outreach at PGH cancer institute

In lieu of our christmas party, LBC Development went to PGH Cancer Institute and gave donations, gifts, and some groceries. It was very moving since the children in the pedia ward were still all smiles despite their condition. They were very happy that there are other people who still care and are willing to share their time and blessings.

I guess most of us forget the spirit of chrismas. Its about sharing and sacrificing. I feel ashamed that I felt sad we won't have a company christmas party...but seeing these people who'll be spending their christmases in the hospital and the pain (emotionally and monetary) and fear that they have to go through everyday, makes me take one step back.

Most of us are fortunate enough to have "excess" time and money to go shopping for ourselves, family and friends. and yes, it would'nt hurt to give back to the society..

christmas and the new year

Sheesh…days pass oh so fast. One thing you know Christmas season is over, hello 2006!! I’ve never been as excited as I am know looking forward to the new year. Chito and I will tie the knot next year…Dec 10 at Nuestra Senora in Guadalupe, Makati and reception at Wack-wack country club. We had to move to December so the Ines clan can go home for a 2 week Christmas vacation. We’re scheduling their “pamamanhikan” within the month just to formalize everything following an old Filipino tradition. It’s a bit nerve wracking knowing our families will finally meet for the first time…I mean what do we say when the “awkward” silent moment comes? Haaay…we’ll see.

******
Parties, parties, parties!!
In lieu of our Christmas party, LBC will have a one day outreach to PGH Cancer patients on Dec 15 (its also the birthday of my nephew who passed away 3 yrs ago).

On the 16th will be HSBC’s Christmas party at CCP…and yes…I am inviting myself, haha. Chito will try to sneak me in…I miss my HSBC friends big time. Can’t wait to party with them again. Chito will perform ulit (kina-career na nya to!). This time he’ll be one of the bar girls (from a scene in Miss Saigon) and as Ms. Hannigan (whoever that is) from the play Annie.

Our department will have a Christmas party on the 20th. Dinner, exchange gift lang, and endless chikahan. Then on the 30th, with my high school friends…at macky’s place.

I saw Mig Ayesa of Rockstar INXS about 2 weeks ago at GMA 7’s Christmas party for their advertisers. I almost screamed (if not for my boss who was with me,heheh). Mig’s cute and I so wanted to take a picture of him with me! Kainis, I missed my chance…I just snuck a pic of him with a girl in the venue’s bulletin board...hehe!

******

Xmas gift shopping
I finished shopping for all my nieces, nephews, and godchildren. But haven’t finished yet for my friends, officemates, babies for xchange gifts, etc. With all the frenzy in malls, goodluck na lang sa kin if I can finish em all in the next 2 weeks.

kids at heart

I had one helluva weekend this week. Chito and I, with Glad and Alvin had a blast. Coming from his last day in graveyard shift last friday, Chito picked us up and headed to Something Fishy, Eastwood, for their now famous P80 buffet breakfast. Man it was good I should say…I was stuffed. Well we need to have fuel in our tank that’s for sure…we knew we’ll be walking for 2 hours in Avilon. Yeah Avilon zoo, this is at Montalban Rizal. This was far..but worth it. We almost got lost when we lost a turn…and we were already headed for the mountains. Geesh, good thing Chito asked around.





The extent of wildlife here is just...wow! It was my first time to see a Capybara (spelled something like that). It’s like a gargantuan rat…I had to use the word gargantuan coz “large” may sound small for it. Hahaha. They even had squirrels, skunks, raccoons, numerous birds (check out my pic with a reaaaly cute owl), snakes (even an anaconda), a jaguar (which by the way growled coz Glad and I were joking around, growling and all), sun bears, Malaysian tapirs (if I remembered correctly, we only have 2 in the country and its both in Avilon). If you guys have time you might want to visit this zoo. Now, I know how a tuko (gecko) looks like, hehehe…it’s nice.


It was so funny looking at this tortoise who turned over and took him decades trying to flip over..




We had to rest afterwards coz Chito needed some sleep, he was up for 24 hours straight! Afterwards, we had dinner at Chokoy’s. The best sisig in town. It’s near QC circle, I think. Alvin jammed with the acoustic performer and we all had a good time. Good food + good company + good music = good time! Glad meanwhile had too much alcohol intake and ended up “basag” but still wanted to play extreme jenga and taboo…that’s my girl!




The next day we headed to Caleruega in Tagaytay. The church was just breathtaking…and the view…just spectacular! Had light lunch at Hen Lin overlooking Taal, and coffee after at Starbucks, the cool breeze made us wanna stay there na lang…but we had another place to go to…Enchanted Kingdom! (everyday, everyday the magic is here…hehhe).



We rode Anchor’s Away twice, Space Shuttle (it was Glad’s second time to ride this after 8 yrs), Wheel of Fate, Rio Grande and even had some neoprints taken (with jologs behind us singing some Aegis or April boy songs,hhehe). I have lotsa stories of screaming paygots (faggots), ok lang kayo mga prens?, and stop “basa”-ing me stuff!



It was exhausting…but it was sooo fun…It really pays to have a break from work. It feels good to feel like a kid again..going to the zoo and a theme park.

one humiliating night...

I’ll be sharing a recent “embarrassing” moment for me. Mabs, my college barkada celebrated his birthday last Friday in a greenhills restaurant (secret na lang muna where that is). I only knew about a handful, most of which are my blockmates. I’ve seen some of them La Salle and the others are his friends from work, bora, etc. So as we were drinking and making small talks with his colleagues in Colgate Palmolive, Mabs gave us a big bottle of vodka…I actually like Vodka sprite coz its sweet. Anyways, I mixed my own drink, and I was oh-so-generous with my every pour of vodka. By my third glass (btw, it’s a quite big drinking glass), I got a bit tipsy so I told chito, that’ll be my last. One thing you know I was having another glass and a tequila shot after. My tummy started to feel a bit funny so I decided we should go. But I went to the ladies room first, and I blew…bad! I knew I had to get out so we could go home na kagad and what do you know, as I left the washroom I knocked down a divider and found myself lying down on the floor.

I passed out, and then I heard some mumblings something like let’s help her out..etc. So I got up and they let me sit. I felt soooo bad…then chito got to me and took care of me…as well as about 4 more people, 1 staff was massaging my arm coz it hurts so bad, the guard was fanning me, another one was giving me water, another was helping me puke. Super eksena talaga…soo embarrassing. I was lying for more than an hour in 4 chairs.

The morning after, I had to have my arm checked coz it was swollen..and had to re-tell my humiliating story around 4 times as 2 doctors and 2 nurses asked me separately. I should’ve lied na lang coz my xrays and the prof fee were not covered by my health card. I had to tell my parents that I slipped, mama said we should sue the restaurant or file a complaint, etc. I just said that my sandals were a bit slippery na…and the resto had no fault with the incident.

Chito told me I should stay away from mixed drinks na since I tend to overdrink…I guess it’ll be tequila shots for me then, hahaha. Just kidding. About 2 or 3 bottles of sanmig light will do na the next time.

Pinoy Big Brother (PBB)

Yeah, yeah condemn me for this entry,haha. I’m a self confessed reality TV sucker…but with this one, I’d say I am “forced” to watch this. We currently doing roll-outs for our campaign for our new product and we have creative intrusions in PBB. We got in after they had a one-day ban. We rode on its popularity, hopefully gain enough benefits from this.

I’d have to admit, when I first heard about this show, I got curious. I mean how can people stand watching this seemingly “uninteresting” common people? Well.. since as I said I was “forced” to watch this (yeah, yeah ethel keep telling that to yourself), I’d say it’s not boring at all. You get to make fun of them, how they sometimes talk about trivial things “intellectually,” you should hear their opinions, hahah. This gay guy Uma even broke down when he was prohibited from smoking for a day, and had to do with second hand smoke that his housemates are “willingly” puffing him with.

As clients, we got to tour the Big brother house. There’s this camera ring walkway surrounding the whole house. Everyone was sleeping except for 3 people. Sorry me, sam was sleeping as well (he’s such a cutie or maybe bec sha lang ang may itsura, pakshet). It was so funny going around coz it felt like going around a zoo or watching “lab rats.” Hats off to them, geesh I don’t think I can stand staying in one place for almost 2 months now and being with the same people whom you might not even like. But it’ll be hard for the staff as well since they’d have to monitor everything…I mean watch them even if they’re sleeping. Trivia pala:A staff told us it cost them around P120M for everything (including camera set-ups, interiors,etc) for the whole house.

It was so funny too standing outside the house for yb. We’d see cars passing by, actually slowing down just to take a glimpse of the house or take a picture of it. Some would actually go down and take pics (lots of em) and sometimes insist on going beyond the gate.

I gotta stop blabbing about this…I’m sure you think of me differently now..hahaa! Last na, met Marielle (the uplate version host) she is soo cute...very pretty girl.

Mares bonding

My girls and I went out for dinner and videoke last Friday. We had a blast…and ate a lot at T bar, sponsored by Miray. She got promoted at work, and we’re all proud of her. And ate even more at Music 21 while we sang our hearts out and screamed like there’s no tomorrow.

There was videoke showdown between Alvin (Glad’s boylet) and Rommel (Kim’s fiancée). One sounds like Piolo Pascual and the other, Martin Nievera…and just when competition heats up…kami ang pangpasira!! Don’t get me wrong but we sing like diva’s **wink ** Afterwards we went to Starbucks Magallanes, our “heart to heart talk” tambayan.

We are all very opinionated and we love each other like sisters…and so, when one sister goes maniac in the love life highway…we’re each other’s highway patrol. But we can only do as much. Sorry I can’t get into detail coz we’ve said so much to our troubled friend. Too much things said and done.

We’ve all grown together..from our nene days in grade school up to now that we’re all successful in our chosen careers. We remain to be little girls once in a while…and reminisce the good ‘ol days.

Just to let you guys know my bestest girl friends…here’s how I see them:


Berl, the woman trapped in a cute baby girl’s body. I’m proud of her because she finished law school and will know in a few months time if she’ll be Atty. Santiago. I know she’ll make it, though. A smart, loving, cute girl…and will be married soon to Paolo. They complement each other and I’m really happy for them. Berl has been my confidant…she lets me see the bigger picture…that I’m strong and I can make it, no matter what.

Glad and I have been through a lot of ups and downs with a lot of boylets in between! Haha! Lots of heartaches, tampuhans, etc. She’s a very sweet girl…and loves her family more than anything in the world. A go-getter, almost always gets what she wants coz she knows what she wants. Would never settle for anything less coz she deserves it. A beautiful person inside and out.

Miray is our mommy. She doesn’t seem to tire taking care of everyone…that’s why I think Julia is soo lucky. Her mommy’s there…di sha iiwan like her father. Miray is such a sucker for romance…after what she’s been through I admire her for being strong and for never losing faith in love. What-a-trooper!!


Za has an genuine soul. She speaks her mind and never pretends to be someone she’s not…uber honest that some people may get offended but that’s the way she is. And I love her for that. She laughs her heart out whenever we all hang out. Hats off to this very responsible girl…she knows how to balance love, career, family, God…(not in that particular order)

Charl…the best!!! Lupet!!! Our stand up comedienne who never runs out of clever hirits. Very independent, one thing you know she’s in a land far, far away…without even saying goodbye. She changes her mind as often she changes her underwear. But as she said, it all leads to one goal. Whatever that goal may be. She can definitely light up any occasion and doesn’t mind laughing at herself. Our bunso but the most independent and bravest of all…


Zory on the other hand is our resident manang…hehe, just kidding. NBSB, but when guys get to know her deeper I’m sure guys will drool over her. She’s a very lovable person, she picks a lesson or two from what everybody has been through…so hopefully she won’t commit the same mistakes that some us did. She maintained her weight from highschool, Dang! I wish I can do that!

And of course, moi, Ethel. I’m our gimik / outing organizer. I make sure everyone would come…or else… hehehe! They know that I don’t take NO for an answer. It’s because I want us to have time to bond despite our hectic schedules. One thing you know, someone might be living abroad for good…or have their own families soon and will make it harder for us to hang out, all seven of us. So I take this opportunity that we’re all single and mid-20’s coz afterwards life will be more chaotic and complicated.

Rockstar: INXS

I never liked rock n roll its like music with screaming people with zilch words to decipher. Only to learn from Chito that there’s like a number of genres of rock: death metal, glam rock, etc. (I forgot the others). Creep is the only rock song I know and I liked (probably because I never really wanted to hear the others)

But then I came across Rockstar: INXS. And yeah I’m a reality TV sucker…big time! That’s why I suddenly had “time” to listen to rock. I had the chance to watch it from the start…and probably about 2 weeks after, I learned from Third that Mig Ayesa was Filipino. After that, I was just so hooked! Even coming to office late just to watch the live telecast every Wednesday and Thursday. Yeah, yeah pathetic…addict…reality TV sucker. Call me names…hahaha!

I had my favorites. Of course there’s MiG as always…which I like only coz he’s Filipino. He a bit gay-ish for me. But I love him in his tight leather pants and open jacket. I love the way he puts himself together (or the show’s stylist for that matter). Marty’s voice is just…wow! And I love his rendition of Creep and the vibe I get from his original song: Trees. And there’s Ty. Great performer. I’m now listening to Creedence Clearwater’s Proud Mary and I think Ty’s version is way better… he manages to put soul in his songs. Just a thought…why does Creedence Clearwater pronounce burnin’ as boynin’?! what’s up with that?

JD…who we all know now is the new frontman for INXS…well, is just okay. He managed to give great performances but his working style is just odd…unprofessional. Maybe what’s important is the final outcome…but in the long run, his bandmates may have a hard time. Instead of doing rehearsals… JD might prefer dozing off…Maybe INXS liked his edginess…hopefully it works for them…

one rainy evening that blew me away…

We celebrated our 19th monthsary yesterday. Chito has forgotten our monthsaries for the past 2 or 3 months. He said he’ll make up for it this time. He picked me up from my meeting and headed to somewhere I don’t know. He won’t say where we’d go but I had a place at the back of my mind…had an inkling he’d take me to Westin.

There was grueling traffic…and it was raining really hard. So to keep ourselves preoccupied and to let us still enjoy the evening (despite the weather)…I played the Acoustic Night live CD, and we sang…and I sang my heart out too.. Our fave song was there as well…Spend my life by U-turn. I feel so light whenever I hear that song.

Then we got to Westin. For starters, he knew that the first time I went there, I immediately fell in love with the place. (By the way, Westin was one of my accounts when I was still with an ad agency). He took me there when were still dating and we had a great time. When we got there, Café Plaza was under renovation but they set up the back end for those who’d like to dine.

The food…was really goooood.. there goes my diet…I ate a lot! Afterwards, we took a walk at the poolside / garden overlooking the bay. The grounds were wet but we felt we had to walk around coz we were so damn full! We talked about the first time we were there and how much we enjoyed each other’s company, etc.

Then we stopped and he asked if I wanted some mints…I looked and saw he was holding a diamond ring! I was speechless and kinda confused of what’s happening. He knelt (and the ground was still wet here) and asked “Will you marry me?” All I said the whole time he was kneeling was “seryoso ka?” I think I said a million of “seryoso ka?” he was just looking at me put it in my finger and hugged me. That’s the time I said “YES!”

I was soo surprised..it was really unexpected. The ring was soo pretty. It’s just an icing in the cake…I knew all along he was the one for me…he’s God’s blessing that I’d forever be thankful for.

I’m still kinikilig sobra…and I can’t keep but look at the ring and remember how God has blessed me with such a beautiful person coming into my life….

top 3

three names you go by:
1. Ethel
2. Thel
3. hunny (by chito lang)

three screen names you have had:
1. prettyveda (I got a lot of msgs from Indians through this,badtrip)
2. ethel (corny ba?)
3. no more na

three physical things you like about yourself:
1. brown eyes
2. smile
3. butt (yeah baby,hehe)

three physical things you don't like about yourself:
1. fat legs
2. fat arms
3. fat tummy

three parts of your heritage:
1. honesty
2. fear of God
3. integrity
(parang pang mission-vision sa school, haha)

three things that scare you:
1. froooooogs (and I hate it that they make frog wallets, as if youre cool when you have those, eeewww talaga)
2. Big orange moon – this gives me the creeps (so it’s the orange moon, then the howling wolf, and the “thriller” sequence, hahah)
3. bad karma

three of your everyday essentials:
1. cellphone
2. kikay kit
3. palm pilot

three of your favorite musical artists:
1. Faith Evans
2. Ashanti
3. Barry white

three of your favorite songs:
1. Spend mylife with you by U-turn
2. Love like this by Faith Evans
3. Knocks me off my feet by Stevie Wonder

three things you want in a relationship:
1. Security
2. Love & friendship
3. good conversations

three lies and truths in no particular order:

lies:
1. im o.c.
2. im mature in all aspects (haha)
3. “its okay”

truth:
1. im in love (mushy, mushy)
2. God is just
3. im moody

three physical things about the opposite sex that appeals to you:
1. cute Eyes
2. nice arms
3. nice butt

three of your favorite hobbies:
1. dancing
2. Body jam/combat at fitness first
3. updating my scrapbook

three things you want to do really badly now:
1. watch tv all day till my eyes hurt
2. shop, and shop, and shop
3. Play with my niece and nephew

three careers you're considering/you've considered:
1. entrepreneur
2. be a professional singer (ha, I wish)
3. OFW (to get lotsa moolah)

three places you want to go on vacation:
1. Bangkok (to shop)
2. France (to unwind)
3. Bora or bohol (to relax)

three kid's names you like:
1. Kirby
2. Kirsten / Christine
3. Ashley

three things you want to do before you die:
1. hav a PDI feature as a success story in my chosen field
2. marry the love of my life (naks!)
3. enjoy my grandchildren

three ways that you are stereotypically a boy:
1. I pig out
2. I don’t know how to clean my toe nails (that’s why I always get pedicures)
3. I have a “jungle” bag (my phone would ring and I cant seem to find it in my small bag..hmmm…)

three ways that you are stereotypically a girl:
1. I love dressing up
2. I love kids
3. I’m very loving

three celeb crushes:
1. Paul Walker (too fast, too furious star)
2. Outback Jack (girls just love him)
3. uhm, wala na.

three people that i would like to see take this quiz:
1. zaza
2. hunny
3. miray

a million of firsts

Yes, I’m already 25 and I just had my first trip out of the country. Pathetic ba? Travel is not a priority in our family that’s why I guess I’m bad with directions (may connection ba?) Perhaps I’m just defending my so called “ignorance” with directions. Well you know I could always ask so I shouldn’t worry getting lost. Anyways….enough of that. I'm digging my own hole.

Our sales and delivery team winners and the marketing department left for Singapore last Friday. We were the 2nd batch who went there and we were quite a big group, about 29. It was quite rainy here when we left here but when we got there, the sun was scorching hot!!

Singapore is a beautiful city I have to say. Philippines is about 30 years behind. All Singaporeans have their own flats (which are by the way 80% govt subsidized), which allowed the government to eradicate squatting. It was clean, no traffic congestion, no pollution, not much littering in the city (some areas near little India’s quite a mess). We reminded the winners on how strict Singapore is when it comes to law implementation. And they abided consciously. Maybe we can learn a thing or two from their country. We can still make the Phils a lot better if we will only make conscious efforts to change the system (as well as the government). A matter of mind setting I guess, but well we have more than a 100 years of changing this crab / colonial mentality we have. Perhaps there’s still light at the end of the tunnel…

Enough of the political shit…it ruins my mood…



Anyways, a million of firsts nga di ba? I had my first ever cable car ride. It was a different experience and the usual me, im all excited! It was a smooth ride and we got a better view of the city. I also had my first underwater aquarium experience. We were in a travellator which made the viewing easier. It was my first time to see an actual dugong (not just the stuffed toys I had), piranhas, and even over a meter long of aruana. I saw dory again (that fish in finding nemo). My first time to eat sri-lankan chili crab, man it was huge! And it was gooood! It was also my first time to feel like a foreigner…you know I sometimes make fun of Japanese, Korean tourists who come here…I bet they were making fun of us as well. My first MRT ride (in Singapore) too. Hi-tech, nakakaaliw we were looking where we will be inserting the card, but we just have to tap it sa sensor…aliw! And their cig flip tops, had photos of what looks like a rotten mouth! The government highly discourages smoking and puts a premium on the price. It was also my first time to walk at 11pm at quite a distance, with Donna (my officemate), to go shopping. We went to Mustafa center, and walked about 30 mins on what smells like a long stretch of stinky armpits! There were a lot of Indian stores, and Indians of course, and their stores would be playing this Indian music, it was soo funny.

It was my first to be an official photographer. It sucks, I usually want to be the subject…not the photographer. But it was okay…it was a job that came with me going to Singapore for free…well… Donna and I snuck a few photos of us two…(well it was around 58 shots, hahaha!) I was able to take a total of around a 100 shots… (minus photos of me and donna).

Overall, it was a good experience…learned a lot…about people…about diff cultures…about me, hahaha! I didn’t know I had such a capacity to go all night long walking just to shop!

I haven't mentioned, I bought a 5.1 megapixel digicam it was sooo nice. I gave in to temptation...I didn't had any plans of buying one coz i already have my ever reliable casio exilim (which i love by the way). It has optical and digital zoom, has a 2.5 inch screen, and is very handy like my exilim. Well, its the first conjugal property of me and my bear. There you go...one more first..

picture picture!

Pose muna at this Koi pond at Mount Faber while we queued for the cable car

tv addict

Sheesh, slept at 520am. I think I’m kinda addicted to TV (but I think “think” would be an understatement). I love ETC! started watching at around 1230am I guess, Elimidate was on that time, then change of heart, blind date, fifth wheel, and then lastly Starting over. In between commercials, I was playing Bejewelled, hahaha! My eyes hurt so much. Woke up at 12nn na in time for lunch. Mom prepared chicken tinola, it was so yummy!

And now I’m here in the office…found out that our radio partner wasn’t able to receive the new 30’s material I emailed him yesterday. So I had to go back just to resend it so we can still have it started by Monday, since this is our promo launch date.

Been stressed lately because of work…but I’m loving it…seriously…I’m not complaining. Sometimes of course there are suppliers / partners who are just so so hard to work with. I actually have only one agency on my mind right now…it’s for our marketing department to know and others to find out. I don’t want to badmouth anyone.

Have to go…

a different kinda date

Chito and I had a slight misunderstanding last night. It was quite petty so we settled things na this afternoon. How can I stay mad with my guy who’s been very sweet, thoughtful, caring, and loving? How can I resist his lonely bear look? His clever remarks that make me smile? Naaks…


When he got here at home this afternoon, I wanted to hug him and pinch his cute chubby cheeks, but I tried not to…coz there were things unsettled pa that time. We went out and he brought me to that place behind Mall of Asia. It was five in the afternoon, the wind was blowing just fine, the sun almost setting. There were families gathered around for picnic, kids playing with their kites, and some riding their bikes. A breather from the usual Greenbelt crowd, or The Fort’s resto strip, or QC’s traffic. I only heard the water splashing, felt the gentle breeze through my hair, saw some parked cars and families just spending time together. We made up though we didn’t say anything…we just looked at each other and realized that it’s not even worth our time dwelling on this petty thing that we had.

I sometimes think what have I done to deserve such a wonderful person in my life. Having him beside me makes everything so worthwhile. At the end of each busy, crazy day, I look forward to seeing my hunny to seal it off with a hug and a kiss on my forehead. And yes, my day is done.

bittersweet

Third already left for Australia yesterday. It was bittersweet. Chito was sad coz he’s best friend would be leaving for good but we’re both happy coz he’d finally be with his wonderful wife, Itin.

The mood in their house when we all said our goodbyes was kinda heavy…Tita Pechie, Maica, and I were crying. I remember telling Third nakakainis sya coz he’s making me cry. He hugged me and told me to take care of his bestfriend...and that if I need him, he’s there lang. I saw him holding back his tears, trying as much as possible to be strong…even his dad. I saw him walking around, trying to make himself busy so that he won’t get too emotional about all this stuff.

This guy’s the brother Chito never had. They grew up together, shared kalokohans, heartaches, foodtrips, etc. Chito was really sad, he says it feels odd that he’s not here anymore. He says this is totally different from the time he left Third in Naga, coz he’ll be in the land far, far away…hehe!

To Third, I wish you the best, no more sleepless nights for you. Finally, you’re with Itin na. You guys would always be in my prayers! We'll miss u here at home! Keep in touch!

girl friends

My bestest friends (glad, miray, charl, za, zory) and me & chito hang out at Miray’s place yesterday. We pigged out a bit and had some drinks (except for me coz I was feeling kinda sick). Berl wasn’t able to join us (again) coz she had to study in time for her bar exams in 2 months.

We were on our usual hyper mode. Trying to outdo each other for the limelight. Coz everybody just wanted to talk. For some reason, we only had a topic or two about high school. This is kinda odd coz we are so used to reminiscing our good old high school days (which I, by the way, treasure so much).

We talked about venturing into business (confidential pa at this stage, naks)…and hopefully making it happen in the near future. I was thinking about it just this week and Za was doing some initial research about it na pala, and all mah girls liked the idea. We’ll soon meet on this…

We watched this horror film, Shutter, and we screamed our ass off. Charl and Glad already watched it but they still screamed like there’s no tomorrow. Za and Zory were plain sissy (haha,loveu mares!)…actually kasama na rin ako dun. Well, it was bearable naman except for some scenes where there was blood involved, oh yes baby, I have to shut my eyes or just look away just so I won’t throw up. But, I should say, it was just an “okay” film. I’ll give it 3 stars (5 being the highest). Naks, parang movie critique no?

Anyways, well, we don’t see each other that often nor keep in touch that much (except for me & miray, thanks to ym!). But whatever time’s lost, we seem to catch up in just one night of vodka sprite, ginpom, and a lotsa liempo and chips.

work hazards

I started my "quest," (yes it was a quest for me) last year for a career in marketing...and after a year of working in an advertising agency and an experiential marketing firm, I'm now at LBC's marketing department. Doing what I love to do. I really didn' t mind working my ass off coz I tend to forget that I too, need some rest.

Just recently, my boss called my attention. He was saying that I need to delegate some responsibilities (since we're coming up with a nationwide promo that i'm overlooking now). I was involved with even the tiniest detail.

I even had to get the DTI permit (yes, queueing and stuff) coz I was the point person for formulating the mechanics. He said that he doesn't want my time wasted doing it coz I had more important things to do. I actually asked for help from another department who are helping us for this promo. I asked one person there if he can accompany me sa DTI since they consulted there na before. But what did i get? He asked, "pano tayo pupunta dun?" My jaw dropped. I couldn't believe he asked me that. I mean we can take a cab, it's not even a concern that should be raised. Cutting the story short, i went alone. He even wanted a sit-down meeting to discuss the mechanics. I'm like, duh? We already had a meeting on this, and i just made some minor revisions.

To make the matters worse, those guys from that dept told their boss that I wasn't working with them on this project. Told my boss that I can't rely on them since they would cause me to run behind schedule... everybody knows it. I mean if they really wanted to help they could've initiated and not wait for us to tell them what to do. My God, we're like in our mid-20's in marketing and they're like...well, i dunno how old. But old enough I guess to know some work ethics and essentials and old enough not to be told what to do.

I actually see it as a challenge. And i admit, i should delegate more. I have this tendency to trust people less when it comes to a project that I'm heading...that i tend to do most of the job. My boss told me, I can't be the foot soldier and at the same time the captain of the ship. Kind of a wake up call for me.

I'm learning a lot about marketing, about people, about me. And I'm loving it! No matter how stressful it may become.

Sorry, just had to take out this shit out of me.

everything happens for a reason

I learned a lot from my previous relationship.
I became a person I was not. I loved myself less. Allowed myself to be vulnerable. I hanged on when its not worth the pain and tears. I hoped he would change. I disrespected myself by letting him hurt me. Treat me badly when I hardly displease him. It was always about him. That I need to adjust because he wants something else. That I have to understand him every single time. That I had no right to complain about us because he thinks my views are trivial. I let him put me down.

It was my fault. All these could’ve not happened had I not allowed him to do it the first time. I knew all along what I was made of. But I allowed him to change the way I think about myself. I was hurt soo badly. I cried until no tears fell and my eyes almost closed. Being with him makes me feel bad…makes me sad. But I still stayed.

As one famous philosopher once said…”anything that doesn’t kill you makes you better” And when things get even worse we say (everybody now…) “everything happens for a reason.”

I learned to value myself more and reassess the way I view relationships. I realized that sometimes what I want doesn’t necessarily mean it’s what I need.

But my relationship now with my Bear is all that I need and more. He appreciates the beautiful person in me. He makes me feel so loved, so cared for, so special. His soul fills up mine and his heart captivates mine every single day. He makes me feel like I can conquer the world. Having him beside tells me that yes at the end of each day, everything will be okay. I never thought I would feel such kind of love so pure and so true.

I’m grateful everyday having him in my life. I never thought that such kind of happiness that I feel right now would happen to me. I am just so overwhelmed knowing that God answered my prayers and gave me not what I wanted but what I needed.

I wouldn’t trade “us” for anything. I am the luckiest person in the world, coz my dream man came knocking at my door. A blessing that I would forever be thankful for.

my hunny bestfriend

I quote the first line of one of the hit songs today…"who would’ve thought this is how the pieces fit?..."

I’ve always dreamed of someday meeting a guy bestfriend whom I’d simply be myself. No qualms, no pretentions. And yes I quote myself saying that if I see someone as my friend, that’s it. Period.

I came to know my guy friend…I didn’t mind if I looked unkept, be cranky at times and throw tantrums around. Be loud, bitch around, act crazy. I always said what was on my mind. It was so easy being with him.

We would have food trips. Crave for California maki almost simultaneously, go lunch outs with our officemates, go to glorietta for that San Francisco coffee brownie a la mode and stuff. I’d ask if I can hitch to work if its raining…coz I so hated bringing jackets or umbrellas. I’d rather get wet than bring those things with me. He didn’t mind.

We would take out our Hongky pal with our friends to gimiks, beach trips, food trips, etc. Hang out at Fraser place. Watch horror dvd’s. Some of my girl friends would make palibre and he’d readily do so. He’d watch over me. See if I’m getting drunk…wait till I get tucked in. He would share his breakfast sandwich me…coz I loved them. Soo yummy! He’d even give me my favorite chocolate bar if he has some at home or those Kraft cheese crackers that I really liked. He even took my friend and I home coz we stayed till the beauty parlor’s closing time.

One time I wasn’t feeling well and he asked if he could take me home just to make sure I’m okay. But I said I’m a big girl and I can take care of myself. Midway my walk in Paseo, I said I can’t take it anymore, I thought I can make it pa. He picked me up and brought me to my place. He took care of me.

I would open up to him, share my heartaches…He would listen and make me feel better after our conversation.

He never took advantage of our friendship. He respected me.

And then things became quite uneasy for me at some point. I had a slight hint when he would take on the role of being my boyfriend of some sort. He’d ask me by lunch time “Pa’no ka uwi?” I mean, it could’ve been less obvious if he asked me by end of office hours. He was obliging himself to take me home every chance there is.

But he was never my type. Not tall, got love handles, has chest hair. No attraction whatsoever.

I became indifferent. I didn’t want him to like me more than a friend. But he did. I would intentionally hurt him in more ways than one just so he would back off and think twice about me. But he was just there. He didn’t mind if I was being harsh…Hanging on to those moments that I’d be nice to him.

I quote from an old song “…what started out as friendship has grown stronger…”

I suddenly became nicer, more receptive. I admired his soul and loved his heart.
I soon found myself not minding if we were always together. He’d pick me up from my office in Ortigas, treat me out to dinner, bring me home. He’d do this everyday after work. Makati – Ortigas – Makati – Quezon city. He waited for me even if I stayed late in the office.

I felt so special when I’m around him. He made me very happy and content. He supported me all the way. He made me a better person. He never failed to look after me, and amaze me. I get moved with his feelings for me. Made things seem so easy for me. He inspired me to reach my dreams.

I realized that maybe I was looking too hard for my perfect guy. He was right in front of me, my bestfriend.

As I said, I’ve always dreamed of someday meeting a guy bestfriend whom I’d simply be myself. No qualms, no pretentions

And I quote again “who would’ve thought this is how the pieces fit?”

Opting for blogs

Journals are passe, besides my handwriting sucks now...thats why I opted for blogs. Sometimes, it pays to write everything down., brain fart. I find myself learning more and giving direction to what I want.

I'm living my life...i love my family, my friends, my work, my officemates... and I got Chito (he's my bear, my real life bear, haha!)

first post
Yesterday, our department briefed our 2004 achievers for their trip to singapore this weekend. Some people can really be oh-so-irritating... like they just want to piss people off. And yes, we got a handful. Complaints, and impolite remarks were just flying all over the place. But well, he got what we wanted anyways so he won. bitch.