PLACES, PEOPLE, EVENTS, GOOD FOOD AND MY LIFE

I was tagged by Thoughts of SAHM, Ate Vhing and Mommy Phebie !!! ^_^. A big thanks to both of you my dear friends for giving me this nice tag.

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I *arrow-heart* Your Blog Award™ by Good.Girl

Thank you so much pretty sis for giving me this award. I really like it soooooo much and thanks for the friendship! ^_^

So here's the rules:
1. The winner can put the logo on his/her awesome blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of those you’ve nominated!

Now, I'm giving this award to: Demcy, Katherine, Manang Kim, Phebie, Amy, Ghie, Mimot, Dharkangel, Madz, Eds, Poohgahk, Fran, Beng, Clarrisa, Bingkay, Zyza, Ms. Ray, Mr. Shari, Chay, Alf, Cacai, Chuchie, Maxi, Beth, David F., Delia, SAHM, Enchie, Geraldine, Jonhar, Khaye, WildCat, Weng, Yen, Grace, Gracia, freefullversiongames,Clarrisa, Maus, Place and Memories

Note: 4/6/2009 DesignNscarp , Stacey, Sweet Pinay , Ariesand Jessieca share me this award too. Thank you so much my dear friends! I really appreciate it! ^_^

4/27/2009 My pretty friend Glenda also share me this very nice award. Thank you so much dear. I really appreciate it. ^_^

Since it's already summer in the Philippines, a lot of people are looking for a nice place where they can enjoy swimming or outing so I recommend Noah's Park as one of the places where you can bond with your family. I would also like to share my personal review of the said leisure park and resort based on my experience last year. Hope this review will help the readers with what to expect in the said place.

--the ark and landscaped garden----entrance--

--my youngest sister riding the ark(she doesn't know that I posted her picture here ^_^)--

-my sister and my mom strolling inside the park-
--me! enjoying the scenic view of the park--
--sister and me at the landscaped garden--

--my niece, my nephew, my mom and the nephew of my brother-in-law--

--I caught a fish!!! ^_^ --
--the lake--

This is also a great place for pre-nuptial pictorials since the place has lots of attractive views...with beautifully landscaped gardens, hanging bridge, wishing well, benches and lake.

-sitting on the benches with my mom-

-hanging bridge-
--sister and me in the garden--
--small bridge--

--wishing well?--
-the lake-
--enjoying the view from the top--
--garden--
--my mom, my niece, my nephew and me at the bridge--

We enjoyed singing in the videoke. My dad sang all day ^_^. The guests can rent it per hour or per token.

--my mom and my dad--

We took pleasure while soaking in the cool waters of the swimming pools. There are three swimming pools for adults and three swimming pools for kids.

--my sister and me--

--pool with slides--

--with the kids--

--my nephew ...(he was in the other pool without slides but with falls)--
-- me @ 6 ft adult pool--

Got this tag from Demcy, Beng, Jane, Katherine and Grace. Thank you so much my dear friends for including me in the tag ^_^. I really appreciate it ^_^.

Why should the wedding ring be worn on the fourth finger? There is a beautiful and convincing explanation given by the Chinese.....


* Thumb represents your Parents.
* Second (Index) finger represents your Siblings.
* Middle finger represents your-Self.
* Fourth (Ring) finger represents your Life Partner. & the . . .
* Last (Little) finger represents your children.

Firstly, open your palms (face to face), bend the middle fingers and hold them together - back to back.
Secondly, open and hold the remaining three fingers and the thumb - tip to tip. (As shown in the figure below):
Now, try to separate your thumbs (representing the parents)..., they will open, because your parents are not destined to live with you lifelong, and have to leave you sooner or later. Please join your thumbs as before and separate your Index fingers (representing siblings)...., they will also open, because your brothers and sisters will have their own families and will have to lead their own separate lives.

Now join the Index fingers and separate your Little fingers (representing your children)...., they will open too, because the children also will get married and settle down on their own some day. Finally, join your Little fingers, and try to separate your Ring fingers (representing your spouse). You will be surprised to see that you just CANNOT..... because Husband & Wife have to remain together all their lives - through thick and thin!! Please try this out and pass............. ISN'T THIS A LOVELY THEORY?

Now, I want to share this tag to all my friends who are already married. Feel free to grab this one.

I love and miss my parents so much!!!

It is not an easy task to become parents but they do it proudly no matter what is asked. They were always there for me since the beginning & saved me countless tears. I will carry through the years, the wise advices they gave me. With every mistake or wrongful deed, they were always there to understand me. They put no limits on my dreams or anything else I wish to do. There were no other people that will shape my heart the way they've done, their job finished perfectly for their precious children.We had a rocky road, hard time and despair but not a single moment of time of not having wonderful parents like them.
I know that when I was still single I have driven them crazy but they have guided me with assurance along the way. They've given me comfort and certainty with every breath I take within the day. There are not enough words that can thank them for everything they have helped me emotionally and physically. I have my whole future ahead of me and they were the people that leaded me and guided me towards the proper path. How can one simple day prove that much thanks and love to those who pushed this far and still working on their way? No other people deserves more love than my parents. My whole life is not enough time for me to repay them.

I got this AWARD from my blogger friends... David, SAHM, Aby ,Titan and Mixed ArticleThank you so much my dear friends for giving me this one.
I really like this award... I can express how thankful I am to my online buddies ^_^.
Now, I will give this Award to someone who's very nice and friendly to me... Here are the rules for this meaningful award:

The aims of this award:

* As a dedication for those who love blogging activity and love to encourage friendships through blogging.
* To seek the reasons why we all love blogging!
* Put the award in one post as soon as you receive it
* Don’t forget to mention the person who gives you the award.
* Answer the award’s question by writing the reason why you love blogging.
* Tag and distribute the award to as many people as you like.
* Don’t forget to notify the award receivers and put their links in your post.

These are the people who i want to have this award:

Demcy - She is my AWESOME blogger friend whom I like to chat about anything under the sun. I continue to love blogging because I meet a very nice online friend like her... who's been very nice and very helpful to me and to her other online buddies. Everyone loves her in the blogging community because of her amazing attitude. She's simply the BEST!^_^

Cacai - Eventhough she is busy with her studies, she alloted time to visit me and her other online buddies. She's a sweet lady and I find her hardworking not only in her studies but in blogging as well ^_^.

Grace - She visits my blog almost everyday and I enjoyed chatting with her at YM talking about cooking and other interesting topics. ^_^

Eds, Ghie, Amy and Beng- These 4 wonderful ladies makes me smile with the messages they leave in my cbox and sometimes funny messages on my post. ^_^

Gracia, Bingkay , Clarissa - They are my new online friends who are so nice. I feel comfortable chatting with them and I would really love to know more about them and start the bond of friendship. ^_^

I love blogging because I have blogger friends like them who really make my day!^_^
This award doesn't mean that only those who I wrote up can have this. Anyone can grab and have this as award.

This BRIGADERIO is a Brazilian chocolate candy and is very popular in Brazil. It was given to me by my friend Fran, my very sweet Brazilian friend whom I love to chat with. She's very comfortable talking with me about anything under the sun...sharing her life's experiences and even her love life.

Now I will pass this to my blogger friends who are also as sweet as this chocolate- Demcy, Cacai, Grace, Beng, SAHM, Arya, Hopeful, David and Chelle.

Wyne, Ms. Ray, Madz and Jessieca gave me these wonderful awards. Thank you so much my dear friends...I really like it sooooo much.




The Rules is as easy as ABC :

Here it goes: Name 7 things/person that you love then pass this on to 7 other bloggers.

1. I love GOD
2. I love my hubby
3. I love my family
4. I love my in-laws
5. I love my friends
6. I love my relatives
7. I love my laptop

I will pass these awards to: Demcy, Cacai, Beng, Beth, Chuchie, Grace, Ghie, Icyents, Teleen, DesignsNscpLo,Gaga&Gaga,Geraldine, David, Iceah, Khaye and to YOU!! Feel free to grab this award ^_^

This Friendly blogger award is from Grace , Uke and Jelai. Thank you so my dear friends for the kindness and friendship ^_^. Glad to be your friend here in blogger world.

The Rules
1. Take a Photo of yourself(optional).
2. Do not change clothes,do not trim the hair,the main image is to be captured (optional).
3. Post a picture that is unedited(optional).
4. Post this instructions.
5. Tag people to show appreciation to them that touch your heart because of their friendly attitude.
It's Sunday here in US...we have to spend time together with my in-laws. But before we leave I have to post this tag ...

I will pass this award to my dear friends : Demcy, Cacai, Kim, Yen, Hopeful, Siela, Stacey, Wyne, David, Arya, Beng and Beth.

Hopeful tagged me. She is my new and nice friend here in blogosphere. Anyway guys this is just for fun.

Here are the rules for this award :
1. Take a Photo of yourself.
2. Do not change clothes, do not trim the hair, the main image is to be captured.
3. Post a picture that is in edit.
4. Post this instructions.
5. Tag people to show appreciation to them that touch your heart because of their friendly attitude.It's Sunday here in US...we have to spend time together with my in-laws. But before we leave I have to post this tag ...



Now, I am tagging these wonderful friends of mine: Demcy, Chuchie, Arya, Eden, Faye, Es, Grace, Gracia, Kittykat, David, Fran and An gg ar an.

I got this tag from my new friend here in blogosphere who is so nice and bubbly, Katherine


The basic premise is this – answers should all be “at the current moment.”

Let's do this!


1. Where is your cellphone--table

2. Your hair --- long and black

3. Your father---sleeping

4. Your favorite thing ---dress

5. Your dream last night---ahm...

6. Your favorite drink ---juice

7. Your dream goal --- successful (in any aspects)

8. The room you are in ---loft

9. Your fear --- tornado

10. Where do you want to be in 6 years --- Philippines (want to visit my family...I miss them)

11. Muffins --- any

12. One of your wish list items --- to have a new house

13. Where you grew up --- Philippines

14. The last thing you did --- munching

15. What are you wearing --- pants, long sleeve shirt

16. Your TV ---Sony

17. Your pet --- n.a.

18. Your computer --- laptop

19. Your life --- happy

20. Your mood --- happy

21. Missing someone --- yes...family and friends in the Philippines

22. Your car --- white

23. Favorite mall --- Mall of Asia

24. Your summer --- haven't decided yet

25. Your favorite color --- yellow, red, blue (and white to complete the Phillipine flag)

26. When was the last time you laughed --- yesterday

27. When was the last time you cried --- can't remember

28. Last person who emailed you --- my hubby

29. Your favorite food --- lechon, sisig, sinigang, giniling na baboy, afritada, beef kaldereta

30. A place you would rather be right now ---living room


I am passing this tag to my friends: Demcy, Cacai, David F., Dorothy, Fran, Madz

Are you in the mood for some quick Italian food that is not as expensive as going to a dine-in Italian restaurant?

We dont usually think of fast-food when eating Italian cuisine, most of us think of going to a sit-down restaurant. Sbarro is one of the few options in the world of fast- food for Italian food lovers. Yes,it is a fast food! It may not be as good as some of the sit- down Italian restaurants, but it’s far better than the majority of other fast-food restaurants.

Ordering the food is an easy process. Just walk up to the serving area, grab a tray, get in line, order from behind glass shield where you can view the food selections, tell the service crew what you want, or just smile and point at something ^_^. They'll be happy to get it for you. After you've received what you want, move through the line to the register, pay and find a seat. They usually have a lot of customers(especially during lunch time) but they keep the line moving in a friendly and efficient manner.

Sbarro primarily specializes in selling pizza. Often selling it by the slice to someone looking for a quick pizza fix. They offer different pizza options, like New York Style Thin Crust Pizza(cheese, hawaiian, mushroom, pepperoni, sausage, supreme), Gourmet Pan(meat delight, ham, pineapple and pepperoni etc.) and Stuffed Pizza(sausage & pepperoni, supreme etc). The stuffed pizza is the most filling of all. This stuffed pizza is piled thick and covered with a layer of crust, making it look like a pie.

A lot of times when ordering pizza by the slice, you get small slices, but not at Sbarro! The slices are absolutely and incredibley huge! Larger than what you would normally get at other restaurants(almost like 2 slices put together). With most people, a single slice is all they need to fill them up. It may not be the absolute best tasting Italian pizza but when you take into consideration the huge amount of serving and the speed of service (since it’s fast food), it’s hard to beat this pizza!

Last year when my hubby and I ordered a whole pizza for take out particularly at their branch in Mall of Asia. We can't decide at first whether to get his all time favorite pepperoni pizza or the supreme pizza that I prefer to have(which are of the same price). So I told him why not ask the crew to make a whole pizza for us...half pepperoni and half supreme. The crew accepted our order, we waited for a few minutes and got our whole pizza...hot and freshly baked.

And if you’re not a big pizza eater, Sbarro offers some tasty alternatives like pasta (baked ziti, spaghetti, lasagna etc.), calzone (ham and cheese, cheese etc) and other entrees (like chicken parmigiana, chicken francese etc.). Baked ziti is my favorite and is one of the big selling items. It is a long round pasta(or ridged, tubular pasta), with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella and cheese and seasoned tomato sauce that could really hit the spot. It tastes so good and looks mighty tempting. This is the by far the best thing at Sbarro. The baked ziti I had before was freshly made. The pasta was al dente and the sauce was piping hot.

If you are not too hungry, you can get a salad(chicken macaroni,green garden, ceaser salad,fruit salad etc.)and cake desserts (cheesecake is good).

For beverages, Sbarro offers soft drinks, tea, coffee, and sometimes
juices.

Overall I recommend Sbarro. A good fast- food restaurant, with quick, friendly service and good food. Prices are reasonable for an Italian cuisine and pizzas that are so filling. You can get a great meal at a fair price and if you're up for a pizza that's a cut above
the rest, try their stuffed pizza!!!

Your kids may also love watching the pizza-making process through the large glass windows in some of their branches like Mall of Asia and SM City North Edsa.

(Note: This is my review for Sbarro Philippines)

I receive this award from David who is one of my nicest friends here in blogosphere and the one who gave me the Heart Tag. Feel free to read my previous post (Heart Tag) where I already described him as a person. I highly recommend you to visit his site so you will know more about him.

Uber (synonym to Super) Amazing Blog Award is a blog award given to sites who:

I'm going to pass this award to Dhemz, Cacai, Eds, Chuchie, Annabelle, Beng, Chelle, Amy, Chay, Eds, Eden, Grace, Gracia, Kittykat, Madz, Siella, Umma, Sunshine and Ghie.

Everyone else can grab this award too .

Note:

I would also like to thank Bingkay and Yen...my new blogger friends who pass this award to me (today- 3/24/09).

My friend also of Free full version games gve me this award today (3/31/09). Thank you so much friend.

Design and Scrap Lo also gave me this award today (4/6/09). Thank you so much friend.

Got this tag from Beng, my very nice friend here in blogger world. Thank you so much my dear friend.

Here are the Rules:
1. List these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog.
3. Tell 7 unspectacular quirks about you.
4. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
5. Link the person who tagged you.
6. Leave a comment for each blogger.

7 FACTS ABOUT ME:
1. I am a proud Pinay.
2. I was born in the Philippines.
3. I graduated with flying colors when I was in elementary and high school.
4. I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in ComputerScience.
5. I was employed in the Philippines for 6 years.
6. I got married last year.
7. I am living now in US with my hubby.

7 UNSPECTACULAR QUIRKS ABOUT ME:
1. I love dancing even without music.
2. I love singing even if I don't know the lyrics of the song (I make my own version).
3. When I eat caramel chocolate, I just eat the chocolate coating.
4. I exercise at night.
5. I like fixing electronic gadgets than cooking.
6. I wipe salty chips in the tissue before eating.
7. I drink tea(tea bags) even if don't like the taste of it.

Now, I will pass this tag to: Kcee, Liza, Lulu, Lyf, Maus, Marien, Momshe, Phebie, Cookie, Eden, Ens, Es, Hotstuff, Jen, Karl, Kris, Kurdapya, Mom she, Mommy Ko, SweetPinay, LzlMarie, Shy, Wyne, 1192005, Kreez.

This tag was given to me by my new friend David Funk who named his site Basic Bloganomics which is a parody name of the former theme song of current WWE wrestler John Cena, who's ring entrance theme was Basic Thuganomics. He is a fan of John Cena and wrestling. So what you will see in his site is related to wrestling (which he was inspired to do), past employers and on the internet, too. He is an energetic and talented person, likes sports, wrestling, creative writing & history. He's been writing for over 3 years on the internet. Sports as well as creative posting are his favorite topics.

Thank you David for this very nice tag...I really like this one.



A# Attached or Single?
Attached

B# Best Friend?
I have a couple. Most of them are in the Philippines...I miss them all =(

C# Cake or Pie?
Both. I like chocolate flavored cake and apple pie.

D# Day of Choice?
Saturday...more time to spend the day with my hubby.

E# Essential Item?
Laptop... to keep in touch with my family in the Philippines and
to learn ideas from my co-bloggers ^_^

F# Favorite Color?
Red, Yellow and Blue(hmmm...let's include white to complete the color of the Philippines flag)

G# Gummie Bears or Worms?
Gummie bears...I like chewing those gelatin based candies that come in variety of shapes and colors when I was young ^_^

H# Hometown?
Rodriguez, Philippines

I# Favorite Indulgence?
Eating chocolates and ice cream(I always tell myself that I should start my diet!!!)

J# January or July?
July... Independence Day (with fireworks), grilling food, outdoors, nice weather

K# Kids?
I love kids especially my niece and nephew whom I miss so much...
Planning to have kids of my own someday....

L# Life isn't complete without....?
Life isn't complete without my hubby.

M# Marriage date?
January 2, 2008

N# Number of magazine subscriptions?
Currently none. I used to be a subscriber to Metro Magazine previously.

O# Oranges or Apples?
Both...I like anti-oxidant and vitamin rich fruits.

P# Phobias?
hmmm...I'm shy to tell heheheh

Q# Quotes?
If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can become it.
--William Arthur Ward


R# Reasons to smile?
-Seeing, hearing and touching my hubby ^_^.
-Meeting new friends around the world through blogosphere and learning from them^_^.

S# Season of choice?
Fall...colorful trees, cool weather, halloween

T# Tag five people.
Demcy, Cacai, Madz, Eds, Chuchie

U# Unknown fact about me?
I'm a funny person(You'll know it when you meet me in person)...I like it when people laugh with me.

V# Vegetable?
Potato would be my choice...I'ts very versatile. You can stew it, fry it, bake it, boil it and it's all good.

W# Worst habit?
Munching something after every meal.

X# X-Ray or Ultrasound?
Ultrasound...it is safer because it uses ultrasonic sound waves instead of high energy radiation.

Y# Your favorite foods?
many...

Z# Zodiac sign
Gemini

(To my co-bloggers I would like to share this to all of you ...so grab it now!!!)
Thanks for viewing!

Note: I also receive this tag today (3-31-09) from my friend Enchie. Thank you so much friend for including me in the tag ^_^. I really appreciate it. ^_^

Got this award from a new friend here in blogosphere and a fellow Filipina Chelle. Thank you so much for this award and hope to hear more about you friend ^_^.
These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.

Now, I am passing this Let's Be Friends Award to all my co-blogger friends who are always supporting my blog..Beng, Eds, Demcy, Cacai, Annabelle, Madz, Ghie, Hopeful, Shawie, Siella, Umma and YOU. Please feel free to grab this award...Have a nice day.

Cacai of Cacai's Step and Journey gave this award to me. Thanks Cacai for including me as your sisterhood in this blogosphere world. Here are the rules:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.

When I'm craving for a superb cake, the first resto that comes into my mind is Conti's Pastry Shop and Restaurant. Conti's is home to delicious food and famous for its cakes and pastries. This restaurant features a mix of Filipino, European, Chinese , Spanish, American, and a few Japanese dishes (that mix draws people to Conti’s!). They have branches in Trinoma, Serenda, Greenhills and Paranaque. It also offers catering and banqueting services.


They serve wide variety of savory dishes, appetizers, soups and salads. Some of their meat and seafood entree include lengua estofaco, roast beef, ribeye steak, american grilled ribs, tofu steak, baked prawn, salmon teriyaki, sinigang na salmon etc. Their best seller baked salmon is superb. Very tasty and served with mixed vegetables and paella rice.

Fabulous and enticing desserts such as cakes(the house specialty), pastries, native desserts, bread, pies and cookies. I like their cakes and pastries...worth every penny and suggestive presents to your friends as well. Their chocolate overload is great...so yummy!! Absolutely divine and you'll never be disappointed. Some of my friends love the mango bravo. They also serve good pasta that come in lovely presentation. I love how this restaurant makes you taste and see how much heart and preparation they put into each meal and concoction.

The staff are courteous and attentive to your needs but service can be slow at times but I guess the taste of the food makes up for that. Still, definitely worth the wait.
The ambiance is very cozy, set up is nice and the place is clean.
Good and satisfying food for its reasonable price.

In general, it's a well-recommended restaurant.

(This is my review of Conti's Pastry Shop and Restaurant, Philippines based on my experience last year.)

After so many years that I haven't seen my ex-colleagues in my first job, we decided to meet at Yellow Cab Pizza last year located at Recto Manila. Yellow Cab is a quick casual restaurant and offers delectable American tasting pizzas, specializing in New York-style pizzas.

Aside from wide variety of pizza, they also offer pasta, hot wings, baked potato and drinks. In some branches they serve calzone which is made from pizza dough and stuffed with cheese(usually mozzarella cheese) and a variety of other stuffings. The dough is folded over and sealed on one edge. New York Finest pizza and Charlie Chan Chicken Pasta are my all time favorites. New York's Finest is topped with ham, pepperoni, sausages, ground beef, bacon, mushroom, onions,black olives, red and green bell pepper. You can pay for an additional toppings if you want too. The sizes of their pizza are 10 inches(good for 3 persons), 14 inches (good for 6 persons), and 18 inches which is really huge and good for groups with big appetite. The Charlie Chan Chicken Pasta is kinda spicy. It has mushrooms, roasted peanuts and chicken strips. But my favorite pizza and pasta that I ordered was not so good in this particular branch. The pizza was so dry and the pasta was salty (I'm not generalizing on the entire chain). However, the staff here were accommodating, they greeted us when we ordered at the counter and they served the food on our table... which is unusual to most branches where you have to pick up your order at the counter. They were also attentive if the customer still needs anything.

In Yellow Cab you have to give your order at the counter and the food is served in a box with a plastic fork and knives. This particular branch has smaller space than other branches but they have 2nd floor to accommodate more customers. Foods are filling, pizzas are fully loaded and prices are reasonable.

(Note: This is my review for Yellow Cab Pizza, Recto Manila, Philippines).

When craving for Italian dishes the first restaurant that comes into my mind is Don Henrico's. It’s a casual Italian dining restaurant with a twist to suit the taste of most Filipinos. Originally from Baguio City, with few branches in Manila and nearby cities.

They have wide variety of flavorful pizza that will surely satisfy your taste buds. Aside from pizza they also offer a great selection of pasta, appetizers, salads, soups, calzone, dessert, beverages and even special meal. Foods come in big servings, good for family or groups with big appetite. Mozarella sticks(good when still hot) served with marinara sauce is my favorite appetizer. The Buffalo Chicken is definitely a must try! The chicken is mouthwatering,juicy, cooked perfectly, coated with good tasting sauce and perfect with their creamy dipping sauce. Don Henrico's Supreme Pizza and Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza are so delicious(crisp on the outside, hot on the inside). Don Henricos pizza topped with beef, ham, pepperoni, mushroom, pineapple tidbits, onion, bell pepper and black olives. The Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza has a great combination of beef, mushroom, bacon, lettuce, tomato with pickle relish. Spaghetti alla Puttanesca with black olives, anchovies, capers, chill and garlic in tomato sauce is good. Actually, most pastas are good but nothing superb.


This resto has a cozy and inviting ambiance. A nice place to celebrate occasions. The staff are accomodating but not so attentive if the customers still need anything.
The foods are filling, satisfying and worth the price.

(Note: My review for Don Henricos Restaurant, Philippines is based on my experience last year).