Food Trip: Jollibee in Kuwait

Finally, I took a bite of the Bee.

Three days after it opened, Jollibee Kuwait is still overflowing with enthusiastic Pinoys waiting in line for hours, wanting to have a taste of home away from home.

Last night, I became part of that mob.

As soon as I arrived home from work yesterday, I asked my wife if she wants to try our luck tonight, she said okay. My daughter must have overheard us and said "Daddy, teacher asked us if we've been to Jollibee already and everybody said Yes, I am the only one No." Okay, so it only means we have to go..lol.

As expected, when we reached the store there's still a queue outside. So we decided to go and do other matters then just come back later.

And come back we did. It was already past 9 by then, about an hour and a half since we first passed by. There were still people in line outside, but at least fewer than the previous days so I thought this should not take long.

I joined the line. When I was standing there, I felt a sort of embarrassment to myself... like I was telling how these people could stand hours of waiting just to have a burger and chicken...like I told before I would wait for the madness to settle down maybe in a months time before  I bring my family here...and yet, here I am, standing outside, waiting patiently for my burger and chicken..LOL!

Inch by inch the line moved until I found myself already inside the store..weee! I am just a few minutes away from the counter. But those minutes quickly turned to hour and yet I felt we are not moving any closer. Darn, this waiting is taking forever and the smell of freshly cooked chicken is killing me. I watched as one by one, customers make their order and as they happily collect their bags of goodness and turned away from the counter with a sigh of relief and desperation. I heard one said, " Sa wakas (At last), after 3 hours!"..I also watched in amazement how one lady ordered just one burger meal for take out..She was there from 7 pm and she ordered just that? Oh well..

Closing time is coming and I can sense an increased feeling of anxiety with my fellow customers. Add to this,  some items are already being sold out! Like what the..**!, you waited long enough only to be told "Sorry, Sir..Sorry Ma'am, sold out na po." 

Anyway, my turn came so I made my order.. and I made sure I have all I wanted..I mean, if you waited that long, better make it sure it's worth the wait..hah!

We drove back home, tired and hungry and cold.. By close to midnight, we had our dinner...on bed!..just so tired to have a meal on the dining table...I finished my burger within minutes and Mommy finished half of hers before we turned our attention to the chicken meal..my girls are also delighted with their spaghetti meal, and in fact, even alternately taking a bite from our burgers!..in less than 10 minutes, we're done...

So was it worth all that?.Definitely!...seeing the smiles..and the spaghetti sauce...on my girl's face..It's definitely yes.

Will I do it again? No..not that soon..I will come back there again after a month's time, after all these madness has settled down...

Or until I crave for another burger..

Happy 3rd Birthday our dearest Zoe..

Time flies so fast but she wants..no, she insists....that we still call her Baby Zoe...well, she's still the baby of the family....May she continues to grow up as loving and as sweet as she is..God bless her always.

Happy, happy 3rd Birthday Baby Zoe..We Love You!

Happy Mother's Day Mommy...We Love You...(FUNNY)

Watch as our two little girls, Cianna and Zoe, prepare to make a video greeting for Mommy for Mother's Day..Funny and yet a very endearing video with Cianna still with her chicken pox and Zoe just being Zoe trying their best to make Mommy feel special this day.

and yes, Mommy was very very happy with the girl's effort :)

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL MOMMIES OUT THERE!

Desert Adventure + Funshoot Weekend

Last Friday, the LightBenders Photography Group drove down South for 2 important events: first is our induction as official members of the group (yey!) and second, as birthday treat of our resident designer/HMUA, Kenneth.I brought my family with me to experience the outdoors and to meet the rest of the LB families.

First stop was this beautiful rock formations at the outskirts of Khiran, some 90 kms. south of Kuwait. There in the looming shadows of the rocks above,we conducted our oath-taking as the first batch accepted by the group in their young existence..

LB Batch 1 (L-R): Amie, Mel, Alvin, Me, Verge, Rey and Johnny.  Photo by Diomil dela Pena

Just to be in the same company as these talented and creative individuals is already a rewarding experience by itself and to be formally inducted as one of them is just the icing on the cake..

LightBenders Photography Group in Kuwait. Photo by Johnny Dao

Next stop is at this camel farm in Wafra where we spent the rest of the day. There, in the middle of the desert, we had our barbecue/lunch, the children played around, and we simply had a good time, taking photos of the camels and their caretakers, and later on, an impromptu photoshoot with our guests turned models.

It was a fun and exciting day, a great outdoor experience indeed....I can't wait for more fun and creative shoots with the whole LB team...soon!

Zoe steals Ate Cianna's show

Today, April 1, our family went to Cianna's school for their Annual Family Fun Day- a day of fun-filled activities for the whole family. The students from all levels were divided into four (4)color-coded teams as the Red Scorpions, Pink Panthers, Green Dragons and the Yellow Tigers, complete with their own gimmicks and team cheer. Activities include a cheering competition, a team dancing competition, best muse and escort and of course, parlor games for parents and children.

Cianna was assigned to the Pink Panthers team so she came to the school wearing a Pink shirt and White shorts. To avoid any jealousy on her little sister's part, Mommy and I decided to make Zoe wear the same colors too. And she really made herself involved with the her sister's team, as she sat and mingle with them all the time.

Cianna's class performed an intermission number but to our surprise and delight, our youngest, Zoe escaped from her Mommy's arms and decided to join her sister. She just ignored Mommy's call for her to come back to her seat as she stubbornly remained on the floor.

Here's the video of their number. Warning: the best part is towards the end...lol!



There she was causing a small distraction by trying to get hold of a girl's hoola-hoop, then making her own cute poses and dancing...completely out-staging and stealing the show from her sister and the whole class!

All in all, it was a fun day..my girls really enjoyed it..And so did I.

Massive Sandstorm hits Kuwait....March 25, 2011

I was at a children's party with my 2 daughters at past 5 pm today when we noticed the skies suddenly turned dark...a huge, huge sand storm is slowly enveloping Kuwait!...

Just like last year, at about the same period..only it was early morning then...and just like last year, I am also not in a good location to videotape the event....unlucky me!..

Here are some videos I gathered from the lucky ones...(Credits to all the owners/original uploaders of the videos featured below)







But I am still lucky to be able to get out of there with my 2 girls, pick up my wife from work, drive through the storm and get home safe..thank God!

Ang Misteryo ng Nawawalang French Fries

The Mystery of the Missing French Fries

One day, a group of friends decided to eat at McDonald's.
They eat and chat happily.
While Jamie sits quietly in the corner, thinking " How can I finish my burger?"

As time passes by, they continued to have fun.
They did not notice one more french fries remained.
And Princie secretly took it. " This is mine hehehe".

When they finally noticed, they immediately look for it.
Jamie: " I don't know about it, I still haven't finish my burger"
Cristina: " It was just there awhile ago..it must've taste so good"
Ara: : " Yes, I agree..especially with catsup and mayo"
Mayleen: " Hmmm..who would've take it?"
Princie: " I will just pretend I don't know anything."

Cristina: "It was not captured in the CCTV monitor."
Mayleen: " Could it be Jamie?"
Racquel: " Try to check the video"
Mayleen: " I can't see anything here"
Racquel: " Why don't  you try to open your eyes?"
Princie: " I will just keep pretending."

Mayleen: " Tell me honestly, you're the one who took the fries, right?"
Princie: " Eh, just between us ok?"
Mayleen: " Of course, we're friends!..but, share it with me ok?"
Princie: "Yup, don't worry this is the last..Promise, the next time we see each other again,
               I will be sexier than you!"

Princie: " Ok, bye..see you again"
Mayleen: " Hey, hide that paper bag you crazy!"

Princie and Mayleen: " This L is for you...We're the winners!"

30. Buy a Wii..or PS3 with all accessories?..Which one is better I am still debating.

Last January, on my 39th birthday, I wrote a list of the 40 things I want to do or accomplish before I turn 40. This is number 30 from that list.

Well, the choice was obvious..I bought a Wii as a gift to my daughter Cianna on her 6th birthday..actually I already promised it to her long time before that if she do well in her class, she will get her birthday wish. And she actually did so I have to fulfill my end of the bargain.

I chose to buy the Wii even though the competition in the market  is becoming even tougher, what with the launching of PS Move for Playstation 3 and the Xbox's Kinect..I chose Wii because of its family entertainment value and for ease of use...it's primarily meant to be for my daughters' use anyway-- not for a graphics-hungry, hard core gamer like I wanted to be....LOL!

Happy 6th Valentine's Birthday, our Cianna

6 Valentines Day ago, my wife gave me the best gift a wife could ever give--she gave birth to our beloved daughter, Cianna..

Thank you Mommy for the gift of love and life...and now, as our little valentine turns another year older, I can't help but realize how fast time flies..she's growing up so fast and before we know it, she will already be celebrating her Valentine birthday with her own date! argh, it hurts to even think about it..

To Cianna, you being born on St. Valentine's Day is a constant reminder of your Mom's love..you are a source of pride and joy to us and your siblings..You know how much we love you..I thank God for  you and I pray that you continue to grow as a loving and sweet child and sister..May you also spread love to the people around  you..

Happy Valentine's Birthday our little princess Cianna....We love you this much..You will always be my little girl.

That's in your face, Daddy!

Shortly after our return from vacation last December, we spent the next 2 weeks helping Cianna catch up with her lessons, doing the assignments and seatworks she missed and at the same time reviewing her for the coming 2nd periodical exams.

And though we really did't expect too much from her this time,  I made a deal that if she performs well in her exams, she'll get the Wii she's always wanted as her birthday present this February.

Imagine my surprise (and smile) today, when I went to her school for the quarterly PTA meet.. Not only did she perform well in her exams, she even exceeded my expectations!. She is in a virtual tie for first place with a mere. 10 separating each of them from Rank 1 to 3..Now that's something to be proud of!

I am particularly proud of her Math results..I think we spent countless review sessions over sheets of papers and examples just so she can get the concepts..but in the end, it was well worth it..That's 60 over 60..woot!
( and I am not so ecstatic, huh?)

So I guess,  its my turn to keep my end of the deal huh?

40 Things To Do Before I Turn 40

Today I am celebrating my 39 years of earthly existence..and though I am contented with what I have reached so far , I know there’s still a lot more to this life…and  so, as I continue my journey towards my 4^th decade, I am writing down the list of the things I’d like to do or accomplish in a year’s time before I reach that magical number.

Some of these are realistic..some are a bit on the extreme side while others will be really difficult..but that’s the whole idea about this list, right?..

Before I turn 40, I will:

1. Take the car for dent repairs and a full-body repainting job..and soon!
2. Finish paying for my car. (Done! as of July 2011)
3. Go up Kuwait’s Liberation Tower.
4.  Cross a sea, or even just a river, by boat or ship.
5. Drive a car in the Philippines……with Manual Transmission.
6. Renew my Philippine driving license.
7. Visit a country other than the usual stop-overs to and from Kuwait.
8. Visit at least one tourist destination in the Philippines…outside Luzon.
9. Go home to my birthplace, my hometown- Infanta, Quezon…(Done! Nov.2,2011)
10. Try at least one water activity…Jet Ski perhaps!
11. Try one extreme outdoor activity—Rock or wall climbing? Bungee jumping? Whatever..
12. Try one extreme ride at the amusement park—Tornado? Cyclone?..let’s do it.
13. Eat an exotic food..something so exotic that I can’t even think of one right now.
14. Get a tattoo…even a small one.
15. Hold a kitten for 5 minutes!
16.  Dye my hair
17.  Finish building our dream house. (In progress)
18. Finish repairs on my parents’ house.
19. Have a house blessing
20. Paid off all of my debts…or at least more than half of it :D
21. Donate for a charity of my choice..(If donating for the Fund raising campaign project of our alumni association to repair/restore our church bells can be considered...then it's done!)
22. Meet someone famous. (Done!)
23.  Have a General Medical check-up.
24. Hit the gym…or at least do some physical activities..jogging, brisk-walking..go go!..(In progress)
25.  Be 10 kgs. lighter than my current weight...(In progress)
26. Buy something expensive for my wife….ssshh!
27.  Pay for my children’s education for one year.(Done!)
28. Hire someone to finally do that extra wardrobe/storage we badly need in our bedroom.(Consider it done..We have a spare room we used as storage space instead, now our bedroom is more organized...as of July 2011)
29. Upgrade my home computer..(Consider it done..I got myself a new HP Laptop)
30.  Buy a Wii….or PS3 with all accessories? …Which one’s better, I am still debating.. (Done!)
31. Learn to play at least one musical instrument.
32.  Read a book..and actually finish it.
33. Spend one weekend for a Harry Potter movie marathon.
34. Attempt another year-long photography project, maybe a 52 (a photo a week) and complete it. (In progress)
35. Have my first real photo shoot. (Done!)
36. Attend a photography workshop. (Done! Nov. 18-19,2011)
37. Take some Advance Computer Lessons- PC Assembly, Troubleshooting, Networking…for future business plans J
38. Spend my 40^th birthday in the Philippines..in a nice beach resort…with the family…for 3 days and 2 nights J
39. Learn to accept the fact that I am 40 years old already.
40. .......................

I am leaving the 40^th space open so I’ll have an unplanned accomplishment within the year, now that’ll make this list more exciting…

I’d be blogging about it every time I achieve one task..so let’s see how much I’d get before I blow my 40 candles..Wish me luck!

A Blessed Christmas and A Prosperous New Year to All!

Mercado Family Get Together

One of the best, if not the best, things that happened during our recent vacation to the Philippines is to finally have that rare chance for our family to be complete again.. Yes, we may be just a small family but because I had to be away most of the time, and even my youngest brod, Mon has to leave the country also,  we hardly had  the opportunity to be together again...I mean, all of us- me and my brothers, our respective wives and all of our children- all in one place and eat, talk, play and just have fun...So we thank the good Lord we finally have this chance this year..I know Tatay and Nanay couldn't be happier..we hope to do it again soon!

it's bath time!

Happy 2nd Birthday Zoe

My daughter Zoe is one very active toddler- she's always on the go..she never runs out of energy.. always up to something..climbing, jumping, running around the house..Her hands are so quick, we cant take our eyes away from her even for just a second or she'd already have grab something..the bad part of it is that she destroys everything she lay her hands on..toys, food, Mommy's cosmetics, her sister's school things..those are her usual victims..but it's fine, that's normal at her age I guess..

she's also an active eater..she doesn't need to be called during meal time-she's already on her chair even before the table is set!..she demands her own plate and eats on her own...and she never seems to stop eating.

She's very picky when it comes to dresses--she prefers "sexy" clothes at daytime and only agress to wear pajamas when its night time..try to put a simple shirt and shorts on her after her morning bath and chances are she will refuse..or even if you succeed, she will eventually take them off in no time..

But she's a very loving girl- she never fails to say "ababoo" ( I Love you) before we sleep..she always got a welcome smile and hug everytime me and mommy come home..she's very thoughful too, she'd take my shoes back to the shoerack as soon as I remove them and offer me my slippers before saying "I win!"(that's her way of saying she's good hehe)..she'd even fight with her ate Cianna to get my shirts off the drawer..

Well,that's our little girl..the darling of the family...that's our lovable Zoe..and she's 2 years old today.We thank the Lord for this day and we pray that you continue to grow as sweet, lovable and thoughful as you are..We love you, Baby Zoe..Happy Birthday!

Starting Early?

We were eating at Pizza Hut one night- Mommy, Me, Cianna and Zoe. After noticing two boys at the next table staring at her, Cianna asked:

" Mommy, do I still have lipstick?"

Mommy and I can only shake our heads and laugh.

Si Tatay..mula noon hanggang ngayon..

This is my Tatay's pic I submitted and shared in Definitely Filipino's Facebook Page: " Ako Noon, Ako Ngayon Part II" Album..The 2010 pic was taken just recently on his 62nd birthday..The pose was purely coincidental, I just noticed the similarity in one of their old photos from my aunt's collection..

I am surprised and glad as well that a lot of people liked this and have shared positive and kind comments.. I particularly liked one of the comments from the page which says " he must be so contented with his life"..

I am just so proud of my Tatay, he never really changed even after all  these years..I mean, his outlook in life, his friendly manner, his love for the family and his faith in God..they must have reflected on how he has aged through the years..Indeed, he really must be so contented with his life, our life..

Smart Girl

Cianna finished Second in her class this school year 2009-2010 and is now being accelerated to Advanced Casa for the new SY. I just feel so thankful for being blessed with these lovable and smart children. They are our endless source of pride and joy.

May God continue to bless them- my children. Amen.

Happy 40th Anniversary, Tatay and Nanay

They're my source of strength. My love. My inspiration. They're my parents. 
I don't know where I'd be without them. 


And as they celebrate this important milestone, 
I praise God for his eternal love and grace to our family
and for continuing to bless them with good health.


I'd forever feel blessed for having them as my parents
And now that I also have my own family 
I am following their path to success-
How they tirelessly loved and supported us, their children and now, our children too.
How they remained strong amidst all trials that have come their way
And how they continued to trust and love each other after all these years


May they have more anniversaries to celebrate.
More love to share. More blessings to come.


I love you Tatay and Nanay.

Feeling Guilty Over A Cup of Coleslaw..

Nung isang araw pa ako naglalaway sa KFC..para bang di nakakatikim ng chicken 8 days a week sus. So kagabi, finally natupad nga (yey!). We had KFC for dinner. 2 piece meal ang kay misis, 3 piece naman sa akin...may kasama ng bread, fries at drinks pero yun sa akin lang me coleslaw. Siempre Take-out as usual, mas masarap kumain sa bahay e.

So ayun nga, habang nilalantakan namin ang mga kawawang breasts, legs at thighs ay sige naman kami panonood ng TV..(sarap-buhay noh). Nauna kong naubos ang akin (ay 3 piece ba? hehehe)..Kaya binalingan ko na ang aking coleslaw..Usap..kain..nood..di ko namamalayan, naubos ko na ang coleslaw...

Dun na nagreact ang aking asawa.." Ay, ubos na, di mo man lang ako inalok? nakaisang subo pa lang ako dun a" sabay maktol kunyari....

Awwww..

Abot-abot ang sorry ko..nalibang talaga ako sa pagkain at panonood..

Sabi pa nya, " Hmph, samantalang ako, ultimo isusubo ko na, hinahati ko pa para ibigay sa yo "..ayan na, kahit tatawa-tawa yan, alam ko tinototoo na nya..

Then narealize ko, oo nga tama sya..ganun nga sya, maski ano kinakain nyan, magtitira at magtitira para sa akin..o kaya hinahatian ako parati..maski yung ulam na kasya lang sa kanya, ititira pa nun for me kasi alam nya maghahanap ako ng makakain pagkagaling sa work...na-guilty na talaga ako...

Sabi ko na lang, sige bukas pasalubungan kita ng large coleslaw ha...oo daw..

"Gusto ko sa Popeye's ha? mas masarap coleslaw dun...."  

Kaya mamaya, chicken ulit kami..pero kanya na yung coleslaw..:D