On the CHUCKIE ROADSTER Then

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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."

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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!!!

On A Career Worth Exploring

First window: Blued in SM Fairview...

Second window: Penshoppe in SM Megamall...

Mall window displays may just be headed to a different kind of direction in the next few years. EA is a frustrated ramp model. And everytime he'd have the chance, he'd pose beside mannequins, without any qualms. And look at him go!!! Super career talaga sa pag-e-emote that during his Blued posing session, kids and moms actually stopped to take a look at him! Hahaha!

He's a riot talaga! Kaya abangan niyo ang susunod niyang pag-po-posing. Mall tenants, brace yourselves! The next window could be yours!!!

On One Cheeky Day!

LAMOK looks like a Bonakid commercial model! She was at our house over the weekend and while playing near Pepoting's gate, she accidentally hit her cheek over a railing, thus the white paint mark. I have tons of her pictures on my cel phone. And I even have this video of her walking around our house wearing my red pointy shoes. She's just sooooo adorable! She's really Chloe in the flesh. Everytime I look at her photos, I can't help but laugh out loud. In the other photo, she's with her Ate Yang Yang, my sweet and super bibong inaanak. She's like 80lbs, Dex couldn't even last long carrying her. My pamangkins are so cute and cuddly!! I hope if I have kids of my own someday, they'll come out as pretty as these angels. Hugs to you both and to Euni (who unfortunately was nagda-drama during this time)! Love you girls!!!

On FOREVER

I can't even think of the perfect way to start this entry. Pretty much like how I never thought I would ever be swept off my feet again.

For quite some time now, I have relinquished to the fact that I would end up in the Pink Sisters sanctuary in Tagaytay. I honestly believed that that was the path I was supposed to take. But God (and Cupid!) had other plans up His sleeve and my destiny has taken a new course.

Friends and clients and acquaintances even, whom I haven't seen for a long time, come up to me and tell me how happy I look or how 'glowing' I am. I don't think it's my regular trips to my derma. =) Nor is it the success brainbeam has attained over the past years. The so-called 'glow' comes from deep within my heart, sparked by this one person who has totally changed my life. I have never been this happy and contented. He makes me appreciate the little things. He has affected me like nobody else has. He's brought me so much love, and joy, and comfort that my future now seems so much brighter and colorful than it's ever been. I remember hearing the song "The Last Time" and thinking to myself... this is exactly how I feel about this relationship.

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The first time I fell in love was long ago.

I didn't know how to give my love at all.

The next time I settled for what felt so close.

But without romance, you're never gonna fall.

After everything I've learned;

Now it's finally my turn.

This is the last time I'll fall... in love.

The first time we walked under that starry sky,

there was a moment when everything was clear.

I didn't need to ask or even wonder why,

because each question is answered when you're near.

And I'm wise enough to know when a miracle unfolds,

this is the last time I'll fall in love.

Now don't hold back, just let me know.

Could I be moving much too fast or way too slow.

'Cause all of my life, I've waited for this day.

To find that once in a lifetime, this is it, I'll never be the same.

You'll never know what it's taken me to say these words.

And now that I've said them, they could never be enough.

As far as I can see, there's only you and only me.

This is the last time I'll fall in love.

Last time I'll fall in love.

The last time I'll fall... in love.

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I'd like to thank YOU for your endless patience, understanding and sincerity. Problems crumble under my feet because I know you are there supporting me and believing in me. The world may not seem as perfect now, but I have high hopes and faith that we will get past this with flying colors. I look forward to far and beyond being with you. RED ORANGE, with all my heart.

On A HEART-felt Christmas Celebration

Last 17 November 2006 was record-breaking for the Agency. It was the first time that we had an event that lasted for... get this... 45 MINUTES!

The entire team was there... Bru, Exenia, Spike, EA, Tikboy and Toben.

It's rare that all of us get together for one event. We are usually dispatched to several locations. Surprisingly, there was no event that day so I asked everyone to be present, all in complete uniform!

The event was the Mall Decor Unveiling of Robinsons Galleria (with Barbie as the mall's main theme). Heart Evangelista hosted it and the guest of honor was Mayor Sonny Belmonte. The big bosses of Robinsons were all there. The Philippine Madrigal Singers performed and boy, were they awesome!

We had two pre-coordination meetings prior to the big event. Everything was laid out perfectly. However, event day arrives and Mayor SB informs the PR Group of Robinsons (who spearheaded the activity together with Ad & Promo) that he's at the mall premises already, ten minutes before the actual start of the event. So everyone had to rush, rush, rush! To top it all off, while the programme was ongoing, he announces that he has to leave already so we had to move parts of the programme to a later slot to give way to his speech and the actual mall decor unveiling ceremony!!! Whew, what a riot!

We were commended by our Clients for our presence of mind and how quick we were to reacting to the agents. I was mighty pleased with the team. And my kudos to Heart, whom I initially thought was going to give us a hard time, but ended up being very alert and proactive. I have a newfound respect for her now.

After everything was over, we all had a good laugh. It was one of our sweetest and most enjoyable events! And best of all, we kicked off the Christmas festivities together. Super saya!

ON MY SWEET SURRENDER

That gaze of his can melt me
Like butter under the summer’s day
Those brown eyes that pierce my happy heart
And chases my fears away

I was swept off my feet
Totally caught by surprise
Now life is just the way I want it
Like a painting of a picturesque sunrise

His quiet power
His gentle ways
His pure intentions
The words he says

His beautiful spirit
His selfless love
His outlook in life
He’s my gift from Above

Each day we spend together
I wish would lead to far beyond forever
You took my breath away
And you have all of me, come what MAY.

On Being Socially Responsible

WHAT: CWC Student Leaders Congress

WHERE: Assumption Antipolo

WHEN: 10 November 2006

Guest Speaker: MELINA MAY VALDEZ

CWC consists of four (4) of the top exclusive girls schools in the country: Assumption College (AC), St. Scholastica's College, College of the Holy Spirit and Miriam College.

I was invited by Mrs. V, Dean of Student Affairs of the Assumption, to be AC's representative-guest speaker. There were three other ladies who represented the three other schools. It was such an honor to be part of such an 'elite' bunch. One was this former Scholastican who's a big time lady in VOLVO and also conducts seminars on leadership here and abroad. The lady who represented College of the Holy Spirit was a big boss from SMART. And the other girl (who had this unbelievably soothing voice) was this charming, women's org leader and she represented Miriam.

The talk was about making your mark. Our audience was mostly composed of Student Council officers. They were very attentive and I loved the fact that they laughed at my jokes. They seemed to relate to me the most since I was the youngest guest. It was so great being able to share with them my experiences and how my being a former Student Council President helped shape my future.

Each of the schools gave us cool tokens! Assumption gave us a small bag, the inside made of AC's high school uniform pattern while the outside followed the print of our college uniform. St. Scho (where I attended High School, mind you) gave us this cute keychain of a Kulasa (that's how we are called in SSC), a keychain with the St. Benedict medal, and a mug. College of the Holy Spirit gave us a plastic jug of yummy cookies, while Miriam gave us an innovative pen with small post-its and a utility bag.

It was an experience I shall treasure for as long as I live. And I hope I get invited to more functions like this so that I can reach out to more young people. Nothing beats the feeling of being able to make a little difference in the world.

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...