Left overs and papers

Stayed home whole day yesterday and feasted on all our left overs. I looked at the mirror and seemingly true I gained few lbs and they were stuck somewhere in my tummy and in my arms! How can I fit in my MOH dress now? But what is extra pounds versus my happy tummy? Right?

I was about to go out with friends last night but decided to tuck myself at home and continue my dvd marathon and to be a real couch potato. I did not even touch my laundry. We delivered some to the laundry shop...but there were those that need my personal touch...and I am so tamad! All I'm doing is eating...eating...sleeping...sleeping...and munching on anything edible.

I miss starbucks coffee bigla...and sayang di parin ako nakapunta sa Ayala Triange..I saw Tim Yap's pic he posted in Instagram and parang it is really beautiful there.
***
Finally I'm able to watch these movies over this holiday break.

Downloaded and started reading these books, I promise myself to finished 1 or 2 books every month.

and whenever I am at work and have time to read...I'm into this:

Framed.

Thank you so much Neil for this painting. I know how much effort and time given to accomplish this great art.

May kasama na yung apples and ....watermelon? oopss...platito pala!

Keep sharing your talents and making us happy.

God Bless you more and may all your dreams come true.

I love you my friend!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Children all over the world are the happiest this season! Opening their gifts, going around to meet their god-parents, eating left overs and of course petty fights with their siblings whoever got the best gifts. 

Envy.

When I'll have my own family, I will really impose Christmas traditions. 

1. We will all dress our best to attend Christmas Eve Service.

2. If we are still living in Metro Manila and there still is Ayala Triangle- we will all go there (anytime of December) and will enjoy the lights, music and flair of the holidays.

3. I want to have a big tree and that "sad white christmas light";

4. If my children do not have their own money yet- I'll give them budget to buys gifts for everyone including manang- our helper. One little way of showing how much they appreciate each and everyone of us in the house.

5. I would love to have our Noche Buena- all of us!

I want to have a happy home for Christmas! And would want to be with my family every season of the year.

Fact: I do not have ninong or ninang.

But that is okey.

Christmas is not about me. 

Christmas is about Jesus and who He is to us.

To be happy for what we have, what we do not have and to always have a grateful heart.

***

Yesterday, i turned 30. 

Thank you for the gift of technology where greetings are made possible all over the globe. Thank you for the FB messages, SMS and calls. I feel loved.

So this is it! Belated Happy Birthday to me! =)

And more celebrations to come.

***

My love for siomai and life

Then we survived December 21.

Hurray! Haha! Crazy people...but then again, I had siomai and sago't gulaman the other day. Just in case. =)

***
Dec. 16.
We had our company party at Sofitel...and it was a "standing room only" party. Pity the girls on heels and salute everyone for a genius idea of doing it on the floor.

For this event, i did not get a new dress. just wore my trusted little black dress bought years back from Forever 21; Pedro clutch with my slippers inside, I do not bring any make up or whatever for retouch...i made sure to have my tsinelas. =)

and I am just glad to see Pam and Gary. Pam is on her 5th month now.

and on this night, Lola mode. Went home right after the party.

***
Despite the holiday rush...reading books give me my balance.

Just recently finished The Wild Sheep Chase by Haruki Murakami. And i fell in love with the author and would love to read more of his works. As if I am connected to the unnamed protagonist and would be willing to go with him to finish his adventures. Did I say that we have the same birthday and share some life dilemmas? I was happy when he quit smoking, I felt better when along his journey he is at peace, I am concerned when he seem can't decide which is which. I love the fact that he can cook, he drinks, he reads, he is normal...not just someone's ideal hero.

And really there will always be reasons why things happen. Just like when I do not have "neighbor" at work. I have more time to read and sometimes browse the net. But I also miss talking to someone. Haha! My shift starts at 2:00 AM and will log out at about 11:30 AM...long day...and it will be a relief to sometimes share what's on my mind to someone. =) I would sometimes send wintxt to my agents...just any random thoughts...and they do not understand...haha!

Btw, this is just so important not to share.

Just few days ago I finally able to open my Stock Market account and very much excited to learn more and share my experience with you. I am not into trading...not yet. I'm investing. And just glad I started now. It has been a long delay. Too much procrastination on my end.

And now I will do things afraid.

Yes, we have to do things afraid.

I got my account from Citiseconline.

And I'm on my baby steps in stock market. The more I read and when things are getting more alien as ever...I know I am on the right track.

I just had my password changed on my online account...and there...I'm on the start of this new endeavor. I'd been wanting to invest here ever since and my wish and will do my best to get addicted to it.

It maybe alien and the name is really intimidating...but stock market is for all.

I've read this book by Bo Sanchez, My Maid Invests in Stock Market...And Why You Should, Too! Very inspiring.

I'm about to buy my first share of the market!

But as of this hour: Market Closed.
***
And 12th day of work tomorrow, I am looking forward for days of holiday off. To recharge and replenish my tired cells.

***

I will continue planting.

Over the weekend

Double jeopardy for our country, the devastating Pablo and the heart breaking KO of Manny Pacquiao. Sad.

According to Mahatma Gandhi, man falls from the pursuit of the ideal of plan living and high thinking the moment he wants to multiply his daily wants. Man's happiness really lies in contentment.

I am no expert and will not blabber anything about Manny's loss. We need not to justify anything. Learn from it, accept and move on. He is young, there's so much in store for him, the world is his play ground, he can do anything he wants. Honestly, I am really bothered for the effect of that last punch, I am praying that there will be no complications on his health.

***

Last Saturday, I went to Divisoria, oh boi, human traffic. But I did enjoy. I feel so Pinoy! Haha! Babaw ko no? Whenever I hear some jeepney drivers shouting...Avenida...Avenida! I get excited! Haha! I don't know why...kase siguro I've never to Avenida...and sikat syang daan sa Manila and naririnig ko sa kanta and I picture Avenida as part of the Old Manila- streets with kalesa and street vendors selling siopao and payong. Sometimes, I have this wishful thinking that I was born when movies were still in black and white, where your pictures are taken using a very huge camera? The one I saw in an old magazine, the size of an aparador! Where you are required to have your dress in almirol? And your hair is permanently permed. Aww...how cute...and you will have your afternoon tea beside that huge window in your old capiz house...of course, minus the contrabidang mestizo. Just all those gorgeous men of the 50's and the glamour of the old days.

***

Then came Sunday.

I met up with my great friends Cha and Joiz to give a bridal shower for our soon-to-be bride Epeng. It was small and intimate. Do you know the feeling of straight connection? We were right transported back to our younger years and kulang ang oras sa sobrang daming kwento. And we never stopped laughing...how dearly I love them! Super!

Mas masarap i-share ang video at tanduay ice to someone really important and I would rather have four quarters than 100 pennies.

Now I remember how we used to day dream of living at the same village, barbecue parties...and beers for our husbands.

TO Joiz- happy bday to us. I am happy for you and the blossoming love life. 

TO Cha- enjoy your US tour, aww...White Christmas for you. I am very happy...and maybe this is it! You need this  vacation...have a good time with Jake and Uncle Sam

To Epeng- this is it! I am honored to be the Maid of Honor, akalain mo yun? Best way to cap this year.

How I wish ate chana and tin are with us in this special occasion.

Cheers for our happiness, success...and soon "mini us" to bring in our reunions!

Anawangin 2012

Then I'm off to something beautiful.

When our team decided to go for a teambuilding I am bit apprehended to join since they have decided to go to Anawangin. I was thinking...beach again? But the curiosity in me won over my laziness! And dear, Anawangin has its own beauty.

The seclusion, isolation and the fact that we went there Sunday added beauty to the place and it became our playground for 2 days and because I am with great company made this escape even better.

Ready to enjoy the water! At Capones Island.

We left Manila as early as 2:00AM and reached San Antonio, Zambales after of an almost 3 hour drive. Everything is smooth and easy, we paid for our tour and they've provided everything for us. Driver, van, boat transfers, cook, food, water...everything! We just enjoyed and once again brought back the inner child in all of us.

The wooden bridge connecting the beach and the campsite.

At about 7:00AM we reached our first destination, the tour organizer gave us a side trip to Capones Island Light House. It is really amazing to see hidden beauties in a seemed to be hopeless place. It's like once again I am transported to one of the beautiful island in Palawan. But the light house is different, it has its own story to tell, I know for sure decades ago, there was a love story in that place, someone met someone, they fell inlove...gave in..and escape to the idea of being in love. They broke up...and found another love...succumb to it and they enjoyed a great love story.

The Lighthouse. Century Old.

Grand entrance to the lighthouse.

I love the ruins...because once in every corner of this place something important happened, we are now just a witness of how something as beautiful as this will come to an end, only memories will remain, our imaginations will work their magic to relive the stories that once was really there.

The windows, roofs, walls, stairs...all rustic, dilapidated just added the to the beauty and majesty of this place.

Rustic stairs...

Walls..

I don't know but I still can imagine one Crisostomo Ibarra chasing a woman in her Maria Clara...just so great and beautiful!

After that little sidetrip, we went to Capones island.  There were groups of teenagers enjoying the beach. They've also had their tent up and maybe had spent the night there.

At Capones Island.

Since we're all hungry and are really excited to see where we really are going we did not stay long and off we sailed to Anawangin!

And there...our adventures begin!

What made this place really special are the pine trees. They were aligned as if someone planted them. Nature really has its own amazing wisdom. Under them we pitched our tents and made the moon as our light when the night was really dark. You know the feeling when you are under the moon? It is just directly above you? The feeling is amazing. It is like waiting for your own Edward...and you will hear the song A Thousand Years...haha! Close to that!

Anawangin Beach

We are out in the woods with no electricity, no signal, just the company of each other...and became competitive over these pang- olympic games!

Early in the morning the following day since there's nothing much to do at the camp site we obliged to go to a 15 min trek to see their little falls. Not much of a sight.

Years from now Anawangin will no longer be the Anawangin we used to know today. I pray that we become good stewards of this God's gift; I also pray that we maintain the seclusion and quietness of the place...

If you are planning to go there for a retreat to recharge and simply be with the nature...go on weekdays, trust me you will appreaciate the silence, the wonder and greatness of God's creations. I'd been to many islands and beaches of the Philippines and the only way you will enjoy Anawangin is when you succumb to its silence. Do not expect more, do not think, just let go and relax.

More pictures for my memory years from today:

Until My Next Trip!

1st of December

Sorry, I've neglected you for weeks!

Happy December 1st!

My birth month...will be turning 30, 23 days from today. I don't want to look 30 but wants to feel 30.
***
I got a new work place! Our account just migrated to QC and now we're braving EDSA everyday and have learned to appreciate MRT even more!

More stories to share soon...

Sometimes, there are things you want to tell but you just can't because you simply cannot.

Even though you know there is something...but really there is nothing.

Tomorrow, I will be going with the team to Anawangin in Zambales. Start of my month long birthday celebration.

There are a lot of things to look forward to this month...and I am just excited to accomplish them all.

I am so looking forward for the parties, events and gimmicks!

Let's claim for the happiest December to date.

two bottles?

I'm such a cry baby since yesterday, funny feeling, I don't even know whether the emotion is legit or just a cause of monthly hormone imbalance. Weirdo Me. I feel sad over nothing or maybe there really is something or it could be that I'm just tired? Nevertheless, whatever this is, all I know deep within me...I'm sad.

Maybe because finally October is over?

Or  of a friend in my dream?

or of J?

I don't know.

Maybe, I need a real vacation with good friends. =)

Little Present

Where did all my weekend go?

Pretty much a bummer for 2 days, loser. Spending more than 48 hours at home come nursing my cough and headache. The idleness of today makes me weary of what this might bring me tomorrow. I worry pretty much lately. Uncertainties. Questions. Apprehensions. Maybe this has something to do with me being soon to be thirty. I know, it is just numbers...and it got to be no big deal. I just worry.

One thing I know of...God will provide. Just do your best and what is right.
***
The other day, I gave J a present, his very first bible. I can never be proud when he insisted of holding it instead of having in my bag on our way to church. He's kind of big guy you know! And that is kinda cute...and he already marked the book of Nehemiah before the service started. Boy scout.

***
I was asked by April to be her maid of honor. Finally. She's tying the knot with Tutuy. I am so happy for her...for them. Inspiring couple. Looking forward for more beautiful babies.

And I thankful for being part of this very special event.

***
At work.

Business As Usual for our account.

Pulling out an account in this time of the year is not a good news. Never will it be. Although this happens..but not on --ber months. Just that, in a snap-GONE.

***
Another bad news, this made me shiver. I'm praying that the soonest possible time they find baby Sean Gabriel. He's only 3 day old when he was kidnapped from the hospital. Her mother is one of our sales agents. Whoever took this baby boy and whatever the agenda is, please have the heart to return him to his mother. This one, I solemnly pray for a happy ending.

***
ALL FOR THE BEST.

Life goes on...

Disappointed.

But this too shall pass. I just need to let go.

...and now I'm letting go.
***
Saturday. September 1st.
Matel- Dalida Nuptials.
Sto. Domingo Church
Bridesmaid

This is the best way to start the month right...congratulations and best wishes to Rommel and Jocy.

With Neil, the newly wed Jocy and Rommel and these two cute girls as the flower girl and as little bride. 

At the Camelot Hotel while waiting for the program to start.

***

And I am sorry for not posting anything last month.

August is not a happy month for the Philippines. I feel for all who get affected by Habagat.We are Pinoy. Kaya natin 'to. Never give up!

And the passing of DILG Sec Jesse Robredo is another wake up call for me, to give without asking or expecting anything in return. Just do what your supposed to do. His life is an inspiration for young leaders. May his legacy continue and his methods and character duplicate among our leaders.

***

I am looking forward for a better September...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

We have the longest Christmas celebration...=) More reasons to eat and to celebrate!

and few more weeks...it's my big 3-0!

My gosh! I feel like I have not accomplished anything! =(

Proverbs 25:28

Like a city that is broken down and without a wall, so is person who cannot control his temper.

Zombies and Birds

i am such a late bloomer.

Planst vs Zombies is in my laptop as early as 2009 but I just started playing 2 months back...and I cannot pass the stage at the roof! Haha! I like planting sun flowers and using those plants with nozzles to kill those zombies. I just can't get over the thrill whenever I see double dead zombies! 

And then just recently, I gave myself a treat by buying a bigger android phone, I am not tech savvy, just happy for a regular phone- call and text. But Tabby is great! I just finished playing Angry Birds! The oldest version. The gigil moments when those pigs give you an oink-oink when you failed to bursts all the barriers. Haha! You will never stop... But I just recently get over it...and now for killing time...i started playing Unblock Me. As of this writing I'm already at puzzle 243. =)

And did I ever mention, I created an account in instagram too? Yeah, I know, you have these all...way way back...I just want to share. =)

And one of the main reasons I got a bigger phone, is because of the NIV Bible that I bring and read every time needed. So handy and so close. I just need to give time and effort and make a habit of doing it everyday.

=)

Btw, I like this article from Bo, click this link to read.

http://bosanchez.ph/meet-your-five-most-commonly-neglected-needs/

Farewell Ahyan

Ahyan left us at his prime.


He made me realize a lot of things. Things that I already know, read, and hear almost everyday. And they just become so real now.


We really are not in control of everything, we just have to live our life the best we can. Spend more time with  our love ones. Do not waste each day living the life of someone else. Be happy. Be in special occasions you are invited to go to. Do not hate. Forgive and Forget. Give love and let go of the things that hurt you so bad. After all- we are here to live a happy and fair life and to invest more on personal relationships.


Thank you Ahyan for the bottles of beer; for your humility and the time you shared with us. Short but well lived.


Au revoir!

Peanut Brain

I actually do not know how and to which part of the story I will start this post; but imagine that at the age of almost 30 I am bullied by someone arrogant and insecure. Remember those days when we were in high school that the common form of bullying is someone's size and appearance? Then the kid will go home hopeless, tainted and afraid to go to school the next day?

Well, that happened to me to me at work (minus the hopeless, tainted and afraid); and mind you I am the supervisor and that girl is one of our agents. Did I retaliate? No, I did not. Because I know better that bullies are the most insecure.They are too scared to show what they really feel. A complex common to school drop outs. And the someone with the loudest voice feels empty inside.

For college, high school or elementary students or anyone who are prone to bullies it will be hard to understand why you are becoming the bully's subject...but you need to know...that you have that "x-factor" that cannot be given with a definite meaning but really there is something IN YOU that the bully feels so jealous and insecure about.


Do not hate the bullies, pity them. They are not strong, they are the weakest.


My Tips for You to be "Bully Protected"


1. Love yourself- learn to accept your flaws and weaknesses; you cannot be that oh-so-perfect Georgina Wilson with her rich bf Borgy Manotoc but you too have your own special ingredient that she doesn't have---that is your x- gene.


2. Be comfortable with your own skin- literally. Love your physical appearance, we cannot have all red roses in the field, that is lousy. There should flowers of different kinds, colors, textures and fragrances. You are made to complete the circle.


3. Know that beauty is relative, so is happiness.


4. Love your OWN. Loving yourself is like taking food supplements, pangmatagalan.


So the next time someone bully you, turn your back, do not pay attention, regal yourself and remember that person needs cure. Do not ever stoop down to their level.


Breeding and class baby.

And by the way, bullies- have peanut brain.

=)

Ready your Heart.

I understand the heart of a jealous woman.

But we must know when to stop when things are not going our way; there are battles that we need to let go, fight we started that from the beginning we are aware of the ending. It is alright to lose sometimes. It is not a sign of weakness. Losing signifies acceptance that we are willing to learn from our mistakes, from the past, and not to live of who we were but do our best in becoming who we are.

God is all knowing, He designed someone for all of us; if the person who makes your heart glow now is taken- engaged or married. Let go. It may be hard, but it is the right thing to do. Let us give respect to the woman who rightfully owns that man. We should not allow ourselves to be the reason of someone's down fall.

We go with the song, (i mixed the lyrics) "we have the right love at the wrong time...and letting go is just another way to say I'll always love you so..." If its meant to be. It is bound to happen. But for as long as your someone belongs to his special someone. You are at the wrong time...right love? I do not know. I cannot be the judge. But do not be the third wheel. Respect yourself. You deserve someone better.

Along the way, while waiting, ready your field. Be the best woman you can be. Enjoy your being single. Go places. Read books. Feed your mind. Be open with possibilities.

You also have your own love story to tell.  God knows when will be the right time for your to stumble with the right guy. It could be the guy next to you while when you are paying the coffee you ordered; it could also be that long lost friend you have from high school; or someone you accidentally met at the hospital while you're having your annual physical exam.

You too will have your own book to write. Explore.

With good friends, tequila shots and free hotel room- life is beautiful!

Yesterday, I was asked to give a quick interview 101 to two of our agents applying as an RTA (real time analyst)- we came to one of the most common question: HOW DO YOU HANDLE STRESS?

Too much stressors today, my head aches. After the arguments, confrontations, huddles, pressures from bosses- still all is well.

Whatever the first food, drink, or anything sweet that will pop my mind is my comfort food for the day- and for today- i had- Cha Dao Milk Tea. Thank you J for buying one for me. =) You are the sweetest.

After our lunch I took a nap to recharge, after almost an hour, i felt better.

And to vent- i blog.

In my page, no one will judge me or ask me- i can simply write anything and everything. So random.

We all play different roles. And i want to play my part right, not perfect, just right. Complete mix. I want my people to be my partners. I want them to perform not because they fear me but because they know their goals and what they want to achieve. I guide, I help.
***

I am saddened with the news that our comedy king Dolphy passed away early morning today. I am lucky and privilege in growing up watching Home Along Da Riles. I admire his brilliance and character. May he rest in   peace.
***


My favorite line in this blog, "time flies fast" well...really it is! We are already on the 2nd week of July! 


BTW, we had our Company Outing last Sunday at Lima Park Hotel in Batangas. Nothing much to see there. Just a hotel and a pool. Not much of a thrill. But happiness is relative...choose to be happy wherever, whenever, whoever.


Some pics i gathered in FB, did not have my digi cam.

*credit to the owners.

With Jupiter, Neil, Raich, Rhexy and Marge. We need a classic shot with that donkey. =)

With a bottle of beer, cards and good company who can't help but giggle?

We are young, wild and free. Beautiful Sun...and the stairs...we caused traffic.=)

It was really hot outside- we all found comfort in this little room, come one, come all!

Get over it Neil, no one really pays attention, you know?! =) Chill!

And life actually is beautiful, you can see it in my eyes! hehe! no sunnies! loser! =)

With good friends, tequila shots, waiters to serve your food, and a hotel room for free- life is beautiful!

Cheers to a good life! =)

Thank You Papa God

Happy 1st of July! Ilang tulog nalang 2013 na! Bilis ng panahon.

I can't let this day pass without immortalizing how this ordinary Sunday became so special to me.

I am really blessed to have J in my life, he really is one in a million, i was just there at the right spot when the time comes that he is about to fall in love. Swerte ko lang talaga. Of being together for more than 3 years --everyday, I am a queen. In every moment possible-- I am his princess. Thank you so much. I may not be the prettiest, sexiest, i do not have signature bags, never been to any bars in Resorts World---but I have the best partner in life. Thank you Papa God.

Today, after RDOT, I rushed to VCF Pioneer and met J there. It makes me real happy that we are attending the service and together we are growing spiritually. Another answered prayer. Thank you Papa God.

 After the service, he surprised me with Amazing Spider-Man tickets, he is just in "allowance basis" and efforts like this...super...i appreciate! sweet!

There was this one "monthsary" few years back, that he walked from Shangri-la to Kapitolyo just to save enough to buy me our "monthsary cake." Another pogi points!

hay...can we have him cloned? I want to share my Blessing too! Para wala ng malungkot na babae! =) Thank you Papa God.

Simple Rule for Happiness #5

This explains it all.

I guess I just have to expect less. 

Just that. No need to explain. I get hurt, feels frustrated when things do not go the way I expect them to be. I just learned my lesson. Just do what you're supposed to do.

Happy 3rd!

and counting!

and he gave this to me.

Thank you! I love you too!

Color Me Yellow

Color Me Yellow.

Browsing dresses online.

I will have my blue bridesmaid dress

altered into something like this minus the strap so I can wear it again.

Doable right?

Do it anyway. No buts.No ifs. No Maybes.

Just in time, I need these commandments now.  The moment when I want to stop being kind to someone; the feeling of being used and abused; that no matter how hard you try to help someone still your efforts are not counted.

But still...

DO IT ANYWAY

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.

~Mother Teresa

One is loved because one is loved.

Sharing this from my favorite book.

It says it all. 

Just like that.

Let's color our life happy.

Topmost reason why I blog-because i have no vivid memory to remember things that happened from the past, when i say " the past" like just a week go. Yun! I know a lot of people who are gifted story tellers and boi...they really can share what happened from A to Z. Me...makukulong ako for inaccurate information. Kaya I always need to record things for future purposes. =) Para when I get old. I just simply log in, go online and checked what happened when I was young! O db sosyal na lowla. I just hope not to forget my log in and password. Hehe!


Before going home today, with Marge and Neil , we joined Faber-Castell activity at Rob Pioneer, more coloring books more fun! I just love it! Stress reliever. Faber- Castell reminds me a lot of my college day and on how I used to color code my anatomy books.

Hay eyebags...i love you so much kase pinagpuyatan ko kayo. hehe!

And while doing this activity  I have come to my final decision to forget and move on from what happened last Sunday. I'm letting go and next time I should know better.

And part of moving on.This Saturday night I chose to stay at home to have my 'me' time.

Neil. Galing with your color!

And this is marge...busy perfecting her art.

look at those kids...feel at home lang? higa kung higa?!

This is sweet. Si Mommy-baby-and Daddy. Parang yung color ko.

Let us choose to have a happy color!

Happy bed weather weekend!