My **th Birthday

Next week, I'll be celebrating my **th birthday.  And to make this year's celebration different, I decided to spend it with the kids of Bethany Orphanage and my friends who are kids-at-heart. :)

First Love

They say that first love never dies.  I can also say that it holds true for me.

For several months I stayed away from my passions only to find myself reconnecting to it.

Just recently, I got involved in the production of a short film.  This project is another first for me, though I'm not quite new to this field.  I've been involved in several shoots before but all related to my work as a broadcast producer for promo plugs.  This short film is very close to my heart, not only because I headed the project and wrote the script, but it led to a wonderful discovery that this is one heck of a passion I never dared to give a chance before.  And now, I am glad that I did. I am delighted to know also that my co-director shares the same dream and passion, and it's really good that this project turned someone's vision into reality.

Also, this short film project got me missing college and the university organization that honed me. 

Lately, I've been searching for schools to enroll in again.  Around this time last year, I was applying for a dream course.  But fate won't allow me, and I know why He had to delay my plans.  So now, I've been looking around for some school that offer me a theater arts or a marketing communications masters degree to fit my schedule.

Early this week, I discovered a local theater group with an advocacy program directed to children's welfare.  That really piqued my interest and got me thinking of signing up.  And it made me realize I should enroll in my marketing course soon.  As I recall the personal statement I submitted, my intended research will focus on children's theater.

Last week, I got to play my violin again.  With the callouses in my fingers all gone now, it was hard at first.  On Youtube, the Vitamin String Quartet uploaded several new videos and they got me so inspired again.  Also, I got to download music sheets of Adele's Someone Like You and Bruno Mars's It Will Rain.

With more time in my hands now, I feel that I can focus on these passions that keep me in high spirits. I will continue to perfect my craft, while I wait for the next passion, love interest or activity to occupy my life.

Thank you 2011

"Grateful for 2011, excited for 2012".

There went my facebook status update last New Year's day.  The past year could have been really tough, in fact a turning point in my life, yet I am greatly thankful for every experience, lesson and friends I gained along the way.  Let me share with you the year that was that greatly affected who I am today.

The first quarter saw a liberating light as I decided to take on drastic changes relationship-wise, irrespective of the painful consequences.  That experience is pivotal in my life as it opened my eyes and hearts to a whole new world of opportunities in career, business, relationships and self development.

Before the first quarter ended, I was offered a job less stressful and more challenging than what I previously had.  It was actually an answered prayer and was a surprise.  That job offer was one of the least expected, since I had no plans of moving to a new post last year. But truly, God knows what is best and I am more than grateful for the career shift.

pictorial after my violin recital

I also had my second violin recital the last week of February.  It felt good because I know I sounded far better than the first time I had my recital, thanks to my ever patient teacher and well-wishers who were present during the event.

By mid-year, I got to participate for a showchoir competition during the Singles for Christ Metro Manila Conference.  And as a bonus, our team won the grand prize.  It really felt good to know that through the endeavor, I helped some people feel good and confident about themselves and at the same time, share the talent the Lord has given me for His greater glory.

baby Jerone at 2 months

Also coincident with the Gloree showchoir preparations, I had my first public violin performance in GMA--a dream come true.  My classmate requested me to play along with her the Mga Kwentong Pambata ni Jose Rizal theme during the General Assembly.  After the event, I felt so elated to receive a lot of positive acclaim from friends and managers in the office.

September1, a new baby in the family was born.  Jerone Andrew, my sisters second son, is the cuddly bundle of joy who now takes most of my weekends.

By September, I got accepted for graduate school but eventually did not enroll due to schedule conflicts. Hopefully, this 2012, I can have my workshift adjusted to accommodate plans to pursue my MBA.

October, my business partners and I launched Sublime, a clothing line for the young, chic and budget-conscious fashionista.  My friends from Singles for Christ and I had put up our company GALZ and started joining bazaars to kick off our clothing line.

To end the our bazaar season, we took a quick break and headed far north in Ilocos.  Here I experienced more of God's love through the breathtaking beauty that was presented in front of me.

at the Paoay church in Ilocos

in Vigan, Ilocos Sur

I got to celebrate the Christmas season with my family, and hosted our first reunion in years.  I know that wherever Mama is now, she is very happy with the way things turned out in our clan after her death.

As of my lovelife, I know 2012 will be a very good year to work on that.  With fervent prayers, I know will find the one I can share my passion with.  For now, I will just continue to enjoy life and relish every moment in love and service of the Lord.

My Christmas wishlist 2011

With only a few days before Christmas and a hectic schedule, I can't even draft my wishlist in just one go.  Everything seems to fly so fast that I haven't even digested all the events of this year yet.

What do I really want for 2012?  Some said it will be the end of the world by then.  If that will be so, I'll have to be more concrete, and maybe a little bit more ambitious and at the same time hopeful that this list will be achieved next year.

the 13M 68 Roces townhouse

Ambitious mode:

- a car for my business

- a QC townhouse, a few minutes from the office

- Holy Land tour

- more beach trips

- a shopping escapade with unlimited budget

Reality check:

- enrollment in advanced violin class

- a superior quality violin

- schedule adjustment to accommodate marketing classes on weekdays

- gym membership

- a new pair of trainers and workout outfit
- trip to Korea with my sister

Proenza Schouler PS1 medium, the "it" satchel

I'm a material girl

- 15" Cambridge satchel in red

- Proenza Schouler PS1 medium leather in blue or orange

- Sisterhood of the Traveling pants series books

- Forever21 Hello Kitty collection

- Ipad2 wifi + 3g

Angry birds cupcake from Gooeyfudge

Simple joys:

- Chocolate oatmeal cookies

- Christmas parties with Sagip kids

- Angry birds cupcakes

- cutesy stationeries

- a bookshelf

But still, there really is nothing more I want this Christmas than my family to be complete and celebrating it together over a sumptuous noche buena lovingly prepared.  I also look forward to spending the first Christmas with the new boy in my life. Weee! excited to hug my nephew and see him clad in a Christmas-y outfit. La vita e bella! :)

The Little Prince

photo courtesy: wikipedia

 Some quotes from the book that best describe what I feel this moment:

"Les hommes ont oublié cette vérité, dit le renard. Mais tu ne dois pas l’oublier. Tu deviens responsable pour toujours de ce que tu as apprivoisé."

"Men have forgotten this truth," said the fox. "But you must not forget it. You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed." 

"Voici mon secret. Il est très simple: on ne voit bien qu'avec le cœur. L'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux "

Here is my secret. It is very simple: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye

"Mais les yeux sont aveugles. Il faut chercher avec le cœur"

But the eyes are blind. One must look with the heart

So much for taming the foxes and the roses with thorns, I feel responsible forever for the people, things, places and events I have been a part of.   

"It is the time you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose so important." 

"You know — my flower... I am responsible for her. And she is so weak! She is so naïve! She has four thorns, of no use at all, to protect herself against all the world.."

Thank you my Little Prince.

Gotta Go!

Have a travel buddy, will go!

I just want to list down the places in the Philippines I'd like to see before I tie a knot (whenever that will be--what a vague timetable here!)

**in no particular order**

photo courtesy: http://www.siargao.com/

Siargao

They say it's a surfer's haven.  Well, I'm no surfer chick but I'd definitely give it a try once I reach the famed island. 

Caramoan, Camarines Sur

Several Survivor TV Show editions have been shot here, who wouldn't want to see the place in person.  When I reach the island, I'd definitely have a picture shot ala Survivor castaway.

photo courtesy: wikipedia

Camiguin

The White Island and the sunken cemetery is totally interesting to me.  I guess it would be better if I take a few diving lessons prior to the trip so I can see the cemetery up close.  I'd love to experience also the vast sandbar of the White Island.

 
Davao City

Who wouldn't want to experience a city with a beach nearby.  A trip to Davao City would be a bliss with its malls and white sand beaches. I'd love to stay at the Pearl Farm and stroll along the shores of Samal Island.

Palawan

There has been a campaign to raise awareness and put the Underground River in the new Seven Wonders of the World.  President PNoy himself checked this and I'd love to experience it as well.  Also, I don't like to miss the famous El Nido, the beach I've been dreaming of since I was 12.

Antique, Dumaguete, Guimaras

These up and coming tourist spots have gained a lot of positive reviews and features lately, with people now discovering the gems in these islands:  immaculate beaches, natural falls and springs.

Bantayan

Far off Cebu City is the pristine beach of Bantayan Island.  Before I head to this paradise, I'd better ready myself for butt cramps, having to endure 2 hours of bus travel and another 2 hours of ferry ride.  But friends who've been there said it's worth the love travel. So gotta bring a lot of patience with me in this trip.

Basilan

This farthest town in the country is truly blessed with beautiful beaches.  Too bad, civil war has driven tourists and foreigners away.  When I'm ready, I might give this island a shot.

Siquijor

Contrary to nasty rumors about this place, the island's actually serene. With it's beautiful stretch of white sand beach, comparable to that of Boracay's, I don't mind the old stories at all.

Cagayan de Oro

When I finally have the guts, I'd definitely try the adrenaline-pumping white water rafting adventure and bungee jumping.  But first, I need to get over my fear of heights.

my Cebu City trip collage

Cebu City

I went here two years ago and fell in love with the charming city right away.  It's like the antique beauty of Intramuros, the hustle and bustle of Manila and Quezon City, and the relaxing breeze of Antipolo City all in one place, plus a nearby beach. Too many sights to see in Cebu, not to mention the people are really warm and the food is really tasty.  The next time I go back, I'd like to try the sky walk, hoard loads of danggit (dried fish) and dried mangoes, and visit the Plantation Bay.

Turtle Islands,Tawi-tawi

I'm totally fascinated with turtles.  I'm fact, I'd love to have one for a pet. After seeing the GMA News and Public Affairs feature on Turtle Island, a virgin beach where mother green sea turtles lay their eggs, I really got intrigued and wanted to see it live in action.

Banawe Rice Terraces

Who wouldn't want to explore the Eighth Wonder of the World?  The structure really amazes me; the ingenuity of the Ifugaos who made it about 2000 years ago is totally superb.

Truly the country's blessed with so much natural resources.  As a Filipino, I'd like also to do my share in keeping the beauty of the country in my own little way.  Of course, I'd like grandchildren to experience these too.

transition

Im surprised at my morning prayer today. I don't know where it came from but it seems to have sprung from the deepest recess of my heart.

It's funny that the first person i thought of the moment I woke up today is the guy I've been crushing on for almost 2months now. I've met him way way back and never saw him the way i see him now until we got close, became seatmates and chatted for a short yet sensible moment. That was like, my sleeping heart leapt from deep slumber. After that first encounter, i tried to erase every memory of him, still scared to entertain thoughts of a possible lovelife since i just came from a major heartbreak. But destiny is really playing on me. As time went by we became closer and closer, and i got to realize that we have so much in common. And i am even surprised that i can be myself around him: i can chat all day at any topic and goof around without reservation. The tough girl that I am didnt even hesitate to get out of my shell when i am near him.

As i relish this new found friendship, ironically, i pray that my feelings for him would eventually fade. If this person isn't meant to stay long in my life, I hope he'd just go while still in this early stage. After several failed relationships, i don't want this to be another failure. So before I totally fall in love with this person, i pray that I may be given the courage to simply walk away.

Love and Music

My violin teacher announced the dates of the assessment and recital. I should be nervous. But I am not, really.

I am in fact thankful I have a lot of time to practice. Though I will play happy tunes for the recital, contrary to what I’m feeling right now, I welcome it as a good balance to my lovelife’s traumatic aftermath. And at least there is something to be excited about. This March, I will walk up the stage again to perform in front of fellow musicians, hoping I’d do better the second time around. Less pressure since I don’t expect any fans or well-wishers to attend my recital. But of course, I’d love to see someone holding out a bouquet for me after the performance *wish*. The whole Abelardo Hall will light up a thousand twinkling lights, like it’s just him and me there, not minding the teachers and other students gathered in the auditorium. That’s so magical! Then poof! Back to reality. I shouldn’t expect so much, I’d just enjoy every minute of the recital.

The jitters are different from that I get everytime I have a theatrical performance. And this is not the first time I’d step into the limelight with a broken heart. The last time, I even got a best actress nomination.

What does that tell me? Relishing this current state of aloneness gives me more time to focus on my craft. I should not be distracted by the past, and the upcoming romantic interests especially now. I should get my priorities straight. I need to regain every inch of self esteem I lost. And I hope this performance is going to help me a lot.

The Project Green Mind

7 days
6 boxes of paper clips sorted
5 bookstores rummaged
4 malls explored
3 department stores searched
2 big bags filled
and 1 sweet diva


This is what I call so cheesy.


Anyway, here's the result of my Project Green Mind

my Project Green Mind collage. All Green, all Fresh! :)



Only for the number1 friend in the whole wide Green universe



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