Super Comments Award

Thank you Alice for this award. I really appreciate it. I enjoy visiting your blog as often as I can. I also want to thank you for being one of my regular readers. Thank you for always taking time to leave wonderful remarks on my blog.

About this award: "We give and get awards for having a great blog and being a good friend. What I want to award is those people whose comments have meant THE WORLD to me. It takes time to visit a blog and leave a comment ... I wanted to recognize some special bloggers whose comments have made such an impact on me. The “You Don’t Say?” Award is awarded to these special bloggers in hopes that they will pass the award along to 5-10 of their best commenters!"

I would like to pass this award to the following blog friends:

1. Kia
   
2. donG hO
   
3. Sheng
   
4. Salen
   
5. Kay
   
6. Ebie
   
7. Maria
   
8. Cascia
   
9. Janice
10. Louann
    

Fabulous, Kreativ, Blog Love and More

Thank you Alice for awarding me with the Your Blog is Fabulous Award. I really appreciate it. This award comes with a request to share five things I'm addicted to ...

1. Yohan's Hugs and Kisses - My son will always top my list. :)
2. Julia Fordham's CDs - I love all her songs. I never get tired of listening to them.
3. Blueberry Cheesecake - This is my favorite dessert. I always order it.
4. Picture Perfect Moments - I love carrying my handy point-and-shoot camera everywhere. I just love taking photos.
5. Cute Little Nonsense - I love buying cute little stuff/trinkets that catch my interest.

I'm passing this award to Jeanette, Janice, Josiet, Kia, and Liz (MommyBa)

*****************************************

This Kreativ Blogger award is also from my dear friend Alice. I'm very sorry if I wasn't able to share it sooner.

This award deals with the values we deem important in others. Here are the six values that are important to me, six things I don’t support, and my nomination of six bloggers:

Six values that are important to me:

1. Love
2. Kindness
   
3. Respectfulness
4. Honesty
   
5. Self Disciple
   
6. Sympathy For Others
   

Six things I don’t support:

1. Hatred
   
2. Selfishness
   
3. Lack of Self Tolerance
   
4. Lack of Sympathy
   
5. No Concern For Others
   
6. Hypocrisy
   

My nomination of six bloggers:

1. Odette
2. Jo
3. Evi
4. Fenny
5. Girlie

*****************************************

Thank you Sasha for this Blog Love award. Please pardon the delay.

1. Put the logo in your blog.
2. Add a link to the person who shared it with you.
3. Pass this award to your Blogger Friends
4. Add your link to the list of participants below
5. Leave a message for your nominee on their blog.

Blog Lovers: 1. Soul Anchor 2. Cookie’s Corner 3. Ane of Life According To Me 4. Tales of a Pinay Single Mommy 5. A Girl For All for Status 6. Sasha says… 7. Heart of Rachel 8. YOU'RE NEXT

~~END COPY~~

I'm passing this to Alice, Roselle, Sheng, Shimumsy, Tetcha, and Arlene.

*****************************************

Thank you very much Tetcha for this great award.

This Award is presented to bloggers who display consistency in any one or a combination of these conditions:
1. The Blogger manifests exemplary attitude, respecting the nuances that pervades amongst different cultures and beliefs.
2. The Blog contents inspire, strives to encourage and offers solutions.
3. There is a clear purpose at the Blog, one that fosters a better understanding on Social, Political, Economic, the Arts, Culture and Sciences and Beliefs.
4. The Blog is refreshing and creative.
5. The Blogger promotes friendship and positive thinking.

The Blogger who receives this award will need to perform the following steps:
1. Create a Post with a mention and link to the person who presented the Noblesse Oblige Award.
2. The Award Conditions must be displayed at the Post.
3. Write a short article about what the Blog has thus far achieved – preferably citing one or more older posts to support.
4. The Blogger must present the Noblesse Oblige Award in concurrence with the Award conditions.
5. The Blogger must display the Award at any location at the Blog.

I'm happy that my blog has gained regular readers over the years. I would like to pass this award to each and everyone who takes time to read my posts.

Great Buddy Award and Tags

I would like to thank Mikky for giving me this wonderful award. Your thoughtfulness made me smile.


I would like to share this Great Buddy Award to Misyel, Alice, Daphne, Jo, Kia, Sasha, and Louann.

***************************

I want to thank Jannesse for this frienship tag:


Here are the rules for this tag:
1.) Copy the badge and put it on your blog,
2.) Link back to who passed you this tag,
3.) Spread this tag to at least 7 or more bloggers who you think you are friend with.

“And lovely are the blossoms That are tended with great care By those who work unselfishly To make the place more fair.And, like the garden blossoms,Friendship’s flower grows more sweet When watched and tended carefully By those we know and meet.And, if the seed of friendship Is planted deep and true And watched with understanding,Friendship’s flower will bloom for you"

I would like to tag the following:
Vicki, Tisha, Ibyang, Gracie, Bing, Bonnie&Jeff, and Roselle.

***************************

I was tagged by Misyel of I Luv Green ...

6 things that make me happy

1. my son's hugs and kisses
2. loving family
3. supportive friends
4. good health
5. relaxing weekends
6. kind comments on my blog

Best Mom Award and Token of Friendship

I would like to thank Girlie for giving me this heartwarming award. Being a mom is a great blessing that I will always be thankful for.

GET THIS AWARD ON YOUR BLOG CLICK HERE

I would like to share this award to all my beautiful mommy blog friends. I think each one of you deserve this great award. You all have wonderful and unique traits that I admire.

***********

I would like to thank Mauie and Bing for this sweet token of friendship...

:: Start copying here:::

Here are the rules for this tag:
1.) Copy the badge and put it on your blog,
2.) Link back who pass you this tag,
3.) Spread this tag to at least 7 or more bloggers who you think you are friend with.

"And lovely are the blossoms
That are tended with great care,
By those who work unselfishly
To make the place more fair.
And, like the garden blossoms,
Friendship’s flower grows more sweet
When watched and tended carefully
By those we know and meet.
And, if the seed of friendship
Is planted deep and true
And watched with understanding,
Friendship’s flower will bloom for you. "

I would like to share this with my new blog friends ...

Shey, Wits and Nuts, Sheila, Henny, Marvz, Regayumi, and JaeJae.

Meme and an Award

Thank you to Bon and Jeff for giving me this Rose Award. I feel touched for being chosen as the sole recipient of this sweet award.



I would like to share these lovely roses to all my blog friends.

*********************************

THE PINK SISTERHOOD MEME

I've been tagged by Janice to do this meaningful tag. It's a meme highlighting the threat of breast cancer and how important it is to practice early detection procedures like self breast examination.

* One in eight women or 12.6% of all women will get breast cancer in her lifetime.
* Breast cancer risk increases with age and every woman is at risk.
* Every 13 minutes a woman dies of breast cancer.
* Seventy-seven percent of women with breast cancer are over 50.
* Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women between the ages of 15 and 54, and the second cause of cancer death in women 55 to 74.
* Risks for breast cancer include a family history, atypical hyperplasia, early menstruation (before age 12), late menopause (after age 55), current use or use in the last ten years of oral contraceptives, and daily consumption of alcohol.
* Early detection of breast cancer, through monthly breast self-exam and particularly yearly mammography after age 40, offers the best chance for survival.
Facts taken from Women's Health

And now here is the tag and the rules:

1. Put the logo in your blog.
2. Add a link to the person who shared it with you.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs
4. Add your link to the list of participants below
5. Leave a message for your nominee on their blog.

PINK Sisterhood

1- Fara 2- Massy 3- N.O.Y 4- Mariuca 5- A Great Pleasure 6- LadyJava 7- Kim 8- Pink Thoughts 9- Turn-u-Off 10- Roxiticus Desperate Housewives 11- STAY AT HOME MOM 12- Fida Abbott 13- Also Mommy 14- Janice Ng 15- Juliana's Site 16- The Painted Veil 17- Heart of Rachel 17- YOU

I would like to tag:
1. Evi
2. Jo
3. Leah
4. Roselle
5. Salen
6. Sheila Marie
7. Shimumsy

Your Blog is Addictive

I received this wonderful award from my blog pal, Alice. Thanks Alice for thinking of me. I likewise find your blog addictive.


I would like to pass this award to the following:

1. Toni
2. Princess
3. DongHo
4. Girlie
5. Tisha

Great Blog Awards

Thanks to Jade of Momma Wannabe for this wonderful award.

Uber (synonym to Super) Amazing Blog Award is a blog award given to sites who:
~ inspires you
~ makes you smile and laugh
~ or maybe gives amazing information
~ a great read
~ has an amazing design
~ and any other reasons you can think of that makes them uber amazing!

The rules of this award are:

* Put the logo on your blog or post.
* Nominate at least 5 blogs (can be more) that for you are Uber Amazing!
* Let them know that they have received this Uber Amazing award by commenting on their blog.
* Share the love and link to this post and to the person you received your award from.

I now have the honor of sending this award on to some of the Uber Amazing Bloggers I know.

I would like to share this award with Girlie, Josiet, Odette, Sandy, and Shey.

*****************************

Thank you to Michelle of The Journey of a Christian Mom for the following great awards that she generously bestowed on me.

I would like to share these awards to all my wonderful blogging friends.

Friendship and Butterfly Award

I would like to thank Misyel for this Perfect Blend of Friendship Award.

It's wonderful how the award I created has found its way back to me several times.

I would like to pass this award to Janesse, Tisha, Girlie , Janice, Tere, Weng, Shimumsy, and Cielo.



I would like to thank Janesse for this wonderful Butterfly Award.

I love seeing butterflies. In fact, today I saw a huge and beautiful butterfly at Yohan's school. The kids went running after it as it flew over their heads. I wish I could have taken a photo of them.

I would like to pass this award to Misyel, Alice, Odette , Mikky, Tammy, Kia, Mary, Tani, Nina, and Photo Cache.

The Philippine Blog Awards 2008

I had the privilege of attending The Philippine Blog Awards 2 last September 21, 2008 at One Esplanade. It felt great to be part of such a big blog event. When I started my blog in 2004, I never imagined that blogging would become a big influence in my life. I'm grateful for the opportunities that blogging has given me. I value the wonderful friendships I formed through blogging.

It was an honor to be nominated for the Blogger's Choice Award. Although I did not bring home the trophy, I still felt a sense of triumph because of the support of my dear friends. I will always remember their kind words and gestures.

Congratulations to all the winners of the Philippine Blog Awards 2008 especially to Dine of The D Spot for winning Best Blog: Family and Living Category. Thank you to the organizers, volunteers and sponsors for making the event possible.

It was a wonderful evening spent with friends. I would like to share some photos taken that night.

L-R: Chats, Dine, Feng, Cookie, Cess, Julie, me, and Noemi.
(Photo courtesy of Chats)

Mommy bloggers with Senator Mar Roxas, a fellow blogger.
(Photo courtesy of Chats)

Moms squeezing inside the Clique Booth. :)
(Cookie, Chats, me, Julie, Feng and Cess)
From Clique Booth

Note to self: Practice making wacky poses in front of the mirror. Ha ha!
(Cess, Cookie, Rowena, me, Julie, Feng and Chats)
From Clique Booth

I was happy to meet a fellow blogger, DongHo in person. He is very warm and friendly in person as he is in the blogosphere.

Congratulations to lucky mom, Cess for winning the Nokia N95 that night.

Cherished Thoughts ... Note of Gratitude

Dear Friends,

I would like to thank you for your overwhelming support. Thank you for voting for me for the Blogger's Choice Award at the Philippine Blog Awards 2008.

I did not win the Blogger's Choice Award but I feel like a winner because of wonderful friends like you. I will always remember your kind thoughts and words.

"A kind heart is a fountain of
gladness, making everything in
its vicinity freshen into smiles."

~Washington Irving~

Special thanks to the people who took time to write these wonderful posts. You've touched my heart in so many ways. Your kindness will always remain as cherished thoughts ...

• "Rachel's site shares so many new things from parenting, child-rearing, cooking tips and recipes, gardening, travels, education, new good finds, a little on sports and a journal of her family activities. The said site is a recipient of countless awards from fellow-bloggers." - Rowena
  

• "I would like to congratulate Rachel for being nominated in the Philippine Blog Awards 2 (click the link to find out the mechanics). I'm sad that I'm not qualified voter since i just started blogging last month so i promise to make this campaign post for her." - Misyel

• "Rachel is such a wonderful blogger and a great friend. I encourage you all to go to Philippine Blog Awards and vote for Rachel." - Tammy

• "What struck me most is her tag "Happiness is a place between too little and too much". Very true. And I need not say more on that. Not to mention, Rachel and I have lots in common. Flicks, music, books and perhaps personality as written in her "About Me" section. " - Ryan
  

• "If you are a mother, you will love it. If you are a sister or a brother, you will love it, too. If you are a grandma like me, you will always come back to it. Just look at her site's statistics and you will agree with me that she is well loved in the four corners of the globe." - Princess

• "The first time I met her, I thought that her sweetness and gentleness in her blog also shines through in her personality. She really is one of the nicest blog-friends around. I also love how she lovingly shares her daily family adventures through candid posts and photos. Her blog is one that you will easily enjoy reading." - Chats

• "All I know is those traits of sweetness, combined with lots of thoughtfulness, equals my sweet and thoughtful Mommy Blogger friend Rachel." - Feng

• "She’s sunshine and rainbows, tulips and butterflies. Rachel’s blog always makes me feel good. It’s definitely a blog that radiates good vibes, and that is why I am drawn to it." - Toni

• "Rach, the author/owner of Heart of Rachel, a fellow mommy blogger is one of the nominees at The Philippine Blog Awards 2." - Mitch

• "My friend, Rachel, author of Heart of Rachel, is one of the nominees at The Philippine Blog Awards 2. I hope she wins. Her blog never fails to make me smile whenever I visit it." - Tani

• "I am voting Heart of Rachel for the Blogger’s Choice Award—for Rachel’s creativity, love for Yohan, and care for us, her blog and real life friends. She posts interesting and relevant articles regularly, taking time to keep her blog pleasant with pictures, caricatures and nice things." - Dine

• "I met Rachel in person and my perception of her was correct except for one thing. I thought she's one petite lady. Oh but she's actually taller than I am. Meeting Rachel was no different from what I read on her blog - she's soft spoken, very warm, always with a smile on her face." - Lynn

• "I would like to vote for my friend, Rachel of Heart of Rachel, for the Blogger's Choice Award at The Philippine Blog Awards 2. I like her blog because
  it is very interesting blog and more interesting informations,too." - Vicki

• "I truly enjoy reading her post special when it comes to her kid Yohan, since I can also relate to her shared experiences. She exudes the aura of the image of how Proud Pinay Mom should be. Her blog embodies family empowerment." - Cielo

• "When I started my own site I was really very touched at how supportive she was of my endeavors. I can honestly say that I had met a real friend. And when we finally met in the flesh she was everything that I imagined she would be. Sweet, thoughtful, and sincere." - Cookie

• "Her sweetness that everyone is talking about? That is true. Her blog posts as well as the comments that she send our way, these are all consistently sweet and nicely worded." - Julie

• "I’m casting my vote for her.Because the blog Heart of Rachel is indeed about the pure, simple, sweet, warm and friendly heart of Rachel. May you get this award, Rach. But if you don’t, you’ll remain my heart’s choice." -Cess

• "I’m posting this entry is to vote for Ms Rachel of HEART OF RACHEL and for her informative, creative and family - oriented blog site that gives joy to the readers while touching their hearts. To me, You’re a winner already.!" - Cora

• "Her blog is a testimony to how she views life and her love for her family. I really love the little tidbits she shares every so often about her son Yohan and the pictures that she shares with her posts. She's one modern mom with just the right touch of traditional values inside, something which seems to be lost (or gone awry, lol) in this super internet-paced world we live in! :)" - Maiylah

• "My blogging buddy Rachel is a nominee to the Philippine Blog Awards 2. And I am happy for her. It is a well-deserved nomination. I like reading her posts. The warmth of her personality shines through in her posts. And I always look forward to reading "Yohanism"." - Josiet

• In Heart of Rachel, the blog, the reader can follow the everyday life of a modern
  Rachel, but one whose family is intact. This is the life that revolves around Yohan (Rachel's one and still only child) and her loving husband. I haven't seen Yohan but I am privy to his sweetness, pranks, and wisdom, prodigious for his age -- including what Rachel has called 'yohanisms.' I guess I am one of hundreds who have followed Yohan's growing up with much delight and anticipation, through the blog. It is for me like having a virtual grandson. :)" - Annamanila
  

Sticky Post: Philippine Blog Awards Nominee

** This is a sticky post. You may scroll down to read the more recent posts. **

* update: Deadline of votes is 11:20PM (23:00) September 20, 2008, Philippine time. *


I have known for several days now that my blog, Heart of Rachel is an official nominee at The Philippine Blog Awards 2008 for the Blogger's Choice Award. Honestly, it took me a while to make this post. I guess I felt overwhelmed at the thought of being part of a prestigious blog event.


I would like to thank Rowena of The Sweet Life for nominating me. When I received her text message letting me know that she nominated me at The Philippine Blog Awards, I was so surprised. I never expected it. I was a follower of the event last year but I never thought that I would be nominated this year.

There are 47 nominees for the Blogger's Choice Award this year and I feel so honored to be part of this list. Thank you Rowena for believing in me. It feels so good to know that someone like you thinks that my humble blog is worthy of being recognized. That by itself makes me feel like a winner.

Voting for the Blogger's Choice Award is now open to Filipino Bloggers. Please click here for the rest of the mechanics.

Here's a brief overview of The Philippine Blog Awards:

"The Philippine Blog Awards aims to recognize notable Filipino-owned blogs in their respective niches. With topics ranging from the arts, culture, technology and politics, Filipinos have become more abreast because of the fast growing blogging industry here and abroad. The Philippine Blog Awards is a venue to showcase notable blogs with quality content that engages readers from around the globe." - The Philippine Blog Awards website

Heartfelt Thanks

I would like to thank my wonderful blog friends who voted for me for the Blogger's Choice Award. I'm very touched by all your kind words. Voting ends tonight at 11:20PM (23:00) September 20, 2008, Philippine time. Even though I don't win I know I will still end up feeling like a winner because I'm blessed with wonderful and supportive friends.

The Philippine Blog Awards Night is on Sept. 21, 2008, 6 P.M. at One Esplanade. Registrations starts at 5 P.M.

It find it so uplifting to read positive Website Reviews about my blog. It really inspires me to do better. Enjoy the weekend everyone!

Thank You For the Awards

Thank you Feng for giving me this Kind Blogger Award 2008. It's a sweet award that I really appreciate.

I received the Kick A*S Blogger Award twice. One is from Feng and the other one from Hailey.

What exactly is a Kick A*s Blogger? The originator of the Tag says, A Kiss A*s Blogger is someone like:

Maybe they’ve got incredible, original content. Or they’re overflowing with creativity. Is it someone that helps you become a better blogger? Or a bloggy friend you know you can count on? Or maybe it’s someone who simply inspires you to be a better person… or someone else who sends you to the floor, laughing your ass off. Whatever the reason may be, I’m sure you know at least a couple of bloggers that kick ass. Well… why not tell ‘em so?

Thank you to Maiylah for this I ♥ Your Blog Award. Thank you for thinking of me.

** Blogging has given me a share of wonderful friends online. I would like to share all these awards with you. **

Online Diva Award

I got this cute award from Hailey . Makes me really feel like a diva!

The button is a Flair created by Litzie!

{begin copying here}

Rules:

1. Post the button in your blog.
2. Please link back the person that gave the button to you.
3. If you have more than one blog, please post this to all of your blogs so your other blogs can be listed to the master list too.
4. You need to pass the button to at least 4 people that you think are also divas in any way.
5. Come back here and leave your post url so you can be added to the master list and help increase our rankings.
6. Please add to the list below a reason why you love being online all the time.

Online Divas:
1. All Merging in the Path of My Life

2. My Big Picture

3. Walk on Red with Me

4. Supah MaMa Wannabe

5. The Stories of a Now SAHM

6. When Mom Speaks

7. Kathycot Cooking With a Twist

8. Me and Mine

9. Little Peanut

10. Pea in a Pod

11. Joys in Life

12. Dancing in Midlife Tune

13. Hailey’s Domain

14. Hailey’s Beats and Bits

15. Heart of Rachel

16. Add your blog here

Reasons why I am an Online Diva:

1. Litzie - It helps me pass time when I’m at work and don’t have any patient to attend to.
2. Yen- It helps me do what I like and love after a long day.
3. Arlene - It relieves me of my stresses especially the petty ones.
4. Hailey - I am me! when I am online, space is immaterial, and time is limitless!
5. Rachel - It makes me happy to share my thoughts and feelings through my blog. It's rewarding to connect with friends online.

{end copying here}

Am passing this Diva award to:

Alice, Sasha, Louann, Tammy, Girlie, Kailani and Tisha.

Tag and an Award

I'm very happy to receive this from Yen. For those who don't know, I made this award many months ago as my way of extending my gratitude to blog friends who gave me awards. It feels great to be the recipient of the award that I started.


I would like to pass this to all my wonderful and loyal blog pals. I really miss you these couple of days.

I have been tagged by my blog pal at Frankly My Dear.

1. WHAT WAS I DOING 10 YEARS AGO?
I was working for a multinational company.

2. WHAT ARE THE FIVE THINGS ON MY TO-DO LIST TODAY?
Drink antibiotics; download free anti virus for my laptop; file some bills; help my son with his homework and visit blog pals.

3. SNACKS I ENJOY:
I enjoy eating popcorn, tacos, rice cakes, spaghetti and apple pie.

4. PLACES WHERE I LIVED:
Manila, Batangas

5. THINGS I’D DO IF I WERE A BILLIONAIRE:
Set up foundations to help my poor countrymen.

Wonderful Blog Awards

I always feel blessed when I receive something wonderful in the world of blogging. I'm very honored to receive the following awards from my blog friends.

Thank you to Tere of Blessings in Life for this blog award. She wrote this kind words on her blog ...

"Rachel - I have hopped into her blog recently and have been hopping into it when I have the time. She has been very nice and had been visiting me recently too. Thank you for your very nice heartful comments! I have enjoyed reading her blog and about her son’s birthday! Happy 5th birthday Yohan!"

I enjoy meeting new and interesting people through blogging. I'm always drawn to people like Tere who shares interesting slices of every day life.

I would like to share this award to Janice, Cess, Rowena, Lynn, Cookie, Tina and Sasha.


Thank you to Tammy of Mom Knows Everything for this Brillante Weblog award. She gave it to her top ten commenters. I never get tired of visiting Tammy's blog because I always learn something new and exciting.

I also would like to thank Alice of Hello, My Name is Alice for giving me the same award. It's so wonderful to receive such a lovely award twice. I enjoy visiting Alice because she shares so much of herself in her photos and day to day experiences.

I would like to share this award to Feng, Julie, Mitch, Odette, Jo, Liz, and Chats.


Thank you to Feng of From Dawn Til Dusk for this Bunch of Tulips. I love tulips and I have always dreamed of receiving some. I really appreciate the virtual tulips and the sweet dedication.

I admire Feng because she's a terrific mom. I enjoy reading about her son's milestones in life. Our children are just a year apart and I could often relate to her experiences.


"It’s true I have never seen you
and we have never met,
Never shaken Hands or
even truly hugged and yet!
I know for sure you care for
me by the kindness that you give.
And our keyboards keep us
together doesn’t matter where we live.
So I give you this gift to
put a smile on your face
and to let you know in my
heart you have a special place."


I would like to share this award to Alice, Tammy, Tere, Vicki, Shimumsy, Mitch, Raquel, and Jeanette.

Blog Awards : Super Commenter and Community Blogger

I would like to take this opportunity to thank two blog pals for giving me the following wonderful awards ...

Thank you to Peppylady for giving me this Super Commenter Award. She gave this award to me and four others. This is what she wrote on her blog ...

When leaving a comment I live by some basic rule I’m honest and respectful.
Now I’m giving this two three of my bloggers coffee pals
I feel all 5 of these people leave comments with honesty and respect. ~ Peppylady

I love receiving comments on my blog. It feels good to hear what others think and feel about the things I share on my site. I would like to pass this award to all my blog friends who visit my blog regularly and leave wonderful remarks.

Thank you to Roselle for this Community Blogger Award.

The community award originated with Cellobella at the Sultana blog, who said, “I wanted the award to say - this is a person who reaches out and makes my blogger community a better one.” I think that is so kind and I’m thrilled to be in the position to pass it along as well as be included in the blogroll. Cellobella asks that nominees of this award e-mail her at (cellobella at gmail dot com) so that she can add your nominees to her blogroll.

I'm so happy to be a recipient of this blog award several times. I would like to share this award to all my regular readers. Your visits continue to inspire me in my blogging.