On My First Official Commercial Shoot

Well, well, well... What do we have here...

On my April 4 blog entry, I wrote... "Sa susunod, TV commercial na 'to!", pertaining to my perceived aftermath of my fabulous print ad model career. PLDT got me to 'star' in their PLDT NDD P10.00 per call promo ad, which came out in all the leading broadsheets. And I honestly believed that that won't be my last moment of fame.

Last November 11, I appeared in a testimonial like commercial for PLDT Budget Card. My script went something like this...

"One time, gamit ko tong phone sa boarding house... Enter ang landlady, GALIT! Eh naka-PLDT Budget Card naman ako, no. Tatlong piso lang tumawag sa abroad. Mahal pa ang softdrinks!"

Hahaha! PLDT paid me a hefty ten thousand worth of SM Gift Certificates! I bought a new comforter, a couple of nice blouses, new fluffy pillows, and the rest I gave to Tikboy, my messenger, and Mama, who bought groceries.

Being in front of the camera is awfully nerve-wracking! My hats off to the Jerichos and Judy Anns of this world!! It's so tough talaga to act. You have to: 1) memorize your lines (you CANNOT make a mistake or you'll start from the very beginning!), 2) act natural while maintaining good eye contact with the camera, 3) stay alive under the extreme heat from the lights! Good grief! Buti na lang I psyched myself well. Just had a few takes and the agency reps were quite pleased, they even said I can do commercial acting for a living. Yeah, boy!

Type ko mag-Coke commercial...

On A THOR-rific Surprise!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO BESPWEN RIKA!!!

It's been a while since I last did an extravagant surprise for my bespwen. I remember some few years back when I filled their gate with balloons and put a large streamer over her car with my birthday greeting on it!

This year's surprise is a tad more extravagant. I had R&B sensation and host of Wave 89.1's Duets with Thor, THOR (of course) go to her office to sing her her favorite song "Without You". After Thor's romantic rendition, he gave her a bouquet of red roses and my cake-like (layered kasi) gift which contained a fancy bag, gold hoop earrings and a baby blue striped top-pang-fashionista.

My messenger Tikboy was the one who accompanied Thor and he told me "mangiyak-ngiyak" daw sa gulat at tuwa si Bespwen! Once again, I rule the "big birthday surprises" department. Sabi pa ni Bespwen, "ang lupet" ko daw.

Hearing how happy I made her just feels so freakin' great! Cheers on your 29th, B! Mahal na mahal kita.

On The Craziest Event We've Ever Handled!

This kid won Best In Halloween costume during our recently-concluded NO TRICKS ALL TREATS, A HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION AT THE ROBINSONS MALLS. I was assigned at Robinsons Galleria, where supposedly, all the cranky and obnoxious moms and dads will be.

I was at the office at around 3:20 in the morning on the day of the 29th. We dispatched the 6 teams to the different malls and all vans were outta MB Aguirre at around 5am. We didn't have that much problems entering the mall. The riot was during the registration and the Trick or Treat parade! All the stage moms wanted to be with their kids as we went around the mall. Grrr... They were all so stubborn, even more hard-headed than their kids!!! After the exhausting parade, everything was smooth sailing. We had an interactive magic show, a performance from kids celebrities such as Igi Boy, Basti and Kristel of Goin Bulilit, pretty Ella of Starstruck Kids and Gabby Roxas and Bea Binene of Bahay Mo Ba To and Lovely Day. The kids were very easy to manage and actually made great co-hosts! After their performance, we had fun games for the kids. Then, it was time to judge the Best In Halloween Costume. Costumes ranged from warriors, to teleserye characters, to princesses and enchanted creatures.

I just had a meeting with Robinsons today and despite the chaos, they said we did a pretty darn good job! Yehey! And to top it off, we have another event lined up with them on the 17th. Woohoo! Our invasion of Robinsons Land begins...

On A Pair To Watch Out For

Who knows... they might be the "it" couple of the 30th century!

The baby wrapped like a shawarma is Baby SAMANTHA MUTUC, the first-born of my Account Executive CS and his hubby (my brother's best bud way back grade school) Bombing. -- Picture 2

Donning an all-white get up naman is Baby SANTINO JULIO T. ALMOSA, my adorable inaanak! He is the son of my sweet K.A. and her beloved Guam-based hubby Duskee! -- Picture 1

They're both beautiful babies! They have their parents to thank for it! (naks!) And having said that, I'm sure they'll both grow up to be fine young citizens of this nation (hehe.) Magpapaka-matchmaker ako and make sure they meet up when the right time comes. Yehey! Another good karma for me! I just hope their parents don't kill me for setting them up this early.

On Fab Find # 9: Bangkok

These gold hoops are a bit heavy yet H-O-TTTT! Even Exenia thought so, when she noticed it during lunch. When I wear the chunky gold bangle, will take a pic of it too!

Cuz, I love these talaga!!!

On brainbeam's Halloween Extravaganza

Peek-a-boo!!!

This Halloween, brainbeam's embarking on another first! It's our first time to do a simultaneous event, 6 malls to be exact! Our company was tasked to be the implementing agency of the NO TRICKS ALL TREATS HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION AT THE ROBINSONS MALLS. On October 29 (that's this Sunday!), kids aged 5-12 will be treated to a day of fun and freebies!

The kids, some 300 of them, will be going from tenant to tenant for the Trick or Treat parade. There's also a magic show, fun games, a celebrity kid show (Goin Bulilit and Starstruck Kids) and a mini fashion show to determine who among the contenders will win Best in Halloween costume!

Preparations are almost done. We have our final coordination meeting tomorrow with all the 6 teams. Our office is filled with small bayong loot bags, pumpkins, 5-feet tall witches (and they're scary I tell ya!), game materials, scarecrow's straw hats and other Halloween paraphernalia.

I really pray we do a kick-ass job on Sunday so that Robinsons can trust us again to do another project. I wanna do the Christmas event! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that there will really be NO TRICKS on this day and just ALL TREATS and smiles from our target audience.

Advance Happy Halloween everybody! Mwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!!!

On His First Trip Abroad

Baby Packy is my third child. His Kuya Milo (a brown dog) and Ate Chloe (a pink dolphin), his younger sister Carrie (a pink bear), and the twins (identical brown dogs) Felina and Felisha were all happy for the little guy! He's the smallest of the bunch so it was easy for me to fit him inside by luggage and bring him anywhere.

He had a grand time at the temples and was jumping for joy when he rode the elephant. Look at him, super tired from going shopping around Chatuchak. He'll be your tour guide as I show you more highlights from my trip. In the meantime, gotta give him his daily dose of Milo...

On One Golden Experience

Sa wat dee! My Thailand trip ranks a perfect 10 on the fun-o-meter! I had a blast with Cuz and our adventure-filled 5-day vacation is one for the books.

Bangkok is SO much like Manila... from the main roads, to the way the locals look and dress, the traffic, the modes of transportation and the warm and sunny smiles of the Thai people.

Cuz and I went temple-hopping and the structures were just breathtaking. The intricate designs and the materials used were very creatively executed. I simply could not stop taking pictures!!!

My brand-new red maleta's 'powers' were tested to the hilt. It was able to successfully hold almost all of my pasalubongs. It's shopping heaven there, I tell ya. And I did not miss the Philippines that much because whenever we'd ride around town, it just seemed like I was in Taft, or Nagtahan, or the Skyway! Ahh... just thinking about Chatuchak, their popular weekend bazaar (as big as the whole BF Homes, mind you) and the goodies I bought there... plus the mouth-watering food, the elephants and the temples makes me kilig all over.

My Top 10 Fab Finds:
1) My chunky gold bangle (from India pa daw)
2) Black watch
3) A complete set of pearls (ring, pendant, earrings)
4) A black shirt with a bejeweled crown embossed on it
5) A thin black belt (that they can cut to your desired length)
6) A Nothing But Water-like bathing suit (just gotta lose the weight!)
7) Pink and Green shawls
8) Funky creme & brown mailman's bag
9) Gold hoop earrings (super, super fab!)
10) Five (5) nice blouses that all cost below 250 baht

So what are you waiting for? Call the Kenstar Travel Agency now and book that flight to Bangkok!

Good one again, Cuz! Next stop... QUEENSLAND!!!

On Yet Another 'Amazing Race'

After my last trip out of the country, Cuz and I are scheduled to meet in Thailand this Friday. Oohhh... how sosyal! It'll surely be another one helluva 'race'. Race against time... (Must finish shoppin'!) Race against the military tanks (hahaha, mala-Saving Private Ryan?) ... Race against slip disk pains and heatstroke (but am still bringing a light jacket).

Cuz and I emailed all day counterchecking our THINGS TO BRING. I am bringing Geebee, my Gameboy so that I have company during my 3-hour trip. Cuz thought I was funny because I am still bringing shampoo. I hate hotel shampoo. They make my hair extra dry and lifeless. Don't wanna destroy my damn curls!!! I am just soooooo omega excited! Am planning to pack tonight.

Will post pics from out trip. In the meantime... pag-tiyagaan niyo muna ang mapa ng Thailand.

On How Successful Women Should View Marriage

In a brief conversation, a man, speaking to a woman, was out to pursue the question, "What kind of man are you looking for?"

She sat quietly for a moment before looking him in the eye and asked, "Do you really want to know?"Reluctantly, he said, "Yes" as she began to expound..."

As a woman in this day and age, I am in a position to ask a man what he can do for me that I can't do for myself.

I pay my own bills.

I take care of my household without the help of any man- or woman for that matter. I am in the position to ask, 'What can you bring to the table?'"

The man looked at her. Clearly he thought that she was referring to money.She quickly corrected his thought and stated, "

I am not referring to money... I need something more. I need a man who is striving for perfection in every aspect of life."

He sat back in his chair, folded his arms, and asked her to explain.She said,

"I am looking for someone who is striving for perfection Mentally. I need conversation and mental stimulation. I don't need a simple-minded man.

I am looking for someone who is striving for perfection Spiritually because I don't need to be unequally yoked... Believers mixed with unbelievers is a recipe for disaster.

I need a man who is striving for perfection Financially because I don't need a financial... burden.

I am looking for someone who is Sensitive enough to understand what I go through as a woman, but Strong enough to keep me grounded.

I am looking for someone who I can Respect. In order to be submissive, I must respect him. I cannot be submissive to a man who isn't taking care of his business. I have no problem being submissive... He just has to be worthy.

God made woman to be a helpmate for man. At this point, I can't help a man if he can't help himself."

When she finished her spill, she looked at him. He sat there with a puzzled look on his face, and exclaimed, "You're asking for a whole lot!"

To which she gracefully replied..."Only if you think I'm not WORTH a lot."

Got this from KC Concepcion's Multiply blog. Very nice.

On Starting Anew

It's as if I was in a coma for so long and Prince Charming finally kissed me on the lips to wake me up from my deep slumber.

I'm back! And I've never felt SO good. Life has been nothing but generous to me... Business has been action-packed. My projects are all finally over and I can sit back, relax, and wait for the dough to start pouring in. I have an upcoming trip to Bangkok with Cuz... something that has had me awake and restless for the past few nights. I'm just soooooooooo excited to leave!!! And then there's this undeniable twinkle in my eye that only love and passion can provide. ;) I've been so blessed.

And hopefully, now that I'm 'awake', I can get to write more entries again. Ahhh...

This was taken during my recent Bohol vacation. That was just THE most perfect day...

On My UltraElectroMagneticJam Day

Kudos to Jam 88.3 for a great album! Well done! Loved almost all of the Eraserheads classics on this helluva revival CD. Indeed a tribute to the great ones, whose songs once served as our background music every summer when my cousins and I would play mahjong the minute the clock struck 1. Those times were awesome...

==

This morning when I woke up, I suddenly had the chills and this awful pain in my stomach. It was unexplainable, until it dawned on me that my late grandma (a.k.a. Mang) paid me a visit. After Mama 'spoke' to her, while stroking my back, I cried non-stop. Then after a few minutes, I was back to normal. The pain was gone. It was Mang's birthday last 16 January and I wasn't able to drop by the cemetery. I am so guilty because lately I haven't been praying for her as often as I used to. CS was kind enough to accompany me earlier. I brought white flowers for her and Lopang (my grandpa). I miss her so much and I sure wish she could be with us now to enjoy all these 'successes' I am reaping. I'll take her to trips with us, for sure! But I know that she is happy, wherever she is now. I love you, Mang. And thank you for still looking after me.

==

We are cooking up two mall tours aside from the already sure projects with have with MAGGI, PBA and PLDT. I feel so damn good! The stress is crazy, but expected. Preparation time is always the most hectic. Am looking forward to another smashing year for the agency and I hope I can help more people with these projects. Life is good...

On Rewarding Myself

I will be back here in no time and I'm super duper excited!!! I'm treating Cui and Dexter to Singapore and we leave on the 28th. Last year was a tremendous year for the agency and I am proud to say the rewards have been overflowing. I can't wait for them to see this place! And the Night Safari... and taste all the yummy food there.

Cuz, see you super soon!!!

On Starting The Year Right

Majestic Boracay... Certainly my favorite piece of paradise. Cuz and I were there last January 3 to once again relax for 3 whole days before heading back to the harsh reality of work and deadlines. I took this picture using my N70 and the sepia setting added much drama to this already beautiful scene.

The weather was just right. It drizzled at night but that didn't dampen our spirits. We had an awesome time and to pay tribute to that wonderful vacation, I'd like to turn back time a bit and reminisce on the things I experienced there...

1. I will never forget that moment when Cuz and I were walking along this new strip along "D Mall" and by the time we got to the end of the road, I was the ONLY person wearing a bikini! Everyone was already in regular clothes and I felt like Paris Hilton in a room full of nuns. People gave me 'the stare'. So that's how a goldfish feels like!

2. I will never forget the sumptuous dinner we had on our last night there. Mouth watering crabs and grilled fish. It was to die for! Every time I remember that meal, I could feel saliva starting to well up inside my mouth. It was that f*%&$# good!!!

3. I will never forget my weird sunburn, especially since I still have it. Didn't take off my super short shorts the first time we went sun bathing. And in just a few minutes, the mark registered already. Darn! Then come Day 2, I dropped the shorts and just wore my skimpy string bikini. That left a mark too. You can now say I am tri-colored. Hahaha!

There are a hundred and one reasons why I will never forget my latest trip to Bora. But what was most special was the fact that I once again got to spend time with Cuzzy Wuzzy. We intend on going to Bohol next year and I'm sure that'll be a blast too.

Thanks for the wacky time there, Cuz! See you on the 28th!!!

On One Orgasmic Experience!

He was standing just a few feet away from CS and I. I can't believe that I was just blogging about this guy a few months ago... and last night... ooohhhh... last night was indeed the best 1-hour of my life.

At around 5:30pm yesterday, CS and I headed off to Greenbelt 3 to catch a glimpse of our prince charming. By the time we got there, there was already a line of equally excited women dying to see our dreamboat. The Greenbelt 3 Fountain Area was transformed into a small concert venue, complete with trees lined up with Christmas lights and a white tent over our heads. There was a bit of a riot at the entrance because of some dazed security personnel but CS and I were able to successfully squirm our way in. Once seated, I almost screamed at this one security guy who kept asking CS and I to move seats. GRRR!!!

A little before eight... my heart was racing so fast I couldn't see straight. Then, at around 810, he came out from his tent and OHMIGAWD, was he HOOOOOOOT!!!

Constantine was mesmerizing! We simply could not take our eyes off him. Tikboy was such an angel to have lined up at 6am just to get our tickets!!! It was SO worth it!!! His deep set eyes and soft lips were just a sight to behold. I was screaming that whole 1 hour and CS and I would alternately shout "I love you, Constantine" at the top of our lungs. There was this one lucky bitch from the audience who was able to take home his towel! So disappointing that he didn't throw it our way. Our seats were awesome! It was a few feet away from his tent so imagine our disbelief when we saw him up close. I swear, I almost fainted (and one lady actually did!). His musical director was Jay Durias of South Border. He was awesome! Loved his songs and his voice! I've never been so in love!!! OHMIGAWD!!!

Sana ako na lang yung microphone niya... sana ako na lang yung blazer niya... hell, sana ako na lang girlfriend niya!!! When he took off his blazer, the crowd went wild. I almost fell from my chair (and note that I was STANDING on it, not sitting on it). I love you, Constantine! I love you forever!!! It was one of the best, most exciting nights of my life.

On These 25 Precious Tickets

On our way home from our PLDT meeting, CS and I passed by Greenbelt 3 and I screamed upon seeing this huge streamer hanging from the building facade. CONSTANTINE was staring right at us!

We quickly got the number to call for inquiry on the event. His concert was set for November 17... and that's... 24 minutes from now!!! After talking to an Ayala Center representative, we learned that since we have no Ayala Discount Card, we just need to present a P500 single proof of purchase to the Greenbelt 3 Customer Service to get free tickets. While CS was on the phone, I was still driving. Before reaching Magallanes, we both decided to go for it and go back to G3 to purchase something worth P500! Despite the traffic, unbelievable price of gas0line and the hassle, we headed back.

Once we got to the Greenbelt Customer Service counter, we were informed that they will still be releasing the tickets tomorrow at 11am!!! CS and I then rushed to Music 1 to buy two CDs (MYMP's double CD and the Memories of Love Live Concert CD) and almost kissed our P500 receipt from M1.

Here's the thing. We have tons of stuff to do at the office so tomorrow, we asked Tikboy (my trusty messenger) to be at Greenbelt by 6am to FALL IN LINE. Only 25 TICKETS will be released!!! I am so keeping my fingers crossed! Constantine is such a dreamboat and we will see him tomorrow no matter what!

Tikboy is our biggest bullet. Wish us luck!

On What Lies Ahead

This has been my company's best year yet. I am immensely grateful for the 'overflowing' blessings (that's how Chilie put it earlier today) we have received. We started 2005 with really good projects, and it poured non-stop from there. I had a meeting with my clients from PLDT this afternoon and they guaranteed me projects until December. Whew! Just when I thought things will slow down, God surprises me again with this! Yey!

But then just a few minutes ago, I received an email from one of my other clients informing me that they're awarding this project we bidded for to another agency. My heart sank. We really prepared for that bid! But like I always say, "hindi siguro 'meant'". God has his reasons and I am still blessed in other ways. Admittedly, I'm starting to get a bit tense for next year. I now have 5 employees under payroll so I have to work extra hard to ensure that we're all set for 2006.

The only thing that calms me is prayers. GOD WILL PROVIDE... as He has always done in the past three and a half years of brainbeam's existence. GOD WILL PROVIDE, MAY. GOD WILL PROVIDE.

On Finally Taking That BIG Step

After almost a decade of being 'blindly' in love with BIG, I finally let go. I finally released this chain that's been tugging me deeper and deeper into this black hole. I am free... and it feels fuckin' great!

History was made last Oct 29 when I finally had the nerve to tell him that having him in my life is causing me more pain and harm that good. I have reached the end of my rope and my eyes were opened to the truth that I have made up all these 'dreams' of us getting back together. It was never bound to happen. And it never will. Because now, more than ever, I am determined to not let him walk all over me. It was a long, sweet journey of highs and lows. This roller coaster of a ride has reached its destination. I'm proud to come out of this a winner. I am at peace with myself and I am grateful for friends and family for being supportive and loving and showing me that life doesn't end here. It's just a new, fresh beginning for me. And I can't wait to start!

On Missing My Gay Magnet

Best friend Nel has been out of the country for a few months already. Almost too long I'm starting to go ballistic here. Rumor has it that he will be back by November but according to his last e-mail, he wants to pack his Pinoy bags and settle there for good.

I terribly miss him and just seeing this picture makes me wanna cry! I miss his stupid jokes and how he sheds light on my melodramatic scenarios. I'm sending this giant hug into the void and hope it reaches him. Till we see each other again.

HUMMING WHAT TUNE? Don't Know Why by Norah Jones

On What I Have Been Up To

Work has taken over my life. My calendar for the year is all filled up that I can't even squeeze in a much needed vacation to Singapore. MILO, MAGGI, PLDT, PBA and STANDARD CHARTERED have kept us all on our feet. We wake up at 5:00am only to go home at 11:00pm, still with tons of work left. The greatest reward though is that this has been our best year ever and I got to travel and help a lot in the house, which is what really matters.

I missed blogging and talking about my day. But even my passion for blogging had to be set aside because of the many things we have to settle here in the agency. Anyway, I am eating dinner as I write this... yummy Chao Fan, tofu and kangkong with bagoong from Chowking (this is the ultimate combo, I tell ya!). After which I have to go back to work. I haven't slept since yesterday so imagine how sore my eyes feel. Anyway, who's complaining? I'm blessed and I'm lovin' every second of this...