welcome 2011

The year is coming to a close and still there are things I should do before 2010 ends:

- get a haircut.  I'd like to have my short pixie bob again
- manicure, pedicure and foot spa.  Since I've been so busy these days, I miss going to the manicurista so much.
-  get myself a 2011 planner.  Thanks to May who's giving me Starbucks booklets with stickers.  I only need to get a few peppermint mochas to have the planner.  Can't wait.
 - buy a 2011 Companion journal.  This has helped me in my prayertime so much that I'd like to continue it this 2010.
-  desk and mobile ped cleaning.  I started cleaning my desk already since I'm moving to a new cube this week.
-  de-clutter.  I need to do a great closet cleanup.
- buy a new pair of sturdy flats.  But this can wait until next year.
- do a cosmetics inventory.  I must to throw away those expired make-up in my kikay kit
- draft my 2011 business and career plan.  This should be on top of my list.  I want 2011 to be the year for my business so I'd better carefully map out my plan.  Also, with the new and tougher assignment, I should prep myself before coming to work on January.

Now that I have my checklist, I think I can finish everything before the year ends. 

Timecheck:  It's only 3 days to go before 2011.  Good luck to me! :P

Christmas is in the air -- random musings again

Call me the Grinch but really I loathe the Christmas rush. I get so stressed out walking around the mall trying to find the perfect gifts that are within my measly budget. Most of my friends know I’m a certified mall rat but in seasons like Christmas, the mall is the last place on earth I want to be. As early as November, I have my gift list but I always end up cramming. Last year, I promised myself I will not go on a last minute Christmas shopping. And obviously, I broke that promise this year. *sigh*

On a brighter side, I got my loved-ones really cute yet inexpensive gifts. I’m so proud of myself that I got everything on my list in only three days (or three trips to the mall/bazaar). I already started distributing gifts to my office friends, family, relatives and some godchildren.  But I have yet to get a dear friend a gift. Hmm… haven’t talked to him for a long time. Maybe the best gift I can give him, aside from the tangibles, is my sincere forgiveness and acceptance.

Since the start of December, I’ve been playing Christmas songs in the office to uplift our mood. In my playlist are the classics from the Carpenters and Mariah Carey. I recently downloaded Backstreet Boys’ Christmas Time and Wham’s Last Christmas, my cubemate Razie’s favourites. And just last week, I loaded my iPod with Trans Siberian Orchestra Christmas albums The Christmas Attic, Beethoven’s Last Night and Christmas Eve and Other Stories. These are not your usual mainstream Christmas music, as the names imply. Among the songs, I love the Christmas Canon Rock based on Pachelbel’s Canon played back-to-back with rock version of O Holy Night. Someday, I’d love to be a part of a great orchestra playing rocking music like Trans Siberian’s.

In violin class, we started playing Christmas tunes since the opening of the semester. This year, we played Jolly Old Nicholas and Good King Wenceslas. And because we’re a cluster of three students, each of us got to play melody (violin A in A string), violin B (in D string) and violin C (in G string). Last year, we played Joy to the World and O Come All Ye Faithful in violin solo. In our Christmas party in Singles for Christ, I performed a rough violin solo of Silent Night. I’m so glad that my December is so filled with quality time with my darling Ivy.

Good thing about Christmas is reconnecting with friends. Recently, my long-time BFF Direk Beautiful PM’d me in Facebook his new mobile number. I’m so thrilled to finally be in touch with him. Last week, I had lunch with my old buddy Anabee at Buddy’s. She just came from a long vacation and so we did a lot of catching up with each other’s stories. Her sister just came from Holland and she gave me a Dutch couple ceramic keychain that is so cute I attached it to the clutch bag I always bring to lunch.
Wow, my December is really filled! I feel so blessed that even with my busy schedule, I still have time to pause and connect with the Lord, the real reason for this season. Merry Christmas everyone!

2011 with a bang!

I am claiming that 2011 is my year.

2010 wasn't that good for me.  And since life is like a wheel, I believe it's my turn to go up this time.  There are so much to hope for this coming year.  Let me enumerate some:

-- starting the book2 of our violin lesson
-- ICON 2011 in CamSur (I haven't registered though.  But I think I can join this time)
-- Alta Summer Frolic:  Will it be North or South?  Ilocos, La Union, Pagudpud, Boracay, Palawan? Or why not all of them.
-- my 30th birthday. Believe it or not, I'm excited to leap into the next decade of my life.  Can't wait what being in the 30s has in store for me.
-- new work assignment, bigger responsibilities
-- more prospering relationships.
-- more Alta Fitness Program activities (jogging, badminton and we can also try swimming)
-- debt-free 2011 onwards (target date: April 2011)
-- 15th Friendship Anniversary
-- 11.11.11
-- more sales for Bits of Beads.  Or I can take this business a step higher.

and the list goes on.  I am really looking forward to 2011. While 2010 is still here, let me enjoy the remaining days with the people I care most.

Planning to get a Planner

Since 2010 is coming to a close, I am planning to get my own planner (redundant huh?).  It’s actually in my to-do list this weekend so while I haven’t bought a planner yet, I checked online the hottest planners in town.

The Starbucks planner:

Should I want this before the year ends, I’d better treat all my friends to a coffee at Starbucks.  This planner has been a fad for years.  And some people I know just collect and never use the planners at all.

This year, the famed planner comes in three cover designs:  metal, wood and velvet. If you don’t want to end up palpitating from caffeine overdose, you can buy online (sulit.com or ebay.ph) for P1,500.  Too much for a planner, huh?

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf 2011 Giving Back Journal

For me, CBTL is love.  It’s actually my favourite coffee shop in our T.Morato neighbourhood.    So when they finally launched this year’s journal/planner (last year’s only a blank page neat notebook), I was so thrilled.  The planner’s actually simple, just like the one’s you see in our local bookstores.  But I love the 101 Ways to Give Back page, a list of inspiring things to do for your family and friends.

Belle de Jour:

I’ve been using the BDJ planner for 2 years now and I’m very satisfied by it’s contents.  The several trackers, especially the expenses and the savings tracker are really helpful to me.  This year, they added Project Tracker, something that can really be helpful to me (after all, I’m a Project Specialist by profession).  So this remains on top of my list, plus the discount coupons worth around P10K that I can enjoy the whole of 2011.  Not bad for a planner priced at only P598.

But I find it very bulky and heavy that I end up leaving it on my desk.  I wish there’s a smaller version of this.

For more information: http://belledejourpowerplanner.com/

The “Relaks, Puso Lang Yan, Malayo sa Bituka” Planner 2011.

From the makers of 2010’s “I Was Supposed to Get that Coffeehouse Planner but I Got Fat Broke on the 10^th Frappe”, comes another witty planner that is set to be a talk of the town.  This year, the theme is Moving On and finding a new one (a partner) in life.  Since I’m in that kinda moving on stage too, I’m actually considering this one.  And besides, humour in this planner can come in handy too on those gloomy days.

Each planner costs only P350.

2010 planner of  Witty Will Save the World

For more information: http://www.facebook.com/wittywillsavetheworld

Powerbooks Pilipinas planner

photo courtesy: spot.ph

Before I can get a hold of this, I should first spend P2,500 at Powerbooks.  And since I’m on a tipid mode these days, this planner is out of my list.

Planner People Planner

photo courtesy: plannerpeople

These uber cute planners are for those who prefer it no-frills yet useful.  What I love about this planner aside from being reasonably priced at P200, they are lightweight and I can actually bring anywhere.

For more information:  http://plannerpeople.tumblr.com/ or http://planner.wedgienet.net/

Still can’t decide which planner to get.  So help me God.  J

happiest thought of 2010

Yesterday, a friend asked me what my happiest memory of 2010 is. And for me, it is a very hard question to answer.

This year, my Mama died and lost all my savings from her treatment. Because of that, I also incurred a lot of payables. I wasn’t able to join my friends in our annual summer outing. I wasn’t able to attend the Davao conference I’ve been planning to go to.

At work, I wasn’t considered for promotion. Instead, there spread some nasty rumors about me and a feud against a co-worker.

If I will focus on the heartbreaking memories and not think of the good I gained from those experiences, I can never move on. I will only encourage negative thoughts to fill me and I don’t want to welcome 2011 like that. And despite everything that happened this year, I still want to enumerate the blessings I received so I can come up with my happiest 2010 memory.

With the death of my mother, the bond between me and my sister strengthened. Now it is like, me and her against the world. It is said that through hardships you will know who your true friends are and with the experience, I realized that my real best friend in life is my sister. We stood by each other through thick and thin, and I can say that nothing can ever destabilize our sisterhood, our friendship.

I also learned a lot, from being independent and strong-willed to being compassionate to the people in need. I learned my lessons the hard way, nevertheless thankful that I gained so. I realized I should live each day as if it’s my last and never hesitate to show loved-ones that you care for them or it might be too late. Cliché but these are the most important things everyone should’ve realized long before.

Though I wasn’t doing really good at work this year, I recognized my priorities. With my free time, I can attend Singles for Christ activities for spiritual nourishment and still have time for my business. Last July, I got to attend the Metro Manila Conference in Silang, Cavite and felt so refreshed with the insights I got. Last August, I headed the Unli-Love Fully Loaded anniversary event of SFC-Claret. I was more elated to know that some of our Christian Life Program participants were actually inspired to join us after watching the concert.

I also continued my violin lessons and I am just so glad to have the time I need for practice. Last February, I had my recital and my super loyal fan Joel came to UP Diliman all the way from Las Piñas just to see it.

Work isn’t so much stressful and demanding these days, one the perks of staying in B2 position. Of course I still would want to be promoted given the chance, I miss the hectic workload I used to have. Anyway, this year I handled Q11’s Buhay Q Kumpleto station ID, Christmas campaign and a handful of corporate AVPs in a breeze. Not even my bosses noticed we’re doing a launch.

I still can’t point to a single memory but I can say that my 2010 has strengthened my grip to the Lord. Each experience has pushed closer to God. And with the trials I faced, I became more dependent on His providence, thus counting each time I wake up a blessing in itself. Every morning is a step closer to reaching my goals and a day away from my depressing past.

full of love

These vendo cups are so cute, I made up stories for them. :)


I'm single and full of love

   

I sooo love my partner

Extra love:  Third party

Loving Couples

lots of love

iShare ♥♥♥

Here’s the draft of my sharing in one of our Christian Life Program talks that made the listeners, participants and service team alike, laugh loud then cry hard.

**I edited some lines to make this appropriate for print.

Hello there! ♥

I am a producer by profession and artista by ambition.

I’ve been in this community for almost two years. When I was a participant like you, this talk, (repentance and faith) is very pivotal, kumbaga, life-changing, U-turn o likuan-U ng buhay ko. It was said that when you repent, there follows a change in your life, lifestyle and values and almost 2yrs ago, when I was seated there, this talk changed my rigid perspective.

My life is like an episode of MMK. In fact, one of the producers of MMK went up to me asking permission to use my story in their program. But the price wasn’t right that time (just kidding). I just thought that time, wala pang magandang ending. Do you believe in happy endings? Kasi ako, gusto ko pag na-feature yung buhay ko, aside from the actor to portray the key characters of my life, I wanted it to be like a fairy tale, may happy ending. But what I will share tonight is not my whole MMK story. I will start not from the beginning, as in since birth kasi kulang ang oras natin. I will start with my involvement in the community, the start of the happily ever after part of my life.

Try this exercise: think of the person who has hurt you the most. How has this person hurt you? What would you want to do with this person? Curse him, forget this person. Others nga would want that person they hate so much dead. Now think of the person who you love so much. Ano naman yung mga bagay na gusto mo gawin for this person? Diba you’d give everything to that person? Diba you’d do everything just to please that person? Now here’s the challenge: why can’t we do the same to the people we hate? Why are those people we hate so hard to love? And you know what, I had a weird realization after that reflection: the same person I hated so much is the same person I love. Sabi nga sa tweet ni @joedmango2010: The person who can hurt you most is the person whom you love the most. Totoo naman diba? Example, what if your boyfriend didn’t text you all day, o di sinasagot yung calls mo, o hindi ni-like yung status mo sa facebook diba magtatampo ka na o it could lead to umaatikabong away. E kung yung boss mo ang gumawa nun sayo: di ka tinext o di nag-return call. Magagalit ka ba? Hindi naman diba? Matutuwa ka pa nga kasi hindi ka nya pinapansin. Here’s more, what if iniwan ka nung boyfriend o girlfriend mo, as in super bad breakup. Diba you’d like to have that EX be exiled to as far as Timbuktu so you won’t see him anymore? Just the thought of that person annoys you. E bf/gf pa lang yun, what is it’s someone sobrang close sayo, someone na karugtog ng buhay mo? What if it is like in my case, it is your Mama?

Mama and I weren’t getting along well. Tuwing magkikita kami lagi kami nag-aaway kaya I’d rather not go home kahit weekends. After hearing this talk, napaisip ako. OMG! What kind of daughter had I been? Si Mama yung binigay ni Lord sa akin na dapat blessing ko, what have I done. Hindi ko man lang napahalagahan, hindi ko man lang minahal.

So that night, I prayed hard. Sabi ko, Lord, please give me a chance na bumawi. Pramis, magpapakabait na ako. Bigyan mo lang ako ng chance Lord.

That week, umuwi ako sa amin, I hugged my Mama and we had a great time that weekend. Nag-mall kami, heard Mass together. Super bonding and I’m sure sobrang masaya din si Mama.

Sumunod na week, mas madalas na ako umuwi sa amin sa Cavite to see her more often na rin. If magaan ang workload, I’d go home and bring her things na gusto nya as pasalubong. But the next weekend was different turned our lives around. Pag-uwi ko, I noticed she’s different: parang wala sa sarili nya and medyo weak sya. I asked her how she was, musta ang week nya, ang activities nya. And she can’t give me a straight answer. Sabi ko, “ano ba Mama, naka-drugs ka ba?” I even sniffed the air in the room to check kung may kakaibang substance sa bahay. Talagang pinag-isipan ko pa ng masama ang nanay ko. Until I asked her “Mama, sino ako? Anong pangalan ko?” She answered, “hindi ko alam e. di ko matandaan. Pero ang alam ko ANAK kita.” Those words made tears rolling down my cheeks. That was Mama’s first attack of stroke. Anong klaseng anak kaya ako sa pagkakatanda nya? Yung mabait at nagbagong buhay nang anak o yung masama pa rin, the one who answered back? When she can’t remember even my name, what memories of me had she retained?

Grabe talaga si Lord, ang bilis sumagot sa mga prayers. Imagine 2wks ago lang, I was asking for that chance para bumawi kay Mama. And I was indeed given that chance. With her stroke, she had an amnesia. I had to teach her  the basics: the alphabet, numbers and the days of the week, how to count, read and use the cellphone. I’d wake up as early as 5am to prepare her meals (may special diet sya) at sleep at 1am after her last injection of insulin. In God's ultimate wisdom, I was made experience how my Mama was to me when I was little. Gusto ko bumawi diba, so there was like a reversal of roles:  I’d change her diapers, prepare her food, give her a bath, carry her around in a wheelchair.

For a year, in and out si Mama sa hospital, sa ICU.  Hands on ako pagbabantay sa kanya, sa pag-administer ng gamot. Once, pinasok sya sa MRI room, only me and her and I was pumping her oxygen. Parang naka-depend sa akin yung buhay nya. What if I stopped pumping? I’d lose her. I’d even negotiate my work shifts sa ofc kasi I had to do night shift sa pagbabantay kay Mama nung lumabas na sya sa hospital. Sobrang sacrifice. That’s when I realized na sobrang mahal ko ang taong ito, I’d do everything for this person. Why did I waste almost 28 years of my life hating her?

Last March, she went back to our Creator. And I know, in that brief moment that we’re tested with struggles, I showed her that I love her so much. On her deathbed, I asked for her forgiveness and told her that I’ve forgiven her likewise. That was the most peaceful moment we had together. And I hope nakabawi na ako sa kanya for all the things she’d given me, above everything, my life.

And for that, may God be praised. ☺

the seed

Twenty nine years ago, I was baptized a Catholic. And I’m so glad I was.

Though I wasn’t aware back then, I can’t be more grateful now that my family has introduced me to religion, most especially Catholicism. When I was younger, my concept of “binyag” is limited to having a bunch of godparents to receive gifts from every Christmas. And now, I am so glad that the seed of faith that was planted in me has already produced a sprout. After realizing how wonderful it is to live this faith, being made a Catholic is one of the greatest gifts my family has given me. Though my parents are not the hardcore religious, they introduced me to God and His works, sent me to Catholic schools from pre-school to college.

It took me a long time to realize I should be a practicing catholic. With a lot of my friends and relatives shifting religions, I know I should give my current conviction a chance. After all, I have been so passive for quite a long time before I was awakened by some circumstances.

Some years back, I was telling my friends I wanted to be saint. That was meant to be a joke but those friends were dead serious about my ambition. Why not strive to be one, a friend said. After all, we are all called to be saints, to live like them and perhaps, inspire others to do the same. That’s really ambitious though, but just like my dream of getting myself a broadcasting network for a business, I could start with a small step. And with that little action, I will just let God do the rest. :)

With Honors

For weeks, I've been thinking of where my former classmates, especially those who graduated with honors, are now. Had I graduated with highest honors, will my future change? Or will I be here where I am now?


I wonder where our batch valedictorian is now. A few years back, I remember her getting in touch with me after resigning from her post in a telecom network, maybe out of boredom or she was simply fed up. In three days, my friend and I got her a job in the TV network where we both were working. And after another three days, she walked out of the job. She was either too smart or too impatient for the task. Now, we both wonder where she is.

On the other hand, a former student council officer of my batch now heads the Public Relations Society of the Philippines. During his college years, he was an active campus figure while maintaining excellent grades.

One of my classmates who graduated cum laude landed as a housewife. Oh well, I’m not saying that the responsibility isn’t tough but right after college, she got married and never had the chance to work in a company.

Recently, I saw my former classmate’s page in Facebook and she’s now a renowned newscaster in her province. She’s actually a regional correspondent of a giant media network. She didn’t graduate a cum laude. In fact, in my one-time attempt to cheat in a major exam, she was my seatmate slash cheat-mate.

My best friend did not get in the dean’s list, but everyone in our batch knows him and his jovial persona. Now, he co-directs a top-rating noontime show and a talent search.

A good friend and classmate was also not in the dean’s list, but her thesis won the best thesis of the batch and now, a very successful account director in Vietnam.

What is my point here: you don’t need to get a medal of academic excellence to do succeed in life. If you graduated with honors, fine, but how you take advantage of that achievement is what matters.

I was once a fresh grad and I thought I know so much. It's an advantage to have vibrant ideas but learning the ropes of showbiz is tougher than I thought. I guess the most important thing I had back then aside from the skills acquired from theatre are the helpful connections. College organizations are the best way to network with the people of same interest as yours. In my case, my first boss and mentor was a senior in my university org. Among the applicants, I think I was chosen because I somehow had a production background from the theatre group we both came from. At least, that common factor made our working relationship in harmony. From being his assistant, he recommended me to be a part of a showbiz talk show research team. And the rest is history.

Some fresh grads bear an air of arrogance, thinking that they know everything, and they are far better than the rest, thus deserve something better. I was once like that, only to realize now what a fool I was to think that way. Life is bigger than the university we came from.  I was once disheartened to realize how a bigshot in the campus can find herself a big sh*t in the real world.  Thriving and maintaining a career in showbiz is not only about what you know, it’s more of who you know. Keeping a good relationship with your co-workers and almost everyone you deal with will sustain you in the business.  These same people can either help you get your current project done, or get your services for a new project.


So if you intend to pursue a career in broadcasting, aside from honing technical skills, start working on your people skills too. Because working in media entails good public relations apart from academic achievements.

Random muni-muni from Posterous

By accident, I stumbled upon a friend's online journal. And I'm so touched not only with the entry, but the fact that I insipired him to write that entry. Thank you so much. :)

I think I need to reorganize "muni-muni" playlist in my iPod. After getting corrupted, I had to restart and reload all the songs in my 2 year old iPod. What does my muni-muni playlist include? Suzuki Violin tracks volumes 1-4 for semestral breaks and Hennie Bekker and the Vitamin String Quartet for regular days. I limit myself on listening to Suzuki on sem breaks because instead of relaxing me, I am reminded of my lessons and assignments. My muni-muni playlist is on when I have to write a lengthy narrative of our monthly and yearly accomplishments, answer IRs or when I'm simply stressed out.

Last halloween I bought a pack of lollipops for trick-or-treat. But unfortunately, no kid went trick-or-treating in our department (ours being operational 24/7, is restricted). So I still have them in my jar waiting for the kids-at-heart to get them. (calling altas!!!)

Last week, my hh head sent me chocolates from Aussie. I so loooooove it. ♥♥♥

I'm now listening to Vivaldi. Then Bach. I'd love to name my son Johann Sebastian, after the music genius Bach. Hmm... Will my husband-to-be agree? Maybe he'd prefer an Albert (after Einstein) or a Sigmund (after Freud) instead. Or my son could be his Junior. Or we could name him after a saint or a prophet.

Or I can name my child after his/her birth month. Last night my friend said she was named Frances because of the Peñafrancia feast of the Bicolnons in September. My sister named her son June because he was born in June. But my friend May was born in September (duh!).

Christmas is only a few days away. I wonder if there are there freshly-composed Christmas carols available :)

Yipee! In 30 mins I'll be out of here. Gotta fix my things so I can go the mall straight from work. (read: "me" time).

Patience

Whoever has perpetual patience must be a god. Because with people committing sins everyday, only a merciful God can forgive us even if we offend Him repeatedly.

Patience is indeed a virtue and according to Wiki, virtue is “moral excellence”. To have patience is synonymous to having a superior level of maturity, wisdom and humility. I also believe a person’s patience manifests his intensity of faith in the Lord, leaving to His hand the daily course of life and that things will go ok in the end.

Everyday is a struggle to be patient: from daily routines of waiting for the bus or driving along a traffic highway, falling in long queues in the train station, fast food and ATMs, to the long search of a perfect partner. Even in the office, my patience is tested whenever I encounter difficult clients and sluggish co-workers. Each time I feel like blurting a nasty remark towards those who test my patience, I try my best to pause, bite my lip, count up to 10 (to give me ample time to think and rethink my comment) before I say something. And to keep my poise and sanity in check, I pray for patience.

So let me share with you a good prayer for patience:

Lord, teach me to be patient - with life, with people, and with myself. I sometimes try to hurry things along too much, and I push for answers before the time is right. Teach me to trust Your sense of timing rather than my own and to surrender my will to Your greater and wiser plan. Help me let life unfold slowly, like the small rosebud whose petals unravel bit by bit, and remind me that in hurrying the bloom along, I destroy the bud and much of the beauty therein.

Instead, let me wait for all to unfold in its own time. Each moment and state of growth contains a loveliness. Teach me to slow down enough to appreciate life and all it holds. Amen

Source: http://acatholiclife.blogspot.com

What I really want for Christmas

Since it’s only fifty days to go before Christmas, I’m helping you with your shopping list in case you’d like to give me a gift (so egocentric, hehe)

Euro tour from the generous you!

If you just won the 300M lotto

- A house and lot in a posh QC village a few minutes away from where I work

- A yellow beetle convertible

- A Europe trip, all expenses paid (including visa processing)

- VIP tickets to this season’s Broadway shows



Posh gifts from co-Altas



If you just feel like a thrifty Alta

- a new Blackberry smartphone
- Chevy aveo sedan in lime green
- a cool pair of pink Nike trainers
- original iPod earphones
- a macbook pro loaded with useful apps
- Shu Uemura make-up and brush set for pros
- an antique Germany-made violin with authentic horse-hair bow
- a happy Christmas party for the Sagip kids

fab gifts for a fashionista

If your budget is about a thousand bucks
- Fruits and Passion Grapefruit fragrance set
- Nina Garcia’s Little Black Book of Style
- iPod wall charger
- Altec Lansing speakers
- A citrus colored comforter and pillowcase set
- The Face Shop Ecovert facial care set
- Mac Hello Kitty make-up
- Bath and Body Works Pink Grapefruit cologne and lotion
- Body Shop lip and cheek tint
- Suesh make-up brush set
- Pirastro olive rosin
- A cute Persian cat
- A spa GC

 If the budget is around P100 – P500
- Companion Catholic Scripture journal
- Belle de Jour 2011 planner
- any Sophie Kinsella novel (except the Shopaholic series)

- any book written by Jodi Picoult, Audrey Niffenegger or Amy Tan

- A Jordi Labanda notebook

- A set of Dong-A color pens

- A sweet dress (I’m not choosy, it’s ok if it’s from a tiangge)

- Body Shop Strawberry body butter

- Chocolates

- Maybelline Hello Kitty mascara

Below P100
- Whatever you feel like giving is ok. As long as it comes from the heart
- Photoframes and scrapbook materials
- Flat Tops chocolates
- A pastel-colored nail polish from The Face Shop
- Cutesy stationeries and Post-its
- Careline eyeshadow
- Nichido Girls Night Out eyeliner in green or silver
- Stylish accessories that spell DIVA
- Arts and crafts materials
- Tiangge tank tops
- 2011 desk calendar
- Cute sleepwear from Divisoria
- Pillowcases
- Face towels
- Crayons and coloring books
 

Pinoy Christmas celebration is the best in the world

Lasting and Priceless gifts
- A warm hug on cold days
- A greeting card with your heartfelt Christmas message
- Hearing your voice singing me Christmas carols
- Going to dawn Mass with you
- Your constant prayers
- Attending UST’s Paskuhan. This year should be grand because of the Quadricentennial celebration
- A personalized text message
- Eating puto bumbong and Bibingka while walking me home
- Christmas shopping with me (read: bazaar-hopping)
- Kite-flying while waiting for the fireworks display
- Sitting next to me in the Christmas Mass
- Spending a hearty Noche Buena or Christmas lunch together
- Seeing old friends, nostalgic conversations over coffee
- Videoke until dawn, belting out happy songs (no more I Will Survive and Alone, please)
- A week of Christmas break from work. (paging: my bosses!)


So, have you decided which gift to give? :)

Cheap thrills



Stylish gifts

Amnesia Girl

Because of the upcoming Star Cinema movie My Amnesia Girl (starring John Lloyd Cruz and Toni Gonzaga), I remembered one of the activities Joel and I did years back.

 

Here's what we did:  We're to answer this question: If one day all my memory will be erased, what are the things you'll tell me so I will remember you?

 

Trying to recall what's on our list made me cry this morning.  Here's some (I'm listing only 10):

• Catequiz 13years ago.
• ♪♫ I don't wanna miss a theeeeeeeng! ♫♪♫
• Dinosaurs (daw!)
• Fish spa
• Edna boat
• Bohol tour
• fireworks
• cheesecake
• starfish
• Footloose

and the list goes on but I promised myself I'm gonna share only ten.

 

I know you can't imagine how these can make me regain my lost memories.  And you don't need to remind me, it's soo cheesy. :P

I’d like us to talk

I’d like us to talk.

I’d like to share with you my happy thoughts, my triumphs and achievements. I’d like to show you the positive side of my life with all the joys surrounding it. I’d like you to know as well my struggles and defeats. In those times, I need someone to hold on to and a shoulder to cry on.

I also want to ask you a lot of what ifs. I’d like us to have a healthy exchange of thoughts over an intellectual or a nonsense topic.

I’d like to share with you my past: happy childhood memories and frustrations.

I’d like to share with you the present.

And I’d also like you to be a part of my future.

I’d like to find out is these things will still happen. But it seems we have no chance to talk.

So I’d really like us to talk. But I wish we have time.

today's surprises

Two surprises really made my day:

Surprise number 1:
- My very own script with yummy black chocolates!

Surprise number 2:
Greenpeace newsletter with a 2011 calendar.

Street Dance

Since I am more for the classical with the modern twist, Street Dance movie has really moved me more than I imagined.

Street Dance movie is simply like Step Up, revolving around the premise that dance is a passion, and as in any passion that can make you happy, it must be pursued. If Step Up 3 is set in the underground clubbing scene of New York, Street Dance is in the UK. With the picturesque London scenery as the background, it’s totally classic meets contemporary.

Though both focus on Dance as a passion to be pursued, Street Dance is more on the performance, the art itself. Art, in whatever form, should effectively convey the message. And to convey a message doesn't mean we have to be confined in a particular medium, move or space. This is where the beauty of Art is: we are allowed to go out of the box. Dance here isn’t confined to imitating what you see others are doing, it is like a graceful synergy of all the elements around you: music, space, movement and form. Good dancing in Street Dance goes beyond precision of moves, the dynamics and complexity of the routine. Dance, particularly streetdancing, is elevated and emphasized as a form of art, just like music and theater.

I never even thought that ballet and street dance can go well together after this. The soundtrack, especially the competition piece and the closing credits, is amazing. The musical arrangement on Pachelbel’s Canon in D (the music I often hear at weddings) is fantastic, making it sound HipHop.

After seeing the movie, I became more inspired to get up and get moving. So, shall we dance?

i miss you

After six months of not having you around, it finally sank into my mind that I’m not gonna have you back again.

And the more I realize that, the more I miss the times we shared together:

• Our jologscapades, having small conversations over Pop cola and KC bakery bread.
• Our weekly trips to Baclaran church and side trips to the bazaars, fruit stands and pancitan.
• How early I’d wake up in the morning to prepare your meal, the clothes you will wear and the meds you need to take.
• Our favorite merienda of penne pasta with spicy tuna tomato sauce or banana frittters.
• The moments we shared a laugh while doing our laundry, cooking in the kitchen or weeding out in the garden.
• I miss going to Mass with you in tow, then after we’ll have our dinner in the mall opposite the church.
• I miss our trips to the grocery and local wet market.
• Every time I wonder how perfectly our heads fit each other’s shoulders when we go asleep in a public transport.
• I miss how you tuck me to sleep at night, and when our roles reversed, spending sleepless nights beside you in your bed.
• How we share a kilig moment over a cheesy Chinovela.
• How I loathe your favorite actresses and you dislike mine.
• We have a lot of differences growing apart, but deep within us, we are of the same flesh and blood.

Of course, I don’t want to end this entry with a sad a tone. After all, this blog is supposed to count the blessings I get in my lifetime. Though we’ve lived together only for a short time, I am still very grateful because those brief moments we’ve shared are the times I can say I felt genuine love only a mother can give. The selfless, caring acts extended to this egocentric gal introduced her to the world of loving service only from a family can spring.  

I love you Mama! :)

teachers

This week we just celebrated Teachers’ Day. So now, let me thank the greatest teachers I had in my lifetime:


My Mommy
She’s not my biological mom but loved me like her own. Mommy is a teacher by profession and instilled in me the value of education. She pushed me to excel in my academics. When I was little, I wanted to become a teacher like her. For me, she’s the epitome of grace under pressure, strength, independence and self-sacrifice. Yet, she’s also a balance of work and social life, responsibility and zest for life. Until now, I wish to be like her in most ways: her values and principles in life will forever be my guiding mantra.

My Mama
During her wake last March, people kept telling me that Mama is the most selfless and generous person they know. For her, it's always important to extend a helping hand to the needy even if that means leaving herself empty-handed. And now that she’s not here anymore, people whom she’d helped before feel the great loss that she is now. And I must admit she had helped me in more ways she ever knew: she taught me how to be self-sufficient, independent, responsible and selfless. Above the basic lessons of domesticity, she taught me valuable lessons of handling relationships and compassion for others.

Teatro Tomasino
Undergoing apprenticeship in theatre is a test of perseverance, hard work and passion. Everyone is expected to bring results whatever it may take, having the mantra: beg, borrow, steal. I did all three, even the “steal” part just to pass the program. And after more than a decade of being a member, I reap the rewards and relish the valuable lessons the theater experience has taught me.

Theater taught me discipline and efficient time management. Even as a freshman, I was expected to commit a lot of my hours for teatro work, and at the same time, maintaining above average grades in school. I was seldom visible to my classmates after class since I have rehearsals to attend, but I always made sure my presence was felt during the class.

Being an officer of the organization made me tougher. Though I always tried to keep an amiable persona towards the other members, I learned how to create a wall of respect around me that until now, everyone in the group still recognize.

My EX
Even if I don’t want to remember him anymore, I can say I am indebted to him in more ways than one. I was a fresh grad and he was 5 years my senior so he was like my mentor in the office back then. He always reminded me to be self-motivated and reliable at work. He said I should trust no one when it comes to my personal life and issues. And now I know why I should. But the experience of falling in love and falling apart is the best lesson he taught me. And despite the heartbreaks, I know now I am stronger and smarter than ever, and no jerk can ever crumble this toughie to pieces.

Experiences
They say experience is the best teacher and I can’t say it any better. Living without a father in the house made me more responsible and decisive at a very young age. As soon as I graduated from college, I assumed the role of a breadwinner at home. And when Mama got sick, I learned a lot in our stay in the hospital:  from medical terms and procedures to nursing the sick. And those lessons I will never learn until experienced.

Everyday is a learning experience for me.  And I am thankful that I am led to meet the wonderful people to inspire me and mold me to who I am now and the better person I will be someday.

six years in GMA

Today, I am celebrating my 6 years of being a Kapuso.

In 2004, I first walked the halls of GMA Network. Armed with my experience as a researcher for two years in the rival network, I embraced my new job as a Production Coordinator for Post, handling promo spots of all local TV shows, subsidiaries and events. It wasn’t really something I dreamed of, or planned to apply for. Nevertheless it led me to experiences and lessons I always wanted to gain.


First stop: HRD. Posted everywhere is the Core Values and Mission/Vision statement of the company. I was quite impressed, and still am. For me, it is always important that the values of the company I’m working in are aligned with mine. “Placing God above all” is indeed what every company, organization and individual should bear in mind. And to value its People as the best assets is something other companies must consider as well.


Project after project, I learn something new. When I first came here, I only have a limited background in Post production process. But now I can say that I know it by heart.


There are still much to learn. And I will never close my door on these new things. After all, being in Post production industry entails working side by side with technology. One moment you’re among those with the state-of-the-art equipment, the next moment you’re outdated.


And now, after working for 6 years in GMA, which incidentally celebrates its 60th year in the industry, I feel very much blessed to have been able to explore this option, practicing what I’ve learned in school and at the same time acquiring more knowledge in this field. It also feels great to be a part of the Philippines’ most-trusted media network that plays a big role in culture-shaping and nation-building. But most important of all, I am elated that I have become Kapuso: serbisyong totoo in words, deeds and thoughts.


Truly, after six years, I am still proud to be Kapuso. And I am hoping that in the next years to come, I can still say the same.


2006 station ID shoot



2007 Sumamer ka na Campaign



2008 Halloween ala Hwang Jini




posing beside the New York Festivals gold



worry no more

"You are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing" Luke 10:40-41

Lately, I'm becoming a worry wart.

I worry about my present:  my finances, my career, my relationship with family and friends.

I worry more about the future.  I don't know what the future holds for me.  Will I make it big in this current industry I am in.  Or do I have to shift to a new career in an entirely different place.  Honestly, there's nothing that holds me back.  But there seems to be a force telling me to stay.  In my quiet moments during prayertime, I try to be keen on what God wants me to do, or where he wants me to be.  Sometimes I see myself working as a teacher to pre-schoolers.  Sometimes I am pleased in the vision that I am running my own business.  I'm actually considering taking music education seriously so I can teach kids how to create music.

There are a lot of options,  but my dilemma is which option to take.

Because I'm still worrying about the past.  Some trauma of the past that are still not healed makes me hesitant to take the first step.

I am anxious of so many things.  Sometimes these I worry about become my obsession.

The passage reminds me not to worry much.  Aside from wrinkles, there is nothing I can gain from worrying.  So from now on, I will try best to chillax and entrust everything to the Lord.  After all, He is bigger than all our worries combined.

my happy thoughts

Last week during our training in Singles for Christ, we had an activity:   Share Your Happy Thoughts.  On a piece of paper, we were asked to write down our what makes our day. 

And here are the items on my list:

- Frozen yogurt
- kakilig or inspiring text message
- prayertime and daily Scripture readings
- dinner dates
- happy food:  congee and spicy wanton, chichirya, chocolates, pasta
- violin classes
- bonding with my nephew and nieces
- reconnecting with friends old and new
- enough sleep and sweet dreams
- sunrise
- morning jog and exercise
- additions to my ipod:  movies and songs galore

Bigoli's Spaghetti Marinara and Italian chicken:  Forever loooove!

this is my favorite nephew June Andrei, my sunshine

There are more in my list, but then some are not really that essential.  I am quite content with what I have, getting my daily dose of happy thoughts.  And looking at my list makes me more grateful that God is giving me more than enough reason to smile everyday and feel so blessed.  I wish everyone to count his blessings as well; count the days by the happy thoughts that come with them.  Doing so will make us appreciate what we have and hence understand that we are really blessed beyond our realizations.


Hope to hear your happy thoughts soon.