According to my last doctor appointment at the province, I have a lot of gas in my stomach...I have hyper acidity she said. And so she told me to avoid coffee (omg!), tea, softdrinks, citrus, etc. So I was in a dilemma as what to drink (except of course water)... i could easily elude softdrinks but coffee?!?! and iced tea or even pineapple juice?!?! Argh!!!
So being a hardhead, I am not 100% caffeine free, I didn't say goodbye to my digestive aid and antioxidant, tea... nor have I said my last farewell to the fruit juices. I just lessen my intake of them... Pity me... now that I am offered of Starbucks coffee every lunchtime by Tom (who loves Philippines for cheap Starbucks! He's British, btw), and tea every morning. Hays! So for the whole week, I said no to the offers and agreed to it just yesterday, the last day of work... which Tom acted out like he was having a heart attack because finally I said yes to his treat! He was already thinking that I am much cheaper than the previous 2 TAs who have been in Ops because I have been declining free food from the two of them (him and Frank).
And just before I left for Manila, my family gathered in Apollo for a some-sort-of-tradition, a set-off dinner. After finishing with my food, I had a very bad stomach ache which I proceeded to the resto's CR... I was half relieved but Rolan was not convinced so he set me outside and convinced me to vomit the food out which I easily did because I was really in pain.
When I came home, I was already coming back and forth to the CR... I am having LBM. After about 6 sessions, my brother and I went out to buy gatorade or ORS... my mom on the otherhand was pleading me that we proceed to the hospital for a check-up which I said no to for I am afraid that I would get confined and I can't board the plane going back to Manila (which is the following day), and going back to work. And missing the plane would mean additional charges for rebooking and increase in fare rates.
So after 2 gatorades and more trips to the CR, a plane ride to Manila and commute to work, I still have a very rebellious stomach. I had another 2 sessions in the office before I went to our company doctor for a medical advice. He was actually in shock that I was still up in my toes for work as I should be very weak because of the lost electrolytes. He even advice me to go home, gave me antibiotics, and ORS, and recommends that I go to the hospital if I would still have LBM after 2 drinks of my meds.
The meds took effect bigtime... I didn't have any bowel encounters, even my regular ones, for two days! Now I'm fine tuned and have no problems with LMB... sadly I never had the chance to know why I had those bouts..
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Expectation gives Grief
A long time ago, I have agreed to never put myself into situations where I would be again enveloped with grief. I have already detected the source of it. And staying away, and even not thinking about it, is the only answer to avoiding occasions of it.
But time and time again, I have fallen into the pit of momentary bliss hoping for something in return. And unmistakably, get hurt in the process. I have set not to expect but often falter on false hopes of an ireversible relationship.
Here I go again...
But time and time again, I have fallen into the pit of momentary bliss hoping for something in return. And unmistakably, get hurt in the process. I have set not to expect but often falter on false hopes of an ireversible relationship.
Here I go again...
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Suffocated
I have been home for almost 3 days. Somehow it was not the vacation I looked forward to... there is always that feeling of escape... I love being home but not at this point in my life... Escape... that is what I want everytime I go home... I want to go back to the temporary happiness... leave the reality for a while...
I feel like suffocated... entrapped... it seems that there is no answer anymore...
I feel like suffocated... entrapped... it seems that there is no answer anymore...
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Yesterday and Today
Yesterday.
I was in Manila and had a long day at Manila Water.
We had visitors from World Bank and IFC and they want to see how we treat wastewater so together with people from Finance, we organized a tour at the South Septage in FTI. After the cadetship training, that was the only time that I came back for a tour. And it was grand since it was Frank doing the explaining.
Going to Taguig was next in the itenerary so that the visitors could check out our "Tubig for the Poor" Projects. But Frank doesn't want to go so we excused ourselves from the group and we went to the sewage treatment plant in Magallanes. It was a fun learning experience... and I got to see the new technologies we have at Magallanes: the waste to energy project where we get methane gas from waste and burn them to provide electricity to the plant. =) nice huh?
And then we proceded to Intercontinental Hotel where lunch would be served for them. I thought all the while that Mike and Kid (people from Finance) will just be dropping the visitors and we'll procede back to the main office and leave all the directors to convince the delegates from IFC and WB that they grant us a loan. But Mike and Kid are in charge of everything and as a rule they can't leave the place till its over. So I hang out with them and they chose to sit near the directors and visitor's table in Prince Albert and ordered. It was my first time to see a menu with all food priced 500php up. They said everything was covered, just order. And I did... and Mike was calculating in his seat and almost dropped his ballpen when the group at the other side stood up for a buffet. Buffet costs 1750 each! So all through out our lunch Kid and Mike were calculating the money they have brought.
And then Frank stood up shook hands with the rest in their table and then approached our table asking if I want to join him coming back to the main office, which I of course took because I don't want to be in agony watching the two with wether they have enough money... Hehehe!!! Eat and run!
The rest of the afternoon I just went to IT to get my new sim card. I have a new work num now. I lost my phone during the preparations of the Farewell presentations for ATA. We were going down the taxi when I think, my phone slipped. I called and left a message on my phone. And the cab driver actually replied. Told me that he is now far and will return my phone in the afternoon and I have to pay for whatever is registered in his meter (as fare). I agreed to it but he never showed up. So now my new number is 09154228140 and I need to buy a new phone as the company would no longer buy us one.
I finished work early so as not to be late with meeting up with Pao. Just don't want get commented on.. hehehe! Peace pao! We agreed to meet up at Megamall for a free chocolate glazed donuts and their original coffee. Yummy and the best thing, it is free!
Today.
I am home for the holy week. Almost didn't arrived on time at the airport amidst leaving the house very early... I just don't want to spend much on a cab from the house in q.c to the airport. And so I got my documents ok and my boarding pass as well. The plane arrived on time and I told myself that this is one of the very few plane rides that is actually on time. And we left 5 minutes early than our schedule of 5:15PM. And I slept the whole flight and was awakened by the comotion. A crew was announcing over a megaphone which I wasn't able to hear to they repeated upfront for the other passengers to hear. They said we have to go back to Manila and they have technical problems in the aircraft. God! That was 15 minutes till we land in Bacolod!
And when we landed in Manila, some technical team repaired the communication system between the crew and the pilot and that's it. But what kept us long in Manila is that other passengers wants to go down which the crew permitted.... but of course it would take time to find their luggage at the plane's compartment. We finally took off 8:15 and I arrived at Silay airport hungry and tired at almost 9:30 PM. And when I got out, my fetch was not there yet. Ma and manong went out to get food as well.. so I waited for awhile for them to get me.
Now I'm looking forward to this vacation... hope to have a blast... and I need to get a tan line to compete with Frank's. Hehehe!
I was in Manila and had a long day at Manila Water.
We had visitors from World Bank and IFC and they want to see how we treat wastewater so together with people from Finance, we organized a tour at the South Septage in FTI. After the cadetship training, that was the only time that I came back for a tour. And it was grand since it was Frank doing the explaining.
Going to Taguig was next in the itenerary so that the visitors could check out our "Tubig for the Poor" Projects. But Frank doesn't want to go so we excused ourselves from the group and we went to the sewage treatment plant in Magallanes. It was a fun learning experience... and I got to see the new technologies we have at Magallanes: the waste to energy project where we get methane gas from waste and burn them to provide electricity to the plant. =) nice huh?
And then we proceded to Intercontinental Hotel where lunch would be served for them. I thought all the while that Mike and Kid (people from Finance) will just be dropping the visitors and we'll procede back to the main office and leave all the directors to convince the delegates from IFC and WB that they grant us a loan. But Mike and Kid are in charge of everything and as a rule they can't leave the place till its over. So I hang out with them and they chose to sit near the directors and visitor's table in Prince Albert and ordered. It was my first time to see a menu with all food priced 500php up. They said everything was covered, just order. And I did... and Mike was calculating in his seat and almost dropped his ballpen when the group at the other side stood up for a buffet. Buffet costs 1750 each! So all through out our lunch Kid and Mike were calculating the money they have brought.
And then Frank stood up shook hands with the rest in their table and then approached our table asking if I want to join him coming back to the main office, which I of course took because I don't want to be in agony watching the two with wether they have enough money... Hehehe!!! Eat and run!
The rest of the afternoon I just went to IT to get my new sim card. I have a new work num now. I lost my phone during the preparations of the Farewell presentations for ATA. We were going down the taxi when I think, my phone slipped. I called and left a message on my phone. And the cab driver actually replied. Told me that he is now far and will return my phone in the afternoon and I have to pay for whatever is registered in his meter (as fare). I agreed to it but he never showed up. So now my new number is 09154228140 and I need to buy a new phone as the company would no longer buy us one.
I finished work early so as not to be late with meeting up with Pao. Just don't want get commented on.. hehehe! Peace pao! We agreed to meet up at Megamall for a free chocolate glazed donuts and their original coffee. Yummy and the best thing, it is free!
Today.
I am home for the holy week. Almost didn't arrived on time at the airport amidst leaving the house very early... I just don't want to spend much on a cab from the house in q.c to the airport. And so I got my documents ok and my boarding pass as well. The plane arrived on time and I told myself that this is one of the very few plane rides that is actually on time. And we left 5 minutes early than our schedule of 5:15PM. And I slept the whole flight and was awakened by the comotion. A crew was announcing over a megaphone which I wasn't able to hear to they repeated upfront for the other passengers to hear. They said we have to go back to Manila and they have technical problems in the aircraft. God! That was 15 minutes till we land in Bacolod!
And when we landed in Manila, some technical team repaired the communication system between the crew and the pilot and that's it. But what kept us long in Manila is that other passengers wants to go down which the crew permitted.... but of course it would take time to find their luggage at the plane's compartment. We finally took off 8:15 and I arrived at Silay airport hungry and tired at almost 9:30 PM. And when I got out, my fetch was not there yet. Ma and manong went out to get food as well.. so I waited for awhile for them to get me.
Now I'm looking forward to this vacation... hope to have a blast... and I need to get a tan line to compete with Frank's. Hehehe!
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Career Launched and Flopped
That happened in only one night. My career as a showgirl was launched last night and ended on the same night as well.
Our company president is moving out of Manila Water and will transfer in Ayala Land. To pay tribute to his good leadership and how he steered the Manila Water wheel into success, we, in our own respective groups gave a show of our own....
Everything was not a competition but we gave our 100 percent. The Ops had a mini-concert with all our Department Managers performing as well as Frank and Tom. A few cadets, including yours truly, danced as back-up.
The performance blew the other Groups away. The crowd went into a riot seeing the managers doing all these... And until now, they couldn't believe at how we have pulled that off. And how we had our bosses do what they did... hehehe!!! I myself could not believe as how I was convinced to perform when if in Taguig I would not care about it and just be one of the audience. So up to today, 3 days has gone, and yet I still get teased by my Taguig friends, my batchmates and Sir Sundy. I really want to hear the end of that... waaaahhhh!!!
But I so loved my hair (thanks Maits for going thru agony just to curl my thick mane) that night and my make-up...I did my own smoky eyes!!! Weeehhh!!!!
Our company president is moving out of Manila Water and will transfer in Ayala Land. To pay tribute to his good leadership and how he steered the Manila Water wheel into success, we, in our own respective groups gave a show of our own....
Everything was not a competition but we gave our 100 percent. The Ops had a mini-concert with all our Department Managers performing as well as Frank and Tom. A few cadets, including yours truly, danced as back-up.
The performance blew the other Groups away. The crowd went into a riot seeing the managers doing all these... And until now, they couldn't believe at how we have pulled that off. And how we had our bosses do what they did... hehehe!!! I myself could not believe as how I was convinced to perform when if in Taguig I would not care about it and just be one of the audience. So up to today, 3 days has gone, and yet I still get teased by my Taguig friends, my batchmates and Sir Sundy. I really want to hear the end of that... waaaahhhh!!!
But I so loved my hair (thanks Maits for going thru agony just to curl my thick mane) that night and my make-up...I did my own smoky eyes!!! Weeehhh!!!!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Forgotten Follower
For (almost) the entirety of my life, I have taken the backseat... I am in most case the follower... In a few times, I lead but those were the times that others push me to do it, not myself volunteering to take the chance to head.
I have always enjoyed the ride and just join in with the flow... I never like to give the directions... But I never took my being a follower negatively... as a matter of fact, it teaches me to challenge... I may be the follower but I surely challenged the order before I do them.
SILAB taught me to lead. On top of that it gave me a chance to know myself... My chance at SILAB made me realize how much I hate to fail or should I say, how afraid I am of failure... Failure was never a favorite, and a next time will never come once there is that chance... you fail one and its over... no more second chance... there is always a mark that you stumble... there are always scars to remind you.
And now, Ops has entirely changed my being. It challenged me to take the wheel. It imposed me to be on my toes and head the pack. It gives me the opportunity to lead. This is harder because this is entirely work, and professionalism is at stake here, plus my promotion and all those things...But now I'm no scaredy cat with leading... because there is no room for that... and I have faith, in God, in my self, and of course the people who are there willing to give me a hand...
...failure or not, I have to lead.
I have always enjoyed the ride and just join in with the flow... I never like to give the directions... But I never took my being a follower negatively... as a matter of fact, it teaches me to challenge... I may be the follower but I surely challenged the order before I do them.
SILAB taught me to lead. On top of that it gave me a chance to know myself... My chance at SILAB made me realize how much I hate to fail or should I say, how afraid I am of failure... Failure was never a favorite, and a next time will never come once there is that chance... you fail one and its over... no more second chance... there is always a mark that you stumble... there are always scars to remind you.
And now, Ops has entirely changed my being. It challenged me to take the wheel. It imposed me to be on my toes and head the pack. It gives me the opportunity to lead. This is harder because this is entirely work, and professionalism is at stake here, plus my promotion and all those things...But now I'm no scaredy cat with leading... because there is no room for that... and I have faith, in God, in my self, and of course the people who are there willing to give me a hand...
...failure or not, I have to lead.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
BCD
I'm home once more...
Two of my brothers are graduating this year (Rolan's is today and Rex's is next Tuesday), and that of course is my excuse for eluding Manila for the weekend, pack my bags and go home.
I came home to a party at the compound... Yesterday was Lola Mating's birthday, so the family had dinner with just a few guests to remember Lola Mating. Surprisingly, amidst the issues here, I enjoyed the night..
Early today, we attended the Baccalaureate Mass of Rolan which was so early at 6AM... Grrr!!! But then, it would only be once in a lifetime that I could get to experience attending these... after all I miss all of this when I was in Manila for school.
Then we proceed to Riverside for a doctor's appointment. I'm counting days to see effects... hehehe!
Now I'm preparing for the grad ceremonies and for the congratulatory dinner... so fun!
Two of my brothers are graduating this year (Rolan's is today and Rex's is next Tuesday), and that of course is my excuse for eluding Manila for the weekend, pack my bags and go home.
I came home to a party at the compound... Yesterday was Lola Mating's birthday, so the family had dinner with just a few guests to remember Lola Mating. Surprisingly, amidst the issues here, I enjoyed the night..
Early today, we attended the Baccalaureate Mass of Rolan which was so early at 6AM... Grrr!!! But then, it would only be once in a lifetime that I could get to experience attending these... after all I miss all of this when I was in Manila for school.
Then we proceed to Riverside for a doctor's appointment. I'm counting days to see effects... hehehe!
Now I'm preparing for the grad ceremonies and for the congratulatory dinner... so fun!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Baptism by Fire
Today is my first official day at Ops. And what a way to start work at Ops!!! Today is the KRA presentation of Ops. So I spent the whole day preparing, editing and compiling the presentations of Section Managers. And by 12 NN we all faced the directors of Manila Water and only got out by 4:30PM.
Baptism by fire, huh? And on Wednesday I am due of another presentation... but I'm not complaining really...I am actually happy... felt relieved that I'm out of the BA much early... and I am sure glad that the call center flooding is way over... =)
I'm all smiles... amidst a long and tiring day... =)
Baptism by fire, huh? And on Wednesday I am due of another presentation... but I'm not complaining really...I am actually happy... felt relieved that I'm out of the BA much early... and I am sure glad that the call center flooding is way over... =)
I'm all smiles... amidst a long and tiring day... =)
Friday, March 13, 2009
Goodbyes Said
I have always believed that saying goodbyes is very hard... especially for the one who is leaving.
Yesterday was my last day in Taguig. Amidst that, I never got to sit down and rest. I even missed lunch. The whole office was in chaos because we spent the whole day preparing for a Billed Volume Challenging. While we were doing the presentation, our boss was adding in the pressure. =(
By four in the afternoon we were eager to get out, not to go home yet, but to do as much pending job as we could, without our boss biting our necks off. Sir Lawrence, Jovert, Chris and I loaded the Get and off we go to our areas.
We went to our Kasanggas to invite them for the pub con. When we reached the AFPOVAI Office, it was past five. Amidst that, we pursued. Good thing they are still inside. Almost all of my friends in AFPOVAI were there, both General Manager Mamerto Ureta, President Arthur Garrido, Ma'am Sheila, Ma'am Jenna, and Stephen. And I said my goodbye which of course, Sir Garrido took badly. He had the same sentiments when Sir Sundy left. But I know that he understood that the transfer was for my good.
It was hard...Tears almost welled up my eyes. When I finally shook hands with Sir Garrido, to thank him, I almost choked my tears just to not feel them. And he said, "You will always be welcome here at AFPOVAI." I told him that I would be visiting when I get the chance to go to Taguig for whatever reason.... and I don't know if I would be doing that.
When I went back to the service, I was quiet. I knew to myself that these are some things I would be missing when I would be transferring to the Ops. But it is time to move. It is time to embrace an opportunity.
I may have said goodbyes but my Kasanggas will always be my friends. =)
Yesterday was my last day in Taguig. Amidst that, I never got to sit down and rest. I even missed lunch. The whole office was in chaos because we spent the whole day preparing for a Billed Volume Challenging. While we were doing the presentation, our boss was adding in the pressure. =(
By four in the afternoon we were eager to get out, not to go home yet, but to do as much pending job as we could, without our boss biting our necks off. Sir Lawrence, Jovert, Chris and I loaded the Get and off we go to our areas.
We went to our Kasanggas to invite them for the pub con. When we reached the AFPOVAI Office, it was past five. Amidst that, we pursued. Good thing they are still inside. Almost all of my friends in AFPOVAI were there, both General Manager Mamerto Ureta, President Arthur Garrido, Ma'am Sheila, Ma'am Jenna, and Stephen. And I said my goodbye which of course, Sir Garrido took badly. He had the same sentiments when Sir Sundy left. But I know that he understood that the transfer was for my good.
It was hard...Tears almost welled up my eyes. When I finally shook hands with Sir Garrido, to thank him, I almost choked my tears just to not feel them. And he said, "You will always be welcome here at AFPOVAI." I told him that I would be visiting when I get the chance to go to Taguig for whatever reason.... and I don't know if I would be doing that.
When I went back to the service, I was quiet. I knew to myself that these are some things I would be missing when I would be transferring to the Ops. But it is time to move. It is time to embrace an opportunity.
I may have said goodbyes but my Kasanggas will always be my friends. =)
Monday, March 09, 2009
Pagpupugay kay FM
The news was as fast as fire. Through a text message to one of my officemate, suddenly the whole ground floor of the main office caught the fire. Francis M. is dead. And it was all over the internet.
Kiko was diagnosed with leukemia, AML to be specific (but I don't know what's the meaning of it), 7 months ago. That shook us since the guy is really very young .
I am an avid fan of the man and his works.. I've read his blogs even before he got sick. I've seen his photos and wished I could have the eye for creativity as his. I've sang his songs (the popular ones). I wish to buy a shirt or a merchandie from FMCC. I hope I could do that soon.
And even during his battle with cancer, I have read through his updates of how he and his family copes with his sickness and how, little by little, he has won over it. As each post shows how he has entrusted his life to the Lord and how he surrendered his health to the hands of the Almighty, I was also in prayer that the guy will surpass the trials he faces.
But the man has bowed down to cancer. Though defeated, Francis M. is triumphant for he has showed many how to hope and trust in the Supreme Being. He has awed everyone by his love of the country and how he has eagerly showed his hope for the children to better things for the future. Francis M. may have gone but his works will surely remain in the hearts of many...
Kiko is awesome and that I will always remember him.
Kiko was diagnosed with leukemia, AML to be specific (but I don't know what's the meaning of it), 7 months ago. That shook us since the guy is really very young .
I am an avid fan of the man and his works.. I've read his blogs even before he got sick. I've seen his photos and wished I could have the eye for creativity as his. I've sang his songs (the popular ones). I wish to buy a shirt or a merchandie from FMCC. I hope I could do that soon.
And even during his battle with cancer, I have read through his updates of how he and his family copes with his sickness and how, little by little, he has won over it. As each post shows how he has entrusted his life to the Lord and how he surrendered his health to the hands of the Almighty, I was also in prayer that the guy will surpass the trials he faces.
But the man has bowed down to cancer. Though defeated, Francis M. is triumphant for he has showed many how to hope and trust in the Supreme Being. He has awed everyone by his love of the country and how he has eagerly showed his hope for the children to better things for the future. Francis M. may have gone but his works will surely remain in the hearts of many...
My Summer Has Started
The sun is finally up and shining. It's heat is really hard on the skin. But that is just a good sign that summer has finally started.
La Mesa Dam and Ecopark with Tita Nory and Mel
My summer started a month ago when Tita Nory went to Manila and stayed with us. We brought her to UP because his son is interested of going to school in College of Music. Finally I was able to have my pictures with Oble in a tourista way. Hehehe!!! Though we were in civilian clothes during our undergrad years, I never attempted to have my pictures taken. I was afraid of the curse of not graduating from UP.
We took off to La Mesa Dam and Eco Park and once again had a nature-filled experience. It wasn't my first to hit the eco-park but it was for Tita Nory and Mel.
Afterwhich, we went to SM Fairview to watch Underworld: Rise of the Lycans.
16th SFC ICON in Cebu
It is my first major event attended as a SFC member. It was a 3-day event of praises, thanks-giving, and worship for the great God Almighty. I was at awed to hear empowering stories of journey with the Lord as a member of the commuity.
It was an opportunity to discover Cebu with newly found friends. =)
I surely had a lot of fun with the Lord and my friends. See you guys in Davao!
The Tribaco's Hits Baguio
The following weekend, my cousins from the province, Nang Bambi and Cyhna went to Manila. Mel and I plus Cyhrone met up at the Victory Liner. By 8PM of Feb 27, 2009, we (except Cyhrone) loaded the bus to Baguio.
It was the weekend of Flower Float Parade for the Penagbenga Festival...so we trudged the streets of Session Road and found ourselves in the crowd with the rest of the Penagbenga viewers and participants...
But we weren't for Penagbenga alone.... the four of us were all geared to discover most if not everthing of Baguio.
Botanical Garden
Strawberry Farm, Benguet
Reaching Great Heights in Tagaytay.
Mama was here for a business trip for three days. So the weekend she arrived we went to Tagaytay to buy mushrooms spawn. We weren't successful though but we brought home great pictures and memories.
La Mesa Dam and Ecopark with Tita Nory and Mel
My summer started a month ago when Tita Nory went to Manila and stayed with us. We brought her to UP because his son is interested of going to school in College of Music. Finally I was able to have my pictures with Oble in a tourista way. Hehehe!!! Though we were in civilian clothes during our undergrad years, I never attempted to have my pictures taken. I was afraid of the curse of not graduating from UP.
We took off to La Mesa Dam and Eco Park and once again had a nature-filled experience. It wasn't my first to hit the eco-park but it was for Tita Nory and Mel.
Afterwhich, we went to SM Fairview to watch Underworld: Rise of the Lycans.
16th SFC ICON in Cebu
It is my first major event attended as a SFC member. It was a 3-day event of praises, thanks-giving, and worship for the great God Almighty. I was at awed to hear empowering stories of journey with the Lord as a member of the commuity.
It was an opportunity to discover Cebu with newly found friends. =)
I surely had a lot of fun with the Lord and my friends. See you guys in Davao!
The Tribaco's Hits Baguio
The following weekend, my cousins from the province, Nang Bambi and Cyhna went to Manila. Mel and I plus Cyhrone met up at the Victory Liner. By 8PM of Feb 27, 2009, we (except Cyhrone) loaded the bus to Baguio.
It was the weekend of Flower Float Parade for the Penagbenga Festival...so we trudged the streets of Session Road and found ourselves in the crowd with the rest of the Penagbenga viewers and participants...
But we weren't for Penagbenga alone.... the four of us were all geared to discover most if not everthing of Baguio.
Botanical Garden
Strawberry Farm, Benguet
Reaching Great Heights in Tagaytay.
Mama was here for a business trip for three days. So the weekend she arrived we went to Tagaytay to buy mushrooms spawn. We weren't successful though but we brought home great pictures and memories.
Friday, March 06, 2009
Gearing Towards a Chem Engg Career
Once again, I'm writing less and less... Work calls so much demand...I'm struggling out of Taguig and struggling in at Ops. Yep you read it right. It's Ops... I'm so in!!!
Lost??? Yeah.. I haven't been updating at all... I intended to keep all this afraid that someday I would not be writing good news... But since it is official I'm writing the story in this episode of my life and my carreer.
Last January, one Friday afternoon, I received a text message from Ms. Camela (of HR), saying that she needs to talk to me on Monday. That gave me shivers... because what came in mind was the Cubao trade. Cubao has been requesting Taguig for a trade in Territory Manager. So instead of sending a reply right away, I waited for the weekend, went home to the province and was given some pieces of advice by my parents. If it is really Cubao, I would have come home saying yes to the trade.
But I went to the main office and brought home the news that I was short-listed for an interview with Frank for the TA position. Mai, his previous TA is moving on for wastewater department leaving the position vacant. We were given a day to think over the proposition and we were told to text Ms. Sharon of our intention. We were requested to keep the news to ourselves since there are four of us selected for interview but there is only one position to be filled. They don't the BA's to go overboard and worry on the movement.
The interview with Frank was scheduled Wednesday. I texted Sharon Tuesday, just to not get overexcited of the opportunity. But while she presented the position, I was sure to myself that this opportunity is a gold mine as it would open doors of other opportunities for me.
So I set foot the doors of Frank for my interview, Wednesday, and gave out my best shot. And that was it...
After more than a month, news came that I got the position. The Taguig BA was in total chaos. Both Ma'am Ron and Sir Mar were negative about it. And they were talking me out of it... But then, I was praying doubly hard as before that I could push through with the transfer. Not until two fridays ago when the official announcement was made and the Taguig has to let go of me.
Monday, there was a meeting to deliberate on who would take over the area. It was a long meeting... yet, finally, they acted on my transfer.
So for the whole week I have been reporting every other day to Taguig and Ops to know the ropes of my new department and turn-over things to Chris, the one who will take my responsibilities in Taguig. The thing that is hell is the change in focus everyday. Ops is entirely different from the BA and that sucks... it is as if I'm wandering with no direction... and I need to brush up on my Chem Engg stuff. It has been awhile since I get to encounter terms and process that was hard core Chem Engg.
I'm quite happy and afraid. Happy that finally God has answered my prayers. Happy that finally this is the Chem Engg work that I have been craving for. But at the same time, my low-confidence kicks in terribly strong. I have been doubting myself once again if I am really fit for the job. Yet as I am feeling all this, I am challenged to do the job to the best that I could give. I am up to the challenge of meeitng their standards. After all this is only for a year as I would be embarking for another venture a year from now... in Manila Water or out, only time could tell.
-0-
Thanks again Lord!
Lost??? Yeah.. I haven't been updating at all... I intended to keep all this afraid that someday I would not be writing good news... But since it is official I'm writing the story in this episode of my life and my carreer.
Last January, one Friday afternoon, I received a text message from Ms. Camela (of HR), saying that she needs to talk to me on Monday. That gave me shivers... because what came in mind was the Cubao trade. Cubao has been requesting Taguig for a trade in Territory Manager. So instead of sending a reply right away, I waited for the weekend, went home to the province and was given some pieces of advice by my parents. If it is really Cubao, I would have come home saying yes to the trade.
But I went to the main office and brought home the news that I was short-listed for an interview with Frank for the TA position. Mai, his previous TA is moving on for wastewater department leaving the position vacant. We were given a day to think over the proposition and we were told to text Ms. Sharon of our intention. We were requested to keep the news to ourselves since there are four of us selected for interview but there is only one position to be filled. They don't the BA's to go overboard and worry on the movement.
The interview with Frank was scheduled Wednesday. I texted Sharon Tuesday, just to not get overexcited of the opportunity. But while she presented the position, I was sure to myself that this opportunity is a gold mine as it would open doors of other opportunities for me.
So I set foot the doors of Frank for my interview, Wednesday, and gave out my best shot. And that was it...
After more than a month, news came that I got the position. The Taguig BA was in total chaos. Both Ma'am Ron and Sir Mar were negative about it. And they were talking me out of it... But then, I was praying doubly hard as before that I could push through with the transfer. Not until two fridays ago when the official announcement was made and the Taguig has to let go of me.
Monday, there was a meeting to deliberate on who would take over the area. It was a long meeting... yet, finally, they acted on my transfer.
So for the whole week I have been reporting every other day to Taguig and Ops to know the ropes of my new department and turn-over things to Chris, the one who will take my responsibilities in Taguig. The thing that is hell is the change in focus everyday. Ops is entirely different from the BA and that sucks... it is as if I'm wandering with no direction... and I need to brush up on my Chem Engg stuff. It has been awhile since I get to encounter terms and process that was hard core Chem Engg.
I'm quite happy and afraid. Happy that finally God has answered my prayers. Happy that finally this is the Chem Engg work that I have been craving for. But at the same time, my low-confidence kicks in terribly strong. I have been doubting myself once again if I am really fit for the job. Yet as I am feeling all this, I am challenged to do the job to the best that I could give. I am up to the challenge of meeitng their standards. After all this is only for a year as I would be embarking for another venture a year from now... in Manila Water or out, only time could tell.
-0-
Thanks again Lord!
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Maximum Bliss
Bliss... that has been my state right now... Not that everything in my life is in order nor am I financially free. But that is how I feel regarding life, it is as if I have been sailing in Cloud 9. There will always be chaos, that is the law of nature. But the total and complete surrender to Him gives me that blissful feeling, that sugar high, that reason to smile.
I still have doubts but He took care of them. I still have my worries but He gives me security. I still feel pain and hurt but in due time, I am healed.
Thank you Lord!
I still have doubts but He took care of them. I still have my worries but He gives me security. I still feel pain and hurt but in due time, I am healed.
Thank you Lord!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
One Prayer Answered... Need To Pray Doubly Hard.
Good news... I got the Technical Assistant position...
The not so good news... the Management of Taguig is holding back my transfer.
Here's the story of the whole day (which was actually the whole day yesterday):
We had our team huddle first thing in the AM. And during the huddle my immediate boss clarified the issue of my intention to transfer at the main office. So I told him jokingly that there was no announcement about it but I'm crossing my fingers on it and told him that if I have to go, I'll go of course. And all through out the morning, he was always hinting on that.
Then I went to the main office for our project presentation. During that time, my batchmate texted me that I'll give them a despida, which I didn't entertain afraid of getting my hopes up. Then I have to call our office to talk to our collection manager. It was Bernie, a good friend and former teammate who answered, who was in panicked regarding the news (which was all over the Taguig office) that I would be transfered. I told Berns to wait for me at the office for things to be clarified...
Then Ma'am Ron, our OIC, texted me regarding the transfer. She was asking questions like what position did i apply for. Was the position offered or did I apply for it? and the final question was, "How much you want it?"
I texted her that I have to talk to her (to get things clarified) at the office and not in text.
So when I reached the Taguig office, I hurriedly went to the Boss and confessed the whole story... from day 1 (when I was invited to the main office one Friday of January) until today.
According to Ma'am Ron, she got the news just this mornign when Ms. Camela and Ms. Sharon (both from HR) approached her and told her that I need to report to the main office effective March 2, urgent. The urgency shook her of course considering that I have only less than 5 days at the office.
Her verdict: She personally doesn't want to release people from Taguig for the follwoing reasons:
1) The Taguig Office is under-manned right now. Some Territory Managers (TM, which is my level...) have 2 areas to be managed because of this.
2) There is lack of time for transition or turn-over of the area. Usually, it takes a 15 days to a month just to exposed a new TM in an area since we need to study the network of the pipeline, need to be introduced to the baranggays, homeowner officers, etc.,
3) I'm holding the biggest area in terms of demand because most of my accounts are government and big corporations. So the area is critical.
4) On Mar 10, 2009 and Apr 10 are management presentation which is very critical for the BA because this is when we present our targets and have them approved. All the directors and even the president of the company is going to attend.
Even though I have informed Ma'am Ron how much I wanted the position, it seems I can't be released!!! Waaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was crying about this last night... thinking of what to do just to have a win-win solution...
I understand Ma'am Ron and the Taguig's situation but I can't seem to swallow the thought that just because of that my growth is hampered.
The not so good news... the Management of Taguig is holding back my transfer.
Here's the story of the whole day (which was actually the whole day yesterday):
We had our team huddle first thing in the AM. And during the huddle my immediate boss clarified the issue of my intention to transfer at the main office. So I told him jokingly that there was no announcement about it but I'm crossing my fingers on it and told him that if I have to go, I'll go of course. And all through out the morning, he was always hinting on that.
Then I went to the main office for our project presentation. During that time, my batchmate texted me that I'll give them a despida, which I didn't entertain afraid of getting my hopes up. Then I have to call our office to talk to our collection manager. It was Bernie, a good friend and former teammate who answered, who was in panicked regarding the news (which was all over the Taguig office) that I would be transfered. I told Berns to wait for me at the office for things to be clarified...
Then Ma'am Ron, our OIC, texted me regarding the transfer. She was asking questions like what position did i apply for. Was the position offered or did I apply for it? and the final question was, "How much you want it?"
I texted her that I have to talk to her (to get things clarified) at the office and not in text.
So when I reached the Taguig office, I hurriedly went to the Boss and confessed the whole story... from day 1 (when I was invited to the main office one Friday of January) until today.
According to Ma'am Ron, she got the news just this mornign when Ms. Camela and Ms. Sharon (both from HR) approached her and told her that I need to report to the main office effective March 2, urgent. The urgency shook her of course considering that I have only less than 5 days at the office.
Her verdict: She personally doesn't want to release people from Taguig for the follwoing reasons:
1) The Taguig Office is under-manned right now. Some Territory Managers (TM, which is my level...) have 2 areas to be managed because of this.
2) There is lack of time for transition or turn-over of the area. Usually, it takes a 15 days to a month just to exposed a new TM in an area since we need to study the network of the pipeline, need to be introduced to the baranggays, homeowner officers, etc.,
3) I'm holding the biggest area in terms of demand because most of my accounts are government and big corporations. So the area is critical.
4) On Mar 10, 2009 and Apr 10 are management presentation which is very critical for the BA because this is when we present our targets and have them approved. All the directors and even the president of the company is going to attend.
Even though I have informed Ma'am Ron how much I wanted the position, it seems I can't be released!!! Waaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was crying about this last night... thinking of what to do just to have a win-win solution...
I understand Ma'am Ron and the Taguig's situation but I can't seem to swallow the thought that just because of that my growth is hampered.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Tag Happy: Day 2
Today is quite a hard day. I got to work past nine even if I was at Que Ave platform before 8AM!!! I missed lunch doing our presentation and had it only by 4PM. But the hard times makes you appreciate the good ones all the more.
>> Amidst being late because of the exhausting MRT, I was able to resist cursing. It was my venue actually to communicate to my God of my situation and the hardships of life.
>> The Business Zone Review went very well. Although Ma'am Ron was not able to attend our review, Sir Elmer gave us good pieces of advice. The inputs from the Technical Service Manager is commendable.
>> Surely we had our lunch by 4PM. But having the joyride (we rode to and around FTI looking for food...we even reached DOST)with the boys of Fort Boni was quite facinating... especially with their antics!
>> I surely missed Bugong chicken. I had that for lunch! Yum yum!!! I used to eat Bugong almost every weekend during my first year in UPLB and have looked forward to it each time I have extra money from the allowance my parents gave me.
>> I got a hitch ride from Ma'am Belle and so I saved on transportation.
>> Thank God for a generous brother!!! I arrived at the house with an ice cream filled Ref. I know it is fattening but it is not everyday that I get to eat icecream.
Monday na po ulit.. I'll write my Friday-Monday blessings and post it when I get back from my weekend escape. =)
>> Amidst being late because of the exhausting MRT, I was able to resist cursing. It was my venue actually to communicate to my God of my situation and the hardships of life.
>> The Business Zone Review went very well. Although Ma'am Ron was not able to attend our review, Sir Elmer gave us good pieces of advice. The inputs from the Technical Service Manager is commendable.
>> Surely we had our lunch by 4PM. But having the joyride (we rode to and around FTI looking for food...we even reached DOST)with the boys of Fort Boni was quite facinating... especially with their antics!
>> I surely missed Bugong chicken. I had that for lunch! Yum yum!!! I used to eat Bugong almost every weekend during my first year in UPLB and have looked forward to it each time I have extra money from the allowance my parents gave me.
>> I got a hitch ride from Ma'am Belle and so I saved on transportation.
>> Thank God for a generous brother!!! I arrived at the house with an ice cream filled Ref. I know it is fattening but it is not everyday that I get to eat icecream.
Monday na po ulit.. I'll write my Friday-Monday blessings and post it when I get back from my weekend escape. =)
Tag Happy: Day 1
I'm doing this tagging thing because I like the concept of this... to appreciate everyday's blessings, however small it may be.. Thanks to my cousin, Cyhna, for dragging me to do this.
Rules: Post about something that made you happy today even if it’s just a small thing. Do this everyday for 8 days without fail. Tag 8 of you friends to do the same.
Since I read about the blog post last night (around 12:15AM...hehehe!) before I sleep, I think I'll start my "Day 1" with yesterday. So here goes the list of my blessings.
>> MRT is much better today... I alight a not so packed train and got to work relatively early.
>> I had free eat-all-you-can lunch at Kamay Kainan!!! Sir Mar was invited by a contractor and since I was tagged along, I had my stomach filled with a variety of food all of which are delicious. =)
>> I got a text from an Abyan that he got me tickets for Ang Kiri on the 26th!!! Thanks Byan Ghe! I'll pay you soon! Yebah!!!
>> My team ended work around 8PM because we have to prepare our presentation for the Supply Zone Review. But instead of going home directly, we headed for dinner feasting over Chowking food . I was actually one of the boys being the only girl in the team but they never treated me differently... The guys, Boss Lawrence, Caster, and Jovert would actually joke around dirty stuff even I'm around.
>> We (I plus my cousins and my brother) finally have tickets for Penagbenga next week!!! I actually got to the Pasay Terminal at around 10:15 PM. Instead of going home after dinner with the team, I headed to Pasay since Victory Liner is open 24 hours a day. I just thought of just going through what is scheduled so that I won't have to do it the following day. Good thing I did, because I got the last four tickets to Baguio for Feb 27, 8PM... Lucky me!!!
There goes yesterday... I'm on to my blessings for today.
I'm tagging the following to do the same: Lenny, Boy, Frae, Chris, Ji, Pao, Ricili, and Kat Kho.
Rules: Post about something that made you happy today even if it’s just a small thing. Do this everyday for 8 days without fail. Tag 8 of you friends to do the same.
Since I read about the blog post last night (around 12:15AM...hehehe!) before I sleep, I think I'll start my "Day 1" with yesterday. So here goes the list of my blessings.
>> MRT is much better today... I alight a not so packed train and got to work relatively early.
>> I had free eat-all-you-can lunch at Kamay Kainan!!! Sir Mar was invited by a contractor and since I was tagged along, I had my stomach filled with a variety of food all of which are delicious. =)
>> I got a text from an Abyan that he got me tickets for Ang Kiri on the 26th!!! Thanks Byan Ghe! I'll pay you soon! Yebah!!!
>> My team ended work around 8PM because we have to prepare our presentation for the Supply Zone Review. But instead of going home directly, we headed for dinner feasting over Chowking food . I was actually one of the boys being the only girl in the team but they never treated me differently... The guys, Boss Lawrence, Caster, and Jovert would actually joke around dirty stuff even I'm around.
>> We (I plus my cousins and my brother) finally have tickets for Penagbenga next week!!! I actually got to the Pasay Terminal at around 10:15 PM. Instead of going home after dinner with the team, I headed to Pasay since Victory Liner is open 24 hours a day. I just thought of just going through what is scheduled so that I won't have to do it the following day. Good thing I did, because I got the last four tickets to Baguio for Feb 27, 8PM... Lucky me!!!
There goes yesterday... I'm on to my blessings for today.
I'm tagging the following to do the same: Lenny, Boy, Frae, Chris, Ji, Pao, Ricili, and Kat Kho.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
MRT Jungle
The MRT is such a jungle. Men and women would throw fists just to get in especially peak hours going and from work. I for one commutes using the MRT and it is surely getting worse each day. Just for laughs, this is a compilation of the true remarks during MRT rides.
At GMA Kamuning Station
As the doors of the MRT is about to open, and people keep pushing to get in,
Commuter: Oh! Oh! Oh! Teka lang hindi tayo taga-Cubao! Taga GMA tayo!
At Cubao Station
Guard: Paraanin niyo muna ang mga bumababa!
Commuter: Wag niyo silang salubungin, hindi niyo sila kamag-anak.
Try using the MRT and you'll find it more amusing!
At GMA Kamuning Station
As the doors of the MRT is about to open, and people keep pushing to get in,
Commuter: Oh! Oh! Oh! Teka lang hindi tayo taga-Cubao! Taga GMA tayo!
At Cubao Station
Guard: Paraanin niyo muna ang mga bumababa!
Commuter: Wag niyo silang salubungin, hindi niyo sila kamag-anak.
Try using the MRT and you'll find it more amusing!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
SMILE!!!
I came out of the house a little late. The sun was beaming at my face that early as it is, I was already squinting. I'm not in a bad mood... just squinting the sun's rays.
And there was this foreigner, I think an American, crossing the main road of the subdivision. And while I was walking towards him still with my face cross-looking, he said, "Smile, lady. It's too early in the morning not to smile!" And I did... smiled at the stranger... I thought it was funny that he said it outrageously... The thought of him just telling me that, lasted that toothy smile...the whole day...
And there was this foreigner, I think an American, crossing the main road of the subdivision. And while I was walking towards him still with my face cross-looking, he said, "Smile, lady. It's too early in the morning not to smile!" And I did... smiled at the stranger... I thought it was funny that he said it outrageously... The thought of him just telling me that, lasted that toothy smile...the whole day...
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Opportunity Loss
I just had a chat with my brother. He told me that PNOC (Philippine National Oil Company) called and asked for me. But he doesn't know much of the details since it was my tita who answered, who didn't think much of the big deal herself about the call. Waaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!!!! That is an opportunity and I lost it. So I instructed to post my contact details and give it to any company who calls. All of it.. emails, contact numbers even my address.
I don't know if they'll ever call again. Hays... but I hope, calls will keep on coming. =)
I don't know if they'll ever call again. Hays... but I hope, calls will keep on coming. =)
Sick-o
I'm sick again and my first for the year.
Maybe due to low resistance or stress. Either way, nothing to be bothered really... just colds... a little fever, a clogged nose, and a few sneeze here and there.
But I didn't report to work today. Took my first SL for the year. Have to put it in use from time to time and give the body some rest. I'm drowning myself with fluids while continuously giving instructions to my teammate.
I might get some sleep in a while... =)
Maybe due to low resistance or stress. Either way, nothing to be bothered really... just colds... a little fever, a clogged nose, and a few sneeze here and there.
But I didn't report to work today. Took my first SL for the year. Have to put it in use from time to time and give the body some rest. I'm drowning myself with fluids while continuously giving instructions to my teammate.
I might get some sleep in a while... =)
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Meantime Girl
She’s the one you call when you’re bored because she makes you laugh. She’s the one you talk to when you’re feeling down because she’s willing to lend an ear and be a friend. She’s not the one you call when you need a date to your company’s Christmas party, or to go dancing with on a Saturday night. She’s the one you spend time with between girlfriends, before you find "The One". You know, the one who you keep around in the meantime.
She’s not one of the guys, not a tomboy, but you don’t look at her as a "real" woman, either. She’s not bitchy enough, moody enough, or sexy enough to be seen in that light. She’s too laid-back, too easily amused by the same things your male buddies are amused by. She’s too understanding, too comfortable – she doesn’t make you feel nervous or excited the way a "real" woman does. But she’s cool, and nice, and funny, and attractive enough that when you’re lonely or horny and need intimate female companionship, she’ll do just fine. You don’t have to wine and dine her because she knows the real you already, and you don’t have any facades to keep up, no pretenses to preserve. You’re not trying to get anything of substance out of her. She’s not easy, but you know that she cares about you and is attracted to you, and that she’ll give you the intimacy you need. And you know you don’t have to explain yourself or the situation, that she’ll be able to cope with the fact that this isn’t the beginning of a relationship or that there’s any possibility that you have any real romantic feelings for her. It won’t bother her that you’ll get up in the morning, put on your pants, say goodbye, and go on a date with the woman you’ve been mooning over for weeks who finally agreed to go out with you. She’ll settle for a goodbye hug and a promise to call her and tell her how the date went. She’s just so cool . . . why can’t all women be like that?!
But deep down, if you really think about it (which you probably don’t because to you, the situation between the two of you isn’t important enough to merit any real thought), you know that it’s really not fair. You know that although she would never say it, it hurts her to know that despite all her good points and all the fun you two have, you don’t think she’s good enough to spend any real time with. Sure, it’s mostly her fault, because she doesn’t have to give in to your needs – she could play the hard-to-get bitch like the rest of them do, if she really wanted to. But you and she both know that she probably couldn’t pull it off. Maybe she’s too short, or a little overweight, or has a big birthmark on her forehead, or works at Taco Bell. Whatever the reason, somehow life has given her a lot of really great qualities but has left out the ones that men want (or think they want) in a woman. So she remains forever the funny friend, the steadfast companion, the secret lover, and you go on searching for your goddess who will somehow be everything you ever wanted in a woman.
She doesn’t captivate you with her beauty, or open doors with her smile. Mainly she blends in with the crowd. She’s safe. She doesn’t want to be the center of attention and turn the heads of everyone in the room. But she wants to turn someone’s head. She wants to be special to someone, too. We all do.
She has feelings. She has a heart. In fact, she probably has a bigger and better heart than any woman you’ve ever known because she’s had a front-row seat to The Mess That Is Your Life, and she likes you anyway. She obviously sees something worthwhile and redeeming in you because although you’ve given her nothing, absolutely no reason to still be around, she is.
- written by kristchan in www.urbandictionary.com
She’s not one of the guys, not a tomboy, but you don’t look at her as a "real" woman, either. She’s not bitchy enough, moody enough, or sexy enough to be seen in that light. She’s too laid-back, too easily amused by the same things your male buddies are amused by. She’s too understanding, too comfortable – she doesn’t make you feel nervous or excited the way a "real" woman does. But she’s cool, and nice, and funny, and attractive enough that when you’re lonely or horny and need intimate female companionship, she’ll do just fine. You don’t have to wine and dine her because she knows the real you already, and you don’t have any facades to keep up, no pretenses to preserve. You’re not trying to get anything of substance out of her. She’s not easy, but you know that she cares about you and is attracted to you, and that she’ll give you the intimacy you need. And you know you don’t have to explain yourself or the situation, that she’ll be able to cope with the fact that this isn’t the beginning of a relationship or that there’s any possibility that you have any real romantic feelings for her. It won’t bother her that you’ll get up in the morning, put on your pants, say goodbye, and go on a date with the woman you’ve been mooning over for weeks who finally agreed to go out with you. She’ll settle for a goodbye hug and a promise to call her and tell her how the date went. She’s just so cool . . . why can’t all women be like that?!
But deep down, if you really think about it (which you probably don’t because to you, the situation between the two of you isn’t important enough to merit any real thought), you know that it’s really not fair. You know that although she would never say it, it hurts her to know that despite all her good points and all the fun you two have, you don’t think she’s good enough to spend any real time with. Sure, it’s mostly her fault, because she doesn’t have to give in to your needs – she could play the hard-to-get bitch like the rest of them do, if she really wanted to. But you and she both know that she probably couldn’t pull it off. Maybe she’s too short, or a little overweight, or has a big birthmark on her forehead, or works at Taco Bell. Whatever the reason, somehow life has given her a lot of really great qualities but has left out the ones that men want (or think they want) in a woman. So she remains forever the funny friend, the steadfast companion, the secret lover, and you go on searching for your goddess who will somehow be everything you ever wanted in a woman.
She doesn’t captivate you with her beauty, or open doors with her smile. Mainly she blends in with the crowd. She’s safe. She doesn’t want to be the center of attention and turn the heads of everyone in the room. But she wants to turn someone’s head. She wants to be special to someone, too. We all do.
She has feelings. She has a heart. In fact, she probably has a bigger and better heart than any woman you’ve ever known because she’s had a front-row seat to The Mess That Is Your Life, and she likes you anyway. She obviously sees something worthwhile and redeeming in you because although you’ve given her nothing, absolutely no reason to still be around, she is.
- written by kristchan in www.urbandictionary.com
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Upgrades
Next to getting freebies, I think upgrades and discounts are one of the best things one could offer hungry consumers. I for one, got upgrades for my drama experience last weekend.
Kat and I watched Joseph the Dreamer at SM Cinema 4 last Friday (January 30). And while waiting for the play, Kat approached the table where the tickets were sold to chat with her friends from church (who are also the organier of the event). And one of her friends exchanged our tickets with another set of tickets. Then Kat bought her food and we queued our way inside. And we found ourselves at the near-front part of the theater. Originally, our seats were at Row M but we were upgraded to Row F!!! Thanks to Kat's friend!
Joseph the Dreamer stars Franco Laurel as Joseph. A biblical story of Joseph, 11th son of Jacob and his favorite, Joseph the Dreamer warmed my heart with this very strong paternal story.. IT is obviously a paternal story... ties between God as a father and his sons Jacob, Joseph and the rest of his brothers, and the paternal relationship of Jacob and Joseph and the rest of his sons.
Joseph is so favored by his father so he was given a cloak of rainbow colors, which started the sibling rivalry and rage amongst them. Add to that the boasting Joseph did telling his brothers of his dream that they will bow to them (together with the moon, the stars and the planets). And so the older brothers plotted Joseph's downfall. They sold him as a slave to a traveling merchant and his cloak, they wet with blood of a sheep to make their father believe that he was dead, devoured by some animal.
Joseph was sold to Potipar, the Pharaoh of Egypt. He was made into his right hand he showed some leadership but the arrival of Potipar's wife, was Joseph' demise as well. Potipar's wife was in love with Joseph but to no avail, she punished Joseph by claiming that they have an affair. So Joseph was sent to prison. There he taught prisoners and even the jail guards to pray. At that time too, he was known to be interpreting dreams. His fame brought him a baker and a chef, who wants their dreams interpreted. He interpreted the chef's dream that the chef will be rewarded while he interpreted the baker's dream that the baker will die in a few days. All of which came true.
He asked a favor from the chef, that if the Pharaoh will reward him, he will mention him to the Pharaoh. Two years have pass and there is not a single word from the Pharaoh let alone the chef. Along with that is the agony of bearing the bad news for the baker, as well as the longingness for his father, Joseph felt that God has forgotten him. If not for a lady sweeper who cleans the jail who reminded him of God's goodness and how He, through Joseph, transformed them to be believers once more, Joseph felt that God has abandoned him.
At that time, the new Pharaoh had dreams... bothering dreams that he called on magician and prophets to interpret them. The first dream was that there are 7 fat and healthy cows graing then came 7 sickly and thin cows came and ate the 7 fat healthy cows. And amidst feasting on the healthy ones, the sickly remained sickly and thin. Then the second dream was that there are 7 fat and healthy corn cobs, then came 7 sick-looking corn cobs who devoured the healthy ones yet remained sick-looking. All the magicians and prophets attempted to give meaning on the dreams but to no avail. The chef, who suddenly remembered Joseph, told the Pharaoh about it. So Joseph was called and interpretted the dreams. 7 years of Plenty will come and will be followed by 7 years of Famine, Joseph said.
Afraid, the Pharaoh seek the help of Joseph of what to do. He made him one of his governor and Joseph facilitated the preparation of the succeeding years. After marrying the Pharaoh's daughter, Joseph was thrown to the Pharoah seat.
As the famine break in, his family heard that Egypt has supply. So all of Joseph's brothers except for Joshua, the youngest, grabbed their sacks and traveled. It was hard for Joseph to face his brothers, the ones that has harmed him. But the brothers did not recognie him. He interviewed them and pretended to learn about their father and their brother. He told them that one of them has to stay until they bring him Joshua.
So the other brothers returned home and told their father of the Pharoah's request. So they came back to Egypt with Joshua and Jacob and at that time, Joseph has in his heart forgiveness. And his hunger to see his father was sufficed. As he returned to his Jewish clothes and with the cloak of many colors given by his father, his family have known that it was Joseph. The play ended with a great reunion and praises for the Almighty.
-o-o0o-o-
Franco was splendid!!!! And the face, hays! Those boyish looks makes you swoon over him. And I love the facial expressions and he let go of a few tears during the touchy scenes. Plus the prowess of his singing voice, it was magnificent. I also commend the actors who played Jacob and Rachel (who also played the jail sweeper) because of their acting skills and singing voice. Sobra sa galing!!!!
Joseph the Dreamer did not fail to give his audience the message: that God has a plan for each of us, that our dreams and ambitions are not hard to reach as long as we are working and praying for it, forgiveness is not eay but in time it will come. I also love how they showed Joseph and Jacobs relationship, you will wish you have the same with your father.
=)
Verdict: 4 1/2
Kat and I watched Joseph the Dreamer at SM Cinema 4 last Friday (January 30). And while waiting for the play, Kat approached the table where the tickets were sold to chat with her friends from church (who are also the organier of the event). And one of her friends exchanged our tickets with another set of tickets. Then Kat bought her food and we queued our way inside. And we found ourselves at the near-front part of the theater. Originally, our seats were at Row M but we were upgraded to Row F!!! Thanks to Kat's friend!
Joseph the Dreamer stars Franco Laurel as Joseph. A biblical story of Joseph, 11th son of Jacob and his favorite, Joseph the Dreamer warmed my heart with this very strong paternal story.. IT is obviously a paternal story... ties between God as a father and his sons Jacob, Joseph and the rest of his brothers, and the paternal relationship of Jacob and Joseph and the rest of his sons.Joseph is so favored by his father so he was given a cloak of rainbow colors, which started the sibling rivalry and rage amongst them. Add to that the boasting Joseph did telling his brothers of his dream that they will bow to them (together with the moon, the stars and the planets). And so the older brothers plotted Joseph's downfall. They sold him as a slave to a traveling merchant and his cloak, they wet with blood of a sheep to make their father believe that he was dead, devoured by some animal.
Joseph was sold to Potipar, the Pharaoh of Egypt. He was made into his right hand he showed some leadership but the arrival of Potipar's wife, was Joseph' demise as well. Potipar's wife was in love with Joseph but to no avail, she punished Joseph by claiming that they have an affair. So Joseph was sent to prison. There he taught prisoners and even the jail guards to pray. At that time too, he was known to be interpreting dreams. His fame brought him a baker and a chef, who wants their dreams interpreted. He interpreted the chef's dream that the chef will be rewarded while he interpreted the baker's dream that the baker will die in a few days. All of which came true.
He asked a favor from the chef, that if the Pharaoh will reward him, he will mention him to the Pharaoh. Two years have pass and there is not a single word from the Pharaoh let alone the chef. Along with that is the agony of bearing the bad news for the baker, as well as the longingness for his father, Joseph felt that God has forgotten him. If not for a lady sweeper who cleans the jail who reminded him of God's goodness and how He, through Joseph, transformed them to be believers once more, Joseph felt that God has abandoned him.
At that time, the new Pharaoh had dreams... bothering dreams that he called on magician and prophets to interpret them. The first dream was that there are 7 fat and healthy cows graing then came 7 sickly and thin cows came and ate the 7 fat healthy cows. And amidst feasting on the healthy ones, the sickly remained sickly and thin. Then the second dream was that there are 7 fat and healthy corn cobs, then came 7 sick-looking corn cobs who devoured the healthy ones yet remained sick-looking. All the magicians and prophets attempted to give meaning on the dreams but to no avail. The chef, who suddenly remembered Joseph, told the Pharaoh about it. So Joseph was called and interpretted the dreams. 7 years of Plenty will come and will be followed by 7 years of Famine, Joseph said.
Afraid, the Pharaoh seek the help of Joseph of what to do. He made him one of his governor and Joseph facilitated the preparation of the succeeding years. After marrying the Pharaoh's daughter, Joseph was thrown to the Pharoah seat.
As the famine break in, his family heard that Egypt has supply. So all of Joseph's brothers except for Joshua, the youngest, grabbed their sacks and traveled. It was hard for Joseph to face his brothers, the ones that has harmed him. But the brothers did not recognie him. He interviewed them and pretended to learn about their father and their brother. He told them that one of them has to stay until they bring him Joshua.
So the other brothers returned home and told their father of the Pharoah's request. So they came back to Egypt with Joshua and Jacob and at that time, Joseph has in his heart forgiveness. And his hunger to see his father was sufficed. As he returned to his Jewish clothes and with the cloak of many colors given by his father, his family have known that it was Joseph. The play ended with a great reunion and praises for the Almighty.
-o-o0o-o-
Franco was splendid!!!! And the face, hays! Those boyish looks makes you swoon over him. And I love the facial expressions and he let go of a few tears during the touchy scenes. Plus the prowess of his singing voice, it was magnificent. I also commend the actors who played Jacob and Rachel (who also played the jail sweeper) because of their acting skills and singing voice. Sobra sa galing!!!!
Joseph the Dreamer did not fail to give his audience the message: that God has a plan for each of us, that our dreams and ambitions are not hard to reach as long as we are working and praying for it, forgiveness is not eay but in time it will come. I also love how they showed Joseph and Jacobs relationship, you will wish you have the same with your father.
=)
Verdict: 4 1/2
I almost forgot about Academy Days
I had a chat with a classmate who have a line saying "kolasa 2k, alumni lunch later! c ya!" as her status at YM. Just thought of extending my hi and hello to my batchmates who are coming to the get together. And she told me that they're going to the Academy Days!
Admittedly, I forgot about it... totally... I mean, it never occurred to me anymore. Maybe because after graduation in highschool, I never got to experience Academy Days anymore...Academy days happens in February in time for the Feast of St. Scholastica, the patron saint of the school. Back then, Academy Days is a most awaited event as there are less classes because of practices for the Field Demonstration. And at the Saturday of that week, it is a free gate day as anyone could enter the school grounds. On that day too, there are booths set up by each sections in Highschool. Booths of all sorts ranging from love booths, marriage booths, jail, horror room.. etc. etc. In my gradeschool years, a ferriswheel was set up at the parking area for the gutsy type... In the afternoon, everyone was in their costumes for a the much awaited, Field Demonstration. It was one event most Bacolodnons awaits.
And everything of that part of my Kolasa life, never occured to me not until I was reminded by a batchmate... Along with her reminder is the fact that next year would be our tenth reunion in highschool. Time has gone so fast! I'm looking forward to going home...
P.S. Last night, I dropped by a stall selling t-shirts. I saw one saying, "I am a Scholastican" with all the St. Scho uniform and all. I want to buy that shirt if given the funds.. (Paramdam na ba yun?)
Admittedly, I forgot about it... totally... I mean, it never occurred to me anymore. Maybe because after graduation in highschool, I never got to experience Academy Days anymore...Academy days happens in February in time for the Feast of St. Scholastica, the patron saint of the school. Back then, Academy Days is a most awaited event as there are less classes because of practices for the Field Demonstration. And at the Saturday of that week, it is a free gate day as anyone could enter the school grounds. On that day too, there are booths set up by each sections in Highschool. Booths of all sorts ranging from love booths, marriage booths, jail, horror room.. etc. etc. In my gradeschool years, a ferriswheel was set up at the parking area for the gutsy type... In the afternoon, everyone was in their costumes for a the much awaited, Field Demonstration. It was one event most Bacolodnons awaits.
And everything of that part of my Kolasa life, never occured to me not until I was reminded by a batchmate... Along with her reminder is the fact that next year would be our tenth reunion in highschool. Time has gone so fast! I'm looking forward to going home...
P.S. Last night, I dropped by a stall selling t-shirts. I saw one saying, "I am a Scholastican" with all the St. Scho uniform and all. I want to buy that shirt if given the funds.. (Paramdam na ba yun?)
Thursday, February 05, 2009
A Cadet's Woes
There are two ways getting in our company... one is the route i have taken, the Cadetship training program. I think for the past 10 years, Manila Water has almost 500+ cadets. And the other route, is direct hiring to the position applied. The latter requires years of experience or expertise and all the credentials.
Lately, there are a lot of direct hires. And it brings a lot of questions amongst cadets. Questions like, How good are they? or Why can't they find among the pool of talents from the cadetship. Cadets are very diverse. Some are engineers (all fields), some are accountants, some are chemists, some have economics, finance and business management degrees. While some are architects, computer science graduates, or have chosen mass communications in their college years. The pool is plenty of fish swimming around waiting to be trapped in a net inclined to their true profession. True we lack in experience since most of the cadets are fresh graduates when they joined the company but as long as we are not given the chance to learn in the environment that could truly mold us into real engineers, or chemist, or computer scientist (etc.) we will never be chosen like the direct hires. We could never meet the standards a position requires, a position applied by the direct hires.
Just today, an email announces a new direct hired for the Quality and Standards Division, and I was thinking, does no one among cadets have the knowledge and talent for the position?
Lately, there are a lot of direct hires. And it brings a lot of questions amongst cadets. Questions like, How good are they? or Why can't they find among the pool of talents from the cadetship. Cadets are very diverse. Some are engineers (all fields), some are accountants, some are chemists, some have economics, finance and business management degrees. While some are architects, computer science graduates, or have chosen mass communications in their college years. The pool is plenty of fish swimming around waiting to be trapped in a net inclined to their true profession. True we lack in experience since most of the cadets are fresh graduates when they joined the company but as long as we are not given the chance to learn in the environment that could truly mold us into real engineers, or chemist, or computer scientist (etc.) we will never be chosen like the direct hires. We could never meet the standards a position requires, a position applied by the direct hires.
Just today, an email announces a new direct hired for the Quality and Standards Division, and I was thinking, does no one among cadets have the knowledge and talent for the position?
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Be Your Own Miracle
JUST STAND UP
by: Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Fergie, Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge, Natasha Beddingfield, Miley Cyrus, Leona Lewis, Carrie Underwood, Keyshia Cole, Leann Rimes, Ashanti & Ciara
Beyonce: The heart is stronger than you think
Like it can go through anything
And even when you think it can't it finds a way to still push on, though
Carrie: Sometimes you want to run away
Ain't got the patience for the pain
And if you don't believe it look intoYour heart the beat goes on
Rihanna: I'm tellin' you Things get better
Through whateverIf you fall, dust it off, don't let up
Sheryl: Don't you know you can go be your own miracle
Beyonce: You need to know
CHORUS
Sheryl: If the mind keeps thinking you've had enough
But the heart keeps telling you don't give up
Sheryl/Beyonce: Who are we to be
Questioning, wondering what is what
Don't give up THROUGH IT ALL, JUST STAND UP!
Fergie: It's like we all have better days
Problems getting all up in your face
Leona: Just because you go through it
Fergie: Don't mean it got to take control, no
Leona: You ain't gotta find no hiding place
Keyshia: Because the heart can beat the hate
Leona: Don't wanna let your mind keep playin' you
Keyshia: And sayin' you can't go on
Rihanna: I'm tellin' you
Miley: Things get better
Through whatever
Rihanna: If you fall
Miley: Dust if off, don't let up
LeAnn: Don't you know you
Natasha: Can go
LeAnn: Be your own
Natasha: Miracle
Carrie: You need to know
CHORUS
Mary: You don't gotta be a prisoner in your mind
Ciara: If you fall, dust it off
Mary: You can live your life
Rihanna/Carrie: Yeah
Mary: Let your heart be your guide
Rihanna/Carrie: Yeah yeah yeah
Mariah: And you will know that you're good if you trust in the good
Ashanti: Everything will be alright, yeah
Light up the dark, if you follow your heart
Mary: And it will get better
Mariah: Through whatever
CHORUS (2x)
Fergie: You got it in you, find it within
You got it in now, find it within now
You got it in you, find it within
You got it in now, find it within now
You got it in you, find it within
You got it in now, find it within now
Find it within you, find it within
Everyone: THROUGH IT ALL, JUST STAND UP!
-o-
Tonight's such a depressing night! Thoughts of how hard work is now and the urge of quitting is creeping in... but of course that idea I could not entertain right now with the recession and bond..
I wish this is over soon...
Thanks Len for the inspiring advice... =)
by: Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Fergie, Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge, Natasha Beddingfield, Miley Cyrus, Leona Lewis, Carrie Underwood, Keyshia Cole, Leann Rimes, Ashanti & Ciara
Beyonce: The heart is stronger than you think
Like it can go through anything
And even when you think it can't it finds a way to still push on, though
Carrie: Sometimes you want to run away
Ain't got the patience for the pain
And if you don't believe it look intoYour heart the beat goes on
Rihanna: I'm tellin' you Things get better
Through whateverIf you fall, dust it off, don't let up
Sheryl: Don't you know you can go be your own miracle
Beyonce: You need to know
CHORUS
Sheryl: If the mind keeps thinking you've had enough
But the heart keeps telling you don't give up
Sheryl/Beyonce: Who are we to be
Questioning, wondering what is what
Don't give up THROUGH IT ALL, JUST STAND UP!
Fergie: It's like we all have better days
Problems getting all up in your face
Leona: Just because you go through it
Fergie: Don't mean it got to take control, no
Leona: You ain't gotta find no hiding place
Keyshia: Because the heart can beat the hate
Leona: Don't wanna let your mind keep playin' you
Keyshia: And sayin' you can't go on
Rihanna: I'm tellin' you
Miley: Things get better
Through whatever
Rihanna: If you fall
Miley: Dust if off, don't let up
LeAnn: Don't you know you
Natasha: Can go
LeAnn: Be your own
Natasha: Miracle
Carrie: You need to know
CHORUS
Mary: You don't gotta be a prisoner in your mind
Ciara: If you fall, dust it off
Mary: You can live your life
Rihanna/Carrie: Yeah
Mary: Let your heart be your guide
Rihanna/Carrie: Yeah yeah yeah
Mariah: And you will know that you're good if you trust in the good
Ashanti: Everything will be alright, yeah
Light up the dark, if you follow your heart
Mary: And it will get better
Mariah: Through whatever
CHORUS (2x)
Fergie: You got it in you, find it within
You got it in now, find it within now
You got it in you, find it within
You got it in now, find it within now
You got it in you, find it within
You got it in now, find it within now
Find it within you, find it within
Everyone: THROUGH IT ALL, JUST STAND UP!
-o-
Tonight's such a depressing night! Thoughts of how hard work is now and the urge of quitting is creeping in... but of course that idea I could not entertain right now with the recession and bond..
I wish this is over soon...
Thanks Len for the inspiring advice... =)
In time for a Kung Hei Fat Choi
And so I went home last week... it was a sort of a planned surprise.
So much for the details of the reason...I'll go sidetracked and talk on something lighter...
Good thing Bacolod is a festive City... people have all the reasons (or think up of any reason) to be happy and celebrate...the trademark "City of Smiles" suits it very well. Just in time for the Chinese New Year celebration, Bacolaodiat was held in Shopping to welcome the year of the ox. Shopping, I often refer as the Chinatown of Bacolod since most of the shops/stores are Chinese owned. And there is a Chinese school in Shopping, St. John's Institute, where 90% of the students have a one syllable family name. Some Chinese families could be found in Shopping too.
A street in Shopping was closed for the festivities and Chopsticks Alley stood in place... it is a food strip where Chinese goodies are sold... There was concert too and big lanterns of the animals. What was so sad was that there was a strong drizzle (is there such a thing??). And what was bad was we didn't bring any umbrella nor jacket. But we braved the night just to take pictures with the lanterns... all 12 animals and the big dragons and all.
It was a fun night... =)
And then we proceeded to Business Inn for cansi and tears fell once more. =P
So much for the details of the reason...I'll go sidetracked and talk on something lighter...
Good thing Bacolod is a festive City... people have all the reasons (or think up of any reason) to be happy and celebrate...the trademark "City of Smiles" suits it very well. Just in time for the Chinese New Year celebration, Bacolaodiat was held in Shopping to welcome the year of the ox. Shopping, I often refer as the Chinatown of Bacolod since most of the shops/stores are Chinese owned. And there is a Chinese school in Shopping, St. John's Institute, where 90% of the students have a one syllable family name. Some Chinese families could be found in Shopping too.
A street in Shopping was closed for the festivities and Chopsticks Alley stood in place... it is a food strip where Chinese goodies are sold... There was concert too and big lanterns of the animals. What was so sad was that there was a strong drizzle (is there such a thing??). And what was bad was we didn't bring any umbrella nor jacket. But we braved the night just to take pictures with the lanterns... all 12 animals and the big dragons and all.
It was a fun night... =)
And then we proceeded to Business Inn for cansi and tears fell once more. =P
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
No Late Comers for Cebu Pacific
I went home last weekend. Our (me and my brother) flight was scheduled at 4:55 AM. So we took off in the wee hours in the morning, and pursued the airport via commute (which we used to do)! We arrived at the check-in counter around 4:16AM and was told that the check-in counter closed at 4:05 AM. Yikes!!! We missed it by 11 minutes!!!!
So amidst our pleading, we were directed to the ticketing section to have our tickets rebooked. And lo and behold!!! We are to add Php 5580.00 if we want to ride in the next flight. After so much debate with my mom, we decided to take a refund of my brother's air plane tickets and just give the additional payment. If not for the urgency of going home for the weekend, I wouldn't push through with the trip.
All through out this situation, I was so angry. I was so bewildered with the amount difference blaming all of it to Cebu Pacific. My brother who was so calm about all of this, was telling me that it was not Ceb Pac's fault but ours (but specifically me) since we came in late... But I guess, I was just so frustrated with all the money spending... =(
So amidst our pleading, we were directed to the ticketing section to have our tickets rebooked. And lo and behold!!! We are to add Php 5580.00 if we want to ride in the next flight. After so much debate with my mom, we decided to take a refund of my brother's air plane tickets and just give the additional payment. If not for the urgency of going home for the weekend, I wouldn't push through with the trip.
All through out this situation, I was so angry. I was so bewildered with the amount difference blaming all of it to Cebu Pacific. My brother who was so calm about all of this, was telling me that it was not Ceb Pac's fault but ours (but specifically me) since we came in late... But I guess, I was just so frustrated with all the money spending... =(
Friday, January 23, 2009
(Chinese) New Year's Resolution
Monday's Chinese New Year. And since I haven't drawn a list of my resolution for 2009 in time for January 1 (which is way over), I am making this list to make that sort-of tradition when a new year has come.... but not for tradition's sake, I hope to fulfill what I'll list here. Hmmm... lets see...
1) I need to drink plenty of water... which I took for granted or sometimes forget... I declared myself dehydrated last 2008!!!
2) One more year at Manila Water, I guess, I should deal with work professionally this year.... there will still be complaints, grunts and whines, but that should be lessened. I have to see the positive of each demand of work...
3) I have to say my prayers more... especially when I am close to be tempted. Praying makes me think... makes me reflect... makes me sort out things...
4) Eat the good and right stuff. I'm going healthy this year.... vegetable over meat, sea foods over other meat, chicken over red meat. And I'm cutting off my softdrink intake.... Hmmm... exercise... I always lose to laziness. I guess it is a bonus if I have some exercise... but if I can't do it, then I guess it will only be a disappointment if I include it here.
5) Explore. Explore. Explore. Go lang ng go!!! As long as I have enough money, I'll travel to unknown (to me) places, dine in new restos and Manila's good finds, see plays and concert... experience new things... discover unknowns... =) Tira tira!!!
6) Number 5 spells expenses... So before doing it, I have to save... kaya nga merong "As long as I have enough money..." which means, whatever is left of my pay after I have deposited to either my WASSLAI or a new savings account which will be untouched for the whole year...hope to have savings reaching 6 figures in total by end of 2009... I'm crossing fingers here.... (gusto ko na kasi magloan for a house and lot through Pag-ibig in 2010)
7) Have an open communication with my family... It seems last year was a busy year... I seldom got to talk to my family... hope this year, it would be part of the new things to happen for 2009
-o-o-
Ending it at 7 since it is God's favorite number. =) Hope with God's grace, I would be proud of myself a year from now... Ang pinakamahirap dito yung #2!!!! =P
1) I need to drink plenty of water... which I took for granted or sometimes forget... I declared myself dehydrated last 2008!!!
2) One more year at Manila Water, I guess, I should deal with work professionally this year.... there will still be complaints, grunts and whines, but that should be lessened. I have to see the positive of each demand of work...
3) I have to say my prayers more... especially when I am close to be tempted. Praying makes me think... makes me reflect... makes me sort out things...
4) Eat the good and right stuff. I'm going healthy this year.... vegetable over meat, sea foods over other meat, chicken over red meat. And I'm cutting off my softdrink intake.... Hmmm... exercise... I always lose to laziness. I guess it is a bonus if I have some exercise... but if I can't do it, then I guess it will only be a disappointment if I include it here.
5) Explore. Explore. Explore. Go lang ng go!!! As long as I have enough money, I'll travel to unknown (to me) places, dine in new restos and Manila's good finds, see plays and concert... experience new things... discover unknowns... =) Tira tira!!!
6) Number 5 spells expenses... So before doing it, I have to save... kaya nga merong "As long as I have enough money..." which means, whatever is left of my pay after I have deposited to either my WASSLAI or a new savings account which will be untouched for the whole year...hope to have savings reaching 6 figures in total by end of 2009... I'm crossing fingers here.... (gusto ko na kasi magloan for a house and lot through Pag-ibig in 2010)
7) Have an open communication with my family... It seems last year was a busy year... I seldom got to talk to my family... hope this year, it would be part of the new things to happen for 2009
-o-o-
Ending it at 7 since it is God's favorite number. =) Hope with God's grace, I would be proud of myself a year from now... Ang pinakamahirap dito yung #2!!!! =P
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Confirmed Hell Week!
Oh yeah! Now I could confirm this week is hell...
I was so late going to the office today. I was up until 2AM watching the coverage for US Presdident Barack Obama's oath taking. So I rushed my bath and forgo breakfast... I reached the office 45 min 8AM!!!!
And there were incoming call centers of no water in the area. So I told Sir Lawrence to come with me to find out why my area is experiencing no water. Good thing before leaving the office, I approached our SWAT team, Kuya Mana to come with us to do some valving...Which I found out, that he lessened the opening of the valves at Lawton by 15 turns (yikes!) to build up the pressure at the portion before the valve (for the McKinley account) as ordered by Sir Mar. So the area getting water at the Lawton line suffered which is AFPOVAI and Pasong Tamo Ext.
So we called up Boss Mar and told him the status of the area... we then proceeded to monitor the pressure and went to the throttled valve to increase its opening to give water to the affected area...After the incident we went back to the BA for monitoring... I had the SWAT team move in the area for further monitoring of the pressure and eventually Sir Ed returned the settings of the valve to its initial status to return the water and high pressure in the area.
When Boss Mar came,he looked for Kuya Rene's reading of the Bonifacio Naval Station(BNS) account, which I didn't take from Kuya Rene because I was not thinking that it is so urgent and important, more than what is happening in my area. So Sir Mar got so angry because we didn't take the readings and he needs it to compute the consumption of the camp. Bad thing was, Kuya Rene's phone was empty and Tita Tess who was with him can't be contacted too...all the more that Boss Mar got angry...he also got angry at Sir Lawrence and Jovert because they went to do collection leaving our targets pending...
Frustrated with his subordinates, He went to BNS to get the readings himself... :P
Returning to the BA, the Getz he was riding was at stop speed. According to some of my officemates, they were almost hit by our raging Boss...I've seen how the getz was driven inside, amidst the turn, he got it in in 5 sec.
He went directly inside the conference room. By that time, I have Kuya Rene's reading and the my weekly monitoring at hand. I told Kuya Rene to just go with the pressure monitoring team I sent to AFPOVAI and wait til Sir Mar's temper to cool down. Sir Lawrence and I were debating who will go to him and start the discussion of BNS. Since it was my area, it was best that I go to him and be at his mercy.
I approached him and gave him the readings, and hurriedly did some calculations. Afterwhich, he told me, in a neutral (not ok but not angry) voice that I'll include the calculations in my presentations for the challenging later which I did right after.
Lunchtime came and the whole Fort Boni (Sir Mar, Boss Lawrence, Caster, Sir Taggie, Jovert, me and Kuya Rene (!)) plus Ma'am Odette, loaded two service vehicles and went to Chowking at C5. I don't know how Sir Mar was ok with Kuya Rene all of a sudden. But I think it was because before going to lunch, it was C5's turn for challenging. And he gave C5 Business Zone a hard time with their targets to the point that "he made a fool out of them", as he says, which he really enjoys doing. =(
Lunch was like bonding for the team... which we seldom do... times like those, I remember my cadetship... time which has passed and will be in memory...
We came back to the BA to present our targets... which after some debate and justifications, were approved. Sir Mark, the BZM of C5 got back at us and pushed us to increase our targets...It was already 6PM or maybe 6:30PM until the debate, of which Business Zone has to increase their targets, is done. I think my energy was all drained justifying such small growth in the area...just to not have my targets increased.
I got out of the BA planning of watching a play... just to vent out such stress. But thinking of my unwashed undies piled up, I thought of going home instead. =P
It was surely a hell week.. I don't know what will happen tomorrow..
-o0o-
Just before going home, McKinley once again experienced no water in their area. Sir Mar ordered to throttle, once again, the valve at Lawton, decreasing its opening with 10 turns... which of course had me panicking... I don't want to have numerous low pressure and no water complaints!!! So I texted Sir Mar that we'll only decrease it with 5 turns. I hurriedly went to Sir Elmer who is at the pumping station... after discussions regarding McKinley, he ordered me to do some pressure monitoring in the morning, 6AM, which is at peak demand. I bidded to have it done at maybe 8 AM (which is the start of work). And he told me which really took me off guard, "Yan kasi ang problema sa inyo, hindi kayo nagbibigay ng kaunting sakripisyo... Pwede mo naman i-off-set un... pumasok ka ng 6AM para mag-monitoring at umuwi ka ng 2PM kung gusto niyo... Bigyan niyo naman ng oras ang area niyo." I just kept quiet and kept my cool (as usual).... but deep inside, i felt like bursting...
Is it not sacrifice that we extend our working hours everyday to 10 hours to meet the demands of work? Can't you call coming in on Saturdays or even on Sundays without collecting OT pay because it is "responsibility", sacrifice? Or beter yet, losing sleep and still at the BA because of a breakage or doing presentations for the management and still get nothing because they say it is part of work.... hays!!! Maybe they just don't know the meaning of sacrifice.... =((
I was so late going to the office today. I was up until 2AM watching the coverage for US Presdident Barack Obama's oath taking. So I rushed my bath and forgo breakfast... I reached the office 45 min 8AM!!!!
And there were incoming call centers of no water in the area. So I told Sir Lawrence to come with me to find out why my area is experiencing no water. Good thing before leaving the office, I approached our SWAT team, Kuya Mana to come with us to do some valving...Which I found out, that he lessened the opening of the valves at Lawton by 15 turns (yikes!) to build up the pressure at the portion before the valve (for the McKinley account) as ordered by Sir Mar. So the area getting water at the Lawton line suffered which is AFPOVAI and Pasong Tamo Ext.
So we called up Boss Mar and told him the status of the area... we then proceeded to monitor the pressure and went to the throttled valve to increase its opening to give water to the affected area...After the incident we went back to the BA for monitoring... I had the SWAT team move in the area for further monitoring of the pressure and eventually Sir Ed returned the settings of the valve to its initial status to return the water and high pressure in the area.
When Boss Mar came,he looked for Kuya Rene's reading of the Bonifacio Naval Station(BNS) account, which I didn't take from Kuya Rene because I was not thinking that it is so urgent and important, more than what is happening in my area. So Sir Mar got so angry because we didn't take the readings and he needs it to compute the consumption of the camp. Bad thing was, Kuya Rene's phone was empty and Tita Tess who was with him can't be contacted too...all the more that Boss Mar got angry...he also got angry at Sir Lawrence and Jovert because they went to do collection leaving our targets pending...
Frustrated with his subordinates, He went to BNS to get the readings himself... :P
Returning to the BA, the Getz he was riding was at stop speed. According to some of my officemates, they were almost hit by our raging Boss...I've seen how the getz was driven inside, amidst the turn, he got it in in 5 sec.
He went directly inside the conference room. By that time, I have Kuya Rene's reading and the my weekly monitoring at hand. I told Kuya Rene to just go with the pressure monitoring team I sent to AFPOVAI and wait til Sir Mar's temper to cool down. Sir Lawrence and I were debating who will go to him and start the discussion of BNS. Since it was my area, it was best that I go to him and be at his mercy.
I approached him and gave him the readings, and hurriedly did some calculations. Afterwhich, he told me, in a neutral (not ok but not angry) voice that I'll include the calculations in my presentations for the challenging later which I did right after.
Lunchtime came and the whole Fort Boni (Sir Mar, Boss Lawrence, Caster, Sir Taggie, Jovert, me and Kuya Rene (!)) plus Ma'am Odette, loaded two service vehicles and went to Chowking at C5. I don't know how Sir Mar was ok with Kuya Rene all of a sudden. But I think it was because before going to lunch, it was C5's turn for challenging. And he gave C5 Business Zone a hard time with their targets to the point that "he made a fool out of them", as he says, which he really enjoys doing. =(
Lunch was like bonding for the team... which we seldom do... times like those, I remember my cadetship... time which has passed and will be in memory...
We came back to the BA to present our targets... which after some debate and justifications, were approved. Sir Mark, the BZM of C5 got back at us and pushed us to increase our targets...It was already 6PM or maybe 6:30PM until the debate, of which Business Zone has to increase their targets, is done. I think my energy was all drained justifying such small growth in the area...just to not have my targets increased.
I got out of the BA planning of watching a play... just to vent out such stress. But thinking of my unwashed undies piled up, I thought of going home instead. =P
It was surely a hell week.. I don't know what will happen tomorrow..
-o0o-
Just before going home, McKinley once again experienced no water in their area. Sir Mar ordered to throttle, once again, the valve at Lawton, decreasing its opening with 10 turns... which of course had me panicking... I don't want to have numerous low pressure and no water complaints!!! So I texted Sir Mar that we'll only decrease it with 5 turns. I hurriedly went to Sir Elmer who is at the pumping station... after discussions regarding McKinley, he ordered me to do some pressure monitoring in the morning, 6AM, which is at peak demand. I bidded to have it done at maybe 8 AM (which is the start of work). And he told me which really took me off guard, "Yan kasi ang problema sa inyo, hindi kayo nagbibigay ng kaunting sakripisyo... Pwede mo naman i-off-set un... pumasok ka ng 6AM para mag-monitoring at umuwi ka ng 2PM kung gusto niyo... Bigyan niyo naman ng oras ang area niyo." I just kept quiet and kept my cool (as usual).... but deep inside, i felt like bursting...
Is it not sacrifice that we extend our working hours everyday to 10 hours to meet the demands of work? Can't you call coming in on Saturdays or even on Sundays without collecting OT pay because it is "responsibility", sacrifice? Or beter yet, losing sleep and still at the BA because of a breakage or doing presentations for the management and still get nothing because they say it is part of work.... hays!!! Maybe they just don't know the meaning of sacrifice.... =((
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A Start of the Hellish Week
I think I beginning a hellish week... Is it just because it is the start of the year and that everyone is up to their toes to meet the demands of the pending work left from the very long December holidays and Billed Volume Challenging is here once again.... it is a month of setting targets and coming up with the best justification for the targets set...
Yesterday, I was just at the office... doing the targets for the team... I was rushing all of it because Sir Lawrence took a half day off because his kiddo Kevin is having a hellish cough because of the cold weather...so I took over doing all of it... we have to get it back to our immediate boss so I have to rush it leaving lunch unattainable... hays... good thing, I ate heavy breakfast before going to work... so I haven't really felt hungry until 4PM.
The targets I passed were then asked to be revised.. it was too high as my boss says... so I did a few bargaining with my teammates which took most of my time in the afternoon... so I haven't done any of the piled work...
Today, everything went fine.. I attended the quarterback and when I was out, I continued on the revision of the targets. Lunch came I went to the Makati BA with Sir Nestor and Ma'am Pat... afterwhich I waited for Sir Lawrence to be back at the BA so that I could endorse a customer to him... they went out for lunch with the other guys...
And after doing the above, Kuya Rene and I went on field... it was maybe only about 30 minutes when Sir Mar called me to go back to the BA since there was a customer I need to talk to...
And when I came back, a very very irate customer faced me...
And she was angry because I didn't go to her place to check on her meter and her network... she was billed even if they were out of the country for 3 months and she suspects that the readings of our Meter Reader is ficticious...
She told me, "We are your customers, without us, you won't have salary... Kami ang nagbibigay ng sweldo niyo...If you could not do your job, you better quit." right in front of my boss and some of my colleagues..
I didn't try to defend myself... I'm not really used to join in with someone else's anger...and I'm not used to be tongue lashed.... So I just kept quiet and kept my cool... after the conversation we proceeded to her place for the inspection that she needs... after a few minutes I was done... although i keep on telling myself that i am ok, deep in me, I have never felt bad and degraded by someone who I didn't know and who didn't have the right to do so... but I told myself, that this is all just part of the job... yeah right!?!
After a few minutes, I was disturbed by the non-stop text messages I kept on receiving. So I proceeded to the area reported to be having no water... and found out that one of our pipes were hit by a backhoe of the contractors doing the drainage in the AFPOVAI. Argh!!! Breakage at 3PM... so I guess I'm doing overtime with no pay later as I could not leave the place with the mainline unrepaired...
So the usual operation, I called on a contractor and I told my boss regarding the status of the area... after 2 hours or so or pacifying the customers of why they have a poor pressure to the point that they don't have water, Richard, the head of the contractor came... I was about to get angry since they have to respond to the site ASAP but he brought no one along...it was almost 6 when his people came but we waited a little more for the materials from the stockyard in San Juan. Waiting time was about 3 hours but the job was only done in about 20 minutes...
Good thing, the contractor was used to doing such work... What was so frustrating was the mobiliation and of course the traffic... they can't be at the site in the shortes time possible... =)
I was out of the site by 7pm!!!
So today, it seems that I started the week in hell... but there was a man sworn to office today, starting his presidency in hell...as the US and the whole world awaits for change and hope, I hope he comes out in victory... believing that a representive from the minority can help and make miracles... Yes we can!
Yesterday, I was just at the office... doing the targets for the team... I was rushing all of it because Sir Lawrence took a half day off because his kiddo Kevin is having a hellish cough because of the cold weather...so I took over doing all of it... we have to get it back to our immediate boss so I have to rush it leaving lunch unattainable... hays... good thing, I ate heavy breakfast before going to work... so I haven't really felt hungry until 4PM.
The targets I passed were then asked to be revised.. it was too high as my boss says... so I did a few bargaining with my teammates which took most of my time in the afternoon... so I haven't done any of the piled work...
Today, everything went fine.. I attended the quarterback and when I was out, I continued on the revision of the targets. Lunch came I went to the Makati BA with Sir Nestor and Ma'am Pat... afterwhich I waited for Sir Lawrence to be back at the BA so that I could endorse a customer to him... they went out for lunch with the other guys...
And after doing the above, Kuya Rene and I went on field... it was maybe only about 30 minutes when Sir Mar called me to go back to the BA since there was a customer I need to talk to...
And when I came back, a very very irate customer faced me...
And she was angry because I didn't go to her place to check on her meter and her network... she was billed even if they were out of the country for 3 months and she suspects that the readings of our Meter Reader is ficticious...
She told me, "We are your customers, without us, you won't have salary... Kami ang nagbibigay ng sweldo niyo...If you could not do your job, you better quit." right in front of my boss and some of my colleagues..
I didn't try to defend myself... I'm not really used to join in with someone else's anger...and I'm not used to be tongue lashed.... So I just kept quiet and kept my cool... after the conversation we proceeded to her place for the inspection that she needs... after a few minutes I was done... although i keep on telling myself that i am ok, deep in me, I have never felt bad and degraded by someone who I didn't know and who didn't have the right to do so... but I told myself, that this is all just part of the job... yeah right!?!
After a few minutes, I was disturbed by the non-stop text messages I kept on receiving. So I proceeded to the area reported to be having no water... and found out that one of our pipes were hit by a backhoe of the contractors doing the drainage in the AFPOVAI. Argh!!! Breakage at 3PM... so I guess I'm doing overtime with no pay later as I could not leave the place with the mainline unrepaired...
So the usual operation, I called on a contractor and I told my boss regarding the status of the area... after 2 hours or so or pacifying the customers of why they have a poor pressure to the point that they don't have water, Richard, the head of the contractor came... I was about to get angry since they have to respond to the site ASAP but he brought no one along...it was almost 6 when his people came but we waited a little more for the materials from the stockyard in San Juan. Waiting time was about 3 hours but the job was only done in about 20 minutes...
Good thing, the contractor was used to doing such work... What was so frustrating was the mobiliation and of course the traffic... they can't be at the site in the shortes time possible... =)
I was out of the site by 7pm!!!
So today, it seems that I started the week in hell... but there was a man sworn to office today, starting his presidency in hell...as the US and the whole world awaits for change and hope, I hope he comes out in victory... believing that a representive from the minority can help and make miracles... Yes we can!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Now
Now
by MYMP
Now is all I know
Now is all I got
And I don't know
If there will be tomorrow for us.
Now is all I care about
Now that you are here
Now that you're the contents of my heart.
Now you're all I know
Now is all I promise
And I don't know
If there will be a future for us.
Now is all I live for
Now that you are near
And it was best that from the start it was clear.
Refrain:
Loving is not owning
We can let it go
We can let it go.
Loving is not owning
You can let me go
You can let me go.
Chorus:
There's a reason
Why we love each other now
And we don't know if this is forever.
There's a reason
Why we are together now
And we don't care if it's not forever now.
Now is all I think about
Now that I am happy
And I'm not sure
If there will be a future for us.
Now is all I offer
It's everything I got
And I still wish
That there will be a tomorrow for us.
(Repeat Refrain)
(Repeat Chorus)
Ad Lib
(Repeat Refrain)
(Repeat Chorus except last word)
(Repeat Chorus)
Coda:
We love each other now...
-o-
I love the song... and its message...
I love the line saying, "Loving is not owning, you should let me go..."
I guess that is one of the best definition of loving.. letting someone flap his/her own wings... to fly for individuality...
But I think this song does not believe in forever... it simply says to love your best at the moment... Contradicting, I think love should be seeing oneself together with someone (you are with now)not just now but later in the future as well.. That's why romantics paint their dreams with their partner... =)
But I guess, amidst with the unforseen, Now tells us to take the risk of loving... even for the moment.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Freezin' in a Tropical Country
It is F*CK-ing freezing cold!!!! It has been almost been 15 days since the cold month of December yet here we are experiencing the coldest night so far. Two days ago, news had it that temperature has dropped to 11 C. So I guess now we're down to a 9 C??? Yikes...
We're in our cold-deflector clothes... geared up in pajamas, jackets, scarf/shawl, and socks...Mel has almost the same outfit as mine plus the "bonnet" he made out of an old shirt. He even prepared warm water and we soaked our cold feet for temporary warmth.
I don't know how much more I could take of this before my system breaks down and catch a flu. A lot of people are sneezing and coughing in the MRT... and soon enough each one will be a virus holder... =) Which give me an idea... I'll pretend to be sick because of the very cold environment and not go to work... hehehehe!!!! I wish i could do it really, but it will still be me who will suffer as work will be piling up due to not attending to them... = (
We're in our cold-deflector clothes... geared up in pajamas, jackets, scarf/shawl, and socks...Mel has almost the same outfit as mine plus the "bonnet" he made out of an old shirt. He even prepared warm water and we soaked our cold feet for temporary warmth.
I don't know how much more I could take of this before my system breaks down and catch a flu. A lot of people are sneezing and coughing in the MRT... and soon enough each one will be a virus holder... =) Which give me an idea... I'll pretend to be sick because of the very cold environment and not go to work... hehehehe!!!! I wish i could do it really, but it will still be me who will suffer as work will be piling up due to not attending to them... = (
In the Demand at 33
I left my work phone at the house today. And when I got home, I found it full of new messages... 33 new messages in exact number. To date, I think this is the most number of messages I received in a day without initiating conversation with anyone... let alone replying to any of the texts. And unfortunately, all these texts message indicates the demands of work since I have separated work from my personal line... At the other side of the coin though, this spells my worth in my work... =) I'm worth 33 messages.. wahahah!!!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Rigodon for the nth time
This is purely work stuff...
Early today, I arrived at the BA with no BALT (BA Leadership Team) around. There were less of the service vehicle as well. My hunch that they are at the main office was confirmed by the guard. I proceeded to work at the conference room and was later disturbed by the news that Boss Bob is transferring and would not be our ABM anymore. And there was the call Joan received from whoever that was at the other line, confirming the news.
The news spread so fast and has reached each and every employee of Taguig office way before the the BALT have arrive and give the news themselves since they got the news firsthand. So when they arrived, we just kept quiet regarding the news pretending we don't know and waited for the official confirmation which they didn't fail to give us.
Sir Bob is transferring to Laguna and will take charge of the local water district there. For the time being, Ma'am Ron,which is our Revenue Manager, will continue to be an OIC for the Taguig BA. Frankly I'm relieved since Boss Bob was really such a strict Boss and has a very hard standards with regards to meeting our targets. But the man is really really good, both technically and related to the business. But the man has to go if the man has to go. Some celebrated because of relief... some I guess are clamoring of what's the future of Taguig. As for me, I'm neutral for whatever is directive of the top Management.
On a different note, but i guess still related to the cross-posting... I am quite facinated that amidst the recession we are experiencing globally, Manila water is expanding its business. When Manila Water took over together with Maynilad, Manila Water covered the east part of the MWSS serviced area (Makati, Taguig, Pateros, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Pasig, some parts of QC, etc.). Now, the province of Rizal is serviced by the company. The local water district in a city in India is currently managed by a team of experts from Manila Water. Last year, we have sent engineers in Vietnam to manage the pipe system of Ho Chi Min City. The waste water problem of Boracay is currently handled by a team of engineers dispatched in the islands. Teams are being formed to house the office in Bulacan as we are taking over the management of the water district of the province. And now, Sir Bob is leading a team in Laguna to give potable water in the area, with quality service, 24/7.
No wonder, each year Manila Water is hiring 25-30 professionals to join the company. And now, HR is hiring 2 batches of cadets to fill the business need. =)
-o0o-
I just hope someday, I am enroute to Ilo-ilo or maybe in Bacolod as Manila Water will take over the local water district in the province. At least I will no longer be away from my family and I won't spend a large amount for air fare just to go home... I'm crossing my fingers. And maybe that's where I would find reasons to stay... =)
Early today, I arrived at the BA with no BALT (BA Leadership Team) around. There were less of the service vehicle as well. My hunch that they are at the main office was confirmed by the guard. I proceeded to work at the conference room and was later disturbed by the news that Boss Bob is transferring and would not be our ABM anymore. And there was the call Joan received from whoever that was at the other line, confirming the news.
The news spread so fast and has reached each and every employee of Taguig office way before the the BALT have arrive and give the news themselves since they got the news firsthand. So when they arrived, we just kept quiet regarding the news pretending we don't know and waited for the official confirmation which they didn't fail to give us.
Sir Bob is transferring to Laguna and will take charge of the local water district there. For the time being, Ma'am Ron,which is our Revenue Manager, will continue to be an OIC for the Taguig BA. Frankly I'm relieved since Boss Bob was really such a strict Boss and has a very hard standards with regards to meeting our targets. But the man is really really good, both technically and related to the business. But the man has to go if the man has to go. Some celebrated because of relief... some I guess are clamoring of what's the future of Taguig. As for me, I'm neutral for whatever is directive of the top Management.
On a different note, but i guess still related to the cross-posting... I am quite facinated that amidst the recession we are experiencing globally, Manila water is expanding its business. When Manila Water took over together with Maynilad, Manila Water covered the east part of the MWSS serviced area (Makati, Taguig, Pateros, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Pasig, some parts of QC, etc.). Now, the province of Rizal is serviced by the company. The local water district in a city in India is currently managed by a team of experts from Manila Water. Last year, we have sent engineers in Vietnam to manage the pipe system of Ho Chi Min City. The waste water problem of Boracay is currently handled by a team of engineers dispatched in the islands. Teams are being formed to house the office in Bulacan as we are taking over the management of the water district of the province. And now, Sir Bob is leading a team in Laguna to give potable water in the area, with quality service, 24/7.
No wonder, each year Manila Water is hiring 25-30 professionals to join the company. And now, HR is hiring 2 batches of cadets to fill the business need. =)
-o0o-
I just hope someday, I am enroute to Ilo-ilo or maybe in Bacolod as Manila Water will take over the local water district in the province. At least I will no longer be away from my family and I won't spend a large amount for air fare just to go home... I'm crossing my fingers. And maybe that's where I would find reasons to stay... =)
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Laundry Aid
I am so glad to wash clothes now. As I seek the help of technology, I am now typing this blog while my clothes are being washed. Nope, I didn't have it done by the laundry shop like we used to during our lazy times, nor I have household help ordered to do it. But it is there, washed, tumbled until the dirt does not adhere to it. But I still do the rinsing to have my laundry time short and my brother does the hanging of clothes. You see, my laundry aid isn't much of an all around. But so far, I am so glad it is here and is helping me wash my clothes clean. Laundry hasn't been much of a favorite chore as I would end up with sore arms and wet butt in the late night. But now, laundry is moved to notch higher in terms of an enjoyable chore (uhm, is there such a thing??) ... thanks to my laundry aid..
By the way, I just bought a new washing machine.
By the way, I just bought a new washing machine.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Great Buys
I hovered around Ali Mall after we got off from our hitched ride with one of our colleagues. Maybe just to kill time (I'm home alone in the house so I'm not eager to go home to an empty house) and hoping for the rains to stop, I searched through some stores at the mall. I used to wander around Cubao during my first year in college everytime we are in the Metro (I used to be staying in elbi then) for the weekend, but after 8 years, it seems like Ali Mall is very new to me. The facade is still the same but it isn't the usual crowded place and there are a lot of new stores around I can't help but to look into them.
A humongous store at AliMall is the Shoe Center. I guess this is where the Shoe Expo transferred since there are no longer as abundant near the Bus Terminal. And lucky me, everything's on sale!!! I was thinking of getting myself a gladiator sandals when I saw the pair of slip-ons I have been eyeing at Rusty Lopez's stores for quite some time. Add to that was a cute close pointed formal shoes which I thought I need for the upcoming SILAB anniversary (kaya Sisses, please!!!! Give us a formal or at least a semi formal party, our excuse for dressing up and wear those killer shoes!). And I got both pair of shoes with more than 50% off the price!!!! Weeeehhhh!!!! I love!!!
A humongous store at AliMall is the Shoe Center. I guess this is where the Shoe Expo transferred since there are no longer as abundant near the Bus Terminal. And lucky me, everything's on sale!!! I was thinking of getting myself a gladiator sandals when I saw the pair of slip-ons I have been eyeing at Rusty Lopez's stores for quite some time. Add to that was a cute close pointed formal shoes which I thought I need for the upcoming SILAB anniversary (kaya Sisses, please!!!! Give us a formal or at least a semi formal party, our excuse for dressing up and wear those killer shoes!). And I got both pair of shoes with more than 50% off the price!!!! Weeeehhhh!!!! I love!!!
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Veggie Venture
For tonight's first home alone for the week, I'm starting off my vegetable evening diet. I'm back to my fast-paced life and I no longer have somebody around to do things for me like fixing my food let alone mix me a salad. So I dropped by the grocery and grabbed lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, cucumber and a variety of dressing to mix a very fast vegetable salad for dinner.
Frankly, I'm doing this to lose a little weight I gained over the holidays. I look really fat and my office uniform is proof to that since I hardly fit into it. So just to go back to my old physique, I'm eating grass at the time when metabolism is slow yet I still eat normally during the day... =) Hope this works!!!
I'm contemplating on doing exercise too... but for now, this veggie venture is my sacrifice.
Dinner: Veggies with French Dressing
Frankly, I'm doing this to lose a little weight I gained over the holidays. I look really fat and my office uniform is proof to that since I hardly fit into it. So just to go back to my old physique, I'm eating grass at the time when metabolism is slow yet I still eat normally during the day... =) Hope this works!!!
I'm contemplating on doing exercise too... but for now, this veggie venture is my sacrifice.
Dinner: Veggies with French Dressing
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Post New Year Gathering
Weekends during highschool, we used to hang-out at Boy's place. Even get-together during school breaks, we gather at Boy's house. We usually meet up at Lopue's East for grocery of our lunch or merienda and load a tryk to their house. We bond through cooking, eating what we have come up, mix of drinks (sometimes wine courtesy of Tita Evelyn, Boy's mom), and watching TV.
We miss that.
So just before going back to our busy lives, we once again gathered at the Gajardo Residence the way we used to... =)
Len and I met up at Lopue's East. I was a bit running late so Len did the grocery ahead. Our menu is lasagna or baked penne, but we settled with baked macaroni for there are no longer any pasta in the grocery except spaghetti and macaroni. We also added a half gallon of ice cream just because they are giving out another one half gallon for free!!! Hehehe!!! Mahiligon gid kami sa buy-one-take-one!!!
Before going to Boy's we first dropped by Pink Elephant to check on their stocks of Havainas since I don't have a size at Robinson's. I guess, I have to get my pair of havs from Manila as I don't have a size anymore at any store carrying the merchandise.
Upon arriving at Boy's place, we executed to work on our pasta. With three "chefs" in the kitchen we arrived at a very sumptuous merienda of baked macaroni and garlic bread. That's, I guess, an improvement from what we used to cook of spaghetti or home-made pizza. Johnnar brought us drinks as well as Tita Evelyn who just arrived from a party at their church.
Just before we were on the desserts (yum! ice cream!), Len got a call from her mom saying that she needs to go to Riverside as her lola who is critical is doing roll call of her grandchildren saying she is seeing "people" fetching her. So we went with Len outside the garden area to wait for her cab and while doing so, we feasted on taking photos as proof of this gathering.
After Len left, we waited for 5PM to attend mass at the church near Boy's place. This is part of the initial plan, just like a few years back. We just hang out at Boy's TV area watching movies at HBO and then reruns of American Idol. Though threesome (Boy, Johnnar, me), it never felt three's a crowd... especially with the couple, they make sure you won't be the third wheel.
After the mass, I headed home. And as I do so, I contemplate as how much I have miss my girls... hehehe!!! I was only with them for the fun Sipalay trip last November 30... but with a short span of time, I missed them. With the fact that Diane and Kat are now in the States, and Boy who will go there too this January, and Frae who I seldom got to see because we just could not make our scheds work for us to meet here in Manila, and Len who I only got to see everytime I go home, I am sad that as much as we love to meet up, but we can't. We have so much to do together but we have so little time. But that is the secret of the friendship we have kept and shared for more than a decade.... it is the longingness to be with one another. =)
We miss that.
So just before going back to our busy lives, we once again gathered at the Gajardo Residence the way we used to... =)
Len and I met up at Lopue's East. I was a bit running late so Len did the grocery ahead. Our menu is lasagna or baked penne, but we settled with baked macaroni for there are no longer any pasta in the grocery except spaghetti and macaroni. We also added a half gallon of ice cream just because they are giving out another one half gallon for free!!! Hehehe!!! Mahiligon gid kami sa buy-one-take-one!!!
Before going to Boy's we first dropped by Pink Elephant to check on their stocks of Havainas since I don't have a size at Robinson's. I guess, I have to get my pair of havs from Manila as I don't have a size anymore at any store carrying the merchandise.
Upon arriving at Boy's place, we executed to work on our pasta. With three "chefs" in the kitchen we arrived at a very sumptuous merienda of baked macaroni and garlic bread. That's, I guess, an improvement from what we used to cook of spaghetti or home-made pizza. Johnnar brought us drinks as well as Tita Evelyn who just arrived from a party at their church.
Just before we were on the desserts (yum! ice cream!), Len got a call from her mom saying that she needs to go to Riverside as her lola who is critical is doing roll call of her grandchildren saying she is seeing "people" fetching her. So we went with Len outside the garden area to wait for her cab and while doing so, we feasted on taking photos as proof of this gathering.
After Len left, we waited for 5PM to attend mass at the church near Boy's place. This is part of the initial plan, just like a few years back. We just hang out at Boy's TV area watching movies at HBO and then reruns of American Idol. Though threesome (Boy, Johnnar, me), it never felt three's a crowd... especially with the couple, they make sure you won't be the third wheel.
After the mass, I headed home. And as I do so, I contemplate as how much I have miss my girls... hehehe!!! I was only with them for the fun Sipalay trip last November 30... but with a short span of time, I missed them. With the fact that Diane and Kat are now in the States, and Boy who will go there too this January, and Frae who I seldom got to see because we just could not make our scheds work for us to meet here in Manila, and Len who I only got to see everytime I go home, I am sad that as much as we love to meet up, but we can't. We have so much to do together but we have so little time. But that is the secret of the friendship we have kept and shared for more than a decade.... it is the longingness to be with one another. =)
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Thumbs Up for 2008
2008 has come and passed... but it left me great lessons and great experiences. Add to that new friends and a renewed spirit. Here are some of the highlights of 2008 with no particular order...
Work
Start of the year of the rat, was also the pivoting point of my management career in Manila Water. As I was assigned to manage my own area in Makati, I was able to decide on my own with matters of work. TP26 was quite a challenge especially with the big receivables of the area... but I guess I did well cutting the AR days low and meeting my collection target, or surpassing it, month after month. TP 26 was also a challenge with regards to NRW and old live lines in the area... but with that I was able to practice project design.... =)
I am actually reading my fears now in my blogs last year and I was proud that I overpowered my demons. But reading through that I saw time and time again how I was ever since, I have low self-confidence. I seem not to know my capabilities... it would always be others who will see them. =(
With the good performance in TP 26, I was transferred to manage a bigger area with a huge responsibility, TP 6. Until now, I have to put up with a continuous struggle to keep the area in a not so chaotic state. TP 6 and TP 26 is 360 different. But TP6 is not new to me, as this is my training ground during cadetship. TP 6 equals major accounts, unbreak People's Organiation, and a mix of the elite and the low-income families. Add to that the issues on disputed lands where the local and national government puts a finger into since election time is almost near...
Highlight of work in 2008 was my successful events management... I was able to pull off A Day with the Key Accounts... I guess I have to thank SILAB for this as each year during my residency, we have a lot of events to hold to publicize SILAB then.
Ayala Olympics took also the spotlight for 2008. Why not??? If the company bagged almost 3/4 of the golds in all events and winning the Championship for the Ayala Olympics and even the 2 MVP titles. We even got tired of cheering the same cheer, the cheer for winning a gold since its always that... wahahah!!!And the event only takes place once in every four years. So I might be out of Manila Water before it will happen again.
2008 spells transitions in work... a lot of colleagues have left Taguig and has transfered to other departments. There was Ma'am Linda, Sir Sundy, Jhap, Boss Pete, Bles, Jalil, Jep, Sir Lanier, Badet, Ate More, and Jacki. Ryan left the company last year. But out with the old, in with the new. Batch 17 came which are Jovert, Chel, Bing, Lati, Aaron, and Neil. Sadly Aaron and Neil did not finish the cadetship training. Then Boss Bob also took the position of ABM... and there was of course Rocky who came in at the end of November.
Great Travels and Visits
Last year, I had a bang with seeing the world... uhm, just the Philippines, as starter. I headed the beach for quite a number of times. First was the Zambales trip where we set foot to an island with no amenities and a dead spot for our celphones. Anawangin and Capones was an escape-ala-survivor trip as we pitched our tents, make (just make, we don't have to search) our own food on the island, and fetching water from a deepwell. And reaching the lighthouse made me remember a teacher way back in highschool when he got angry at the creme de la creme of the batch... he said "Be like lighthouses. They don't need to speak up to be noticed. They just light up." --- wahahaha!!! Di connect. Hehehe!!! but seriously, it almost made me quit on pursuing the lighthouse but going through it made the top more worthwhile. On that trip, I gained 3 more friends: Donna, Bembem, and Yuuji.
And there was the company outing, also in Zambales. I should have included this in the highlights of work but I guess I enjoyed it too much it wasn't work at all. I got to bond with my batchmates and my colleagues... and got rid of the killer looks of the oldies as we had them understand the beach fashion of our generation as the cadets strutted the beach with our bikinis.
Included in this list is the Laoag-Vigan-Pagudpod trip. It was fun to discover North Luzon and its rich political culture and history. And the experience on reaching the Bangui windmills is the highlight of that trip... and the picture perfect sites... I so love the north! Lesson on that trip: magtanong lang...di ka maliligaw!
Last year gave me an opportunity to go home for quite a number of times... if I remember it right, I went home 5 times last year. Thanks to Cebu Pacific low fares... and the free one, I was able to go back to Mambucal, do a real Visita Iglesia with my brothers and cousins, set foot to Sipalay, countless get-togethers with my barkada and the family, catch the last events of Masskara, was able to see the Ruins and Balay Negrense and visit Balay Alibangbang as well. I was able to go back to Pala-pala and Balaring and had a sea-food overload diet. I was able to hit cafes like Bob's, Bascon Cafe and Kuppa and had my caffeine tolerance challenged. Super yummy!!!! Going home also spells cheap spa experience and getting de-stress sessions when we get our nails done.
2008 is not only about us going home... we also had visitors from the province and elsewhere. Manong came over for vacation here.. a highlight of that visit is the trip to Manila Ocean Park... and our fun finding it...we had a chance to visit Luneta Park because we got lost going there. Mama also came here to attend the Food Convention at the World Trade Center. It was really of a bonding trip for me and Ma and Ma and Mel. I brought Mom to the La Mesa Dam to her delight! Cyhna also came to Manila for an interview...together with Mel, we bond around the city's great malls and of course feasted on food! Diane also came with Ads to Manila. Diane had her eyes lasered to decrease the grade of her eyes. Paolo had his visit here in Manila alone and so is Ji... they also had a visit together... wahahah!!!
Other highlights of 2008 in terms of going around is the trip to Manila zoo with Mel which was so fun... the Kinder zoo was a new experience. Going around the metro with SILAK and SILAB for the Ilonggo Tour was for the nth time fun even though it was tiring...and to cap the events in Manila is the EK trip I had with my co-cadets in Tpat!
2008 Spells Drama
As for my other addiction aside from travel, theater, I was able to expand my theater experience... It has notched up a little bit as aside from Dulaang UP or Repertory Philippines, now I look forward to PETA... and Stages... I still have to save up on plays shown in CCP though... their's smells expensive...
Assets
2008 equals great buys for me. I have acquired a new digicam at the beginning of the year. I love the cam as it is very handy and user friendly not to mention the price and the discount I got. I got it from ebay with only 13k while the price market at that time is 33k. =) That was the 1st online transaction I had... and so far so good.
I don't know if this is an asset but Mel and I got ourselves Aurora, our chowchow for a pet. We got her when she was only 3 mo...and now 7 months after, we are still hoping she is a good investment and soon to be helping us with our finances as we'll be breeding dogs this year, to get another breed of dog everytime she gives us a litter of pups... hope through Rori, we will have a pug, a shih tzu or a chihuahua...or perhaps a yorkie or a pomeranian...yeah! The list goes on... hehehe!!! I almost cried (I think I got teary eyed while withdrawing) when we acquired her since it really cut my salary to almost nada!
And in the the end of 3rd quarter, i bought myself a refrigerator...now we are enoying icecreams, and ice box cakes. We could throw in stuff to make a salad... and we could now store cold cuts... and our left overs too... One thing I can't forget too on acquiring a ref is the first hand lesson I had on credit limit and intallments... hehehe... (read previous blogs).
Money Matters
2008 was quite a spending year. But I forced myself to save. I enrolled in our WASSLAI, a savings and loan in the company... And every pay day, I had my salary cut off a few thousands for savings....and it earned a few dividends for the year... =) And I can't afford to have my atm run dry... I always see to it that it doesn't get so low to the point where I could not have for emergency like sickness or worst being hospitalized... We don't have family here and it would always be hard to acquire money when you really really need ASAP.
Health
I'm proud to say, I gained about 8 pounds the whole year. I'm back to my original college weight. I lost so much weight during plant design and reviewing for the boards... and then amidst bumming before getting into Manila Water, I still haven't achieve what used to be my weight. Then I entered the company where I slaved myself... wahaha!
It is only in 2008 that I began to appreciate my earnings and treated myself to little things like bread talk, icecreams, dinners with friends, Krispy Kreme... i have this thinking at the back of my head that I deserve to treat myself with good food... =)
I'm still tired with getting exercise. Tina and I started jogging at Boni Highstreet before but eventually quit doing it.. Then Kat and I have our sessions of jogging too at UP.. but due to change in her scheds we have to quit on it. And of course blame it on the non-existence of persistence in my system..hehehe!!!
Fam
This year was a big challenge for the family. Papa got sick in the middle of the year. He had problems with his gall bladder. And with the complications of his heart, we could not get the gall bladder out which is the supposedly the solution to the problem. Papa's condition had me fly to Iloilo in a rush...hehehe!
The family business is growing in an awesome note. I was actually thinking of quitting work and help the fam on the business but I have to have other means or work in another company in Bacolod...and I'm thinking of teaching while doing all these... plus we need to find a place for the dog breeding...
Had problems with relationships within the family at the end of the year. I don't actually know how this started. I don't know... ='( I'm praying for this...
Friends
A lot of friends has come this year in 2008... and a lot has left or moved out of the country. Batch 17 came in this year... and new batches in SILAK and SILAB joined the number. Reunion in the organization gave us the chance to meet a lot of other alumni...Meet-ups with the cadets in Tpat is a venue to know those that left the portals of Taguig and the company... The barkada is now growing as the boyfies are now introduced and is included in our gimicks... got to meet Johnnar, Boy's boyfie and Rafael, Ate's boyfie at the end of the year... hope I could introduce mine soon...wahahaha!!!
On the otherhand a few people moved out... Ron and Mike went back to the province, Yvette went to Singapore for work and Ryan left the company and is now at Japan (I think)..Diane left for the States at the end of the year.. =(
SFC
The most important in 2008 is I guess joining SFC. I haven't blogged about the weekly sessions (Tuesday) we have at Delaney Hall last year, afraid that I might end up not finishing them. I haven't miss any session amidst my laziness...I gained more friends... got closer with the girls in my household. And most importantly is that I have renewed my relationship with the Lord. Although I still have to work on my bad habits and I admit I am still so so far from being a saint, but I guess, this is my start... my transition... to just let go and let God.
-o0o-
2008 was a great year. It gave us opportunities.. at work I gained my confidence in myself... yet at the same time, I learned to be humble. Travels gave me opportunities to appreciate the time that i have and the location I am in... include to that are the people I am with. Family and friends are my constant support...they have boost my morale after a great battle. SILAK and SILAB have always been there.. my second family in Manila... we're not related by blood but we're related by promise. SFC, hands down... I just don't know the feeling each time... can't put it to writing... =)
2008 is over... and it left me with a smile in my lips. (",)
Happy New Year everyone!!! Hope to have a bang with all of you this year!
Work
Start of the year of the rat, was also the pivoting point of my management career in Manila Water. As I was assigned to manage my own area in Makati, I was able to decide on my own with matters of work. TP26 was quite a challenge especially with the big receivables of the area... but I guess I did well cutting the AR days low and meeting my collection target, or surpassing it, month after month. TP 26 was also a challenge with regards to NRW and old live lines in the area... but with that I was able to practice project design.... =)
I am actually reading my fears now in my blogs last year and I was proud that I overpowered my demons. But reading through that I saw time and time again how I was ever since, I have low self-confidence. I seem not to know my capabilities... it would always be others who will see them. =(
With the good performance in TP 26, I was transferred to manage a bigger area with a huge responsibility, TP 6. Until now, I have to put up with a continuous struggle to keep the area in a not so chaotic state. TP 6 and TP 26 is 360 different. But TP6 is not new to me, as this is my training ground during cadetship. TP 6 equals major accounts, unbreak People's Organiation, and a mix of the elite and the low-income families. Add to that the issues on disputed lands where the local and national government puts a finger into since election time is almost near...
Highlight of work in 2008 was my successful events management... I was able to pull off A Day with the Key Accounts... I guess I have to thank SILAB for this as each year during my residency, we have a lot of events to hold to publicize SILAB then.
Ayala Olympics took also the spotlight for 2008. Why not??? If the company bagged almost 3/4 of the golds in all events and winning the Championship for the Ayala Olympics and even the 2 MVP titles. We even got tired of cheering the same cheer, the cheer for winning a gold since its always that... wahahah!!!And the event only takes place once in every four years. So I might be out of Manila Water before it will happen again.
2008 spells transitions in work... a lot of colleagues have left Taguig and has transfered to other departments. There was Ma'am Linda, Sir Sundy, Jhap, Boss Pete, Bles, Jalil, Jep, Sir Lanier, Badet, Ate More, and Jacki. Ryan left the company last year. But out with the old, in with the new. Batch 17 came which are Jovert, Chel, Bing, Lati, Aaron, and Neil. Sadly Aaron and Neil did not finish the cadetship training. Then Boss Bob also took the position of ABM... and there was of course Rocky who came in at the end of November.
Great Travels and Visits
Last year, I had a bang with seeing the world... uhm, just the Philippines, as starter. I headed the beach for quite a number of times. First was the Zambales trip where we set foot to an island with no amenities and a dead spot for our celphones. Anawangin and Capones was an escape-ala-survivor trip as we pitched our tents, make (just make, we don't have to search) our own food on the island, and fetching water from a deepwell. And reaching the lighthouse made me remember a teacher way back in highschool when he got angry at the creme de la creme of the batch... he said "Be like lighthouses. They don't need to speak up to be noticed. They just light up." --- wahahaha!!! Di connect. Hehehe!!! but seriously, it almost made me quit on pursuing the lighthouse but going through it made the top more worthwhile. On that trip, I gained 3 more friends: Donna, Bembem, and Yuuji.
And there was the company outing, also in Zambales. I should have included this in the highlights of work but I guess I enjoyed it too much it wasn't work at all. I got to bond with my batchmates and my colleagues... and got rid of the killer looks of the oldies as we had them understand the beach fashion of our generation as the cadets strutted the beach with our bikinis.
Included in this list is the Laoag-Vigan-Pagudpod trip. It was fun to discover North Luzon and its rich political culture and history. And the experience on reaching the Bangui windmills is the highlight of that trip... and the picture perfect sites... I so love the north! Lesson on that trip: magtanong lang...di ka maliligaw!
Last year gave me an opportunity to go home for quite a number of times... if I remember it right, I went home 5 times last year. Thanks to Cebu Pacific low fares... and the free one, I was able to go back to Mambucal, do a real Visita Iglesia with my brothers and cousins, set foot to Sipalay, countless get-togethers with my barkada and the family, catch the last events of Masskara, was able to see the Ruins and Balay Negrense and visit Balay Alibangbang as well. I was able to go back to Pala-pala and Balaring and had a sea-food overload diet. I was able to hit cafes like Bob's, Bascon Cafe and Kuppa and had my caffeine tolerance challenged. Super yummy!!!! Going home also spells cheap spa experience and getting de-stress sessions when we get our nails done.
2008 is not only about us going home... we also had visitors from the province and elsewhere. Manong came over for vacation here.. a highlight of that visit is the trip to Manila Ocean Park... and our fun finding it...we had a chance to visit Luneta Park because we got lost going there. Mama also came here to attend the Food Convention at the World Trade Center. It was really of a bonding trip for me and Ma and Ma and Mel. I brought Mom to the La Mesa Dam to her delight! Cyhna also came to Manila for an interview...together with Mel, we bond around the city's great malls and of course feasted on food! Diane also came with Ads to Manila. Diane had her eyes lasered to decrease the grade of her eyes. Paolo had his visit here in Manila alone and so is Ji... they also had a visit together... wahahah!!!
Other highlights of 2008 in terms of going around is the trip to Manila zoo with Mel which was so fun... the Kinder zoo was a new experience. Going around the metro with SILAK and SILAB for the Ilonggo Tour was for the nth time fun even though it was tiring...and to cap the events in Manila is the EK trip I had with my co-cadets in Tpat!
2008 Spells Drama
As for my other addiction aside from travel, theater, I was able to expand my theater experience... It has notched up a little bit as aside from Dulaang UP or Repertory Philippines, now I look forward to PETA... and Stages... I still have to save up on plays shown in CCP though... their's smells expensive...
Assets
2008 equals great buys for me. I have acquired a new digicam at the beginning of the year. I love the cam as it is very handy and user friendly not to mention the price and the discount I got. I got it from ebay with only 13k while the price market at that time is 33k. =) That was the 1st online transaction I had... and so far so good.
I don't know if this is an asset but Mel and I got ourselves Aurora, our chowchow for a pet. We got her when she was only 3 mo...and now 7 months after, we are still hoping she is a good investment and soon to be helping us with our finances as we'll be breeding dogs this year, to get another breed of dog everytime she gives us a litter of pups... hope through Rori, we will have a pug, a shih tzu or a chihuahua...or perhaps a yorkie or a pomeranian...yeah! The list goes on... hehehe!!! I almost cried (I think I got teary eyed while withdrawing) when we acquired her since it really cut my salary to almost nada!
And in the the end of 3rd quarter, i bought myself a refrigerator...now we are enoying icecreams, and ice box cakes. We could throw in stuff to make a salad... and we could now store cold cuts... and our left overs too... One thing I can't forget too on acquiring a ref is the first hand lesson I had on credit limit and intallments... hehehe... (read previous blogs).
Money Matters
2008 was quite a spending year. But I forced myself to save. I enrolled in our WASSLAI, a savings and loan in the company... And every pay day, I had my salary cut off a few thousands for savings....and it earned a few dividends for the year... =) And I can't afford to have my atm run dry... I always see to it that it doesn't get so low to the point where I could not have for emergency like sickness or worst being hospitalized... We don't have family here and it would always be hard to acquire money when you really really need ASAP.
Health
I'm proud to say, I gained about 8 pounds the whole year. I'm back to my original college weight. I lost so much weight during plant design and reviewing for the boards... and then amidst bumming before getting into Manila Water, I still haven't achieve what used to be my weight. Then I entered the company where I slaved myself... wahaha!
It is only in 2008 that I began to appreciate my earnings and treated myself to little things like bread talk, icecreams, dinners with friends, Krispy Kreme... i have this thinking at the back of my head that I deserve to treat myself with good food... =)
I'm still tired with getting exercise. Tina and I started jogging at Boni Highstreet before but eventually quit doing it.. Then Kat and I have our sessions of jogging too at UP.. but due to change in her scheds we have to quit on it. And of course blame it on the non-existence of persistence in my system..hehehe!!!
Fam
This year was a big challenge for the family. Papa got sick in the middle of the year. He had problems with his gall bladder. And with the complications of his heart, we could not get the gall bladder out which is the supposedly the solution to the problem. Papa's condition had me fly to Iloilo in a rush...hehehe!
The family business is growing in an awesome note. I was actually thinking of quitting work and help the fam on the business but I have to have other means or work in another company in Bacolod...and I'm thinking of teaching while doing all these... plus we need to find a place for the dog breeding...
Had problems with relationships within the family at the end of the year. I don't actually know how this started. I don't know... ='( I'm praying for this...
Friends
A lot of friends has come this year in 2008... and a lot has left or moved out of the country. Batch 17 came in this year... and new batches in SILAK and SILAB joined the number. Reunion in the organization gave us the chance to meet a lot of other alumni...Meet-ups with the cadets in Tpat is a venue to know those that left the portals of Taguig and the company... The barkada is now growing as the boyfies are now introduced and is included in our gimicks... got to meet Johnnar, Boy's boyfie and Rafael, Ate's boyfie at the end of the year... hope I could introduce mine soon...wahahaha!!!
On the otherhand a few people moved out... Ron and Mike went back to the province, Yvette went to Singapore for work and Ryan left the company and is now at Japan (I think)..Diane left for the States at the end of the year.. =(
SFC
The most important in 2008 is I guess joining SFC. I haven't blogged about the weekly sessions (Tuesday) we have at Delaney Hall last year, afraid that I might end up not finishing them. I haven't miss any session amidst my laziness...I gained more friends... got closer with the girls in my household. And most importantly is that I have renewed my relationship with the Lord. Although I still have to work on my bad habits and I admit I am still so so far from being a saint, but I guess, this is my start... my transition... to just let go and let God.
-o0o-
2008 was a great year. It gave us opportunities.. at work I gained my confidence in myself... yet at the same time, I learned to be humble. Travels gave me opportunities to appreciate the time that i have and the location I am in... include to that are the people I am with. Family and friends are my constant support...they have boost my morale after a great battle. SILAK and SILAB have always been there.. my second family in Manila... we're not related by blood but we're related by promise. SFC, hands down... I just don't know the feeling each time... can't put it to writing... =)
2008 is over... and it left me with a smile in my lips. (",)
Happy New Year everyone!!! Hope to have a bang with all of you this year!
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