Turned 34 last week, and thus far this is the most number of times that I threw a party. Well, not really a party, just simple get togethers with friends and/or family to remind me that i'm well into mid 3o's. Jeez!
On my birthday, i took a vacation leave from work so i can spend the whole day tinkering with my new laptop and finding my way again through the world wide web. Got myself a broadband connection and hooked up with old friends through YM. I also cooked a simple dinner with Lyndon and Jen, and gave away spaghetti to the neighbors.
Went back to work the following day, feeling lightheaded because I was on line until 2am. Kisses and hugs from everyone who greeted me and had a fun lunch with Annie, Ayen, Mike and my boss. Odd group, but it turned out well. That afternoon, I ordered pizza and pasta for my officemates, my way of "giving back," having feasted on other people's birthday treat for the past 12 months.
Celebration #4 was with my mom and the whole family. We had dinner at Dencio's in Banawe and feasted on everything that would cause elevated cholesterol count. There was a live band, much to my mom's dismay: "too noisy, i can't hear myself think!" ...mom's thoughts probably. When the rest of the family left, Lyndon, Jen, Fel and I stayed a while for the music and a couple of beers then we headed home. I wanted to get a caffeine fix at starbucks but Lyndon insisted we head on home because he needed to commune with the toilet. Shucks!
Finally on the 13th, cooked dinner for my friends who came over and saw our apartment for the first time. We chose Sunday because it was also Annie's birthday the day before so we had to allow her to celebrate with her family.
5 celebrations for my 34th...how i come i don't feel celebrated? :D
Showing posts with label stressed. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stressed. Show all posts
Monday, January 14, 2008
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Cebu Holiday
I was in Cebu for a week for a working holiday. I did a day’s work at our office there then attended a conference. I was with my mom whom I’ve invited to tag along so she can also get to see her relatives and we can attend her hometown’s fiesta.
September 25. I did not sleep a wink because I had to be at the airport by 3:00AM. At 4:30 we were on our way to Cebu. It was a short flight and so we were at our destination by 6:00AM. Mommie and I went straight to Castle Peak where we were booked for the night. I caught a couple of hours sleep before heading to our office in Mandaue where I had to evaluate training consultants who were applying for accreditation with our company. There were five applicants who were scheduled the whole day.
During lunchbreak, my officemates (Leo, Marlon and Nanding) from Cebu treated me to a sumptuous lunch at Salo-Salo, a native restaurant near the SMC Mandaue Complex. When the waiters started serving the food, I surmised that we won’t be able to finish everything. There were 6 types of viand on the table and there were only four of us. But lo and behold, 30 minutes after we started eating, there wasn’t a morsel left! Now that was my first taste of BISDAK (bisayang dako) hospitality. I nary had an idea that there would be more of these during my week’s stay in Cebu.
You can imagine how sleepy I was the rest of the afternoon. Having eaten too much, and without sleep, I was ready for dreamland. But then again there were 3 more people to interview and evaluate. So when the evaluation session was over, the company vehicle brought me back to the hotel. Mommie and I just ordered room service because neither of us had the energy to dine out. I was asleep by 9pm, when I normally sleep at 1am.
September 26. The following day, we moved to Waterfront Hotel where I was billeted for the duration of the conference I was attending. While I was in the conference, my mom would go out with her cousin, Tita Florinda whom I met for the first time and loved instantly. She said I am “gwapa,” Cebuano for pretty, now why wouldn’t I love her for that?! She was cool for a sixty-something and is very liberal minded.
That night, while my mom was out with her cousins, Jonnabel (another officemate from Manila) and I were treated to another sumptuous dinner by the same guys who treated me for lunch the day before. This time we ate at the Lighthouse, a popular restaurant in Gaisano Mall. These are what we feasted on: Halaan Soup (Clams), Binakol na Alimango (Crab meat in Coconut sauce), Garlic and cheese Oysters, Scallops, Sizzling Squid, Grilled Fish and Chicharong Bulaklak (pork intestines – yummy!). I had a couple of beers but couldn’t take more because all the food I ate took up too much space! We were chauffered back to the hotel and I was a bit surprised that my mom wasn’t back yet from her afternoon with her cousins. About an hour after she returned with a lot of stories about her long lost cousins. Before they parted ways, another date was set the following day, both for lunch and again for dinner. I had a throbbing headache that night, good thing my mom brought with her “polar bear” a Chinese eucalyptus liniment which made me feel better.
Dinner was on me that night… whew, not on my budget at all! But it was fun being with my relatives. They kept reminiscing about their past, and I was listening intently trying to decipher every word because they were speaking in Cebuano. Before bringing us back to the hotel, my tita Florinda insisted that she be brought home first because she wanted me to meet her youngest daughter, my third cousin Duday. We were about the same age and she was very pleasant when we were introduced. Too bad she couldn’t come with us to Samboan that weekend because she has to work on Saturday. My Tita on the other hand just had a spinal operation so she wouldn’t stand a 3-hour drive because it was bad for her back.
September 28. Ah, the last day of the conference! The day started with a plenary session with speakers from different industries (academe, government, NGO, business, etc) talking about ways Human Resources practitioners can contribute to society. Blah blah blah… some were interesting and funny, while one was a tad depressing…
The morning session ended earlier than scheduled so we had time to freshen up before heading for another lunch treat by our Beer Division in Mandaue. This time all of us conference delegates from SMC where brought to Golden Cowrie, a native restaurant, a stone’s throw away from Waterfront Hotel. As expected it turned to a feast again, with our Cebuano officemates giving us another taste of Bisdak hospitality. Crispy Pata, Lechon Cebu, Pinakbet, Tuna sticks, Sinigang na hipon, Pandan chicken, etcetera etcetera. I was getting cross-eyed from overeating!
After lunch, we went back to the hotel to rest because the next session was to start at 4PM. That would be the culminating session where a former SMC employee (Imee Roberts) was conducting a “learning concert.” When she started speaking, we all felt proud that we are from San Miguel, because she kept mentioning how SMC has helped her become the successful person that she is now. She is now an accomplished HR practitioner in the US and has been awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for exemplary contribution to society.
My mom and I just ordered room service that night, and settled early because the following day, we will be picked up by Tito Franklin and Tita Mimi for the trip to Samboan.
September 29. We checked out of the hotel and hit the road early so we could get to Samboan before lunch. I was asleep most of the ride but woke up just in time to see the sprawling beaches all the way to Samboan. The site was heavenly! Imagine, we were driving through a mountainous terrain but to our left was a white sand beach! Such beauty!
We got to Samboan in time for lunch, and it being the town fiesta, the dinner table was again full of food! Tita Nora welcomed us with open arms and immediately handed out plates so we could have lunch. I couldn’t eat as much probably because I was too tired. So I just went up to the bedroom reserved for my mom and me and slept all afternoon. The place was so laid back, there was hardly anything to keep one busy anyway.
When I woke up, I asked my mom if she could show me the beach. It was just a few meters away from my Tita Nora’s house. When we got there, my mom said there had been a few changes from the last time she was there (last year) because some quarrying had been done to the beach. But nevertheless it was still beautiful. We only stayed a few minutes because it was getting dark already. We took a different path going back to the house, this time traversing a 100+ staircase going up to the highway. Now, I was never good at climbing stairs so you can imagine how difficult it was going up the steep and slippery steps! All that time I was carrying a bagful of white stones I picked from the beach. I wanted to bring home a piece of the beach where my ancestors used to live.
September 30. We only stayed in Samboan overnight because if we were to return to the City on October 1, we might not have enough time to buy “pasalubong” before our 3PM flight. Tita Nora gave us a bagful of homemade cookies, and torta which was too heavy to carry. It filled up my mom’s overnight bag to the brim. We decided then that I will have to hand carry the bag because if we checked it in at the airport, we will be charged for exceeding the luggage weight limit.
Tito Franklin drove us to Sarrosa Hotel where my mom and I were to stay for the night. I decided to try it out because it looked nice from the outside. Bad decision! The hotel was old, drab and run down and the whole time I was afraid that bedbugs will eat my mom and me alive.
October 1. The next morning, my mom and I went to SM City early to buy “pasalubong.” We ended up with one big box full of goodies and another box of Lechon Cebu. We returned to the hotel to check out and headed to the airport. After we have checked in our luggage, we headed for the boarding lounge where we were to wait for our flight. But as my carry on baggage passed through the x-ray, the airport personnel saw something odd…
Stupid me, I forgot to pack my bagful of stones in my check-in luggage! They said they have to confiscate it because stones are considered as weapons. What?!!! Do I look like a crazed maniac that would just hurl stones at people while inside the plane! Of course I didn’t say that to their faces, after all they were just following SOP. Oh well, sentimental as I was, I had to let go of my precious stones, plucked from the beach where my ancestors once tread.
The plane we rode was small, seats less than 200, and the weather being bad, we experienced a lot of turbulence. It was like riding a roller coaster! I knew my mom was praying the whole time, while I was trying very hard not to regurgitate my lunch! When we finally touched down in Manila, I thanked the heavens each of us came home in one piece.
Alas my Cebu Holiday was over.
September 25. I did not sleep a wink because I had to be at the airport by 3:00AM. At 4:30 we were on our way to Cebu. It was a short flight and so we were at our destination by 6:00AM. Mommie and I went straight to Castle Peak where we were booked for the night. I caught a couple of hours sleep before heading to our office in Mandaue where I had to evaluate training consultants who were applying for accreditation with our company. There were five applicants who were scheduled the whole day.
During lunchbreak, my officemates (Leo, Marlon and Nanding) from Cebu treated me to a sumptuous lunch at Salo-Salo, a native restaurant near the SMC Mandaue Complex. When the waiters started serving the food, I surmised that we won’t be able to finish everything. There were 6 types of viand on the table and there were only four of us. But lo and behold, 30 minutes after we started eating, there wasn’t a morsel left! Now that was my first taste of BISDAK (bisayang dako) hospitality. I nary had an idea that there would be more of these during my week’s stay in Cebu.You can imagine how sleepy I was the rest of the afternoon. Having eaten too much, and without sleep, I was ready for dreamland. But then again there were 3 more people to interview and evaluate. So when the evaluation session was over, the company vehicle brought me back to the hotel. Mommie and I just ordered room service because neither of us had the energy to dine out. I was asleep by 9pm, when I normally sleep at 1am.
September 26. The following day, we moved to Waterfront Hotel where I was billeted for the duration of the conference I was attending. While I was in the conference, my mom would go out with her cousin, Tita Florinda whom I met for the first time and loved instantly. She said I am “gwapa,” Cebuano for pretty, now why wouldn’t I love her for that?! She was cool for a sixty-something and is very liberal minded.
That night, while my mom was out with her cousins, Jonnabel (another officemate from Manila) and I were treated to another sumptuous dinner by the same guys who treated me for lunch the day before. This time we ate at the Lighthouse, a popular restaurant in Gaisano Mall. These are what we feasted on: Halaan Soup (Clams), Binakol na Alimango (Crab meat in Coconut sauce), Garlic and cheese Oysters, Scallops, Sizzling Squid, Grilled Fish and Chicharong Bulaklak (pork intestines – yummy!). I had a couple of beers but couldn’t take more because all the food I ate took up too much space! We were chauffered back to the hotel and I was a bit surprised that my mom wasn’t back yet from her afternoon with her cousins. About an hour after she returned with a lot of stories about her long lost cousins. Before they parted ways, another date was set the following day, both for lunch and again for dinner. I had a throbbing headache that night, good thing my mom brought with her “polar bear” a Chinese eucalyptus liniment which made me feel better.September 27. It was the day for concurrent sessions of the conference so in a day I was able to attend four learning session about diverse topics. I carefully chose the sessions I will attend and made sure that the speakers I will listen to are quite competent. I was busy the whole day, but half through it, I remembered I needed to buy another blouse for the sessions the following day. All I brought with me were sports shirts thinking that I can dress casually the whole time. Silly me, I didn’t bother reading the dress code before I packed my luggage. I only had a couple of business shirts and all the rest were just too casual. I asked my mom to buy one for me but she was hesitant that I would like her choice.
That night, after the sessions, I waited for my mom and my Tita Florinda to return from their afternoon rendezvous because we were going out for dinner with Tito Franklin, Tita Mimi and Tito Aguinaldo. They fetched us from the hotel and we went to Ayala Mall to have dinner at Café Laguna. The mall was about to close and I was quite anxious to buy a blouse I could use the following day. While my mom went along with her cousins to find the restaurant, Tita Florinda and I hurried to find a shop that was still open. Good thing Metro was still open and I was surprised that my aunt had already chosen a blouse for me that afternoon when she went out with my mom. She went straight to the rack and told me to try it on for size. Good thing it was nice on me. In five minutes, I had a new blouse to wear the next day.
That night, after the sessions, I waited for my mom and my Tita Florinda to return from their afternoon rendezvous because we were going out for dinner with Tito Franklin, Tita Mimi and Tito Aguinaldo. They fetched us from the hotel and we went to Ayala Mall to have dinner at Café Laguna. The mall was about to close and I was quite anxious to buy a blouse I could use the following day. While my mom went along with her cousins to find the restaurant, Tita Florinda and I hurried to find a shop that was still open. Good thing Metro was still open and I was surprised that my aunt had already chosen a blouse for me that afternoon when she went out with my mom. She went straight to the rack and told me to try it on for size. Good thing it was nice on me. In five minutes, I had a new blouse to wear the next day.Dinner was on me that night… whew, not on my budget at all! But it was fun being with my relatives. They kept reminiscing about their past, and I was listening intently trying to decipher every word because they were speaking in Cebuano. Before bringing us back to the hotel, my tita Florinda insisted that she be brought home first because she wanted me to meet her youngest daughter, my third cousin Duday. We were about the same age and she was very pleasant when we were introduced. Too bad she couldn’t come with us to Samboan that weekend because she has to work on Saturday. My Tita on the other hand just had a spinal operation so she wouldn’t stand a 3-hour drive because it was bad for her back.
September 28. Ah, the last day of the conference! The day started with a plenary session with speakers from different industries (academe, government, NGO, business, etc) talking about ways Human Resources practitioners can contribute to society. Blah blah blah… some were interesting and funny, while one was a tad depressing…
The morning session ended earlier than scheduled so we had time to freshen up before heading for another lunch treat by our Beer Division in Mandaue. This time all of us conference delegates from SMC where brought to Golden Cowrie, a native restaurant, a stone’s throw away from Waterfront Hotel. As expected it turned to a feast again, with our Cebuano officemates giving us another taste of Bisdak hospitality. Crispy Pata, Lechon Cebu, Pinakbet, Tuna sticks, Sinigang na hipon, Pandan chicken, etcetera etcetera. I was getting cross-eyed from overeating! After lunch, we went back to the hotel to rest because the next session was to start at 4PM. That would be the culminating session where a former SMC employee (Imee Roberts) was conducting a “learning concert.” When she started speaking, we all felt proud that we are from San Miguel, because she kept mentioning how SMC has helped her become the successful person that she is now. She is now an accomplished HR practitioner in the US and has been awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for exemplary contribution to society.
My mom and I just ordered room service that night, and settled early because the following day, we will be picked up by Tito Franklin and Tita Mimi for the trip to Samboan.
September 29. We checked out of the hotel and hit the road early so we could get to Samboan before lunch. I was asleep most of the ride but woke up just in time to see the sprawling beaches all the way to Samboan. The site was heavenly! Imagine, we were driving through a mountainous terrain but to our left was a white sand beach! Such beauty!
We got to Samboan in time for lunch, and it being the town fiesta, the dinner table was again full of food! Tita Nora welcomed us with open arms and immediately handed out plates so we could have lunch. I couldn’t eat as much probably because I was too tired. So I just went up to the bedroom reserved for my mom and me and slept all afternoon. The place was so laid back, there was hardly anything to keep one busy anyway. 
When I woke up, I asked my mom if she could show me the beach. It was just a few meters away from my Tita Nora’s house. When we got there, my mom said there had been a few changes from the last time she was there (last year) because some quarrying had been done to the beach. But nevertheless it was still beautiful. We only stayed a few minutes because it was getting dark already. We took a different path going back to the house, this time traversing a 100+ staircase going up to the highway. Now, I was never good at climbing stairs so you can imagine how difficult it was going up the steep and slippery steps! All that time I was carrying a bagful of white stones I picked from the beach. I wanted to bring home a piece of the beach where my ancestors used to live.September 30. We only stayed in Samboan overnight because if we were to return to the City on October 1, we might not have enough time to buy “pasalubong” before our 3PM flight. Tita Nora gave us a bagful of homemade cookies, and torta which was too heavy to carry. It filled up my mom’s overnight bag to the brim. We decided then that I will have to hand carry the bag because if we checked it in at the airport, we will be charged for exceeding the luggage weight limit.
Tito Franklin drove us to Sarrosa Hotel where my mom and I were to stay for the night. I decided to try it out because it looked nice from the outside. Bad decision! The hotel was old, drab and run down and the whole time I was afraid that bedbugs will eat my mom and me alive.
October 1. The next morning, my mom and I went to SM City early to buy “pasalubong.” We ended up with one big box full of goodies and another box of Lechon Cebu. We returned to the hotel to check out and headed to the airport. After we have checked in our luggage, we headed for the boarding lounge where we were to wait for our flight. But as my carry on baggage passed through the x-ray, the airport personnel saw something odd…
Stupid me, I forgot to pack my bagful of stones in my check-in luggage! They said they have to confiscate it because stones are considered as weapons. What?!!! Do I look like a crazed maniac that would just hurl stones at people while inside the plane! Of course I didn’t say that to their faces, after all they were just following SOP. Oh well, sentimental as I was, I had to let go of my precious stones, plucked from the beach where my ancestors once tread.
The plane we rode was small, seats less than 200, and the weather being bad, we experienced a lot of turbulence. It was like riding a roller coaster! I knew my mom was praying the whole time, while I was trying very hard not to regurgitate my lunch! When we finally touched down in Manila, I thanked the heavens each of us came home in one piece.
Alas my Cebu Holiday was over.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Tagaytay Getaway
Friday to Sunday was jampacked with activities for me. I spent the past 2 weeks planning an out of town trip for my family, in time for my mom’s birthday. Since I was in Tagaytay in February, I thought why not have the whole family stay in SMC’s facility there? That way, they will get to see where I stay every time I do team building programs in Tagaytay. Also, the last time we were there as a family was when we brought my two little nephews to the Residence Inn Zoo. The two boys are in the US now and a whole lot bigger than they were back then.
A couple of days before Friday, I was asked by a colleague for assistance to co-facilitate a teambuilding program for Magnolia Inc. I was having second thoughts at first knowing that I will be in Tagaytay a day ahead of my family and wouldn’t have time with them until I finish my program on Saturday. But then again, I love facilitating team buildings so I said yes.
Early Friday morning I was on the road to Tagaytay already. There were a couple of outdoor activities that morning but stupid me, I didn’t bring my sun block. Not even a hat to cover my face! The following day, there were again a couple of outdoor activities and of course, without sun block, I ended up toasted and roasted under the sun!! (Now the problem is I’m emceeing a wedding reception this Saturday and my skin is all ruined! Good thing Annie is loaning me some make-up that will blend with my skin better.)
As I was doing the first activity on Saturday, I saw the van my family is riding entering the gate with Joven waving wildly from the front seat. That was around 10AM. I thought I would finish my program by 12noon but a number of delays happened so I ended up closing the program at 2:30! Aaaaargh! So they had to make do with amusing themselves as they waited for me.
After my program, I just took a shower and we all went out for the zoo trip. We really want Jeff to enjoy the zoo the way Gabriel and Rafi did. But this little boy is a scaredy-cat; he was running away from the caged animals! Especially when he saw the fake giant gorilla (the size of KingKong) by the entry way, he took the opposite route just so that he won’t be near the giant gorilla.
There was also a giant snake out of its cage which you could take a picture with for P20. Nanay and Mae took the bait and had their picture taken with the giant snake on their shoulders. Cool! It took us around 10 minutes trying to convince Joven to do the same, No luck there. I guess Jeff took after him hehehe.
We went down several flights of stairs to look at the different exotic birds and I had great difficulty going up and down the steps. Since it was cold, my knees were killing me again, especially since I’ve been on my feet, running and walking and standing for the past 2 days.
After the zoo trip, we went someplace where Jeff can go horseback riding. He’s been pestering the whole family about it since morning. We went to Viewsite restaurant where they are charging P250 for 10 rotations around the perimeter of the area. The area was so small that the ride would probably end in less than 20 minutes. So we looked for another place and found one which was charging P250 per hour. Jeff and Mae took turns riding the horse and I guess they enjoyed the experience. Jeff even wanted to ride again after dinner.
Dinner was at a road side bulaluhan. We were supposed to have a barbecue dinner inside MTC (Management Training Center) while having karaoke numbers but all 8 of my family members forgot about the marinated pork chops and chicken. But dinner was still yummy! We ordered bulalo (this shouldn’t be missed when in Tagaytay) sizzling sisig, sizzling shanghai and grilled squid. Thanks to mommie’s senior citizen card, we got a 20% discount (ay si Brad pala ang nagbayad)!
After dinner we went back to MTC, took showers then geared up for the karaoke session. But then again Ate and Fel were too tired running after Jeff, Mommie and Nanay just preferred watching TV and Mae has some studying to do. So that left Joven, Dionne and I having the karaoke machine all to ourselves. What’s funny is, we got to use all karaoke machines set up in MTC. We first sang at the 3rd floor lounge of the Training building, then the multi purpose lounge at the lodging house, then the dining room. Beat that!
After breakfast we showered and got ready for check out. We were going to Calruega for the 11AM mass. We reached Caleruega shortly before 11AM and were able to take some more pictures before heading to the church on top of the hill.
After the mass we got on the road again this time headed for home. We stopped by a roadside plant store because mommie has been wanting to buy plants since the day before. She's really keen on her gardening and very good at it too! We also had a late lunch at Max's and a stopover at Rowena's for pasalubong before finally heading for Manila.
I had to be dropped off in Makati so I can go straight home to Pasig since I still had laundry to do. Good thing when I got home Lyndon was half through with the laundry so I actually had time to just watch TV and relax. My body was aching all over with all the walking and running (after Jeff) and climbing I had to do. I was sooo stressed out, both physically and mentally.
But it was all worth it. Weekend getaways like these seldom happen in our family, but I want to organize another family get-together like this before summer ends. Hopefully I can pull it off.
A couple of days before Friday, I was asked by a colleague for assistance to co-facilitate a teambuilding program for Magnolia Inc. I was having second thoughts at first knowing that I will be in Tagaytay a day ahead of my family and wouldn’t have time with them until I finish my program on Saturday. But then again, I love facilitating team buildings so I said yes.
Early Friday morning I was on the road to Tagaytay already. There were a couple of outdoor activities that morning but stupid me, I didn’t bring my sun block. Not even a hat to cover my face! The following day, there were again a couple of outdoor activities and of course, without sun block, I ended up toasted and roasted under the sun!! (Now the problem is I’m emceeing a wedding reception this Saturday and my skin is all ruined! Good thing Annie is loaning me some make-up that will blend with my skin better.)
As I was doing the first activity on Saturday, I saw the van my family is riding entering the gate with Joven waving wildly from the front seat. That was around 10AM. I thought I would finish my program by 12noon but a number of delays happened so I ended up closing the program at 2:30! Aaaaargh! So they had to make do with amusing themselves as they waited for me.
After my program, I just took a shower and we all went out for the zoo trip. We really want Jeff to enjoy the zoo the way Gabriel and Rafi did. But this little boy is a scaredy-cat; he was running away from the caged animals! Especially when he saw the fake giant gorilla (the size of KingKong) by the entry way, he took the opposite route just so that he won’t be near the giant gorilla.
There was also a giant snake out of its cage which you could take a picture with for P20. Nanay and Mae took the bait and had their picture taken with the giant snake on their shoulders. Cool! It took us around 10 minutes trying to convince Joven to do the same, No luck there. I guess Jeff took after him hehehe.
We went down several flights of stairs to look at the different exotic birds and I had great difficulty going up and down the steps. Since it was cold, my knees were killing me again, especially since I’ve been on my feet, running and walking and standing for the past 2 days.
After the zoo trip, we went someplace where Jeff can go horseback riding. He’s been pestering the whole family about it since morning. We went to Viewsite restaurant where they are charging P250 for 10 rotations around the perimeter of the area. The area was so small that the ride would probably end in less than 20 minutes. So we looked for another place and found one which was charging P250 per hour. Jeff and Mae took turns riding the horse and I guess they enjoyed the experience. Jeff even wanted to ride again after dinner.
Dinner was at a road side bulaluhan. We were supposed to have a barbecue dinner inside MTC (Management Training Center) while having karaoke numbers but all 8 of my family members forgot about the marinated pork chops and chicken. But dinner was still yummy! We ordered bulalo (this shouldn’t be missed when in Tagaytay) sizzling sisig, sizzling shanghai and grilled squid. Thanks to mommie’s senior citizen card, we got a 20% discount (ay si Brad pala ang nagbayad)!
After dinner we went back to MTC, took showers then geared up for the karaoke session. But then again Ate and Fel were too tired running after Jeff, Mommie and Nanay just preferred watching TV and Mae has some studying to do. So that left Joven, Dionne and I having the karaoke machine all to ourselves. What’s funny is, we got to use all karaoke machines set up in MTC. We first sang at the 3rd floor lounge of the Training building, then the multi purpose lounge at the lodging house, then the dining room. Beat that!
My two companions got sleepy already at around 12pm so we decided to head back to our rooms. We almost fell down laughing, talking about our driver whom we were imagining to be a vampire. He was sleeping in Dionne and Joven’s room so we were kidding Brad that he will wake up in the middle of the night to bite him in the neck.
After breakfast we showered and got ready for check out. We were going to Calruega for the 11AM mass. We reached Caleruega shortly before 11AM and were able to take some more pictures before heading to the church on top of the hill.
After the mass we got on the road again this time headed for home. We stopped by a roadside plant store because mommie has been wanting to buy plants since the day before. She's really keen on her gardening and very good at it too! We also had a late lunch at Max's and a stopover at Rowena's for pasalubong before finally heading for Manila.
I had to be dropped off in Makati so I can go straight home to Pasig since I still had laundry to do. Good thing when I got home Lyndon was half through with the laundry so I actually had time to just watch TV and relax. My body was aching all over with all the walking and running (after Jeff) and climbing I had to do. I was sooo stressed out, both physically and mentally.
But it was all worth it. Weekend getaways like these seldom happen in our family, but I want to organize another family get-together like this before summer ends. Hopefully I can pull it off.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
My December
You can tell just how hectic the past month had been. Last entry was November 17? Really pathetic, I should say. But then again I didn’t have a choice. It’s either I’m too spent to blog or simply not in the mood.
In fact, I’m not in the mood to do anything worthwhile, like paint or read a book. I’m just too lazy these days! Must be the weather. Anyway, here is my attempt to look back at my December…
December 1 and 2
The long weekend was spent in Antipolo, conducting a Corporate Values Training Program for the HR department of one of our beer plants. The weather was cold, being in the boondocks, and the participants were just great. After the training program (which lasted up to 10PM, we then hied off to the restaurant penthouse for a Christmas party. I had a couple of beers but was just too tired to drink more.
December 9
Went to see my mom so I could buy her a dress for my friend’s wedding. She’s one of the principal sponsors so I promised her a gown for the event. Funny, my mom is “ninang” of all my friends who got married. Probably their way of thanking her for spending most afternoons at our house when we were in high school. We used to ransack our pantry for whatever food stock we can get our hands on (usually making do with Spam™ or corned beef) and my mom would return home from work finding her pantry raided yet again. She could only shake her head, realizing how ravenous teenagers could be.
December 14
Kat, John, and I together with 3 other officemates went to Alabang for an outreach program sponsored by our company. The Haven was a secluded institution which houses women who have experienced rape or abuse/maltreatment in their relationships. The women go through counseling and medical treatment (they have a small hospital there) and they are also taught livelihood skills to get them ready for life outside the institution. We went there to bring gifts and treat them to a sumptuous lunch. We also prepared a short program for them consisting of games and a dance number. Since I prepared the program, I was volunteered to be the emcee as well (sigh). However tiring the morning was, I felt pretty good knowing that I was able to help, in one way or another.
In fact, I’m not in the mood to do anything worthwhile, like paint or read a book. I’m just too lazy these days! Must be the weather. Anyway, here is my attempt to look back at my December…
December 1 and 2
The long weekend was spent in Antipolo, conducting a Corporate Values Training Program for the HR department of one of our beer plants. The weather was cold, being in the boondocks, and the participants were just great. After the training program (which lasted up to 10PM, we then hied off to the restaurant penthouse for a Christmas party. I had a couple of beers but was just too tired to drink more.
December 9
Went to see my mom so I could buy her a dress for my friend’s wedding. She’s one of the principal sponsors so I promised her a gown for the event. Funny, my mom is “ninang” of all my friends who got married. Probably their way of thanking her for spending most afternoons at our house when we were in high school. We used to ransack our pantry for whatever food stock we can get our hands on (usually making do with Spam™ or corned beef) and my mom would return home from work finding her pantry raided yet again. She could only shake her head, realizing how ravenous teenagers could be.
December 14
Kat, John, and I together with 3 other officemates went to Alabang for an outreach program sponsored by our company. The Haven was a secluded institution which houses women who have experienced rape or abuse/maltreatment in their relationships. The women go through counseling and medical treatment (they have a small hospital there) and they are also taught livelihood skills to get them ready for life outside the institution. We went there to bring gifts and treat them to a sumptuous lunch. We also prepared a short program for them consisting of games and a dance number. Since I prepared the program, I was volunteered to be the emcee as well (sigh). However tiring the morning was, I felt pretty good knowing that I was able to help, in one way or another.
That night, John, Kat and I bought gifts for Sir Alvin and Ms. Bong at Kultura in Megamall. We also bought our exchange gifts for the OPD party on Saturday. My feet were killing me because of the new shoes I bought (I think they’re the wrong size). We had dinner at the food court were I devoured maki and tempura (yumyum!). Thankfully, Lyndon was with me because I was spent with all the walking we did. At least I had someone to carry my stuff and massage my feet afterwards.
December 15
The following day, we went to Tiendesitas (this time with Leo in tow), a nice flea market near our office. We ate dinner first, gearing up for the long night ahead; the place is quite big and it would take patience and stamina to go through all the villages. The stores are segregated into villages depending on what you intend to shop for (pets, clothes, household items, antiques, etc.). We finally gave up around 10pm, too tired to go on, and yet we haven’t explored the entire place. I went home with a few toys, blouses and whatnots.
December 16
On Saturday, I had to wake up very early because I had to go to Quezon City to buy chocolate bars for the fondue. I promised my boss I’d bring the fondue and the chocolates, so I had to go to my favorite baking store (Chocolate Lovers) , wait in line for 30 minutes (the place was jampacked!) then run to my mom’s house to get the fondue set. I had to make it back to Ortigas by 1:30 or I would miss the ride going to my boss’ house. I chose to ride the train to Ortigas, thinking that it will get me there faster, but lo and behold, the line was about a mile long! But I had to bear with it because getting a cab was out of the question. Getting a cab in Manila at the height of a Christmas Season is a miracle, if you believe in one…
I finally got to Ortigas at 2PM, and hitched a ride with Sir Alvin. We arrived at Ms. Beth’s house around 4PM, just in time for the party. Now let me talk in pictures so I can share what happened during the party
December 21
Our department, the Corporate Human Resources held its Christmas Party on Thursday afternoon. This year’s theme was movie awards night so each unit has to represent a particular movie and dress up in costumes. We chose to present Austin Powers – Goldmember so we had to don a 70’s get-up. It was fun! I even convinced my best friend to drop by during lunch break to attach false eyelashes on me. I later put on a 70’s make-up and let my hair go wild (as in, literally). People stared as I walked around the corridors of the office, but who cares?! I was having fun playing the part.
I later ended up with an award as the Female Star of the Night! Didn’t expect to win, not even sure if I liked the attention, but the jacket I won was cool! Funny thing, John won for the male counterpart…thanks to Kat for providing our wardrobe.
December 23
My good friends Rex and OT finally got married (after four years of going steady) at the Sacred Heart Church in Makati. Their wedding reception followed at the Wack-Wack Country Club(note: pictures to follow). Annie and I emceed at the reception and of course we were our usual silly selves. Rex wanted the program to be as light or even funny as possible. No problem with the latter because when Annie and I are on stage, we almost always end up like Abbot & Costello or Champoy even.
from L to R: Chuck, Tony, Annie, Vivien, Rex, OT, Princess, Me, Minnie, Ojie; below: Anton and Jon
However, there were also emotional parts in the program (uhm, not to our credit though) like when Rex and OT had their first dance. Rex sang the firs part of Forevermore, and I'm sure everyone in the room felt the intensity of the newlyweds' love for each other. I am praying that their marriage will be as happy and delightfully colorful as the wedding had been.
December 24
I slept over at my mom’s house after the wedding and spent the whole day in front of the computer, playing Mystery Case Files™. Before the day ended, I had an awful headache which lasted until Christmas day.
Mommie spent the whole day tinkering around the kitchen. We of course had our usual Noche Buena at 12 midnight with Jef almost half asleep but tremendously excited at the thought of opening his gifts (he’s been pestering the whole family about it since morning). But I did love the look on Jef’s face as he opened his WWE action figures one by one. It’s what you can call a Kodak™ moment.
Honestly, I’m quite sad that I don’t get excited anymore with the coming of Christmas. Probably because I tend to equate its coming with gift expenses, heavy traffic, obligations and all the other hassles that come with it. I remember when I used to anticipate our Noche Buena because of the prospect of getting to stay up late (when we were kids, bedtime was at 8:30) and getting gifts even! I don’t remember when Christmas has lost its glory for me. Probably when daddy left for the states. All of a sudden, my Christmas never felt the same.
This is the 20th Christmas dad, and yes I’m still counting.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Summer Outing
As if I didn't have enough to do, there was the CHR summer outing to contend with. With our boss concurrently holding the position of AMG Manager for CSU, we had to help out in planning and executing the summer outing for our department.
The venue was Blue Palm resort in Calamba Laguna. It was a very nice place where I'm planning to go back to, this time with the whole family in tow. Being in charge of the program and games, and all the preparations that went with it, we were busy almost the whole time with hardly a moment to rest, except in the afternoon. But it was fun, even when there were only about 50 of us who joined the outing.
During the raffle, guess what I was the lucky winner this year of a steam flat iron! What's so funny is, I won the same thing in our outing last year! Hahaha! I gave my prize last year to my big sister, so this new one goes to my mom this time.
Picture here was when we just arrived at the venue...
The venue was Blue Palm resort in Calamba Laguna. It was a very nice place where I'm planning to go back to, this time with the whole family in tow. Being in charge of the program and games, and all the preparations that went with it, we were busy almost the whole time with hardly a moment to rest, except in the afternoon. But it was fun, even when there were only about 50 of us who joined the outing.
During the raffle, guess what I was the lucky winner this year of a steam flat iron! What's so funny is, I won the same thing in our outing last year! Hahaha! I gave my prize last year to my big sister, so this new one goes to my mom this time.
Picture here was when we just arrived at the venue...
(standing LtoR) me, angel, tita presy, ed, kat (seated LtoR) Tizza, EDN, shiela, jonn and alvin
Poolside, with kat, john and ms. bong
Monday, April 03, 2006
A pat on my back
Oh goodness, I can’t believe I survived the last four days!
I was conducting since Tuesday the Human Resource Management Program with SMC HR practitioners as participants. This is a huge thing for the training group because the program is the brainchild of our HR director and requires close coordination with about 12 resource speakers for the 4 day run. Just when I thought that everything was in place, I get a text message from 2 of my resource speakers on the first day, that they couldn’t possibly conduct their module because of flu. Goodness! So I ended up conducting their module instead. Fortunately, my participants never noticed the difference. That is even though I started studying the lecture just a few hours before.
Aside from that highly stressful program, I was conducting simultaneously on Thursday, an accreditation of Training Service Providers. So I was running from one building to the other, in my pumps!
Just when I was ready to put my feet up and get some rest, I got a text confirming my get together with my old office friends. Cecil came home from Illinois for a short vacation and is leaving on Sunday. So, tired as I was, I had to ride the MRT and walk to our meeting place in Glorietta. But had the most fun that night. We spent the whole night laughing about the most inane things. We of course ended dinner with coffee at Starbucks, but surprisingly, we all felt sleepy after drinking coffee. We also called Odette, now living and Sanfo, the other quarter of our foursome, but she was on her way to the office so we didn’t get to talk to her long. I got home really late but good thing the car fetched me so I didn’t have a hard time going home despite the rain.
Tonight, as I was looking back at the events of the past four days, I felt really proud of myself. I accomplished much, in terms of work responsibilities and nurturing relationships. So I give myself a pat on the back…
I was conducting since Tuesday the Human Resource Management Program with SMC HR practitioners as participants. This is a huge thing for the training group because the program is the brainchild of our HR director and requires close coordination with about 12 resource speakers for the 4 day run. Just when I thought that everything was in place, I get a text message from 2 of my resource speakers on the first day, that they couldn’t possibly conduct their module because of flu. Goodness! So I ended up conducting their module instead. Fortunately, my participants never noticed the difference. That is even though I started studying the lecture just a few hours before.
Aside from that highly stressful program, I was conducting simultaneously on Thursday, an accreditation of Training Service Providers. So I was running from one building to the other, in my pumps!
Just when I was ready to put my feet up and get some rest, I got a text confirming my get together with my old office friends. Cecil came home from Illinois for a short vacation and is leaving on Sunday. So, tired as I was, I had to ride the MRT and walk to our meeting place in Glorietta. But had the most fun that night. We spent the whole night laughing about the most inane things. We of course ended dinner with coffee at Starbucks, but surprisingly, we all felt sleepy after drinking coffee. We also called Odette, now living and Sanfo, the other quarter of our foursome, but she was on her way to the office so we didn’t get to talk to her long. I got home really late but good thing the car fetched me so I didn’t have a hard time going home despite the rain.
Tonight, as I was looking back at the events of the past four days, I felt really proud of myself. I accomplished much, in terms of work responsibilities and nurturing relationships. So I give myself a pat on the back…
Friday, March 24, 2006
Changes
Its been a while since I wrote here, and much, oh so much has happened since then.
For one, I let go of the studio type apartment I was renting with Nonoy and we now live with my big sister in Pasig.
So far it’s been good. It’s nearer my office so waking up is not a big hassle anymore. Another plus is that I get to see my nephew everyday. The only downside is that I don’t get to spend much time with my friends, being far away and all. I do miss my friends, it’s just that along with my move is a restructuring done in our office, which resulted in tons of responsibility for myself. I often get migraines because of stress.
Don’t get me wrong, I do love my job. In fact I welcome the challenge of team leading the training group. But sometimes I do feel worn out. It’s a good thing that I have coworkers who are more than willing to help me out when it’s tough.
My coworkers and I started a badminton date every Thursday. Its our way of relieving stress and enjoying something together at the same time. We had the most fun last week when we played for the first time. I hope we can do this regularly, it’s not only good exercise but a way to see each other in a different light. At least our interactions aren’t confined within the four wall of the office alone.
For one, I let go of the studio type apartment I was renting with Nonoy and we now live with my big sister in Pasig.
So far it’s been good. It’s nearer my office so waking up is not a big hassle anymore. Another plus is that I get to see my nephew everyday. The only downside is that I don’t get to spend much time with my friends, being far away and all. I do miss my friends, it’s just that along with my move is a restructuring done in our office, which resulted in tons of responsibility for myself. I often get migraines because of stress.
Don’t get me wrong, I do love my job. In fact I welcome the challenge of team leading the training group. But sometimes I do feel worn out. It’s a good thing that I have coworkers who are more than willing to help me out when it’s tough.
My coworkers and I started a badminton date every Thursday. Its our way of relieving stress and enjoying something together at the same time. We had the most fun last week when we played for the first time. I hope we can do this regularly, it’s not only good exercise but a way to see each other in a different light. At least our interactions aren’t confined within the four wall of the office alone.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)