The Not So Perfect Wife

My journey as a wife has not always been easy. There have been many rough and bumps in the road, and quite a few turbulence. I never expected marriage to be easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy, and I knew that it would take a lot of work to maintain a healthy and harmonious relationship.

Your spouse is your #1 priority...

Just YOU and I!

Now with a baby and a job, it can be easy to forget about making each other a priority. Honestly, I unintentionally get off my track as a wife/housewife sometimes. And depressingly, my husband notices my shortcomings. I feel awful. Though I do not like to be reminded of my imperfections, I am taking these bumps as  warning signs that I am in trouble. I guess this is the best time for me to contemplate my own imperfections as a wife. 

These aren’t life-shattering issues but I should not ignore them and pretend nothing is wrong.  I don't want to create a wall between the two of us, and emotionally, not be connected in the same way. 

I read somewhere about five commitments every marriage needs to survive and grow. These are commitments both partners should make:

• I am committed to learning everything I can about being a better person and a better mate, and I will do whatever it takes to make the relationship work.
• I am committed to being emotionally open to and with my partner by sharing my feelings.
• I am committed to being emotionally generous with my partner, not emotionally stingy, and will express my love and affection.
• I am committed to being honest with my partner and myself.
• I am committed to learning how to love my partner as much as he or she truly deserves to be loved.

Frankly, I don't know how any relationship can be truly healthy without these commitments + your commitment to find time to connect with God. And that No matter how busy life gets, we MUST find time to get alone with Him. Making this time with God a priority is not being selfish, it’s being wise.

Being in God’s Word does wonders for our connection. With Christ as our center, we have more of a desire to put each other first. 

TBC...

Sandy Andolong de Leon

I never cease to be amazed by inspiring people. 

Again I have been blown away by one super amazing woman.

Special woman with special qualities. Her generosity and humility is divine.

Not an inkling of what God had in store for me, but He was so good that He's chosen her to be in my life.

I feel so fortunate and blessed to have her friendship in real ways.

This motherly love has provided reassurance, acceptance and many times put a smile on my face. 

To have someone like her is such a blessing. :)

I am blessed, I am humbled, to know I am so deserving of knowing her...deeper and deeper. :)

She has held my hand,  has helped to dry my tears. She laughed with me, shared with me and love me, unconditionally.  

Isn't it so refreshing to be so transparent and just be yourself and be accepted?

From each flavors...Ugly, gorgeous, fragrant, putrid—

She's always delighted. Unconditional love is such a rare and difficult thing, but not for her.

She has this amazing gift to love + sense of selfless generosity. :) 

Who else would I be talking to?
It's no other than. Ms. Sandy Andolong de Leon!

Laugh Out Loud!

Iphone 5 Lover :)

The "Whatever Angle",  I don't care cause I'm pretty! :)

Thank you for giving so much importance to people like me. 

You trust me without a doubt. The response of your heart has always been very open and receptive. You made the deliberate choice to “love” rather than to “be indifferent” and that really touches my heart.

Nanay, you are really one from the very special core of my inspiration.

Through thick and thin, no matter what, I will always be your "Super Sissy", more than 24/7 available at your service. :)

I LOVE YOU from the bottom of my heart! :)

xx, Sissy

Heart to Heart: ALL AT ONCE

Holy Amazingness! It all started with a small group of lovely ladies wanting to meet one famous star, the one and the only Ms. Sandy Andolong. Our dream came true when she said "YES, SURE!" to our invitation. We were mesmerized by her beauty from the first time we saw her. Neither of us can utter a word but a "SHRIEK!". To cut the story short, photos of the date were uploaded on Facebook and Twitter and lots of people started befriending us - they were sick with jealousy and happy for us at the same time. 

JALEKAMINICA: DATE WITH NANAY SANDY

We've received plenty of comments/tweets from people we know as well as people we don't know - asking if there's a chance that they could also meet her. We wanted to share the happiness we've experienced so we thought of making them feel "HIGH" by finding a way to make their dreams come true.
One that they will never ever forget.
At first, we decided to name a group (only for M&G's sake!) - ended up with FREELANCE PRODUCTIONS (FLP), may dating hindi ba?!  

We're all reluctant but concluded with a Meet and Greet . But how is that possible? We were all hesitant-shy-scared to talk to  Ms. Sandy about the plan. Since I was the oldest and the most unreserved, I sent her an sms asking if it's ok to call her, Blah! Blah! Of course she's agreed, I phoned Mirah if we could do a conference call with Ms. Sandy. And so we called her... 

This is the beginning...

WHAT: Heart to Heart Date with Ms. Sandy Andolong de Leon

with special Guest, Mr. Christopher de Leon
When: June 3, 2012

Where: Congo Grille, Tomas Morato

Time: 3-6 PM

3rd of June, 2012, the first-ever Meet and Greet I have attended that we have organized. Meet and Greet will be a opportunity for all to come out and meet people I had only known through my computer screen.  I was nervous and a little exasperated for I have to travel from my dear province to Manila. Good thing I was able to persuade my husband to come with me. 

HEART TO HEART: THE PREPARATION

The Organizers cut a deal to be at the venue at 1PM (sharp daw?). Nica was the first to arrived, followed by Yours Truly. We still have two hours left before the event and the function room was still being used. Nica decided to make some finishing touches on her assigned task in time (bravo!) and I was calling the rest on their whereabouts. 

Mirah showed up carrying 3/4s of her house stuff. She's really a sagip-buhay. She brought 1 big speaker, 2 laptop speakers, microphone and one JURASSIC LAPTOP!

Soon after that, Leyselle and Carmina popped in with their allocated assignments. Leyselle brought the stick-on name tags. Carmina, on the other hand, shouldered 2 beautiful tarps, FLP pins, and collaged photo of Ms. Sandy Andolong as a souvenir. (Well done gurlz!)

Kate made it before the program started. She brought a camera with her for some clicks!

Heart to Heart: THE GUESTS ARRIVAL

"2 minutes, nandyan na kami...", said Ms. Sandy on the phone. We gathered in front of Congo Grille to welcome our dear guests. A black Ford Everest just pulled over - then and there, a very Macho-Gwapito (which made our eyes twinkled in admiration) in an all-black attire, got off the car. You're right! We shrieked! (can't be arsed!)Yes, it's the loving husband of Ms. Sandy Andolong, none other than the "DRAMA KING" himself, Mr. Christopher "Boyet" de Leon.

Everyone was highly excited inside the function room, which made us feel more acutely uneasy. 

As they came in, everyone's gone mad. Flashes of camera were unstoppable. I can't even start the program because I just want to stare at them. 

Heart to Heart: THE PRAYER

The program was started with a prayer, led by Leyselle. 

Then Mirah welcomed everybody with her opening remarks.

Heart to Heart: THE INTRODUCTION OF MS. SANDY ANDOLONG

You’ll have moments in life with extraordinary people that are so intense, it’ll feel like you’ve been electrocuted. This has happened to me. Here I was humbled to introduce the one and the only, Ms. Sandy Andolong de Leon.

And it goes...

“Ang dami-daming artista pero wala namang mga artista.”

There are too many claiming to be actors and actresses, but there are only very very few ARTISTA left with star quality.

If you have not heard the name "SANDY ANDOLONG", then you must not be from the earth.

She is famous for her acting career. She was armed with a degree in acting when she joined showbiz. She actually finished an acting course in a university in New York.

For a while she concentrated on being a wife to actor Christopher de Leon

and a mother to their five lovely children.She would choose her family first before a any lucrative offer.

Sandy Andolong is a thoughtful friend and a forever grateful child of God. She is a brilliant actress who

does the real drama. She is the type of performer who delivers, so

to speak.

She is an epitome of simplicity and humility with a kind heart full of

great love. Alexandra Andolong de Leon is a well composed and admirable being, from her lovely face (lots of people described her beauty as "tamang tama lang.")- the type that grows on you down to her amusing personality.

She inspires a lot of people with her kindness and humility and she always put a colossal burst of sunshine into

everyone's life. She also is a pious person that begets everyone to get closer to God, indeed she is one of God's 

manifestation of how amazing every individual really is. She is a woman in control and a very sincere type of person, hence making other people happy gives her more reason to live. With utmost sincerity, 

Sandy is truly a

woman with pure heart and a very dedicated personality. Because despite of her being flamboyant she remains humble

and simple -- that makes her a peerless jewel..

We are really blessed that Behind the scene (FACEBOOK/TWITTER), we have formed a

closely-knit "family" of our own.

SANDY IS GENUINELY, MESMERIZING!

 (April and Janice - Thanks for sharing bits with me Pangga!)

Heart to Heart: WELCOME AND THANK YOU MESSAGE BY MS. SANDY

She welcomed and thanked everyone who came. She's sincerely very thankful and has repeatedly thanking and showing her appreciation to the "CORE GROUP" for organizing the event. She said that she couldn't believe the fact that up until now, people still love and support her. Indeed, she was very happy.

 It was me again thanking her and her behalf for gracing the special event. Soon enough I had to give the floor again to Ms. Sandy so she could properly introduce the man behind her smiles.

Heart to Heart: Thank You Message from Mr. Christopher de Leon

As Mr. Macho-Gwapito stood up and flashed his smile, the crowd went wild. 

(He was actually blushing!)

And when he started talking, I'm telling ya, we were so KILIG! 

His voice was very manly! 

We are just so blessed to have them together in one event. 

Mr. de Leon was very appreciative and grateful that he was as well invited.

(And so are we!)


Soon after giving his message for everybody, we requested and asked them if they're ready for some photo snaps with the attendees. They both said "Yes, sure!", without blinking an eye. 

Here, check it out...

Heart to Heart: SMILES with MR. and MRS. DE LEON (1)

Heart to Heart: SMILES with MR. and MRS. DE LEON (2)

While everyone was extremely occupied with some photo ops with the STARS, 

 staff from Congo Grille served the food.  

Heart to Heart: YUM YUM YUM!

Nay Sandy led the prayer. Grace before meal. In all honesty, we could hardly eat. 

The feeling of fullness was there, but it wasn't the food that was filling us up.

I bet we took less food, but more of SAVORING THE MOMENT with THEM. :)

Heart to Heart: IT'S CHOW TIME! 

During which time, an AVP for Nanay Sandy (belated Mother's Day Presentation) 

and for the couple was shown. 

It's the way we feel her heart...their hearts, immediately.

Nanay Sandy was deeply touched, yeah, that was real. 

They're very pleased at that moment.

(Kudos to Nica!)

Heart to Heart: AVP

Following the past 3PM lunch and AVPresentation, we demanded to have pictures taken 

with them, but this time, it's ONE by ONE. :)

They couldn't say NO! It's never allowed. (Lol)

Heart to Heart: SANDY with FANtastics! (1)

Heart to Heart: SANDY with FANtastics! (2)

Heart to Heart: CRUSH ng BAYAN, MR. DE LEON with FANTASTICS! 

Heart to Heart: CRUSH ng BAYAN, MR. DE LEON with JALEKAMINICA (Kiliiiiiiig!)

After the "Kilig Moments" with them was the autograph signing.

The collage picture of Ms. Sandy with her personal message in it was given to the attendees as a souvenir.

They were generous enough to grace us with their presence 

but they were unexpectedly THIS generous to bring T-SHIRTS (WOW!),

The T-SHIRT says...

Heart to Heart: I ♥ CHRISTOPHER and SANDY DE LEON

Heart to Heart: AUTOGRAPH, SOUVENIR from the LOVELY COUPLE

Heart to Heart: FANSIGN :)

Everyone was inspired. They were there not just to make us feel delighted but mostly to inspire us. This is actually part of our happiness project. I was surprised how quickly the time passed. 

We're not gonna let them go without a Group Snaps.
SMILE! :)

Heart to Heart: NANAY SANDY with JALEKAMINICA and CHELSEY

Heart to Heart: THE LOVELY COUPLE with JALEKAMINICA 

We looked (we are!) so happy in this picture, we're just crazy in love with this

TWO beautiful people.

Acting wise and the way they treat people from different walks of life, they never fail to impress us.

It's not always easy to be light and happy hearted, but their go-with-the-flow attitude really made us feel 

high in spirits.

When we all screamed "KISS", they gamely obliged.

They made us feel LOVED and IN-LOVE. ♥

Heart to Heart: SANDY AND CHRISTOPHER KILIG MOMENT

It might be more difficult not to be mellow {for me} but the reward exceeds the effort(s) we put in. 

Happiness is contagious and I am sharing this blog to spread some cheer! 

You are probably wondering where this is coming from.

Let's just say that there is someone in my life (our lives) that most of the time gets to me (us). 

To all the attendees, THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH!

You're lovely.
We will all see you again soon. The more the merrier! :)

Heart to Heart:  CANDID

Mr. Christopher de Leon (just saying your name send a shiver down my spine), "Congressman", Thank you!
Thank you for squeezing your time and marking your calendar for the Meet and Greet.

Thank you for the short-lived relationship we all had with you. LOL

Indeed, that was LOVE at FIRST SIGHT!

Seriously, we thank you for loving YOUR ONE and ONLY love, our Love, Nanay Sandy.

Ms. Sandy Andolong de Leon, You are such a blessing in our lives and we are so incredibly grateful to have you. Our love for you is growing deeper and deeper every single day.

We can only offer you simple pleasures in life, our sincere TLC. 

Right now I think we are obsessively checking our phones, our Twitter and Facebook accounts to see if you has sent us a text nor mentions/comments. LOL
We don't want to miss a single word or a SMILEY FACE from you.

Thanks for coloring us CHEERFUL.

May it be Twitter or Facebook, we always have fantastic time with you.

Maybe that's the reason why we are called, SANDYFANtastics! :)

WE LOVE YOU!

♥SuperSissy♥

BRAG about GOD

I've a lot of writings in Draft folder. Neither one them was I willing to publish. They're either lacking or too much. 

But upon hearing Christian Songs, I was inspired to write something that is "SAKTO"

Some people are prone to brag or boast. It would seem that intrinsic in the human heart is the desire to be best and brag about it! I can always be assured that a person will boast about his or her accomplishments or abilities. But, have we ever brag about GOD?

Why not start your every day with God? 

Give praise. Show adoration toward God. Lift Him up above all else in your life. Adore Him, appreciate who God is, not only for the miracles and what He has done, is doing, can do and shall do. Let your inner most person connect with the Most High God. Take your relationship with Jesus to another level by going a little bit deeper than surface praise and receive the very special touch you desire from the Lord.

“I will boast in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt His name together.” (PS 34:2-3)

Reach out to know Jesus for yourself and be willing to brag about whom He is to you and what great things He has done, is doing and shall do in your life.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Julius BUDOY Verances!!!

Mamang, do you still remember this picture? I think this was taken during Tito Fanny's 1st candidacy. And if I remember correctly, LALAKI ka pa dito? At ako naman ay single?! He He!

Well, I just want to say that I really treasure the moments I had with you. We were always like a team. Magkasundo sa lahat ng bagay. Sisters in crime, lalo na pag nang-ookray at ang favorite naten okrayin ay si Juni! Ha Ha Ha! :))
Nakakamiss ang bonding naten. Wala kasing ganon sa UK. Kaya nga miss ko ang Pinas dahil sa inyo.

I feel so blessed that I have you.

You're always there for me and the one thing on which I could always depend,

was an open ear from you my friend though sometimes I think I failed to let you feel that I am just here for you too.

You've been through a lot lately and I wasn't there to help carry your burdens.

I want you to know that I am always praying for you. You are so very special and my heart is grateful for the friendship that we share and will be forevermore. And though our lives are changing I wish that our friendship will stay true. No matter where life takes me, no matter where I roam, you will always be in my heart.

May God always showers his blessings on you now and forever. May this day be the best that you ever had.
I pray that God will direct you all days of your life.
May you find the real happiness and contentment in every aspect of your being.

You are never alone as I will stay with you through and through. Everything in this world seems uncertain but one thing is definite -- that beyond words, beyond time and distance, you'll always be my one true friend.

I LOVE YOU BUDOY!

PS. I will see you soon! :)

PUB-orito :)

Halos dalawang taon na ako sa Inglatera, mabibilang ko ang araw at gabi na nagliwaliw ako, hindi tulad ng ibang mga pinoy na walang ginawa kung hindi gumala at magparty-party sa gabi. ;)

We went to a REAL pub for the first time in my adult life at 27 years of age, I’ve never been in one before. I was with Ate Franz, Ate Millet and two other extras, forgive me that I can't even recall their names. Anyroad, it was saturday so the pub was really jam-packed with whole bunch of party people. Actually, the pub thing was really not in the plan yesterday as we were just asked to come to help fix up Ate M's Bf's house in Southend (45 mins away from Liverpool st. station if taking the Nat'l train).We were not even dressed to kill! So had to do a bit of make over just to fit in.

I should have taken a picture of myself before this right after I got off from work. I wore the same top and bottom but the top was not tucked in. My hair was completely tied up, curls were made in motion with the help of a straightener (I ♥ using hair S to curl my tresses, less time, looks more natural). I was just wearing a comfy shoes (because I always walk when I'm off to work) and not this wedgie.

From draggy plain and to chick (still maintaining simplicity).

"MMM" as in Meet Madam Millet! :)
Was turned over a new leaf, from head to toe.
Hair was newly rebonded (ehem, by me!).
From the typical pambahay outfit, pj's and t-shirt to a more alluring clothing.
Accesories (authentic :)) and make up on.

Tsk! Meet the mermaid, Ate Franz! :)
Sadly, she couldn't afford to alter the outfit, didn't anticipate any idea of fun that night.
She only put some make up on her face and borrowed my comfy shoes, ha ha!
That's it!

I don't know if I'm allowed to tell why we stayed a bit longer to Madam M's mansion, let's just say that we waited for someone whom we thought will give us lift a to southend. Ended up all disappointed not because that someone didn't show up but because it's late. Past 9 in the evening, we hit the tube off to liver pool st. station and there we boarded the train to our destination.

National Express Train (Virgin Train's far more better) :)

We munched on burger and chips from Burger King while in our journey. Finally at SE, took a cab, just 2-5 minutes ride to MM's Bf's place where we placed all things in order :) No time for rest as we went PUB HUNTING afterwards. We were directed by one of MM's friends. The 1st pub was closing at 1am (12:30 already) and so we had find another. We found a place in town, I forgot the name of the pub but it has DIVIGNE on it. Ha ha ha! Dismissed from mind to take picture of it. From outside, I don't feel like going in, I hate crowded places and the noise, argh! Unbearable! Sobrang Promdi ako eh, mall lang ang naeenjoy ko. Yeah, crowded din ang mall, pero hindi naman in close contact ka sa mga tao. Ha ha! Arte much?! Oh I forgot to mention, the bouncer (yun ata tawag dun, ewan!), parang mga PSG! he he he!WToo much talking eh?! Went inside anyway, there's an entrance fee that I didn't bother asking how much, I'm not paying, hello! :))

And so the PARTY ANIMAL has begun wild ;))
They were all gulping alc bevs and I was hitting my Evian Water. Ha ha ha! :)
KJ pa din ako pagdating dun. I just never really liked drinking it’s just not me I prefer a smoothie or a milkshake, iced tea is nicer.

This crazy looking guy was not a companion. He was just thrilled and mingled with the girls for a flash. He's always goofing around when we're taking photos.
Papansin ang lolo nyo! ;)

Filo's are everywhere. Next to our table were Kababayans too. I think this guy here was with them.

While the cat is away, the mouse will play. :)

Peace MM. Ate Millet was feeling down at greater times that's why I couldn't say No to her.
She deserved this break from work and from stressing her mind about her LL.

I was just doing a favour here when I held a bottle of beer for a friend who's in the loo. :)

The girl was trying to avoid the camera. But Ate Franz really intended to include her in this photo.

The peace sign! Pwede bang mawala yan!? :))

Umuulan ng lalaki sa bar na ito. At isa lamang sya sa mga iyon. Ha Ha Ha!
Wala, type lang nya magpa-picture sa lola nyo.
Kaso si Ate M, ayun! Talagang gusto sumingit eh! He he he :)

Kita nyo naman kung gaano kainsecure yun nagtetake ng picture!
Gwapo yan eh (sabi nila) ! Nanadya lang yun kumukuha! Ha ha ha!
Pero wala naman na mag gugwapo sa Mr. Peralta ko! :)

They couldn't resist Ate Franz's charm.
Ang kukulet ng mga yan! :)

Look at where the guy hand was? Kung makaakap, akala mong jowa!
Ha ha ha! This guy is lunatic! Nagtatago kami sa kanya at ayaw nya kami tanatanan! As if were playing hide and seek with him.

Si ATe M, biktima! Ha ha ha!

Dance! Dance ang lola n'yo!
Papakabog ba ako kay Granny Goose?
Yes, yang nakapang cord care sa picture, oldies medley sila magkakasama.
All of them were flashing their skin/s.
Sabi ko nga, ay kung Nanay kita, ako pa ang humila sayo pauwe! ;)

The pub was OK, still not sure pubs are my scene though, I like my fun to be natural where you can let off some steam and have fun without alcohol trying new and exciting stuff that get your adrenalin pumping. The experience wasn’t that bad. I enjoyed the entertainment brought by the music played and hyperactive people. I just didn't like the idea of seeing couples doing stuff which I find obscene in nature (kissing and rubbing their bodies)... kaderder! :))

Oh, just glad we went. It was fun.

Knock! Knock!

"Opportunity knocks only once", they say, but that is not true. As for me, it knocks more than once, however, though we recognize its existence, we just ignore and let it slip away and so we wonder what happened and search for their whereabouts.

Opportunity knocks like strangers at your door. Sometimes we don't allow them to come in on the grounds that we are scared to just let them in considering the unpredictable outcome they may bring us, good or bad. The stranger that already knocked at your door might never again knock same as the way it is. If it will knock again, it will be different - could be better or worse, who knows?

I was jogging with my dear friend Nhess at the park only this afternoon and we were talking about life - what our lives has been in the UK. We talked about career and love life. We're happy to say that we already found our destiny (in the name of Jay and Ryan). Suffice to say, our love life is OK. Then with our working career, we ended up with the question, "Bakit ba lagi na lang ganito?". I couldn't elaborate furthermore, it's just that the right job is way too elusive at the moment (maybe). We desperately go in search of opportunities and put in all our efforts to make things happen, I see nothing wrong in taking each and every chance as long as you are doing it one at a time. I mean, take one opportunity after the other. If we're able to grab one and found out that it's not working, we let it go. No regrets.

Many of us get the right opportunity but we fail to make the best use of it. We don't act diligently upon the opportunity grabbed. We are eager for quick results but we were lazy enough to work on it. Honestly, I have to say I was one of those whose seeking for instant pleasure, until I came to ponder deeply that immediate pleasure was just some basic tendency of human mind who's tied up with the idea of doing little things and expecting massive gratification. Right now I'm aiming for long term satisfaction. I would if I could with the help of GOD, constantly tame my mind to seek permanent happiness in life and not look for instant pleasure.

I pray to the Lord that HE will bless us with the ability to identify right opportunity, attitude to honestly work on it and sincerity to make the best use of it. Minsan lang dumating ang magandang oportunidad sa buhay naten, kaya naman samantalahin naten ang pagkakataong ito. Let us dodge our inhibitions and take the risks of grasping a certain chance, maybe we'll be ahead of the game.

I will end this blog with this quotation,

“Don’t spend so much time trying to choose the perfect opportunity, that you miss the right opportunity. Whether you’ve found your calling, or if you’re still searching, passion should be the fire that drives your life’s work.” -- Michael Dell

Thank you Dear GOD for inspiring me.

Goodnight everone! :)