Hobnobbing @ Samsung Mobile Hits Party

Jupiter St., Makati City. Samsung held an event entitled HitStop Party @ Fiamma Bar for the launch of their music phones: F300, X830 and E740. The party is themed Hip-Hop/RnB as patterned from their famous endorser Beyonce Knowles. I reckon this is more of my thang, so to make up for my last event’s sloppiness:

ain't hiphop/rnb enough eh?

Everybody got shocked with what I wore for the night specially our Korean VP. They kept on saying they didn’t recognize me. Sigh, I didn’t think my officemates know yet what I’m capable of. Tsk! Haha! I just hope that next time I won’t hear anymore of this line from our managers. “Dapat si KC na lang ang pumalit sa mga models eh!” Geese!

are they serious i can replace them?

Mark this my first night to order vodka-sprite on a bar. Heard it right, it’s purely on my will and no one coerced me to. It just so happened that I was momentarily left alone and I suddenly remembered this advice in Cosmo to always have a drink on your hand just like a flash bulb moment. I slomped myself on the bar and was half-way sloshing my drink when I turned to my left and noticed a photographer aiming his lens at me. But of course, it has been an instinct for me to pose whenever a camera is aimed at me so there! Yay! Haha. I’m not sure if the outfit or the drink did the wonders but I don’t think one glass would be bad during these. Oh God I’m starting to become an alcoholic! :{

Em & I

Aaah, to socialize:

--> Remember the designer Leah Puyat? I met her again that night. She was late for the event; the fashion show has just ended. I felt quite compelled to welcome her for the kindness and friendliness she showed me during the Ultra II Launch so I decided to talk to her. I was expecting to remind her of who I am but blow me down! She sure has one good memory. Maybe not my name but she knows I’m the “engineer”. Crikey! I hope to see her more in our events.

--> Finally met my cam whore buddy for this kind of events. Meet Tytana our new employee. The event was her first time and it’s but natural to feel overwhelmed with the guests. I can relate to her coz I’m still not so over that feeling. :) We totally hit it off that night. Ain’t it obvious in the pix below? ;)

our fair share of the posing board =P

damn that red strobe on my nose, hmph!

--> Got introduced to Formula 3 racer/ commercial model Gaby dela Merced. It’s been weeks now that Raine gave me her number for some complaints on the phone but I’ve been hesitating to call her. I mean, she’s no nobody, right? She’s a celebrity for cryin’ out loud! That night, she showed me some concerns on her phone and explained to her the possible fault. Well, she’s a real charming lady after all! :)

we're friends now, haha!

--> Shared a table also with editors from ABS-CBN's publishing (sorry i forgot their name) whom I noticed been frequenting our events. I sense a prickle of intrigue to their question “So, where does KC work for?” to which I felt a slight apprehension in Ma’am Fe’s response “She’s part of our group.” I just hope she said I’m from the technical group coz more than anything else, that’s what sets aside my fashionable outfit from theirs. =P (I mean, I will always have an excuse if ever my dresses doesn't meet their expectations on the next events, right?) She should’ve said it.

Those were some memorable points that night. I know I said before I didn’t wanna socialize with these people. But like what Raine pointed out on the event, it has become part of the job now. And you know what? I had so much fun doing it. For a moment I even thought I was born to do it. Haha! =)) And in retrospect, I wouldn’t mind being called someone from the marketing. But maybe not now. Yay! Yay! Yay!

**Visit my Multiply site for more pix. Click here.

An Engineer's Worth of Data

Because I totally miss doing this back at my previous job, allow me to present to you my half-year data analysis. Tada!

Yes. I used to publish weekly data in this format back at Intel. My data then was manually extracted from the production floor and plans on automating it were already on their way when I left. And it’s true what Roy said in a testimonial in Friendster, I used to make the most colorful presentations during the staff meeting. ^_^

The template above is my most commonly used format. Intel style on charts is providing highlights and lowlights on your data. So say my target is at least 12 posts per month, that is 4 posts per week, thenthe chart shows that I’m 33% (2/6) on the average. And that’s considered to be poor CSI.** Usually, the next slide will contain the RC Analysis and last will be the CIPs and CAs on the current scenario. And but of course for this post I don’t have to do that. =P

That's how useful charts are. It can make you realize somethings that are not obvious when you just merely look at the data in its raw form. Of course, we all know that. Gibberish! So what I'm saying is go ahead and figure out what particular data in your life that you can analyze and reflect on. As for me, I think I need to sit down and deal with my finances for the half year. Gosh!!

**CSI - Critical Success Indicators
**RC - Root Cause
**CIP - Continuous Improvement Plan
**CA - Corrective Actions

Monophobia

There’s one topic that I’ve been trying to bury at the back of my head and yet keep on pressing its way infront: working abroad! The last time was before I left Intel, and then came my best friend’s sudden departure and the latest was my college buddies, Mac and Ruth.

This news last Tuesday also hit me like a tidal wave and it made me reflect on my current situation once again on my way home. With what my single status and tender young age, this would have been the perfect time to do it. But for the umpteenth time, I would like to reiterate that I don’t have any plans of leaving. Not that I’m patriotic or something. Truth be told, there's a lot of things that I abhor here in the Philippines. I’m really just not acclimated to it.

Pondering: I know I may not be earning a good whack as compared to them but I can say that I’m happy with what I’m doing right now. With what the social events and kind co-workers, yes I’m pretty much contented. I know my future’s not that sorted out yet and that I can’t clearly envisage myself 5 years from now but I believe what’s important is that I’m concentrating on improving myself in every possible way I could.

So what vexes me then? Well, it’s more of my friends. Mae, Intan, Mark, Herbert, Joy, Dexter, Bong, Ruth and Mac have already left. I suddenly felt ALONE!!

Out of depression, I called up my ex that night. He is already having his forty winks when I rang him and breathed onto him my worries. I said “Sino na lang maiiwan sa akin?” to which he instantly said “Ako!”. I was somehow comforted with what he said. I just hope he really meant it. After I rang away, Herbert called from Canada. Not more than 5 minutes later, Mark from Saudi called in my mobile. I knew I didn’t have to choose. So the landline receiver is on my left ear while I was holding my cellphone on the right with Mark on speaker mode. I was so happy to hear from them again. :D Suddenly all the morose thoughts earlier quickly vanished. I’M NOT ALONE!! I'M NOT ALONE!! They may not be physically present but I know they’ll never forget me. I’m always in their hearts like I know they are on mine. Cheesy! Haha!

So to Xiela who confirmed that she’ll just follow suit if ever I decided to move, thank you. Coz somehow it meant that you’ll stay for as long as I’m here right? Hehe.

And here’s to success for opportunities and careers of me and my friends. :) I wish all of you brick and mortar of happiness in your chosen fields. And always remember, our parting only gives way to HAPPIER reunions and gatherings. ;)

kC's Picks for the Rainy Seasons

I can cite a lot of things as grounds for hating the RAIN. For instance, the 1st heavy downpour this year has got me stuck in the office in my white stilettos. I say, my white Charles and Keith stilettos. Last time was in my one-day old pristine white slim Havaianas. There's flood, mud, traffic, etcetera but I don't care. I love rainy days! Ü

It's silly! But I think the reason behind light and bouncy feelings during rainy days is because it was raining when I was born. Haha! Inspite of my being inquisitive, in my 23 years of existence in this world I haven't really asked my mom about it. I guess some things in this world are best left in a mystery.

So, straight to business. My picks for this rainy season are:

1. An űber-dependable umbrella-ella-ella-eh..hehe

My Esprit Umbrella, 50% off, a STEAL!

2. Well, believe it or not. I've known some females that consider bringing an umbrella a hassle (right Mae?). So this would do for them: HOODS!!

hoods

3. Rainy days will always keep you at chill. So, why not invest on some jackets? This one's a timely give-away in the office. I loved the color. I always make it a point that my sporty outfits are narrowed down to only combination of blue and white.

sporty jacket

4. A water-resist oversized bag to protect your stuffs.

be film-star like in this baggy from BAYO

And for the over-all effect, haha!

one friday dress-down attire

OK, I got the reaction. I know you're thinking it's a complete con. But let me argue. Hoods, check. Leggings and flats (that goes with the bag), cross. Sleeveless, questionable. But! The weather these days is unpredictable. I mean, it can be blazing hot in the morning and for all you know you'll leave the office in bone-chilling cold. So, my biggest excuse of all! It's OK because there's always room for other stuffs in my BAGGY bag! Haha. Jackets, rainy days toiletries (alcohol and tissues for the mud), everything! In fact, the more stuffed, the better effect! ;)

Rainy days once brought me to someone I loved. And it is the perfect season to cuddle up with that significant other. I would just like to reminisce on one unforgettable moment: there was this one time when my ex and I were walking amidst rain with an umbrella and one shared huge jacket (my arm on the left and his on the right.) Sweet yet funny! =)

this scenario would be perfect!

But for those happy and single like me, I think this would do for now:

+

coffee + nice background music to reminisce with (or wave 89.1's mix of songs)

Yeah, I think it would. It'll help us through..somehow! *sigh*

Bits and Pieces

Some more highlight on last week:

1. My first Korean dining with foreign counterparts in Makati Ave. Ok, it has to be said, I don't know how to use chopsticks but I had to learn it the whole night. Else, I will be forced to consume fast the only edible food served in our table, BEEF!!

2. Lem got qualified for Cosmo's 69 Bachelor. The photo shoot was held last Thursday @ Eco Park. I can't wait for the party with the hunks! Yay! Haha!

3. Meteor Garden is back! Weeeeeeeeeeeee!! Every 6 PM, I find myself in the office's pantry having my 30-mins merienda. Funny! I'm still not over Vaness Wu. Hehe.

4. What's up with these new testimonials in Friendster coming from ex-officemates? How about being referred to as sophisticated, being true and BIG HEART?? I'm totally bowled over. Guess, they're so missing me already. Ü

5. Never have I been asked out by a lot of guys in my lifetime. I wish I can be proud about it but I'm not. These are the most lax and slipshod invitations I've heard in my life. Goodness, where are the good men?

6. Mobile Blogging!! My 1st attempt was available at Multiply. Err, Mr. Blogger, can you please help me why I can't activate it in here? Instructions in the other are simpler you know.

7. My supposed to be Friday gimik with Lisa @ Prince of Jaipur turned into an overnight @ Kensington Place condo in Bonifacio High Street. Met new friends who turned out to be cousins of my brother's partner in one of his TV ads. Small world!

8. It's Martin Nievera's 25th anniversary @ ASAP yesterday and he was so emotional while the champions are singing his masterpieces. There's really nothing that can easily move me than a man in tears. Awww...

9. So far, last night was the best videoke performance of my life. Haha! I found the right combination for my voice to last long and that is by starting off with low-pitched acoustics. After some time I decided to stop but when I looked in our door some people are peeping to see the singer (fans? hehe). I got energized all the more. So here's the list of my concert pieces: Bizaare Love Triangle, Jealous, A Little Bit, How Did You Know, WIthout You, Take A Bow, Unbreak My Heart, Weak, Manila Girl, Let's Get Loud, Bakit, Luha, All This Time, Part of Your Word, Can You Read My Mind and A Very Special Love. Blimey! I don't think any singer would sing that many in her concert. Haha!!

10. Some forgotten to write down infos on last week's gathering @ The Fort. I know I'm the organizer but forgot to commend everybody's efforts in coming: some reported late for work, took a leave and some finished their work early. Thanks Guys! Here are some tiny confessions:

- That night, I was dying to have a picture taken with someone; and,
- That night on my way home, I kept praying that the cab I'm in wouldn't play some mushy songs 'coz I'm not sure how I'm gonna react. Yay!

OK, enough!!!

I Love My Friends!!

Last night was one of the happiest of my life. For some long months of barely seeing and communicating with each other, me and my college friends met up for Bong's welcome back/bday bash.

As an organizer, I felt quite accomplished for the turn up of attendance. It was an awesome 16 headcount (sans Louie, Joyce, Joanne and GB). I would like to commend everybody's efforts for coming. Of course, the night won't be complete without the call from friends overseas (Herbert and Mark). We had a BLAST!!!

In gatherings like this, it's quite expected to notice something new from someone. There's Wen in her gray contact lens, Bong in his new 'do, Ruth's news on leaving for Armenia (with everybody's initial reaction, "San yun?"), May-R's surprise turn -up and Froi's new gf (the mention of which might get some of my readers slightly taken aback).

But I think the highlight of the evening (aside from my outfit, haha!) was the clarification of rumors that came straight from Saudi Arabia to Philippines and bounced back to Singapore and Canada, haha! Ruth is not preggy as what most of us suspected and to my utter disappointment, there's no one getting married yet, haha!!

It's such a bliss simply just being with them and acting like how we used to act way back in college. It's more than just unwhining from work. If it's not for a Tuesday night, the dinner would've probably went straight into an overnight!! That's how much we can't get enough of each other! I missed them so much, REALLY!!!!

fashionista @ serendra

texas roadhouse grill

Bonifacio high street, B6

more pics on my multiply account, click here:

Singapore Lah!

Myspace Countdown Clocks at WishAFriend.com

Though there were already plans of visiting her there, this training came in such a timely manner. It was announced the day after Joy said she will be permanently staying in Singapore. Sad, really! :(

Anyways, it looks like the shopping spree abroad with my girlfriends I'm hoping for will already come into reality. Haha! Gurl, sorry I didn't make it in time for the Charles & Keith sale there. I already came across one here last Saturday and bought the most darling shoe I found (in our size of course). ;)

Excitedness!! :D

God, please allow me to live until that day I reunite with my bestfriend. I'll be good, I promise. :)

(uhmm, never mind the smileys with heart, it's hard to find something that's working here ;)

Miscellany

Noun: A collection of various items, parts, or ingredients, especially one composed of diverse literary works.

Family:

1. Lem will have a new TV ad for Globe. He worked with Michael V for the Globe Unli (watch out for it!). I love it when he tells me stories on how the VTR and the shoot went about.

2. Our Choi cho roi choi seems to have a knack for doing tricks. He carries Papa’s newspapers in the morning. Cute, haha! I always knew he was one bright boy, or pup should I say! :) I think I might take it upon myself to teach him some tricks! Yay!

Friends:

1. Mike has jumped on the bandwagon as well. As of this writing, he’s now officially resigned from Intel. Happy for you friend. :D

2. I just heard weeks ago that 2 of my classmates in high school got married last June. Congratulations and Best Wishes to them. :) I think I still feel normal. I don’t have these “OMG!-I’m-so-old-and-so-left-behind” stupid reactions. Hi Xiela! =) (With the unspoken question being, “Kelan ka?” Haha!)

Lovelife:

1. I now have a boyfriend! Haha! He’s so sweet and calls me every 10 AM asking me how’s my day and all. Sometimes when I missed his call, just one text away and he’ll call me immediately. I can’t really describe him to you now but I’ll just give one adjective: he’s VIRTUAL! Haha! Gotcha! I subscribed to this crap a week ago while I was WAP-ing on my phone. Ok, ok. I’m not that desperate. I don’t know what has gotten into me, his voice is yucky and his stories are ewwww-y but I still find myself pressing the phone against my ear and listening to him. What was I thinking? Again, let me reiterate, I’m not DESPERATE! Haha!

ShowBitch:

1. I’m glad that PBB2 is over. I can finally sleep earlier than usual. I don’t like Bea though. She’s fake and assuming and haughty. And she’s not Sassy as her title suggests! I hate her!

2. I happened to watch Go Kada (not sure) last Saturday and I’m so so glad that Mateo Guidicelli is not being paired to anyone else but to Kim Chiu ‘coz he deserves no one else but moi. Yay! I can only say to Kim: Haba ng hair! Kering-keri. :)

3. OK. Can someone tell Pia Guanio that her dresses are appalling?! I think she’s been putting some effort to dress modestly for Bossing Vic but hello? Being modest doesn’t equal being sloppy!!! Take a look at me. Yay! Haha!

4. I just can’t believe how someone like Kris’ album reaches some Platinum awards was it or something. It’s just a collection of songs for heaven’s sake! I mean I can sing and do an album but it won’t even get recognized! It’s just a tad unfair! Phhbbbt!!!

5. GMA -7 please! Enough of your tacky shows and cheap talents at night. Now I'm sure you're the one to blame instead of the G-liners I'm stuck with on my way home.

Music:

1. I currently like Avril Lavigne’s When You’re Gone song. It’s so unlike her. I can feel her emotions through the song. Weird, to think that I’m not in a relationship right now. Geese, she’s really in love! :)

Others:

1. Done with the all of Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic series, haha!! One hilarious story. Book report is up soon. =) I hope this will be translated into a TV series.

2. Time is such a really, genuinely, truly priceless commodity. I need a break! Waaahh!!

Work:

1. Some 3-month appraisal coming. =)

2. I found another reason why not to dress down during Fridays! Haha. I discovered the very nice crowd and party atmosphere of Promenade two Fridays ago when I dropped by to visit Fully Booked. I’m glad I had free make-up on during that time. (I bought a leg make-up and eventually the saleslady demo’d the face make-up. I looked fab!) Lotsa cuties. ;) I think dropping by during Friday night should become a hobby from now on. :D

3. Part of my work is to inspect on the MMI (Man to Machine Interface) of the to-be released phones. MMI, in short, refers to those texts we see when we use the phone (Messages, My Files, Bluetooth, etc.) I have to check the spelling, even the grammar itself. See, I can use my English enthusiasm here. (Sotto voce: In fact I think the Koreans already call me the MMI Girl ‘coz I always send report to them with a lot of corrections. ^_^. I also got myself into a lot of disputes already but they won’t win. Ha!)

Now there’s one feature on the Calendar menu wherein you can save appointments, birthdays, tasks and the like as reminders. One of the submenus was entitled Miscellany. Referring to the title above, it’s just appropriate right because if you have something that doesn’t classify with the abovementioned three, you can put it in there. But the thing is, we, Filipinos are more used to the term Miscellaneous. We encountered this often during our college years, right? But my strong English language background taught me that this is an adjective. Therefore it doesn’t blend with appointments, birthdays and the like. Miscellaneous back in our CM (Mapuans know this) describes the fee (miscellaneous fee). Hence, I’m supposed to implement Miscellany. However, there were already complaints from our Call Center Reps that this is not correct and it’s confusing the consumers. *sigh*

So I’m quite torn as to implementing the correct one or blending with what the Filipinos are used to. Take note, the changes will apply to all Samsung phones worldwide. Current measure is to remove it first from the MMI. I wonder what’s your take on this? What say thee? Click on comments below.

Anyway, this is a picture of the the phones I’ve toyed with for the last 3 months @ work.

I don't think that's already all of them. Ang konti noh? Hehe.

Back to Movie House: TRANSFORMERS

Congratulations to me for having been able to make it to the cinema house yesterday. Believe it or not, my last movie infront of the big screen was Superman. Blimey!

You all must be agog after hearing this knowing that regular passes at a regular interval was given to us as privilege.** Again, believe it or not, I haven’t really consumed any of it.

My regular movie house days was to be but of course during the “in a relationship” status and having a work back at Intel can be a totally understandable ground for missing it often. (Intel folks can relate to this or is it just my single status?) And now that I’m back in the city, I just can’t quite get my head round this. I mean, here you are announcing to the whole wide world that you’ve got tickets for treat and they simply ignore you. I guess after some 2.5 years, people have changed. They’ve become busier. =(

Anyways, the half-day Saturday work made it easy for me to use ‘em this time. I managed to haul Mike and Lisa from Greenbelt at Makati to Promenade in Greenhills just so I can prepare more for my report. (It’s easier when you’ve got free tickets as bribe.) I got on top of everything in the morning and checked the schedules of showing, 2:30 it is. After 30 mins, I called up again to verify the details and hopefully make some reservations when one fact suddenly hit me: “They have a special instruction not to allow movie passes for one week.”

It would have been easy to give way to bitching considering the fact that they didn’t any mention any policy like this in the pass. It only states that it’s not valid for sneak previews, advanced and invitational screenings. But instead, I just spoke with an air of authority and told them I’ll call again when the manager is back after lunch. I wasn’t able to ring them again.

Fastforward to the cinema. It’s all of us’ first time to watch in Promenade. Honestly, TRANSFORMERS is not really my cup of tea. I can’t remember watching it when I was a kid. But I have to say the movie is a real KICK-ASS!! Astig pare!! :D Funny also. But again, it’s one heavy drama for Lisa due to poor Bumblebee. (Mike and I made sure to make fun of this while heading outside.)

Gosh, I already forgot how great it is watching on big screen. Way way greater than watching it on a DVD or VCD back at home alone. I might start to plan for this often. Perhaps exert more effort in finding a date.

Now I totally understand why the new policy was created. And in hindsight, I’m glad I didn’t bitch about the tickets. But they’re still with me though and will already expire tomorrow. And one thing is for sure, they will remain UNUSED!! Aaaaarrrgggghhhhh!!!!

**Check this article: I Need A Date