On Turning 28

I've reached the point in my life where everything is just how I want it. Well, not EVERYTHING. But it's almost as if I have conquered the world and God's giving out the lotto jackpot with me as his target (yey!)!

I have been extremely blessed the past year. And who would have ever thought that God had more plans up His sleeve. The agency is overflowing with projects that I am actually here at work now finishing a lot of stuff. It's a Saturday, for crying out loud! I should be in my room watching Startalk....

My team surprised me the night before my birthday and it's fantastic to feel loved and appreciated. I was able to take my parents on a romantic trip to Singapore and my brothers are doing well in school. I have ten cute little babies, all of whom now have their fab stroller to sleep in. I've been super active in church, serving as the president of the Lectors & Commentator's Guild and it's been an awesome ride. I'm teaching in Assumption this June. I've been wanting to teach since God knows when and now, I have this chance to give back to my Alma Mater and show the new AC girls some tricks of the trade.

And I have this light beaming from within me, an inner glow that has been undeniable all because of this one great love I never thought I'd ever find.

This life is precious and I thank God for it. I thank Him every day for being so generous and protecting of me.

Now it's time to start another year. And I know it'll be absolutely kick-ass.

On A Sad Departure

Although I get impatient with his kakulitan at times, I can't help but get teary-eyed at the thought that TOBEN will be leaving the company. He is already transferring to Cavite and with the distance and all, he might not be able to meet the demands of his job, especially now that we have CHUCKIE set-ups so early in the morning (as in 3am!)

I will miss my first-ever driver. More than a driver, he's been a confidante and friend. He has remained loyal and trustworthy and for that I will be forever grateful. I will surely miss our exchange of stories while stuck in traffic, or how he immediately asks me for toll money so that he doesn't need to wake me up when I fall asleep, or how he speeds up when he knows I am extremely late for a meeting.

TOBEN, it's been a fun ride with you and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the service you have rendered to brainbeam. With this is my prayer, that you will continue to be safe in the rest of your life's journeys. God be with you and your family always.

On Their Upcoming Honeymoon!

I promised Panda and Mumski that I will send them to Singapore at the start of the year. Because of my hectic schedule, I wasn't able to polish the plans. But all is set, and my parents are scheduled to leave this March 1!

I've already booked them their flight and I'm going to give them their shopping money later. =) Still having problems though with their accommodations, as all the good hotels are fully booked! Haaayyy... Super photo finish. I tried one last hotel and I'll know of their availability tomorrow. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

They are SUPER excited! Hindi na nga ata nakakatulog ang dalawa. I have been so blessed last year and I want them to enjoy the fruits of my labor. Cuz will be touring them around SG and I can't wait for them to see the Night Safari and Sentosa!

Panda, Mumski, thank you for EVERYTHING you have done and sacrificed for me and my brothers. Enjoy Singapore! And hopefully, I can send you to more trips in the future. Have a wonderful time! You both deserve it!

On My Authentic Chinese Man

Happy New Year of the Pig, everyone!

I've known Bru for almost 7 years now and it was only yesterday when I realized how Chinese-y he really is. We supervised our PLDT Budget Card event in Binondo yesterday and I've never had so much fun in Chinatown!

Bru drove and his driving skills are quite commendable! We had a BIG breakfast at one of the authentic Chinese restos there. Look at Bru pouring tea to his cup. Bagay na bagay sa kanya. Natural na natural tignan. And side note... the shrimp dumplings were yummy!!!

Then we went around Ongpin and bought some really cool stuff. Was able to buy a pair of red pumps and siya naman, brown sandals. Also bought a big ring (with a yellow crystal on it) from one of the stores. While going around, Bru saw this cart that sells yellow watermelons. Here he is buying a slice. Masarap daw sabi niya.

Today, we're going back there again and I'm sure we're up for more adventures. Thanks for this awesome day, Bru! ;)

On Fifty Questions (from Love Anover's Multiply site)

Love!!! Cute ng 50 questions mo, mare. My turn to answer...

1. How tall are you barefoot?
First question pa lang, napikon na agad ako. Hmp! 4'11.

2. Have you ever smoked?
Ages ako. Never liked it.

3. Do you own a gun? And do you know how to use it?
Sa lakas kong magsalita (at sumigaw), I don't need one. ;)

4. Who is/are your best friend/s?
Bespwen Rika. Nel (can't wait to go around NY with you!). K.A. Of course, Sweets (yihee!)

5. Do you get nervous before "meeting the parents"?
Hmm... Not really. My 'ka-lectors' na mga oldies na tell me that I'm the type they'd want their sons to end up with (naks!). Chika is my life talaga. And 'the parents' are ultra nice, thank God!

6. What do you think of hot dogs?
Love 'em! Especially with ketchup.

7. What's your favorite Christmas song?
Merry Christmas Darling. My Mama gets teary-eyed pag Christmas, dati, whenever she hears this kasi. This was when my Papa was still working in Hongkong. And darling talaga tawagan nila. Sweet and romantic! And I also like Winter Wonderland, especially when Cui danced to it nung Prep pa siya, hahaha!

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning?
Water.

9. Can you do push ups?
Dati siguro.

10. Is your bathroom clean?
Pwede na.

11. What's your favorite piece of jewelry?
My MELINA gold nameplate necklace and my Charriol bracelet.

12. Do you like painkillers?
I love Omega Pain Killer. Laging masakit legs ko eh. Hilig kasi mag-heels! Hahaha! And Dolfenal for menstrual cramps (too much info yata to...)

13. What is your secret weapon to lure in the opposite sex?
My wit? (lupet!!!)

14. Do you own a knife?
Swiss knife (for events)

15. Do you have a car?
Yes. My super reliable and matipid sa gas na Adventure. I like big cars! RAM ang name niya dahil sa plate number. Which reminds me, rehistro time na pala niya. Hmmm...

16. Middle Name?
Fontejon.

17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment?
Thought 1: Ang traffic siguro mamaya sa Binondo. (We have a PLDT event there for the Chinese New Year)
Thought 2: Mag-co-commute ako! Been a long time...
Thought 3: I miss payatot...

18. Name the last 3 things you have bought:
All from Binondo yesterday:
Red pumps
Gold ring (big yellow cystal)
Three huge heads of cauliflower (ulam namin mamaya to, for sure!)

19. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink:
Buko juice
Mango shake
C2

20. What time did you wake up today?
5:15AM. Had a meeting with a Nestle potential client at Starbucks, Cortes, ATC.

22. Current worry?
Madami. The bids I joined. Sana payats gets work na. A personal family thing... Haayyy... I'm a worrywart eh.

23. Current hate?
Bids that we don't win.

24. Favorite place to be?
Right beside Payatot.
Chatuchak. Gusto ko mag shopping lang ng mag-shopping.

25. Least favorite place to be?
Mga ospital.

26. Where would you like to go?
Egypt with Cuz!!!

27. Do you own slippers?
My dad tells me I am the "Little Imelda" of slippers.

28. What shirt are you wearing?
A sleeveless, black top that has a nice, unique neckline.

29. Do you burn or tan?
Proud to be tan.

30. Favorite color(s)?
Purple
Red
Gold

31. Would you be a pirate?
Ay, pwedeng pwede! Di ako 'goody-goody'.

32. Last time you had an alcoholic drink?
Di ako manginginom. Super don't drink anything with alcohol (well, Mule lang, hahaha!).

33. What songs do you sing in the shower?
Mabilis ako maligo. No time to sing.

34. What did you fear was going to get you at night as a child?
Hmmm... Cuz, meron ba? Wala eh. And I sleep in my room alone pa ha.

35. What's in your pocket/s right now?
Nothin' in my pockets.

36. Last thing that made you laugh?
Payats and I posed as 'Emperor' and 'his wife' yesterday at the PLDT booth. Daming nagpa-picture, promise!!!

37. Best bed sheets you had as a child?
I like my bed sheets better now eh.

38. Worst injury you've ever had?
Nahulugan ako ng dos por dos sa ulo during a PLDT event at SM Megamall. One of the backdrops fell kasi. I swear, ang TIGAS ng ulo ko. Buhay pa ko eh! (hahaha!)

40. How many TVs do you have in your house?
4

41. Who is your loudest friend?
MAY mas iingay pa ba sa kin? Oo!!! Si Love Anover at Christine Borillo. Hahaha!

42. Who is your most silent friend?
Tine Vela-Macapagal.

43. Does someone have a crush on you?
Yihee! Madami! Hahaha!

44. Do you wish on shooting stars?
Yes. :)

45. What is your favorite book?
The Alchemist.

46. What is your favorite candy?
Not exactly a fan of candy.

47. What song do/did you want played at your wedding?
Main Song: The Way You Look Tonight
Last Time I'll Fall In Love, Let's Stay Together, How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You

49. What were you doing 12 AM lastnight?
Sleeping na. Had to get up early eh. But at around 12:32AM (looked at my cel kasi), nagising ako coz of my super noisy neighbors singing lousy videoke songs. Wanted to kill them. Papa screamed at them talaga. Thank God they stopped!

50. What was the most expensive thing you bought with your own money?
The RAM.

On A Stripperrrrific Birthday Surprise

The Set-Up:
EA was sent to Elizabeth Seton to check up on our new CHUCKIE ROADSTER location. Then he was sent to Bespwen's office to deliver my Christmas gift to her, a car plate number cover. Then supposedly, he is to get two (2) CDs from a Goodyear client at Parque Espana, the site of our grand surprise.

The Accomplices:
Bespwen -- Asked her to let EA wait at their lobby up until I tell her that everything was set. She had to leave early though. So we asked EA to proceed to Festival Mall instead to canvass on the prices of children's white rubber slippers that we will be using for our Cupid On The Run PLDT Event. He readily followed my orders.

Parque Front Desk Officer -- We told her that when EA gets in, she is to say that it's Abbie Real (Abbie is my barkada from college) who owns Unit 601, the room where we all were.

Ralph -- He is from the Housekeeping Department of Parque. We told him that once EA gets there, he is to be instructed to stay at the sofa to wait for 'Abbie Real', the girl who has the two CDs. Unfortunately, because of the 'suspicious' set-up, EA didn't want to stay at the sofa. He went back to the lobby so our 'strippers' weren't able to immediately perform their special number.

The Highlights:
Finally called EA to tell him to go to the hotel unit once again. Made up a story that Abbie was in her bedroom when he got in. As soon as he opened the door, one of our strippers pulled him inside the room and they all did their fancy number.

We all came out from the kitchen and the bedroom, complete with our party poppers. EA was shocked to see everyone and was truly touched with the gesture.

He loved his iPOD cake from Art Cakes, his new MP3 player, and most of all, the 'strippers'! A special thanks to the three boys who really made EA's day. We also invited EA's good friend Geoff. The food was yummy and the kwentuhan was priceless!

EA has been so hardworking and dependable and I am happy to have him on my team. And this birthday surprise was our way to thank him for his kindness and loyalty and the non-stop laughter he brings to the agency. We love you, Jang! Stay the same.

On the CHUCKIE ROADSTER Then

From this...

On the Smell of Defeat and the Glory of Being Champs

Congratulations to the winners of brainbeam's FIRST AMAZING RACE, the BLACK team composed of Mona, Tikboy and our ever-reliable PA, Tetet.

A close second was the ever-so-bibo-but-fell-short RED team with team members Exenia, EA and Tito Obet!

I don't know what in the world happened to the WHITE team who arrived at the Pit Stop forty-five minutes after the red team accomplished the final task. To Tet, Rainier and Bru... better luck next year!

To all the clue keepers, a round of applause for each of you. Thank you very much for the support and enthusiasm.

Until December! Wait till we conquer more cities across the nation! Woohoo!