On My New, Sweet Obsession

I am SO, SO, SO in love with this guy!!! He is my Dan, from the popular teen show Gossip Girl. Yes, TEEN. I feel like a freakin' teenager every time I see him on TV. This morning, I caught the latest episode where he kissed Georgina, his girlfriend Serena's (and the bida of the show) arch enemy, because he thought Serena was cheating on him. Up till this very second, my heart's still filled with sadness because of that ep! I love Dan and Serena (yes, even if I'm obsessed with him, they really are the perfect couple) and I can't stand that bitch Georgina! Hahaha! Gossip Girl made me blog again. How nice. XOXO, Melina.

On Mama's Golden Moment

Today is Mama's 65th birthday. We treated her to a very special surprise birthday dinner last night at the Naida Room of Conti's BF. She was evidently very happy seeing everyone there! Dex and I were talking this morning and we were certain this party would be the topic of the week.

The food was great! Mama got a lot of gifts too! And being in the company of family and friends really made the night very memorable. I went all out preparing for the birthday surprise, to show Mama how much we love and appreciate her. Thank you to everyone who made last night a tremendous success!

On Welcoming The New Year

It's been ages, I know. Thanks to the power of Destiny Cable, I finally have an Internet connection here in my room. And there are many more things to be thankful for. The past year has been UNBELIEVABLY generous to me. I feel like I'm God's favorite child after the many wonderful blessings He has so graciously showered upon me.

1) Was able to send Mama and Papa to Singapore for a "honeymoon". Gracias to Cuz for making their trip extra fun and hassle-free.

2) Although there were some who left and will be leaving the company, I'm happy to welcome those who will be joining our family. With God's good graces, I am confident that my team will be stronger and more powerful than ever!

3) Bespwen and I were still able to support the 'Pelikulang Pilipino'. Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo was fun. Loved the character of the stepbrother of Angie. Resiklo was lousy but Dingdong Dantes was worth my every penny. Still happy to know that Bespwen is still my Bespwen.

4) Spent time with Cuz at Bora. Was able to relax and talk about life. That was so good.

5) Spent time too with Hicky and Stanny. Kudos to Chito and Hicky on their engagement. I'm elated! And a beach party for a reception... Gotta start working out!

6) Projects galore. Magnus, Vanessa, Missy and the whole IHN family, Carol, Maureen Guiao, Steff and Kristy, Carlos and Ms Jinn... our Robinsons bosses, Ms Eunice and Ms Shiels and their astig marketing officers, Star and Marizel, Papa Gary. My suppliers... Priority 1, 2 and 3 plus Gerric Yo. I bet I forgot someone...

7) Everyone's in the best of health. My family, my team, Sweets.

8) Ahh... Sweets. How sweet it is to be loved by you.

C'mon 2008, I'm ready for you!

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!

On My Face Plastered Along Pasay Road

My college buddy Borillo sent me this text message at 8:23 this morning:

"In fairness Valdez, nakita ko na ang lamp post banner mo sa Pasay Road. Smile to death.

Followed by this message:

"In fairness, Marixi Prieto, Tessie Coson ang mga kasama mo. Yours is located near Kink Cakes or Fujitsu Bldg, I think. Ang ganda kaya."

Thanks, pare! And the funny thing was, I also saw Borillo at Powerplant Mall kanina. She was telling the sales reps at 'tyler' about the lamppost thingie. Borillo is such a riot... and a darling!

Bru and I had a meeting at Nestle after lunch today. After that, we headed to PLDT. Before going to the meeting, I asked him if we could pass by Pasay Road to look at the now famous banner. Check this out! Hahaha! Extra na lang in a movie and I've penetrated all mediums na! ;)

I am a proud Assumptionist and I am grateful for this sweet recognition, as one of their successful graduates. All hail to my beloved Assumption!

Thanks to my beau who took the photo that was placed on the streamer. Naks!

On The Most Exciting Christmas Party Ever!!!

4 DAYS UNTIL THE BIG RACE!

The brainbeam team is all set!

Red team: Xenia (team captain), EA and Tito Obet
White team: Bru (team captain), Rainier and Tet
Black team: Mona (team captain), Tikboy and Judith

Countless cities, exciting adventures, all to win the FIFTEEN THOUSAND PESOS grand prize!

Good luck, teams!

On Rainy Days and A Sunny Future

I attended my kabarkada's wedding yesterday at the Chapel on The Hill in Nasugbu, Batangas. Their reception was at Josephine's in Tagaytay. The weather was B-AAAAAAAA-D! The fog was so low there was zero visibility. The rain was pouring like crazy and the wind was absolutely furious!
During Jeff and my friend, Ti-ne's "thank you speech" they expressed how truly grateful they were that family and friends stayed despite the 'storm'. Jeff said that they were planning the wedding for a year and a half, and were quite saddened that many of their plans didn't push thru because of the weather condition. Ti-ne was so overwhelmed she even cried.

I say, they were able to get thru yesterday with big smiles on their faces, then they can most certainly get thru ANYTHING life will throw at them. I enjoyed hosting the fab event and my congratulations again to the newlyweds!

On Unearthing The Good After A Disaster

"The Philippines National Disaster Coordinating Council, NDCC, reports 198 people are confirmed dead, 260 are missing and 64 are injured. The typhoon hit maximum sustained winds of 190 kilometers per hour at its center with gusts of up to 225 kph. Reming is the fourth typhoon to wreak havoc in the Philippines since September 27."

=====

He is still there in Bicol and I am worried as hell. It's a good thing his grandma was confined a day before the storm because of high blood. He and his aunt and uncle were inside the confines of the hospital so even if Typhoon Reming was destroying the whole of the region, they were safe. His grandma's house in Camalig, however, felt the rage of the Super Typhoon. Their entire basement was washed away by the mudflow and the second floor of their house was submerged knee-deep in water. Water supply is almost zero and people are starting to panic. There's no SMART signal there so we can no longer communicate. Thank God for his aunt's Globe phone. He was still able to get in touch with me via text last night.

This whole day, however, is probably the first time, ever, that I have not heard from him. I am so concerned about their condition there that last night, I was crying while praying the rosary. I was twisting and turning the whole night. I can't stand the thought of not knowing how he is. I know God is watching over him.

His lola being confirmed was a blessing in disguise.
His tita having two cellphones, a SMART and a GLOBE, is a blessing.
His being there is a blessing, to his relatives, for they have extra hands to help them pick up the broken pieces.

Most of all, this has made me realize how much I value this person. He means the world to me and I can't wait for him to come home. I know that after all this, life could only get better. Let's continue to pray for those whose lives took a 360 degree turn after this disaster. God be with them.

On PLDT Budget Card's Christmas Treat!

Please visit our PLDT Budget Card FREE OVERSEAS CALL booths at SM Megamall (Bldg A, between Wendy's and Kultura) and SM Mall of Asia (right in front of the iMAX entrance) to enjoy free 3-minute calls to your loved ones abroad. Plus, if you purchase two PLDT Budget Cards, you get to pick a prize from our lavish Christmas tree!!!

PLDT Budget Card, ang pinakamaaasahang pantawag sa abroad!

This advertisement was NOT paid by PLDT Budget Card. Hehehe.

On Another Tree-Uprooting Experience

The Philippine Government suspended classes in all levels today in lieu of SuperTyphoon Reming. Just came from an ocular in Valenzuela and when we passed by EDSA, all the tarps of the big billboards have been folded up in preparation for the big storm. I bought huge candles yesterday from Megamall and stacked up on instant noodles. I admire PAG-ASA for being more vigilant and proactive (their readings during the Milenyo SuperTyphoon were precise) and the government for taking immediate precautionary measures compared to before.

Hubby told me that Bicol is already a mess, rooftops flying left and right. He's there now for a vacation so imagine how worried I am... Come home na, please...

I really wish Reming would go away or re-direct her flight. In the meantime, let's all pray for God's guidance and protection.

On Mr. Body Beautiful

This is Gay Magnet...
who sent me this picture over the Net.

Feel na feel ang kanyang buffed na body
Hay naku, Lucky Manzano wannabe...

He's been in the States for so long
I don't know if he even has plans of coming home.
From a doctor, ngayon, isa na siyang nurse...
Hope his situation hasn't gotten any worse.

I pray for strength for him everyday,
and someday soon, too, a 6-digit pay.
Pag mayaman ka na, bakasyon ako diyan.
Road trip tayo kahit saan! =)

On South Super Hi-Way's 'Fast and the Furious'

As we were coasting along SSH the other day, EA's eyes took notice of this 'vehicle'. Our guess was, it's a skeleton of a truck. Manong driver was oblivious to his surroundings. He was even wearing a cool pair of shades, deadma to the fact that the whole of South Super Hi-Way was staring at him and his fine set of wheels.

Just imagine if all the vehicles in the world were as bare and open as this one! I'd better put on sunblock everyday!!!

On A BEE-autiful Birthday!

Ako lang ang adult na naka-party hat... I love elephants naman kasi talaga! Yesterday, Lexie Toledo, my friend's daughter, celebrated her birthday at Jollibee Greenmeadows. Bespwen, Bespwen's boyfriend Bibi and yours truly were the first ones to arrive!

It was such a fun party! The programme was very entertaining and I must commend the host for being so proactive and funny. Bibi brought his camera so picture taking galore kami.

There's one pic here of a dancing lola. Slutty dance pa kamo. The host asked the kids to bring him two dancing lolas and boy, were they really grinding on the dance floor! The food was of course yummy and Lucky and Jo gave away so many prizes. So congratulations to you both! For a great party and for raising an incredibly cute princess. Until next year!!!