burn every book page while devouring each word

Before I completely get over last Friday night’s emotion, energy and imprudence, I have to write everything down…hence, this post.

Probably ten years from now, I’d still remember how I got myself into this huge blissful mess. PRINCESS ANNE RAMOS – my “flawless” team mate, mentor, sometimes bipolar, oftentimes bully but a real dear friend – instantly volunteered me (I don’t even know if that makes sense) when our senior team manager (STM) emailed us asking for volunteers to the company’s Music Clash, as part of this year’s Kick Off party. Somehow I saw it coming ‘cause she’d always have a way of “volunteering” me to be part of this or that in the office. But I just brushed off the idea knowing everyone would just make a joke out of it. But what I didn’t consider was that Mommy G, our STM, would take it seriously.

At the end of so much pleading and excessive downgrading of myself, I was left without a choice. I thought to myself, I didn’t want to sound like a whiny kid who always gets away with all the lousiest excuses ever invented. There I was perplexed, smiling with a bitter smile and not knowing what was in store for me for the next two days.

SERANETTE– my ADC team mate, KPOP fangirl sister, “stress reliever” buddy and eccentrically awesome friend – chose the reggae version of 2ne1’s hit song “I Don’t Care”. I was like, “Yeah, KPOP!” But damn it, of all the 2ne1 songs, why didn’t I memorize this one. Damn it. And yes, for the next two days, the lyrics got me damned. But what was more serious though was actually this fact – I CAN’T SING. Aside from the “videoke ‘til the wee hours of the morning”, I’ve never sang and danced IN PUBLIC before. If I had not been tirelessly encouraged and unwearyingly guided by Seh, I wouldn’t have learned all that in that span of time given for practice.

Aside from Seh, KAITEY, ATE GERLIE and KAREN M, are equally awesome. They never complained nor whined like I did (haha) and just got on with what we had to do. Kaitey is a diva in her own right and ate Gerlie is just woah. If only I could sing like them, I’d probably make the stage my home. WHUUUUUT?? Anyway, Karen has such a sweet voice and this confidence I never had when it comes to singing. Thanks to her, I gained a little more coolness than I thought I could muster.

Worthy of such respect too is DIANE, our groups “manager”, and JUNEE, our resident choreographer; both of whom painstakingly stood beside us and cheered us on as if they’d get part of the non-existent talent fee we’d presumably get. People like them are such treasures in our team. I feel awfully wretched, though, because Diane will be leaving the company very soon but still sincerely happy to have had the chance to work with her.

On the other hand, our performance would not have been such an utter success (or so they say) if not for our ADC loves. PIA, our very hot, chic and stylish stylist…ATE BEVS, the team’s production manager who meticulously made our masks; MOMAY, the team’s innocent, loving baby…ANNA, the sweet surprise; KUYA ALBERT, the quintessence of bullying; ATE TERET, empress of the kindest honesty; IVAN PHELL, my nemesis and my comrade; KUYA ARBEE, the never stressed-never panicked team mate; KUYA ARNEL, the helping hand; ATE GAY, the beaming ray of yellow sunshine; ATE RHONIE, the affable and amiable ate and our ever supportive managers, MS. LLOYD, MS. BUSHA and MOMMY G. Yes, ADC is definitely the epitome of support.

And because I like befriending people, I got close with some of my friends’ friends in the office. Shout out to CHACHA, KAREN O., JOYCE and ALLANA, my uberfriend since college and forever, and her Compregs team mates, NICOLE, the hotness, ALEX and KUYA BOY.

I might’ve turned into an embarrassment and would’ve never pulled this off if not for all them. Oh well, I noticed I’m starting to sound like a celebrity receiving her first Oscar’s award but everything that happened last Friday night was just incredibly unbelievable and definitely a first for me.

Oh! But it didn’t stop there. Just when I thought that before and during the performance were all but shrewd, the things that happened after was just unreservedly INSANE! I need not go on with the details but let’s just imagine the irony of me being composed and refined. Hahahaha!

If it not have been for my ever “shoulder to cry on” friends, MOMMY MARGA, RACHELLE and DAPHNE, I would’ve…I don’t even know. You are ever dependable, always there whenever…that I can recklessly fall into whatever pit knowing you’ll dig it up and pull me up just when I needed to. Yiheeee. This is getting too dramatic. giufhaoiljksgfjkds @_@

Anyway, I am just absurdly happy and exceedingly blessed to have spent a year with all these remarkable people. And this is just the start of the year. Now I know that 2013 will astound me with more shockers and first times for the next 11 months. Hakuna Matata! ^__________^


P.S. KISSTEL, KONICA, MABEL, FIL and PAU…wish you were all there. KOOKIE, KIM, RAZ, NICOLE, RON and JUNE, happy one year to us. cheers!!!


***Sorry for such a long post but this is also to thank everyone for putting up with me, my overflowing adrenaline, my nonsense, my hyperactivity and whatnot. Uber thank you for keeping me sane whenever my screws turn loose. I'm keeping this job because of all of you. ehem.

I shouldn't be doing this. But oh well..

--wrote this last January 12, 2013 and reposting this here (originally posted on my facebook page)

In Transit(ion)

This blog should’ve been written a few days back but my plate’s been too full with so much laziness and reasons not to. Actually, I could’ve written several blogs with these stories I am going to share if only I had the will and for the most part, the patience to finish whatever I started. So before the first month of the year ends, this now becomes an obligatory post to cap the year that was –2012.

            The year started off with a huge turning point. After a month of bumming and two weeks of job hunting, I finally found myself entering the realm of the labor force. How dramatic. But it really was. I had to endure all those long, dreary queues I had to be part of to be called a “legitimate” professional employee. Now, I finally have my own TIN, SSS and Philhealth cards. But the real challenges were actually patiently waiting for me at the office. I had to learn everything from scratch since my job didn’t actually fit my course’s curriculum. Everything was just Greek to me. Anyway, after all the fraught, apprehension and the burden of being the only new member of the team, I somehow eventually straightened myself up and got things moving.

Luckily, we had the chance to take a team photo where everyone is present.This is actually for our counterparts in Eagan, Minnesota.
Standing (L-R): Ate Teret, Kristel, Mylene, Ivan, Daphne, Pia, Konica
Seated (on the couch): Mabel, me, Anna, Mommy G, Ms. Busha, Cess, Ate Gerlie
Seated (on the floor): Pau, Kuya Arnel, Kuya Arbee, Kuya Albert, Fil

            Summer came and surprised me with new friends and new places I got to visit. The company decided to hold our Summer Event in Anilao, Batangas. We came to this island which was seemingly secluded as to be so serene yet so dynamically alive. We had several games. The food wasn’t bad either and the sun and the sea were just awesome. After spending most of the day at the beach, we then headed to Eagle Point for some snacks and a refreshing dip in the pool. I bought a sweet delicacy for my roommate along with a bunch of new friends.

Allana and me feet in the refreshing clear waters

Never knew my phone could take this kind of photo.

No trouble means no fun. Because, I just loooove breaking the rules, I dragged my team mates, Konica and Mylene, into climbing this hill. Oh well, this view from the top is just priceless; more than enough for the heat and the presumed scolding from our managers..but no one noticed what we did. haha!

A new bunch of friends only after a day together. yay!
(L-R) Helene, Kim, me, Allana, Jaja and Konica ~_~

            Just a month after, we had our team building for the year. I was honestly excited because during that time I wasn’t close to them as I am now. Somehow I felt that it would be a good opportunity for me to get closer and in some ways lighten up the awkwardness acquaintances often share. We went to a resort in Tagaytay (I totally forgot the name). It was a lot of fun, really, but I wished we did more stuff or at least talked more to each other. Anyway, thanks to GameMaster Fil, I learned to play that Monopoly card game. We capped the day with a hefty dinner starring the famous bulalo in Tagaytay and several other sumptuous authentic Filipino dishes. I went home bullied but happy with a full tummy.

The weather was just too perfect for that wonderful day under the sun.

We went to Caleruega for the serenity and a calm
heart but we found ourselves in the mdist of a wedding!

After our team building, I finally managed to crack some jokes with my team mates and talked to them about stuff beyond what we usually gag about. But things got kind of rough in the middle of the year and I just noticed my hair getting shorter and shorter as each month bid goodbye. I get errors everytime and although they tell me it’s ok, they’ve been through the same thing; the perfectionist and achiever in me just can’t let it go. I ended up sporting the shortest haircut I’ve had in three years. Luckily, I have the most hardworking, sweetest and most thoughtful team mate in our jurisdiction. Kristel gave me this (see photo below) while I was killing myself trying to get things done the way our U.S. counterparts wanted them. I was just overwhelmed with this since I usually am the one who often gives such things. But, actually, getting one really makes you feel appreciated in a professional environment.

Isn't Kristel the sweetest? I found this on my workstation after
getting too stressed out because of...yes, WORK.

            I also feel blessed to belong in such a wonderful team where everyone gets along well. No boss from hell and no bitches on her sleeves – just one of the consolations of this job.

Photobooth op during ze Family Fun Day. I was totally irritated with the fact that I had to work while
everyone else was having fun. Good thing I have these girls to  turn to when things get a little more than i can take.

"Ikinaganda mo yan, Ms. USA?" The coronation day of the Ms. Universe pageant. We were not happy, obviously.

A fantabulous night. TR Legal Christmas party at the PICC.

            Well, anyway, I’ve been tattling about work for the most part of this blogpost, but I have yet to chronicle another very significant life episode. GRADUATION. Yes. The hallmark of every student who’s been studying since he/she was four or so, graduation is expectedly a very important event. Finally, I’m done with college. Honestly, I felt less of the melancholy but more of the blues. Since I technically graduated last October of 2011, for me, the whole event wasn’t really as exciting as everyone expected it to be. But I was still happy because I was with my friends and more importantly, with my family. And to top it all, I walked up the stage I ever so dreamed of standing onto, to get the medal I’ve so worked hard for. I couldn’t thank my family enough, more so, He, who’ve always been my guiding star.

Because finally, there's no reason for us not to
take a photo with oble...or so the "curse" says.haha

 We just had to take the picture there since Oble is too
preoccupied with all the fresh grads around him. molavelites <3

With Melanie and Papaye. 

with ze number 1 supporters <3 <3 <3

dinner at Gerry's grill with Pyx and Mel's families..plus Lianne,
who's a semester shy of graduation

college-mates molavelites --Mel, Andrea and me. Masscom represent!

Phi Kappa Phi International Honor Society
induction ceremonies with my dearest
bestfriend, Ian. 

I will be forever indebted to you, my beloved alma mater. UP naming mahal.  

            FAMILY. Yes, my ever loving supportive family who didn’t just stay beside me but fell with me, stumbled with me and helped me stand up whenever I’m halfway down the drain. By the way my sister got married last January so we have a new member in our small family—Kuya RJ. To add more to this “small family”, my sister is now three months into welcoming a new angel into this blissfully crazy world. I am more scared than excited for this baby boy because I know I will be spoiling him more than I’ve spoiled my baby brother. Oh blessings, blessings. I also spent Christmas with the whole family and it’s one of the best Christmases we’ve had.

Christmas with ze family

The day i dreaded. Hahaha! Coz I'm sooo selfish when it comes to my sister...but that day, I had to let her go. huhu @_@

            And talking of families, although I finally bid UP goodbye along with all the memories, (good or bad, happy or sad) I still just can’t stop clinging to these people who became my other family, who gave me a second home – UPJC. I will always and forever love these people. These people who knew me at my best and never left me at my worst. So dramatic, eh? But I’m just happy that somehow we get to go out once in a while and just talk, and smile and laugh about anything and everything.

a truly happy birthday for me. korean-inspired dinner with these awesome friends

Final rites for the UPJC apps = videoke til the wee hours. FUN.FUN.FUN

'Cause we wanted to channel the "One More Chance" vibes, we had dinner at Bellini's. Oh-so-good food!

is this college happening all over again (with the Plants vs. Zombies backdrop)??hahaha!

Unwinding and whatnot in some bar in Cubao X.

Whenever I miss UP, I just look back and realize how my beloved org have
outgrown me and it feels terrific to be an "ate" to these babies.

.

            I share the same sentiments with my ever dearest Movelites. We’ve shared so much for the past five years and more. No amount of adjectives or figures of speech can ever equal the friendship we have. To infinity and beyond!

Mel recently went back to Korea for graduate studies and here we are
being clingy again...skype dating. hahaha

Dinner at Bigoli's, Starbucks and randomly going to BGC for Moonleaf!
A very epic night which ended with a bang! *wink *wink

FINALLY! MOLAVELITES After four long years....proud graduates of UP Diliman.

            Another bunch of friends I’m totally grateful for keeping are my room mates back in UPLB. Recently, we were able to have a reunion after five years of constant virtual hugs, kisses and “I miss you”. Although, one or two of us would have a chance to meet or see each other, the four of us never really had a chance to meet together after our first year in elbi. I guess a lot has changed in each of us but our friendship will surely relentlessly continue even until we can no longer type those virtual messages. I don’t know when we’ll be able to meet together again but we’ll make sure we do…soon.

Went to Zac's birthday with Azel and Sandigurl. Seems as though
nothing has changed...well, except for Mish and her baby boy.

Zac is a cutie-patootie! 

2206 loves (Jen, Mish, Azel, Sandi)

            This blogpost wouldn’t be complete also if I wouldn’t mention the incredible random things I’ve made myself a part of or simply just got dragged out into.

            My good friend, Vicky, whom I’ve met during my first year in UP Diliman and incidentally, my classmate in two subjects, left for her home in Malaysia. We may not have as much memories together as my other friends, but she really is someone I truly adore and admire. She’s very smart but very down to earth; she knows when to be serious about things but she has a lot of humor; most importantly, she values friendships as much as I do. I really am missing her right now but I know she’s totally enjoying herself with her recent travels in Singapore and other Asian countries. No worries Vicky, I might be able to visit your home soon, hopefully.

I visited her a day before she left for Malaysia and bought
 a box of those scrumptious J.Co donuts. I miss you, Vicky! ~_~

            KOREA. One of my best ever friends, Mel, invited me to this meet up of people learning Korean for free through a website called, “Talk to me in Korean.” We met Hyunwoo Sun and his gorgeous wife, Minkyung who run the website and other Filipinos along with some foreigners who are all obviously obsessed with Hangul and the Korean culture. I am overly delighted to be part of this and thanks to Mel I was.

With the TTMIK Manila meet-up. Wonderful people, wonderful encounter! DAEBAK!

            Finally, I think this one is really important not just for me but for all those I hope I’ve helped. My good friend and office mate, Mylene, volunteered to help pack relief goods for those affected by the “habagat” which devastated a lot of areas in the metro. We went to Ateneo de Manila University since I didn’t know UP’s schedule. I could say more than just “Faith in humanity restored” but faith in God and selfless love strikingly surrounded that basketball court filled with so many relief goods and good hearts. I felt really light-hearted even if we went home late that day. That was also the first time I volunteered for something like that and I know that that is something I should be doing more of this year.

plastic bags full of relief goods 

trying to get a nice photo to remind me to do more volunteer work

            I know 2012 challenged me emotionally and kept me hanging by a thread but because of all the incredible people God surrounds me with; I just shake the bad things off. I always remember that there are a lot of people who suffer more than I do, who go through a lot more, who needs providence or even salvation more than I seem to. Although i cannot honestly say that the past year was great, I am happy to have learned more about myself, and how to be grateful and how to appreciate the things and the people I have. I bet 2013 will surprise me more. To prosperity and love and genuine happiness, cheers!

"Impossibilities are merely things of which we have not learned or which we do not wish to happen." –Charles W. Chestnutt