A Look at 06 and Resolutions for 07

2006 was my year.. the Year of the Dog. It was an eventful year...my life changed dramatically this year... both good and bad things, extreme polar opposites:

• I resigned from Naturale, and got a new job I loved at Unilab. Never thought I could start over. It was so difficult giving up something that has become a part of me for almost two years. My babies Felina and Beach Hut have changed hands, but I was glad to have been given the opportunity to start them. Now I have Aspilets, and I'm blessed to be learning a lot and to be able to help around the house through UL's amazingly comprehensive benefits. Plus, I get a new phone, laptop and car!
• That Month in Bohol. We're still not over it yet though.
• Got my Drivers' License. Finally! Long overdue, but definitely worth the wait. Need to practice soon!
• Was diagnosed with UTI. Two weeks' diet of no salt.. all fish! Giving up all the food I loved was tough, but at least I lost 10 lbs! True test of discipline and will power, and Mom's iron hand! hehe.
• Got Announced as WWJD Girls' Batch 18 Rector - during my 2nd year anniversary in Days, and hosting it on my birthday no less! Jess is really good, I never thought I'd be granted this blessing. And though preparations are seemingly impossible and difficult, I promise to give my all for this batch. Can't wait for my January weekend! I pray I'll have a meaningful batch, for my participants and for myself as well...
• Met my Dream Guy. Who happens to be in a relationship, but at least I know he exists! Had an interesting courtship and fling as well... quite colorful year!
• Traveled to Davao and Iloilo. My second homes. I'll always miss the people and the sights and the food. Can't wait to go back soon!
• Got New Movie Dates. Drew, Care, Oryx and Rory. You guys made my year. Thanks for the crazy movie bonding, and everything in between.
• Check-in at Edsa Shang and Crowne Plaza. I've always loved the Hotel Life. Buffets, Long Soaks at the Tub, White Terry Robes, Massages, Breakfast Room Service, Late Night Bar Parties. Looking forward to Hyatt adventures in January!
• Happy Reunions with Friends. Finally, I get to enjoy my Christmas reunions without Batas! Feels so good to bond without panicking over sunduan time... Hehe!
  

Here's a look at how many of my NY's Resolutions I was able to keep this year (dug this up from my Archives Last Year):

Things I Want to Happen for 2006:
1. Get a Drivers' License!!! - one of my biggest achievements for the year. It took enrollment in A1 and hours of lining up to get the paperwork done, but all these paid off. I look weird in my picture but what the hell... all I have to do now is pray for my car to arrive soon!
2. Learn Ilocano and Spanish – Enrolled myself in Basic Spanish 1Q06, but still need practice. Got myself a new Ilocano dictionary to help. I’m planning to get a notebook too to jot down notes from Dad.
3. Learn to play guitar – Still have to learn. Got a guitar chordbook and 1001 songs from Julius though as a Christmas present.
4. Learn how to cook – Can now whip up tinola, nilaga and sinigang, but sill need practice. 5. Develop a new sport (still deciding between Chess and Swimming) – Will prioritize in 2008 instead. It’s aerobics this year!
6. Travel to an Asian Country (Bangkok or HK... depends on the fare and rates! Sayang ang miles...) – no money! Will try to save up by 2H of the year. Hopefully I’ll be enrolled in Prefplus so I can travel to the States this year.
7. Learn Photoshop – haven’t learned much! :(
8. Watch a concert, game and play – Jason Mraz, WWE and Zsa zsa Zaturnnah.. all within the first few months!
9. Keep all doctor appointments with Dr. Sese – almost done. Will continue treatments this year
10. Invest money wisely (probably in time deposit) – still struggling financially :-(
11. Get a new cellphone! – Decided to invest on silver necklace instead

On a more personal note, I resolve to: All of these I’m still trying to do…
1. Never say anything bad about others (or at least minimize them...)
2. Fulfill all promises (that includes being on time!)
3. Pray and reflect more.
4. Procrastinate less.
5. Personal makeover! Fix self, room, workspace more...

7 out of 11. Not bad, but still need a lot of improvement.
Let's see how many I can pull off again for next year...

Projects for 2007: As forecasts told, if you worked hard in 2006, 2007 will be your year of harvest. This year therefore will be all about ME—all the plans that I had for myself I’ll finally do this year. That goes hand-in-hand with focus.. no boys, lessen dating for the meantime, so I can finally achieve all I want for myself for the meantime...

1. Improve Self – new hairstyle, new treatments, new/healthier body regimen
2. Lose Weight. Drop to 120 lbs.
3. Enroll in Aerobics / Hi-Step Classes
4. Keep (at least) 50K in bank account by year-end (to win bet with Eda!)
5. Learn Ilocano
6. Learn to play guitar
7. Travel outside the country (US or Asia)
8. No credit debts by year-end. Limit card usage to appliances/emergencies only.
9. Get UP diploma and Fix Civil Service Papers.
10. Invest on appliance for the house - new component system or oven.
11. Complete the Simbang Gabi. For the first time ever.
    
    Minor Goals: Some fetishes I'd love to indulge in...
    1. Watch a play, game, and concert
    2. Attend a book and CD signing
    3. Get my Ferreti Card :) 4. Get the 07 Starbucks Planner.

Easier said than done right? Well, we'll see... ;)

Happy New Year to Everyone! :-)

My Christmas of Firsts

It seems like a lifetime since I last posted in here. I'll confess--my attention has wavered more to multiply and have been addicted ever since. (See more recent pictures and gimiks I have been of late: http://gladysjudan.multiply.com). But I know that blogspot will always be the home of my most intimate and even weirdest thoughts, ramblings, experiences.. and everything in between.

It's been quite the holidays--welcome surprises and heart-breaking dissapointments all in one. It was a season of firsts--

• First time I fully enjoyed all my reunions with friends, because I wasn't preoccupied with meeting Batas for curfew... too bad our Noche Buena was cut short because Mom wasn't feeling too well.
• First National Conference and Party with LRI and UL, my new family... had that great two nights with Iloilo friend... I smile wistfully now, knowing that those nights will remain but bittersweet memories. At least I have our pictures to daydream by, all I have left of us.
• First time I resisted the urge to Drink and Be Merry.. First time I'm seriously considering quitting alcohol and yosi altogether. Naks, inspired kse... ;-)
• First time I brought home Christmas basket, First Christmas bonus! The best part of it was sharing all these blessings with my family; it feels great to be able to help out--taking them shopping, treating them to fancy dinners, getting them their perfect gifts. And good thing, at least I have something for my days' batch already in January.
• First heartbreak. He still misses me, he says. I told him I missed him too. But I'm not going back there, that's for sure. I guess things are better off this way. New Start for the year eh?

The best First for me was feeling the true spirit of the Yuletide during Mass. I've always loved hearing Mass at Christ the King.. the people, the choir, the entire church community always brings that sincerity and generosity of prayer. And I felt really closer to Jess during the Christmas Eve Mass. It's just like what the priest said--the true spirit of Christmas resides in our willingness to spread peace and reconciliation not just with the people we love but more with the people we have wronged as well. And I realized that Christmas cannot be found in gifts we have requested nor received, nor the parties and reunions--but in how we welcome and give happiness to others. The Spirit starts within us. And how much we love Christmas should not just end with the taking down of the lights and the tree and all the trimmings, but its love should be carried all year round.

The Christmas Spirit starts and continues within us. Have a Blessed Yuletide to Everyone! :-)

It Hurts To Be Smart

Failure has always been my nemesis. But with accepting failure comes the wisdom of not repeating the same mistake twice, of getting up and striving to pick up the pieces, of moving on...

'Tis the hard lesson I learned. I deluded myself thinking that I could change things, that I could change him. I accepted the situation knowing fully well what was expected and what can only be given, nothing more nothing less. But I was a bigger fool to hope that I could be the girl who can change his ways. I should have listened to my instincts and opened my eyes more to the signs that were right in front of me. I couldn't wait for him forever, the truth gnawing in the pit of my stomach that this was all he ever wanted. And that I was just another willing pawn in his game..

I should have ended it way before, to save me from the hurt and to save him from the hassle. It's the right thing to do.. I know, I know. But now that I have, part of me wants it all back. Wants all of him back. Because at this moment, i don't want to be smart. It hurts to be smart. It sucks to be smart. I just want him. He's moved on though, and I'm still left dreaming for both of us. Maybe I'll just keep on dreaming till Christmas, or till I don't have as much emo moments, thinking of the what-ifs and the what-might-have beens like this anymore..

The Truth about the Love Blog

Online friend JP commented on how my blog entries seem to be all about love lately. haha! Thanks for the wake up call dear. Actually it just depends on my mood, which is quite obvious of late. But truth is, it also depends on what time I blog. At night, when I'm more carefree to daydream on cloud nine and the only free time I get to spend with him, that's when I can write as well. Hence, the topics of choice. But during the day, I'm more preoccupied with increasing market shares, the impending year-end quota count, fast-tracking clinical studies to detail aids and reading up on medical journals. I love the pharma industry and all its stress (said with feelings and a little less sarcasm! haha!)

On a lighter note, I just passed my driving exam at motor pool today--86 is not bad, considering the sentra had a bad clutch! That means all I have to do is wait and pray for my car issuance! Yay! I'm really hoping it will be my Christmas gift, I'd love to drive in it for simbang gabi, which I vow to complete for the first time this year. :-)

Pitch not going well though, overbudget and agencies are very demanding! This is something I really want done soon and fast, before the barrage of December conventions (will be cooped up in Crowne Plaza two weeks that month! 7corners galore na ito!)

Since I'm in work mode already, better finish up new forecasts for presentation tomorrow.. and daydream the next day instead. haha!

Things I Love... Lately...

I love being called Hon... being someone's Honey.
I love waking up to good mornings and sleeping to good nights and sweet dreams.
I love being taken cared of when I was sick.
I love breakfasts in bed.
I love late nights, endless talks about our lives with red chippys and super drys.
I love stargazing, on the beach, with our full moon, my head on your shoulders.
I love our pamangkins and going to EK and childrens' parties and being kids again.
I love every minute spent with all our sweet nothings
I love being adored. I loved being your Gorgeous.
I love blushing about your hugs and your kisses.
I love Loving and Being Loved.
I loved our little fantasy Hon, even if it were just for a week..
I loved wishing it can all still come true...

Thoughts on ShotDate

Like everything else in my life, I hate being unprepared. It's as if I didn't give my all, and I don't like the feeling that I left one tiny detail not carefully planned nor thought of. What can I say, I'm neurotic that way :P Which is why even for shotdate, I made sure that all our plans were straightened out--where to have dinner first, what to wear, where to have my hair and nails done, etc etc... without looking as if I tried too hard (okay, maybe that didn't work! subtlety is not my field of expertise...haha)

Going to shotdate was terrifying, because I rarely go out on real dates. But I decided to go because 1) drew was my friend 2) i wanted to experience it. one more thing to cross off my things-to-do-before-i-die list. With no expectations and with little practice (yes, we did some rounds of pseudo questions!) we trudged on and went inside Grilla.

I was praning about being overdressed, but what-the-hell, basta I loved my curls and my LBD :-) The guys were ok, but no one really caught my eye... (ok, so maybe there was one. But I'll take that secret to the grave! harhar!) So I checked them all as friends. Seriously, I'd love to be friends with some of them--they seem so much fun to hang out with. But no sparks unfortunately. Even with Javi, who unfortunately did not go to my station (I wonder why.. nagtatago ata! hahaha)

Got an award though: "The Girl Guys Would Like to Be Just Friends With". Ouch. But it was ok in the end. In retrospect, that's really who I am, just a friend. I'm the friend guys turn to for advice about their girlfriends, or a spontaneous movie date, or just someone to pass the time with. I think I'm just a better friend than girlfriend material. Which means that it may take me longer to find that "one perfect guy", no matter if I wear a new dress or try to be more feminine or to be exactly what guys are looking for (which is actually impossible). All I can really be is myself. So, I'll just try to be the best version of that.

As this certain article goes, "That's why we always tell people looking for love to wait for that "I won the lottery" feeling -- wait, wait, wait! Don't read articles about how to trap, seduce or hypnotize a mate. Don't worry about your lipstick or your height, because it is not going to matter. Just live your life well, take care of yourself, and don't mope too much. Love will find you." Amen.

Will I recommend friends to go on a speed date? Yes, if merely for the experience. Because if they may not discover that perfect match in a moment, more importantly, they may discover something surprising about their own selves as well.

Amnesia

I thought I was okay. I thought it was over.
Out of sight, out of mind right? Wrong.

Why is it that little reminders of old ghosts you thought were gone forever just keep on haunting you? Why is it still painful? Why do I still feel empty?

I may move on, but I don't think I will ever completely heal.

I want a clean slate.
I want closure.
I want freedom.
I want to forget...

I'll Be a Mommy

This has been the most incredible week.

August is my 2nd year anniversary with WWJD, and with this momentous occasion comes another one: I'm about to become a "mommy" as well in January (at my birthday no less!). No words can ever prepare you fully for that moment when you find out--amidst the sincere happiness from the people around, I could only feel the overpowering solemnity of the Disco, and remember the almost emotional phone call with my own mommy rach a few hours past (and after). There was no visible omen, no sign. Ok, maybe Milo hinted a few times, but I was honest-to-goodness overwhelmed. Until now. I am so deeply thankful for the support of friends in and outside the community--souls whom I have connected with only through weekends past. God knows up ahead is not an easy path, but I will trudge on willingly... to give all I can for Mel's batch, for Mike's and Rod's, for the others that will come soon, and for my own most especially.

I think that the weekend has inspired more blessings to come my way, especially at work where I have begun to receive due recognition for hard work and sleepless nights, and where surprise gifts have started pouring in. Even love has knocked at my door a few times this week as well. I think what I cherished most was also catching up with old friends and finding out where their own lives have taken them--Rach from the States, Ana from Indonesia and Liv from Paris.

I praise and thank God for all of the wonderful blessings, for me and my loved ones. Even though times are hard, I believe that all of us would have our own chances for happiness, even if it's just for a week, maybe even just for a weekend...if our hearts remain pure and patient, and if we truly have faith...

Homecoming: SSP @ Davao 2006

Went back to my second home last week: Davao City. It was first time to travel alone, and I reveled in the solitude both in the airport and in my hotel room. It was then I realized that amidst the friendsters and multiply connections, and my aspirations to become a "connector" (thanks to tipping point!), I really am an introvert at heart. I guess growing up, I already find small talk exhausting and actually desire for more adult company and more meaningful conversations.

Not that I didn't find the company of old ADDU friends equally fun! I didn't get drunk though, for the first time (haha!) It was really great meeting up with Nate, Dave, JC and Carla, even for just a while. I wish I had more time to spend with them, even my shopping at Aldevinco was rushed! Oh well, there's always next year right? :-)

Work-wise, I learned a lot from the convention. Amazingly, I was able to sit through a whole day's symposium and appreciate every word! I even texted Drew and told him I had a brief inkling to pursue the medical profession! Looking back, I realize that I enjoy the academic aspect of it, learning about new studies and pursuing new molecules to find cures for emerging syndromes. But I don't think I'm ready for the responsibility of having someone's life in your hands--I'm not that brave yet... For now, I'm content to be in the surrounding industry, and to "entertain" them as much as I can. Where's my next dance card, Dr Morales? Hehe :-)

Last Palamandesals at Karl's, Davao Airport

Strat Plan @ Edsa Shang

I finished everything! Yumyum!

When I was younger, one of my fervent wishes was to stay at Edsa Shang overnight, order room service, indulge in a jacuzzi and sleep in their gigantic white terry robes. I can't explain why, but there's a certain charm to Edsa Shang that makes me feel right at home there. Several years later (after many other hotel travels), I got my wish... and did all of the above when LRI stayed in at Edsa Shang for the annual Strat Plan. I had the best breakfast ever at 12mn (don't ask the price!), right after soaking in a bubble bath and massage... everything was just divine! It was the most poignant treat I could give myself for earning my first paycheck! I guess there really is a right timing to everything... just trust God to give you your heart's desires at His own time, even if it's merely a wish as shallow as enjoying the pampering of a hotel like Edsa Shang :-)

The conference was a tiring three-day stint, and my mind was overloaded with stats and forecasts that each night I retired to bed was a welcome treat. Since my roomie Daye opted to go home instead each night, I had the whole place to myself. But I had "intruders" every so often--my girl friends who would barge in for surprise slumber parties, random chikas and many many photo-ops! We had the most fun when we won the videoke challenge during Fellowship Night, and I'm most grateful for the experience to bond with them... which is actually next Monday at SSP Davao! Oh well, this is the life I chose--one that lives in a suitcase often. At least I have girls to share travel anecdotes with. And don't forget the dancing shoes!

Don't Cha!

View from Tuktukish

Almost didn't make it to the concert...like most days these past few weeks, it was raining cats and dogs, and I had to rush to Araneta amidst Friday rush-hour traffic in EDSA! I'm not a huge fan, but I do love their songs (Buttons is sooo hot! I swear... I converted Eds to a PCD fan after that video!) so I was pretty excited to see them in person. It was a long wait though (good thing Eds and I decided to eat first at Pancake house... or else I wouldn't have been able to ogle Jayson! haha) and after three excruciating front acts, popcorn mania and sudden urges to buy hundred-peso binoculars, our tired butts can finally stand up and shout with the PCDs :-)

I love Nicole! She's the best singer, the best dancer..the group seemed more like Nicole and the Pussycat Dolls. She still has the Filipino accent ("Mga mahal kong kababayan!" hehe), but most memorable was when she choked up after the whole coliseum sang Stick Wit U. It was really touching :-) Kudos to the dance showdown as well, I'm glad that kid with the monkey moves won--he gets an A for effort! The only downside was when the whole crowd was still waiting for a second encore because of the DJ's announcement 'Do you want to see more of the Pussy Cat Dolls!', and realizing after several blank minutes that they really weren't performing another number. Still, it was great to see everyone dressed up to see the PCDs, that even for just a few hours we felt like hot, sexy PCDs as well!

Me Sign Books Pretty One Day

David Sedaris and "my Melvin"

Went to my first book signing yesterday! I'm so starstruck with David, even I'm probably his most recent fan. Unfortunately I only came in around 6ish (thanks to Unilab's compressed workweek sched!) so I got number 57 instead. Lots of cute guys who attended though, surprisingly, but I had to check if they were really cute guys-- my Maximo Radar was ringing off the hook all night!

David was mean and sarcastic as usual... my kinda guy! He even called Makati Cinema Square, "a mall with cancer"! haha! He read the Easter Bunny Chapter in Me Talk Pretty (good thing that was the book I read, I can relate!) before proceeding to sign from his hordes of fans. Good thing the line was not too crazy like Neil Gaiman's so I was able to wait a good two hours before my turn.. not too bad right?

Funny story: while waiting for my turn in line, I could hear the guy in front of me (#56) telling David his name was Melvin, and David saying incredulously "Your name is Melvin?!?! What kind of name is that?!?!" I smiled to keep myself from laughing. True enough, when it was my turn to identify myself, he had the same reaction: "Your name is Gladys?!?! Now that's a name I don't hear much everyday." And then his eyes popped out, and I could almost see the light buulb flash above his head: "You know, that guy ahead of you, he's a doctor and you're in pharma, and I think you'd be perfect for each other. Besides, your names are both weird." I wanted to stalk Melvin right after the event! I think I giggled and laughed the whole time while he asked whether I lived in a village, and I recommended that he see UP and the Ikot Jeepneys and the Fishballs. It was laugh trip all the way :-)

When I opened my book to see what he wrote, I can't help but laugh out loud:

"To Gladys,

I have a good feeling about you and Melvin.

David Sedaris"

Nice one David. I now have a celebrity matchmaker! Hahaha!

Ang Haba ng Hair Ko

This is by far the best and the sweetest compliment (and pick-up line!) I received in my entire life--from a DAYS participant whom I met only twice:

"I saw Jesus in you, because when I woke up to your serenade, I heard the voice of an angel."

Months after, in a long distance email to our common friend:

"Please say Hi to the girl (yep, he forgot my name! haha!) who sang You and I magnificently..."

Can I just melt now? :-)

Dr. Love Kuno

Ironic Story: one minute I'm dispensing love advice to seven grown men, whose questions range from the absurd ("Bakit ang paa ng babae hindi nadudumihan? Bakit ang paa ng lalaki laging maallikabok?") to the obvious ("Bakit ang tagal niyong mga babae mag-banyo? Saka bakit lagi kayong sama-sama pag nagpupunta dun? Ano bang meron sa loob ng ladies' room?"). Most of the answers would have seemed common sensical, so even without valid personal experience on the "love" angle I was stereotyped as an expert on the matter.

Barely several minutes later, I found myself face-to-face with an old ghost I haven't seen in what seems like years. I was ecstatic of course, but as the minutes passed we were trapped in this big awkward silence. We ran out of small talk, and even worse, he made a pass at my friend--in my face! Kamusta nman un???

There were some moments when I saw him glimpse in my direction. Or he'd say to his friends, 'Gladys lives in Pasig, right?' and we'd share a smile because I know we both remembered when he used to fetch me from the office and bring me home. The teasing from his barkada was still there: 'Gladys, punta ka nman dito sabi ni --'; 'Pumayat ka daw ah sabi ni --... seksi na sha!' Some things never change--there's never really a dull moment when I'm with them. :-)

We had wonderful memories, and in those silent moments I remembered them all fondly and wished with all my heart that I could bring things back the way they used to be. I think, more than the petty jealousy, what frustrates me more are those little things that makes me still hope we have a chance to make this work the second time around--little details that I get from his friends, not from him. The fact that he himself remains so cold and aloof, and maybe ilang, still holds that maybe he's really not just that into me (yup, Greg's voice rings constantly in my ears!). All along, talagang pinaasa lang niya ako. (yuck, ang drama...ewww... haha!)

And I had all that figured out after crying my eyes out to Milo and Benson, and after a fitful night's sleep. How come we can give advice so easily to others, yet remain so clueless and helpless when we become the subject matter? Oh well, so much for being the love expert no?

3pm Random Rant Break

Having major migraine.

I love IMS--it's the perfect brain torture. I think my brain's going to explode soon from too much info overload. Pages and pages of data, tables, numbers, percentages now looks 3D to me, any second now a mystery figure's just going to pop up.

How do you do forecasting and trending again? I'm getting rusty.... *scratch head, heave sigh*. Can I order a new brain--one that can bend spoons?

Time for my hourly ration of free Nescafe. Yup, I'm now officially caffeine-dependent.

...TheresultsoftheClopidogrelforHighAtherothrombotiRiskandStabilizationManagementandAvoidance(CHARISMA)studyshowedthattheuseofacetylsalicylicacidinmonotherapyismoreeffectiveinprovidingprimary preventionagainstdeath,myocardialinfarctionandcardiovasculardiseases,andthatthedualcombinationtherapyof clopidogrelplusaspirinforsecondarypreventionwasnotsignificantlymoreeffectivethanaspirinalone... (repeat chant one thousand times)

Aww shucks! Who stole my PLDT phone? *scratch head harder*

What's APSA, KOL, ASA, MAT, YTD, PAI, CAGR, PSR, (fill blank with gazillion more acronyms)?

Omg, it's 3 o'clock na pla. Do they still serve lunch/PM merienda/early dinner? *search bag for week-old Sky Flakes*

This is the life. I'm glad I went back to Corporate... *shed a tear, shed a tear*

:-)

Good Omen, Bad Omen

Time to bring out the champagne glasses: I survived my first week at LRI! The people are really nice and warm, and I'm enjoying my first two weeks as adviced by my brand colleagues who told me that after that leeway, I'll be going home with them at around 9pm as well! Haha!

It was a long difficult road to get here. In retrospect, I endured 5 grueling interviews, a tense two-week wait to know if I got in, and a very rigorous (yet slimming!) medical exam. My first day in the office was even met with a heavy downpour! But I'm glad for all these--it makes me appreciate the promise of a fulfilling and challenging career life ahead that Unilab has to offer.

I was never a fan of horror movies, but I'm grateful to Drew for bringing me that fateful day at Galleria to watch the Omen. It turned out indeed to be a good omen, for it was at that moment that I received THE CALL telling me that I was accepted into Unilab. I prayed really hard for God to guide the new direction my career was going to take, wherever that may be. And I thank the higher powers for granting me such a blessing, that even if I was not able to change paths as I originally planned to, maybe this is a sign that I'm indeed destined for the healthcare industry. :-)

Now as I await my trainings and orientations, I currently busy myself visualizing how to decorate my new cubicle and memorizing everyone else's names.. hehe! Cheers!

Money Pakyaw

Round 12 KD

Congrats to Manny Pacquiao for winning the match over Oscar Larios!

I never had so much fun watching a male-dominated sport. It seemed that time stood still during the match--no cars nor tricylces could be heard in the highways as everyone paused from their busy lives to take part in this momentous event. It was fiesta time also at home--coousins came over so we can all tune in to the TV together. And Manny, being the clever businessman he also is (I never knew he owned his own promotions company till now!) exploited this opportunity by promoting all his endorsements and extending the bout till the last round. Sure, we do celebrate and toast to the People's Champion, but one can only take so much of the multitude of commercials all viewers were subjected to during the fight day and the succeeding week as well.

As of present, Manny's camp reported that he's already starting training for his upcoming match with Morales, a stronger opponent no less. We can only hope that he can give his first major concert a second thought to concentrate on his training more, lest he lose to Morales, retire early and become a full-time showbiz entertainer instead.

Superman Returns

How I Wish I Could Be Lois Lane

Watched Superman Returns with friends Drew, Care and Oryx last Friday at Eastwood. It was a date we all set with each other a few months back, but I guess we were not prepared enough... Oryx and I got to Eastwood, through cartwheels and back flips, at 730ish, but all the cinemas were full until the LFS at 1110! Good thing Ina was holding her despedida at Bedroom Bar so we kinda chilled a few hours with the UPD people while we waited for the other two to arrive. Since we still had time to kill, Drew "forced" us to spend an hour of Videoke where we did some crazy back-up dance moves (yes, they were all AIESEC dance potentials) and where Drew and I went head-to-head for a tiebreaker: BSB vs the Spice Girls :P Challenging, I know...

Crazy Commentaries went on throughout the film--Care and I held hands during drool-worthy moments, Oryx hugged me during my pseudo-cry episode, and we all looked at Drew from time to time to see how he was seriously contemplating his "alter ego" (Read: "If he is the man of steel, how did he and Lois... get it on?"... mahaba-habang inuman to!) We got home around 2am already (good thing my Dad was out-of-town this weekend!).

Brandon Routh is just so perfect! One thing that endeared me to this film was how Superman was created into a perfect balance of handsome hero (whose hair never gets screwed!) and earthly being--a raw and emotional human. The twist at the end was a welcome surprise as well.. So cheers to you Drew, I'm now forever YOUR fan! Haha :-D

I definitely had a great time with them--my "anaks" who have been my confidantes and stamm buddies these past few months. I think sometimes that my life would have moved on after my term had ended in AIESEC, but these friends have slowly re-integrated me into this crazy, stressful life that I once led and still love. I never did hang out with my "batchmates" this much before--we all got together only if there was an event, or because we had work, or after our terms ended.. I wonder why. No doubt though: I'm glad to still have AIESEC friends in my life, even more grateful to have these AIESEC friends with whom I can watch movie marathons with and yet still learn so much from...

Till Pirates of the Carribbean! :-)

Happy Birthday Desiree Joycie!

Qt_ Judz!

It was a triple celebration today--Joyce's Birthday, House Blessing for their newly renovated place, and Father's Day. In Judan Definition, triple celebrations meant triple buffet feast! And we did stuff ourselves that day with so much food I could hardly stand: from Tita's home cooking to exotic Kapampampangan dishes at Cabalen.

I love their new place... newly airconditioned, new wall treatments, new furnitures. The coziness made me weep with envy. There was so much to repair and replace at home, but that would entail more time and budget which unfortunately we don't have enough of. Made me wish I had my own place already... it would be such a relief to start redecorating from scratch, and everything in order to my liking.

Many thanks to my cousins, ever so kulit, for the guitar lessons, jamming session, chisms galore, and fun bonding, as always. I wish Joyce all the happiness and success the world has to offer, and may all her birthday wishes come true as well (except the one where she wishes she could still be taller... poor short me! haha!)

Return to Las Brisas: DEVCON 2006!

yup, i think we're already kinda drunk! haha!

After an unexpected invitation from now MCP Tabbee, I finally decided to go back to Las Brisas in Antipolo to be the chair for Devcon 2006, May 26-29th. I did not know what to expect--after all I vowed to myself never again to return to this godforsaken place for all sorts of reasons: surprise salamander hunts, creek memories, and certain fights that ensued with people that still haunt me to this day.

But as they say: once an AIESECer, always an AIESECer. And it was truly an honor for me to be invited to be the "kagalang-galang na upuan" (to quote Care). The delegation was younger and less bolder, as expected, but we did bond during the socials in Antipolo and "Ortigas Extension" so I was fortunate to get to know most of them. Funny thing, Javi and Drew came by to show support, and they were introduced as "Legends of AIESEC"... hmmm, they were in my generation also right? What does that make me--ancestor? Harhar :-P Legislation was short but organized, exactly as I wanted it to be, and the sessions were both fun and relevant. OC was very maalaga--cheers to Bossing Erman, beloved ADMU LCP; Kevin, our Bb. Devcon titleholder; Gio, our all-around guy; Carms, with her perpetual smile; and of course, Martin, with his quotable quotes and non-stop hirits.

Thanks to everyone who made this experience truly memorable for me: from the MC, OC and of course the delegates. Thanks to the alumni also who stopped by: Javi, Drew, Jayjay (whom I missed a lot! See you in HK dude!). It was my first conference to be drunk in all socials and yet perky during the plenary... my first not to be mandated as well! Much thanks and love for restoring my faith and passion not only to Las Brisas but to AIESEC as well. You made me believe and hope that no matter what storm may come our way, AIESEC's vision and values will live through, because of its people and of course the oldie alumni as well.

See you all at Devcon Reunion! :-)
Cheers! Naunsa man Tu!

 

Munoz Reunion

Went back to our ancestral house in Munoz today for a surprise visit to Inang and to visit our tenant relatives in Talugtog . It was both a tearful and welcome return--Lola Inang looked different, much older now, and the big house seemed too quiet without the kids running around.

Our tenants were very happy to see us also; it's been too long since we've last saw them. They themselves had their own land problems, mostly family politics which we helped to resolve somewhat. Parang fiesta bigla-- everyone from the bukid went to the house for a grand dinner: litson, papaitan, pakbet, kaldereta, and of course, our favorite tinumis!

The time was too short, but we left Munoz with our promise to return soon to finalize the programs we planned to implement. I think I'm being groomed to be the successor--who knows, when I get older maybe I can live in Munoz instead. I hope everything will certainly sort itself out, in it's own time, and with Lolo's blessing as well. 

Purpose-Driven Life

Been reading the Purpose-Driven Book lately... it's been sitting in my bookshelf for so long, gathering dust. I thought it would be a timely read--having a lot of time in my hands made me think hard about what I really wanted to do in my life...

So far so good, I'm being "religious" about keeping my commitment to the book. I'm onto my 12th day. I'm learning a lot about worship and trust, and I realize that I have been growing spiritually with each day. I pray a lot more, I take the Mass and my daily rosary more seriously too. And I realize that I do treasure more the blessings I receive each day, especially with my job hunt. I learn to nurture relationships that I used to take for granted. There's more good things that I see in people that I'm able to appreciate as well.

I'm an optimistic person, but recently it seems that I just came out of a retreat. Everyone's nice, everything's good. I begin to notice an aura about people I meet with that seems to radiate about them. That makes me smile. Because even if there's so much challenges and issues and problems in the world, I know that there's hope..if only we have Faith.

Many thanks and much love to Him, to Jess, who has directed me to this opportunity to discover that I can be a better version of myself. And for guiding me towards my purpose, one that I'm slowly beginning to understand and truly pursue. 

Da Vinci Code, the Film

Watched the much-anticipated Da Vinci Code tonight with Mom and Dad (who haven't been in a moviehouse for years!) The cinema was jampacked, even with teenagers trying to beat the R18restriction. The dialogue was engaging, the actors convincing and the storyline was faithful to the Dan Brown bestseller (except for the part where there was supposed to be two cryptex. I would have loved to see how they would attack the dualism mentioned in the novel). Historical and biblical anecdotes were artistically presented as well.

In the end, as Tom Hanks said, "What matters most is what you believe in." The film satisfied my curiosity, and it was indeed one of the best film adaptations from a book. But it did not for a bit shake my faith, as others would have feared. I still believe in God and Jesus and the Holy Trinity. I take pride in being a praticing Catholic, and I know that I have a personal relationship with Jess. For me, in the end, these are what still truly matters. 

Subtext!

Eda and me stuffing ourselves full at Napoli's before the Subtext...

Eds and I went to Subtext play at Koine along Kamuining along with Kuya Mags. The theater itself was small, expected from an average theater company. It was a very intimate show with only about 30 audience members, but they added personal touches like free coffee during intermissions and dance numbers from the kid scholars that they support.

Subtext itself was short, with each act only lasting about 20 minutes... my favorite was act 2 with the two teenagers because it was the scene I could identify most with (up till now!); act 1 was weird; act 3 was very idealistic and dreamy.

Coffee galore later at Starbucks Morato (what's new) to rant about our still nonexistent love life and to analyze each other out, as is our neverending pasttime. I guess in a way, I share in Eds' momentum that night--I wished I could meet someone perfect, but then again, I wish I can revel and treasure first the relationships I have now with friends and family. I may be lonely, but I'm not alone.. as there are a lot of theater buddies who share similar passions with me as well.

Till the next curtain fall! :-)

 

Jesus Take the Wheel

Jesus Take The Wheel

Take it from my hands

Coz I can't do this on my own
I'm Letting Go
So give me one more chance
Save me from this road I'm on
Jesus Take the Wheel

--Carrie Underwood

I Love this Weather!

Seems like centuries ago when the air has last been this cold. Always loved this weather--cool, a little drizzle of rain here and there, but enough to snuggle up with someone (or in my case, my trusty comforter)

Overslept today, but woke up toasty warm. Had breakfast of scrambled eggs and danggit fresh from cebu (yumyum!) Only downside of the day was the lack of cableTV (Sky's still fixing it apparently), but still went on to procession around village despite heavy rain. Ate nacho salad and buttered popcorn after dinner... must be getting my period soon, I'm always hungry these days! Haha!

It's supposedly good news that the storm Caloy is leaving the country, especially since my dad is flying home tomorrow from CDO. But I can't let go of this weather yet... I don't want to wait until December for a cooler change in climate. I need an excuse to wear my psychedelic finger socks again :P

I'm Back!

WOW.

Can't believe it's been so long since I last posted. A lot has happened definitely, some not worth writing anymore because I would rather just forget them. But here's a short recap:

PERSONAL: Steady Lang. Been learning how to cook. Know how to whip up sinigang, tinola, adobo and nilagang baka already. Next Project: kare-kare.

CAREER: Job-hunting is so tiring! But keeping my prospects open. Skipped interview yday because of flu; prepping up for interview tomorrow (gotta wear the skirt!)

LOVELIFE: Excited over new prospect! Going to blind date on Saturday with law student. Going ga-ga over what to wear... haven't gone out in ages!!!

Of course, there's still AIESEC.... very tiring and emotionally draining. Forcing myself to face responsibility. But definitely tired and getting more depressed about it everyday. Trying to distract myself with new hobbies. Hope this all ends soon.

Thinking of getting a new blogskin. Just as soon as I find the "perfect one". Till the next! :-)

Oh yeah. Happy Anniv to my Folks! :-)

Joining the JobHunt Bandwagon at JobFair06

Tabbee and Me pausing for this picture before we slave away as staff for CEF 2006 (Ingress is really one of a kind!). Gave out lots of resumes, got two interviews, and met Mark Yambot again. All in all, a good turnout :-) 

Labor Day @ Eight Waves

Besides Black Saturday, Labor Day has got to be unofficial Swimming Day. And because it falls on a long weekend, a lot of Filipinos naturally packed their overnight bags and went straight to their favorite resorts and beaches... us included. For this year, it was Eight Waves for us.

Located in San Miguel, Bulacan, the resort is around 2 hours from Manila. We arrived around midday only to find out that all tables and cottages were full! No wonder, everyone in Manila seemed to be in this pool (see picture above!). Julius and I braved the waves (and the crowd) and went straight to the 6ft line. It turned out to be one of the most challenging swims of my life--I was treading like crazy and gasping for breath! Their wave machine is really tough to beat, I ended up with terrible bruises in my legs, but definitely had a lot of fun! :-)

Lea Judan

Me and cousin Lea, who's 7 years old but does not talk much (good thing a Happy Meal helped!). I hope she can still remember me 10 years from now when she comes back to the Philippines... 

Holy Week Prayers and Picnics

Last Stop: San Sebastian Church, Manila

After 2 years, we finally went to a Visita Iglesia again on Holy Thursday to continue family tradition. Interestingly enough, friends Eda's and Raeden's families also went on their own Visitas at the almost the same chruches--we just missed each other by few minutes!

A lot of Filipinos really observe the traditions of Stations of the Cross; it's both humbling and heartwarming to see many people go to confession, reflect and remember to pray. Because most have already gone to the provinces, Manila seems like a ghost town.

But lo and behold, on Good Friday, it seemed that everyone flocked back to the parks (since malls were closed!) to find some sort of enjoyment. We visited riverbanks, QC circle and finally to Baywalk, all of which were so jampacked with families and dates you'd never realize it was still the Lenten Season.

As they say, Filipinos are the happiest breed of people anywhere, anytime in the world...even during Holy Week.

 

A Broken Vow

After several months of not having any news about him, I broke my promise to myself by starting a conversation, again. A random joke turned into a whole day's worth of talk--from my upcoming trip to Bohol, to his Binggo raffle project, to "kandungans" and plane rides, to our travels and our longing to see Pagudpod (for cheaper rates!), to Eheads, to our jamming sessions, to guitar and piano lessons, to his bands, to our work and lives in general...


I won't deny that even the silliest talks with him always bring a certain smile and tug to my heart. I've really missed him so, and for a few hours, he really has made me happy. But when talks came to how we'd see each other, i mean, really see each other, our conversations waned to awkward small talk. It's a depressing cycle, and one that I wanted to end long ago, if only I had the discipline to stay away and keep my promise...


For anything else, I've already found what I'm looking for in him. But there's no commitment--what do I do with mere MUs? I'm tired. I'm tired of flings. I'm tired of dating aimlessly. I want to start something serious with someone who will treat me seriously. And unless he really makes the grand gesture of finally going to Manila to see me, and not just saying he wishes to see me all the time, that's the only way I'll take him seriously as well... Until then, I'm just his "girl from Manila", and he's "my guy from.. somewhere out there..."


The only problem is, I'm already tired of waiting for him to take me, to take us, seriously. How long do I have to wait? All my life, I've always been waiting. Maybe it's time for me to move on. I can't be friends with him anymore, because being friends really hurt. Because I'll always be wanting something more... I always had, even before we started this thing, even before he started to give me a little bit of attention. Long Distance Sucks. It's either he's in all the way or he's not.


I wish it was just as simple as that. I wish the next time he calls or texts, i can just turn off my feelings, just like that. But I can't. I still can't.


God help me.

Last Words on Proclamation 1017

As GMA currently lifts the Proclamation that has turned this nation upside down, here are just a few thoughts, a unique voice apart from the shouts on the streets we're already familiar with, or from the angry banters we hear from politicians left and right... words that may be few but those I strongly believe and agree with:


"... Arroyo should win the support of the military, purge disloyal officers ala Stalin, and start clamping down on the political chaos that has really shackled our country from progress. Sometimes I feel like Filipinos enjoy too much freedom, and very little discipline. It is almostlike anarchy, and we need less freedoms for the sake of stability. There is always a tradeoff between personal freedom and state power. I think there is too much of the former and way to little of the latter. We have shown that as a people, we do not exercise our freedom responsibly."
-- from a concerned PEXer


Amen to that.

My Renaissance Guy

Caught up with a friend I was doing business with (before, when I was still with Naturale) for a final errand delivery. What was supposed to be just a drop-off of stickers turned out to be a really good talk about business and life in general, which was quite expected whenever he and I would ask politely about each other's day. It was even a bigger surprise to know that he was only a batch higher from me in UPBA, and that maybe we'd already seen each other in the halls and we just didn't know it. He says I look familiar, that he's certain of seeing me before during student council meetings. I can't quite place him, but we do know common friends, and common BA gossip! Haha! Amazingly, I just found out he's in a band (when he's not busy with work) and they're releasing an album soon... I've always been a sucker for guitar guys ever since Jason Mraz, and this just puts the icing on the cake! *sigh*


He's one of the few people I really respect and admire. He's sincerely nice, and he makes the wisest business suggestions without making you feel stupid nor brusahed aside. By his lifestyle and beliefs, he strengthens my passion for entrepreneurship and in always standing out no matter what I do. Love what you do and do what you love, so to speak. Ang galing nya, at natutuwa talaga ako sa magagaling na tao. I didn't know why I didn't say goodbye officially, as I planned to do. I guess a part of me still wished that our paths would again cross someday, maybe not necessarily in BA and Naturale.


Wish you all the best Kelvin! Thanks for the friendship, the words of wisdom and the inspiration. See you soon! :-)

I'll Never Get Over You Getting Over Me

I hear you're taking the town again
Having a good time, with all your good time friends
I don't think that you think of me
You're on your own now, and I'm alone and free


I know that I should get on with my life
But a life lived without you could never be right


As long as the star shines down from the heavens
Long as the rivers run to the sea
I'll never get over you
Getting over me


I try to smile so the hurt won't show
Tell everybody I was glad to see you go
But the tears just won't go away
Loneliness found me, looks like it's here to stay


I know that I ought to find someone new
But all I found myself always thinking of you


As long as the star shines down from the heavens
Long as the rivers run to the sea
I'll never get over you
Getting over me


Oh, no matter what I do
It's just a lifetime to live through
I can't go on like this
I need your touch
You're the only one I'll ever love


And as long as the star shines down from the heavens
Long as the rivers run to the sea
I'll never get over you
Getting over me
I'll never get over you
Getting over
Never get over you getting over
I'll never get over you...getting over me

Signing Off..

...farewell videoke party...

Last shout-outs from Dennis:

Dianne, I didn't know you could be so senti. I'll miss your tambutso-like personality...
Coni, next time magsama ka naman kapag mag-disappear ka para masaya. I'll miss your wonderfully crazy ideas...
Gladys, i'll always wash my hands off whatever awakenings this job has brought you. I'll miss the security and safety knowing Kim Bauer is around...
Cris, don't reply to this email baka hingin ko pa ulit ang transcript mo (JOKE... ay written pala to kaya pwede). I'll miss the love team in the office...

Goodluck people on your next endeavors. I'm sure you'll do very very well. Basta whatever it is make sure you challenge the status quo and kick ass! Magtatampo ako if you do not visit the office every now and then (make sure may dala kayong food at Yakult!).

I'll sign you off from the egroups and emails this weekend.

Thanks for the moments!

Dennis


Shet... *tears tears*... I'll miss the war room (as of today, it's being constructed into another meeting room... definitely something more dreary and officey) and the people that comes with it... the laughter and tears, the stress, the chikas, the crazy moments, the videoke moments...Thanks to everyone for making it a very memorable two years. I'll drop by the playroom next time. Will promise to bring more Cheez It and Yakult and Yakisoba!

Signing Out... Gladys Judan, former Intrapreneur....

Zsazsa Zaturnnah-(huh!)

Zsazsa Zaturnnah's one of the funnest and funniest plays I've seen for a long time! It was a good homecoming for me at CCP since Miss Saigon. I'm a big fan of Ricci Chan and Agot Isidro whom I've seen in previous plays already, and I was curious to see Eula perform as well in her first ever musical stint.


I was re-acquainted into the world of Camp (read=gay lingo) which was always interesting to learn. Never knew that Eula could sing that well, and she really sounded gay (which for her role is a good thing!), while Agot and Ricci gave stellar performances, as expected. Ada was a professor pala, which explains the hordes of fans who were his students from Miriam. Dodong was a surprise too; apparently, he's already a composer and a MetroPop veteran. Three hours was just enough (I couldn't believe we laughed that long!) for the whole plot to unfold and for the punch lines to be delivered at just the right time. Kudos to the creative sets and props, and to the spandex costumes (definitely time space warp-ish!) Too bad the ushers were poorly confused (which was very unfortunate for CCP's reputation) and our seats were quite cramped--at second half, my right flip-flop accidentally fell at the bottom of the bleachers, which I could only crawl to get after the show was over! Cripes!


Waited for our happy food (banana split galore!) at Iceberg's while debating whether we should go back and finish our autograph signing. Good thing Eda was with me, my very own "Amazonistah" who made first dibs with Ricci, Agot, Eula, Wilma and Arnold a.k.a. Dodong (Ang Superstar ng Buhay Ko ay Ikaw! Cheesiness!). I just followed suit and smiled stupidly along… I was still definitely starstruck! Too bad I wasn't able to talk more with Carl the Priest, whom I shared smiles with during intermission and after the play (yep, cheesy kilig moment part two!). Definitely the most fun backstage adventures I've ever had!



I definitely recommend everyone to watch this play, if only there were tickets left. Last I heard the play is already sold out until the end of the season (we ourselves got tickets from a fixer!). This play goes out to all Amazonistahs out there: Go get your "mahiwagang bato", be superheroes and fall in love with your own Dodong's along the way...;-) Carpe Diem!

WWE Raw Live Tour in Manila!

Big Show, Big Crowd at the Big Dome!

After lifetimes of longing and wishful thinking, Julius and I were finally able to catch the WWE Raw Live Tour in Manila! The Stars came over here for a two-night show and Araneta was really jampacked! It was a dream come true for Julius, who's always been a fan. I guess in a certain way, it's always been my dream too, even if my generation still idolized Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart (and even believed Ultimate Warrior's fatal exit from the show!) We got tickets only in the Upper Box Arena, but it wasn't too bad... thanks to zoom lens of my DSC-T5. I was "hired" as official photographer for the night! Harhar!

On the other side though, the event almost didn't push through, as there was a "state of national emergency" declared by GMA. Everyone feared it was almost marital law, as politicians and rallyists were arrested on the streets. It was pretty scary; at a press release, the wrestlers admitted that they were scared too! Good thing that even the biggest rallies couldn't stop fans from going! We did scream our lungs out that night: "Steel Chair! Steel Chair!" The girls beside me screamed louder... I never felt greater adrenaline rush with that many people before!

Thanks to Julius for bringing me, and for letting me see Triple H, Mick Foley, Big Show and Cena! Even if I don't get to watch the show as often now, the Tour made me realize I'm still a fan, and I'd always be a screaming fan for them. Our Php500 bucks apiece souvenir shirts will prove that! Steep Man! But everything was definitely worth it!!!

About that Choir Guy...

After a long long time, I'm finally Inspired again :-)


Met someone from DAYS who was truly quite a character - He's a playwright / theater director who has one of the most wonderful voices I've heard. He was the one who taught me all those Days Songs, and I owe him much gratitude for that. If it weren't for him, I don't think I'll be able to join the choir, let alone do duets with him... My heart still skips a beat whenever he compliments my voice, like a proud mentor. What can I say... inspired nga talaga...


He loves UP as much as I do, loves menthol lights (my kinda guy!) and he was the first one out of all my friends from DAYS who asked me about my work, and who remembered what exactly I do for a living, and not just to make small talk. I'm glad I went with him to McDo instead of going with the group to Something Fishy. Talks about social-consciousness, politics, philosophy... to manghuhulas and UP fairs and concerts... to love and those feelings in between. That was one of the best conversations I've ever had - so good that we slept around 4am already not because we were tired nor running out of things to say, but that he just really had to prepare already for another session he was facilitating in a few hours...


Too bad he's still quite in love with a ghost from his past. His was quite the love story... a courtship complete with the theatrical staging and yep, all that drama. Kiniklilig pa rin ako just remembering about it. But like all great love stories, his did not end happily. And sadly, I think I was able to make him realize that whatever happens, he still would hold that girl in a pedestal, and no other can measure up to his "goddess".


Yup, he's definitely complicated (he admitted so himself), and he does have high standards. I'm not too blind to know that I won't have that chance to really be with him, but surprisingly I'm not too sad about that. I don't think I'll be able to make him happy anyway. (and this is definitely not bitterness talking!) I guess it's enough for me to spend time and see him at DAYS... admiring silently from afar. For now, it's enough to make me smile everyday, knowing that somewhere out there is a guy who really really has a strong faith and has so much passion for life (and is not gay!)... someone I can sing with again, till the next DAYS... :-)

Close to You

I watched Close to You twice--on Opening Day with my Intra girls (as my farewell gig), and the second time with my mom, who was convinced to watch after she heard me rave about it.


Story was quite simple: girl saves boy's life, boy befriends girl, boy falls in love with girl best friend, girl stalks another guy, boy gets jealous but follows her friend along, girl gets guy crush but realizes she's fallen in love with boy, girl confronts boy, boy asks girl to think things over, girl chooses boy, boy and girl live happily ever after...


The dialogue was witty and modern. John Lloyd's sarcastic humor was such a refreshing change (Para kayong Justice League! Harhar!) But I have to agree with Eda though that the way the writers developed the friends turning into lovers angle was so true to the real world. It was not cliche, hollywood movie-ish at all, and that made the characters and the whole film more poignant and endearing in the end...


Definitely the Valentine Movie Date this year! Go watch with your single girlfriends and with your guy best friend *wink wink* :-)

V-Day

Today was like any other. Except that I got a really big box of expensive chocs from my parents... and that there was a pseudo-arts-and-crafts at the war room today as we filled the room with cut-out pink hearts (cheesy, i know)... and that there were lovey-dovey forwarded quotes from friends who have always remembered...


It's the little things, and the constant love of my family and friends that really mattered. They made me forget, even for a few moments, that there were no bouquets of flowers (which has always been a dream), nor texts from that special someone, nor an invitation out for a date...


I guess those are not that important anymore... well, just for today. There's always next year right?


Happy Hearts' Day Everyone! :-)

Officially Resigned

Today, I officially handed in my resignation as Intrapreneur for Felina and Beach Hut.

It's been such an emotional roller coaster, the whole day and the (almost) two years that I've spent with Naturale Labs. I cried, I laughed, I heaved a sigh of relief. It's almost like a big weight has been lifted off my shoulders, yet at the same time, I feel like I'm losing a big part of myself and I don't know where to find it.

Good thing I had my family and my friends to keep me sane and tell me everything's going to be alright. Thanks to Motherhood and Batas, for still being willing to support me financially despite this now soul-searching phase that I have. Thanks to Eda whom I woke up late last night, but who has always been standing by my side during these insane crazy months (I will get myself SUN load soon promise!). Thanks to Marc for the fortune cookie comfort food, for always being rational, and for the big hug. Thanks to my girls, Cris, Dianne and Coni for the coffee after, for understanding and still wishing my knees well despite my neverending adventures to Caloocan and beyond.

I have the vaguest idea what to do now. All I know is that I have to get well, physically and emotionally. Move on, but never forget the wonderful lessons and the great experience this work has taught me. Lest I forget, thanks to Dennis for being my mentor, for teaching me about life, and for being a good friend. I couldn't have asked for a better boss... you will always be my "purple cow"... :-)

Happy Birthday! :-)

Although I was not able to go to Tagaytay (my birthday wish), this year's birthday celebration for moi is still quite memorable. I had three birthday cakes (my purple ube "best enjoyed before" cake from Intras, my jumongous brownie from Eda @ Kulinarya, and my personalized vanilla ice cream from Italiannis, complete with lapdance moves from Mike!). That means more birthday wishes! Yay! Got to eat all my favorite food as well: pasta, salad and cake galore from my favorite Italian guys--Don Hen's, Chef D' Angelo's and Italiannis! Yumyum!


I think what made it more special were the people who remembered my day, even if I don't get to talk or catch up with them as often as I wanted to. There were a couple of text messages, and birthday cards, which really made my heart smile and laugh as well. All in all, I was really happy even if it was a work-filled day. Thank you for sending all your love…Much love to you guys as well!


Thanks to God for another year, for new hope, new experiences and new opportunities to touch more lives and discover more about myself and life...


Afterthought: Eda and I will be celebrating our 10th year Anniversary this May (a few weeks earlier than our exact date in June), at Nurture Spa and Sonya’s B&B. Guess I’m going to get my birthday wish after all! God really works in miraculous ways... :-)

Geek in the Pink: Jason Mraz Live!

I was never a really really big fan, but I enjoyed his music so I decided to go with Eda. Besides, what better way to have an early birthday celebration than to enjoy good music with your best friend (whom surprisingly I've never been with to a legit concert before! Gary V does not count!) and a really cute guy in guitars?

Never expected it to be so much fun! Thanks to Eda for getting us really really good seats at the Rockwell Tent! Jason was surprisingly witty (I love guitar guys with sarcastic humor!) and so adorable. He and Paolo Santos performed really well, and though I was not able to really memorize all the songs despite the never ending looped Jason Playlist at the War Room, I was the content fan waving my lighter to You and I, The Remedy and Wordplay.



Felt like a couple of giggly highschoolers who stalked Jason at the backstage. Even if we were unsuccessful in getting his autograph, just waving goodbye to him made us still smile stupidly (pathetic, I know). What can I say, we were defenseless against his charms! Can't wait to catch his next concert in Manila (which is turning out to be an annual tradition I heard!) Cheers to the Geek in the Pink! :-)

New Year, New Resolutions

Yup, it's my year! Officially the YEAR OF THE DOG! And to kick things off, here's my own "list" (drumroll please...):


Things I Want to Happen for 2006:
1. Get a Drivers' License!!!
2. Learn Ilocano and Spanish.
3. Learn to play guitar.
4. Learn how to cook.
5. Develop a new sport (still deciding between Chess and Swimming)
6. Travel to an Asian Country (Bangkok or HK... depends on the fare and rates! Sayang ang miles...)
7. Learn Photoshop
8. Watch a concert, game and play
9. Keep all doctor appointments with Dr. Sese
10. Invest money wisely (probably in time deposit)
11. Get a new cellphone!


On a more personal note, I resolve to:
1. Never say anything bad about others (or at least minimize them...)
2. Fulfill all promises (that includes being on time!)
3. Pray and reflect more.
4. Procrastinate less.
5. Personal makeover! Fix self, room, workspace more...


Let's see how many I can tick off as DONE by the end of the year!