Because it's my birthday

March 08, 2011 - My birthday.  Everything was unplanned. And thought it would be a normal day at work, but then in the last hour of my work, I received an event invitation from Geiser Maclang a day before my birthday. Thanks to my colleague who agreed with the swap schedule.  Funny it may seem, but my birthday fell on the same date of the 2011 Women's Day, this was the invitation I received from Geiser Maclang (thanks for the invitation) and was held at the Cebu City Hall.  Just like last year, I celebrated my birthday at SM City with the opening of Freizberry Store.  Everything went fine at the event. I saw Pia Magalona, the wife of the late master rapper Francis M, Abbygale Arenas former Binibing Pilipinas titlist and among others. You can read my post about it here. 

After the event, Vernon, Clado and I decided to go to SM City and stroll around. Still I got no exact plan on what to do on my day, but I was thinking of treating them some pizzas while waiting for the response of the Himayan folks, however, everyone was busy that time.  Thus, we decided to split around and I went to the Centre and attended the revival at Maranatha Christian.  Before I went there, I dropped by Sto. Niño Church and Cathedral Church.  

Then I went home after.  

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Solo Flight in Manila

February 11, 2011 - end of shift it was past 2am already. As an after shift routine, we had food trips Streamline and Fasthosts folks (Yoyoy, Macoy, Mon, Tipz, and Kate). We ate lechon at the 2nd floor of i2 bldg. It was yummy and made all of us full.  Afterwhich we separted ways and I went home. It was 4am. I turned my notebook on and check some emails and updates while I was trying to finish preparing the things I need to bring for my solo flight in Manila. Around 5am I left and headed to Mactain International Airport, my flight was 6.30AM. No traffic at all and so I was able to catch my flight schedule. On my way to Manila, I was really really sleepy, I haven't got any sleep at all since Friday 11AM. I fell asleep and when woke up, we are about to land in NAIA. It was fast and we landed ahead of time.  I waited my big brother Jonathan at the airport, and met him near Bay 7. He accompanied me at DOST main office in Bicutan (I was trying my luck and hopefully would get myself cleared from them.)  Afterwhich, we went home and via Philippine National Railways (PNR) going to San Andres where he and his family live. I took some rest after eating.

While waiting for PNR

Around 5pm we went to Manila Bay, trying to catch the sunset view at the place.   Below are the photos.

Sunset in Manila Bay


Street lights at Manila Bay



My brother's family ^^,


Statue of Ninoy and his friend?


The winner ad!

February 12, 2011 Saturday: I went to MOA and met my cousin Jernacel there. We watched the 2nd Pyroworks Musical. With her were the "Gee Gurls" as they call themselves (my cousin's classmates in Makati Med during first year college). Thus I happened to know them (Reiko, Julie, Angel, Danica, Marielle and Charizz) and I would say they're all cool and jammin'! You won't get bored with them, no wonder why they still are the G-Gurls after all these years!

The Flying G-Girls! (hahaha)


Here are some of the fail shots during the Pyromusical Fireworks Competiton

It was already 8.30PM Jerna's mom called and told us to go home because it was already late.  And so we had to leave the company.  Fairview or some call it FARView is really far from Mall of Asia, 2 hours ride approximately including traffic. Thus we arrived home (Caloocan) around 12.30AM and we received an "award" a slight award though. And just before we went to bed, we have decided not to go to Clark (Hot Air Balloon Festival).

February 13, 2011 Sunday: As planned we went to Star City (ride all you can 50% off since we were wearing red, it was their Valentines Promo). Moving on, I finally met Maerry (Jerna's classmate) and also Rhea and their other class/schoolmates in National University.

with Maerry

My cousing Jerna and her NU friends

The first ride was VIKING, at first I thought it will be a boring ride, but I was wrong. I got butterflies in my stomach when it was on its full throttle. My body was shivering and I wanted to jump out - it was freaking scary.  I did try to conquer my fear while I was on top, but no matter how I tried, my body just shivered and my hands were sweating so cold. It was a freaking ride, but it did not end there. We continue the ride until the night. My cousin Jerna and I arrived home around 12 midnight.

The survivors (with the little boy):  My cousin Jerna, Maery and Rea

(Time to go home)

Feb. 14, 2011 Valentines Day:  Around 7 in the morning, I left the place, my cousin was still sleeping, she must be tired, I bid goodbye to my aunt and went back to San Andres, Bukid to get my things left at my brother's house.  It was rush hour, thus I took the MRT and then LRT and then jeepney - the funny thing was, I got lost, not really lost and I was a bit late with my target ETA. Around 11AM, I left San Andres an headed to the Airport, my flight was 1.30PM. Because of my so called no-sense-of-direction, I got lost again while on my way (it has been a tough day for me, I would say it was Manic Monday! hahaha) Anyway, I arrived Cebu safely, thanks God for the safe flight. 

It was a whole lot of fun there! I will miss everything back there! ^^,

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Just Random

Alright am back! And I am trying to update my blog  after a month of not writing anything. Been attempting to write though, but laziness and boredom hit me,  in short procrastinating things again in this blog.  Anyhow, I won't be making this post that long (i guess?), but will just share the thoughts I have in my mind right now and those random stuffs  that my memory would serve me.  

The year 2011 so far is not that bad.  After I revamped my other site (Beyond-The-Norms) I've been like a freak monitoring my site, checking traffic and my earnings at the same time. Thus I dubbed it "blogkabuhaya"  meaning "blogging for a living". I don't know if you already heard such term, as for me I first heard it  myself. :P.  So much for the blogging life, let's jump to my New Year's Resolution(s) - the never ending and unaccomplished new year's resolution I have every year: "To gain weight". I mean, to gain fats? Uhmm I dunno what the term is, but it's close to that thing. The only challenge I have is that, I lack discipline. I don't eat meals 3 times a day, mostly 1 meal a day and the rest? Snacks, junk foods, chocolates, bread and sandwich spreads. No proper routine. I eat if my stomach hurts that much.  Moreover, my other goal is to save money for my schooling next year. I will apply for ETEEAP (Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program), to finish my course to earn a degree and will take DPE (Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Education), to be able to take the thing they called Board Exam and then teach! It would be a dream come true, in Gods time and will. I lift everything to Him as I am working with my long term plan in my career.  What else? Hmmm bear with me, this is really a very random post. I feel like writing everything now as fast as I could.  Right,  for the first time in a long time, my family went out  for lunch together. With me Ma, Pa, Ate (with her 2 siblings), and my 2 younger sister (with her son) and our youngest. My big bro was not with us, he's in Manila with his family. We also went to Sto. Nino church.

Alright, so "how am I doing?"  Yes I talk to myself sometimes and ask  questions as well. I think it is normal. I am referring to the times of my life wherein I need to weigh things. Especially if the decision could make a big impact. Think before you act.  You can even think it many times if you want, but must set  a time frame for it.   Everything has it's own time.  You have to plan something Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-sensitive. SMART is the keyword here.

I think I am  talking a lot of random things now and this post will become boring again just like the previous  stories I had.  So I am going to end this post by sharing you some quotes from the movies I watched recently. Quotes that I believe are quotable.  


The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

• To defeat the darkness out there, you must defeat the darkness inside yourself.

3 Idiots

• Never try to be successful, pursue excellence.
• When your hobby becomes your profession, the passion becomes your profession.
• Learning is very simple - Never stop.

My Sassy Girl (2008 remake)

• Destiny is the bridge you build to the one you love. 
  
• Just suppose that the shaping and molding of destiny... is your destiny.
• As for the question of destiny... all I know is that even when destiny really wants to accomplish something, it can't do it alone. You still have to go to that restaurant. You still have to show up. You still have to build a bridge... to the one you love.

That's all. *bow*

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A Happy New Year

So here it goes again, another year is over. I am not so sure though, but I guess I am not that ready yet to face the new year, while at the same time I am excited (isn't it ironic?). Well, because  I know that God has better plans for everyone. He hears what is not spoken and understands what is not explained.

Life really is full of surprises - a lot of things that we didn't expect come along the way as we continue with the journey that they called life. Those things are not just mere  accidents or coincidences, but rather planned before us and were meant to happen at some point of our lives.

So, is this already goodbye? Will the eye of the tiger now be closed? I guess so. But before that, I would say that I am grateful with you 2010. I'm gonna miss you. But, life must go on. There were bad  and down times, but most of them were good thus keeping the fire burning from moving on and looking forward for the next year. It would be another journey for the year of the rabbit!

God Bless everyone! Cheers to the New Year!

P.S: Thank you all, you know who you are! Above all, I thank you Lord for all the blessings and everything all through out the year. It has been a wonderful journey - a year that was!

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Sunday at the Family Park

It was December 12, 2010. The weather was fair. No rain, but was a bit cloudy in the morning, yet the sun was still shining all day (Thank you Lord for the nice weather). I left home around 9:00AM to hear mass.  Bought paper plates, disposable spoons and glass. Then I realized all my pants and shorts are still at the laundry shop. And so I decided to buy a new pair of shorts. I bought the one on sale at Colours. I totally forgot my waistline, and I ended up buying a short pair of shorts (hahaha - well Colours' sizes are a bit shorter than any other shorts).  Then  I went home after, prepared my stuffs and went to Family Park.

There I saw my classmate Meshiel Dacuma, standing at the entrance of Family Park. She brought  2 boxes of cakes. The 2 of us waited for the others. Then Wilma Cavalida arrived and brought 2 roasted chicken from Choks. Cyrus Teleron and Rodrigo Baritua suddenly appeared. Oppps surprised - they were the first 2 who came at the Family Park. They were there since 9AM as they said.  We were chatting and laughing when we saw Maricor Cabras - I think she didn't notice us, or maybe she no longer recognized me - it's been more than 10 years since I last saw her (we were still in grade 5, way back 1998).  Then Jonathan Gacang (my best friend since grade 3) arrived next. He brought "puto pao" from Aloguinsan.

The 7 of us went together to find a nice location inside the Family Park where we can stay for the rest of the afternoon. On our way to the hill, we saw kids (they're somehow yagit) hanging around at the side walk. Thus we decided to give each of them a piece of "puto pao".  The kids were grateful - wow they know how to say thank you. Then we continued walking - the place was not that crowded, yet most of the shed were occupied. Needless to say - it was Sunday / Family Day. We found an avenue to stay at 100 pesos. Guess everyone was hungry that time? Or maybe just excited to taste the puto pao just like me self.

We then started chatting, telling jokes and reminisce our childhood memories. Everyone was teasing each other - thus throwing corny jokes and etc.  Then Lemuel Mabano arrived, he is Meshiel's cousin and our classmate since grade 1 to grade 3. He still remember we had a fight way back then, but I  forgot such memory - maybe because I don't keep bad memories as much as possible or maybe I just forgot such incident.  Moving on, Arniel Navaja followed by Roldan Sumalinog arrived around 3PM.  Roldan went undertime from work just to join us. Then Sacarias Rabanes and Catherine Cabatuan with their friend also arrived few minutes later. In the last hour around 4PM, Judith Seguisabal de la Rosa and Cresilda Ardiente arrived. So with out further adieu, we  let them eat the foods we brought and then took   family pictures!

The cam-whoring session and stolen shots:

More photos here

Who would have thought that after all we still find time to meet and have some of fun even just a short span of time! It was indeed a memory worth remembering and worth keeping. We can still can still call ourselves young, young at heart because whenever we have gathering -  memories we had during elementary year would really come back.  For the first time in the long time, even if we were few - we still managed to enjoy our mini reunion as we call it. At the same time celebrating my best friend's birthday.  Looking forward for another gathering! Next time it should be blast!

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Weekend in Ilo-ilo City

As planned, I went to Ilo-ilo City last weekend - November 27, Saturday until the morning of November 29, Monday.   First impression: "A Stress-Free City". No traffic at all. Smooth ride from Ilo-ilo International Airport to the heart of the city.

I left Cebu around 5.40PM on board with Cebu Pacific Flight No. 5J 170.  It was my 2nd time to fly alone. No friends, no relatives, just myself. (First solo flight was last year when I joined iBlog 5 at UP Diliman).

Ilo-Ilo International Airport

I arrived at Ilo-ilo Int'l Airport around 6.30PM, it was quick. The airport is not that big, just enough to accommodate passengers going in and out in the city. I rode a shuttle van bound for SM City and headed to The Avenue, Smallville and attended the Philippine Blog Awards Visayas 2010 awarding ceremony.

The Philippine Blog Awards Visayas 2010

Alright  I wasn't late during the event.  When I arrived at The Venue they haven't started yet. We had dinner first then the awarding followed. Met our common blogger friends from Luzon, Visayas as well as Mindanao.   

Here is the list of the 2010 Philippine Blog Awards Visayas winners:

• Best culture and arts blog: Michael’s Shades of Blue
•  Best food and beverage blog: Flavours of Iloilo
• Best lifestyle blog: Ilonggos.net
•  Best photo blog: Gerry Ruiz
• Best tech blog: Tech Source
• Best personal blog: The Rookie Blogger
•  Best travel blog: Ambot-ah

Congratulations everyone!

After the awarding Edcel, Sheena (The Wandering Couple), Clado and I went to Ongbun Pension House, where we stayed over the weekend.  Edcel and Sheena were left in our room, while Clado and I were at the lobby of Ongbun. He was doing his online tasks while I was busy browsing facebook, twitter, checking emails and the etc. The night was a bit dull, I missed Cebu (I think?). The music of the place was classic (yes I love classic songs), but I was uhmm not in the mood to listen classics songs that night because I just don't feel like listening for it makes me feel more sick.  Newies, it was around 3AM when we went offline and  the guard on duty fell asleep. No matter how noisy we were - he didn't even bother to wake up. He must be tired.  Hahaha!

The Ilo-Ilo Heritage Tour

It was a gloomy Sunday. And I haven't had a good  and enough sleep. I think I really was not sleeping at all.  The 4 of us just walked from Ongbun Pension (from near Quezon-Ledesma Street) to Museo Iloilo (Bonifacio Drive, City Proper) and yet we reached the meeting place.  

Museo Ilo-Ilo

The destinations:

San Joaquin Church

San Joaquin Cemetery

Miagao Church

Then we had  Lunch at Villa Beach (Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafood). Sorry no photos available, I was very hungry and forgot to take a picture of the place. After our lunch we headed to Molo Church and Plaza.

Molo Church (like the structure much so gothic)

After Molo Church, we then went to Robinsons and bought some delicacies and headed back to the place.

Bischoco  (all time fave)

I accompanied Clado to the airport since he asked. On our way to the airport - I see more beautiful sceneries all the way down to the airport. I was also able to take a sunset view from Ilo-ilo Airport as well.

Sunset view at Ilo-Ilo International Airport

At SM City Ilo-ilo:
I went straight to SM City from the airport and informed the wandering couple to come over and so they did. Sheena asked my free 30 minute fish foot spa coupon at Tigbao's (given by MJ) and so I gave it with her as if I had a choice, she already had it with her. Edcel also accompanied Sheena  and I was waiting for them at the lounge for 30 minutes (I got bored xD). Newies, it was fine for me, I don't wanna try the fish foot spa thing (hahaha -crazy me).  After we roamed around SM City, we decided to eat dinner at Ted's Batchoy - it was already 9PM.


The Search for Ted's Batchoy: 

ILOve-ILOve City is awesome as I would say.  I had a nice weekend there!

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