HAPPY NEW YEAR

Happy New Year everyone! The year 2011 has brought me so many good memories, so many blessings to be thankful for. To everyone who I have spent time with this past year, whether at work, in church, long-time friends, new friends, thank you so much for being a part of my life. I hope that in this coming year, we will build more memories together. 
For everyone, I pray that we all have a safe, productive and happy new year filled with love, blessings and lots of fun!

Status: Engaged!

Four more months and I'll be legally changing my marital status. So, I was thinking of making a series on the things I have been learning along the way. Last October, we formally started our preparations by attending our church's marriage preparation seminar. I believe most churches have this type of preparation for engaged couples and truly, it has been of immense help to our relationship. A lot can be learned, not just for marriage, but for relationships in general. For today, I'll start with one of the more complicated issues, the roles of the wife and the husband. This is a bit difficult to discuss, and I'm sure I'll miss some points, but here is my simple understanding of it. The first thing I must clarify is that:

Man and woman are equal in the sense that they bear God’s image equally.

 ²⁷ So God created mankind in his own image, 
   in the image of God he created them; 
   male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27)

Random post: Write 5 messages to 5 different people without using names

This was one of the topics in the blog challenge which I quit after three days. Let's make a positive-negative sandwich....

Person # 1:

I Miss You! You have been the most reliable and most fun friend that I have had, and I wish that you were here right now. But, I know that your being there will further you career in the best way and I pray that you will always be safe and in good health. God Bless you always! 

Person # 2:

You are one of the most toxic people I have ever met. I am tired of your flowery lies disguised as insincere expressions of concern. Contrary to what you may be thinking, we don't hate you. You're just so self-absorbed and insecure that you think we're trying to steal your glory (like you have any), when in reality, we are just being ourselves and fulfilling our responsibilities. 

Person # 3: 

I'm looking forward to our future together. I know that these are trying times, but I believe that God has the best plans for us, and soon, everything will be sorted out. For now, let's be grateful for all the blessings that continue to pour into our lives. I love you! 

Person # 4: 

I honestly pray that you would completely disappear from our lives. You have ruined a lot of things for me, and I have forgiven you for that. Go live your own happy life and stop trying to get your claws into mine. 

Person # 5: 

I hope that you always remember this: you are a unique, intelligent and talented person. You are also one of the most mature people that I have met. Don't let what others say get you down, because you are worth far more than they ever will be. I hope that our plans in the future work out, because I would love to be on the same team with you.

Chatime PC is looooove!

After having collected enough stickers for two planners that we won't use, we finally decided to lay off on drinking coffee at starbucks (Side note, I realized that the gingerbread cookie does not taste as good if you don't drink it with coffee, haha). Or maybe because it was just too late in the night for coffee. So anyway, last Saturday, we were on our way home from dinner at Megamall, discussing dessert and drinks, when we remembered that there's a Chatime store in Pioneer Center. We decided to check it out. Upon entering, we were greeted by a chorus of "Welcome to Chatime!" It's a bit unnerving to hear that from  around 7 people all at the same time in a small space, but you'll definitely feel welcome. We ordered our drinks, they gave their usual efficient service, we sat at the table near the counter, drank and left. We came back the next day and decided to get a seat in the second floor, and this is the space that greeted us:

 

I absolutely love it! The color scheme (girly), the comfy chairs that are all upholstered and soft they seem to be shouting, 'sit on me!', no noisy machines anywhere. Top selling point, for both me and Zig, would be the lighting and ceiling, the combination of bright fluorescent light and high ceiling makes the place very airy and comfortable. Plus, the seats are not too close together. I can't believe I never went here before, it's the Chatime closest to our house! Okay, I'm gushing here (new tambayan!). I just love it so much! Of course, it was practically empty when we went there, around 10 pm on a Sunday, so I plan to check it out on a weeknight for comparison.  But seeing this makes me curious about the other branches (I know Galleria, MOA and Glorietta have small stalls). Looks like I'm gonna be Chatime hopping soon! ^_^  

Leadership

I believe that one of the most common aspirations of people entering the workforce is to one day reach the top position. The Great Leader, the Big Boss, the Head Honcho. Way back when I wasn't career-oriented (I wanted to be a housewife), I didn't dream of getting to the top, it was enough to survive right where I was. But time and maturity (I hope)  have led to big realizations: becoming a leader does not only  translate to a bigger paycheck, a better lifestyle, it puts you in a position to extend your circle of influence and make an impact in the lives of the people you work with. If you've seen my very first post in this blog, that is one of my prayers in life, to touch the lives of others. 

I have seen leaders who encourage, uplift and effectively build up their people; I have seen leaders who tear down, break and demoralize their followers; and I have also seen leaders who are indifferent, they simply don't give a damn. In the future, i hope i am of the first kind. 

Now, I don't think that being an excellent leader is inborn (at least, not in me), so I have been taking small steps, the first one, looking for leadership books (there are a lot). I started with the most popular author, John Maxwell. The book entitled "The five levels of Leadership" piqued my interest, and through searching the net, I found a lesson that not only expounds, but also gives a biblical role model for each level. Ready? 

PXC 28

If you're female, you most likely will not know what that means. Last Saturday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig, we watched the PXC (Pacific X-treme Combat) 28, a Mixed Martial Arts event featuring different MMA fighters across the Philippines, USA and Asia, with Tristan Arenal and John Tuck being the main fight. They also highlighted Brandon Vera as their guest fighter. 

Of plans and planners

Two and a half weeks after opening and we've completed the stickers for a starbucks planner!

I originally wanted one of the lighter colors, but when I saw that the binding was covered in cloth (matching the bag), I  didn't really like the appearance. So, I settled for the 2nd to the darkest color, which is spruce.

The bag 

The planner

We've been collecting stickers and getting starbucks planners for the past three years, and ironically, none of us use them. Personally, the only reason I get the stickers is because I like the christmas drinks, particularly the toffee nut lattes and frappes; and since I get stickers for them, i'll just collect them right? Plus, I like the idea of helping others through spark hope. :)  We usually give the planners to someone who can use them.

Now, I decided that come 2012, I'm gonna start using a planner; it still isn't the starbucks planner (sorry), because it's not quite what I'm looking for. Too formal, too serious? So, when I saw this planner, I just had to go buy it. 

2012 planner from www.filed.com.ph

I saw this on the internet and bought it at fully booked for P545. Yes, I know i'm in my mid-twenties, but isn't it just soooo cute? I like the quirky drawings on the cover, and i do like that it's black.

Here are some pictures of the inside:

the welcome message

        

Each month is like a coloring book! 

Monthly overview

Daily entries take up around one-third of each page, and they have a special note section as well as a mood tracker. (See those circles with dots, you just need to draw in the expression on the mouth) 




Last, and one of the details I like most, is the fact that it has an expense tracker, where you can list your earnings, expenses, as well as your target and actual savings. Oh, and it also has a wrap around pen-holder, which can be occupied by 12 pens at once! (I forgot to take a picture, sorry).






This planner makes me excited for the new year! Especially since I expect that there will be so many big events and changes in my life due to the plans and preparations that we are making this year . Wheeeeee!  

Jump!

"Don't wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what? Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident, more and more successful."

~~Mark Victor Hansen~~

Current Reads

Gah! I really can't keep up with the blog, failed at the blog challenge, but anyhoo, I will still post random thoughts and some of the challenge topics when I have the time. In the past month, I've been going overboard on book buying, I feel like it's been a long time since I managed to read a book from cover to cover. For now, I'm currently reading these:

Yeah, I read several books in the same period of time. Some, I finish faster than the others.

Blog challenge Day 3: The farthest you've been from home

Okay, I failed at the everyday blogging part, but whatever, I'll still finish the thirty days of blogging.
Last year, I was very lucky to be given the chance to present a paper in an econometric confidence in London, UK! I would never have thought it possible that I would get to see any part of Europe for real. It's just too expensive. But, last year, God just gave me blessing upon blessing and this was one of the most memorable ones.

Me, on London Bridge, with the London Eye behind

Midnight Mercato

It was our second time to go to mercato centrale.

So many people!

There was so much yummy food, so much variety that it was hard to choose what to try. Here are some of the ones we selected:

Bacon Kani and Bacon Prawn for our appetizers

Roast beef with mashed potatoes

Lechon!

Kebabs

Juice

French Macarons for Dessert

Fun experience, filled bellies. But of course, it would be even more enjoyable if it was easier to park and the EDSA traffic wasn't so bad. But it's still worth the hassle. Haha.

The midnight Mercato is open in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, from 10pm on Saturdays. (Not so sure about Fridays)

Blog Challenge Day 2: A song that makes you cry...or nearly

I forgot to publish this last night...

The one song that makes me tear up every single time that I hear it, on the radio, at weddings, on tv, in public (embarassing) is:

I will be here, by Gary Valenciano.

People who know me well know that I'm not the mushy, touchy-feely type. I have an aversion to sentimental words and actions, and yet, hearing this song never fails to make me cry a little. Not the sad, miserable type of crying, of course. I love the message and feeling this song conveys, a love so gentle, so secure and so protective. A love that you know will last for a lifetime. Not just romantic love, it can come from God, your father, brother or friend.

Anyway, it's a really beautiful song and I think the person who posted this video on youtube did a really good job with the backgrounds and all. It just fits.

Sometimes, it's okay to be mushy. Haha. :D

Blog Challenge Day 1: A picture that makes you happy

Due to lack of inspiration leading to a lack of posts, I decided to scour the net for blog topics and take on a 30-day blog challenge. I hope this inspires me to blog more regularly. :)

This picture was taken at Universal Studios in Sentosa last July when our whole family went to Singapore . Aside from the obvious happiness of being able to get our picture taken with Po (",), I'm very grateful to have had an opportunity to spend a few days bonding with my family.

I left Baguio, my hometown, at 15 years old when I decided to study in Quezon City. From that time until today, I go home around 4-5 times a year, a few days at a time. In 2006, my mom joined me here in Manila, then my brother followed in 2007, leaving my Dad and my other brother in Baguio. In 2008, my mom became an OFW in Saudi, returning home only last July. For most of my life, even when we were still children, that has been the situation: at least one family member (usually one of my parents) is away, either in another city or another country altogether. We're used to it, but it makes times like this particularly special and memorable.

We spent 4 days in Singapore, taking lots of pictures, walking around and shopping. We explored Chinatown, Raffles, Orchard Road, Sentosa and Universal Studios. We ate mostly at the hawkers, trying out the local fare and other delicacies. It was also an opportunity for us to spend time with our relatives who are based there, catching up on each other's lives. Except maybe for the food, I love everything about Singapore. The cleanliness, the houses, the transportations sytem, the shopping, haha. I'm hoping that soon, I'll have an opportunity to stay there for longer.

Life's pleasant moments

Last Tuesday was the last day at work for two of our contractual SAS programmers, Ann and Mikko. When I arrived at my desk, Ann pointed to the small space below my desk where I put some of my supplies and this greeted me:

Super cute and super pink! It contained more cute little trinkets that she wanted to give me. From the girl who calls me sadista and puppy, who was once my student, then my officemate and dinner companion, but always, my friend.

We then had a mini-despedida for them and for two of our other office mates, with pizza and cake, complete with hilarious speeches and a question and answer portion for each exiting employee. It was an afternoon full of laughter and witty comebacks.

Still not satisfied, we had a friendly drinking session at a restobar in the mall beside our office, which we managed to cut short early, knowing that most of us had to work the next day. Honestly, it was the greatest amount of bonding time I have had with majority of my officemates.

We're all happy, of course, that they are all entering a new season in their lives and careers, but also a bit sad, for me at least. I've enjoyed these past three months more than any other time that I have spent in the office, mostly because I used to spend all my time there working and trying to be invisible. But this group of contractors, plus Fatima, have made my working days fun, stress-free and uncomplicated. I could be who I am, say what I really feel and be wrong if I had to be. Every stage of life is temporary, but this stage, this season has brought so many memories to be kept and cherished and I'm grateful that I've had officemates like Ann, Ann Q, Fatima, Grace and Mikko.

Un-techie me

My brother and my roommates often tell me that I'm terrible when it comes to gadgets.

I almost never answer my cellphone when someone's trying to call me, sometimes because I leave it in my room upstairs when I go downstairs, sometimes the other way around, sometimes because I forget to take it out of silent mode, sometimes i leave it in my bag, or when it's a strange number, I simply don't answer it. I have an aversion to calls from unknown numbers.

My itouch has contained the same videos, applications and games since it has been with me and no, it does not have any music. Furthermore, I don't have an itunes account. I also charge it at most twice a week, when I find the charger. Yeah, I know, I suck. Haha.

When my brother and I had digicams of the same brand (sony, I believe), he used to get mad because I would exchange his fully charged battery and leave my empty one in his camera. He sold his camera after about a year. When my friends and I had an out of town trip, I brought the camera, complete with battery and charger, but neglected to charge the battery at night. When our family went on vacation to Singapore, I packed the camera, charged the battery, then forgot the battery and charger when we left the house. See? Hopeless. Thankfully, on both trips, at least one of my companions had a camera.

I also have a netbook, which is probably the only thing that is consistently charged and used, but probably only because I need it for work.

It's true, for someone who is blessed enough to own several gadgets, I know that I don't take advantage of their full capabilities. Hah, I probably don't even use 25% of their capacity. I'm sorry, but I really am that lazy. Maybe because I feel that these gadgets are just contraptions that add to the complications of my daily life and I can fully function without them. Don't get me wrong, I do have a healthy respect for the truly techie people (brother included) who make the effort of updating their knowledge and sharing their knowledge with the rest of us. I just haven't caught up with the twenty-first century.

Maybe I'll start with charging the gadgets regularly, whaddya think?

True friends are forever

At my current age, life is full of work, stress and competition that at the end of the day, all I want to do is curl up on my bed and sleep my exhaustion away. It is at this stage of life that really opens our eyes to the reality that there will be people who want to bring you down, or, if not that, people who will step on you just to get to the top. Relationships become more difficult to build because you can't really tell if a person is really a friend, or is just using you for their own benefit. Many of us learn that the hard way.

I remember my dad telling me when I was younger that the friends you meet in high school will pretty much be the friends you have for the rest of your life. He was right. I admit not all of my high school friends are still around, but I will always be thankful for the treasured friends that God graciously gave me.

True friends are those who will stay despite the circumstances. They'll be there to celebrate with you in the best of times, there for comfort through the of worst trials. They'll lovingly tell you when you're being foolish, when you're wrong, when you look like a freak. They can be family, confidante, adviser, accountability partner, cheerleader, shopping and food trip buddy. No matter how far you are or how long it has been, the closeness will always remain. True friends, for me, have been few and far between. That's why I am thankful for each and everyone of them that has come my way, just like my best friend Crisel, we may not see each other often (she currently lives in Japan), but no one will ever take her place. Miss you friend!

I was HERE

Influence. Who I am now is a direct result of all the people who have touched my life. Who, at one point or another, did something so remarkable that it changed the way I see people, the way that I see my circumstances. Even the simplest acts of kindness can make great waves. I hope and pray that somehow, I can affect the same positive change in other people's lives.

I may not change the world, I may not be remembered for generations; but I want to do something that will leave a mark, even if it's just for one person, at one moment in their life. It's not about recognition, it's the knowledge that my time on this earth was not wasted, but achieved the purpose to which I have been called.