The Best Things in Life are FREE!

Two years ago, I scored 4 tickets to a Valentine concert by Basil Valdez at the newly opened Esplanade in Bay City. It was a cocktail event and I was so excited to invite Tats and my in-laws (who adore Basil) to something we can dress-up for since our first and last dressy affair was on our wedding the year before.

Not very familiar with the artist, Tats wasn't so crazy about the idea so I ended up giving 2 tickets to his uncle and aunt - one couldn't make it so it was one slot gone to waste. My in-laws had a great time and I was glad... but I was fuming mad at Tats for passing up the opportunity... it's not like we had anything better to do. Channeling my inner Scarlet O' Hara, I vowed that as God as my witness I shall never let up on freebies again!

It's not about being cheap - it's about opening yourself up to opportunities. What have you got to lose?

With open attitude I had experiences I probably would not have been able to afford or be willing to spend on myself.

I got to cruise out on the sunset aboard a media mogul's private boat with a most vibrant bunch. We had sangria and paella, then our host served whisky... I was having so much fun I forgot it's uncharted territory - too late after I swiveled scotch on the rocks. I was instantly woozy - good thing our host was gracious enough to offer French wine, sweet!

On the way home, my head spun with the movement of the van - my composure was only until Tagaytay where I stuck my head out just in time to throw up out the window.

I haven't broken my alcohol limit since 4 years before but I'd do it again in a heartbeat so long as the sky is as golden.

Another great freebie experience came through my rowing teamate, Joyce - she gave 2 tickets to Avenue Q which I was not totally familiar with. Good thing I didn't have to drag a kickin' 'n screamin' Tats this time... he's a fast learner that husband o' mine.

It was a hilarious musical with swearing and copulating puppets that got us laughing our heads off. The actors were brilliant and Aiza Seguerra was a deadringer for Gary Coleman! Lea Salonga was in our row too and I was starstuck.

Back to my point - as long as it doesn't cost you an arm and a leg... go ahead and check out whatever life throws your way!

Tats' Birthday Excursion

On October last year I made an impulse online purchase of roundtrip tickets for two to Bangkok for January because...

1. my work was driving me crazy and i wanted a reward for all the hard work
2. it was to mark a milestone - my 30th birthday
3. shempre Cebu Pacific was on SALE!

Off to Bangkok we went with our credit cards still burdened by the expenses from the Holidays and where do we go on our first day? The Gem Production Company where Tats combined credits from 3 cards to get me a ruby necklace (aaaw shucks!)... needless to say, we got maxed out and had to subsist on the little cash on hand for the rest of the trip which wasn't really hard since Bangkok is quite budget-friendly... but that's another story.

Come March, we we're debt free but I was still struggling as I just got back to work after a 2-month hiatus. Then there was the 17th day of the month, glaring at me from all calendars - it's Tats, birthday! Well no worries, he was never into parties or anything fancy, perhaps he'll be happy with just me popping out of a box...

But as the 17th hovered, he shoots me with, "So, what do you have for my Big 3-0?"
I froze like a crook under a spotlight... what can else can I say other than... "It's a surprise!"

It was a frenzy from then - I thought of a concept, looked for a venue, secretly passing road maps to friends and on D-day, Tats and I were off to South Superhwy.

He was all cranky missing the exit and not knowing where I was taking him until we pulled into parking and 3 of our selected friends were there... surprise!

As hostess, I made sure the journey towards the destination was eventful. For lunch I brought them to Balinsasayaw in Silang, Cavite. I've been there with officemates before... dining is in cogon huts dotting the hills with flowering shrubs along the pathways. The signature dish is "Crispy Pata-tim", that's golden fried pork leg... crunchy skin, tender meat, served on a bed of chopsuey (crisp veggies with slightly sweet sauce)... heavenly! We also ordered sinigang na sugpo, vegetable kare-kare, grilled liempo and tuna belly among others. There were 5 of us and bill was under P2k! Great Filipino food with cool, fresh Tagaytay breeze sure can kick the ass of most air-conditioned fine dining resto!

While digesting I took them to Ilog Maria Bee Farm where they delighted in fresh honey, beeswax lipgloss, bee pollen supplements, handmade organic soaps and more!

Then off we went down the winding roads to Talisay. The main road was rugged until I led them through plain white gate and right before us was breathtaking Taal Lake with the volcano not far behind.

I discovered Walter Bruan's (0437730286) place through contacts from Taal Lake Yacht Club just 2 gates away. It's basic rows of whitewashed cottages each with air-conditioned room, 2 queen-sized beds, cable TV, vented toilet & bath and an outdoor sitting area with kitchen and refrigerator for only P2k - coolness!

We opened a bottle of wine and placed the other 6 in the freezer, laid out a spread of assorted cheeses, sauteed shitake mushrooms, vegetable sticks, fresh fruits and chocolate fondue. We had an iPod, speakers and the rest of the day to just chill... and chill we did.

Our friends left at 10pm while Tats and I stayed overnight. The next day, we celebrated at home with family over steak, mashed potatoes and cake.

Initially I thought of throwing a big barbecue party at the house but I figured that 2 intimate celebrations was more to Tats liking and I was right... it turned out much cheaper too!