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!

Hiatus!

Been a long time since I last wrote in here... well, new year, new skin! Will try to do multiple blogs for the meantime. Hehe :-)

Find Your Favorite: The Starbucks Coffee Planner 2006

After 21 crème brulees and peppermint hot chocolates (among many others), I finally claimed my Starbucks Planner at Starbucks Petron Station, North Expressway (yep, we were on our way to Bulacan and Nueva Ecija then). Too bad my friend Jonjon was not there with his usual perky smile and warm hugs, but thanks still to baristas Ren and Lea who made me feel welcome during my stay at the store.

A lot of people have said that buying that much coffee does not compensate for just a planner. But for the collector in me, it was the process in itself that I cherished. I did play Santa (as their ads suggested), as around half of my precious stickers were through freebies I gave out to family and friends. It felt good to treat them to Starbucks, because it gave me a chance to catch up with them—what’s going on in their lives at the moment, how they’ll be spending Christmas--a welcome escape from our usually hectic work schedules.

This year though, the planner itself was indeed worth it! The whole thing works as a journal in itself, encouraging the owner to write not only appointment schedules, but their most intimate thoughts as well. That’s convenient for me since my 2005 Starbucks planner was more of my diary than a planner anyway (the first one that I actually finished after millions of required homework and online journals!) Each month features a flavored drink (which is actually cool because I get to learn the Starbucks lingo a little bit more) weaved into a blog-inspired entry. The GCs are a plus to help you find your favorite Starbucks concoction—something that actually inspires you to pursue life’s choices and make each experience as personal and memorable as possible. Wow… I never appreciated poetry until now. And I didn’t know that there were so so much more coffee variants to choose from… so much more to get you hooked into the Starbucks Coffee Culture! I know I’m now a full-fledged convert!

As for my drink… I’m still torn between a venti green tea frappucinno with extra whipped cream, a grande hazelnut caramel affogato, or just a good old white chocolate mocha with a ham and cheese croissant… gotta go find my favorite! 

The Company of Fools @ the Metro Bar!

Company of Fools @ Metro Bar

Finished my last event for the year-- sponsorship at The Metro Bar for the Company of Fools concert! Was really down with fever last night, but a they say, the show really must go on. So take pictures I did (thanks to my new sony cam!) while samples were given away to the events' audiences... Too bad I was only able to catch the opening song for the Company (I'm a fan pa nman!), but I really had to rest as the flu was really starting to affect me alte into the night


The Company! :-)

Thanks to Les, Dick, Dessy, Dianne and Cris for helping out! I wouldn't have survived the night without you guys...Hope you enjoyed the concert as well :-)


with Cris and Dianne :-)

Carabiners! Carabiners! Carabiners!

Carabiners!

The Carabiners are finally here!!!

After months of sourcing out a Chinese supplier, negotiating for colors, wire payment transfers, dealing with customs and brokers, deliveries to warehouse and plant... I finally have in our hands 60,000 carabiners (figuratively of course!).

It's a nice way to end the year, work-wise. I was quite afraid that we would not be able to see those cartons until next year, good thing it pushed through this week still. Importation was quite an interesting experience--there's so much I have learned about this industry for the past months. Thanks to Tito William for being patient with all my seemingly stupid questions, and for mentoring me about the tricks of the trade. I hope I can learn about export really soon as well--can't wait to ship Felinas out to Vietnam! :-)

Lost and Found (Returned)!

Was about to actually create an entry to warn friends to take better care of their phones.. as a couple of my friends had their own mobiles lost or snatched in public places, even in broad daylight... when I myself experienced the same thing!

I was on my way from the bank to see my dermatologist, when I realized that I left my phone in the trike! All color drained from my face, as I struggled for a minute on what I should do. I left the derma clinic immediately and took another ride to the tricycle terminal, waiting desperately for the driver to return. Surprisingly, this was the first time that I rode a tricycle without taking note of the body number and driver's name, as I have always been trained to do. Good thing my mom was able to contact him and he promised to return my phone. I gave him an extra jacket and 500 in gratitude.. I was really thankful to have my phone back.

There are not too many good men out there who would have returned lost cell phones... as they say, times are hard and I know he could have sold it somewhere. But I really am grateful and lucky I guess... I hope my friends have had the same fate. Not that I wish them to lose their phones, but that if ever misfortunes strike that their belongings would be misplaced or left somewhere, that they should also be lucky to find a good-hearted person who will still return them :-)

Big Winner Nene!

Congrats Nene!

Congrats to Nene for being the first Big Winner!

After 110 days, the show we have religiously followed is now over. Congrats to Nene (who was my bet, same as Jason) for winning the hearts (and text votes obviously) of 500,000++ Filipinos. I know that she will use the money well, as she is really quite smart. I actually like her, most of her qualitites and values I really admire and hope that I can also emulate--leadership, independence, optimism. I just hope she doesn't let her mother abuse her newfound fame and fortune (yup I can feel that vibe... too bad)

On to the re-runs, reunions and DVD versions then. Congrats to PBB and Direk Laurenti Dyogi for a great first season!

New Cam: SONY CYBER-SHOT DSC-T5!

new cam!

After months and months of saving up, I finally bought my cam! Yayness! It's sleek, gold and Sony, exactly how I wanted it... a little more than my budget actually (good thing for credit cards! Thanks for my red card Tina!), but I don't think I wouldn't have been happy with any other brand or unit. It was really love at first sight! Plus, I got a 3000 worth of GCs for accessories!

Thanks to Eds also for helping me buy the cam, and for all the questions I wouldn't have asked, techie-challenged as I am.

Trigger-happy time! :-)

iMac Fanatic!

iMac G5 :-)

I am now an iMac convert.

War Room now officialy has a Mac.... a new toy to be exact. I can spend hours downloading from BitTorrent or Posioned.. and learning about design has never been so user-friendly! No cables, everything is already plugged in the system. Just your trusty keyboard, mouse, and the wide-screen monitor with built-in hard drive. Best of all, no viruses!!!

Just hope I can learn photoshop soon also! Oh well, one lesson at a time... besides, I'm still not done downloading all seasons from Friends anyway! haha :-)

Back to Baguio

Baguio is now my second home. Well, next to boracay that is :-)

Turista sa Mines View... :-)

I loved going back to Baguio. Though the trip was really tiring (6 hours for the climb up and 6 hours again going down) by Victory Liner (my longest commute so far!), we slept most of the time and tried to watch movies (pacifier, dodgeball and white chicks to be exact) anyway. Lesson Learned #1: Buy Bus Tickets in advance, especially during looong weekends!

Shempre, me and Eds can't help but go on a food trip pa din--Baguio style! For some reason, we always ended up at Session Road... Visco's had the best baked lasagna; Jumongous Mongolian Rice Toppings at Gobi; Chopsuey Heaven at Star Cafe (love baguio veggies!). We took the best and most pictures at Kenny's and Pizza hut though... dessert sampler forever! Loved chokolate-eh at Cafe by the Ruins... hated my brandy-coffee combo at Ionic Cafe! That was weird... Lesson # 2: Have maps ready, but if you can't afford it, drop by National bookstore and read on travel guides. Know the most happening places to hang out, the best / cheapest buys, the native delicacies and cafes (opening and closing hours are also vital infos!)

Food Trip Galore!

Spent wads of moolah at the shopping places as well: Mines View, SM Baguio (love their centralized airconditioning! haha!) and Central Market... went overbudget and withdrew twice just for choco flakes, peanut brittle, knitted stuff, baguio shirts, keychains, knitted sweaters... mostly non-useful cute stuff... :-)

Even if we splurged on the trip, our savings at the Navy Base guesthouse more than made up for all our shopping sprees. It was quite cozy, American - style, and we can cook our own breakfast at the kitchen or enjoy the fireplace. Best place for bonding with Eda and Marianne! :-) But I don't think our trip would have been the same if we didn't have a cam with us. Each pic would take around 4-5 poses before we perfected the "look" or the "scenery"... good thing we had enough funds for "disposable" energizer batteries! haha! Lesson # 3: when bringing a camera, make you sure you also bring with you rechargeable batteries (or spare change for energizers!)

pa-cute effect chuvaness! haha!

I love being a tourist--the late nights, the no-curfew-stress-free life.. Mass at Baguio Cathedral was one of the most heartfelt and solemn masses I've attended. Iba ang kirot sa puso pag Ilokano ang misa. Everyone was singing from the heart, and at that moment I think I missed home more. Fortune telling at Bell Church was memorable as well.. it was my first "oriental" experience, and I think I'd go back to Bell Church here in Araneta in February to have my fortunes read again :-)

Going on a vacation with only a few people instead of the whole barkada was definitely a blessing in disguise: at least I was able to do everything I wanted to do and go to the places I really wanted to see. I know that it may be a long time before I go back to Baguio again. It may be a different experience altogether (I may drop by Masinloc on the way the next time), but this trip will definitely be one of my favorites :-)

centralized aircon anyone? :-)

HP4: The Goblet of Fire @ Eastwood Cinemas

...cedric and cho... :-)

Watched Harry Potter today on its's first screening day (what can I say, I'm really a fan!). Was my first time to actually enjoy Eastwood Cinemas, and I'm gklad to have gone with Eds. As usual, when the two of us are together, food trip galore talaga! Binged on Heaven and Egss (Three Sausages and Eggs again.. my fave!)... quick stop to tiangge (bought matching oriental wallets) before having a coffee break at mocha blends... fun fun fun!

The movie itself was great! As expected, it was quite long (almost three hours I think), but they were able to religiously show the crucial parts of the book. Ralph Fiennes is the best antagonist without a nose, and Cedric is simply the cutest! :-) I really missed Sean Biggerstaff when they took him out in HP2... good thing there's always Cedric now to look forward to! Cho Chang was adorable as well.. I wished they would have shown more of the Hermione-Ron angle.. oh well, maybe in the next film installation. Have to finish Half Blood Prince first!

Can't wait for Narnia, Chicken Little, Memoirs of a Geisha and Pride and Prejudice! (thanks for the wonderful trailers! haha)

KFC's Fast Food

KFC Counters

It's been a long time since I last ate at KFC, a far cry from the days when Chicken Caesar Salad was considered my staple rice at every meal. So I decided to have a go at it again after the mass last night, only to find out that nothing really changed that much since my last visit. The food's still great (I missed the salad terribly!), but the service still sucks. I wondered, as I waited at the counter line for almost fifteen minutes just to get a salad, a 1-piece meal and mashed potatoes, if the crew even knew the definition of fast food. Heck, I don't think a supervisor was even around to explain what the concept meant. There was chaos all over--the frontliners repeated my order thrice, scrambled to the back to shout out weird food codes and were slipping all over spilt soda just behind the counter. The result? Around 8-9 angry customers per queue, still waiting in line, wondering what the fuss is all about and what the hell is taking them sooooo damn long!

What's surprising is that those angry customers are just that-- just waiting. Nobody I think bothers to leave the line, or complain to the manager, or do anything about it. I did certainly raise my concerns, only to a food service crew unfortunately, for the supervisor was nowhere in sight. I guess, the people at KFC thinks that their food must be so great that even if their service sucks big-time, people will still flock to their stores. Sure, that can work for a while. But how long till people get tired of their crappy service, that is also uncertain. I hope, for their sakes, it's sooner than later, so they can get their acts together and start giving us loyal customers the service we truly deserve. That means FAST!!! :-)

Body Wellness Body Scrub

Body Scrub... Heavenly! :-)

Got myself a really really good body scrub this afternoon! I've never felt so well-rubbed, well-scrubbed, well-exfoliated in my entire life! My initial irritation at having to wait beyond their promised time (even if I extended over an hour at the sauna!) is now forgotten and forgiven for. My skin feels so smooth, so rejuvenated... I think I'd want to go to the beach again just to get myself another scrub! Haha! And it's quite cheap also, just P400 (exclusive of tips of course) for a full body service... This is the life...

Can't wait to get my body spa at Nurture Spas for my birthday!!!

BORACAY INVASION!!!

With Cris and Wangbu @ Bora! :-)

Yep, for the second time this year, I was blessed to be given the opportunity to invade the white sand beaches of Bora once more!!! Was super excited, I bought all my beach gears early on, planned my outfits and packed two days ahead of my departure date. Of course, this particular Bora visit meant work for both Bliss and Summer Monkey which is why I had to really contribute something as well. And I believed I also went the extra mile--negotiations at Paraw, booking the tickets for the Intras and the models, coordinating with everyone... it was tough but I really had a lot of fun! I'm glad the sampling and the oculars went just fine (except for the Jude incident that is… but that's water under the bridge now...)

This Bora was definitely one of the best vacations I've had in a long time. I guess it pays to know what you're expecting, so you already have an idea of what you won't miss doing the second time around. And I did have a list (so I'll forever be OC, sue me! Haha) so I wouldn't forget this time what I should have done last May: night swimming, early morning dip(of course it didn't help that I had my monthly the second I stepped on Boracay shores! Good thing that was only for 3 days!), henna tattoo (cute flower, stemmed rose at my back, and a free one at my right hand! Thanks Long for the freebie!), massage by the beach (full body this time! Super heavenly!), sunbathing (got my tan line! Yesssss!), walk from stations 1-3 (okay, so it was in installments, but I still walked that whole lot... pwede na din!), beads bargain shopping (completed my pasalubong list! Yay!), and partayyyyyy!!!! (bish and booze and a wholelotta dancin'!!!!). I even stayed up two whole nights to make up for all the dinners and bars I missed with the Intras when I'm in Manila. I was even able to visit the Church, and pray for the souls of my loved ones I wasn't able to visit this years' All Souls' Day. What to add next time: Braids (if I'm not rebounded anymore!) and Banana Boat definitely!

Totally loved Paraw (Cris and I danced it up alright! Haha) and Bom-bom's (I'm now a certified Reggae convert! Bob Marley all the way! "I don't wanna wait in vain for your love...Idon'twanna Idon'twannaIdon'twannaIdon'twanna... Idon'twanna wait in vain!"). We had different choices for our meals and restaurants, which I also loved: Make your own breakfast at Paradiso, milkshakes galore and 6am-before-we-sleep-pampatanggal-amats-omelettes at Jonah's, Baby Back Ribs and Baked Oysters at Gastrof, Heavenly Crepes at Cafe SanMichel, sinigang at Smoke Resto D'Mall Talipapa, even Longganisa Burgers at BBQ Stands at the Beach Front (the one I threw up though later after five beers at 3pm!). Who said anything about dieting anyway?!?!?! Definitely one of the most fun food trips I've had... which is why I'm in Nesvita and C2 Detox mode now! Haha :-P


Bliss Night @ Cocomangas

Celeb Sighting Galore as well! Mygash, my mom would have a field day if she was there with me the whole time! I spied (and stalked a bit): Angel Aquino, Maui Taylor and Brian Revilla (PDA all the way at Paraw... ewwww! That was not a pretty picture), Gwen Garci, Katya Santos, Jennifer Lee, Vandolph and Grace, Sunshine Dizon, Karel Marquez, Paula Peralejo, Luis Alandy (total Baldwin!), John Hall (ulam sobra!), Phoemela Barranda, Rachel Lobangco (the Firedancer!) among others I might have forgotten already. Not too mention a few of my friendsters as well: shout-outs to Dianne Aquino, Buona Lacaba, Parx Jacinto, Faith Manguiat, Ter and Nina (who's apparently a couple now! Kudos to you both!), Amy Ang, Andrea Logarta, and special mention to Harvard, whom I wasn't able to say Hi (twice!), but can now admit I was happy to see at Bora.

Even now I can still imagine the sand beneath my toes, the chilly but clear water waking me up early morning, and the waves as it crashed towards the shore---I'm longing for and missing terribly that carefree feeling when you're in a wholly different world like Boracay. They say you can assume a different identity when you're in a foreign land--I can say that I felt more like myself while I was in Bora. No pretentions, no expectations. It was fun and liberating at the same time... Part of it may be because of the people I'm with also--it wouldn't have been as great without this right mix of people: hugs, toasts and thanks to Dennis, Cris, Brian, Kiko, Monica, Lynne, yep even Jude. You guys made my Bora experience truly unforgettable. Can't wait for Summer Monkey next year!!!

The Perfect Man

Perfect Man :-)

Was looking forward to a no-brainer flick this week, and I knew I had a lot to choose from. Mom and I ended up with The Perfect Man, with Hilliary Duff and Heather Locklear. It was a feel-good romantic comedy, even though the story really had no backbone.. the girl was cute (i think i'm quite the Hillary Duff fan, more than Lindsay actually), the boy was cute, the story was cute... everything was oozing with the "cuteness factor, which was exactly what I was looking for so I was quite happy with it. A friend was actually disappointed when he watched it, probably coz he was looking for something worthwhile to watch (click here for the full review in his blog). Will most likely include this in my romatic comedy collection, must-buy in my next DVD shopping galore. :-)

Footloose!

Me with Iya at Footloose... mas maganda ako! haha :-)

Went with Monna to the last weekend showing of Footloose... almost didnt make it, tipid kse. Pero was thinking that this was one opportunity not worth missing. Besides, matagal tagal na din ako hindi nanonood ng musical, and I kinda missed it. Lesson learned though: don't get tickets at the last minute! Or else, you'll be sent to different National Bookstores in Ortigas just to catch the Nice Ticketnet Lady... sayang yng taxi!!! :-P

Our seats were at the far end, and Monna and I changed seats twice just to get a better view of the stage. The kids (Scholars by Lito Atienza) around us were hilarious, maraming hirit (at one "senti" moment, one kid shrieked..."kamukha ni Santa Claus o!". Umurong Luha ko!) They were quite generous also with their applause; we felt like we were at ASAP and not Meralco Theater!

After the performance, we went onstage to catch a closer glimpse of the actors, and even went backstage to get pictures. Groupies tlga... Fanatic na ito! It's always fun to be "showbiz" with Monna, coz we're always game to meet the artists and get juicy gossips along the way!

The play itself was one of the best ones I've seen... it made me want to rent Kevin Bacon's original film version right after! The veterans gave outstanding performances, as expected(Audie Gemora and Agot Isidro were personal favorites), but I'll have to say that "Almost Paradise" is still my favorite number. Have new crush though: Gian Magdangal (who plays Will) is apparently really good looking up-close. Kilig tlga! Haha :-) Can't wait for the next play! [Hope Jude can get us more backstage passes in the future... Christian Bautista anyone??? :-P]

On Startups

"In a startup, you want people who can survive without structure."
-Tony Zhang, Founder, AskMeFinance

Amen.

Real Estate Hunt

My boss gave a speech today regarding Robert Kiyosaki's book, Rich Dad, Poor Dad... I've read that book and finance explained in layman's terms really made a lot of sense. The only problem was, it was based on american culture, so most of the examples used may not be applicable to the Philippine setting, especially in today's economic and financial crisis. He showed us then a recently published Filipino version of the book: "Think Rich Pinoy", but it also stresses the importance of having the right mix of business, portfolio and real estate to gain financial freedom.

They say that the best time to invest in real estate is NOW, when most businesses are closing shop and the lots for sale are pegged at lower market prices. On my way to work today, my eyes caught at least ten "for sale" signs, that would have been good investments (for buy and sell) if only I had the capital. Which is why now I have four jobs! One resource to take would be to buy assets foreclosed by the bank... you can leverage capital investment first on a loan based on future sale, and still get profitable margins net from market rates. I personally prefer real estate over stock exchange which is more volatile to changes based on political and economic crisis. It's lower in risk, and has bigger chances of return as well. The concept may seem easy, but it takes practice I guess. And the good thing is, there is no age limit to real estate! (Which is why you see older moms leafletting at mall entrances everywhere!) May want to late this year, when my savings are more stabilized... consultancy with Dennis and Tito Romy may be good options to take as well :-) Happy House and Lot Hunting For Me! :-)

Welcome and Farewell

The group said goodbye to Kiko, who will now concentrate on Hotshots for the meantime.... Will miss having his company at the war room...

Welcome to two new Intras: Monna (who is my work buddy for three companies now! haha :D) and Jude (GameKNB-slash-Batibot veteran-slash-Grease director-slash-new theater buddy=Christian Bautista! harhar)

Out of Sight, Out of Mind (?)

Last week was a reunion of sorts. Met up with old friends in AIESEC whom I haven't seen for the longest time (thank God for neverending welcome dinners and stammtisches!). And as expected, usual topics for small talk involve current relationship status... to which I automatically answer "same old, same old".

Thing is, most of us are still single, and only a few people has even the tiniest spark of change in our love lives. Maybe we have already been trained by AIESEC to put work first before everything else, or lest we really have no other social lives besides those friday night dinners. Other than that, I really can't quite put my finger into it... why no one else (besides our lonesome selves) consider our company equally interesting to pursue...

For me and Marc at least, we realized that it's a case of not letting the past go. We're still hung up on people we (think we) are in love with... even if we don't see them quite often. I don't see my guy as often as I wanted to, but we do talk more on the phone these days. Sometimes I even find myself making up excuses just to meet with him (talk about pathetic no?), and I'm getting pretty tired. How long do I have to wait? How long before he realizes that the two of us might perhaps have a flicker of a chance of working out as a couple? How long before I open my eyes to the greater possibility that maybe, just maybe, he's not really that into me and all we are are merely really really really good friends?

How do you stay friends with someone you're in love with?

I look back at my decade-long infatuation with a certain childhood friend, whom I was able to forget only after finding another soul to fantasize upon (this being my current inspiration). I sigh, because I don't want to go through another decade of having unrequited feelings forever. Frankly, it's getting boring and predictable. Thing is, I really can't let go of him, of this. Out of sight, out of mind they say... so I guess I should stay away more, huh? That's my cure?

If only I can stand to be out of touch for more than a month, which is my quota so far... I'll be out of the woods in no time... free as a bird Ü

EX Factor

Recently, I’ve been having weirdly vivid dreams of certain, um, people in my life. I guess what they say about dreams is true… your subconscious desires are more cognitively realized when deep in slumber. … My latest obsession, it seems, involves “the could have been’s”… those that at one point or another, have gotten away…

I think Jonjon was the one who pulled this particular trigger.. discovering that he himself has moved on and found his own “puffin” brought out mixed emotions for me. I know that in this lifetime, things might be difficult for the two of us, and that another person will be able to make him truly happy. I sincerely do wish him happiness.. walang showbiz. But I wasn’t ready to hear that he has moved on so fast. And to hear from his own words that she was the best girl he ever met… um, leaves me exactly where? :-(

Backtrack to memory lane, leaves me with painful memories of ER, whom I just dreamed of last night. Yep, even if my dreams he was still egotistical and controlling, but underneath was the sweet malambing person I fell in love with. Of everyone, he was the only person I like willing to take the risk with me. Only I was too damn scared. So the guy isn’t perfect, I’m not either. Too late for that realization. Up to thi day, I still wonder what ifs… would my life have been different had I taken that road? Should I just have defended him to my friends? *sigh* He’s still with hig girlfriend, good to know that like he promised, he is indeed capable of long-term relationships. Only wishful thinking can tell if the same fates would have befallen us if I had said yes in that now nonexistent parking lot…

Maybe I’m just being melancholic. Or sentimental. Sometimes I hate this feeling of the month when all I can do is daydream and sigh and wish for some other life… wish for a different past. But, like all things I’ve learned the hard way, life has way of making you stronger for future things to come. Maybe, like I’ve always believed (to keep me sane), things that don’t happen are not always meant to be… well, maybe not right now… :-)

5 Questions from Eda :-)

1. So how come wala pa rin boyfriend?
Because I don't want to settle...and because I haven't met anyone who was willing to take me seriously. And because I'm still waiting for a certain person.. (yeah, yeah I know... battered wife syndrome...hehe)

2. Bakit ka ganyan?
Bakit ako ANO? Bangag? Dahil sa trabaho. Martyr? Dahil matigas ulo ko tlga... hanggang ngayon, mahilig pa rin ako sa "malalansa". Magastos? Kse collections ang hobby ko.. kaya nga ngpapakalunod ako sa starbucks ngayon para makuha yng npkamahal na "backpack".

3. Are you happy with your job?
It's a love-hate relationship. Most of the time I feel soooo tired of thinking about everything all the time.. suppliers, inventory, med reps and sales reps... headache tlga! I have to keep up with the fast-paced work environment or else the business goes down with me.

But I'm loving the challenge... I learn something new everyday, like being more professional for instance. The pharma industry has opened my eyes to how certain businesses operate in the Philippines, and I wouldn't trade that for any corporate experience. The intrapinoys are my new fam as well.. so in the midst of all the paperwork, at least we can still laugh it off and just head to a food trip afterwards.. the perks of having flexi time as well ;-)

4. If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?
Um, I wish I had stronger knees... para mkpg diving ako sa Anilao :-) Other than that, everything's good!

5. So sinong mauuna satin ikasal?
With the rate things are going....... hard to tell! Haha! Feeling ko IKAW :-) Mas adventurous ka sa akin eh... at least you get to fulfill your part of the dares!

So you people know the drill...
1. Leave me a comment in the tagboard, saying, "Interview me."
2. I will respond by asking you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

New Friends, Old Habits

Last weekend at MJ's Batch was my first time to staff in DAYS totally alone... no sisters, no Mommy Rach to keep my company and sort of be my "safety net". I went back because it was my personal commitment to Him--to continue staffing and serve others who are continuously searching for their own paths to Him, regardless of friends who may or may not staff with me.

It was a little difficult this time, because I was forced out of my "comfort zone". Admittedly, I am still quite the introvert... I can keep silent the whole time, merely being the observer or a listener in the background. Which was mostly what happened this weekend. Surprisingly though, the situation provided me the opportunity to get to know other staffers din... spent a lot of time with Jhoolz, Milo, Roda, even Sam and Mac during our all nighter adventures at 7-11... went to Ababu (yep, my first time) with Pat, Amy, Carla, and Allan... croaked my lungs out at the choir with Jun and Trix (super tiring yng three hour's worth of finishing the entire song book! but it was fun nonetheless :-)

God really works in mysterious ways.. and I'm always happy to go back because I can spend real, quality time with Him... I always feel overwhelmed with all the blessings, and this is one of the times I can truly thank Him for everything that is good in my life. The prayers and reflections give me so much strength to face the challenges ahead, especially in work. I may not go to Mass everyday nor do my vigils regularly, but I'm grateful for this opportunity to grow spiritually with Him. In a way, it's my pledge to go back again to help others feel the same way. I hope I can bring more friends to experience Days as well, we stopped after October last year... For the meantime, will go back and support my friends' weekends next September... Till then! To all my sisters and Mommy Rach, whom I miss very much... to all my new friends as well: bimmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmk! :-)

Franchising Fiesta

Went to Megatrade today for the Franchising Fiesta Expo... most of the participants were in the food business (which I hope to get into someday). Franchise Fees ranged from 150K for food the carts to 350/450K for the small to medium-sized restos. Total investment ranges from 500K to 2M. Though I was still saving up for a potential franchise, it was a good learning experience to scout for potential franchise owners that can accommodate my budget and has workable requirements.

Primary consideration, besides financial capacity of course, would be the location for the franchise. This I have to still check out, but with the onset of Malls, I think that is most likely where I will be venturing in. Rent will be another major factor to consider, however. But knowing these rates and how basically the franchising system works, what I can do now is to save up for the investment and learn the tricks of the trade from Halfmoon, Bossing and Hotshots :-)

Hopefully I'll get my own franchise food store by the time I'm 30... Time to get out of the "rate race"!

Upside and Downside

Today's definitely one of the weirdest days... was feeling giddy, melancholic, frustrated... all in just a span of 24 hours...

Went to get Julius' college app form at DLSU. As agreed on months before, Allan went also to accompany me on the trip, not just to get the documents (that was both our excuse for meeting anyway) but to give me the grand tour of LaSalle, and to treat me out to lunch.. both of which were long-overdue promises...

The grand tour was really what it was: a grand tour! We literally went in every building, I learned all the acronyms there is to know (CC, SJ, LS, Z2...), but it was definitely fun. We laughed a lot, hysterical even. I've never seen him joke around that much, and I really had a great time. He was such a gentleman, treating me to a wonderful lunch at La Pacita (might probably get them for catering in the future) always opening doors for me, introducing me to his old frinds whom we met during the tour.... even rescuing me from an old man on the street who had didn't have the best (nor cleanest) intentions--speaking from a girl's perspective....

Was really happy to see him (even if I forgot his gift from vietnam and my hair clips... super hot day!), but deep inside, like I've always known... I'm now totally convinced of the truth: we're really not meant to be. Though he's really nice and friendly and accommodating, and while I truly appreciate his effort to spend the whole day in DLSU for me... there were no sparks. All it was were two old friends catching up and hanging out. Which may not be so bad after all. Still many many many thanks to Allan for an unforgettable day at DLSU! Time will only tell when I can really let go though, but at least I'm getting there... ;-)

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Scheduled dinner with Tina tonight after ten million years of not seeing each other! After a few minutes of stories and catching up, Dad calls me and tells me we have to go earlier than expected. Bummer! And he calls again telling me that he'll just pick me up, which he did, but since we were still getting the bill, we were late in getting outside the door.... triggering again his notorious temper. I can't believe he was so pissed off and cursing me with my "insensitiveness" and "stupidity" within Tina's presence! I was so embarrassed and humiliated and angry at the same time!

It was so unfair! why do I feel like such a brat whenever my parents are around? It's like I can't even get off their shadow... even if I say I'll jsut commute home, they won't let me because it's too late. And they blame me for making my dad stay out late also because of my evening commitments. It fells like a trap... I can't work at night nor have night socials with colleagues (which is semi-required.. pakikisama sa office) because of my Dad! I wish I could just grow up and be independent for once...

And I've enver felt so unappreciated as last night.. when I came home with GO Nuts, Shawarma, Chinese food takeout, Halfmoon for pasalubong (my salary day blow-out)... nobody even bothered to say thanks.. they just continued being pissed off at me! I couldn't do anything about it. I was so mad and frustrated at the same time, I just slept it all off... hence, I was already asleep by 9pm...

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Maybe what they really say is true.. sometimes, you can experience being on the upside and downside all at the same time. I sure felt both yesterday... and though I'm typing relentlessly to cool off and try to explain what just happened, I feel I can't. All I know is that life still goes on, and that's just the way things are... better for me to just accept it and move on to more pressing matters (like my reports due! my new sunblock project!) than dwell on it further...