I am a work in progress.

Nung binalikan ko ang aking blog entries way back 2007, napansin kong naging gawain ko ng magsulat ng year-ender (special) entry sa aking multiply. At dahil pasalubong na sa 2011, kailangan kong masulat, hehe, obligatory ito? Hindi naman, masarap lang kasi alalahanin ang taong nagdaan. So simulan na natin.

Kung matatandaan ko, 2008 ang best year ko sa far. Basahin niyo nalang dito kung bakit.

After that year, medyo marami akong "challenges" na hindi ko napaghandaan. Or should I say may mga dumating sa buhay ko na medyo nawindang ang katawang-lupa ko. Tipong nasubok ako kung okay ba ako kahit wala na ako sa aking comfort zone. Anu-ano itong mga ito: relationships, finances, career, halos lahat ng aspeto.

Ngayon ko lang naiintindihan kung bakit hinayaan ni Lord na pagdaanan ko lahat ng yun. Ngayon ko na naiintindihan. So kahit windang ang 2009 ko, keri lang, may kahihinatnan pala yun.

2010 ay naging daan para sa bago kong pag-asa. Ito yung nakita kong taon para magbago. Baguhin ang mga hindi tamang nagawa, mga desisyong hindi pinag-isipan, mga move na may rule na touch move, kapag tumira na, wala ng bawian, kaya dapat sakto, swabeng tira.

Although hindi ko rin masasabing masaya ako ng 100%, well, kasama naman ang lungkot, sakit dun para maging kumpleto ang rekados ng masaya.

Maraming nangyaring hindi rin ganun kaganda, katulad ng pagkakasakit ko na alam kong sinubok din ang aking faith. Dati kasi masyado akong kampante na I'm perfectly healthy. Kaya ayun kung umabuso sa puyat, pagod ganun nalang. Kaya ayun, tinamaan ng kakaibang karamdaman. Heredity man ang dahilan (that's why I'm blaming this to my parents, JOKE) ng sakit ko, alam kong kung hindi ko inabuso ang katawan ko, hindi iyon mati-trigger. Enough said. Ginamit ni Lord 'tong sakit ko para lalo kong ingatan ang katawan ko dahil pinahiram Niya lang sa akin 'to diba? Kalimutan ko raw ba. Hehe. Pero iba talaga Siya, hindi Niya parin ako pinababayaan. Walang major major na operation ang kailangan kong pagdaanan. Ganun Niya parin ako inaalagaan.

Financially, binigyan ako ni God ng bagong chance. In a matter of a year, nagawa kong ayusin ang lahat ng problema ko about my finances.

Pagdating sa relationships, iba rin ang taon na ito para sa akin. Maraming ginamit si Lord para mas maging matatag ako at matuto. Marami Siyang ipinadala para tulungan akong matuto. At napakasarap sa pakiramdam na gee, ito pala yung mga gusto Niyang ituro sa akin na hindi ko nakikita dati. Maraming relationships na nagflourished. At nakakataba yun ng puso.

Hindi ko man perfect na naisaayos lahat, pero unti-unti medyo nakabawi ako. Sana. Haha.

May leveling naman na pagkatuto ang naganap sa akin. As in.

Yung maturity level ko ay naglevel up na mga 10 times dahil sa mga nangyari sa buhay ko. Yun pala yung tinuro sa akin ni Lord. Matuto. Learning. Learning.

Kaya ang 2010 sa akin ay bumobonggang pagkatuto. Seriously speaking, totoo yun. Sobrang dami kong natutunan at napagtanto bunga ng mga ginawa ko nung 2009. Sabi ni Lord kung masyadong masaya ang buhay, hindi ako lalabas sa aking comfort zone, hindi ako magma-mature, mananatili lang stagnant ang level ng understanding ko. Hence, binigay Niya ang mga "challenges" na yun.

Sabi nga Niya, hindi porket anak Niya tayo at naniniwala tayo sa Kanya ay storm-free na ang life. No, hindi yun ang promise Niya. Eto ang promise Niya: kapag nasa buhay at puso natin Siya, storm-PROOF life ang meron tayo. Yun yon.

2011 ay isang bonggang taon na kine-claim ko na, IJN. :)

Taon ng bagong pag-asa, lalo pang pagkatuto at nararamdamang kong ginamit ni Lord ang taong 2009 at 2010 para naman daw i-share ko ito at maging testimony para sa iba. Ang lupet talaga ni Lord. He really works in mysterious ways.

Eto na. Isang oras na lang at 2011. At ito ang pinanghahawakan ko ngayon and forever:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
                                                                                    Jeremiah 29:11

Di ba lang ang confidence na pri-nomise ni Lord. Sino ang dapat magworry diba?

The future is too bright for me, I have to wear !!

So, let's rock 2011.

Game?

Days before Christmas, my beau and I didn't have much time together because I was sooo busy with stuffs I need to do before the big day (at work and at home, parties et.al.) so I tagged him with me to a date. :)

The original plan was going to this place in Makati with the Christmas lights thing (which I didn't have any idea where exactly and what's it called) but he said not to go anymore because of the traffic jam going there and the rush (Makati, duh). So we went to Trinoma muna because I wanted to buy him slippers at Team Manila which only cost us 150 bucks (the original price was 450). And the slippers are cute! So we purchased it.

After rounds of window shopping and checking stalls, our growling stomachs already bugged us. Medyo nagsawa rin kami sa pizza at pasta, kaya medyo venture muna kami sa ibang pagkain.

Why not Chinese food instead, North Park!





After that sumptuous dinner, oh well, my love couldn't do anything but to say yes to my wish - going anyway to Makati.

Off to Makati.

With no idea where the h is that Christmas lights thingy, I called my best friend who's working in Makati and ask where the h is that. No idea, his reply. No luck I suppose.

So we just walked and walked and asked a manong guard about where the h is this Christmas lights thingy.

He was kinda helpful but no great help. We decided to walk and found different glowing colors from afar. And yes, I think we have found what we were looking for.

The show starts at 6 pm  all the way 8pm. The Symphony of Parols is a showcase of lights and sounds by renowned lights engineers (what the heck is that?) happening in the middle of the busy city of Makati. The show happens every 30 minutes between those hours. So before the magical thing happened, we took photos na so we can enjoy the whole thing.


Ayala Triangle Gardens swore to entertain our eyes and I think they did a great job here. Although I expected a more array of magical entertainment than what they have catered but hey, it's Christmas!

After the show, we checked out the food establishments in the area (but we didn't eat na) and went back to Q.C. Splurged on with chillz at Mini-Stop before going and hopped in for a ride home.

Grabe, one heck of traffic jam like we stayed inside an air-conditioned bus (which is freezing to death, everyone inside is coughing na) for 2 hours.

That day was such a very random day, which I like. Randomness is the key to having a blast especially at this time of the year diba?

I'm so excited for the randomness 2011 will give.

Much.

Her name is Lorelyn Joy Colitoy, who happens to be my colleague, who happens to share the same faith as mine (mga rumarakenrol para kay Jesus), who happens to be one of my food trip buddies, who happens to be my friend. :)

Here are our froyo invasion moments:

      
This photo was taken last Thursday when we celebrated her birthday (it's actually a day before her birthday)! One very meaningful afternoon with her (and bonggang food trip!). Isang bonggang food trip ang ginawa namin ng araw na yan. We had lunch at my place, ginataang puso ng saging at pritong sardinas. After lunch, we went straight to Trinoma for our froyo invasion. I introduced her Red Mango where frozen yogurt is more yummy and tasty than any other froyo available in the market. This one is more fresh in taste and more creamy. I don't know why. :

Then we went around and looked for our potential laptop. At 5, Joy had her MA class that afternoon and we hurried since her class will start in 30 minutes. I was sooo excited because I will be sitting-in in her class. :P

After the class, we ate dinner at the Lutong Kapitbahay (or bahay?) and went back to SM North since we will be meeting our co-teachers for the gig later that night.

With nothing else to do (and both of us with full stomachs), I suggested we go for coffee while waiting for the girls. Since it's Joy's birthday, Blushing Cupcake is the perfect place for her. :P

Since it's her birthday, why not treat her to a very beautifully baked cupcake with icing and stuff, and a lit candle to blow before she whispers a birthday wish (or prayer perhaps?).

And so we did, with some photo shoots:


Here are some other froyo invasion moments:

*pics taken at California Berry at SM Fairview before watching Chronicles of Narnia.

More froyo invasions to go: next stop: CBTL Frozen Swirl!

Excited much!

Don't we just love froyo?

2011 is a great year to look forward to: because that means TRAVEL! I'm just so excited to go and set my feet to amazing places I've never been to, out-of-pinas perhaps! Yay!

I admit, I am gala. But the sad thing is, I haven't invested much on the things that I need for the  trip, good hiking bag, shoes et al. So this year, I want to really save for that!

Here's a list of my things-to-buy-for-my-trips:

1. Travel Pillows
                 
     I really wanted to have this ever since. I've been in a longest land travel time (like 12 hours) and it's just annoying sleeping during the trip and aching neck when you wake up. It's just argh! Ang tagal ko ng umaalis at naiirita kapag nangangawit ang leeg, pero di ko naisip to. So I'm getting one this year!


2. Sandugo Storm footwear

    When it comes to decision-making, esp. for things, yes, I am impulsive. Well, not really every time, say in 5, 3 fails. So this one, been thinking about it for months, take note, monthSSS. Like every time I check the malls, I always drop by sports house pero I haven't purchased it kasi nga iniisip ko kung worth ba. It's not really pricey though, but I was thinking, if I can get a better one, why buy this one. Then one day, I saw my couple friends from college, Liz and Bhar, sporting this pair during one of their trips. Had a nice chat with Liz and I even asked how's storm so far. All they can say is, worth it! (oh well, been reading reviews about the footwear and most of them approved). May mga slight flaws daw like yucky daw kapag nabasa, pero once it gets exposed to air, madali naman matuyo.

So for adventurous gals like me, this I think is one good buy!

So yes, I'm getting this! Hurray!


3. Hiking Bag

This one is still under construction (still undergoing some major reflection) pa of what brand and how big should I get. I already have a 25L Jansport bag which I got when I was in college. So medyo luma na and worn-out na. Mukhang kelangan nang palitan. Pero Kuya Froi already brainwashed me to buy Conquer because of their lifetime warranty!

Why not? :P


4. Prescription Swimming Goggles

Ito ang mukhang malabo sa lahat ng gusto kong bilhin dahil una, hindi ko alam kung magkano ang magpagawa nito (and most likely, costly yun!) Pangalawa, hindi ko alam kung saan magpapagawa, sa EO ba and the likes? not sure. Pero dream gadget ko ito, being a bespectacled that I am, alam na, apat ang mata. Hindi ko na-eenjoy ang mga corals and the majestic world under water. So ayun, gusto ko talaga nito!!!!!


5. Samsung earplug earphone

    I have a secret to tell you, I am a shallow sleeper. Like a simple noise, I'm awake. So during out-of-town trips esp. during travel, it's very important for me to get a good sleep for the needed energy for the fun.

Naaasar ako kapag nagigising ako dahil sa tawanan ng mga walang pakundangang barkada at malakas na sounds ng kundoktor lalo na kung hatinggabi ang byahe. So an earplug is a life saver! Why Samsung, because my phone is Samsung. I can just buy earplug diba, syempre I need my own sound trip diba? :)


6. Tankini? Woooh!

Ito joke! Haha. Pero why not diba? We all know that I can't wear two small pieces of cloth (2-piece bikini). Dream on nalang Cris. Pero watch out, I'll be pulling this off (yung tankini ah) in one of those trips. Someday, someday. Haha. But I still love my ever trusted and uber light UST volleyball shorts, which I always wear like in all of my swimming/beach trips! Look at all my gala pictures.  


7. Sony Cybershot TX5

    Don't get me wrong, I still love my 4-year old Canon Digicam. We've been together to different places and time. We both shared beautiful and momentous times and memories together. But let's accept the fact that he is old. And worn-out. And easily get tired. So it's the best time to replace him after such abuse from me. Hehe.  
    This one I'm really aiming for just before I go and wander around. I'm soooooo getting this cam. It's really made for adventurous traveler. It's shock-proof, water-proof, and dust-proof. Perfect for me! Hehe. Shots are like those of SLRs pa. Have been looking for cheaper price sa Hidalgo. And yes, I'm saving for it. Kung hindi naman, pa-swipe nalang. Haha!


So far, this is just what I can jot down for my list. Sana lang I can save and buy all of these! I know God will provide for this. Diba Lord? :)

Yehes. I claim and say amen to that! :)

I can only describe my November as one stressful but uber sayang month!

1st week of November was one hell week! Well, it was a week when everybody (I mean faculty) was soooo ngarag computing grades only to know that the issuance of cards was moved the following week.

*****
English month is considered one of the most exciting parts of the school year. This SY, I was assigned as teacher-in-charge in Interpretative dance contest and Quiz Bee. So dreadful work, yet so exciting and fun!


                                      The winning group from III - Gold!

*****

In between activities, I had weekly check-up with my endocrinologists. And that's all the way to UST, every week, after work. The routine actually made me sick, plus the looooong wait. Imagine, 40 patients a day. Good thing Love was very patient waiting for me.

*****

• Last November 12, I was able to apply for my passport. I've been wanting to have passport but my schedule didn't permit me, so after years of trying, I really pursued myself to get one. Sooo taray I was on the way to the new DFA bldg. because I thought I would be late. Thank God we (I tagged mahal with me) made it exactly on time. After 3 hours of lining up, filing and waiting, I'm done!!! and mahal waiting outside was just sooo sweet to buy me food the time I got out of the bldg. Imagine-in mo nalang yung paghihintay niya sa labas. Btw, I'm getting my passport this December, soo I'm so excited that December is here! Photo taken here just before my turn for data and photo capturing. In fairness, may napupuntahan din pala ang tax na pinaghihirapan ko.
• 
  
• ******
• 
  
• Right after the application, (it was the same day of mahal's niece's debut) we went straight to the party! Sobrang fun lang at laugh trip all the way! :) It was a blast!
  

                        Pics from the party with Love and his cousin, Luisa.
*****
Going back to work, so everybody else was busy as I were. Other activities in the said celebration were speech choir, spelling bee, oration, declamation et al. Soo tiring yet soo fulfilling knowing that the students found a venue for their artistic and theatrical skills. :)

*****

A week before the culminating activity, we had photo shoot for the English Ambassador and Ambassadress. This year we went to La Mesa Eco Park. Again, another fun day for all of us (last year, we had it at Fort Santiago in Manila)!

                                       Our jump shots this year! Fun much!
                           (Ma'am Jessie, Ma'am Rose, Sir Bong, Moi and Grace)

*****

Days before the culminating activity, all of us in the department were sooo busy preparing for the coronation night: making certificates, doing the sash, numbers for the candidates, score sheets, logistics for the stage, lights, sounds, et al. Working for 13 hours straight for 2 consecutive days, waah! Now spell S-T-R-E-S-S! However, we still enjoyed it. It became a bonding time for us, laugh trip, food trip at okray trip! Haha! Fun much!

*****

On the day of the culminating activity was the same day of the National Oratorical Competition. Blessings overflowed that day, because aside from the successful activity and coronation night, our representative, Emman Christian O. Alpe of IV-Einstein was the CHAMPION in the said contest. Among 11 contestants from different schools in Q.C., he bagged the title with tears in his eyes. I mean he literally cried while getting his medal on stage. Beauty queen wanna-be! Haha! That day became kulitan day for the both of us, bonding time galore! Kaya kahit na kinakabahan siya, sige parin ang kulitan naming dalawa. Congrats Emman!

                               kulitan, kodakan and winning moments with Emman!

*****
Haay, sobrang hectic and windang talaga ng November especially sa work. Pero all worth it! Sobra! And I am just thankful to God for sustaining me with His grace to finish all my tasks. Sabi ko nga sa isang shoutout ko sa fb, iba talaga kumilos si God, WINDANG WITH GRACE.

*****

I don't know about you, but I'm the kind of person who knows how to work hard and party hard!
I wouldn't let my work eat up all of my time. I always find time for myself, my mahal and of course my family. Pops arrived 2 weeks ago and what did we do? PIG OUT and food trip! Oh, we missed Pa much!

                                           Mi familia @ Mann Hann, Trinoma.
                                        Froyo dessert at Red Mango!

 Whoa! What a November it was! Soooo many events, activities from work and home but I am always thankful to the Lord for all of these things. If not for His abundant grace, I wouldn't have experienced and endured this very tiring and stressful month. He gave me love, patience and blessings to achieve and enjoy all of these. You are a wonderful God!

So December, are you READY? Bring it on! FIGHT-O!!!

7 a.m

Last Saturday, my beau and I went up early to Ortigas for some important matter. As early as 7 am, we were able to meet up since we went home late the night of. Although it's hard for him to get up that early, haha, as always, he was the first one to show up in our meeting place. And I was 20 minutes late (the last time he waited was 1 hour) haha. Good thing he was in the good mood. Hehe. :)

While we were inside fx going to MRT, we had a very nice conversation about life. Not really about us, but about life. And it's just refreshing. Oh well, we always do that, not really talk about us, hence we often talk more about the things around us, our friends, families, past adventures, funny moments, food trip, and even the things around that we see.

8 a.m

We were at MRT already and were not panic-ing because of the time schedule. lalala, grabbed some donuts because I haven't taken anything in my mouth since I woke up.

8.30 am

heading to One San Miguel meeting, we were still early so we had some breakfast at Jollibee along San Miguel Ave.

9-12 nn

mahal's thing so I just sat for 3 hours, observing, wandering....

12 nn

My cousin and I went to to Rufo's and wait for mahal but he already took a ride going to Megamall. Cuz and I hailed a cab and went there anyway.

Lunch at The Orchard Road

walking around and cuz only had 1 hour for her lunch break. hehe. so she brought us to this place where she said, food is very good.

Singaporean food for us!

                             We ate here at Orchard Road, very Singaporean, ayt?

                                         teriyaki chicken and sesame seeds


         Cuz here committing mortal sin, taking her sip of that pink thing using straw.
 
 Cuz and I both ordered the teriyaki while mahal tried the congee. The dish was good plus I like the sweetness of the sauce. The setback is the drink, although at first it tastes awful, little did I know that once you've tried to drink it continuously, you'll be tasting some creamy-ness after. :)

The place is very oriental. Look at the intricate details of the interior.



After the hearty lunch, Ate teased me to treat her a dessert, gelato from Amici. Choosy!  Then we parted ways. She needed to go back to work and us, to our destination, GO KART-ing!

2 pm

The original plan was: after going to Lil Hobby (in Megamall), we'll take Cubao route going to CCP Pasay for the go kart. We had an ocular trip during one of our layas days last month.
So as a birthday gift for him, we thought GO!

But the weather didn't cooperate. Change of plans. We still pushed through with the Cubao route but I suddenly remembered this place in Cubao that I've been wanting to visit for months now. I've been in that place way back 2008, when my friends and I ate at this Italian restaurant called Bellini's, but we weren't able to roam around. So this is a good idea to fuel up our day.


It was once called Marikina Shoe Expo but since it's not really located in Marikina, they
changed it and Cubao Expo was born. :)

It's a small place where you can find thrift stores selling old/antique/old school items that you can't find anywhere. From old magazines and books to items like bottles, telephone, appliances, paintings, furniture, decors et al. You can really find it there. And it was a very nostalgic experience for both of us although we haven't really seen any of those all our lives. The items are much older than us!

Aside from the thrift stores, you can also see some accessories store, modern finds, and bars where most of my age would hang out - but the interior still keeps the old school vibe. This place gives me a very exciting feeling because of the different experience it gives me. I feel like I'm not in Manila. Plus the fact that my beau and I have this thing for "old school stuff".

We went inside the stores, one by one and interviewed the friendly owners/sellers. They were very accommodating enough to answer our questions the fact the we haven't even bought anything. They're just happy giving stories behind those items. There was this store whose owner actually collected the things he's selling - antique furniture, old/antique clocks and old appliances, all are actually in working condition. And he was very proud at that. It was very generous of him to make kwento about his collections and the background/history behind them. He's very nice. :) We would love to go back.

Here are some photos I've got during the visit:







This one we passed by, I think it's a resto with unusual couches. Very nice. :)














Telephone I remembered using when I was about 5.










                             Very young Marcos here and old magazines, all for sale!








Old TV set with the knobs! Beat that!
I think we had something like this enclosed in a cabinet. Hehe.














Love here goofing around. Hehe. Super siksik talaga.











































































These are some the magazines they sell, the ever famous Funny Komiks!

I remember when I was a child, I used to buy Funny komiks every Friday night sa Pritil. I can still vividly remember the magazine stall and the magazines she was selling. Haaay. Nostalgic talaga!

Truly this place was a visual feast for the both of us! It rocks!

6 pm

After roaming around, mahal suggested we go to Recto to eat kwek-kwek and his ever favorite one-day old chick. So we went.

6.30 pm

Alighting Recto and walked from St. Thomas Square to Carriedo. Ate some kwek-kwek, squid ball (for me) and one-day old (for him). That was our dinner.
 
7 pm

It's drizzling and tinderos and tinderas on the sidewalk already packed their tindas so we just walked and walked and decided to go home because we're tired. Haha. VERY tired. Haha.


It was a fun and adventurous day after all. Even though we didn't hit the kart and enjoy racing, it's still fun.

More adventures to go! Bring it on!

I'm selling  this airsoft gun. PM me if you're interested.

or contact this number: 0919.411.4926

*taken last Independence Day Celebration.
June 12, 2009
Monumento Circle, Caloocan City.

Mixed up sked.
Work overload.
Paper works.
Shopping spree but broke.
Wanted to watch BoyzIIMen concert.
Plurk addiction.
Delayed LP.
Procrastination.
Movie deprivation.
Sleep deprivation.
aah.

Isa lang ang masasabi ko.....  

MASARAP MAGING PILIPINO!!!!


Bakit?

1. Kwek-kwek at Fishballs
2. Megadiversity na bansa!
3. Gwapo't magagandang kalalakihan at kababaihan..
4. Dirty Ice Cream
5. Jeepney Ride!
6. Matatamis na ngiti!
7. Masasarap na putaheng pinoy!
8. Masasayang Fiesta at Festival!
9. Funny Komiks
10. Balut!
11. Turo-turo
12. Tiangge Sale!
13. Board walk
14. Manny Pacquiao (the boxer, hindi bilang pulitiko ah!), Lea Salonga, Billy Crawford, Bata Reyes, Ninoy Aquino at marami pang iba!
15. SEAFOOD Feast!
16. P10 peso-FRUIT SHAKE!
17. Pedicab ride
18. Baguio, Batanes, Camiguin Island, Guimaras, Palawan et al et al et al et al..... ;p
19. Bob Ong at Bo Sanchez
20. Taho!
21. ADOBO!!!
22. Bamboo, RadioactiveSago Project, Cynthia Alexander, Regine Velasquez, at iba pang Musikero!
23. Halo-halo!
24. Po at Opo!
25. San Miguel Beer!
26. KARAOKE!
27. Mga kwentong nakakatakot (aswang, manananggal et al)
28. Philippine Eagle!
29. Divisoria, Baclaran, Blumentritt at Recto!
30. Bagoong
31. Tumbang preso, lukson tinik, patintero, mataya-taya, piko, Siato, Ten-twenty! haha!
32. Kalesa Ride!
33. Dave Batista
34. PBA, UAAP at Vleauge!
35. Strangbrew..... TAMA!
36. Gloria Diaz, Miriam Quimbao, Venus Raj (updated)
37. Paniniwala, pagmamahal at takot sa Diyos! :)

........  at isang milyong dahilan pa kung bakit ko pinagmamalaki ang pagiging PILIPINO!