all the time. I will support you through everything you will ever decide upon on from now until the end of time because I know that you are a smart girl. That you know what you should and shouldn't do. Yes, even at the tender age of 4, I trust your intuition and your decisions. Sometimes I disagree with you and force my thinking on you and for those times, I apologize. I guess it's human/mommy nature to nag but know that I am doing everything I can to improve my "mommy-ness" everyday. Susubukan kong hindi maging nagger and assuming talaga kasi sa lahat ng ayaw ko, yang dalawang yan talaga. I will try to be that mom you can confide everything - literal, 'nak, everything kahit sex life mo pa yan - in and that mom you would be proud to "share" with your friends.

I am so happy that you are growing up to be that respectful albeit shy little girl (at first) that you are now. There's nothing wrong with being shy, despite what other people are telling you. Keep that in mind. I love you for who you are and I won't change anything, Lovey. You are perfect in my eyes, despite all the "imperfections" that other people seem to see in you, a little girl.

Thank you for making Mommy feel better whenever I feel sad. Your simple "Mommy, why are you crying?" is enough to put a smile on my face. Your hugs make me feel loved despite all the wrongs in our world. Your attempt to literally wipe away my tears helps me build the strength to just keep going despite wanting to give up and just end everything. You are truly the reason why I am here and why I am pushing through all the hardships.

My wish for you is for you to grow up to be the best you truly are meant to be and for you to grow up  healthy, loving, respectful, strong, and courageous. I also wish for you to follow your heart's desires, no matter what they may be. I will be right behind you 100%.

Thank you, honey, and I love you so much. We will get through everything together and come out victorious in the end.

Happy birthday, Brianna Angelica!