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!