some monday experiment
Mondays for the most part are dreadful days for people with routinary jobs. If there is nothing interesting with your monotonous work, you'll find yourself wishing weekends could have been longer. And it sucks to know that I'll have to stick with this scenario until some architectural firm is ready to welcome me into their fold as architectural apprentice or auto cad operator. While wifey trains new hires to brace themselves as call center agents, I busy myself with anything that keeps me sane.
Answering to some blog tag is a way to get rid of boredom. We really could care less about technical stuff on our blog site but a little experiment wouldn't hurt. They say it's for some blog ranking, page ranking stuff. So thanks to tita Bambit for keeping me busy while I still can't find the words to describe the fun we had these last days of March.
What is blog authority / blog rank?
The Short Story
The tag rules mandate that you tag 5 other bloggers and to just keep adding to the list. No replacements, just additions. Tag others and see your Technorati Authority explode.
And these are the people who already took part in this tag:
Our Story
When in doubt of something to write about, when you experience what they call a writer's block, when you can't think of anything to post - answering tags always come in handy. While I fancy myself a regular word smith, I am not like the few people I know who answer to tags without losing their blog niche.
Not to sound offensive, but there's really nothing wrong with blog tags/meme, so long that you know how to make it interesting enough for readers and so long that you still write sensibly. By the way they say this experiment will help SEO and SERPs for one's site, though I can't seem to fathom these internet jargons, I just wonder - "your blog authority is equal to how many blogs link to your site." So can someone define what authority and what link mean again?!
Now I'm trying to be a fool a day before April first on a boring monday. Anyhow, there are benefits for this experiment and they termed it as viral so I need not list them anymore. So for the five people before tita bambit who left messages on our chat box, I give you the authority to try this technorati experiment. liezl, simplymama, iammai, The-Online-Quest and tet.
final dose:
For the record, this shall be the first tag that the Corteses answered.
Answering to some blog tag is a way to get rid of boredom. We really could care less about technical stuff on our blog site but a little experiment wouldn't hurt. They say it's for some blog ranking, page ranking stuff. So thanks to tita Bambit for keeping me busy while I still can't find the words to describe the fun we had these last days of March.
What is blog authority / blog rank?
Technorati Authority is the number of blogs linking to a website in the last six months. The higher the number, the more Technorati Authority the blog has.—What is Authority? from Technorati.com
The Short Story
The tag rules mandate that you tag 5 other bloggers and to just keep adding to the list. No replacements, just additions. Tag others and see your Technorati Authority explode.
And these are the people who already took part in this tag:
*Blognation, Pinoytek, Reyna, Bluep, Kotsengkuba, Buraot, Iris, KCee, Banco De Reyna, Mitch, Melai, Malen, Beng, Sasha, Divaness, Jojitah, Joanjoyce, Gzel, Panaderos, Bambit, the Corteses, <you!>Our Story
When in doubt of something to write about, when you experience what they call a writer's block, when you can't think of anything to post - answering tags always come in handy. While I fancy myself a regular word smith, I am not like the few people I know who answer to tags without losing their blog niche.
Not to sound offensive, but there's really nothing wrong with blog tags/meme, so long that you know how to make it interesting enough for readers and so long that you still write sensibly. By the way they say this experiment will help SEO and SERPs for one's site, though I can't seem to fathom these internet jargons, I just wonder - "your blog authority is equal to how many blogs link to your site." So can someone define what authority and what link mean again?!
Now I'm trying to be a fool a day before April first on a boring monday. Anyhow, there are benefits for this experiment and they termed it as viral so I need not list them anymore. So for the five people before tita bambit who left messages on our chat box, I give you the authority to try this technorati experiment. liezl, simplymama, iammai, The-Online-Quest and tet.
final dose:
For the record, this shall be the first tag that the Corteses answered.
this summer should be fun
I reminisce about my childhood - of how we painted eggs a day before easter, of the months playing with cousins all day and all night - kite flying, biking, swimming.
It is summer. And the things in my mind that I want to accomplish just keep on adding up. I want to find a new job. I want to construct Angelo's racing car bed. I want to get the plans for our church wedding over and done with. I want to bring wifey and little boy to where doc Tes and her family went. I want to watch ToTo live in Cebu. I want to be at the kokua festival in Hawaii. iwant is like ipod. It's not a need but a want. But a few of these I can let go of without disappointment.
I recently talked to a man who have always been a constant source of radical views onlife, and he said that if you want to worry less, work your ass off and make sure that by the time you reach thirty five you are already filthy rich, then spend the next thirty years lazing away in luxury. I personally think this to be completely absurd.
Everyday, life is changing for everyone, no matter how small the change may be. I notice the changes in me. Some solely in myself, much in my family and a few in the community. There were things I'd let go of so suddenly when I became a husband, things I let go of gradually when I became a dad. But through all these, I have no regrets. How many more years shall I waste to satisfy the wants for myself, I question; how many years shall I expect to stay selfish for my ego. I can't say I have had much already, but definitely it's more than enough for me.
I had golden years and equally had a share of the dark ages. There was a time when I shared to Allison that my childhood was the best years I remembered and that my adolescence was my darkest past. There was an instance I whispered to Zai Angelo that I will let him experience the same childhood joys I had and keep him away from any trace of my disturbed teenage life.
I will not reminisce about my childhood anymore, instead, I will look forward to Angelo's - of how he'll get to paint eggs for easter. Of how we will have months playing and learning and bonding. Of how my wife and I will get to raise more children and find joy in them every time. Be kid-like. Pure, innocent.
final dose:
random blah blahs from a new grad.
It is summer. And the things in my mind that I want to accomplish just keep on adding up. I want to find a new job. I want to construct Angelo's racing car bed. I want to get the plans for our church wedding over and done with. I want to bring wifey and little boy to where doc Tes and her family went. I want to watch ToTo live in Cebu. I want to be at the kokua festival in Hawaii. iwant is like ipod. It's not a need but a want. But a few of these I can let go of without disappointment.
But what I want most in the world is to be a kid again. Carefree.
I recently talked to a man who have always been a constant source of radical views onlife, and he said that if you want to worry less, work your ass off and make sure that by the time you reach thirty five you are already filthy rich, then spend the next thirty years lazing away in luxury. I personally think this to be completely absurd.
Everyday, life is changing for everyone, no matter how small the change may be. I notice the changes in me. Some solely in myself, much in my family and a few in the community. There were things I'd let go of so suddenly when I became a husband, things I let go of gradually when I became a dad. But through all these, I have no regrets. How many more years shall I waste to satisfy the wants for myself, I question; how many years shall I expect to stay selfish for my ego. I can't say I have had much already, but definitely it's more than enough for me.
Now I worry not only for myself, but for my wife, my kid, my family, most importantly.
I had golden years and equally had a share of the dark ages. There was a time when I shared to Allison that my childhood was the best years I remembered and that my adolescence was my darkest past. There was an instance I whispered to Zai Angelo that I will let him experience the same childhood joys I had and keep him away from any trace of my disturbed teenage life.
Past deeds result in time delay. But hope is alive.
Inspirations are fuel. There is the determination to succeed.
Inspirations are fuel. There is the determination to succeed.
I will not reminisce about my childhood anymore, instead, I will look forward to Angelo's - of how he'll get to paint eggs for easter. Of how we will have months playing and learning and bonding. Of how my wife and I will get to raise more children and find joy in them every time. Be kid-like. Pure, innocent.
It is summer. And the thing I wanted that I thought I wouldn't accomplish... I just did.
final dose:
random blah blahs from a new grad.
the weekend that was
Unlike the other Sunday when there seemed to be very few reasons to be jubilant, last weekend was the complete opposite. It must have been the alignment of the stars that allowed us to party on and enjoy, otherwise we'll be forced to believe in the notion that life is like a wheel, sometimes you're up and sometimes you're on the ground, rolling over dung.
Anyhow, as per the first post of this month, March is really a month for marching, or say a merry month for the graduates and a sorry month for those who did not make it. That said, The Corteses would like to extend whooping congratulations to Audrey Arcenas for finishing her nursing degree on time. We're so proud of you, Dodi!!! Audrey's graduation party was the start of a wonderful weekend, a seafood dinner at Saang in Nivel Hills Lahug, Cebu City followed by a farewell party for our friend Steven at The Outpost. On the same note, wifey has been encouraging me to march on stage come Wednesday, but it is more than enough for me to join the list of proud graduates of 2008 as well as add to the growing number of job-seeking individuals pretty soon. I would rather start my hunt for a new job than attend the lengthy commencement exercise, where you sit and wait for hours on end for your turn to be called. Honestly though, I feel it's just a formality, so I do not feel obliged in any way to "march" on stage.
Audrey's graduation @ The Redemptorist Parish Church
Speaking of formalities, we were forced to dress formally for last Saturday night's affair. A coming out party for Mia Arcenas. I wonder why use the term "coming out" party. It makes me think that there can also be a going in party? Huh??? Well, it was one fabulous evening, a party the same as one I pictured Kiki Holcombe (The Fountainhead) would host. While we thought we didn't need consultations from Inno Sotto or Jun Escario, Amparito Lhuillier and Margot Osmeña and even Jaime Picornell made us look underdressed. Nevertheless, Allison looked elegant in her long black evening gown and I on the other hand, felt uncomfortable with my borrowed coat and tie. But it feels great to dress up when the occasion calls for it, makes me practice looking good as I'll soon be facing prospect clients of mine (wink, wink).
By Sunday, we celebrated yet another party. This time a thanksgiving for Jo-Ann Ting's passing the nursing board exams. Our congratulations to her also.
Since it would be a miracle now for my VLs to be approved for our Holy Week vacation in Bantayan Island, we can only look forward to next weekend, which would be Black Saturday and Easter Sunday, and hope to have the same kind of fun we had like this last weekend. We sure need to make it up to the little boy, since he somehow seems depressed about not being able to go swimming in the beaches of Bantayan this year.
final dose:
Happy Holy Week everyone!
more pictures of the events here and here
Anyhow, as per the first post of this month, March is really a month for marching, or say a merry month for the graduates and a sorry month for those who did not make it. That said, The Corteses would like to extend whooping congratulations to Audrey Arcenas for finishing her nursing degree on time. We're so proud of you, Dodi!!! Audrey's graduation party was the start of a wonderful weekend, a seafood dinner at Saang in Nivel Hills Lahug, Cebu City followed by a farewell party for our friend Steven at The Outpost. On the same note, wifey has been encouraging me to march on stage come Wednesday, but it is more than enough for me to join the list of proud graduates of 2008 as well as add to the growing number of job-seeking individuals pretty soon. I would rather start my hunt for a new job than attend the lengthy commencement exercise, where you sit and wait for hours on end for your turn to be called. Honestly though, I feel it's just a formality, so I do not feel obliged in any way to "march" on stage.
Audrey's graduation @ The Redemptorist Parish Church
By Sunday, we celebrated yet another party. This time a thanksgiving for Jo-Ann Ting's passing the nursing board exams. Our congratulations to her also.
Since it would be a miracle now for my VLs to be approved for our Holy Week vacation in Bantayan Island, we can only look forward to next weekend, which would be Black Saturday and Easter Sunday, and hope to have the same kind of fun we had like this last weekend. We sure need to make it up to the little boy, since he somehow seems depressed about not being able to go swimming in the beaches of Bantayan this year.
final dose:
Happy Holy Week everyone!
more pictures of the events here and here
a scintillating sunday - the alli version
"The husband is the pillar of the family. The wife is the caregiver."
"The husband is the one who makes the decisions. The wife only gives suggestions."
"If your suggestion will not be considered when the decision is made, don't feel bad, wives."
These, and more, were the words uttered by the female speaker during last Sunday's pre-cana seminar. Traitor! She not only made it clear that the wives should be utterly subservient to the men, she also implied that if the wife is not good in bed, the husband will look for satisfaction somewhere else. And she made it sound like a given fact! Can you believe that?!?!?!?!?!?!
I honestly felt like throwing the plastic chair I was sitting on at that turncoat! If Toni wasn't gripping my hand and reassuring me that he didn't believe a single word... I don't know what I would have done. Good thing we let her words pass through the other ear... but what about the other couples listening to her? What impact did that seminar have on them?
The only reason I did not so much as breathe during that seminar, like our other participative classmates, was that I did not want to prolong the agony of having to listen to another horrid word. And because I have never been one to just sit there and keep my opinions to myself, this blog is the outlet, and you are my audience.
The husband is not the ONLY one who makes the decisions. Decisions should be made by both husband and wife. It should be a meeting of the minds and a consideration of all factors that affects all parties. If the husband and wife have a child, and the child is of the right mind to decipher right and wrong, then the child should be involved in the decision-making process as well. Whatever affects the family, each of the family members have to be part of the final say. Not only the husband, nor only the wife.
The husband alone cannot be the pillar of the family. It needs to be both husband and wife as well. When you have a roof, you do not just put up one pillar to support it. You need at least two, preferably four, right? Architect, tell me I'm wrong, and I'll retract this statement. Can a roof stand with only one pillar? Yeah... if it's the size of your monitor.
My point is that when I made the decision to marry, I did not just make it myself. Toni was involved. And so it goes that everything in your married life has to involve the two of you. It's a partnership, a collaboration. And who better to collaborate with than your best friend, your other half, your confidante.
And if my husband is not satisfied by my performance in bed and looks elsewhere, he knows his dingdong will be fed to our son's pet turtle, Ninja.
final dose:
We were asked, "What is Love?" They said it's a mystery. They said it's when you sacrifice. They said it's blind. Love is not blind. It sees, but it doesn't mind. So sue me for being trite.
a scintillating sunday
So at least we're done with one of the requirements for our church wedding, having to endure a seven-hour long boring seminar last Sunday. After two years of being civilly wed and two years of saving, we have come to realize that we need to say our sweet "I do's" in front of a pontiff to have the blessing from our creator.
The Catholic Church requires everyone who wishes to get married to go through pre-cana seminar, and I am not one to oppose lest we do not receive the sacrament of matrimony. BUT it would have been more meaningful and interesting if they provided good lecturers who knew what they were supposed to talk about. It was scheduled at nine in the morning, but because we enjoyed our Saturday night out, we ended up arriving thirty minutes late. Who would want to listen attentively to an elementaryish discussion on topics like -- what is the role of the husband and that the wife should be this and that and yadda yadda yadda. We were prejudiced as we went through a similar seminar when we applied for our marriage license, but it was very consistent that speakers from both seminars actually stated the same reminder. Wife should always boast the ego of their husband. Okay, to boast one's ego is quite, hmmm, confusing. Well, to clarify, the speaker actually meant to "boost." So as the speaker kept on talking about what we found to be unimportant, wifey and I were busy exchanging jokes and keen observations on the ongoing topics.
While we can't hide the smiles plastered on our faces as we go on commenting between ourselves on what the other participants were sharing, the speaker actually got everyone's attention when she stopped talking and asked that she be given some respect. We knew for certain that she was referring to us. Good thing she never really blurted it out, we would have been embarrassed or worse ensued in a lethal exchange of words. From then on, we controlled ourselves as we counted the minutes. Oh gawd! if only I was in the mood to participate, I could have given more cliche answers than those who religiously voiced out. Like when asked to define what LOVE is, one couple proudly said: love is blind. I could have mentioned love is... oh never mind, I would rather rant more than type the other answers not worthy to be written. So we drove home for lunch as we had an hour and a half to spare and deliberately went back late again for thirty minutes.The rest of the afternoon was spent lazing away in the unconducive non-airconditioned room, trying to absorb lectures of what was supposed to be a seminar to prepare us for our married life.
The Catholic Church requires everyone who wishes to get married to go through pre-cana seminar, and I am not one to oppose lest we do not receive the sacrament of matrimony. BUT it would have been more meaningful and interesting if they provided good lecturers who knew what they were supposed to talk about. It was scheduled at nine in the morning, but because we enjoyed our Saturday night out, we ended up arriving thirty minutes late. Who would want to listen attentively to an elementaryish discussion on topics like -- what is the role of the husband and that the wife should be this and that and yadda yadda yadda. We were prejudiced as we went through a similar seminar when we applied for our marriage license, but it was very consistent that speakers from both seminars actually stated the same reminder. Wife should always boast the ego of their husband. Okay, to boast one's ego is quite, hmmm, confusing. Well, to clarify, the speaker actually meant to "boost." So as the speaker kept on talking about what we found to be unimportant, wifey and I were busy exchanging jokes and keen observations on the ongoing topics.
While we can't hide the smiles plastered on our faces as we go on commenting between ourselves on what the other participants were sharing, the speaker actually got everyone's attention when she stopped talking and asked that she be given some respect. We knew for certain that she was referring to us. Good thing she never really blurted it out, we would have been embarrassed or worse ensued in a lethal exchange of words. From then on, we controlled ourselves as we counted the minutes. Oh gawd! if only I was in the mood to participate, I could have given more cliche answers than those who religiously voiced out. Like when asked to define what LOVE is, one couple proudly said: love is blind. I could have mentioned love is... oh never mind, I would rather rant more than type the other answers not worthy to be written. So we drove home for lunch as we had an hour and a half to spare and deliberately went back late again for thirty minutes.The rest of the afternoon was spent lazing away in the unconducive non-airconditioned room, trying to absorb lectures of what was supposed to be a seminar to prepare us for our married life.
during our civil wedding @ the garden grotto in sto. niño village
So spare yourself the hassle of marriage, if you could pay proxies to disguise as couple in behalf of you then you would not waste a day or two with all these seminars. But don't take my word for it, it was a fun experience nonetheless, I am actually praying that someday the words spoken during pre-canas won't fall on deaf ears.
final dose:
Gaw, the renowned guitarist of Hastang was our classmate during the seminar.
Together with him was of course his fiancee - Phoebe.
We hope they viewed their experience as entirely different from ours.
We bet you can also give more cliche definitions of what love is. Go ahead and humor us.
on marching in
Like any given pre-requisite, March signals the season of summer. And with the early holy week, we can only imagine people rushing to book their summer trips. For sure, we won't have an extravagant vacation this time, we're tight on our budget for now, sad to say. We will stay optimistic nonetheless, something might just surprise us, we'll never know. Wishful thinking. Oh well, before you picture yourself sipping smoothies by the beach and enjoying a luau getaway, you may want to read on what's up with The Corteses this third month of the year.
It has been a laid back first week for the wifey, after months of non-stop training she finally got some room to breath. And with that, means more time to prepare for the moment she will finally march down the aisle for our church wedding. Allison has been busy with preparations - looking for the reception venue, invites, conceptualization and all the itsy bitsy details of what we picture to be a simple yet intimate ceremony. See how tight we are on our budget? It's because we are saving for the big day. Other than that, she finds comfort in watching american idol on television and playing with the little boy.
For the big daddy, well, nothing is final yet, but the scent is in the air of an end to his continuing studies. yey! Toni is almost done with all the examinations and was proud to get all the needed paperwork stamped with the word "cleared." Although he doesn't plan to march on stage as he thinks it would not be necessary anymore, he feels complete relief. The husband looks forward to finally getting his dream of building a dog house as his first project. He enrolled for a two-week refresher course to prepare himself in the dog-eat-cat-eat-mouse world of the construction and architecture industry.
The last time little boy went to the beach was about three months ago, so he can't control his excitement with just the thought of going back to Bantayan isalnd come holy week. He has been really playful as of late, he thinks running and marching around helps develop his milk belly transform into washboard abs. This early on, Zai Angelo is showing signs that he will be a talkative student in class. He mingles and joins in on any conversation. If he is not asleep, he bombards everyone with non-stop baby talk. If you don't see him dancing along with his favorite tv shows, he mimicks the sound of dogs and cats. He has always been a source of joy.
alli and zai @ samal island during our davao vacation
toni and zai during our holy week trip to bantayan island
That's about it, the month of March may not seem as lively as the previous ones, but we look forward to the surprises along the way and the celebrations of relatives and friends who will be graduating. Toni included, hopefully.
final dose:
until the official list comes out, toni is still crossing his fingers.
update:
finally the official list is out. and yeah! toni wants to boast...he is now officially a graduate.
It has been a laid back first week for the wifey, after months of non-stop training she finally got some room to breath. And with that, means more time to prepare for the moment she will finally march down the aisle for our church wedding. Allison has been busy with preparations - looking for the reception venue, invites, conceptualization and all the itsy bitsy details of what we picture to be a simple yet intimate ceremony. See how tight we are on our budget? It's because we are saving for the big day. Other than that, she finds comfort in watching american idol on television and playing with the little boy.
For the big daddy, well, nothing is final yet, but the scent is in the air of an end to his continuing studies. yey! Toni is almost done with all the examinations and was proud to get all the needed paperwork stamped with the word "cleared." Although he doesn't plan to march on stage as he thinks it would not be necessary anymore, he feels complete relief. The husband looks forward to finally getting his dream of building a dog house as his first project. He enrolled for a two-week refresher course to prepare himself in the dog-eat-cat-eat-mouse world of the construction and architecture industry.
The last time little boy went to the beach was about three months ago, so he can't control his excitement with just the thought of going back to Bantayan isalnd come holy week. He has been really playful as of late, he thinks running and marching around helps develop his milk belly transform into washboard abs. This early on, Zai Angelo is showing signs that he will be a talkative student in class. He mingles and joins in on any conversation. If he is not asleep, he bombards everyone with non-stop baby talk. If you don't see him dancing along with his favorite tv shows, he mimicks the sound of dogs and cats. He has always been a source of joy.
alli and zai @ samal island during our davao vacation
toni and zai during our holy week trip to bantayan island
That's about it, the month of March may not seem as lively as the previous ones, but we look forward to the surprises along the way and the celebrations of relatives and friends who will be graduating. Toni included, hopefully.
final dose:
until the official list comes out, toni is still crossing his fingers.
update:
finally the official list is out. and yeah! toni wants to boast...he is now officially a graduate.
february's kooky couple
February will always be considered by everyone as the love month. We, on the other hand, will remember the second month of the year especially because of our Valentine's week trip. February is the month when flower vendors and chocolate manufacturers make a killing. The month of eternal bliss and of sweethearts expressing mushiness and cheesiness.
To validate the month of hearts, The Corteses recognizes Monica and Justin as the quotable notables for February.
To validate the month of hearts, The Corteses recognizes Monica and Justin as the quotable notables for February.
These two are so crazy – in love and in real life – that they suit each other perfectly. They are a constant source of amusement and are not afraid to be laughed with… or at. Monica’s crazy dance-antics and Justin’s 3-minute-late comments never failed to crack us up during our Baguio-Manila trip. It definitely would not have been as much fun without them. And so here’s to you, you two kooks! With love and much laughter from The Corteses. Cheers!
final dose:
because of the busy schedule, this February end month post is delayed
Justin and Monica are also proud godparents of Zai Angelo
final dose:
because of the busy schedule, this February end month post is delayed
Justin and Monica are also proud godparents of Zai Angelo
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the daddy
drawing inspiration from his little boys and wife. he writes
mostly about topics on family, fatherhood, about architecture and the arts. know more about TONI here
hot momma
the proofreader and the ever dutiful wife and mother. she shares her philosophies and writes about friendships and on being a mom. learn more about ALLI when you click here
big brother
he is crazy about lego. he can be playful and naughty sometimes. get to read his views on childhood, playmates, toys and kiddie stuff. get to know more about ZAI on our about us page
'lil bro
he is the newest Cortes, Tristan Azi is now the baby in the family, get to know more of him when we update about his development through the years. learn more more about AZI on our about us page
