Re-0ni0n

Held @ Sizzling Pepper Steak, MOA! Shiela has been craving for this since our last meeting! Hindi tinantanan! Haha! Her hubby Mac is back from SG for a vacation and even with most of our college friends abroad we still try to continue this tradition of end-of-year gathering.

So here it is, the dish I wasn't able to try at SG last time, hehe. On my return I'll make sure to go to Bugis just to compare if they were really able to capture the taste. :P

their best-seller Beef Pepper Steak

I brought my DSLR just so I can ask Mac for pointers. Like I said he's using the same model. Now Randolph who just finished his photography classes, was asked to see how he'd learned so far. Haha! We said capture the bubbles of the kids playing and here's the outcome. He wasn't successful enough. LOL!

Yay, yay, yay! I just read this Top Ten from a blog of a radio station. Topic is about the Top 10 signs that you are a poser and one of the reader's response is about people who carry around top of the line DSLRs but upon close inspection will reveal a full automatic setting. Hahaha!! Am I guilty if I'm just a beginner??? XD

Besides, I don't go around bragging the thing. For all I know, it will just ruin my Aldo bib necklace. LOL! My outfit for the day has been worn a lot of times already but I didn't know I was channeling my current style icon Olivia Palermo in this:

After Mac's treat, we went to Razon's for some refreshments. My first time to try their famous Halo-Halo. Sarap! =)

We intend to discuss next year vacays here and we were not able to come up with anything. LOL! Thanks for the treat Mac and Xie! ;)

TMA

Vain na kung vain. But I hate it. Especially when I see my smiles in the photos. Haha! Isn’t that the shallowest thing you’ve ever heard in your life? LOL! So then you’ll be prompted to ask, why did I suddenly decide to have it in the first place? Well, if there’s this thing called TMI (too much info) then I have this TMA (too much arte) in me. Haha! In all fairness, to the untrained eye I believe I have some deceiving photos that show off a perfect set of teeth. And really, they’re really not that bad. But everyday inspection of myself in the mirror imagining I will turn up a Bugs Bunny someday and coupled up with a very persistent dentist equals a big indent in my savings plus brand new nicknames like Android and Robot. XD

Well, if there’s any positive feedback I heard from this thing is that Wil said I look young. LOL! Well, he has a point. After all, this is usually done during the high school or university years. Anj told me that some of her dentist’s patients prefer to have it for more than the required number of years (even with the teeth aligned already) because somehow it adds up to their appeal. Appeal really?? That was my exaggerated reaction when I first heard it. All I can think of is I’d gladly switch teeth with them in a heartbeat and they can have my braces all they want. Until I’ve proven for it myself during the first day of work upon installation when I get this extra attention from a waiter and some cute guys chatting me up. LOL! Is it really that effective?? Will this give me a boyfriend?? HAHAHA!!!

Tytana (who’s soooooo back from Oz but is currently in HK, LOL!) sent me this very funny international text message two weeks ago when I first showed it to her in webcam. (Fyi, I seldom do webcam I just showed to her my brand new bib necklace. :P) “Bakit ka nagpa-braces?? Uso ba yan??” Haha! It’s just so funny. This is because whenever she wants to know what’s currently “in”, my blog is one of the things she checks out. Anyway, she confessed that when she was a child that’s one of the things she wants to have – braces and specs. I think I had it in me too. I just can’t help feeling envious of grown-up girls with braces when I was young. Like it’s something that makes you really feel all GIRLY. I remember my mother once asked me if I wanna have one. But during that time, all I was focused about is getting good grades in school. I was definitely not vain back then. Haha!

Right after I had it, I practiced reading magazines out loud. I just wanna make sure that my pronunciation of things doesn’t become impaired just because of this thingy. Although for those of my friends who see it for the first time, I will put up a very funny way of greeting them and saying things that exposes the braces, which instantly send them into peals of laughter. Haha!! What I love the most in having here is how I suddenly have poise when it comes to eating. HAHAHA!!! Wow, I feel like some noble person whenever I use fork in eating bananas and other food instead of just wolfing them down. LOL! My dining etiquettes have just been reinforced. LOL!

Whenever I think of some things that I can’t eat now with this in me, I put up some happy thoughts that atleast my favorite cakes and ice creams are not forbidden. Nye nye nye nye nye. Hehehe. Back at home my older brother would every so often asked me to show him my complete set of teeth with braces (parang tanga lang, haha!) just the same thing I would do to my younger brother after his, on the other hand, got whitened due to resin lamination. WOW, it’s soooo bright I think I’m gonna have it also when this is removed. LOL! I tell him he now looks like a vampire to which he will hiss ala-Neytiri of Avatar. Haha!!

I remember friends threatening me on the pain that comes with these but really where is it?? Haha!! My first adjustment is yet on Wednesday so wish me all the best. LOL!

So there, I’ve just babbled on a very superficial topic, which so happened to be my braces. Hahaha!! I don’t have any resolution yet for 2010 so I think how about coming up with profound topics to blog for the next year?? Hahaha!!

Enjoy the holidays everyone, from me and mi bebe Betty below. =)

Lunchdate with the Girls - Part 2! :)

Before the year ends, Us Girls decided to meet once more for a lunch date. Usual location: Boni Hi Street close to the Samsung girls' office. Chosen place: Clawdaddy!

'Twas past 1 already when Cathy & I both reached the place coz I had work issues that surfaced in the morning. Sigh, these problems sure have a gift in ruining "moments" of my life. Haha! Our late arrival only meant one thing - a suuppppeeeerrrr extended lunchbreak for the two. Haha!

It's my 2nd time here but I sure as hell haven't tried their crabs and lobsters. Yay! Haha! Instead we ordered salad, chicken, backribs and mashed potatoes. :D

My camera died just as Cathy arrived. But with 2 cams around, it's the usual. I think almost every attendant was asked to take a photo of us that it prompted someone from the next table to volunteer himself (obviously crushing on Joy :P). I knew he's going to ask for a picture from his cam but so sorry we had to turn him down! HAHAHA!! Time for some wacky pose! Wacky na yan for us, hahaha!!!

To Cat &Joy, I know you'll understand the special photos below. Haha!! You know naman when we're complete, Ate will always be the star of the day coz we never get to hang out with her on other times. :P

Ate & I both agreed to wear our Mango watch. Yihee!! Here's us showing off the item below. :P

Friendship watch daw. Hahaha!! So what about the teeth accessory, friendship braces din?? Hahaha!!!

But this, we definitely did not discuss. The almost identical ensemble for the day. Hahaha!! It was uncanny!!
And for the final group pic, here's us ala-Sex And The City girls! Hahaha!! Have you seen the trailer of the movie part 2?? It's in here.

I hope a movie date would be possible for us soon!! Heard that Anj?????? Find a way! Hahaha!

'09 Trips

In photos: Ű

Just some points:

1. Photos above are from Phuket, SG, RC Cruise, HK, Macau, Kota Kinabalu, Bora and Alaminos. ;)

2. First trip abroad with fam. The KK trip maybe for some was something a little bit short of expectations. I remember some officemates saying "What are you doing in the mountains?". But it was all worth it specially the stronger bond I now have with my mum and kuya. It really did us something good. :)

3. Whenever I announce in my FB status or any shout-out sites anything about my incoming trips, I really really hope they won't consider it as "bragging" on my part. As you can see, with all the boosting up tourisms and everything, traveling has now been made possible to everyone. It's not anymore limited for the rich people only . Think budget airlines (regular client, lol!) which can be made possible thru proper plannning and also there are the company-sponsored ones (me got lucky on this last year, haha!) There's just soooooo much out there in the world to see and experience that's why I'm always excited like a child whenever I have trips (be it local or int'l) so I can't resist telling everyone of my happy news. Haha!

4. So speaking of happy news, 2010 will see me in first of all: Macau in January. Aaah, I never imagine the day would come sooner! I promised to myself that I will be back here right? But to be organized by the company, wow I'm so so so so happy! =D Haha!! There's also India, KL, more SG, Indo & Taiwan (with dependencies) and hopefully (*crossing fingers really hard*) Guam and Europe! Weeeeeee!!!! :) :) :)

Avatar in 3D

It doesn't matter if you haven't tried watching cinemas in 3D before, what matters is that you try it for the first time in a very worthwhile movie - and that would be AVATAR!!!!

WOW, WOW, WOW!! This is such a great movie. Spectacular!!! And I award it as my best for 2009! :) For those of you who haven't seen it yet, go watch now before they change the cinemas for the film fest. :P

Here we are, the first-timers in 3D. Hahaha!! Sssshhhh!!! :-$

After the movie, sometimes I can't help but imagine as well what if there's a chance for you to be transported to a far-off world, where you can find love..........

Alrighty, you got the message. More than the impeccable special effects, Cameron's boundless imagination of creating the place they call Pandora or the kick-ass war scenes, it's the love story that really got me hooked. "I see you........." Awwww....so touching. :x

Those are just a few words, but I hope you felt how enthusiastic I am about this movie. I wanna see it again next week if I have a chance. ;)

Pig-out

Has got to stop. Thanks to my braces for helping me control my diet. LOL!

Monday post gym with Cathy & Oli at Chili's. So happy to announce that Lady Gaga's Bad Romance is now included in Retro class with actual steps from the music video! Cool!! ;) Btw, Oli's not doing Retro. He'd hate to be included with that word in one sentence. Hahaha!! Cathy is craving for some fajitas so we mixed it with their refillable nachos and just some mashed potatoes!! Excellent combination!

Cathy had to pretend it's her bday coz she's craving for their ice cream dessert. Haha!! And I like my smile here, yihee!! I'm gradually exposing my accessorized teeth! Hahaha!!

Tuesday @ Casa Armas, Podium. This is with my SG officemates so don't expect pictures. Haha!! I was just so glad coz there were a lot of them who traveled here this week for different meetings and purposes of course. But when they talk about the tttrrrrrraaaaaffffiiiccccccccc or nothing to do in the airport na, I cringe inwardly. Hay. :( I said talk, not complain, more of just stating what they experienced so it's not being tactless on their part. I just wish there would be some improvements like for example, the airport coz even I myself complain about it.

@ Casa Armas we had their Gambas, sardines, garlic mushrooms and sausages for starters and for the main course we had their yummy Paella which had no more room in my tummy by the time it was served. LOL!

Wednesday @ Malabon in my cousin's house. My aunts and uncles from Aklan and Nueva Ecija are visiting here bringing with them native food like sinigang na chicken and seafood from Aklan. I was a bit hesitant at first because I have to work-out but there has got to be a representative among the siblings since my two brothers were out. Besides, I was told my cousins would be there as well. They're NOT! Haha! But thankfully, my two cute nieces were there and basing from the pictures, they're grooming to become me in the future. One's already developing her singing skills in the KTV (Kaye in red below choosing her songs) and the other one has a knack for posing infront of my SLR (Zsa Zsa below).

Btw, what do you think of Betty in the upper rightmost? I like that shot I took. Like she's emoting, haha! She's so big na noh? (",)

And I'm sure there'll be nothing for this Thursday! Lord please. Haha!

I Missed This!

Kong-GRA-chu-Ma-lations to Mykee!! Hahaha!!! He’s now promoted as a trainer in his company. At dahil jan, may “social life” na siya. No more graveyard shifts for him. Yahoo!! Our trio met up at Greenbelt 3 for some celebrations. =)

I know it’s not for me to say, but I think this is already one of those “light at the end of the tunnel” moments for him after being hit by the typhoon Ondoy last September. =( But let’s not talk about sad moments alright, I missed this guy and his repartees!

Take for example while waiting for Liz @ Greenbelt 3, I was discussing with him about my recently acquired braces and how I was worried that the dentist might actually extract some teeth to give up some space and coming to conclusion that it’s not really advantageous having a complete set at all, he can only come up with a witty retort saying:

“Ayaw mo nun, atleast present silang lahat. And, wala silang exam.”

Noticing the big question mark on my face, he then proceeded with the punchline:

“Hindi sila one seat apart!”

Hahaha!! Who won’t miss this guy?? LOL! My other friends always say that when laughter starts to set in, you can be assured that it’s because I already arrived but my sense of humor is NOTHING compared to Mykee’s! Haha!

When finally Liz arrived, we went to Greenbelt 5 to try Fely J’s.

It’s been our habit to try different desserts for each and I think everybody will remember the Tequila chocolate mousse cake dessert the most. Here it is taken by Liz in all its sugary chocolatey evilness!

After the lunch/dinner, I heard the most wonderful thing Liz said that night. That her travel time from the south is so not worth it if we're not going to extend. Haha! Missed this gurl! We went to Coffee Bean afterwards for more catching up. During which, Mike after coming from his last night shift, can barely make out anymore of our conversations.

Pix in Coffee Bean are mostly close-up, haha! And I'm not yet ready to expose my smiles, LOL! So I'll give you some of the blacks I got this month which I told you about two posts ago.

Black #1: Bib necklace with STONES from Girlshoppe. :P

Black # 2: Lace or See-Through Dress Tank Top from Warehouse.

This top just simply reminds me of the currently playing song in my blog by Sugababes,

♫♪ When I'm walking down the street they say,

"Hey Sexy!" ♫♪

Can't Smile Without You

For some one year or so, you'd see me frowning in most of my pics. LOL! Well, some of you can tell what's up from these photos but I'll elaborate in the future. For now, I will update you on some impromptu Friday happenings post gym. Well atleast for me, coz C & B prepared for it. I was just tagged along.

We had dinner at Capricciosa along Connecticut St. Sigh, what a face I have below. Had I known something's up I should've just brought the SLR and stayed well ba-hind it. Haha!

Smile KC, Ssmmmmmmmmiillllleeeeeeee!!!!

This time with the food and Brian. I had soup and barely finished my thin crust pizza.

Then we hopped on to Z Bar where most of the guys from Body Combat went to after the group exercise.

And I met these two cool guys from FF GH: Bats and Oli. We've been doing Body Jam classes for sometime now and were only able to get introduced to each other that night. Funny!

Perhaps, I would try doing Body Combat again in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, somebody from these 3 below got plastered at Z. B, C or K? Hahaha!!

WHITES

Just a showcase of old photos from the web I saved in my folder. These shall offer a contrast in future posts you'll see in this blog.

Sarah Jessica Parker filming SATC2. Are you girls excited??? I AM! :P I just saw one of Carrie's shoes here, and I'm sooo hoping to get a similar one in the future. :P

Taylor Swift for Love Story. I know it's been a while but lately, I'm into some Jane Austen works namely Pride & Prejudice and the dress just reminds me of the book. I'm obsessing the movie as well (the one with Keira Knightley), the rain and the dawn scene with Mr. Darcy. Aaaah, Mr. Darcy. :P

Vanessa Hudgens. Uhmm, nothing much to say but the dress is fab. Ha! :D

I know I said I shouldn't buy this month but recently just acquired Black things in S. Clues are stones, shiny-shiny, see-throughs, sequins, stockings....Aargh! I hope I'll be able to post nice pics of them in the fu-cha! :P

Speaking of whites and blacks, I'm looking for things in this print: snow leopard. Haha!! I'm not over animal print yet. :P

So for some kwento, my back-up TC in SG told me one thing yesterday. He observed that all technical consultants of our company are SINGLE!!! And it's not single like we're all not married single. It's the single like everybody's-not-in-a-serious-relationship-and-most-are-workaholics-and-no-one's-expected-to-marry-like-in-a-year-or-so! YAY! I mean, there's one married guy in Hongkong who joined us early this year and resigned within the next month and there's another one from Indonesia who sadly died a month before his wedding. IT'S A CURSE!! SCARY! Yay! Haha! Meanwhile, the sales persons are all happily married. Perhaps I should make a move someday. Hmmm...

I'll give a preview of one of my black things in the future. Clue's Angelina's leather dress below. Boy, she can never do anything wrong with black!!

Gearing up for reunions and get-together with friends this month....^^

1st Assignment: Westgrove Heights

1st assignment - it gives me such a kick! Hahaha!! I speak as though I’m some kind of a “pro” paid for this. Pardon me, that’s just the most conceited thing I’ve ever said. LOL! But anyways, I’m so glad about the feedbacks on the “pre-nup” pics Joy posted in her FB. A lot of people (two’s a company after all, lol!) inquired who’s responsible for the shots! Woohoo!!! I think I have a future in this field. And this – is just blaming on the camera. I shall take full credit once I’ve finished (I mean started) the photog classes. Hahaha!!! I kid, I kid.

Last weekend I was invited to Westgrove open house in Sta. Rosa Laguna to accompany Joy while Marvin does his usual client meetings but I think purportedly for being a prospect buyer?? *cough cough * Hahaha!! As a friend, I good-naturedly offered to promote the real estate in my blog as a humble help to them although not at all necessary. This has not that much reader but it’s the least I can do.

After making the offer, I was very pressured around Sunday night as to how to go on with the words. Should I make it formal or just free-flowing like I always use to. Haha!! I decided to go for the latter since factual wordings will just convert this into one of their websites. :D

Admittedly before meeting Marvs, I’ve absolutely no idea of what or where Westgrove is. I’m not a mover or a shaker in this society. Matter of fact, it was only recently that I learned that the Mega lives there. ^^ But having the name Ayala as owners of these, I prepared myself on what to expect.

Before lunch, we had the leisure time to tour the whole residential subdivision. The houses are collectively amazing (pics not allowed of course) and our topic inside the car consisted of praises for these structures and the pros and cons of each style – mainly the uphill, downhill and the flats. You see, I’ve never even given these things a thought should I ever own a future house and lot someday. Probably because I was used to seeing very limited residential area and houses built side by side in the metro. And it’s just so wonderful that with so much hectares of land available where you can build your house into, you have the freedom to design your abode in JUST the way you want it to be- amidst the hills and groves. Right? ^^

After the hearty lunch at the sports center, we were then led to view one of the model units. This is just my favorite part – not only because I was already allowed to take photos - but because the house is just simply beautiful.

My favorite part is the living room; I’m in love with it. Gone were the days when I was updated on what’s “in” when it comes to home designs – I used to have active interest on it when I would peruse architectural books when I was in senior years of high school – but apparently it’s the high-rise ceilings nowadays. Living room is just my favorite part of the house – maybe because it goes with my nature to share a good laugh with friends. ^^ When Marvin demonstrated to open one of the glass windows, I grew fond of it even more. It’s more than just having the feel of the outside breeze but to have an open-door policy! The feeling of security that you can just open your windows or doors at anytime is one of the things they guarantee here. (Grabe, bayad na dapat to! Hahaha!!)

On the other hand, Joy’s favorite seemed to be the kitchen because of her passion for cooking. ^^ This is the dining area:

At Westgrove, you’ll also find the amenities exceedingly pleasing. Just like the infinity pool here, my favorite amenity of all. Haha!!

And this area, where you can just go for a jog or a bike with a view of the sweeping expanse of groves, hills and valleys! Haha! When I said “pre-nup” pic, it’s because I used the lovey-doveys for most of my subject since this is all about having a real home and carefully planning out your future. Hihi. I hope I didn’t jinx anything. So happy for Joy, her future is already mapped out here. I shall have a friend here in the future. LOL!
And this is my most favorite photo of them:

It’s so thoughtful of Joy to have offered to take a photo of me – she simply knows who I am. Haha!! But for some reason, I was happily contented snapping away and staying behind the cam! Yay! Some alien has taken over me that’s just making me act abnormal that day – I hope that alien leaves from me in the future. HAHAHA!!

It was all news to me that day about the future projection that Nuvali - the new metropolis being developed by Ayala will be the next Makati of the South. It's fast-growing too with a lot of projects like building schools, road constructions etc. So as early as now, it's all a matter of choosing wisely and positioning your future. *smugs*

Another thing that I appreciate in Nuvali is their concept of Evoliving - a way of life that promotes intelligent and systematic care for the environment, enriches the community, and values its people. The koi feeding last time @ Nuvali is one of the many activities they offer and I really hope they could sustain it since it's quite open to the public. I enjoyed it so much.

There are three of the residential communities being developed are ABRIO, TREVEIA and Avida settings. If you're interested, please feel free to contact these persons below. They shall be happy to answer whatever you're inquiries or interests. :) See the sites below for more of pics.

Contact Persons:

Coco Midel: +63 917 580 2013

Marv Yan: +63 929 502 6765

Email: cocomarv.ayalaland@gmail.com

Website: http://cocomidel.com/ or http://cocomarvayalaland.multiply.com/

Til my next assignment, haha! Who says I can't do this??? LOL!! Even photographers/editors in Preview Magazines are given shoots you know! Hahaha!

!

Nuvali

This is just a teaser. I just really really enjoyed the fish feeding yesterday. ŰŰŰ

I shall discuss more. ttfn. Ű

It's Been A Year!

Wow! Time sure flies so fast! I almost forgot that it's my 1-yr anniversary with S.O. yesterday. Hihi! Actually the real 1-yr turned a week ago where for a week I have to prepare myself for the technical terms and the specs last year but it's just that, the formal training began Dec 1 so I decided to pick that way. More memorable, start of last month!

Of course a lot of things have happened. Just like any normal new beginning there’s what we call the honeymoon period, after training was a slow month for December due to the long holidays. Then it was followed by the cruise, which was an incentive for hitting the target. After that, I already expected to be “hands on deck” just like what my first ever manager from Intel used to say. :P

And just like in real marriage, then surfaced the problems. Honeymoon stage was really over and boy did it hit me hard? It was when my back-up (based in SG who previously handles Phil accounts) who hasn’t fully transitioned everything to me yet moved to another company. He just officially left me in the lurch! I remember saying those times - I’m doomed! Haha! Initially of course, panic gripped. After all, I’m alone here right?? Then there’s a new system being implemented that time which I’m not yet quite familiar.

But then again real engineers aren't trained that way. We should be made of hard stuff! Process thinker! Analytic! Solution-finder!! Yessss!!! Hahaha!!! In fact, according to Wikipedia, engineers must be calm under high-pressure situations! Proud of my profession, hey?? LOL!

So, so far after a year thankfully I haven't done any serious mistake that caused the company too much. Or was it? LOL! No just recently there was a case, and I'm still arguing my side. Damn, I should be a lawyer! LOL! And it’s true that one of the advantages of working alone is that you really have to become independent. You have to “own” your account and be knowledgeable. I remember when there are problems in the customer, “flash-bulb moments” occur whenever I walk on that ramp along the parking lot. It could be a probable root cause, a solution to a problem or any bright ideas. Just like in relationships, you can think of a lot of things when you’re alone. Agree??

Before I forget, I’d like to thank my colleague’s support back in SG. (Ayyy, speech ba ito?? Somebody get me a tissue I might cry in the end. Hahaha!!) My manager was always there to support me but allowed time also for me to stand on my own feet. And I like that there’s room for you to operate on your own without being supervised too much. =) And efforts paid off when I heard him say that after the back-up’s departure, he did see an improvement in me. Whew! :P

Although I may say, I sometimes long for someone whom I can just turn my heads 90° sideways and talk or laugh about with anything or ask about work, there’s still technology to thank for. Just one chat away and my queries will be answered. As for some chikahan, there’s still my girlies from previous company who still fill me in with some of the gossips (haha!), fashion trends and just about everything under the sun. So don’t wonder why we’re still close. Haha!

At least I’m not in this situation anymore where girls usually get intimidated with each other resulting to misunderstanding. When I left Intel, I really worry about this thing. Back there, I was part of a group of tough guys not to mention working with the crème de la crème of the universities. You know what I mean, everybody’s very professional and nothing’s taken against personally. I’m cool being the only girl in a team of guys – apple of the eye although subject of teasing at times. What I fear for happened in my second company and believe me, another friend experienced the same. She even blogged about it. HA!

Part of the set-up, which I’m still getting used to, is the frequent customer visits. At times when something’s “up” in the afternoon where I have to rush down to their area, I really get worried during business hours I am away from the emails and something might be of an urgent matter that I cannot respond to immediately. It gets me panicked at times. :P And not to mention the increasing number of FedEx or DHL envelopes I keep receiving almost everyday from the factory, from the Singapore office and just about everywhere. LOL! Good thing my mother’s kind of diligent in piling them up and selling to those recycling them. Haha!

Apart from that, everything’s fine and dandy. I enjoy some slow mornings where I just wake up, turn on my laptop, go down for breakfast and come back for work. :P There are also times when I can squeeze in a bit of exercise during lunchtime. Hehe. And I believe it’s very important that you enjoy what you and not consider your 9-6 as an everyday drudgery.

Recently, I was just blessed with receiving responsibility with another country. =) And for as long as the company needs me, I just know there’s room for my growth in here.

HAPPY ONE YEAR WITH MY S.O. TO ME! HAHAHA!!