Babble

Grrr! I hate not being able to surf the net at home. Our internet or modem, I don't know is busted. Can you believe having no entries for a month? Well, I have pending blogs in my documents in the computer at home unpublished since I do not have internet.

It's only now that I got the chance to surf the net in the office. Can you believe that? Yup I was super mega busy at work and to top that I had a fiasco last week. Oh God! I wanted to hide under my table and disappear. I tried everything to calm my nerves, tea, yoga, etc but to no avail. I wanted to take refuge in a far away beach resort but I cannot. My schedule does not permit. Talk about frustration.

Anyway, I am still here, alive and kicking, trying to absorb the shock and aftershocks. As my boss puts it "it's the cost of doing business... have to learn from it ... mistakes make you tough." Well something like that. You should have seen him when he found out. Anyway... enough of that.

I think I better put a tagboard or is that what you call it so I can communicate with my friends more often. I can commit to open my blog but to put entries everyday no. My work load here is different. Gosh, I miss my friends.

Love is in the Air

Saturday, July 30

I was in Divisoria again with Baet, Adrian, Shiena, her mom and her other friends to fit and hopefully get our gowns for Shiena’s upcoming wedding. Unfortunately, my gown needed some alteration from waist below. It was loose and there was something wrong with the way the bodice and the skirt were sewn together.

After the fittings, we decided to have our lunch at 168 Mall since Baet and I would like to search for the 12-bulb flashlight like Kimchi’s to give to our significant others. Lunch was long since Reyes Barbeque where Jan, Baet and I ordered had a long queue. Everyone was eager to go home but we all wanted to go home together. So they agreed to give us 30 minutes to locate and buy the flashlight and White Rabbit candy. I also wanted to buy ponytails without metal and hair clips. After an hour or so, we completed our mission. However, we weren’t able get the flashlights cheap like we expected.

We all decided to take the MRT 2 home then switch trains to MRT 1 since most of us will be trying it for the first time. Like what others said MRT 2 was truly nice. It reminded me of the Hongkong stations and the train is spacious. I am glad I was able to experience it while it’s still looked new and clean.

I can’t help not talking about the kind of Love I witnessed last Saturday. Being the observant that I am, of course I saw it. Yes, who else but Shiena’s and Adrian’s. Small gestures mean a lot like Adrian asking Shiena to transfer beside him inside the train, even if we were near our stop. I also can tell that they can’t stand being apart that when we went separate directions (since Shiena and her Mom were going north while Adrian and I were going South) and met across the platforms both started waiving, whispering “I Love yous” and blowing kisses at each other. It made me understand what Maya’s mom said that their relationship is different from ours, more ready to be married.

I am so happy for Shiena and Adrian and I so look forward to witness their union on September 3. Believe me I have learned a lot from their relationship more than they know.

Sunday, July 31

My dream was interrupted by a call in my mobile that when I answered I was quite spaced out. It was Rhea calling to deliver apparently some important news. It was her birthday and so I blurted out my second greeting since I was on the phone with her 12AM earlier. She made me guess the urgency of her call and I was correct in saying that Jon made her ride the hot air balloon, her dream for quite some time. Then she goes, ‘hindi lang yon, bakit pa kaya…’ and then I froze and spoke the first thing that came to mind, ‘he proposed… oh my God’. It turned out she just didn’t get the surprise of her life but her dream wedding proposal, after a ride on a hot air balloon. Oh my, I was in tears. I had mixed emotions, surprise, happiness, sadness, envy… She was getting married.

After the phone call, I can no longer bring myself to sleep. I felt uneasy and my feelings of longing and anticipation ruled again. No matter how I try to console myself I cannot hide it. I didn’t know if Dom noticed that I was not in the mood when he picked me up for Rhea’s Birthday dinner that night.

Don’t get me wrong I am truly happy for my best cousin. Super! She deserves it.

I was excited to see the ring. The ring is as expected nice, white gold and the stone was just right, fits my cousin well. I tried it on but it won’t fit me. After dinner I decided to take a rain check for dessert since Dom and I were planning to have a massage. I was kind of hoping to calm my emotions but to no avail.

Love is truly in the air. I am so happy for Rhea and Shiena for being in that relationship stage. I know some day I will too.

My Blog Anniversary

Wow, I am glad I checked my friends' blogs today. I miss them so much and hungry to find out about their lives. I came across entries on blog anniversaries and decided to check mine too. My blog will be turning 1 this coming July 19. Time flies so fast. I am glad I still find the time to write with my busy schedule. As I said in "My First Entry", writing is one of my secret passions.

Here's to more blogging years to come!

The majesty of God's creation!

I got this email from my boss and thought it would be nice to put it in my blog. All I can say is WOW!

This photograph was taken by the crew on board the Columbia during its last mission. This photograph was taken via satellite, on a cloudless day.The picture is of Europe and Africa when the sun is setting. Half of the picture is in night.

The bright dots you see are the cities lights. The top part of Africa is the Sahara Desert. Note that the lights are already on in Holland,Paris, and Barcelona, and that's it's still daylight in London, Lisbon,and Madrid.

The sun is still shining on the Straight of Gibraltar. The Mediterranean Sea is already in darkness. In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean you can see the Azores Islands; below them to the right are the Madeira Islands; a bit below are the Canary Islands; and further south, close to the farthest western point of Africa, are the Cape Verde Islands.

Note that the Sahara is huge and can be seen clearly both during daytime and nighttime. To the left, on top, is Greenland, totally frozen.

Fantastic photograph!

Shopping Spree and gimmick with my new officemates

Last Wednesday I learned that Mango's on Sale, the much awaited sale event for me. I immediately texted my Shopaholic officemate, Mare who is in Makati and told her to buy for me a brown shirt. But it turned out to be a wrong information. The sale would be starting on Friday, June 24.

The girls from my group were set on drinking that night, after Mare's business meeting. Seeing an opportunity, I asked Mi Ann to accompany me to Mango in Shangri-la for the sale while waiting for Mare. She was hesitant at first after splurging in the Puma Exclusive Sale last Monday. I told her she can just window shop with me but I was really dead set on buying something. Everything fell into place. It rained hard and so Mare was forced to hold her meeting in Figaro (right outside Mango) in Shangri-la Mall instead of Metrowalk.

As soon as we stepped in, we saw several people inside, some were ransacking the racks while their male companions were sitting/waiting on the sidelines of the store. There was a long queue to the cashier. We wasted no time in looking for clothes to buy since we already reached the store by 8PM due to heavy traffic.

By the time I was going to fit all the clothes in my arms, the shop was closed and the attendants were all saying that they would just honor reservations since the queue was still long. Mare and her sister were finally inside, trying on some stuff too. Being stubborn as I am, I still waited in line. There was no one to stop the line anyway and I had to buy these before I or Dom can stop me. I had to give up one blouse to lower my total bill. In the end, I was the winner with 6 items(1 pair of pants and 5 tops) for P3,700.Hehe. I never splurged like this in the Philippines but it felt great!

Would you believe we left Mango at 10:30 PM and we were all really starving. We decided to have our dinner and drinks at Capisce in Metro Walk. There, we met Mare's friends, a Filipino that looks like an American, a previous officemate who now works in the IT Department of the US Embassy, a former friend who married a French guy, and the French husband who is building a nuclear submarine. It was fun to be with very diverse people. I learned that Paris is nice but is very expensive to live in. Yikes, do you know what that means? I need to really save up for a week stay. Gosh. Positive thinking!

I had a grand time but felt it was too short. I just had a beer and a half before it was time to go. I bade goodbye to my new found friends at 1:30 AM after 30 minutes of trying to wake Dom up.

Weekend Getaway!

I thought I would not be able to travel or ride a plane for the next 6 months at least.I am just a month old in my current company and not yet entitled to leaves. But no! I was able to transcend that.

Included in his list of 30 gifts is an overnight stay in the most beautiful resort in Mactan, Shangri-La's Mactan Island Resort in Cebu. That was my weekend getaway last June 4 to 5. We celebrated my birthday and our 4th year anniversary.

I took the earliest flight out of Manila at 5AM via Philippine Airlines alone since Dom was already there since Wednesday for a business trip. I was lucky to have gotten a discounted fare of P4,700+. I arrived Mactan International Airport at 6:30AM filled with excitement and a big smile on my face. I was exploring the resort and hotel by 7AM. Of course, I stayed by the beach and even dozed off in one of the beach benches. It was such a relaxing experience.

Enjoying the early morning beach.

I freshened up in one of the posh restrooms in time for the first schedule of the shuttle to Cebu City. I went down SM and took a cab to Magellan's Cross. My visit to Cebu wouldn't be complete without buying shell/capiz accessories from the vendors there.

I was frustrated at first, not finding anything that catched my fancy. I wanted to buy from every vendor, like last year and I stayed there for 2 hours, bearing the heat. In the end I was able to buy a hand full for a cost of one necklace in Manila. I even talked to one of the vendors to make her a possible supplier should I push through in making this a business.

As agreed, I was back in SM by 12 noon to meet with Dom and Kristine, his FA in Cebu. We ate at Sunburst for I wanted a place native to Cebu alone. Sunburst is Cebu's Jollibee and is well known for the fried chicken. Yummy! We went straight to Mariot for Dom to pack his things and then travelled to Shangri-La. We were welcomed by Dom's friend, Mike (the Resort's Sales Director), treated us watermelon shakes and even escorted us to our room. The room had a beach motif with starfish carvings and cabinet handles. Well, come to think of it so was the whole resort. Our room had a veranda with a view too.

We spent the rest of the day in the beach until it got dark. Too bad the sun did not set on that part of the island or did I just miss it? We enjoyed the pool until we our hands felt like prunes.

As recommended by Melon, my friend who always stays in Shangri-La everytime she is in Cebu, we had dinner in Cowrie Cove, a restaurant and bar situated by the beach. It was a romantic, candlelit place ideal for dates. We tried the Shrimp Sinigang and the Vietnamese vegatable soup. It was extraordinarily delicious. We ended our dinner with the bestseller dessert, Cowrie Sago (could not remember the exact name). Honestly, I wondered why. It was not that great at all. It just tasted like chocolate shake with sago. (I probably expected more.) We decided to call it a night by 11. I was really finding it hard to stop my yawns, having barely slept last Friday.

We were up by 8AM and got ready for the day ahead. I wanted to sunbathe for an hour while Dom wanted to workout in the gym. I experienced the good life again, sleeping by the beach under the heat of the sun before swimming. The weather was fine that day, sunny yet windy. I needed to have a tan before summer was finally over. At least in Visayas, it was still summer. I hit the outdoor shower to rinse the salt by 9:50 AM. Dom and I agreed to meet at Tides for the buffet breakfast by 10AM. Since the buffet was only up to 10:30, we wasted no time in eating and gathering all the yummy food being served. By 11, I had a bulging tummy and hoped that the peppermint tea would flatten it a bit. Thinking that our late checkout time was 1PM, we headed straight to the infinity pool and a quick dip and picture taking in the beach. We were almost ready to leave when Dom received a call from Mike that he moved our checkout time to 4PM. Why didn't he tell us earlier? We just decided to rest and regain our needed rest since it rained anyway.

Before our checkout, Dom wearing his new shorts from Novecento (my surprise gift for him)

Upon checkout, Dom had a short meeting with his officemate in the lobby then we hopped in the shuttle for a quick shopping in SM. For our dinner, we tried the famous CNT Lechon in Cebu. I enjoyed every bit of it even though we just ate in a takeout counter by the supermarket. Our stay in SM was a breeze because we needed to ride the last shuttle back to the resort and be in the airport by 7:45. We ssaid goodbye to our memories in Cebu at 8:40 and PAL was unbelievably on time.

Well, that was it, my memorable, money's worth weekend getaway courtesy of my honey.

Search is over!

After almost 5 years of waiting, reserving and searching for the 3rd Book of Andrew Matthews to complete my collection, "Follow You Heart" is now in my possession. I was elated, overjoyed and almost in the brink of tears. It was Gary's (former officemate in my first job) Birthday gift and pasalubong from his Singapore trip last weekend. What's more, the illustrations are colored, a new version maybe. I can't wait to read it.

Gary and I were searching for this book for the longest time. I first introduced Andrew Matthews's Being Happy to him way back in 1998 and he got hooked. I lent him my copy and soon after reading it, he got his own copy too. I wanted to share how this book changed my life and it still continous to guide me up to now. I recommend it to everybody who wants to be 'HAPPY'. I assure you, your outlook will change after reading the book.

Andrew Matthews is an author, cartoonist and speaker. His books, "Being Happy!", "Making Friends", "Get Faxed!" and "Follow Your Heart" have been translated into 20 languages. A popular motivational speaker, he regularly speaks to conferences and conventions around the world.

My 30th Birthday!

No matter how I wanted to freeze time, I just couldn't. Before I can even stop it, I turned 1 year old again yesterday, May 18.

The week before my birthday, I was in panic. I was trying to remember the article I read years ago on 'things you must do before you turn 30'. I tried searching for it in Google and find out how I fared. But i couldn't seem to find it. The only thing I could remember was to live alone, which I haven't done yet. Gosh, I felt I haven't achieved anything yet. I was in crisis and was even irascible at times that lead to some squabbles with Dom. Shocks, I did not want to age and with nothing. I don't know how to drive yet, haven't earned my first million and am not even married when I told myself that I would be married by 27/28ish. Oh no!

Then, Dom tried to talk some sense in to me. He told me that one achievement I can consider is being an officer in a good multinational company. That was when I realized that I had an achievement after all and then I counted my abundant blessings. Life must go on and there are still so many things to accomplish. It was time to re-think my life and put it in a different perspective. That is what I really like about my honey; he knows how to make me sane.

Eve of my birthday

It was just a regular work day for me. I even went to the gym for my last workout as a 29-year old. I felt that can help me feel better. I went home and spent my night on the phone with Rhea (my cousin) breathing all my worries and troubles away. As midnight was approaching, I got a call from Dom on my mobile. He was outside and wanted to wait for my birthday with me. He sang me a birthday song and made me blow my first candle. He gave me several gifts; a stretching Yoga set, badminton racket
and a tulip.(He said there were more to come, 30 things) Gosh, he forgot that I loved carnations but anyway I also like tulips.

The day

As usual, I came early for work dressed with my new white blouse and sandals from my mom. I was surprised to see my decorated workstation, a 'Happy Birthday' banner with white and violet flower-shaped balloons hanging from the ceiling, a big fuchsia ribbon made of unrolled paper twine, draped on my cubicle and scattered happy birthday plastics on my desk. It was super nice and I hated myself to have not captured it in my Sony Digicam. Grrr!

As their gift, my officemates treated me for lunch to a restaurant of my choice. Guess what! I chose Italiannis for the yummy stuffed mushrooms. I received a birthday song from the waiters, ice cream with a candle and dance from Vin to the tune of 'Di ako bakla'. It was a fun lunch.

I would have been happy and contented with those surprises. But that was not all, they even ordered in a cake from Gateau 'd Manila and palabok from Red Ribbon and sang for me. To top it all, they gave me a little Mango lavender bag. It was so cute but that means I have to buy either a lavender top or pants. Oh well.

Given it was just middle of the week, I worked up to almost 7PM, finishing some urgent MOAs. Then I went straight to Megamall to meet up with Dom. He got tied with work so I just roamed around the shops until my feet were killing me. I felt a little bad for waiting up on him and not have had our dinner, that I did not want to talk to him when he arrived in time for the premier of Star Wars at 10PM.

Good thing Star Wars, Revenge of the Sith was superb and it drowned my bad mood. We were in speaking terms before the movie ended. Yoda was so cute and I have always loved him. I told Dom that I wanted a Yoda toy and when we went to Jollibee for our midnight dinner, they were offering Star Wars' toys in their meals. Yuppie! I got a Yoda and Darth Vader.

Talk about 24 hours full of surprises.

Busy Saturday

I love the feeling of being able to do several things in one day. Well, my Saturday was filled with experiences worth sharing:

Divi in the morning

I was up and about by 6:20 AM to get ready to meet with Shiena in McDonald's Q. Ave MRT Station. I am so not used to waking up early on Saturdays but I had to since we were be going to Divisoria to get measured for our gowns for Shiena's Wedding on September. I was so excited to see the Shopaholics again and update each other on our lives.

Shiena and I were literally talking non-stop during our breakfast in McDo that we delayed the schedule a bit. Well, we were both late to begin with. After breakfast we met up with Maya and Nancy (Sheina's bestfriend) at the Ayala Station then took the bus straight to Adrian's pad. All 7 of us tried to fit ourselves in Varian's car: 2 boys in front and 5 sexy girls at the back (hehe). We reached the bustling streets of Divisoria a little after 9AM. The girls went straight to Pasilyo R while the boys were to meet with the others including Baet in 168 Mall.

After having our mesurements taken, we roamed around the area to look for cloth and then took a pit stop in Jollibee for some quick refreshments. While Jan and Varian had to leave, the rest of us decided to check out the stuff in 168 Mall. After approximately 2 hours inside, I was able to buy 1 bottle of salt with milk scrub(recommended by Baet), a pink dog tag for my new ID, 2 plastic soap dishes with shells and starfish for my bathroom and powder room, a fan for summer and a half eternity silver ring. Haay! I wanted to buy more but my wallet would not permit anymore.

Pizza and pasta for late lunch

We reached Evangelista St. by past 2 and had our late lunch at Pizza Hut. We loaded ourselves with carbo: Spaghetti with meatballs, Carbonara and New York Pizza. I was stuffed to the brim, same feeling I had yesterday when my officemates and I had lunch at Yellow Cab. It was just so delicious, nevertheless. After, we went straight to Adrian's pad to get quick baths to temporarily cool us from the summer heat.

My free haircut at Propaganda

I went straight to Propaganda in Greenbelt 1 to claim my free haircut ahead of my birthday on May 18. I was so glad to have the chance finally to claim this. I kept on forgeting for the past 2 years, only to realize it after the big day. However, I decided to try their hot oil treatment and ended up paying P1,850 for a dry hair treatment. Oh what the heck! It was so relaxing anyway. I just hope it gave my hair the repair and moisture it needed.

Memories of Love Concert as my second advance birthday gift

I met up with Dom as soon as I was done in the parlor. We hurriedly headed back to his flat to dress up for the "Memories of Love" Concert in Araneta Coliseum at 8 PM, featuring Kevyn Lettau, Lou Pardini and Joe Pizzulo. It was his first gift for me on my bithday.(I wonder what are the others.)

I really wanted to watch this concert so much that I wouldn't mind staying in the cheapest section. Good thing Dom remembered and heeded my call. He got the lower box B tickets and realizing that the sections were not fully occupied, I tried my luck by texting my friend, Vic who works for Araneta to upgrage us to a better seat. He was kind enough to put us in the far back of the Orchestra section. It was perfect! We had a good view of the performers and the seat was comfortable too.

The concert was superb, with a total of 20+ songs all in all.Lou Pardini sang my fave song, "What might have been" and his other beautiful songs, Kevyn sang "Faraway" and Joe sang Sergio Mendez songs. It brought me back memory lane since most of the songs were classics.

We ended our night with a quick drink with Vic, his wife and their friends at Oyter Boy. At least I also got the chance to spend time with him after like ages.

My Horoscope for Today!

Oh gosh, look at my Horoscope for Today. It says exactly what's on my mind - shopping!!!

Dear Kristine,
Here is your horoscope
for Monday, May 9:

"The new person you've created needs some new clothes, and you're entirely ready to make that person happy. It's you, of course -- the new you -- and it's time to do some shopping."

*courtesy of www.astrology.com

My First Day

Today was my first day in my new work. I arrived at 8:00 AM and went straight to HR to get the Company manual and others. I went straight to my floor after but to my surprise, my boss was not yet around so I had to wait in the lobby of our floor. Turns out he comes in at about 9AM everyday.

Below are some of my good news:

- I received a Welcome Lunch Treat from my boss. We ate at Super Bowl with my other officemates. I made him decide since I was still shy to exert what I wanted even up to ordering the food. He also insisted to pay for my coffee at Seattle’s Best after lunch.
- There are abundant tissue and soap in a well maintained CR in our floor plus a hand dryer too.
- My officemates seem to be good people although dominated by males, mostly married (too bad for my single girlfriends)

My day consisted mostly of reading the company manual, meeting with my immediate boss to brief me on some policies and backend reports and going around other floors to be introduced to some key people in support departments.I also had a meeting with the Unit head towards the end of the day about the overview of our Department, goals for the year and some of his general expectations.

I left the office with an unbearable headache, partly due to hunger and information overload.

Do I like the work? Well, I feel overwhelmed but as I said to our Unit Head, 'I feel challenged'.

Goodbye and Hello

I have officially said goodbye to my previous work last Monday, April 25. It was not extraordinary at all. I wasn't even given my own despedida by my boss but was just included in Tinette's depedida and Bridal Shower celebration. Good thing I already had a fun and hilarious going away gimmick with some of my closest officemates in the team plus Maya and Rico at Dencio's Metro Walk last April 22.

I honestly encountered some mixed emotions. I did not know whether to be sad because I am leaving my comfort zone plus the friendships I have gained for good or glad to have finally been given an opportunity to spread my wings. I felt a little depressed but I just clinged to the fact that I can still see my closest friends anytime I want although we wouldn't be able to do our usual things anymore. I will truly miss:

1. my shopaholic, eating, "CR anyone" buddies and the Voltes V
2. the members of the Sex Committee and our assemblies
3. my clients whom I have nurtured for more than 3 years
4. instant messengers ICQ, YM
4. Unlimited surfing of the net about new places, etc.
5. my computer and the weird things it does
6. taking leaves - Gosh!
7. going out on sales calls/having my own time
8. the joy and fulfilling feeling of closing big packages
9. P10 magazines, and
10. My team, our meetings and eat-outs

Goodbye to my old world and hello to a new environment and sets of opportunities for growth. I may be gone but I will cherish the fond memories I have shared with my officemates.

Tricia is now a mother!

My honey baby Trica gave birth to 3 cute brown puppies today. Unfortunately, the third one did not make it. She labored almost the whole day with 1.5 to 2 hour interval per puppy. I was with her the whole time and witnessed the miracle of life.

Pictures of Tricia while pregnant.

Here are some pictures I took on this red letter day for my honey.



Tricia with her cute puppies.



The third puppy who is now in heaven.

I do not have a name for them yet. Please help me think of adorable names(for a boy and a girl).

Pilomatricoma

This is the diagnosis for my cyst. “This is a common and benign skin tumor derived from the hair follicle. They usually occur on the head and neck and are more common in women.”(The Doctor’s Doctor website). It just so happens that mine grew on the right arm.

Benign!, this is my first good news for the week. After confirming the diagnosis with my surgeon, I immediately called the HR of my future employer. It was the only thing that we both wanted to find out in order for me to finally tender my resignation. Oh, wow! After almost two weeks of waiting for my medical results and hearing the frustrating news of other required medical clearances, this was it. What’s more, I can opt not to stay for 30 days since I still have 11 days vacation leaves and I can use them for my terminal leave. Yehey!!!

My current boss is requesting me to stay up to the 28th of April instead of the 22nd, my preferred last day in my resignation letter. But I will not give her that. But, I may have to compromise… we’ll see. I will think about that tomorrow. For now, I would like to savor the satisfying feeling of finally leaving for a new challenge.

My Milestone

I finally mustered enough courage, although partly forced because it is a pre-employment requirement to finally have my more than a year old cyst in my upper arm removed. I was accompanied by my very good friend Elisa who happens to be a medical student to Medical City for my operation at 5:00 pm. She said I was so fidgety and was obvious that I was nervous because I was asking silly questions. I mean who wouldn’t be. I knew it would really hurt. But come to think of it, I have had my share of physical pains in the past, including tooth extraction, facials, wart cautery, etc. All I had to endure was the pain of the anesthesia.

I left the office at 4:30 and went straight to my health card’s office to get my Letter of Authorization. By 10 to 5, I was already in Ambulatory OR and was asked to change to a medical gown. I was only talking with my Elisa for less than 5 minutes when the nurse told me that it was time. The operating room was daunting. It reminded me of the series ER although it was bare with few instruments. I was asked to lay down and the right sleeve of my gown was removed exposing my arm. My upper arm was cleaned with Betadine several times and the procedure was what the assistant doctor called “prep”. Then they positioned my arm on another table and covered my arm with eye sheet to just expose the area of the cyst. Then finally, they draped a cloth to separate my face from my arm. Oh God, this was it.

Then I felt the injections. The pain was gradual. I guess it was more painful as the anesthesia entered my skin. Then I felt being cut but there was no pain. They had a hard time taking the cyst off since it was already hard and stuck. I heard several nips and cuts and finally the doctor checked if there was any left. Then, they cauterized my blood vessels to close them and stop the bleeding. Next came the stitching which seemed like forever and finally the bandage.

The whole procedure took almost 30 minutes and the cyst looked like a ball of whiteheads(weird). After the operation, I was glad it was over and done with. I had a total of 4 stitches on a diagonal wound. I did not want to take a look at it yet. I just want to savor the thought that the cyst was gone and worry about the scar later. I just hope that the results of the biopsy would come out as benign. ‘Til Monday for the results.

A short-lived Beach Experience

Summer is my perennial favorite season and I would hate to waste the long weekend that the Holy Week brings without going to the beach to relax and reflect. A week before Holy Week, I felt so hopeless and pathetic with no definite plans for out of town gimmicks. Our Bicol trip was cancelled since most of my friends have their own plans. Too bad for me… I was actually resigned to the fact that I will just stay at home and sulk… reflect I mean. Hehe.

Then one day, I chanced upon asking Raffy, Abi and Claude their plans for Holy Week and they happened to mention about wanting to go to the beach. Bingo! What’s more, we could join Kimchi and his friend to Puerto Galera. I was overjoyed. Since there will be no boats on Good Friday, we decided to leave early morning of Wednesday, May 23. We stayed over at Abi’s place on Tuesday night so it would be easy for Kimchi and his friend to pick us up at about 2AM. In the end, Kimchi’s friend backed out and so we were a total of 5 bubbly, fun-loving beach buddies.

At the Bonfire Grille having dinner the night before


All aboard and ready for Puerto Galera (L-R: Raffy,Me,Claude, Abi and Kimchi)


On the boat to PG early morning


We maximized our first day by having our tatoo sessions with Kimchi, experiencing the banana boat and massage by the beach, all for one, one for all. No one should be left behind. After dinner we rested for a while and waited for everyone to finish taking a bath before we all went out to savor White Beach's night life.


Picture first before dinner.

We woke up early the next day to hit the beach. I sun bathed and swam with Kimchi while the others roamed and ate their breakfast. We also visited Au, a JobStreet alumnus and had lunch at her house since she just lives in Balatero, near the pier. Below is out picture with her.




The Votles V's last shot at the beach


And as if we cannot get enough, upon arriving at Batangas pier,we headed to Leslie's in Tagaytay for our dinner. I truly enjoyed my short road trip gimmick with the Voltes V and definitely the memories will not be short-lived but will stay in my heart forever.

Tom Hanks Is America's Favorite Movie Star

That is according to Harris Poll. Below is an excerpt from the results:

"- Every year at this time The Harris Poll(R) asks a nationwide cross-section of adults who their favorite movie star is. This year Tom Hanks recaptures the top spot, moving up three places from #4 last year. Mel Gibson, who had taken over first place last year, drops slightly to #2 this year. Rounding out the top four most popular stars are Julia Roberts at #3 and Johnny Depp at #4." Read more:

http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/cgi/news/release?id=137176

I was so glad I came across this article in the sneak peak of OK! Magazine when I had my workout this morning. Tom Hanks is my favorite actor for the longest time and my friends find me weird. At least this time, I can prove that I've got taste. But anyhow, I don't care what others think. All I know is I simply love Tom Hanks.

I can't wait to see Da Vinci Code the movie. Yup he's in it.

Thailand Trip

I was in Thailand last week from February 24 to 27 and boy, it was tiring yet fun. It was our incentive trip for meeting our 2004 target. We stayed at Montien Hotel right across Patpong, the famous red light district of Thailand. Since it was my second time to go there, I made it a point to list all the things I was not able to do last 2003 and made sure to fulfill them all. My list included:

1. Experience an authentic Thai Massage because I did not have time to do it last time because our trip was packed with tours.
- Our Travel agent, Pia referred us to his friend's spa, Body Relax near Pratunam market. It was a salon type massage place with rooms divided by curtains and you could literally talk to your friend while having your massage. The massage lasted 2 hours for 400THB (original price was 300THB, 100THB referral fee). It seemed long but I still woke up craving for more.

2. Visit Ayutthaya City (old Siam or the former capital of Thailand). I saw this from a postcard in our hotel shop last 2003 and regretted not to have read this during my research. I am fond of historical places and make it a point to visit these in the new places I am planning to go to.
- We did this tour on our 2nd day. After our delicious breakfast at Jade Garden Montien Hotel, we were all ready and on our way for our Ayutthaya River Tour by 7:30 AM. First stop was the vast Royal Bang Pa-In Summer Palace where we went around the landscaped gardens and houses by foot. Exhausted, we took a break and bought water at a store and discovered that we could feed some fish and sea turtles by the lake with bread. It was awesome. Then we watched a cultural show before leaving for Ayutthaya.


We visited 3 temples/ruins: Wat Maha That,(the one I saw in the postcard)the heart and soul of the Ayuthaya people and was almost completely destroyed by the Burmese during Thai-Burmese war; Wat Na Phra Mane which remains in perfect conditions used as the Burmese headquarters and; Wat Lokayasutharam which enshrines the Largest Reclining Buddha Image

After our tour in Ayutthaya, we cruised Chao Praya River back to Bangkok.

3. Eat authentic Thai food.
During my last trip we mostly ate at fastfoods like McDo and KFC. This time I consciously chose to eat at the local restaurants and tried their street food. We had our first dinner at The Pizza Company since it was highly recommended by Shiena's friend who worked in Thailand. The pizza and pasta were delicious. I will miss the Spinach lasagna. Yummy...

We had our last night dinner at Anna's Cafe (another recommended place) at Wireless Road.We had fish, chicken curry, sticky rice, spring rolls and green salad . I specially like the curry and spring rolls, simply tasted authentic. We planned on going to other places like Cowboy Soy and Cabbages and Condoms but we could not anymore fit it in our packed itinerary.

I would like to immerse further in the Thai culture and way of living by trying their street food. We were so hungry during our first day that we had a pit stop at the vendors outside the temple with the tallest standing Buddha. We ate spicy chicken balls and also tasted their noodle soup which was way too spicy for me. If in the Philippines, vendors sell mangoes with bagoong, the Thai's have sliced guava to be dipped in sugar and chilli. It was so addicting, especially if you eat it with the native tea drink called "epa". It quenched my thirst from the scorching heat in Ayutthaya.

4. Watch the famous Patpong shows

Well, at last I had the chance to watch those kinds of shows during my first night. Given our accessibility to the bars in Patpong, we decided make that as our first gimmick. While we were traversing the bars, Ringgay was invited by a Thai local to view the show in one of the bars free of charge or 100THB if we decided to stay. And so we went up to a dimly lit bar and at the center was a stage where girls in 2-piece suits were dancing and doing exhibitions with their pussy. When our drinks came, we were being charged 300THB, contrary our agreement with the local boy. We could not complain anymore because he was already gone. We just decided to stay and watch the show which consisted of girls pulling ropes with pins/blades from their pussy, inserting an egg inside their ... , using muscle control to blow a whistle, smoke a cigarette, open a bottle of water and and throwing banana to the audience.

Was it a site to see? I can say it was one "hell" of an experience but I really pitied the girls, most of them at a young age being exploited that way.

5. Shop and go to Chatuchak again.

During my first Bangkok trip, my objective was to spend my money on tours but this time I wanted a balance of both tours and shopping, oh well more of shopping, I guess. I added Tokyu to my list of places to shop because this is where you can get cheap but genuine Naturalizer shoes and Wacoal underwear.

We also set aside whole 3rd day for shopping. The shopaholics' first stop was chatuchak were I bought Tricia's cute little shirt and bed. Kimchi and I also roamed around Pratunam market, Siam Discovery Center, Siam Center where we bought 80% discounted shirts and tops, and MBK to meet with Maya, Shiena and Ringgay. We also did some last minute shopping in Suan Lum,
the new night market that offers a variety creative gifts,clothes and trendy bits for the home. Actually, I liked this better than Chatuchak since it was not hot, less claustrophobic and the prices were more or less the same.

I felt so tired from walking the whole day. However, when I was packing my things, I realized that I did not really buy a lot so I was mostly window shopping. hehe...

So I guess I already did all the Must Dos in Thailand. Read more: www.bangkok.com/bangkok-miniguides/must-do.html> Next time I am going to visit their beaches and other provinces.

A different Beach Experience

I want to go to the beach badly, not only because it is nearly summer but because I want to get away. I need to think things over. I don’t want to elaborate but… Please, maybe a pool will do. I just want to float and drift away.

Anyway this was my feeling during the whole week. I tried contacting Jenni if she was up to an out of town trip but as it turned out she was already booked for the weekend. So, I decided to just spend it alone. Plus, I would be busy with Tricia (my doggie) and Blue’s (Fritz’s dog) mating on Saturday.

I planned my whole Saturday and even woke up early to read “Confessions of a Shopaholic”. I got a surprise call from my cousin, Rhea who was near the area and wanted to use the comfort room. She and Jon are on their way to Payatas to help build houses for the poor. They asked me to join them. I was hesitant at first since I will ruin my plan but Rhea could not just take a no for an answer. I felt that doing something or helping other people would be the best use of my time.

We stopped by McDonald’s to meet Jon’s friends then we proceeded to Gawad Kalinga, an Ateneo community whose thrust is to build homes for the poor. It was more like Habitat for Humanity. We arrived at almost 9AM. We had a quick tour of the place and met some of the residents. The task at hand was to tear down a house and build a new one in a new location. The boys took charge of disassembling the house while some of us painted rust-proofing on the beams under the heat of the sun. For almost 2.5 hours, I painted careful not to stain my favorite jeans (forgot to wear an old pair). It was tiring but felt that I could have done more. However, for them it was already a big help.

Jon, Rhea, Reggie, Dona, Menchu and I had our late lunch at Beach House in UP, known for their good barbeque. Who would have thought I can finally eat there after many years of begging Dom to take me there. The barbeque was yummy and so was the lumpiang gulay. We walked around, passing by UP Library and canteen to look for a CR to freshen up.

I arrived home at passed 4PM. Rhea and Jon stayed to rest and take a bath. Well, I guess I sort of got the beach I wanted only in a different and better way. Hehe.

I'd Rather by Luther Vandross

the song playing in my mind now...

I thought sometime alone
was what we really needed
you said this time would hurt more than it helps
but I couldn't see that
I thought it was the end
of a beautiful story
and so I left the one I loved at home to be alone (alone)
and I tried to find
out if this one thing is true
that I'm nothing without you
I know better now
and I've had a change of heart

I'd rather have bad times with you, than good times with someone else
I'd rather be beside you in a storm, than safe and warm by myself
I'd rather have hard times together, than to have it easy apart
I'd rather have the one who holds my heartwhoo-oo-oo-oo yeah

And then I met someone
and thought she could replace you
we got a long just fine
we wasted time because she was not you
we had a lot of fun
though we knew we were faking
love was not impressed with our connection they were all lies, all lies
so I'm here cause I found this one thing is true
that I'm nothing without you
I know better now
and I've had a change of heart

I'd rather have bad times with you, than good times with someone else
I'd rather be beside you in a storm, than safe and warm by myself
I'd rather have hard times together, than to have it easy apart
I'd rather have the one who holds my heart
who holds my heart

I can't blame you if you turn away from me, like I've done you,
I can only prove the things I say with time,
please be mine,

I'd rather have bad times with (please be mine) you,
than good times with someone else (I know)
I'd rather be beside you in a storm (anytime),
than safe and warm by myself (so sure baby)
I'd rather have hard times to gether,
than to have it easy apart
I'd rather have the one who holds my heart (my heart)

I'd rather have bad times with you (surely),
than good times with someone else (surely)
I'd rather be beside you in a storm (oh yeah),
than safe and warm by myself (all by myself)
I'd rather have hard times together,
than to have it easy apart (you know it)
I'd rather have the one who holds my heart

I'd rather have the one who holds my heart
I'd rather have the one who holds my heart
whoooo.....who holds my heart

Our Early Valentine Celebration

Dominique wanted to celebrate Valentines Day in advance to avoid traffic and other hasles the event brings. He wanted to start our date by breakfast but given his tight schedule, he ended up picking me up at passed 1PM. We had late lunch at Hapchan in West Avenue. Then, we attended a 3:30 Children’s Mass at the Church of the Divine Mercy near Kamias. I did not know that there was such a mass. Most of the attendees were children and even the topic of the priest’s homily was especially addressed and related to them.

After the mass, we went to visit his Mom in his Tita’s house in Kamias. We stayed there for a while or until before "The Buzz" ended. We passed by Hi-top for a while to buy some groceries and then proceeded to Le Souffle for dinner. I was so happy since I wanted to eat there since last month and try their risotto.

The risotto was truly delicious even the Caesar Salad, my perennial favorite order. Well, I had a great time even though we had a squabble just before starting dinner. We were able to redeem the night before it ended. We drank white wine and did toasts to our love, relationship and our careers.

What a happy day!

I helped make two (2) people happy today and what a truly good feeling it is.

As promised Maya, I conceptualized a last minute surprise thingy for her in time for her despedida with the A-holics on Saturday. I made each one think of a “thing” that reminds them of Maya and couple it with an explanation. Shiena, Baet, Winnie and I stayed overtime last Friday just to finish the designs in jpeg format since we wanted them printed like pictures the next day.

Shiena was kind enough to go the mall early to buy a mini scrap book and have the pictures printed. We were puzzling the pieces together while waiting for Maya to finish her workout in the gym.

We had our lunch despedida treat from Maya in Super Bowl in Eastwood. We wanted to keep the surprise until our dessert time in Coffee Bean. We fist asked Maya what she would remember about each of us. It was a heartfelt and memorable experience. I felt like high school again bonding with my girlfriends. Then, after the last statement from Maya with tears welling up her eyes, we decided to give ours in return. I guess she did not expect something like that. It was a fulfilling experience seeing her so touched and happy.

I love making surprises for those dear to me. Thanks Maya for the friendship and memories. I look forward to more good times with you and the A-holics.

As if an entertainer, my next call time was 6:30 PM in Jollibee, Libis. I was assigned by my cousin Rhea to oversee and make sure there were enough guests (at least 20) for Jon’s (her BF) surprise birthday party before they arrive. I made every guest sign on the nice Jollibee card Rhea made and to ensure that it was truly a surprise; I requested the staff to close the blinds and dim the lights. By the time Jon and Rhea arrived, all of us where gathered on the other end of the room and a birthday song played just in time Jon entered the room. It was so nice watching his surprised expression. Of course, I captured it in my Sony Digicam.

The surprise party was a success. Total guests were 29, more than we expected. Rhea was so thankful for what I did. I, in turn was also happy to do it for her. I had a great time playing the games and watching everyone kid around. It was nice to be in touch with the child in you once in a while.

My Character

I got this test from my friend, Jenni. It says:

Impulsive Trip

Dom's complementary stay at Grandview in Tagaytay (from his sister) was suddenly available. It turned out his officemates will not be using the Sunday to Monday slot but the Monday to Tuesday instead. The place was booked already from Sunday to Tuesday so we grabbed the chance to go and visit Tagaytay. I have been wanting to eat in Antonio’s but since this was an impulsive trip I didn’t have the chance to make a reservation.

I left the house at passed 6 AM to avoid my prying parents. Dom and I had mass and after he brought me to Gold’s gym for my yoga class. I stayed in the gym with Maya and Shiena and until lunch while I waited for the aircon of the car to be fixed.

By the time Dom and I were ready to go to Tagaytay, it was already passed 2 PM. Good thing I knew a shortcut and it took us only 1 hour to reach Aguinaldo highway. Grandview was easily accessible, just after the rotunda in Tagaytay. We checked in for a while and headed straight to Breakfast at Antonio’s. I tried my luck and asked the waiter if we could possibly be accommodated in Antonio’s but they were booked and nobody cancelled. Too bad … we just settled for their breakfast food.
As a recommended by our waiter, I tried the Corned Beef and eggs -fresh corned beef, horseradish, sauerkraut, boiled potato and scrambled eggs (P290) while Dom had Antonio’s House burger – USDA Choice beef has no preservatives or additives, ½ pound; house special fried potatoes with sweet and sour and sour cream (P275).

The corned beef tasted weird, maybe because it was not in flakes but was presented in slices of beef. But the taste improved a little once I added ketchup. Oh well. But I liked the burger. It was extraordinarily delicious. I wanted to try the crepes after overhearing a girl telling her BF outside the restroom that the crepes were better than Britton and it was the best crepe she ever tasted. However, I was too full to even drink water. I did not know the servings were big and filling.


Enjoying the view. Too bad the sun does not set on this side.


Since Dom wanted to see Sonia’s Garden, I just said that we would come back for dessert. We did not reach Sonia’s garden because we got lost and Dom just didn’t want to try anymore. By the time we went passed Antonio’s I was still full. We drove some more, trying to look for a spa and decided to chill in Starbucks. I had the Chocolate marshmallow while Dom had his Tazo Zen (green tea). By 8:30 we decided to roam around a little, surveyed the view outside and checked out the other restaurants in the place. We ordered takeout in Carlo’s pizza for our breakfast and had I had 1 scoop of Hagen Daaz strawberries and cream. It was only P80, would you believe? We went home by 9 since we had to wake up early and leave before 5 AM.


Well, we woke up at almost 5 and left the house at 5:30 to beat the morning rush in SLEX. We reached Makati by 5 minutes to 7. I had to take a cab since Dom had to pick up his officemates and go back to Tagaytay. By 7:10, I was already at Gold’s gym getting ready for my workout.

Our trip was fast but at least we got to spend another out of town trip together.

Gimmick 2nd time around

Last Friday, January 28, my officemates organized a despedida gimmick for those who were leaving JobStreet for good, Emmy, Maya and Tiara. I missed all the fun, including the famous body shot of Claude to Raffy because all the team leaders had to stay late to finish the customer base re-classification and re-assignments. I left the office at 10:30 and I would have made it to the gimmick if Dom were not in HK. My dad was the one who picked me up and it was a hassle for him to pick me up in the new Pier 1 along Julia Vargas. What a bummer!

Anyway, come Monday I pleaded with my officemates (those invited only, of course) to repeat the gimmick that coming Friday. “Ulit… ulit..” they heard me saying. Good thing, they were really planning to go out for three (3) consecutive Fridays. Yes, I had a chance! Bad news was our transfer to the newly constructed JobStreet office 1 floor down was scheduled that Friday. Gosh… The bad thing was Baet and Emmy had to stay until all the PCs were assembled and connected. Since, Shiena, Maya, Baet and I were riding with Emmy to Makati, we had to wait. By the time, all the computers were done (about 10:30PM), we were all too exhausted to even attempt to go far. We decided to just have a quick drink in Oodies right in Galeria.

And what a blast it was… we all ordered Vodka Ice except for Emmy. I don’t know but maybe our tiredness mixed with the alcohol. We were laughing and laughing at anything. Everyone was throwing witty and nonsense remarks that made everyone crazy. Then we ordered Tequila and that was when we became tipsy. It felt great after a long time and these girls were with were really awesome. We connected that night.

Pretending to be sober (picture courtesy of Fritz who followed late)

The gimmick energized us and we wanted to dance. We contacted the others in Makati and asked them to meet up with us in Temple in Greenbelt. Yes, we still went to Makati. But by the time we met the others, we were all sober (except for Maya who was really red). We stayed outside Masas since Temple was jam packed by 1 AM. We drank and talked a little. The place was not really conducive for some loud laughter and bonding. The music was loud and we could hardly hear each other.

I had so much fun that I lost track of time. By the time (passed 2 AM), I was calling Dom to pick me up he was already fast asleep and could not get up. I had to take a cab home…but it was okay. Reno taxi was safe and the garage was just outside our subdivision. Till next Friday…

My pasalubong from HK

My honey Dom came from Hongkong last week (January 27-30) and I made it a point to see him last night. Aside from the fact that I missed him in the last 4 days, it was incidentally, our monthsery too. I appreciate his using all his stored energy to meet with me and have dinner in Something Fishy. But I could really see the tiredness in his eyes. I also wanted to get pasalubong and was excited to see his surprise.

He got me the Perfume that I wanted since last year, D&G Light Blue. I discovered this refreshing scent, when I gave a mini bottle to Jenni last year as pasalubong from HK too as recommended by my officemate. I felt sorry that I did not get one for myself when I smelled it on Jenni. My only consolation was she liked it. I was already running out of pocket money at that time, that I had to buy all the pasalubong before I spend them all for myself.

The suprise which I have an inkling, is an album of Seal, "IV". It was not the best of Seal album but at least it contained all the songs I wanted. It brought back memories of college days when I literally played the Seal album (of my brother's friend) everyday after school. It was my solitude.

Yehey! that's 2 checks off my list of wants. Dom says there's more to come but he wants to give the others next week. I am excited!!!

What kind of a soul am I?

You Are a Visionary Soul

You are a curious person, always in a state of awareness. Connected to all things spiritual, you are very connect to your soul. You are wise and bright: able to reason and be reasonable. Occasionally, you get quite depressed and have dark feelings. You have great vision and can be very insightful. In fact, you are often profound in a way that surprises yourself. Visionary souls like you can be the best type of friend. You are intuitive, understanding, sympathetic, and a good healer. Souls you are most compatible with: Old Soul and Peacemaker Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

My Delightful and Satisfying Weekend

I had a soothing weekend with my honey (BF), friends and my family.

SATURDAY: I overslept as usual... I tried to regain lost sleep during the week and woke up at 11:00AM in time to watch "Lovers in Paris" 2nd Rime around. I felt lazy but had to drag myself out of bed since I still have an appointment with Emmy and Baet in the afternoon. After watching TV, I immediately ate lunch and got ready to leave. Well, I don't want to label myself since I am trying change this habit of mine... I was late for 30 minutes but we made it to Body and Soul after getting lost several times. The place was not friendly to first timers. Baet and Emmy had their facial while I had my foot spa. It was a rewarding feeling after feeling the back of my feet smooth again and the foot massage was just great. According to Emmy and Baet the facial was nice too. They did not feel any pain (not like our previous facial wherein we came out all bloody and our face really hurt. It was like we paid to experience some pain... Gosh).

Since we were already in Cubao, I ceased the day and told Dominique to meet up with me in Gateway Mall, the newest high-end mall in town. I have been sooo wanting to try Taco Bell so right after Emmy dropped me at the entrance, I proceeded straight to Taco Bell. I was starving. I ordered their meal with tacos and quesadillas. It was appetizing in the picture but when I sunk my teeth into it, made me wonder why it is the best taco in the world. Probably I expected too much. But in fairness the ingredients tasted fresh... I plan to go back and taste the soft tacos next time.

When Dominique arrived, my feet were already killing me from roaming around the open shops. We decided to try the Pizza Hut Bistro because I was curious of the menu and the ambiance. The customer had a choice to dine in the garden setting in the middle but outside the mall under the moonlight or in the restaurant inside the mall. Of course I chose the garden setting for a change. We tried their salads, Caesar Salad for me and Oriental salad for Dom; and the Seafood Gourmet Pizza. The pizza was nothing extraordinary, the taste did not do justice to the picture. I like the oriental salad, similar to the taste of KFC's Oriental but I found the Caesar too salty (but liked it anyhow... it is by the way my favorite salad). After dinner we proceeded to try the movie house while it was still in the dry run and the cost is still a whopping P99, cheap for a new cinema. We watched "Meet the Fockers" and laughed our hearts out. The movie was super hilarious. I can relate to it... I wonder what my Dad's reaction will be when I will do decide to marry. Yikes!

SUNDAY: I woke up early to do Yoga for almost an hour. It had been my plan since yesterday, if I just hadn't overslept. Then, I got ready for JP's birthday lunch treat in Dampa, Libis. I was a secretly excited since it had been a long time since our last family eat-out. Dominique could not make it since he had to oversee the pest control in his rented place and had to fix some stuff. My brothers went ahead to market what we were going to eat. By the time we got there JP was almost finished but my Mom had to intervene the purchase of the shrimps. Being an expert as she is, she said the shrimps in JP's suki were not fresh and costs more than the other tinderas.

Our food included buttered shrimps (1 kilo) which I ate most of, adobong pusit, clam soup (halaan), fresh oysters, inihaw na baboy, ensalada and ripe mangoes for dessert. I really enjoyed our lunch and felt bloated after that I wanted to rush to the gym and shed the calories off. After lunch, I tried calling Dom again but he wan't finished so I just went with my parents to "Feet'R Us" for our reflexology massage and gave up in seeing him today. I figured he was preoccupied with a lot of things that day. The massage was great. The masseuse gave us quick head and body massages while our feet were soaked in tea. Then they proceeded to massage out feet and legs. I felt so relaxed that I fell asleep for 30 minutes. When I woke up, Dom was already calling my cell and he can meet with me in 30 minutes. He was just having lunch at 4:00PM (poor him). My Dad wanted to grab coffee in Starbucks since my mom still had P300 gift check from Christmas. I had my favorite Peppermint Mocha
while my parents both had Lattes. My Mom and I also tasted the chocolate cake and it was so good, moist chocolatey but not sweet. I simply had fun since I don't usually have coffee klatches with my parents, if not at all.

I had a swell day plus I got to spend the rest of it with my honey Dom.

2005 Prediction for Taurus

Since I was born on May 18, I am a Taurus. Below is the prediction for the bull this 2005:

Taurus in 2005 - Tenacity

"Diligence" is the key word for you, Taurus. With hard work and focus, you will attain at least one important aspiration that has been on your agenda for a long time. This is the year you'll want to take stock of your career and ask yourself if you're doing the work you want to do for the rest of your life. As the year progresses, the more impressive your ideas and works become. As a result, your finances improve - and your newfound confidence could attract new love into your life. By the end of the year, you will have a whole new network of friends and group activity, stimulating new ideas and taking up your social life a notch or two.

The prediction is not bad at all. Actually, it touched on the major things I am currently working on in my life, that is career, talents and community. I am just not so sure what is that "one important aspiration". I hope it is travelling to Paris, my ultimate destination. Or marrying within the year. Yikes, Shiena might kill me if I marry ahead of her. That means I may disrupt her entourage. Don't worry Shiens, if I do decide, I will make sure my wedding date will be after your wedding. Actually, I prefer December. Oops, let's not let my mind drift on that subject yet.

Back to the major things. Well, my career is long overdue. I haven't really put on much pressure and attention to it. I believe I desrve more and I am doing everything to make that happen now. Regarding my talents, I plan to really discover my other potentials and use them to the fullest. I guess that is why the prediction says about asking myself things. I got struck with this idea during a palm reading session with Maya's Mom last Holy Week. She said I have a lot of potentials waiting to be exploited. In other words, I am not using them. So it is my quest this year to find out what I really want or God's plan for me and be the best I can be. I also plan to use my talents to serve others. As the prediction goes, I will have a whole new network of friends. I hope this will come from a new company and a community. Promise, once I find that community, I will really be commited to it. I hope and pray these predictions will come true. Good luck to me.

The Japanese Restaurant

I would like to share my dining experience last Saturday.

I met up with Ruth one week ago to give my Christmas gift to my god daughter. Ray-an, her husband asked if we liked Japanese food. I said excitedly: "of course, why?" It turned out that he discovered a good Japanese restaurant inside Fort Bonifacio, near their place. He said it was owned a Filipino and a Japanese and the food is authentic and cheap (really?). I smiled at Dominique (my BF) and requested that we try it out next weekend. And so we did.

Last Saturday, we embarked on a journey to Fort Bonifacio near the golf course and beside little karinderya-type restaurants in the stretch of the street going to 'Libingan ng mga Bayani'. At first we had a hard time looking for it and had to ask the security guard in David's for directions. To our amazement the guard replied: " oh... yun Japanese Restaurant, dun lang sa harap ng E-mart and katabi ng school... kumakain din nga ako dun e." So we went straight and almost missed it, if it weren't for the Japanese flag that was hanging outside. We were looking for the sign Agehei (supposedly the name of the restaurant). True enough the signage read "the Public Japanese Restaurant and then below that was the word Agehei. The guard was right.

The entrance seemed like a Karinderya with a karaoke. Some guys were sitting outside, singing and drinking their beer. It was more like a beer house but you have to pass through to go inside Agehei. It was a small place with only 4 tables in all with a Japanese cook in the small kitchen. The interiors were mostly bare with some Japanese banners and a kimono on a wooden hanger standing on its own . There were also a group of Japanese golfers having their dinner.

Dominique ordered the set menu composed of fried tuna, fried beef, fried egg, sushi, Japanese rice and miso soup on the side for only P120.00. I, on the other hand, ordered my fave tempura shrimps. We also got some California Maki (this was the most recommended appetizer of Ray-an), tea and Ika Fry. Would you believe, the California Maki was only P120 with 10 big pieces? I liked everything except the tempura because it was insipid than what I expected. I liked the California Maki and miso soup, the best! Ray-an was right in saying that after you've eaten there, you will not find any other California maki any good. Yum!

We are definitely going back. I want to try the Sukiyaki and Donburi. On second thought , I want to try the whole menu. hehe. I can hardly wait.

My 2005 Planner

Yehey! I can finally plan my 2005 because I now have my planner and it's not just an ordinary one, it's the Starbucks Planner. Gosh, can you believe, I almost became a coffee convert just to get this? Haay, good thing I loved the Peppermint Mocha. That was what I always ordered.



I would like to believe this planner will be my lucky charm this year in my finding a better career in a new and more stable company, like Maya. Yes, I know it is and I can already see and feel the offers coming. hehe.


Before I end this entry I would like to thank the people who made me get this planner ahead of target date: Kimchi, Maya and Shiena. Thanks guys for the support. I really appreciate it. Bukas ulit for the 50% off.

Happy New Year!!!

It’s a new year and I don’t have a voice. What a loser! I lose my voice once a year but not during the first month!?! Plus, I thought I have broken this pattern in my life already. I guess too much partying and lack of sleep/rest during the holidays took their toll on me.

I took the day off today to rest, hoping to regain my voice for my client presentation tomorrow morning. I spent my day drinking several cups of boiled ginger and testing my voice by saying “hello”. My Tricia honey (my dog) kept looking up at me with her cute expression, thinking I was calling her attention. I did Yoga poses too, supposedly to cure me but nothing happened. All I got was a refreshing and peaceful feeling. I also vowed to sleep and sleep but somehow I couldn’t. I kept thinking of the things I needed to do, like the proposal for a client, pending things, etc. I would like to believe though that somehow my voice improved but I still sound pathetic.

So to cheer myself up, I thought of writing in my blog to give an update on my life. Yahoo! It’s been a while I know and I’m Just taking advantage of my free time.

Review of 2004

Since the JobStreet Sales Team of hit and exceeded our 2003 target, the whole company was treated to an incentive trip to Hongkong. We really tried our best to reap it by January for our individual reasons. Given that, I told myself I wanted all my months in 2003 to be eventful and memorable. Let's see how my year fared:

January -

I went to Tagaytay with Dominique and his friends. This was my first out of town secret with him. I told my parents that we will just have breakfast. Hehe. I ended up going home late since we dropped by the Casino. I played with the slot machines and experienced my beginners luck.

I achieved the highest revenue sales for the month. A record breaking P1.1 M in invoiced sales. Now this is worth the record.

Hongkong trip -January 30 to February 1. We shopped 'til we dropped everyday. Hence, the shopaholics were born: Shiena, Maya, Baet, Fritz, Kimchi and Me. This was our inseparable and cliquish group in HK.



February -

Feb 13: Melon's Birthday - Melon, Elisa, Rhea, Dom and me ate at Italiannis. Yummy!

Finally decided to enrol in Gold's Gym because of its accessibility and Yoga classes, of course.

Valentines Day - I had dinner with Dom, his mom, sister and niece at Venetto in Fairview. After, Dom and I had a nightcap in Gloria Jeans, Eastwood.

Feb. 28 - Went to Pugad Marilo in Batangas with Jenni and Melon to attend a "Seadoo" event, my first sight of the beach this year. I had the chance to drive a jetski for the first time. Awesome! Melon attracted a stalker before the night ended. I stayed in Melon's condo for the night and met with Dom the next day to eat at Sugi (yummy) for our Monthsery (Feb. 29)

March -

I mustered enough courage to have the warts on my feet removed,all 5 of them.Ouch!

I had lunch with my Poveda classmate Maricel since kinder in the Poveda canteen since she now teaches elementary students there. We reminisced our good old days.

April-

April 7-11: Holy Week trip with the shopaholics (minus Baet and Kimchi) to Bicol. We toured famous sights in the provinces of Albay (Maya’s hometown) and Sorsogon. We visited the Mayon Volcano, old churches and 3 beaches (Bacon, Rizal (Sorsogon) and Bacacay (Albay). I enjoyed the respite and delectable spicy dishes.

April 30 to May 2: We had our company outing in Puerto Galera. We stayed at Lodger’s Nook in White Beach. The shopaholics converged again and we decided to extend our stay up to Sunday (May 2). We danced and had a blast on our first night.

May -

May 14-17: My cousin, Rhea and I went to Pueto Princesa, Palawan. It had been a plan of ours for the longest time to go on a trip together. We went with 2 other couples, Kimchi and Mishy and Paolo and his GF. Our adventure included the famous Underground River, Crocodile Farm, the National Geographic featured 'Wonder Coconut' (see picture),Honda Bay and Arina Island. I loved the beaches better than Boracay. Palawan has its own beauty to it. I can't wait to see the northern part.

May 17 – when I arrived home, Dom had a surprise waiting for me. With the help of Melon, he placed pink, white and blue balloons all around the walls of my room. He also placed a long stemmed red rose, a Birthday banner and a gift for me on my bed and filled it with rose petals.

May 18: My birthday – Dom threw a surprise dinner party for me in Gerry’s Makati. He invited my family, high school friends and officemates (the shopaholics).



June -

June 4 to 6: I attended the Life Directions’ Retreat in Tagaytay. Since it was my second time, I didn't need to join the small group sharing after each module. I got to spend the whole weekend with God .

June 27: As an extension of my Birthday, I treated the A-holics to Dampa in Pasay. We went to the market and ate what we bought after. We enjoyed the food. Yum.

July -

Finally claimed my watch from the repair shop in Cubao after 3 months of saving up for the fee.

I became a blogger courtesy of Shiena and Maya

August -

I finally won over our competitor after much presentations and meetings. My big client decided to get our services at last but the contract has not been signed yet. I still need one more presentation with the HR Director.

Our GM disclosed that she is considering 2 of my colleagues and I to be Team Leaders for next year. Is this a promotion? not quite...

The Shopaholics watched "Baby the Musical" on August 29, staring Lea Salonga.

September -

September 8: The Shopaholics attended the Silver Wedding Anniversary of Maya's parents

September 11: Dinner treat of Rhea (my cousin) for her birthday last July. We ate at Italiannis and watched "The Terminal" in Greenbelt 1.

September 24 to 25: Telemarketing Seminar for the whole sales team

October -

October 7-10: Cebu-Bohol Trip with Dominique ( See Outrageous Decision Entry)

November -

November 12: Baet's lunch treat at Yellow Cab (This is just once in a lifetime!)

The bomb was dropped. Our promotion to team leader will not push through (See entry for 'My Week in a Nutshell')

November 21: Dominique's Birthday. It was my turn to surprise him.

November 23 to 26: Boracay trip with Dominique and his officemates. I treated myself to a yoga class and a Mandala signature massage after. What an experience!



December -

December 4: Busy day for me, attended Celina's daughter's birthday party in the afternoon and then met up with Jenni to travel to Cavite and sleep over at Mica's house in Silang. Mica, Jenni, Jojo and I bonded at Cafe Lupe in Tagaytay. We got coffee in Starbucks after to warm our souls. The weather was just too cold for us.

December 13: Jenni, Andy and I went to the Airport to bid our goodbyes to Mica.


L-R: Jenni, Mica, Andy and Me

December 18: Discovery Suites overnight party, courtesy of Maya

December 22: Shiena's Overnight party at Richmonde Hotel

Christmas parties galore! Summit, Jobstreet, Friends, etc.

Well, I guess my year was mostly filled with fun memories. I really have so many blessings to thank for.