My deepest apology that it took me a while to respond.  There are still quite a number of emails I haven’t responded to and I’m trying to find the time to go through each and every one.  There are far too much going on and I’m so thankful that I’m blessed with bountiful things to do.  You know what they say, an idle mind is the devil’s playground.  I know I’ve also been remiss in replying to the comments you post on the site.  I think my last one was in March.  I’m trying to make up with this entry.

Posting here some of the comments/emails that have stirred me as of late.  I’ve compiled it into a brief entry so it’s easier to look back at this and find comfort in your words when I need a hug or two.

Tahanan ni Aling Meding and Outdoor Lunch at Lake Pandin

From: Phatty Chiu

tatum10.multiply.com

I’m a big fan of your site. I came across your site a few months back.  Since then, I’ve always been excited to see your recent posts, to know more about the restaurants and places you’ve been to. It’s not only entertaining but I learn so much from just reading your site.  You have so much passion for life, food and almost everything.  You have a good heart and I admire you for being able to experience the things that most girls, ladies and women won’t even dare to try. I admire your courage to stand for what you believe in, to learn and experience more but most importantly to be able to share it to the world.

Also, one more thing that noticeable about you is your skin.  I used to have flawless skin. Now, I have pimple breakouts all over my face.  I tried all sorts of creams, treatments, nothing works.  I’m in dire need of an advice. Hope you won’t mind sharing your secret to having such clear skin.

Thanks Jane. Hope you’ll continue to experience more out of life. God Bless!

——End——

Hi Patty,

Thank you so much for your kind words.  I hope to infect other people with the same passion I have for life… and find the most interesting things to be happy or thankful about in food, travel, people they meet, and the most mundane points of their lives. 

We got to have courage as long as we’re breathing.

In this life, we win some and we learn some.

Regarding my skin, I really don’t know if I have good skin up close.  Like you, I used to have flawless skin that I didn’t find the need for powder.  Stress and probably pollution have changed all that.  I really haven’t had a regimen for years, last was probably a little after college.  One thing I did notice though was my skin was glowing more whenever I am on a fruit diet or I do regular exercise/running/boxing at the gym. 

Oh and a lot of good sleep helps!

Again, thanks Patty for keeping my fire burning.

Bite after bite,

Janey

——————————-

A Bundle of Joyce

From: Dea

deaguwapa.com

Sisters really are the best, one of life’s greatest blessings!

I agree with the comment above, I love the photographs of you two laughing. This post just tugged at my heartstrings.

By the way, my sister and I love Mom & Tina’s too!

——End——

Hi Dea,

I love both my sisters.  Long ago, I’ve dubbed them “the rascals.”  Quite characters these two.  They have their odd-behavior-moments but I still love them nonetheless.  They are my antidotes for a stressful day.

I’m their big sister but it’s them who make my life easy… and difficult at times.  But mostly, easy.

Big sheesh-ter,

Janey

———————————-

From: Dyanie

princessdyanie.blogspot.com

Hi Jane! When I first saw you in Franny’s blog, sabi ko “wow ang pretty naman nya”. I havent told you pa ata how pretty you are. When I read this entry, it made me say, “she’s prettier” referring to you. Janey, you have a big heart and it really shows. You are pretty inside and out. I may just know you online but having said that, I know nothing’s changed if we’ll meet personally. Your sister is lucky to have you. Your family and your Bubba too.

——End——-

Hi Dyanie!!!

Well, the truth of that is… I’m the lucky one to have my sisters, my family, and Bubba.  I don’t lead a perfect life but I know for a fact that I’m beautiful because people around me are beautiful.

The beautiful truth,

Janey

—————————————

From: Carlos

foodiemanila.com

awwww J! This post just made my heart melt. As if I needed further validation of the kind person you are, this just sealed the deal! You are and forever will be one of my “people”. So often we call ourselves people and yet act like animals. This happens more frequently that we care to acknowledge. But by calling you a person it shows the kind of admiration I have for who you are as well as the pleasure in being remotely associated with you.(dare I even say friend?) You will forever have and hold a special place in my heart. (And you know how special that is right?)

Thank you for sharing this.

——End——

Hey Zippy, 

I wonder when you’ll meet Joyce 🙂  We’re so much closer now than when you posted this comment.  Change your mind yet?  Haha 🙂

Seriously, I’m happy that we’ve become really good friends.  I’m always here to listen 😉

Half hugger,

Janey

——————————————– 

An Evening to Remember

From: B

Hey, I saw you at Ugu Bigyan today with Bubba. I didn’t want to interrupt your lunch, and besides I was too starstruck to say hi.  Hope you have a good holy week.

——-End——

Hello B!

Oh, no need to be shy.  We’re just as ordinary as any  (well, with a little bit of crazy) How didja find Ugu’s?

Hope you had a good one!

Bump into Me,

Janey

————————–

My Love Affair with Bali (1^st of 3 Parts)

From: Carlos

foodiemanila.com

Your writing and stories always are a pleasure to read. I’m really sorry I haven’t been visiting much but when I do visit, I stay for awhile. You made me feel as if I were there with you throughout the entire trip. I’ve always been a fan of travelling (especially for the food) and it was a good mix of activities and food which always leaves me wanting more and more. These posts are not mere posts on a blog, but bits and pieces of a novel, a part of a greater masterpiece, that is your life janey. I enjoy witnessing how it unfolds through the words and pictures. I’ve never considered teaching photography, but because of people like you I am seriously considering holding a workshop for it. Keep writing and shooting Janey. You are part of the very lucky few who can go out and see the world while the rest of us live our dreams through your blog. I hope someday to travel with you. Let me know when you want to do this, I’ll really make time.

Forever a Fan,

Carlos

——-End——-

Zippy,

This comment made me a bit teary-eyed.  Sigh.  Thanks for making my day when I read this one.

Moved by your words,

Janey or MM 😉

————————————————–

Random

From: Ezra Montemayor

http://www.foodiebudgettraveler.blogspot.com/

http://www.ezraphotography.blogspot.com/

I browsed through your blog before I started my own blog… just wanted to thank u for the inspiration 🙂

I ddnt realize blogging had so many technical stuff (html, layout, adsense, nuffnang, rss etc).

Aargh. I’m all confused.

Anyway, I just wanted to thank u. 🙂

——-End——-

Hi Ezra,

Thank you for your email and note of thanks for being an inspiration.

Yes, blogging involves a lot of technical stuff… 85% of which I still don’t understand or know how to do on my own.  I’m glad that my friends are helping me out from time to time.

Best wishes on your new blog.  Your photos are awesome 🙂

Bite of inspiration,

Janey

 —————————–

Thanks everyone for giving me a string of HAPPY VIBE. 

Love is love.

xoxo,

Janey