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! :-)