Gem Talks

So you easily make friends? How long do you get to keep them? Dunbar, based on statistics say we only get to keep 150 significant friends, even if Facebook says we have thousands. Sometimes, there are people who will realize they are alone because they weren't able to keep their friends. Just like in any romantic relationship, we also need to have a few trusted friends to keep.

Here are some tips to be able to have stronger friendships.




1. Keep in contact

There are some friends that you easily connect to though you haven't seen each other in months, or even years. However, if you are really a true friend, you would try your very best to keep in contact no matter how busy you are. A short text, a short personal chat message to ask them how they are doing is a good start.

2. Initiate a get-together

If you are not good at scheduling get-togethers, then assign it to someone in the group who is good at it. Me and my high school friends started as 14 people in the group. We doubled when we got married and had kids. It's really a challenge to schedule gatherings so we usually give it to the one who is good at it. What is important is that we get to see each other, the least, every Christmas.



3. Share more deeply with a friend

Don't just talk about what's happening at work but talk about what's happening with each other's lives. Me and my CEC friends bonded strongly because we openly talk about life, our relationships, our views about current topics, about law of attraction, about horoscopes, about things that we have interest in.


4. Share the bad and the good times

There should be a balance between the two. What would you feel when you have a friend who only shares problems all the time? Negativity drains everyone. So make sure you celebrate successes and you listen and emphatize when someone is feeling down.

5. Respect each other's views.

We talk about the Presidential candidates, the recent LGBT equality concerns to name a few. Though we got so deep in the discussion, we still respect each other's views about it.

Here is a personal video with me and my friends because we celebrated my friend, Francis' birthday!

I think the most important of all is that you and your circle of friends share the same values. Interest, hobbies and work may change or may be different but I believe that if you do not share the same values, it would be very difficult to keep the group solid.

Friendships are made by God so we can have a support group to turn to (to add to our families) whenever we need them.

#gemtalks - Eve of VDay from gemtalks on Vimeo.

This was how my Valentine's day eve was spent. We checked in at The Exchange Regency Residence hotel, dined at PBA Cafe and had a tiring but eventful weekend.




I really don't believe that single people should dread or disregard Valentine's day when this day should be all about "love". It is about your love for your parents, for your craft, your pet, your siblings, your sport, etc. Personally, celebrations for me are just terms created to remind people to take a break from their work and celebrate life.


















Aside from the delicious but affordable food in PBA Cafe, you can also watch PBA games because there are flat screen TVs everywhere. They have basketball recreations for kids and you can even play basketball on a half court with a maximum of 4 players by paying 50 pesos for 12 minutes.

Women and even men always have a choice on what they want in life but our choices have consequences. I chose to work from home and become a freelancer and a consultant because I want to spend as much time with my children. See them grow up, get to see every milestones, and more importantly, guide them on the right values.

Even though I work from home, I still feel that sometimes, I don't get to really be PRESENT with my kids. There are moments when I would still miss an important event, just like today. Due to some unfortunate circumstance, I was a couple of minutes late from watching my kid's field demonstration. It was the first school event that I missed and I don't know about others who can bear not seeing their child's school activities, I simply just can't bear it!

Always remember... that there is a last time for everything. So I would rather not get a full 8 hour sleep, miss my favorite TV show, miss work than miss my child's event.

I wouldn't mind waking up 4:30 in the morning because I want everything prepared. This will be the last time that this will happen because I will MAKE sure I would be there ON TIME as I always am.

The Last Time

And nothing in particular to worry about.

Full of feedings and burping,

Nappy changes and crying,

Whining and fighting,

Naps or a lack of naps,

It might seem like a never-ending cycle.

It will be the Chinese Lunar New Year this Monday, February 8, 2016. If you are entertained with horoscopes and Chinese astrology, it is a good thing to see what this year could bring us.




Based from Susan Levitt's astrology website, this year is ideal for a quantum leap our life. It is the time to shake things up, create change, and innovate a new path.

Aside from what I know that monkeys have a characteristic to be extravagant, Susan also said that monkeys have enthusiastic energy. Taking risks are rewarded and anything can happen. This is the year for us to grab opportunities for there will be plenty.

Every lunar new year, I always look for the animals friends because they most likely will have an easier year compared to those who are considered "enemies" of the animal year. For monkeys, it is said that it is friends with the rat, dragon, and snake. This year however, could be problematic for the tiger.

On the eve of the lunar Chinese new year, it is best to wear something red and gold for these colors will be lucky this 2016.

I always believe though that astrology is just a guide. We still make our own fate. Success can be achieved when you take action everyday towards your goal.

(You can find out more about the Fire Monkey from Susan Levitt's website)