violets are blue...

Happy National Heroes Day

2009-08-31T19:59:00.003+08:00

It's a holiday today..great no work, just a full day of rest. Well, not exactly, I did my laundry and some ironing...but still I'm enjoying the relaxed day.

I did some research for my interior...getting ready for the big project, I guess...I looked for some cabinet designs. I decided on a wall-to-wall design. I would invest on storage so I can have a super clutter-free life.

I read tips on interior designing and my best advise is to plan, plan, plan. I cut out some pics in the magazines and downloaded some pictures in the internet. I'll start visualizing then. well, happy National Heroes day to me.

Reviving my Blog

2009-08-16T21:25:00.004+08:00

I'm reviving my blog. It's been a while...anyway...what's new? I bought a new condo! I hope to move in by October this year. I hope my neighbors are nice, and I hope my interior would work out right. I have been visiting shops for decor, furniture, lighting, paint, appliance...you name it...anything I would need for my new place. I'm working on a tight budget, so I have to know my options. I have an interior designer whose helping me out...so I'm hoping for a great output. Anyway, so far, its been fun...window shopping, that is, for my new place...looking at dining sets, sofa, refrigerator, TV...its like getting married...only alone...haha!!!! cheers to me!

Lifestyle Change

2007-02-18T11:38:00.000+08:00

I'm going through a lifestyle change. Since January of this year, I have been running for one hour around the village, at least four times a week. If I'm really up to it, I go as far as 6 times a week. I eat the same amount of food, no diet and still, I lost a few lbs. I wake up every 5 am and make sure I do my routine.

It has changed me a lot since then. I make sure I go straight home so I can sleep, so I can jog early. With that, I make sure I manage my time in the office so I can leave at 645. And because I manage my time between 9 AM to 645 PM, I have a checklist of the things I needed to do to make sure I don't miss out on anything. I feel I can do more now that what I used to do before. My mind is clear, my energy level is high, I feel good about everything!

I hope this continues all throughout the year. Next month, on March, I'm heading back to the gym. Just like old times. I'm happy with my new routine. Maybe I can do more after the gym. Badminton or basketball perhaps?

Happy Valentines!

2007-02-14T23:56:00.000+08:00

Well, happy V-day everyone. It was a good day today. It was very festive in the office...everyone is in high spirits. My staffs even gave me flowers...hey...what more can a girl or a boss ask for?

Happy Birthday to me

2007-01-14T10:29:00.000+08:00

Januaries are a great time for me...it's my birthday. I had a good one for this year. But on my birthday, I had a really realy bad sore throat, not to mention cough and colds, so it was really an effort to be in the office and thank everybody for their efforts. Otherwise, I enjoyed the birthday.

I want to do simple living this year. I think I simplified my life already last year...I want to simplify even more. Plus, I will reduce alchohol intake ( I didn't drink on my birthday!), maybe go on a serious diet and a serious exercise routine.

I was looking for an apartment in Makati. Maybe I'll move out next year. I'm turning 30 and things should be a little different for me.

Well...it's the wrath of aging. But then again...life must go on.

Happy New Year

2006-12-31T23:29:00.000+08:00

Hey December 31...last time to blog for 2006...yahoo!!! It's been a great year. I love this year!!!

It's been a blast at work, life...love? well maybe, a little I guess Ü

I've met a lot of new friends, discovered things I can do, forgave myself for the things I can't...it's been a blast. I've been to a lot of places too...twice in Iloilo, Cebu, outing in Batangas...it was okay.

I hope next year would be just as good. God was good to me.

Maybe I can lose some weight next year and follow my program. I'll have a better year in Operations and God knows what's in store. Happy New year!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

2006-12-25T00:55:00.000+08:00

Its Christmas Time. The most wonderful time of the year. People usually wait the whole year for this...now it's finally here. I had a good Christmas. It was not too stressful and I really had a great time. Except for a few days with a heavy traffic, this holiday was quite a breeze for me.

I'm having dinner right now with Mama, Lola and my bro. We're having chicken, salad, ham and pasta.

Visited Iloilo

2006-11-23T22:00:00.000+08:00

I visited Iloilo last November 13 and 14 with an officemate. It was going to a familiar place with something different. It was my friends first time to visit Iloilo so it was nice to show someone around.

I went there for training for all the front-end personnel of a beauty store. The Ilonggos, as usual were very accomodating and hospitable. The training was a success...or at least I think it was.

Afterwards, my friend and I had dinner with my firend's grandmother. She was 84. Very much alert and active...I'd say, she acted like 60. We had dinner in Breakthrough restaurant...scallops, fish and lechon...what a feast.

I love Iloilo. Everybody's nice.

Anti-Christmas

2006-11-07T23:59:00.000+08:00

My lunch buddies, okay, we can qualify them as friends are accusing me as anti-Christmas. Last week, they were asking me if I started decorating for Christmas. Hello???? I don't do stuff like that...its so motherly...it's usually my lola or mom who does that. Then this morning, my friend was singing Christmas carols in the mall, singing along with the music...in full falsetto...so I kind of told my other friend to tell her to stop singing (in a candid way)...they both look atv me and say...are you anti-Christmas?

Of course not...it's the most wonderful time of the year. I just have a different way of appreciating the season...well...like...I can't think of any at this time.

The word for the day is noel meaning Christmas.

Second Career

2006-10-24T20:44:00.000+08:00

It was the anniversary of the mother company and my staffs volunteered... yup...volunteered for a dance number. The ever supportive boss...(that's me Ü) invited all the dancers in the house...that's 15, to practice in the house on a weekend. I hired a choreographer and last, broadcasted the upcoming activity via e-mail to all the people in the my small company.

What I got was a reprimand e-mail from management telling me I should have asked permision before broadcasting something and deciding something like that (huh?). Anyway, I told my staff to continue what they were doing because it was for the love of dancing in the first place. And secondly, we registered already.

My staff practiced for two weeks for the dance...they were really good. I'd show up during practice and give them a thumbs up.

The big day came and everybody was cheering for the big dance. They were really good Ü. Everybody liked it. What we did not expect was that the executive management really really liked it. The big boss saw the dance and said my staff will perform in the malls to promote our product. Something like an ati-atihan or street dancing concept....draw attention and distribute flyers after the dance, no stage, just plain dance in the mall in their funky costume. Aaaaaahhhhhh....me and my staffs were all screaming with unspeakable joy. This is the moment...I mean...how often do you get such kind of publicity? I was really damn proud...of my staffs. They just found a second career, and something they really like to do...make way to Operations...were invading the malls.

Not so Loaded These Days

2006-10-18T22:48:00.000+08:00

I love work these past few days. I'm not sure if I'm getting the hang of it or its just plainly a not-so-busy-day for me. I've had this for two weeks now. I'm not so loaded anymore. I get to observe what goes on... Well, the others are busy now...I guess, it just goes around...this is the best time to do planning and think strategy, because when my time is up again, my stress levels are at peak again. I'm not quite used to this, but it's a welcome relief. I checked my horoscope in Yahoo for today and this is what it said: "The frenetic pace of your life is definitely going to slow down starting today." True.

I'm Going to be Ninang---To a Wedding

2006-10-08T10:51:00.000+08:00

My staff is getting married this October. She asked me if I can be the Ninang to her wedding. Golly!!! I declined at first and told her I prefered not to. Ninangs are somebody you look up to on your marriage life. How can I be that role model?...this is so funny. She said okay, but I really felt guilty...she wanted it so bad...can be flattering on one end...and really freaky on the other. Well, I finally said yes. I'm going to Bicol to see Mayon Volcano...and be NinangÜ

Payday Today...Yahoo!

2006-09-08T23:50:00.000+08:00

It's payday...I'm glad I saved a few bucks to have the car fixed. I hope it's not too much, with budget tight these days. I hear rattling sounds from underneath the car...could be the chasis, according to an officemate...whatever that is. Maybe I can go to the mechanic and say some thing like..."Check mo nga chasis ko"...then maybe they won't know I'm such a dumdum with cars Ü

The french word for the day is voiture , meaning car,

Happy Birthday to Mama Mary.

I got the Cube!!!

2006-08-27T22:44:00.000+08:00

I was sharing a cube with my good friend Lyn due to space limitations. Then she went to Dubai to look for greener pastures. I went to my boss and asked if I can get the cube for myself because I needed it for mentoring and coaching all the staff he gave me...he agreed...it felt good Ü

Crab Mentality

2006-07-29T13:32:00.000+08:00

It is human nature to bring other people down. I am a victim at this time. The best way to stand up in times like this is to be strong and be courageous. Also, I think I need to keep a lower profile...when you're famous, people start to notice and envy creeps in. Take a backseat girl Ü

Addendum to Changes

2006-07-28T01:31:00.000+08:00

No new girl coming in...false alarm...I got the job of my colleague. My assignment...given to somebody else...can be a good or a bad thing...we'll see.

Changes

2006-07-12T23:06:00.000+08:00

New girl coming in...my good colleague just resigned...change can be a good thing..or maybe not so good...

Stuck in the Moment

2006-06-29T23:25:00.000+08:00

I'm so stressed at work...I just had to blog this. I have 4 sleepless nights already...working...I can't believe this. I just have to write this down. So when I look back, I can remember how I was. Sometimes, I can't even recognize myself anymore...I'm so beat. I have crossed some people already because I had to deal with them, I had to resolve too many inquiries because they come to me, I had to send too many advisories because its my job...can't it stop? Not now, I guess. I wish. Of course it can't. I had to download this song I remembered from David Bowie and Queens...Under Pressure pushing down on me. When this is all over, I'm going to celebrate. Big time. Good thing all my staff are good and reliable. God help me.

Training Adventure

2006-06-24T21:54:00.000+08:00

I just got back from a 2-day business trip to Iloilo, then off to a 2-day business trip to Cebu. It has been fun island hopping and traveling for work.

First was Iloilo. Day 1 was June 21. I took a 9:30 flight and arrived at 10:30. I just checked in and left my stuff in the hotel then I was off to my training schedule at 12:00. It was a tough schedule but it was fun. All the people were friendly and had smiles in their faces. It was not difficult to get around considering I'm part Ilonnga. I got to speak the local dialect when I ride cabs or when I buy stuff in the market..kaya mahirap ako lokohin Ü. The people I encountered were all very nice. I had to conduct a training for a new system. They were all very excited about it. There were some technical issues during training so it was quite stressful. Also, consider the fact that I was talking to IT people and I'm not even IT. But it was managed in the end 'cause I got great back-up support from Manila. At the end of my first day, I was quite relieved knowing it was a good one. For Day 2, it was just set-up and additional instructions.

On Day 3, Friday, June 23, I had to fly from Iloilo to Cebu at 8:30 AM. I got to Cebu at 9:30 and checked in on the hotel. I then went to my training site at 12:00.
Cebuanos on the other hand were a funny bunch. They were all laughs. They are relaxed and happy people. How nice...there are very few people in Manila like that nowadays. On Day 4, again, it was just set-up and final instructions for the Cebuanos. But before I went to work, I got to visit the Sto. Nino Cathedral. Everytime I go to Cebu (this is my third time), I always get to visit Sto. Nino. I would go to the museum everytime and check out the Sto. Nino outfits from previous festivals. Plus, I always ask for a boyfriend from the child wonder. Sometimes, he would almost give it to me. Or sometimes, I feel it was more like, "binibiro" nya ko. I always meet somebody after I pray to him, but he gives me non-Catholics. Haha...how funny the Sto. Nino is...playing tricks like that. Anyway, I specifically asked for a Catholic this time Ü let's see how the child wonder reacts.

The word for the day is voyager meaning to travel

Mall Of Asia Opens

2006-05-20T23:30:00.000+08:00

A new mall opens in front of our office. It's the biggest mall in the Philippines...believe me...it's right in front of me. It's exciting how life will change for me. With the mall in walking distance from my office...hell, you can do almost anything...movies, shop, coffee, promenade, lunch in the mall...anything, I swear! It's also scary going back to the old ways. I used to work in Makati and believe me...I've seen myself...I'm an impulse buyer and a major stockholder of Starbucks.

Well, for the meantime, my grandmother is super excited to see MOA. She made sure I have no plans this Sunday and even ironed all my clothes, so I get to take her to the mall. I can't wait to see the look on her face Ü

I Think I Blew It

2006-04-19T22:33:00.000+08:00

I went for a job interview today. The interviewee seemed nice and accomodating. She asked me a series of questions about what I do and how I work. It was a good start...until she asked me the question...what are your weaknesses...damn...I shouldn't have gone out to dinner and drank super daming coffee the night before an interview...and now...I was mentally blocked...as in blocked...as in...didn't know what to say...I was looking at her and saying..."I'm sure there's a lot...I just can't remember"...duh?!*&^%. "Maybe its too proud of me to actually admit that I have a weakness...hello#$%^&*(!...and totoo, it's the coffee...pure mental block...I blew it. Then she asked the next question..."Do you have plans of getting married soon?" I smiled and said..."Ah...that is the weakness."...and I knew, I really blew it!

The word for the day is entrevue meaning interview.

Change of Heart

2006-04-11T22:28:00.000+08:00

I am saddened by the loss of a friend. She had a sudden change of heart. Whatever her reasons are, I hope we can work it out. Oh well...

The word for the day is couer meaning heart.

Company Outing

2006-03-29T22:10:00.000+08:00

We had our outing last Saturday, March 25...and it was so much fun. I'm glad Lhynne and I planned a great deal. It was perfect. The budget was okay, the food was great, the games were fun, the program smooth, the alchol was overflowing... hey...what more can one ask for? I partied the whole night and slept in the pool until 6:00 AM (there was no space in the rooms...fully booked!). I had fun but i think I have pneumonia. I have been coughing for three days now. I guess I'm getting really old.

The word for the day is parfait which means perfect.

Buying Booze

2006-03-18T17:41:00.000+08:00

Our departmental outing is drawing near...that's next week, seven days from now and we are preparing for everything we need. My assignment is to take care of the program and games and to buy the booze we would be drinking for the party.

So I have my budget and went to the local grocery to buy liquor - beer, tequilla and brandy. I bought quite a number as it was for 40 people, so it was really a lot. When I got to the cashier...people were staring at me..from head to foot. I was wondering...what?, anything wrong with buying 6 cases of beer and a few bottles of evrything else?

Anyways, I paid my for everything and went out. The security guard stopped me and asked...is that for re-sale or for a party? Duh? (Should you care?). What's wrong in this picture?

The word for the day is boisson alcoolisée for liquor.

The word for the day is

Principal's Notice

2006-03-11T22:05:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, I received a complaint from Admin that my staff are too noisy. The memo read " Please tell your people to tone down their voices. They are heard as far as Mr _ _ _' s office.

Now the Admin is like our principal in the office. Too bad, they moved their office right next to us. I didn't know what to say. More likely, I was part of the reason why there was a noise. We were having fun in the office...always Ü

The word for the day is bruyant for noisy.

Long Weekend

2006-03-06T20:38:00.000+08:00

I got a VL on a Monday which is the first VL I got in 7 months. Yahoo...its was really a breather. It's been ages since I got lots of free time for myself. I went with mom in the bank today, had a tune up for the car and went to see the eye doctor.

I got calls from the office from time to time. I think I got 5 calls over the weekend...whew, talk about in demand...it would be really nice to work virtual someday...work from the office...everyday's a holiday Ü. But you also miss the people you see everyday...but it's also nice to have some time alone. Whatever...

Out of Town Today

2006-02-26T20:01:00.000+08:00

Today, we went scouting for an outing place for the department. My colleague spent the night in the house last night so we can hit Pansol early in the morning.

We started our day at 5:30 AM...wake up call!
Left the house at 6:00 AM
Breakfast in Mc Donald's in Petron South Superhiway until 7:00
Arrived in Pansol at 7:30
I think I got to seen 8 resorts in all until 10:30...kapagod.
Finally, we decided on a place, and decided, we should go for a swim, after all, nasa Pansol na kami.
Sa sobrang umay namin sa dami ng resort...kung ano na lang yung sunod na nakita namin...dun na kami naligo...the place was called Jonel's
Swimming galore until 12:00 noon.
Uh-oh, I just read my text at 12:00, problem in the office.
Bought pasalubong and Lambanog(!) in a specialty store.
Had lunch in this great place called Dalampasigan at 2:00...as in, situated in Laguna Bay, with all the water around us. Great place!
Off to Sta Rosa to pick up my staff on duty to an off-site area by 4:00.
Bought a new head set in the mall at 4:30
Hit the road back to Manila and drop my colleagues at 5:45
Mass at 6:00
Bought lettuce for mama at a grocery by 7:30.
Home at 8:00
Blog at 9:00
Hit the sack by 10:00 PM
Whew...what a day.

The word for the day is Natation for swimming.

Customer Service for Two days

2006-02-23T23:43:00.000+08:00

Last Saturday, I get to sit in the mall to be a Customer Service Representative. The head office sent me as the mall booth was undermanned, because it was mall opening. Lots of people!

Everybody was lining up to get a loyalty card. I accomodated at least 200 people in a day! That's 400 for two days! Whew! Thing is, it's really hard to be in Customer Service Representative and face so much people.

You have to smile a lot, as in a lot. You have to appease complaints and you must have the answer to all of their questions...as in all!

Customers nowadays are more demanding these days. They are more knowledgeable of what quality service is and they are really raising the standards. But some customers are really really bad. I have some branches calling me to advise that the customer made them cry because the customer said words that really hurt.

We always read in books that "The Customer is always right" or "The Customer is King". But lately, there are new studies that state that, the Customer is wrong, if they are already making money out of you or, which I strongly agree, if they are already using foul words on your employees.

I think Customer Service is a vocation. Not everyone can be patient, it takes a certain character to be one. I wish customers would be more understanding and patient. Sometimes customers think that if they raise their voice or show they are angry, they would get what they want. Well, as a customer, would you be truly happy with that knowing you made another person's life miserable? I don't know. well...

The word for the day is Service à la Clientèlemeaning Customer Service

2006-02-18T08:37:00.000+08:00

I went to my old boss' place last night. Grabe, ang laki ng house nya! It's nice to see the lifestyles of the rich...you get to dream big...as in really big. But I guess it's different for all of us...as the saying goes..."You can't have everything".

Some have some while some have most. But what can make a person truly happy? It's nice to dwell on the material sometimes...we all need money, don't we? But they say it can't truly make you happy even if you have all the money in the world...but then again, how would I know? I want to know!!! hehe ☺

The word for the day is maison meaning house.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

2006-02-15T22:07:00.000+08:00

Happy Valentines day to me! It was a fun day in the office! Lots of chocolates and other goodies from friends and colleagues. It was like Christmas, everyone was so happy.

I had three nice choices for a Valentine celebration last night...not exactly my cup of tea...but it'll do...

1. Dinner with my officemates in Westin Hotel
2. Dinner with my MBA friends in the Bamboo Lounge, The Fort
3. Watch Creature Feature in National Geographic in the house with Lola

Guess was the best option Ü.

2006-02-12T17:06:00.000+08:00

It's a nice Sunday today. The usual. I can see my neighbor in front of my house...she always, as in always, watches us...like we're in reality TV. She's a nice elederly woman and maybe it's some sort of a hobby for her, watching us I
mean...super strange and weird!

Anyway, not much to do today. I watched reruns of Arrested Development..it's a great sitcom...I always die laughing whenever I watch the show Ü...better if my brother was here...he laughs like a real whacko...nakakahawa talaga!

The French word for the day is rire meaning to laugh.

Quiet Sunday

2006-02-05T20:34:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, I enjoyed a good day with Toyrant. Thanks for keeping me company. Friends like Toyrant remind me that I am not going insane and that I am normal (contrary to what other people say) Ü

Nevertheless, I still need to keep my sanity intact...sometimes situations and circumstances are so baffling you can really lose yourself.

I played basketball today in court to get my mind off some things. It was a good exercise. Then I slept all day till my head ached, I went to mass, and had a good dinner with Lola and Mama.

It's lola's birthday tomorrow! I better get her something nice. Yahoo to 73!

Depression Again

2006-02-02T00:16:00.000+08:00

I am on a deep depression right now...deep as in...Marianas Trench deep. I don't know exactly why, it's hard to pinpoint...lots of reasons I guess...questions in life...why? why? why?!@#$%^&*()??????!!!!!

Well, I guess that's the beauty of life...it's all roses...but it also has thorns. And, come to think of it, it's okay to be depressed, well at least for a while...we're allowed to do that (hindi bawal). We can't always be strong and be in a good mood. We can't always be cheerful and always be on the bright side... sometimes we are in the dark...sometimes we are on the backseat...we are on the edge..sometimes we make mistakes...sometimes we cry...and it's okay...there is nothing wrong with that.

Depression

2006-01-28T00:04:00.000+08:00

Mom has these moments of depression lately. Mostly because of Tatay's "going away for good" incident. Does anyone have a cure for it...it's kind of contagious. Malapit na kong mahawa :(

The word for the day is contagieux meaning contagious.

Living Life or Wasting Life?

2006-01-22T19:29:00.000+08:00

Monday- Office. No gym. Home. Online Gaming.
Tuesday-Office. No gym. Dinner with Lyn. Talk about life, love, success and failures.
Wednesaday-Office. No gym. 4 bottles of beer with my staff and a colleague. Talk about office, work, people around us, life mostly.
Thursday-Office. Home. Online Gaming
Friday-Office. Home. Slept Early.
Saturday- No Office (Finally!). Watch Four Parts of Thorn Birds from 8 AM to 4 PM. Cried like there was no tomorrow. Prayer Meeting. Sleep.
Sunday-Mass (I was Lector for 2nd Reading today, I wish they'd stop making us wear "belo", I'm starting to look like a lampshade- white lampshade, to be exact). Watched the Manny Pacquio-Erik Morales Match. Hey, Manny won!. Update blog. Laundry.

-70% of my time is office. The workplace has to be something really fun and exciting for me to spend more than half my lifetime in such a place.
-A few hours are spent on online gaming. This past time gives me real satisfaction but someting I can probably do without. If I have another past time.
-Dinner and drinking with friends is another time consumer. I love talking and being with people I guess.
-A few hours are spent on TV, some on my spiritual needs like mass and prayer meeting, and very little, I found out, on household chores.

Okay...I need a makeover. Office is something I can't do without. But maybe, scratch the online gaming and do more household chores. Less on TV and engage in sports. Less on drinking and more of the sports, or the gym maybe. Let's see next week.

The French word for the day is semaine meaning week

Mean Girls

2006-01-16T22:19:00.000+08:00

I researched on articles on mean girls...these are girls who resort to gossip, intrigue, bullying and alienation to other girls in a group.

This usually occurs during childhood to adolescent years...mostly in high school where the popular girls can do anything they want, because, they are popular. The adults are usually unaware of this behaviour as the girls are nice when the adults are around but become bullies when the adults turn around.

Sad to say, you still see this kind of behavior in the workplace. The term is "Relation Aggression", where girls engage in destroying their victims emotionally compared to boys whose means of aggression is mostly physical...mostly fist fights.

My research shows there are the Queen Bees...these are the popular girls who usually lack self esteem and needs attention everytime. Then there is the Middle Bee....who usually acts as a side kick of the Queen Bee. She does not resort to aggression but just watches the Queen Bee, or, she would supply gossip to the Queen Bee and see her in action. Then there is the Afraid-to-Bee who is usually the victim and afraid to be left out and follows the Queen Bee.

Well the good news is, there is a solution to this Queen Bees for all you Afraid-to- Bees out there. First, is to recognize that there is a problem. Is she bullying you? Do you always get in trouble because of that person? Does she tell lies or gossip about you? Does she tell you what to do or else suffer consequences if you do not follow her? Do you feel emotionally drained and tired of her? Then there is indeed a problem. You must face these fears and keep in mind that she is just another person. You have every right to be in the workplace as she is. Both of you are doing your jobs and nobody has the right to impose emotional power over you. More than anything else, that person is usually insecure and wants to be noticed. Second, is for you not to be afraid of her. You should not mind if she does not like you...to hell with what she thinks of you...you can be your own self. You don't have to be a pleaser. And third, stay away from Queen Bees...they are like vampires...they suck the life out of you. You have to be surrrounded by people who are positive and happy...if they're mean and they like making fun of other people... it's not worth it.

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

2006-01-12T22:23:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, I celebrated my birthday. I went to the office and had plans of treating pizza for my staff. They've been greeting me for a week now and I think I got the message, hehe.

I came in the office and they did the sweetest thing. There were balloons in my cubicle, a happy birthday banner and 12 pink roses...how nice Ü. They sang happy birthday as I came in and it was really nice.

The rest of my colleagues gave me nice hugs and kisses for my birthday (considering the balloons are everywhere, it would be hard not to know). My boss came in and gave me a handshake (formal Ü)

I bought pizza for 50 people in the office and we had a real good time. My boss a chocolate cake so it was a real party.

Okay, when I was about to go home at 630, three of my staff invited me for a drink. Just a few beers for the celebrant...their treating. I said okay. So we drove to Bluewave for a drink but said, how about if we go to Fats (It's a Karaoke bar we hang out ...number of times we've been there...countless). So we drove to Fats because my staff said they wanted to express themselves for the night (huh?). So I let it pass, because these guys are really cuckoo sometimes, they say the weirdest things (just like the boss, hehe).

Finally, after a 15 minute drive, we arrived in Fats and they asked for the big room...now we were just 5...why get the big room?...and then when we came in...oh my, everybody was there...my staff gave me another surprise for the evening...they decorated the whole place and everybody was really really excited and cheerful...it was a real surprise...I've never had any thing like it!

And they actually have a program, can you imagine! There was a dance number and then they passed the microphone for a greeting and their wish for me...there was even a re-enactment of my actions and mannerisms...it was really funny. Then it was karaoke time and then we danced our hearts out! I had a great time. This is a great birthday. Now I'm a full pledged 28-year-old! Life is beautiful! I'm so lucky to have such nice people around me Ü

Birthday wish...more happiness...more places to see...more money to spend (the best)...good health!

The French word for the day is Bon Anniversaire for Happy Birthday

Great Confidence Level

2006-01-06T22:37:00.000+08:00

I remember my days when I was a staff and I was usually scared of my boss. I rarely have occassions of chitchat for fear of offending the bosses.

Maybe its the new breed of generation, maybe people have more confidence, maybe we read too much or maybe its my very workplace that makes it all different...but my staff, amazingly are very confident people who are not intimadated and can talk to higher people without fear and reservation. They speak their minds...which works well for me, because I'm very much the same. But I think I gained this confidence over time, possibly in a span of 3-4 years after graduation. But these new breed I'm talking about are fresh graduates or rookies on the job. They can laugh with you, joke with you, say what's wrong with the job, sometimes complain, or just about anything.

Hmmm...what caused this? Maybe school is a lot more different...there may be more interaction and socialization. TV I think also plays a major role. The characters nowadays are strong-willed and say what they want to say. Or maybe, just maybe, the boss is nice(hehe) so they're not afraid to speak up.

Anyway, they're different and better. At the rate their going, they'd be a lot more when they get to my age.

The word for the day is patron meaning boss.

Hello 2006!

2006-01-01T00:41:00.000+08:00

First post for the year...hurray!!! Welcome 2006 Ü

This year is the year of the dog. According to Chinese astrology (thanks to the good ol' internet) the Snake will have a good year this year. A possible boost in career or success in business, lots of money, average health, plus more... hmmmm... we'll see...

I saw this really nice blog where this gay guy posts Swedish words for the day...sound cool...we'll try French.

The French word for the day is Chinois meaning Chinese

2005-12-30T22:57:00.000+08:00

This is a nice strip...I still have the holiday blues...Merry Christmas everyone!

Year 2005 Assessment

2005-12-30T21:40:00.000+08:00

This is my first blogging year and its great to be able to look back, online that is!
Over-all, I'd say its been a good year for me...lot of things happening in and out. For the first quarter, I get to deal with a lot of changes like dealing with new boss. On the second quarter, I said goodbye to an old boss. Third quarter, I was saying goodbye to the once new boss and for the remainding of a quarter, dealing with another new boss.

It's also about meeting new friends and people. I met new people in my new company... and when I say people, I mean like about 40 new people. It's nice to know new and fascinating people, just when you thought you've met all types. It changes your views about life and you get to hear new stories and experiences from a different set or group.

It's also about dieting and sports. Didn't lose anything this year but it was nice engaging in running and a few times in the gym for 2005.

2005 is also about having a new job and how to handle new challenges. I get to specialize in my field and add learnings...not to mention items on the resume! (sana magamit in the future...we'll see!). I also get to handle and develop new people. They were really great and I'm so lucky to have them for my staff...super galing nila...maabutan na nila ko...balang araw, nakakahiya na maging boss nila!

But most of all, this year is all about Tatay's death...I'm saddened by the fact I didn't get to say goodbye but I guess that's what's life all about.

My wishlist for 2006
1. I get to buy a new car (or at least a new stereo)
2. Triple my current pay (I wish!)
3. Be a star (As if!)
4. Get to see my sister in the States
5. Bring lola to Hong Kong (why not?Ü)

Let's see by next year-end.

Merry Christmas!!!Ü

2005-12-25T20:10:00.000+08:00

It's Christmas time in the city....it just fell on a Sunday so there was no added bonus to the holiday. But other than that...the season went well. For this Christmas, there really was no shopping list for gifts. I didn't really buy anything for friends, or officemates, let alone myself. I guess I was not so much in the mood for shopping...it was different this year. It was a trial to de-stress myself..no shopping lines...no thinking of what to buy...no worries. I think I saved a few stress points on that. But then it happened, every morning, I would receive gifts from my staff, colleagues, my boss, my friends, even neighbors, even the prayer group committee...stop!!! It was all too much...I think I got more stress accepting those gifts than not shopping for anything. But at the end of it all...it was a good season. And I finally gave in and bought something for Carlo and lola on the 24th...my two Christmas buddies.

Mama spent her Christmas in Antique 'cause it's Tatay's 40th day from the day...what's that term? ...he rested on the grave? Anyway, it was a fun Christmas...we went to my lola's sister who came from the States... imagine... namamasko ang lola ko...baliktad na talaga...she actually bagged a lot...she had a lot of nieces and nephews. It's funny coz they remember my lola (their aunt in this case) when she was the one handing out the aguinaldos. I guess now, (it's payback time!) they are returning the favor.

Overall assessment...it was a fun Christmas...I partied with a lot of friends...it was my first Christmas with my new company, I had fun with my new colleagues especially with my staff, plus Gheng finally got married (haha!...that's for you Gheng).

I'm happy I had one post for the month...at least I made one post every month...not bad Ü Merry Christmas!

2005-11-13T20:58:00.000+08:00

This is a website for a friend...a gift for her wedding...gawa ng brother ko...Check it out...www.rolandgheng.blogspot.com

501

Tatay Passed Away

2005-11-13T15:13:00.000+08:00

Last October 28, my aunt in Antique texted that my dad ate breakfast, choked and has been unconscious for hours. He was suffering his fourth stroke that time. He died at 1200 midninght, October 29.

Tatay left the house a year ago, insisting he wanted to be in Antique, his hometown...there he could sit on the sidewalk for hours and talk to the townsfolk for hours. There he could eat fresh fish everyday and not worry about artificials and preservatives. There he has fresh air. There he can engage in his favorite sport...cockfighting. He loved his hometown...so we let him go. He died exactly one year from the day he left Oct 29 2004 to Oct 29, 2005. It seemed he just wanted to experience life in his hometown for one last time.

No wonder, when I came to antique for the wake, there is a different kind of feeling when you are there. The place is a small barrio called Brgy Butuan, Anini-y, Antique. The people were all smiles and they don't regard you as a stranger. Everyone is welcome. You can go to any house and they treat you like family. It's 3 hours away from the city and the barrio is very primitive. There is the seashore at the back of our house and a scenic view of the mountain in front of the house. Tatay loved this place...he never got over it...

I will never forget or at least I would try to blog so I don't forget how we celebrated Tatay's burol. The mood was festive and we had relatives coming from different parts of the province. There was food, festivities, even videoke. And three days after we bury Tatay, we have a swimming party! (Too bad, I had to go back to Manila). Thing is, this barrio regarded death as a celebration, a festival. Not a gloomy and sad affair. They were sad for the loss but also happy that Tatay is ion a better place.

The people of Butuan are plain simple and happy folks. They do not wish so much for riches and glory. There is beauty in their simplicity. There is no stress and no rush to do things immediately...unlike here in Manila.

I think I just found a retirement place...I can't wait to be 60 Ü

Gained Four Pounds

2005-10-23T23:46:00.001+08:00

So much for doing intense workout. I actually gained four pounds instead of losing it...yup..inspite of the south beach diet and the visits to the gym four times a week....I think I'm in the wrong program....or maybe, I'm doing it all wrong.

So this weekend, I pigged out...like major!...rice, pansit malabon, pansit palabok, ice cream...name it!

Well, at least I tried. my friend's wedding is this Sunday.

Intense Workout

2005-09-24T17:34:00.000+08:00

For the past few days, I have been going to the gym and doing intense, cardio work-out for an hour. No miss, except last Wednesday. Even now on a Saturday, I went to play basketball and then went swimming for an hour. My arms and legs are sore but I feel high. My target date of Oct 30 to lose 15 to 20 lbs seems realistic. I lost 2 lbs this week (ang baba 'no). If I continue doing the same trend, that is, kill myself with exercise, I just might hit 10 on Oct 30.

Nice Sunday

2005-09-19T00:20:00.000+08:00

I am happy to say that I had a very fulfilling Sunday today. First, I got to sleep until 10:00 AM which was the first time it happened in a span of two weeks time (sobrang busy)...how refreshing. Next on the agenda, I got to clean the car...as in, really clean the car inside and out...dami kong nakuhang lupa sa ilalim ng gulong. I think I was cleaning the car for about two and a half hours...grabe!!! Then I went to mass...ate tons of fishballs! and finally, installed Ragnarok online in 4 PC's! Wow...major accomplishment! It's about 920 in the evening...i think i'm hitting the sack, sobrang pagod...hay.

I mentioned to an officemate that I was doing this website...a personal journal...he was asking what was the site and I told him I don't give it out. He made a bet until Friday he can locate this site...no clues...well, good luck!!!

Christmas is in the Air

2005-09-04T20:05:00.000+08:00

As early as September 1, I began to get Chrsitmas greetings. Amazing how Filipinos are...they say Christmas is in the air when the ber months come in. I our office (since I am in retail), we already have suppliers lining up to sell Christmas trees...indeed, another christmas and another year will be coming in...parang kailan lang...did I accomplish much this year? I better do something fast, like really fast, less than four months na lang pala.

What exactly did I accomplish for three quarters?
1. Managed to transfer to a new department.
2. Gained new set of friends.
3. Went hiking in Taal Volcano.
4. Set up my blog site

That's it...yun lang? wala na kong maisip na major...need to do more...pressure!

South Beach Diet

2005-09-01T22:38:00.000+08:00

Today is my day 1 for the South beach Diet. I hope it works. Dami kong unlikely remarks na nakuha sa mere dieting. Things like, diet ba yan? Lakas mo kumain, mali diet, eto na lang gawin mo, blah blah...hello?!@#$%^&. Get your own diet kaya!!!! Pero in fairness, medyo nahilo ako sa gutom. Low carb, heavy on veggies...todo na to...might have to go back to the gym na rin...

My friend also told me she;s pregnant...Congratulations G!

Chinese this Time

2005-08-30T21:02:00.000+08:00

This time we went to a Chinese restaurant in Roxas Blvd...Cafe Felisa? Am not sure...does not even sound Chinese...we had a mantis (lobster's cousin), chicken, chopsuey, shrimp, pork swimming in sesame oil and hot chili, and lychees for dessert....hmmm...I think I'll really grow big here...I need to do some workout.

Thai for Lunch

2005-08-29T22:32:00.000+08:00

Today we went for Thai for Lunch...my new boss is super bait and treats us always to fancy restaurants. We had curry, crab rice, liempo and sweet and sour lapu-lapu. It was a real feast Ü He was ordering halo halo pa for desert but I just had to say no...it was already too much.

Hello World!!!

2005-08-27T17:11:00.000+08:00

Hello World Wide Web! I'm back...after two months of busy schedules and adjustiments to a new job...I finally have time to engage in the internet...well, I'm enjoying my new job...here are some stories...First on the agenda...memos...I didn't use to write my memos before...i didn't know it can be such a tedious task at first. You have to give complete attention to detail (which I lack), as in! Spelling, typos, alignment spacing...as in everything....especially if your memo reaches thousands of readers and employees in all of mall branches nationwide....whew! scary thought(Ü)if you have a typo...

Second on the list...new friends...suddenly, I have a fresh network of new friends...just when you thought you've met all type of people in this world, you meet a new set...some you can relate to your old friends. You can say things like "I have a friend who acts just like you" or "Iknow somebody who speaks the same way you do" ...anyway, it's been fun.

Third on the list. A whole new world of learning. Now you I hear terminologies and processes i have never heard before...there's just too much information in this world...we just can't get enough of them.

And fourth, a new challenge. It's always refreshing to have something new. A fresh start. Back to square 1. Forget the past. Move on.

Food Poisoning Case---Investigative

2005-06-25T14:08:00.000+08:00

I'm here in the house...lots of kids doing the internet so I have some free time to do my blog...

The case:
At 2 PM, Wednesday, June 22, I suffered severed stomach churning and turning and the most unexplainable yacking of my digestive track...in other words, sobrang sakit ng tyan ko!!! I had to go to my boss to ask for undertime (as in for the first time in 10 months, meaning its not habitual, kailangan ko pang i-explain 'no?). he said yes but not to gladly, asking if I had finished my work (Hello...I think I was almost fainting that hour...I said...i'll just give him an update but I really have to go home.)

So I went home, but I swear my stomach was really angry...when I reached Alabang to take another jeepney ride... I swear, I pucked in the side street...twice!...a lot!...Yuckk!!...Eooowww!!...anyway, nobody helped me...I was alone and this was the first time it ever happened to me...the people around me just stared, I think they thought I was drunk! ...I went to 7-Eleven...grabbed some wet wipes and went to Jollibee's CR to refresh and clean up...I was a real mess...grabe!

I went home with a fever...churning stomach and almost passed out. I was absent for two days from work...spent a few bucks for medication and had two terrible nights of bedsore, headache and stomach pains.

Possible Causes:

Cause # 1: I ate oysters and seafood kare-kare at Blue Marlin in Glorietta...am not sure if I'm not used to eating oysters or its my stomach

Cause #2: I was wearing this really nice dangling earrings that day and everybody was complimenting how nice I looked. They were all saying my earrings were nice or I looked nice...whatever...thing is...they were a lot....about ten..."nabati or nausog" ata ako

Cause #3: I had a visit from a cousin from the province in the office and she said I looked fat...uh-oh..."nabati o nausog" nya rin ata ako....

Conclusion:

I think 50% of my stomach ache came from cousin, she really has this strong effect on other people...it's actually proven so my bet is on her...30% would be from the people in the office...remind me not to wear those damned earrings again!...and 20% from Blue Marlin...I promise, never to eat in that restaurant again!...(But thank you Gheng for the free dinner)

2005-06-17T21:27:00.000+08:00

Here's a picture of my idols!

Mr and Mrs Smith

2005-06-13T21:27:00.000+08:00

I watched a movie last night with my mom...Mr and Mrs Smith. It was a movie I was really looking forward to because one, I love Angelina Jolie, two, I love Brad Pitt and three, it was a great story line, judging from the trailer. I give it 8 stars out of ten. It was worth the money.

But after the movie, I felt a sudden sadness. Movies are glamorous and happy...full of action because they have to keep it exciting in a two hour period. I was thinking, why can't my life,or our lives be as exciting...you know, dangerous trips to Columbia, exciting trips to different places, buy all the gadgets you need and want, fancy cars...that sort of things...yes, I'm sour graping...give me a break....I can't be happy all the time Ü But then again, it's just a movie

Dear Badette

2005-06-11T12:34:00.000+08:00

My boss and friend Badette is resigning to take on a different challenge in her life...she's going to be a full-time Entrepreneur...about time Badette, yan naman talaga ang talent mo...Many of us want to be in your status, sobrang nakakainggit ka. Anyway, I wish you luck in your new move (as if, kailangan mo pa nun). Sya lang ang tao na sobrang malapit ang pera, as in, kumakatok sa pinto nya...hinahanap sya, di na nya kailangang hanapin...sobrang effortless...and because marami syang blessing, lagi nyang shi-ne-share sa min. She would always treat us for lunch, merienda, cakes, donations sa Christmas party...name it...mapagbigay si Badette...that may be her secret to success.

We went to a lot of tough times together and I learned a lot from her. I owe her a lot to where I am. She gave me a good break and she was one of the few people who really believed in me. I gained greater confidence knowing that she trusted me...But like any good thing, nothing lasts forever...and this is the end of the road for us. I'll see you again on the next street kung saan tayo magkikita...I wish you all the best and again, thank you for everything!

Life updates

2005-06-11T12:16:00.000+08:00

Been out of blog for a while due to internet problems in my house....anyway...I'm back...so what's up in my life? Not much, I guess, nothing but work...I'll try to break it down to different categories

Work: My boss and good friend Badette is leaving the company (this deserves a new post) . My other Boss is still concentrating on his "business plan" that he claims, would really blow our minds thanks to his good ol' consultant and
only, and I mean only friend in the planet. His other would be friend, a
secretary he pirated from his old company declines him for the 2nd, and I mean
two times...sir, pag ayaw ng tao, wag mo pilitin.

Family: Mom is continuing her studies in religion, Che is doing great in the US...new car, having dates, maybe a new apartment? carlo, is on his 3rd year in high school, Lola, her usual self and my tatay, back to his cocpit days
(that means, his healthy Ü)

Social life: Less drinking...not going out too much...rest for a while...give me a month. Have plans though to go overnight to a friend's house---pending.

Lovelife: Negative

Spiritual: Prayer meeting once a week, last Thursday, June 9 was the most recent. They wanted to start sunday school...pwede...

Plans in the near future: Get insurance.

Far future: Re-apply for my Us Visa, buy a car

Far Far Future: Buy a condo unit

Far Far Far Future: Travel the moon!!!

Resignation Blues

2005-05-18T22:50:00.000+08:00

I'm feeling a self pity right now...uh-huh..now. I feel like I want to stay in the job but don't have much choice.

My friend Girlie called up and asked me to reconsider. She said the things we should check with our current jobs are:
1) are you still learning something new? Check
2) do you have friends in the office? Lots!
3)can you still do other things apart from your job? Affirmative
...Then she suggested that I stay, until I can get a replacement, that way, I still have bargaining power. Okay, Girlie wins...stay...until I can get another...after all, "Patience is a virtue"

Sabado Nights

2005-05-15T19:46:00.000+08:00

Last Saturday, me the old gals guys and the "new guys" went to blue wave...o di ba, moving on na kami. Amazingly, they same the same stories as the old boys. Plus makulit din sila Ü At hindi pa kami umuuwi, nagpaplano na sila for next Saturday...hmmm...medyo magimik din ang mga eto...wala na atang katapusan...balik na naman sa dati. At in fairness, ayaw nila ng Blue Wave, as in, lalabas kami....Malate? Libis? Ü Sabi ko pa naman, magbabago na ko. Hehe. Todo na 'to...2nd chapter na ...

On another note, I hope you guys are enjoying your job hunting as much as I do. Lapit na rin sana kami ni Cha mag-end of contract para makapag-despedida party tayo to the max!!!

High Energy

2005-05-08T21:25:00.000+08:00

I was still feeling a little low today. Yesterday, was my first Saturday without the tropa. You can really feel the sad atmosphere in the office. Wala ng makulit at magugulo...how sad... It was also the first time na wala kaming Bluewave moment on a Saturday...walang nagyaya for beer drinking...

So I went home and for the first time, I went home early on a Saturday...I'm not really used to this, going home early, that is, anyway, I slept at 9:00 PM. I was already up by 6:00 AM, still sulking, I decided to to walk the dog, yup, Usher, but it was really more of walking the dog-owner than the dog...he was running in circles I had to follow around. But amazingly, I enjoyed my walk and I felt super energized...so, I went back to the house, left Usher and got my basketball...okay! no boys in the court, most of the time, they hoard the damn place, so it was a rare moment and I grabbed the opportunity to play... I practiced my three-point-shoot out skills...okay, I admit, I need more practice...I only have a small 10% probability to shoot. The sun was up so i went home...but wait...it was too hot...what if i go for a swim?...nah!...why not?...okay, but only for a few laps...So I went to the clubhouse and went for a swim, wow...energy!!!!! Of course, today is also mother's day so I greeted my dear lola and mama. Then I went to mass. Whew..that was this morning, now its 9:30 in the evening and my arms and legs are sore...really sore%^$#@!, I think I will have a headache, what have I done? Look at that, the things I would do to counter sadness....well....that's life Ü...at least, now, I'm having fun, just ALONE this time, but fun Ü

Losing Friends

2005-05-01T20:49:00.000+08:00

This week, my new found friends are leaving. As in, really leaving...gone..away... Their contract in the office expires and they have to go...as in really go...My drinking buddies aka out-of-town barkadas and madaling-hilahin-pwede-kahit-saan-ka-jamming friends...will be gone.

Years back, I would have neen terribly saddened by that fact...But now, at 27, I realize that people do come and go in our lives no matter what. They will come and give you a piece of themselves, and then they're gone...really gone. But you have memories of them and those remain. You can also be a better person after that or maybe, just maybe, worse than you were before hehe (but the chances are very slim).

Let me enumerate the number of friends who left me...there's high school friends, have not seen some of them for years save for one...Mameng, that is...There is also Elaine...my good friend from the old office who left for the States. There's B-anne who went to Canada...Paz in New Zealand...my other officemates that I see rarely now (it's more of me leaving them actually)...There's Jazz, also in Canada and need I say more, my sister and good friend also left me and headed for the US.

See? Everybody's leaving...as in, EVERYBODY...pretty soon, there'd be no one left here....as in, NO ONE!!! what a scary thought...erase...actually SOMEONE new will come..we build new friends who will give us new insights...I hope. anyway, life's too short to worry about that. To conclude everything I would just like to say, sometimes it's nice to be ALONE...right, ALONE Ü

Sabado Night

2005-04-17T00:53:00.000+08:00

It's Saturday here, 1:00 AM...am here in Echie's condo, Taguig, drinking mango flavored gin...nice twist. Dinner care of AJ...imagine, a guy who cooks Korean beef and seafood pasta...get out!...sarap pare! Toxi's here, with his usual words of wisdom.

I'm staying overnight cause I'm drinking while writting this blog. I'd like to see my output the next day if you have alchohol loaded while writing a blog... nothing much I guess, except you don't make much sense.

Got to go...we're playing Taboo...

Ran a 5K Marathon

2005-04-13T23:19:00.000+08:00

The office organized a Fun Run for a 5K Marathon. Being a self-proclaimed gym buff "kuno", I always engage my self to the TREADMILL whenever I go to the gym. I run, like really really run in the treadmill. Well, it's fun for me and I have developed strong muscles for my legs because of this exercise. So when the marathon was announced, Iwas excited and up for the challenge.

I registered and was given the number 006...i was proud...I was joining a marathon...but more than that, I was thinking of winning...maybe I can be in top 20...perhaps.

So I went to Roxas (the venue) last Saturday, April 9 for the run. I was there at 5:30 in the morning...excited...yes...There was a lot of people. They came by the buses. These were my SM officemates from other branches...yahoo!... I have many to outweigh, outlast and outrun. Maybe Top 30...perhaps.

On your mark...get set...go!!!...I heard a gun shot...and the shouts of people cheering and shouting...wait, I'm supposed to run...and I did run...I was even holding my car keys and my cellphone...I didn't have pockets...there were already hundreds in front of me...I was running, but I already saw I cannot possibly be in the forecasted top 20 or even 30...they were so fast. I never thought so many could run so fast. Overconfidence?...perhaps Ü

Anyway, 5k was a long but indeed fun run...I was panting in the track but I never gave up. My spirits even went up when I got a glimpse of the finish line. Moreover, there was an announcement on the megaphone..."Six minutes to get a free shirt for the marathon finishers" Yahoo!!!...I got a shirt...I was expecting the medal, but, this will do. Guess what, I was number 543...well, so much for forecasting top 20 or even 30...haha! My record was 35 min and 51 sec.

My staff who went with me finished the marathon, but his time was too long, the organizers were no longer there and could not care less of yur rank. Plus, he didn't get a shirt...I gave mine...well, so much for the souvenir.

Am I running again? Perhaps...maybe next year I can be at least in the top 400...or maybe, 200? Overconfidence? PerhapsÜ

Which Disney Princess Are You?et

2005-03-24T10:32:00.000+08:00

Which Disney Princess are you?

Bad Saturday

2005-03-21T20:54:00.000+08:00

I want to share one Saturday last week...it was March 12. I was driving to work, 5 minutes before I am officially late, when an MMDA asked me to stop and asked for my license. the verdict---swerving. I was in a terrible haste and told him, he can have my license...I just need to swipe my ID in SM 3 minutes away, so I won't be late. The MMDA was confused...I am leaving my license with him so I won't be late for work. I again reiterated, "Sir, babalikan ko na lang yung lisensya ko. Sa-swipe ko lang yung ID ko!" Still, unable to comprehend, the MMDA insists that we settle it once and for all...I again, told him, he can have my license... the MMDA, quite confused this time...asked me what my position was in the company...duh?...what does my position have to do with my driving...I asked him why? The MMDA, thinking I was a useless fruitbasket decided I can go...huh? anyway, when I zoomed away, I felt my clutch tick...true enough, 3 minutes away from the MMDA, my clutch was no longer working.

I asked the security guards in the gate to push my car to the parking lot. I went inside the office... confused... worried...what should I do? I called the gas station near the office and spoke with a mechanic...yes, he can fix the car. After estimating the cost of parts and labor, it amounted to an amazing P2500.00...wow...that is a lot, for me, that is. I went to my boss and borrowed some money.

Anyway, I got the money, bought the spare part and paid the mechanic...but after everything...I was a total wreck. I did not have lunch, I was staring at the ceiling and was plain too tired...what a Saturday!!!

2005-03-16T21:43:00.000+08:00

Taal Lake Getaway!

2005-03-16T21:42:00.000+08:00

It's nice to be in Taal Volcano

Referred a Friend

2005-03-16T20:35:00.000+08:00

My contractual officemates/drinking buddies/friends would soon be going their own ways as their contracts expire. It would really be sad :( But then again, we can only be happy for the memories they gave us...me for this matter. I am glad to be in a circle of young minds...full of hope and fresh ideas.

I e-mailed my friends and asked for a referral in their companies. Amazingly, a lot of them replied and told me they did have a job opening. I realized that you just have to know the right people in order to get ahead. One of them, Michael, that is, whose contract expired last week, was hired after a week thru my referral...plus of course the fact that he really did well in the exam and interview. I am so happy to be a part of his career growth. Well, I have around 8 more jobs to fill...I hope I can place them. I never thought I could be an HR Manager... hehe... sounds fun.

Anyway, let me share with you some pictures we had during our trip to Tagaytay. It was swell...we went up to Taal Volcano. Two days after, there was a news on the radio that the Volcano is on red alert. Hmmm....the 4th eruption would have been a close encounter.

2005-02-27T19:44:00.000+08:00

We got a new dog and named him Usher...I got him around the first week of February. I took Usher from a friend on a Friday which was a gimmick night. Not wanting to miss out the fun, I brought Usher to my drinking spree..haha...He was kind of shy at first...he'll get used to it Ü Anyway, here's a sample Usher's first night out with her new friends or should I say, Dog talk:

Friend 1: Wag mo palalabasin yan ng bahay, baka mabarkada sa mga pusa. Tingnan mo yung aso
namin, nuon nagbubukas ng gate namin...ngayon tamad na simula nung mabarkada.
Friend 2: Ganun? Mukhang inaantok na si Usher...
Usher: (No comment)
Friend 3: Anung tawag sa aso pag cross breed ng Bull Dog at Shitsu?
Violet: Ano?Friend 3: E di bullshit.
Usher: (No Comment)

Usher is now 1 month old, and my Lola is super happy to have her. She cooks ginisang corned beef for Usher and serves us with dry and blunt fried fish. Furthermore hindi kumakain si Usher ng malamig na kanin...so kami ang kumakain ng lamig, sa kanya yung bagong luto. Ooops, got to go and feed the dog.

For you Sheils....Happy Valentines!

2005-02-15T21:06:00.000+08:00

I was minding my own business on a busy Tuesday afternoon, when I got a text message from my Mom. It read something like "Bwiset la na naman akong date sa Valentines. Shit!" At first I thought it was a forwarded message...then I got another text saying it was a text from Sheila in the US. As all my friends know, I lost my cellphone three times, thereby changing sim three times, plus the fact that I switched from globe to smart, so that makes it four. Plus another fact that I switched from line to prepaid, that's five...and for the times I did not have a phone I temporarily used my mom's cellphone, so that'll be six. Wow! So Sheila here, may be one of those people who have six of my numbers and used the wrong one...my mother's.

Now my mom, thinking the text was from my sister in the US (who by the way also changes her number lots of times...magkapatid nga kami! First phone in the US slippied in the toilet bowl, used two of her friends number, and now finally, her own number...so that's four...still, my record stands) Anyway, my mom replied "Hayaan mo, ihahanap kita"....Now Sheila here texted (and was forwarded to me) "Putang ina, anung ihahanap e wala nga, wala!" Now my mom here, reading this words knew, this is not Che...most likely Sheila and forwarded the message to me.

First of all Sheils, hindi lang ikaw ang walang Valentine...lang 'ya, wag mong murahin nanay ko Ü. Pangalawa, ihahanap ka nga nya, although kung ako nga hindi nya mahanap, ewan ko kung pa'no nya gagawin yun. Maniwala ka na lang. And third, this is a blog moment...may naisulat ako. Love you Sheils!

And to all singles out there...mabuhay tayo!

Everyday Life

2005-02-01T22:45:00.000+08:00

Time I got in the office...8:59, usual stuff, papers and work. Then I was called for a board meeting...or should i say, "bored" meeting. I have always wondered what these meetings were all about. I used to be the staff and would stare at conference rooms and wish I were inside and contribute more to my company...exchange ideas, express my views, blah, blah, those kind of things. Well, I never thought meetings can be so boring. It's more of an avenue for members of the meeting to dress up and show the other guys they dress better than the other. Or the better they dress, the more power they have. It can also be a way to demonstrate how good you are in English. The more accent and flare you have, the more impressive. Or it can be one good channel to show how much you know what you are doing, how dumb are the other people who doesn't know and that you are indispensible to the company. Yup...they need to feel needed...hell, it was sooooo boring.

Anyway, I went out to lunch after that and tried to forget the terrible morning. Too many people trying to outdo each other...give me a break! Anyway, lunch was great, I tried to concentrate more on what other people do during lunch breaks...how they eat, how they drink, who are their friends? do they laugh?...at least, this is not boring....

By the way, trying to look for a condo for investment...as if! I think my mom wants me out of the house...she's scouting for my place...haha!

Growing Up is Hard to do...

2005-01-23T13:46:00.000+08:00

It was a Friday...my staff and the fresh grads in the office are going out for beer and billiards...they asked me if I want to come along. Being a manager in the department, sometimes its hard for me to just say "yes" and come along. Yes, I wanted to come, but whereas before, I was always the life of the party and promoter of gimmicks, now, there are now consequences to consider. First, my boss discussed with me before that I am too friendly. That is, I have to draw the line between staff and management. She says, in the future, they would be too comfortable with me and it'll be hard to manage them. I do see her point. In fact, even my other friends say that. But how? I can't help but talk to them like... well, like friends. So sometimes, I have to act unfriendly hehe. Second, am I being a bad role model? Where bosses seem to be always prim and proper, I cannot seem to get over being fun loving...would I lose their respect in the process? I remember the days when I was a staff...I can go out without these two things in my head. Now I have to act like a boss in the office, and a staff when I'm out(if you know what I mean...major schizo!). Well, just so you know, I did go out for billiards and beer, and of course, karaoke. Hey, I'm only human Ü...

Violence in the Bus

2005-01-20T18:59:00.000+08:00

I was on my way to the office yesterday and took the bus...mind you...these buses, travelling Magallanes to Baclaran are the fastest drivers in the country. Take note, I am a bus expert. I have travelled bus routes ranging from Valenzuela to Makati, Valenzuela to Baguio, Laguna to Makati, Valenzuela to Vigan, then Vigan to Pagudpod, bus routes from San Carlos Bacolod to City proper, bus routes from Roxas City to Iloilo (I think I spent three hours sitting there!), Iloilo to Antique and back, Caticlan to Boracay island, name it...tons of routes...but nothing, as in nothing beats these buses going to Baclaran (you can pretty much guess where I work...in case I become famous on the internet..ha!). Anyway, they travel at least 150 to 180 mph, considering this is an MMDA zone (by that, I mean, they are everywhere, in fact, I think they are all here). Wait, I forgot to mention, it should be non-aircon. Again, I was on my way to the office when the MMDA stopped us and said some violation on the 2nd lane...the driver argued and was a little upset. The passenger near the driver pressed the driver's honk while the MMDA officer was ticketing the bus driver. The MMDA officer approaches the bus and the passenger and the MMDA officer had a huge fight. She said she was a witness that no violation happened. A second passenger second emotions (did I say that right?) and creates an uproar. All the people were saying nasty things to the poor MMDA guy. Is this the trend nowadays? The whole bus against a law enforcer? La na talagang takot ang mga tao (No fear!!!) Well, I guess I should close this again with a lesson learned, "Bring the car".

Mr X Resigns

2005-01-18T22:06:00.000+08:00

Mr X has been sad lately and the usual air and confidence was no longer there...hmm...did he finally realize his confidence was too high, or was it just my imagination? Well, you know me...my boss sometimes calls me Ms Tactless, I must learn the truth...so I went to him and asked him what was wrong. He tells me he just resigned as he got a better offer from another company...well, good for him. But he was actually sad...strange? He said he liked his work in our company and that he liked the people(including me)...uhoh...guilt feelings...after my misjudgement of his super high confidence...maybe he is just into positive thinking...too positive , that is. This is another blog moment as I have to explain myself again....lesson learned...Thou shall not judge...Good Luck Mr X aka Mary Magdalene aka Mr. Close Up...I hope you find what you are looking for.

4 Tardies in a Month

2005-01-17T22:06:00.000+08:00

My company has just brought in a new HR and has imposed a strict compliance on tardiness rules...which is, tardies are not to exceed 4 times in a calendar month...oh dear...it is only the 17th and I already have 3 tardies! Ohuh...help, help,help! Tardiness has always been a problem of mine, ever since...I don't know why. I am simply amazed by people who never fail to be late...ever. I mean, I had previous officemates who has been late only once a year...duh? how did that happen? Or worse, never a single tardy in a year. I think that was one of the reasons why I wanted so much to have a business when I ventured for an internet shop...it was so that I can come to work any time I want. Well, I did get my shop, but had to close due to a wrong location (thus suffered tremendous losses...but that's past)...but thing is, I still had to be early in the shop...otherwise...you miss out on the early customers. But at least, that's a pressure to myself...not from the company! What I'm really tring to say is, there are 365 days in a year...4 lates x 12 is only 48. 48/365 is only 13.15% which is a small percentage. So, give us a BREAK!!! Anyway, have to sleep now, so I can wake up early and not be late.

Mind of a Fresh Grad

2005-01-14T23:06:00.000+08:00

It was breaktime in the office and I decided to take my break with the boys and have a small chitchat. These "boys" are again fresh grads, hot from the grill...fresh from the fire, armed with all the necessary tools they would need to prepare them for the corporate life. So I ask them "How do you find corporate life?"...The answers were a smirk, a smile, a snort?...well, one guy said..."We never thought it could be so boring, we expected it to be something more like what you do"...wow...did I hear that right again?...somebody thinks my job is actually interesteing. Funny, if you asked me the same question, 5 years ago, I would have answered the same way...a smirk, a smile, maybe a snort...but now, things have changed. I love what I am doing now...maybe its because it is a better job or maybe because I have matured in some way and I learned to appreciate whatever it is that I do...or maybe both...or maybe, I'm getting older...that's for sure! Anyway, its nice to know that these people now look up to you and you now serve as their role model (ugggh!!! damn, I'm really getting old)...well, they invited me to go drinking this Saturday...maybe...it's fun being with them... maybe not...I'm a role model....haha!..well maybe up to two bottles, perhaps?...perhaps...

Birthday Blues

2005-01-11T17:55:00.000+08:00

Birthdays are supposed to be happy moments...but there are times..and I mean lots of times where we dread birthdays...why?
1) We are one step closer to the grave. One year older means a greater probability of dying due to old age
2) We have to treat so many people, especially if we have so many friends...and thus, we can damn run out of cash.
3) The sick pressure where everyone just looks at you and says through their eyes, "hey, your biological clock is ticking."
4) You look back to your life and realize...I have not accomplished much, not saved much...not done much etc..etc.
5) There are now blogs where you can pour out your sentiments to the web. Pathetic? Maybe...

500% Confidence Level

2005-01-08T20:33:00.000+08:00

It was a friday yesterday and one of my staff, who resigned few weeks back was celebrating her final day. She invited me for a karaoke night to celebrate. I said yes. Now, Mr X asked me if I had any gimmick for that night and if I can go with the boys. Knowing what I knew, I said I have another set of gimmick and I can't come with them...case closed...but no. He asked me where I was going....hey, this guys confidence level is 130%... I said it was a secret...case closed.. After a few minutes, he came up to me and said he found out where I was going and asked why I could not bring him to my gig (wow, 180%). I politely replied, I was just tagging along and I asked him to ask the celebrant. Now Mr X had never ever spoken to my staff/colleague....I thought he would never have the guts to invite himself. Now I think I misjudged him, confidence level rising to 250%. After a while, it turns out, he spoke with another collegue and asked if he can tag along. Naturally, being good natured, a person would say..."Ikaw bahala". he came up to me again and said..."Ma'am, sabi nila puede daw akong sumama"(notice how he interpreted "kaw bahala" as "puede akong sumama") I then told him again, you have to ask the celebrant. (Uh-oh, confidence level 320%) So he tells me "Ma'am...bakit iba ang sagot nyo? Sabi nila puede akong sumama. ikaw ata ang ayaw akong makasama." And I thought, this guy is really cunning, he can really manipulate his way in...with matching smile. So having no choice, he tagged along. I was quite in a bad mood, not because I did not want to have with us, but the way he manipulated himself in. He would not accept no for an answer nor take a hint that, hey, don't push it....confidence level is truly at 400%...but knowing he got his way and that he can talk people into getting what he wants and that he can do it again next time...he has an amazing 500% confidence level!!!!*&6%#@!)(!!!

I tried to be in a light mood so as to enjoy the night. I had two beers and a great karaoke night minus that incident. I drove home and related everything to my mother about Mr. Close Up with 500% Confidence. Now my mom is a religious person who always try to do good and tries not to judge other people. Now, knowing the fact that Mr X aka Mr Close Up is into immoral affairs, I thought my mom would take sides with me. She listened to my story and tells me...we should not judge him for what we he is . Maybe he is lonely and wants to get out...far out! Then she adds..."Look at Jesus who mingled and made friends with Mary Magdalene...It's hard to imitate Jesus...you have the same case."...wow....Mom, is really, really....I don't know...way way far! Anyway, lesson learned..."Don't go out drinking with people you don't know".

Interesting Revelation in the Office

2005-01-05T22:40:00.000+08:00

In my workplace, we usually hire "temps" or contractuals for the job. These guys, and I mean boys, work for 6 months in the office. There are about 7 new boys in the office and I was able to make friends with them. It's cool being with them...they are fresh grads and they are still full of hopes and dreams...they have fresh ideas, creative minds and they're super fun to be with. Today, one of the boys invited me to go drinking in a place near our office. Being one of the boys, I accepted the invitation. These boys would talk about their work, college experiences and of course, women. When we started talking about women, things began to heat up. Since I was a woman (I think), I'm a little careful with their reactions and listen intently to their discussions. One of the boys, Let's call him Mr X started talking about the girls he met. He tells us they are usually high profile women that looks for "companionship". Ringing bells!!!!...did I hear him right? It sounded like he was getting paid for the service. I started to interview him..."Are these older women?" He laughs...."How do you manage your expenses if they are high profile?" He smiles and says..."They usually pay." Uhoh...am I hearing it right? Is he actually admitting to me he performs some kind of escort servicing or sells himself for sex?

So I went home, with some beer in my head...bothered and confused....how do you deal with an officemate whose into escort servicing? Hmmmm......

New Year...new me

2005-01-01T19:17:00.000+08:00

New year...January 1, 2005...new me? I hope...

New Years Resolution and Goals:

1) Go to the gym at least three times a week

Last year, I weighed 148 lbs. I was unemployed and out of shape. Then by some stroke of luck, I got a job...with one condition, my vain boss wants me to lose weight...hell I needed the job and it was a damn good offer...so fine, I swallowed my pride and tried to lose weight. Amazingly, I did lose weight and I felt good. I lost 12 lbs! Now I'm conditioning myself to be a gym addict and really enjoying it!

2) Be more positive towards money....clear all debts and believe
money will overflow this year.

I want to pay all my bills and save money

3) Lesser gimmicks...from 3 times a week to once a week

My new job is so exciting...everyone is married and goes home early. Now I don't have to go for coffee everyday...Starbucks can be damn costly.

I must focus on this new resolutions for this year. I think it's enough to keep me busy...new year..new me..new blog...i think i'm going to enjoy this one.