CINCO DE MAYO

LOVE is

2008-10-01T18:02:00.000-07:00

When you take the 3 hours bus ride
Just to be with him for an hour and a half

When you sacrifice cooking food you wanted to eat
And start enjoying the food he loves to eat

When you do things you never dreamed of doing
And yet you were able to do it for him.

When you enjoy watching him sleep
While doing justice league

When his hug is the best medicine
To cure your tired body

When you give up all the comforts in life
And yet you never complain

When you never give up
Because of him

...STILL WAITING

2008-09-01T18:45:00.000-07:00

I remember back then I was twenty five years old people keep on asking when are they going to hear wedding bells or “kalian kami makakainon ng mainit na sabaw” as they say. Two years after I finally found the one whom I am willing to spend my days and nights for the rest of my life then some people were speculating, “I am already pregnant”

How I wish I was pregnant on my wedding day not to disappoint the tsismosas in the neighborhood but I really wanted to have our MINI- ME’S asap. But then again the conservative me opted not until I am married. Vin fulfilled his promise to my parents as well, that is the reason why my mom loves him so much. Now after a year and four months of being together, I never thought that having a baby is never easy. Now everybody is asking “ preggy ka na?” and I just smiled and simply say not yet…taba lang hindi bata.

This question adds up to my frustration because I know deep in my heart how my husband wanted to have a baby. Every time we were at the mall seeing cute babies, he keeps on pinching my arms and my belly. Now the pressure gets higher when my sister in law got pregnant for the second time. My OB and I are trying to work out and balance my hormones. She says I’m normal and I am capable so nothing to be worried. Maybe its just a matter of time.

Maybe God has some reasons why. I believe that he perfectly know when is the right time. I remember how He guided me finding my husband. It took me 5 years. I am pretty sure that He is preparing something BIG for both of us. There is no reason to feel the pressure. I will accept whatever according to HIS will. All I need to do is to wait patiently and of course enjoy while working on it.

TIPS AND THOUGHTS

2008-08-18T18:52:00.000-07:00

For the last two months, my life here at the office is free from controversies and issues… and somehow I kinda missed them (the people and the issues HAHAHA)
Work may not be that busy but I am suffering from stressful nights and days because of my paper. Well I now understand why thesis is the ultimate requirement for earning your MA/MS or its equivalent ( im referring to thesis track courses)
People do have various reactions to stress. Mine are: severe diarrhea, nausea, UTI and skin allergies… all are physiological in nature.
Writing a thesis needs a lot of time and money. Literally speaking. I spent my 15 days salary to pay my tuition fee and left me with 100 pesos. Good thing my husband is so supportive to my financial obligations in the graduate school. Without him how can I survive for the next fifteen days?
Personality over intelligence counts. I may not be that intelligent but I can make these people move around me. Now who’s smarter???
In this world…. Timing is important. And I am blessed to know when the time is right and when it is not.
Speaking of timing, I guess this is the perfect time for baby blue to experience the heavy traffic along Ortigas Avenue Extension. Prepare the garage Vincent

TIPS AND THOUGHTS

2008-06-10T20:50:00.000-07:00

Similar to Vincent’s Things I Think I Think, I also came up with my own version and I call it Tips and Thoughts. They say in research to never duplicate an idea, I am not… I am just replicating it.

We pursue higher studies to learn and earn a degree. But there is more to that, we gain good friends and sometimes the best buds that we can have. My brother even found his better half. It is fun especially when you enrolled yourself to Graduate School and meet people with the same interests as yours. I used to have my travel buddies when I first entered Graduate school and now I am back again for my unfinished thesis. I have no regrets though for I earned another friends who turned out to be my Saturday night buds.

It seems that my husband is finally enjoying his MA in De La Salle. He easily established new friends who were both teachers in the Basic Education. I am glad that he is no longer antisocial. Hehehe.

With Vincent studying in DLSU, I wonder if he can be easily suede with the culture of his new home. Will the tiger within him still beat the archer? We will soon find out.

Working in an educational institution I am one of the beneficiaries of tuition fee increases. Part of the tuition of students, say 70% is allotted to employees so every time there is an increase we get a raise and we call it Across the Board. However, because of these increases the student population declined drastically and it end up the school which resulted to lesser faculty members. Additional manpower were put on hold and the school has to do a lot of cost cutting measures. In our case, multi tasking is the in thing.

Most schools started the school year yesterday and I am quite amazed that traffic condition is not heavy on my way to Letran. It was only now that I realized that most colleges and university in the Ubelt will officially start next Monday.

Never take the Gliner or the RRCG Bus if you are really in a hurry. If you do make sure that you leave the place as early as 5:30 especially if you are coming from Rosario. I tell you these two bus companies are taking their time as if there were no passengers who will be late on their appointments. And what’s more during rush hours, they made sure that there were around 150 passengers or more inside the bus. Imagine… sardines in a can. I just wish there’s an MRT line from Ortigas to Junction

BLAH BLAH

2008-06-10T01:30:00.000-07:00

Life has its ups and downs and is never fair. Reality speaks and it really hurts. Sometimes the more you try to become a better individual chances are you are more subjected to life’s trials and tribulation just to test on your resiliency and character. Some people still keep the faith and continue believing that this too shall pass and better things are yet to come but for some they become skeptical and started to ask the million-dollar question… Why Me???

Lately, I’ve been through a lot and it’s killing the hopeful side of me. At first, I took it as a challenge. I don’t easily give up; I can come up with one hundred and one reasons to ignore all the distractions and detractors. I can be the “Deadma Queen” and continue chanting, “this too shall pass” “ its okay, you’re doing great” I am good at motivating myself. But when reality hit me face to face… I am no longer okay and I am not doing great. I am not needed here. This is where I asked that question. WHY? I came up with a simple answer… it is because it’s ME. “Mahirap maging ako” is the usual dialogue of my husband and I am now borrowing his tagline. For some reasons, some people do not like me no matter what and this is where the saying you cannot please everybody applies. And this is the reality, unfortunately, they don't like me and whether I do good or not, they dont actually care.

I believe some people are born lucky, but my husband says otherwise. He said that we make our own luck while I reasoned out that some are lucky because they can easily get what they wanted without any laborious exertion of effort (exaggerated, hahaha) and I envy them. My husband says I am luckier because I get things I wanted without asking a favor or a help of anybod. Just pure hard work. He even says it is more fulfilling. Well, I am not speaking of fulfillment; I am purely referring to luck just like the lotto winners. But maybe he was right, I maybe lucky to be ME. I am lucky enough that from these experiences I had the chance to practice the virtue of patience and optimism. Lucky enough to still fall under the category of hopefuls and managed to keep my faith undiluted.

Here I go again, trying to enumerate the next one hundred reasons why I need to move forward. After all my woes and struggle I am still trying to end my day right for me not to feel depressed. This is my constant battle, trying win over the negative forces of nature by way of believing that this is just a phase. Giving up is not the best escape. This too shall pass and my time will come. As to when? Soon.

1 YEAR OLD

2008-05-07T01:24:00.000-07:00

Last May 5, Vin and I celebrated our birthday and we’re one year old. The week before our birthday is quite difficult for us as we experienced some shitty stuff at work and the usual couple’s fight. They say that trials were spices of happy marriage and true enough that we were able to handle it and had the chance to celebrate our birthday.

Vin and I went to Puerto Galera to celebrate our 1st year anniversary. Indeed it is the alternative Boracay getaway and at the same time a whole new experience. Vin is more familiar with the activities in Puerto because he visited the place thrice already. Well as for me, though its my second time, I am more excited now because when we went there with friends it is so unfortunate for us to be stranded because of the typhoon Dodong.

We left Manila early morning of May 3 and landed to Puerto lunchtime. We stayed at Whitebeach Resort. For the 3 days and 2 nights stay … we literally had a grand vacation spending time with each other, searching and ogling for beautiful people, drinking(where beer is twice of its actual price), eating (inihaw and kebab), swimming (as if we both know how to swim) and endless walking. Vin also had a chance to experience the banana boat ride, while I had my hair braided. Though the activities were so simple and ordinary, for us it is one of the most unforgettable experience because we enjoyed each other’s company and every minute is quite special and extraordinary…. Just the two of us.

dolce

2008-04-22T00:22:00.001-07:00

Last Friday, Vin and I went to one of the hippest club in Quezon City for the despedida of Sancta who will be leaving the country by end of the month. She will be moving to Madrid with her mom. Sancta is one of our secondary sponsor during our wedding and my little sister at work. Another reason to celebrate is the graduation of Neva, our student assistant in the Rectors Office who will also replace Sancta’s post. Together with my other girlfriends and their respective boyfriends we went to Dolce for a clubbing experience.

Vin and I enjoyed the house music while drinking beer. We waited til 3 in the morning for the R n B music. We danced a little before we decided to leave the place. We had so much fun and its good to know that we still both liked this kind of gimmick just like when we were in our early twenties.

XANGA

2008-04-10T04:03:00.000-07:00

I remember how Vin introduced to me the power of words through blogging. He sent an email asking me to check out his site in Xanga. As my usual reaction, I did not pay much attention to his email and ignored the message. It was few months later when I was cleaning my inbox and finally decided to check out his site. I read his latest entry and it is about his regular routine. It was then that I realized that he was good in writing… simple, straightforward and precise. I enjoyed reading his entries and little that I knew I was hooked reading his blog from time to time like a stalker wandering what’s going on with his life. From his entries I got the chance to get to know him better … his strengths, weaknesses, aspirations and hidden desires. I had the chance to dissect his personality and I found out how loving and wonderful he was.

From Vincent’s blog, I was inspired to create my own account. He didn’t know about it at first because I used a different name. I enjoyed writing entries and started checking out other blog sites. It became my past time reading entries of fellow xangan members, and trying to understand and analyze the personality of every author. I earned friends online. I admired excellent writers. I always hoped to be like them. My favorite next to Vincent is Michelle Elaine who happened to be a fellow Thomasian. Reading her entries is never a waste of time. I am always inspired to write every time I had the chance to read her post. Another person whom I will never forget is Jen. We have so many similarities and almost share the same experiences in life. We call ourselves sister soul mates. And of course, blogging is the best avenue of expressing one’s emotion. I read posts of joy and love, hatred and anger, fear and grief. A blog fight that led to a real fight is the most unforgettable blogexperience. Every time I looked back to my old posts… I just smiled. True indeed, people became good writers at the height of their emotions.

I am still keeping a blog site although with another provider and still write from time to time. The one who introduced blogging became my husband, My favorite blog author is now fulfilled journalist/writer and I am proud of her and I am her number 1 fan. My sister soul mate is still around sharing thoughts through friendsterblog. Blog fight was over and I guess same is true with the real fight. These people, they still continue to inspire me one way or another… so please keep on writing.... I love to read your posts.

HOLY WEEK

2008-03-18T19:00:00.000-07:00

One of the perks of working in a catholic educational institution is to have a holy week break as early as Holy Wednesday. Yeah, we do not have work tomorrow and we are being paid. Holy week is the best time for introspection, and to spend quality time with your family. This is the best opportunity where families do things together observing the Filipino tradition.

Like any other Catholic, of course I have to do my share:

Tomorrow, I’ll stay at home with my husband, maybe cook good food for him, do the household chores and have some self-reflection.

Thursday I will be joining my family for the Mass of the Last Supper/Washing of the Feet to be followed by Visita Iglesia. This is the second time that we will be moving around the city and visit 7 different churches.

On, Friday, we will be going to the National Shrine of Divine Mercy early in the morning for the stations of the cross, early in the sense that we have to be back home by twelve noon in time for the seven last words to be aired on Channel 9. In the evening, we will all go to Baliuag to watch the Prusisyon ng Mga Santo. It is a Lenten procession of more than 70 lavishly decorated floats depicting the Passion and Sufferings of Christ.

Too bad, my husband cannot join me with the activities lined up for the rest of the week. He has to go to work and I cannot force him to be absent because of the training schedule.

Do not worry puppet, we can watch Passion of the Christ on Black Saturday and you’ll have the chance to watch the Salubong on Sunday.

CENTRUM

2008-03-10T01:27:00.000-07:00

When I first saw the commercial of Centrum where Angel Locsin, Piolo Pascual, Sam Milby and of Precious Lara Quigaman shared their dreams, hopes and aspiration in order for them to feel complete as a person, I did not pay much attention. It was only last Saturday, during our group sharing and when we imitated the lines of these famous personalities in our class presentation made me realize its meaning. It was only then that the impact of …I WANT TO BE COMPLETE tagline passes through my senses.

Just like them, there are so many things I wanted to achieve in the near future. I want to have a good and stable career, a happy family life and a decent lifestyle. Simple as it is, it requires a lot of hard work, dedication, commitment and prayers. These are my personal goals. Moreover I also believe that I am responsible to the society and to the environment and achieving personal goals alone will not make me complete as a person.
It may not be possible for me to accomplish all of these but here are some of my aspirations:

I want to restore the forest and plant trees for my child to see.
I want to write a book about life long journey to inspire more people.
I want to visit different places in the country and tell the world the beauty of the Philippines.
I want to help old people in the streets and build a home for them.
I want to teach and influence young people and see them successful in their chosen career.

…I WANT TO BE COMPLETE!!!

…CENTRUM…complete from A to Zinc. hehehe

PERFECT 10

2008-03-05T21:42:00.000-08:00

Ten months… I cant believe that in two months time we will be celebrating our 1st year anniversary as a couple. It is fun to count different firsts in our life together as husband and wife. We started out with our first birthdays, first all saints day, first Christmas, new year, first valentines and now we are looking forward for the first holy week. Our firsts brought joy and good memories together and funny as it may seems, we always find ways and reason to celebrate. Maybe that is the secret of our happy marriage. When people asked me how's married life... my immediate reply is "its a BLISS...and a BLESSING. Some were so envious telling me that it is because we're only ten months old and were still on the honeymoon stage. I dared them to ask me again five years from now or maybe after 25 years and I would still answer the same thing. Yes, ten months is too early to tell about our future…but I am certain that Vin and I will never get tired counting the days together and celebrating life to the fullest.

Two more months to go.. enough time to think and prepare as to how are we going to celebrate our first cincodemayo together.

Any suggestions????

USELESS FACTS ABOUT ME

2008-02-26T22:23:00.001-08:00

A guide for people who wish to know more about me.

It is my mother who named me Pearli. She said that I am precious like a real pearl and that’s how I got my name.
The adjective I always add to my first name is PRETTY…So I am Pretty Pearli
I am proud to say that I am 4’11. I am not short… just petite.
My complexion is FAIR …. enough.
I have big eyes but you will definitely wonder why I looked like Chinese on picture.
I used to have wavy hair back in my younger years. Good thing rebonding was invented and I now have a long straight hair.
I look young for 27 years old. My friends even call me Grade 2.
I am a total brat even when I was a kid.
Probably because I am the youngest in the family… the entire Magkasi and Concepcion clan.
I have a kuya who is 7 years older than I am and he is my favorite… he is my only brother.
Taurus is my birth sign and like a bull I am hard headed and strong willed.
I easily get irritated to pesky people and the tendencies to get even were my negative traits.
I was born under the year of the Monkey.
I used to be a politician. I was once a Student Council President, student town councilwoman in my elementary years and a Sangguniang Kabataan for 2 terms when I reached my high school years.
My earliest ambition in life is to become a dancer in a variety show.
I honed my talent in dancing by joining all the dance troupes and performances from elementary down to college years.
I have a monotone voice… the reason why I can’t sing.
Though I cant sing I try to be musically inclined by learning to play the piano
I read notes in order for me to play. And I am good in reading notes.
My father is quite conservative and he does not allow me to play outside which is probably the reason why I do not have any talent in sports.
As well as in video and computer games
But I am good at events planning and conceptualizing ideas.
Which led me to my work as a Training and Development Officer.
I am a combination of extrovert and introvert personality.
People find me madaldal but I am really the silent type.
True to the observation of people… I am a highly spirited and animated person.
I am naughty but nice.
I love dealing with people and I can talk to them anything under the sun.
I also love to travel with friends and loved ones.
Staying out with friends used to be my stress buster activity.
Until my husband came and he became my best stress reliever.
I love to party listen to good music while admiring all beautiful people around.
But then again, home is where my heart belongs
I am fond of cooking and I can cook the best spaghetti and adobo in town.
But I hate to wash the dishes… until I do not have a choice but do it.
Coz I hate more to see them in the kitchen sink… eewe!!
I am a partly obsessive compulsive.
I watched TV a lot… I do not have a favorite TV station. I switch stations during commercials.
I was once addicted watching ANIME…
Now, I am a KOREANOVELA Addict….
And I am very much interested with their culture. I wish to learn the language too. SARANGHE!!!
I always get what I want…. No matter what or how.
I easily get bored.
I hate to wait, coz I seldom get late.
My skin is so sensitive that I can easily get allergies.
I experienced total darkness when I was partially blind 3 weeks before my College Graduation.
I took Behavioral Science because of my brother who took the same course in College.
I am an HR practitioner… I walked all the facets in 2 years.
I used to be the management staff of the President of Letran for 4 years.
I am working on my thesis now… hoping to finish this year.
I enjoyed graduate studies more than my college life.
I collect pencils
I am a camera freak.
Some women hate me because they think that I flirted with their crushes. I don’t blame them coz all their boys liked me.
I was once a heartbreaker… (kapal but true)
People find me malandi...but I’d rather call myself KIKAY.
I managed to be friends to my ex boyfriends.
My love story is so complicated… but it turned out a happy ending.
The best part of my body is my feet.
I have more or less 25 pairs of shoes.
I am very impulsive shopper.
My favorite color is orange.
Johnny Depp is my ultimate crush.
Jake Cuenca is my pinoy version of Johnny Depp
Won Bin is my Korean version.
They say I am flirt…but I say I am LOYAL
Music from the 80’s is my favorite.
I idolize my brother.
I am very unpredictable. I even can’t figure out own self.
I am like a superstar.. there were so many controversies I faced in life.
“ I cant afford to lose my car and Im breaking up with you” is the worst and funniest break-up line I received.
I am Sarah Geronimo look a-like according to my husband..
Multi tasking is my expertise.
I was a late bloomer.
People who are liars and arrogant makes me sick.
I am a good observer. I can determine one’s personality through their non verbal cues.
I am true to myself and I know my values and my worth as a person.
I am in love and will always be in love.
I married my soulmate and my best friend.
I believe in fate and destiny, so is my husband.
I enjoy listening to people sharing their views in life.
I am not the confrontational type of person.
But I can always defend myself
I can be mean if I want to.
I am loyal to my friends
Although I only have few true friends.
I want to continue to learn new things.
If I have extra money, I will engage myself to photography and digital arts.
And learn how to play the violin.
I wish to own the National Bookstore.
I always believe that all my wishes do come true.
Even though I easily get upset… I manage to be optimistic at the end of the day.
I am “ingittera” by nature, but I take it positively and it becomes my instant source of motivation.
I am a good in cramming. I deliver the best output every time I cram.
People think they already know me… better think twice. I am very mysterious.
I can keep secrets till grave.
I am a lovable person.
I am happy.
I love God.
I feel loved.

I WONDER

2008-02-17T15:58:00.000-08:00

I wonder why men are so lazy in replying to text messages especially if the one texting is their wife....This is my common complaint to my husband. Petty i know but I wonder why he managed to textback right away when we were still dating but now that were married, he seems like he ignored all my text messages as if he failed to received it. I remember before, he replied right away at the count of three after I sent my text and there are moments were there are unexpected messages of sweet nothings. Time change and people change i guess. Now, I received 3 messages everyday and all messages were like prepared on the template "office na ako, muah" or " pauwi na ako, muah" and " bahay na ako muah"

I am not mad afterall, maybe he is saving his load. The reason I blog this about is that I am just wondering if other married women also experience the same thing. If P1.00 is worth saving than sending message to your loved one.

I wonder if failure to textback is one of the benefits and comfort of being married and we women should accept this reality. ( Afterall, you'll be seeing your husband at the end of the day... )

i really wonder???

PROPOSAL

2008-02-07T19:29:00.000-08:00

I am happy to blog about that my proposal was finally approved by my adviser and will submit this Saturday. I cant believe that I was able to do such work. Though I am not satisfied with my work due to limited time alloted for me to write my manuscript, still I am hoping that the readers will somehow be kind enough not to give me a major revision.

It is not easy to write your paper and at the same time there are other things that has to be attended as well. Work with so many expected deliverables, health problems, and household duties all at the same time were the other factors contributed to my frustration and dissatisfaction. Only if I have more time, maybe my paper is more comprehensive, but I have to settle to what I can do for the moment, I will just continue reading materials and will incorporate them after I received feedback from my readers. Its a good thing my adviser is good in terms of motivating me and making kulit in order to submit ahead of schedule. She keeps on telling me that the readers criticism will help out for the improvement of my paper and not to make me feel demoralized. She said its part of the learning process. I am glad that she believed in my capability that i can make it and thankful as well for the motivation.

Now, I am keeping my fingers crossed and my prayers are as open to the public that I may be able to surpass all these challenges.

May GOd continue to bless me.

GOALS AND RESOLUTIONS

2008-01-16T16:19:00.000-08:00

For 2008, I have some goals set in place and in order to achieve such, I have to improve my performance, my attitude and resolve unpleasant behavior, habits and vices.

This year I hoped to achieve the following:

1. Enough money to save for a possible house downpayment.
2. Be a graduate of MA Psychology
3. Acquire another skill... like playing guitar perhaps or photography.
4. Good health.
5. Career growth

With these goals I hereby resolve to:

1. Save more and spend less. Avoid swiping the plastic. Enough of shoes, bags and clothes.
2. Focus on my studies and to forget about the "manana habit". It's now or never.
3. Feed my mind by reading. Go back to the basics, play the piano, enroll in guitar lessons or learn photography.
4. Live well, be happy, avoid stressors, eat well not much. maintain my ideal weight.
5. Explore opportunities that will give me satisfaction at work.

and heres more

1. This year no more cry baby.
2. Be more opimistic and ignore all the negative vibes.
3. Live life to the fullest. Enjoy lifes little pleasures.

THESIS

2007-12-02T17:27:00.000-08:00

Finally I was able to finish Chapters 1 and 3 of my thesis. The topic has been approved and I am thankful for my adviser who instituted martial law for me to be able to comply as scheduled. Now I am working with my chapter 2 which is the most difficult part coz I have to read all the journals related to my study, analyze for me to come-up with a synthesis. Writing is not my cup of tea, but I am trying my best (yeah right call me trying hard…who cares) to finish everything this week.

I need divine intervention. Please pray for me.

Where am I from?

2007-11-27T09:45:00.000-08:00

One of the things that really annoy me is when people ask me where I'm from & I say I'm from Cagayan & they think I'm from Cagayan de Oro. I get that most of the time (like 9 out of 10 times). Hello? Did I mention de Oro? I come from Cagayan. Yep, you heard me. Cagayan. Not de Oro. Just Cagayan. As in Cagayan, you know, the Valley. The province sandwiched by the Cordillera & Sierra Madre mountain ranges. Where the longest river in the country is found. Where... Ahh! I hate it when I have to explain that over & over again.

And wait, the annoyance doesn't stop there. When the differentiation between the two provinces are patiently explained, then comes the kicker question. "Ilang oras ba pag nagbarko papunta sa inyo?" What the hell?! How on God's green earth can you go to a place beween two mountain ranges on a boat ride? I mean, use your imagination. Or better yet, use your common sense. This is the time when all civility & good manners get thrown out the window. Did I not just explain that we're between two mountain ranges? I just don't get it. Why can't some people be more sensible? Spare me the stupid questions please.

UPDATES

2007-11-25T15:55:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I posted an entry practically because I am so busy at work and in school. My boss is not around and I was the officer-in-charge and it doubled my workload in the past 2 weeks. After two days of training for our employees, I have a deadline for midyear reports and I am due for submission of my thesis proposal. Unfortunately, I am still on the process of writing down my thoughts and still have to do a lot of research of theories where I could anchor my study.

It is always an advantage to have somebody at your side during your busy days. I am always thankful that Vin is ever supportive and he knows when to ignore me and to give his full attention. I appreciate all his effort to keep my spirit up when I am about to give up.

It is also good to find time for a date night. Last Thursday Vin and I went to Libis for a sumptuous dinner and a bottle of beer while listening to good music at Ipanema.

And finally, I am glad that Vin is taking up his driving lessons. I cant wait for the day we'll go overdrive. hehehe

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

2007-11-16T00:31:00.000-08:00

there are no tyrants if there are no slaves!!!

BAGUIO Trip

2007-11-14T00:51:00.001-08:00

Carlo's Wedding 140
Originally uploaded by pearliza

This is our third time to visit Baguio. It became a tradition to visit the place every year after his first proposal. We had a great time everytime We find the place romantic... because of the weather and for Vin... the pine trees.

Baguio Redux

2007-11-13T12:51:00.000-08:00

Just got back from Baguio. Chabs & I was there to attend Carlo & Michelle's wedding. We're so happy that after 12 (that's not a typo) years, these sweethearts finally tied the knot. They had the ceremony at St. Joseph's Parish and the reception at the Baguio Country Club. It was a formal affair and it's an occasion where I think, I saw the most number of men wearing coats in one place. Overall, they couldn't picked a better place to get to get married. I mean, Baguio has got to be one of the most romantic places in 'Pinas.

And of course, what's a trip to Baguio without the usual touring? Of all the places here, it's my favorite. I love everything about Baguio. From the weather, the taxis, to the pine trees, to the plants, to the people, down to the dialect. There's something about the place that makes me feel at home. Even the coffee tastes better there. What's not to love?

And as usual, I will try my darndest best to post our pics here in the coming few days. And for the meantime, back to the real world. Back to work.

BACK TO SCHOOL

2007-11-08T17:50:00.000-08:00

Yes, finally I decided to take the risk and finish once again my masters degree. I am enrolled this semester for my refresher course and thesis writing 1. My thesis adviser is confident that I can graduate by summer as long as I can finish my chapters 1-3 on November 24. Well, well, well if my adviser believes in my capacity... who am I to question my own capabilities?

I am excited to meet new people again as I go back to school. I found my true friends and my travel buddies and I enjoyed every time I am with them.

Tomorrow is my first day and the orientation for thesis writing 1. This time I am dedicated to finish my course whatever it takes. Mahal kaya ang tuition fee, especially if you finance yourself.

Vin pahinging baon

Quote of the Week

2007-11-06T15:04:00.000-08:00

"Hope, it is the quintessential human delusion simultaneously the source of your greatest strength and your greatest weakness."

- The Architect to Neo on the movie Matrix Revolutions

PERFECT MATCH

2007-11-04T18:48:00.000-08:00

God really knows what is best for me. I remember how I ignored and how I dismissed Vincent years back only to find out that he is my perfect partner in life. Same thing goes with how I finally realize the perfect career for me. My work as a training officer is the only option left for me due to some movement and changes in management that somehow really hurt my ego. I really feel demoralized at that time. I was an administrator back to officer level. Some things are better left unsaid. Just the same, I take that event as a test to my personality. I proved to everybody that I am better and I am good at everything. I am just happy to know that people appreciate all the efforts and I am taking all the sincere applause from them. I am doing well in my current job. I perform above standards and I am happy to brag about that all programs that I handled received excellent evaluation ratings. My ideas are well taken and appreciated by my boss. More importantly I regain my self-esteem, which was once taken away from me by insignificant people. I like what I do and I learned a lot from it. I go to different places for free and get a chance to mingle with other people. It may be physically tiring but it is rewarding especially if you see them happy and thankful.

I guess this is the perfect career for me with my active,upbeat, and creative personality. I made the right choice of accepting the training officer than to be an administrator in the province. I may have lost other career opportunities outside. I may have lost some thousands on my payroll but I preferred to stay here for the moment. It is true that what makes us happy comes during extraordinary events of our lives. I find my husband in the most complicated situation and the right career at the most demoralizing moment of my life. Isn’t it a perfect match?

alleluia!!

Career Shift?

2007-10-26T16:01:00.000-07:00

From the bumbling & wide-eyed incube at SVI Connect that I was back in January 2k3, I have come a long way. Back then, I was an aspiring telemarketer hoping to succeed in a field that was totally new to me. And to some extent, I did succeed. (If you consider still calling for the program a success.) Out of 18 (or was it 19?) souls that started training for Superpages.com, I am among the 4 survivors still calling for the program today.

That amazing longevity is a testament to my ability as a telemarketer. And with the countless number of awards, commendations & commissions I accumulated, you can say I know this campaign very well. And they say, familiarity breeds contempt. Yes, despite the successes & the very good pay, it is not an indicator of my satisfaction with my job. Truth be told, I don't like my job. And let me tell you why.

1. I hate the schedule. I work the graveyard shift. The schedule is fine if you're still single. But when you're married like me & your wife having a regular day job, it's tough. Not to mention going to work when there's a typhoon or a coup d'etat or when everybody else is enjoying another of the numerous economic holidays that we have or missing out on a gimik with friends. I'm pretty sure you see the picture.

2. Challenge. I've come to a point in my career where I feel like I'm no longer growing as a person. Doing the same thing day in & day out will do that to you. Sure everybody who has been on the same job for a significant number of years experiences this. But try imagining yourself staring at a computer monitor for 8 hours & calling 400-500 businesses in a day and delivering the same spiel to those same 400-500 calls. it's like that every day. It really becomes monotonous after a while.

3. Politics. They say that all organizations have politics. But in sales organizations like ours, it is way beyond normal. Ours is an environment that fosters cutthroat competition & excellence. And because of this, sniping, backbiting, rumor-mongering for the benefit of one's self is norm rather than the exception. And throughout the years, I've been victimized by these people a lot of times. I've had enough of this sh*t already.

These are the major reasons why I don't like my job. And I really think I had a career shift. That is why I'm giving in to Chabs' suggestion that I should take up graduate studies for me to be able to pursue my passion; teaching. Yes, I'm willing to leave behind a job that has been so good to me & I have invested a lot of time on for something that I love. Call me crazy. Call me what you will. I just want to be normal again.

REMINISCIN

2007-10-15T17:31:00.000-07:00

Nakakatuwang balikan
Nakaraang pinagmulan
Bago ko nakamtan
Pag-ibig na inaasam

Ikaw ay aking natagpuan
Ng hindi ko inaasahan.
Isa ka lamang kaibigan
Sa text at email lang kung magparamdam

Ngunit aking pinagtakhan
Iyong kabutihan
Maging iyong kakulitan
Sa hangad mong ako ay masilayan

Isang araw ikaw ay aking pagbigyan
Makipag kita at magkamustahan
Sa dati nating eskwelahan
Duon maghapon nagtawanan.

Mula ng araw na iyon
Binigyang kulay ng panahon
Pag-ibig sayo ay umusbong
Nagmamahal hanggang ngayon

Some reasons why I'm annoying

2007-10-12T07:36:00.000-07:00

I get overbearing at times. I force my opinion on others.
I'm too passive for my own good. I'm called the "Deadma King" for a reason. hehe
A lot of people say I'm "too masungit" and "too suplado". I say, sensitive lang kayo. hehe
I'm annoying because I'm an Alpha Male.
I'm annoying because I tend to be so forgetful. Di ba Chabs? hehe

TAGGED

2007-10-08T17:57:00.000-07:00

Dionne tagged me about Some reasons why I am annoying. Here are some on my list.

I am a crybaby. I never realized that until I got married. I cry over simple things and every time I wanted to. I think Vin starts to get annoyed already with my cry spells.
My hands are heavy. When I am happy I hit people especially Vincent and I never stop unless I see that he is pissed already.
I am sooo tamad. Maybe that is the reason why Dionne and I are friends. Like her I am so messy as well. You can see my earrings in the dining area, another on top of the computer table, in the bathroom as well. Hehehe.
I don’t return items on its original location.
With all the constant reminders still, I failed to switch off the lights.
I played NRA (No Reaction at All) or to ignore some suggestions especially if I am not amenable to it.
Im a typical “sutil” and “tigas ulo” You cannot force me to do something if I don’t feel like doing it. I’ll do it at my own will. Hehehe.

WISHFUL THINKING

2007-10-05T03:45:00.000-07:00

I wish that RRCG or G Liner transit will vanish here on earth and be replaced by a more considerate bus company who are sensitive enough to its passengers.
I wish that the no standing policy in public utility buses be implemented. Give some comfort to the passengers.
I wish that LRT2is extended up to Ortigas extension. It will be a great help for commuters residing in Rosario, Cainta and Taytay.
I wish that traffic enforcers are around to lessen the traffic condition in Legarda.
I wish Pasig is just 15 minutes drive to Letran
I wish for a flexible work schedule.
I wish that all people should understand that “its not what you say, its how you say it”
I wish for World Peace.

Things I Think I Think

2007-10-04T09:50:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, (Manila time) the entire Filipino nation will stop whatever they're doing & watch "Pambansang Kamao" Manny Pacquiao duke it out with the baby-faced assassin Marco Antonio Barrera in a fight that promises to be a memorable one. Pacman is expected to win. Well, he must win. He can't afford to break the hearts of 88 million Filipinos.
Everytime Pacquiao fights, it seems to be the only time Filipinos unite. Why can't he fight more? hehe
What Teri Hatcher said on the season premier of Desperate Housewives is despicable. It's another proof of American arrogance. No wonder a lot of guys want to bomb their asses.
What an upset huh? La Salle beat UE by a point in game 1 of the UAAP finals. I'm still rooting for UE though. This is a fluke.

Not nuts over this doughnut

2007-10-03T14:46:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, Chabs & I had the opportunity to finally sample Krispy Kreme's famous doughnuts and to a lesser degree, their coffee at it's Greenhills' location. Having a very sweet tooth, I've been waiting for this moment eversince I read from the news that the owners of Max's acquired the Philippine franchise of Krispy Kreme.

Chabs & I always pass by Krispy Kreme's store at Megamall & everytime, it's overflowing with customers. That only bolstered my excitement. And finally, the moment has come. As we entered the well lit store, we were greeted by the guard & practically every member of the staff along our way to the counter. The line was not that long & the wait time was ok. As we waited, we can't help but marvel on how the doughnuts were made by a machine. Yep, from frying to finishing?

We ordered a dozen of assorted doughnuts and a capuccino for me & a cup of mocha for chabs. As we waited for our beverages to be served, we turned our attention to the flatscreen tv adjoining the counter showing the last minutes of La Salle & Ateneo's game 2. After a few minutes, our drinks arrived. This is it! I sunk my teeth at the soft doughnut (i don't know what variety) & immediately squirmed. Man, this is too sweet. Even for me. Chabs too, felt the same way. Looking closer, I saw the reason why. In addition to it's usual finishing, the doughnuts are glazed. This is one doughnut not for diabetics. One bite can send a diabetic to the hospital I suppose. All of their doughnuts are very sweet save for the original(?).

I was mildly disappointed by the taste of the doughnuts & I thought the coffee couldn't be worse. And I was right. Their capuccino was ok except for it being too hot (I burned my tongue). And if my coffee was ok, Chabs' Mocha was downright bad. You couldn't really call it mocha. It's closer to tasting like cough syrup. hehe

Overall, our Krispy Kreme experience is disappointing at best. Their saving grace is their nice stores and friendly personnel. Aside from that, nothing more. One is better served buying doughnuts from much cheaper alternatives like Mr. Donut, Dunkin' or Gonuts Donuts.

PC-O

2007-10-01T20:54:00.000-07:00

Its been a month since Vin and I bought a PC for home use. Vin is busy downloading pc games ( the child in him) He also started pirating dvd’s specifically our wedding video.

Well, for me I don’t really play. I should say that my hand and eye coordination as well as strategies on gaming are poor. Besides, the main reason why we decided to buy the PC is for me to leave the office early and to avoid "overtawad" and just continue some works at home, to finish my thesis (hopefully this time its for real) and to explore more about some programs/software for advancement.

Now I am busy with playing around our pictures and exploring about photoshop. I have a project - a coffee table book of our honeymoon. I may not be good on games but I should say I am “creative” enough and it can be my alternate career. WHO KNOWS!

TRAVELIZATION

2007-09-30T20:15:00.000-07:00

After four days of out of town conference. I am back with gazillion of workload. Before anything get so busy let me share the following realization:

I am thankful for Letran that they sponsored my participation in the 44th PMAP Conference in Cebu. They are generous enough to shoulder the transportation, the air fare and the registration fee. But then again, attending to such activity entails hidden and extra expenses… like pasalubong for officemates, loved ones, friends and kapitbahay. Not to mention the food and the taxi fare while moving around the city. I end up broke. Vincent, pengeng baon next time. Hehehe.
Attending to conference is fun. You get a chance to meet a lot of people….CONNECTION and LINKAGES I must say. It’s great to see familiar faces gathering together.
Learning through sharing. After the conference my boss and I found ourselves listing down the things we need to do in our department.
Cebu is like Manila, taxi rate starts at P30 and traffic condition is terrible as well. Generally, people are accomdating, but not as warm as Ilonggos.
Next time you go to a conference make sure you have enough money and business cards on your pocket.
Out of town is fun if you will spend it with your loved one and if its purely intended for “Lakwatsa”
I guess its time for Vin and I to schedule an out of town. Hmmmm.

Things I Think I Think

2007-09-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

UST's loss last Sunday against Ateneo at the start of the UAAP Final Four left a bitter taste in the mouth as it ended a once-promising season for the defending champion Tigers. Coach Pido was seen crying on TV and he should be. He knows his team is much better than the Ateneo team that just beat them. Well, welcome to the real world Coach. You can't win 'em all. And besides, there's always next year.
As if UST's loss last Sunday wasn't enough, Letran, Chabs' employer lost to San Beda last night making Beda back-to-back champs. But this time, there's no shame in being second. Letran wasn't even supposed to be playing in the finals. They lost to a Beda team that is far superior talent-wise & Height-wise. This finals stint can be attributed to Coach Louie Alas. He has once again proven that he is the master of making do with limited resources.
Looking at Joey De Venecia, now I know what Yoda's son would've been if he had a son. hehe
Watching the Senate hearings make for some good entertainment. With, what, 24 (or is it 23) senators perpetually trying to put one over the other even on the most insgnificant of things? They should televise the hearings on Primetime.
With Chabs off to Cebu for the PMAP conference yesterday, this is the longest time I have been parted with her. This early, I'm already missing her. The days and the nights simply aren't the same. Umuwi ka na baby. And don't forget the pasalubong ha? hehe
To NEDA Director Neri, you got some balls of steel and an impeccable conscience. Imagine turning down a 200 million peso bribe & spilling the beans on COMELEC Chair Abalos who tried to bribe him. May more of your stock populate this country of ours.

Quote of the Week:

"May 200 ka dito."

- Comelec Chair Benjamin Abalos to Neda Director Neri during a golf game in Wack-Wack.

VICTIM

2007-09-21T23:17:00.000-07:00

Vin is a victim of my weird actuations lately. I am flushing out the side effects of the hormones I am taking. I became a "cry baby" , unreasonably sensitive and total emotional.Literally speaking I cry over practically nothing. I cried a lot and I get too emotional over simple things. I easily get irritated and I love ensaymada. There are times where I feel so low and ugly. Good thing, Vin is ever patient dealing with my insanity. Dont get me wrong, I am not pregnant yet, its just the hormones... Now I wonder how will I behave if I am pregnant.... Pretty SCARY!!!

Things I Think I Think

2007-09-21T10:42:00.000-07:00

Whoever said that marital life is hell? I say it's bliss. Four months of living with my beautiful wife under one roof has given me this conclusion. Sure, we get overwhelmed by endless chores & have the occasional "tampuhan". But for the most part, we're happy & contented.
I never thought that trying to have a baby is this hard. I always thought that it's as easy as Wham and Bam! If at first you don't succeed, try & try again. hehe
What about the Final Four game between UST & Ateneo on Sunday? It's win or go home. This is the type of game UST lives for. Bring on the Iggles!
If you work at Ortigas Center, you should visit the tiangge at Emerald Avenue every Saturday morning. Great food can be found here. You should really try the quarter pounder burgers. Chabs & I are addicted to it.
I think my wife is adorable & sexy. Not to mention obviously pretty too. hehe

A-CINCO

2007-09-05T20:20:00.001-07:00

Vin and I are celebrating our 4th month as a married couple. We are proud to say that we are doing well inspite of our different schedules. We live on our own away from our parents and in-laws. Its like we are playing bahay-bahayan, where I am the mommy and he is the daddy. We divide our chores. Though there are a lot of adjustments, and there are times where the day is not as good as yesterday, I am confident to say that we are happy with the new life we chose to live. More "a-cinco" will come our way and we will not be tired counting months and years as long as we are together.

RITUALS

2007-08-27T23:06:00.000-07:00

All couples have some set of actions designed exclusive for them. These are like rituals usually prescribed by couples in love. It may be weird, funny or sweet… only these couples can tell and I bet they cant even explain what satisfaction they received from these actions. Vin and I are not exempted so let me share some of the rituals we have that fall part on our daily routine.

KAGAT -This is how we express our genuine love with each other, we bite each other. A day wont be complete without one getting hurt and in my case I am the victim with proof: hematoma or a bruise. We call ourselves – masochista.

PINCHING EACH OTHER’S BUTT- Aside from the usual kiss, we pinch each other’s butt as a sign of “good luck” and “take care”

SOMETHING MUSHY - Before we sleep we recall our love story over and over again.

UNLITEXT – We availed of the unlimited texting just to text each other as if we are not going to see each other few hours after.

MASSAGE- instead of having the expensive spa session, we massage each others’ back trying to lessesn the stress points acquired from the demands of our job.

PHOTOGRAPHS

2007-08-09T17:25:00.000-07:00

If there is one material possession I cherished most, it is non other than photographs. Yesterday I really felt bad because our place in Bulacan experienced a flash flood due to typhoon Dodong. Too bad that my parents were not able to rescue our photo albums. I was really sad not because I am a camera freak, but I really treasure those photographs. It reminded me of my childhood and my adventures. I used to travel a lot and those photos were witnesses to the wonderful and unforgettable experiences I wished to share to my children and grandchildren in the future. There were photos where I hardly recognize myself... my friends told me about my transformation through the pictures I had from my elementary years to present. I admit I am a picture addict, who cares!!! these pictures are my reflection...the mirror of my past. Those pictures saves and commemorate importance of my being.

Now, its all gone... the flood has taken all my pictures away, the memories are still here in my heart but I am so sad that proofs are no longer available.

BOOKS AND TRAFFIC

2007-08-08T21:11:00.000-07:00

When I moved in to Pasig, the 2 hours travel time from our place to Intramuros due to "super heavy" traffic is a normal scenario. If there is one thing i hate most is to waste my time and I always find the traffic condition a total waste of time. My husband told me to sleep during travel hours but I have a difficulty sleeping in the public transportation. I was thinking of how to kill my time and i found reading as the ultimate solution. I began to enjoy reading. I am not ashamed to tell that I am not fond of reading before. Maybe that is the reason why i still have 20/20 vision because I am afraid to stress my eyes (well another reason is that i had an eye problem back then) and i find reading stressful to my eyes. hahaha.

Vin wanted me to acquire the habit of reading. He bought me a lot and it was appreciated. I enjoyed reading now for the following reasons: 1. I have more time for myself, work is not that stressful like before 2. its my ultimate escape to forget that damn traffic 3. It was my husband's influence on me and i thank him alot( well, i just hope he discontinue nagging me to read and to finish everything coz i really hate it when he's pushing me to read even if I am not in the mood.) 4. It is my own desire to read again.

CAREER

2007-08-06T20:41:00.000-07:00

I always wanted to perform the task where I was trained for. It has been my goal since I graduated 7 years ago. God is good that I was able to achieve my goal… and its not easy. My second job taught me a lot. I assumed different positions. I used to work with the highest authority in the institution and I was trained thoroughly coz working with him is never easy. So, for every work at hand, I make sure that I gave my best shot. I learned from my mistakes and was able to meet his standards. I was rewarded. My stay with him serves as my training ground. I learned a lot from him and I am thankful for all the difficult times for it helped me become a better person and I am proud of who I am now.
I used to be afraid to take the risk. I am afraid of losing my comfort zone. I wonder what its like outside… But why should I be worried??? I know my worth and my values are still intact.
NOW, I am ready to face new challenges…

A NEW HOME

2007-08-02T18:37:00.001-07:00

Creating a new blog is not easy. You have to come-up with a concept that would describe your personality, search for appropriate background and skin, especially if you dont know how to do the html codes. Its a good thing there are numerous bloggers who are generous enough to share their ideas giving the codes for free. But that's not all... you also have to think of a theme, your blog title and what should be the contents of your blog.

Yes, creating a blog is like building a house based from your own taste and design, we copy some ideas but we maintain the personal touch making it our own masterpiece. I used to maintain 2 sites before wherein you can find in my links below. The first was about my thoughts 3 years ago and the other one was created intended for my wedding. Now, 3 months after taking the big leap i decided to move to another place... a new home where everyone is welcome to check out my life as a woman and as a wife.

Welcome to my new home.