The inspiring Bacolod weekend

I spent the weekend in Bacolod with my family. The main purpose was to visit an account that we have there and the rest of the weekend was for going around and just spending time away from home.

Upon checking in our hotel, dad and I walked to the building next door to the office of our account. Dad introduced me to some of the employees. One thing about being in sales is you really really have to remember people. It helps you get to the priority lane when doing transactions or making appointments with the boss.

After a little chit chat, Lolo D* arrived. It was the first time we met but he and dad knew each other ever since my dad was a patpatin employee of Shell some decades ago. Dad calls him Mang D. Shortly after our quick introduction, Lolo D began asking me about UP and CBA. Thing is, his late wife which they call Inang, is also from CBA. A few minutes of exchanging UP stories later, Tita R*, Lolo D's daughter arrives and greets us.

Tita R is also from CBA. Upon graduation, she got shortlisted in SGV and P&G among others. She, however, opted to work in the family business. The Agro side of their business was left on her hands while her sister handles their hotels (including that where we're staying). She was COO (child of owner), yes. But she was not treated as such. She went with their field personnels everyday for training. She even joked 'mas mabilis pa nga ako maligo sa mga ahente namin!' And 20 years later, their company, under her leadership, would then be the 'Mercury Drug' of Agro products in Negros and Davao.

Here are a few things I got from no less than a CBA graduate who made it big. Some of it may sound like a cliche to you (to us, actually) but coming from her, I'm taking it!

You have to find what motivates you.

You have to love what you do or learn to love what you do. In her case, she learned to love it.

"I cannot work with an ill motive at the end of the line." - never let go of your principles

"Loyalty, respect and self-worth. Madali lang yan itapon ng iba" she says.

You have to want to learn.

Always be a step ahead. - VISION is very essential in any business.

You have to work with a heart.

Speaking of heart...she's not all about making money. She tells me she never puts money in her head. It was never something they were greedy about. "Lumaki ako na ang pera ay pang kain lang namin, pambili ng kailangan. Nothing more." And the biggest proof of their heart is the foundation of their late mom. Around 10% of the company's profit goes to the foundation. They've already built a school (which is very nice ha!) on a portion of one of their rice fields. It was the last project of their mom before she passed away in December 2009. The school is open and free to preschool kids but will eventually expand to higher levels as the kids 'graduate'. Along with enrolling is a feeding program to ensure that the kids get to focus on school and not be distracted by a hungry tummy. Tita R tells us the vision of their mom was a university. And she mentioned it with much certainty that it will happen.

We also visited their farm/resort. It was Lolo D's birthday and he invited to his party. It wasn't just any farm. It's a resort- rooms, pool, function halls. And THEY HAVE RICE TERRACES OKAY?

Photo taken by my brother Joop.

As if Tita R wasn't busy enough, she also handles another business- this time it was something she and her husband Tito P put up. Tito P is the scientist and Tita R is the marketeer in their business. They took us to a tour of the laboratory. I WAS AT A LOST FOR WORDS. Photos not allowed so I can't prove I was there but I swear, it was wild. State of the art equipment, GMP standards - the works.

The trip was inspiring- career wise and life in general. Now I have a new found 'struggle' to live simple. I guess not super simple but it wouldn't hurt to lessen material wants. Pretty ironic though that I had to see it through the eyes the rich. Can't wait to work with Tita R in the near future!

*initials only. baka i-Google niyo! hahaha

ZAMBA 2021 Travelogue (long post)

It all started with the Wonder Girls dinner at Eastwood. We found out that Tim got assigned in Zambales (for Unilever) so he invited us for a weekend trip.

Everything else fell into place including our transportation. To cut the long story short, I was able to find a van rental service online. I totally believe Kuya Henry is heaven sent. He was very nice, our van is new, rate is sulit. Kuya Henry isn't just any driver. He worked in the States when he was younger. He worked for a dairy company, a company that makes scanners and Bank of America among others. After a while, he was tired and didn't want to work for a boss anymore so he retired and moved back to the Philippines. He got into exporting as a supplier of sweatshirts for brands like Marks and Spencer. Recession affected his business and his clients began outsourcing from China. So he had to search for other businesses. This van rental is one of them. He bought three new vans and is still learning the loops of the business. Our van was only three weeks old by the way. It smelled new, it super looks new, and we all felt like first timers. haha loveeet!

On our way to McDo in North Ave. to pick up Dianne, Karen and Cheska, we had sooo much kwentos already. Best kwento (that made us tear) was from Farrah. hahaha Can't kwento here. Dapat harapan.

Anyway, the drive to Zambales usually takes four hours. We weren't even 1o minutes on NLEX when Kuya Henry declared a flat tire! We were in such good moods that we ended up enjoying the hi-way. Emm did a photoshoot, Farrah and Rhett got to see an actual changing of tires (hope they got a few tips!) and weng stepped on what we'd like to call 'suka ng kabayo' HAHAHA

Here comes the patrol car.

A few minutes in the changing of the tires, an NLEX Patrol car pulled behind us to check what's up. We said we're just changing tires. We thought they were gonna scold us for whatever reason. But of course our energy was so contagious. They even posed with Emm during his photoshoot. Apparently, (I figured) it's SOP lang that they record emergencies along the express way so yun, they got the van details and made sure we were all safe and that the tire was properly changed. So cool of the manongs, they said 'Sige ingat kayo, enjoy the beach ha?' Awww I love people like them!

Before they left, photo op muna with the model.

We stopped over the nearest (3 minutes away) gas station for vulcanizing and to meet up with Tim, Lori and Punky. They ate breakfast first. Minutes later we finally started our road trip. Ang usapan convoy but Tim is just too kaskasero and he had no system (napaka walang systema, we'd say in the van haha) so we always end up missing turns, toll exits and whatever shizz. The lack of system was the cause of delay talaga. We finally arrived at Tammy's beach at past 1 pm. First thing we did was have lunch at the beachfront resto. Lunch was care of Tim so yehey! The mango shake was super mega yummy. Punky and I were so addicted!

The very makulit manong offered us to go snorkeling for Php150 per head. We were tying to bargain it (Emm tried to bargain at Php 145 which sent us all laughing coz sobrang banu mag bargain ni Emm) hahaha He said to the manong 'Ay mali. erase your memory' hahaha We left the bargaining to Tim and we were able to haggle it to Php 120.

We spent the afternoon in our rooms because it was too hot for a swim. Farrah was an outlier of course. Right after lunch she immediately went to the beach to toast her skin. haha

When we finally left our rooms to go snorkeling, we saw Fa trying to skimboard. She opted to stay and skim while we go snorkeling. Nakakaloka. Our life vests and goggles were hilarious. It's even more hilarious because there weren't enough goggles and vests for everyone. We couldn't control our movements. Sobrang laugh trip. The photos were so random because it was hard to pose and go underwater.

When we got back to the shore, we had to jump from the boat to the sand. Weng and I were magkasunod. Rhett helped all the girls. When it was Weng's turn, she made so much buwelo- sobrang babaw pala nung tubig. I was next but when she warned me about the water level, it didn't register because I was already preparing to jump. Tawa kami ng tawa ni Weng and Rhett kasi it was a grandslam touchdown. Hilarious. Na shock ata yung knees ko. hahaha

We saw Fa this time she was zipping. We all tried zipping and then Tim and Lori rented out a skimboard. We all tried it too but we were so inggit and didn't have the patience to wait for our turn so we rented another one. Grabe lang. Adrenaline rush, mega grand slams for everyone! My right shin had scratches because I fell too. As in major. Ay grabe talaga. Actually hindi nakakahiya. Nakakatawa talaga siya. We laughed at each other. At the end of the day the most improved skimmer was Cheska. She could pull off three-seconders and fall so gracefully.

Dinner time by the beach. So cute. Pa special kami hahaha Tim asked the manongs if they could set up a long table by the beach for us. They failed to take my order and the kitchen was already closed. Good thing Weng and Rhett ordered three meals so they gave me the other one. hehe My hunnies saved me yay! Punky and I had another glass of mango shake after dinner. Addict much?

Anyway, inuman was crazy. It was Emm's shining moment. Tim and Rhett did the mixes, Lori was the alcohol pusher, Tim was trying hard to be an alcohol pusher but he didn't have enough charms as Lori. Emm danced all night. He performed for us. Multiple performances - he did renditions of Telephone, Empire State of Mind, Bad Romance, and many more. I bet everyone's albums have Emm on half of their photos. WIN!

Tim as Jay-Z and Emm as Alicia Keys singing Empire State of Mind

Lady Gaga's Telephone

Bad Romance

When some decided to call it a night, the rest of us went to the beach for the real conversations.

Tim was still pushing alcohol shots and ended up almost finishing the bottle of Alfonso with Rhett. Tim became more emo that he already is and the bigger surprise was Rhett who became The Sandman! ahahaha

Day 2: My roommates decided to not swim anymore. Our bodies where aching from yesterday's activities. Punky and I went to the resto to have breakfast and huling hirit of mango shake. The rest of the morning was about packing and lying in bed.

Morning stroll

Punky and I spotted these guys making sand art. They're the same guys who do henna by the beach.

We set off for Subic at 11 am so we can have lunch there. We arrived at 1 pm and had lunch at Seafood by the Bay. Really bad service. Imagine I ordered Buko shake which was priced at 95. The waitress said it wasn't available but when I asked the barista, he said there is. Then the waitress explained

'Bale ma'am, dalawang buko po gagamitin.'

So I asked 'Oh so?'

Bale po maam 95 plus 95

po.

Eh bakit dalawang buko pa?

Hindi po kasi sure kung enough yung laman ng isang buko para sa shake'

I was already pissed so I said Hindi, wag na.

Punky said it was a bit mataray but I couldn't help it. It's 95 on the menu. I don't care how many bukos you'll need. It's per glass, not per buko. DUH.

All our food were served except the rice. It took like 10 years before the rice finally arrived. Because of that we didn't leave a tip for the waitresses. Very bad service. I don't care if the food is good. I hate bad service.

Next stop was Cold Spoon in Clark. Tim claims it to be the best yogurt ever so we all got curious. Frankly, I don't agree It's expensive, the toppings aren't even close to that of White hat or Red Mango. But the place is cute.

After dessert, we made our way to Manila. All those Quezon City bound rode in Tim's car. That's Punky, Cheska, Lori and myself. Everyone else were c-5 bound so they stayed in the van. On NLEX we spotted two different accidents. One involved four vehicles and the next was five vehicles. Parang uso yung accidents dun. Kaloka. We also witnessed a beautiful sunset. Imagine orange skies, rice fields and a natural pool with a flock of ducks swimming in one direction. Wasn't able to take a photo because we were moving. It was grand. We loved it.

It was a great weekend. Last night I was struggling to stay awake during mass. haha When I got home I started uploading the photos. Parang I felt I wasn't home for so many days when in fact I was gone for just one night. haha Glad we made so much memories in such a short span.

Cheers to the next 2021! To contact Kuya Henry, visit his multiply site http://henrystransportation.multiply.com/

I remember the feeling :)

I super miss being in college. Today I was more than glad to attend the 177 final presentation. I went with Aldren because I didn't wanna enter the room alone. Then I met Ian, he graduated October of 2007 and now works in Magnolia. He brought three boxes of Magnolia beverages too. A lot of people from the higher batches were there. Super overwhelming. 

Sir treated the alumni to lunch at ChocoKiss. We were surprised when he gathered us for lunch. He joined us for an Ikot ride to Bahay ng Alumni. While in transit, he showed us his new 'baby', the bread business he recently put up in Cagayan de Oro. The brand is called Pan Time (fun time) haha. Very cute! It's available in major supermarkets (Robinsons), schools and other channels in Cagayan and will be available here in Manila next month. I am just so thrilled about his new business. Super inspiring.

Edge, Ram and Peter joined us at Chocokiss but they left to meet up with the rest of MSV after. But it was really nice seeing them. Parang college lang talaga. haha

When we got back to CBA, we had a pictorial by the steps. Of course, per group with Sir and finally with the alumni. Steeps, Bobit and Major joined the afternoon group of alumni along with people from batch 1 whom I do not recognize anymore. haha

Anyhoo, back to the presentations, here are some good stuff that were presented.

Cream Silk

Tagline: You are the Universe

I wasn't able to watch this group (because they were the first presenters!). But when I entered the room, they gave me a pink balloon with a little card which had 'You are the Universe' written. Over dinner they showed me their tv ad, super sweet ad, I love it.  I found out in that they gave all the ladies pink and white balloons like what I received also.

RC Cola

Tagline: Lagi mong ka-trip!

True to their tagline, ang lakas talaga nila mang trip. They are the only group who actually moved the whole class into a different room for a change of atmosphere. They did a super goood job in shifting RC from a cheap brand to a cool brand. Yay! And their tv ad was really good I'm so sure everyone in the room was smiling. And as a bonus, Sean Tiu reported with the group in fluent Filipino! Everyone was cheering for him because he doesn't really speak Filipino. He's very fluent in English which made some of his words slang but nonetheless great effort. 

Sting

Tagline: Astig Ka Ba?

This was presented by 5 boys, all in a super hyper mode all throughout the report- somehow we thought they drank liters of Sting before reporting. Very good delivery of report, very executable campaigns and they really owned the "Astig" image.

Dunkin Donut

Tagline: Pasalubong ng Bayan (retained the current tagline)

To quote Sir Acedera "If we count the number of wows, this group probably got the most wows today." And I tell you, they really had WOW ideas, it was so exciting. They had witty traffic signs "DONUT BLOCK THE DRIVEWAY, PAPUNTA SIYA NG DUNKIN DONUT" and "DONUT DELAY, HINIHINTAY NA NI BUNSO AND DALA KONG DUNKIN", amazing donut MRT cards and "mouth" machines (I dunno what they're called haha), etc. Really really refreshing, and funny approach to the brand. They even chose Santino (as in the teleserye kid) as their endorser.

Rankings are as follows: Tied at 3rd are Cream Silk and Dunkin, second is RC Cola, top team is Sting.

Sir had to convene the alumni outside to check if we were all on the same page about our verdicts. We had unanimous choices for the top 3 groups but we differed in the order. It was purely chikahan because it had no bearing since the grades were combined inputs from Sir and the class.

I still remember last year, we had no gifts, no notebooks from Sir, no stuffed toys for the winners. But it's all good. It's very flattering to be part of the class because you really see how the class evolves as batches pass. At the end of the announcement of winners, Sir Ray asked for final words or comments from the alumni. Jeff Garma from batch 1 proposed a round of applause for Sir Ray for investing so much time and dedication in creating a class like this. It was the sweeeeeetest, most flattering and most fulfilling gesture we could have given Sir. Too bad for the students next sem, he won't be teaching because he wants to focus on his bread business. When things are stable he will definitely come back to teach. So I'd like to think that the great applause is our pabaon to him for the duration of his break from teaching.

He's cooking up a facebook group for BA 177 where we can share new ads, crazy ideas, and inputs - all batches. I'm excited! All thanks to the inspiration and knowledge from Sir Ray, we will never stop learning. :)

As a side note, I found this on facebook. Really funny I thought I'd fit my post title too. hahaha

"Hindi porke’t madalas mong ka-chat, kausap sa telepono, kasama sa mga lakad o ka-text ng wan-tu-sawa eh may gusto sayo at magkakatuluyan kayo. Meron lang talagang mga taong sadyang friendly, sweet, flirt, malandi, pa-fall o paasa."

Happy weekend guys! :)

THE Awwwww Moments :)

I just got home from a dinner with some BA friends. I really missed going out with them. Jave was getting emo he reminisced about how we'd drive to Eastwood to eat or watch a movie after class. Sweeeet! I remember we had merienda at Jack's Loft then watched 300. I really wanna remember all the fuuun college memories I had with everyone. I firmly believe college is a part of my life that I don't want to forget. Except feasib. ahahaha

And then today I just witnessed the most kilig 'look' on a guy's face when he saw his female friend appreciate the same thing he likes. Super awwww! EEEH I'M NOT DROPPING NAMES but I swear I fainted deep inside. hahaha

Sayang Kyle arrived when we already dispersed to go home. hahaha Mali eh. Katawa!

I really hope the weekend plans push thru. I'm so bitin kanina. I'm sure we all have a lot to talk about. Like college secrets that we can now reveal because it's so passe already. hahaha

Another awww moment was when I saw the current photos of my engaged crush (haha giveaway), in my mind "Isn't he lovely?" He is such a family guy he actually skipped a school engagement to be with his family abroad. I mean that's really nice he's happy but it just seems soooo fast (?). Sometimes my friends and I would joke about him not waiting for us. hahaha But still. It doesn't change the fact that he's such a sweetie even to his family. I am tempted to post a wacky photo but nevermind. haha

What are your awww moments in college? Share naman! :) Keep making memories y'all! mmmwah!

Missing class

I miss my classes. Especially 172, 177 and 178. This morning Sir Ray sent his alumni an invitation to the final presentation of his class this sem. I'd love to come but I wanna see who's coming first. I also miss drinking Chuckie in class. Or going on long banyo breaks when the class is getting boring. 

Sir Acedera has a new business in Cagayan de Oro. It's a bread business pretty much like Gardenia. He sent 200 loaves to the Ateneo Relief Center for the victims of Ondoy here in Manila. Very kind of him.

I sent Sir Nes an email today. It was just a follow up on our last conversation months back. Yeah, we're email buddies. hahahaha I'm really glad he's happy. 

I'm missing my teachers mainly because of Glee. Mister Schuester is so hot, I super love him! He reminds me of an older Justin Timberlake. And OMG I super died when he sang Alone in epsisode 5. YAY! Love GLEE!

Oracle Dinner and something else

FRIDAY

I had my longest interview day evaaah. I was scheduled at 8:30 and then I took 3 batches of exams with four exams in each batch so hello 12 exams. I finished answering everything a little before 12 noon so the receptionist told me and the other applicant to grab lunch and come back at 1:30. We had lunch together. Turns out it was the other applicant's first time in Eastwood that's why she wanted to come with me for lunch. Usually pag ganto, I don't want to mingle much coz shempre mejo naiilang ka pa and then competitor mo siya for the position and also, basta spell AWKWARD. Yun yon. Hassle pa. Anyhooo, we got back to the office at 1:30 and then  guess what...I GOT INTERVIEWED AT 3 PM. Buti nalang the interviewer, the marketing director was super cool. After that, I was asked to stay for another interview with the HR manager. OMG barok. I vividly remember her saying "So why did you said that you are fit for this job?" And I just had to faint inside. hahaha

After the interview with the HR manager at 4 pm, I literally rushed to the cinemas to catch the 4:30 showing of Angels and Demons with Fa. I loved the movie. We then drove to The Fort to meet up with Oracle Group- Punky, Dianne, Vicki, Pat, Kyle, Vicki plus Cheska, Steeps and Mark Go. Super mega lamon at Red Kimono. Late birthday treat of Punky. hehe We talked about so many things- including the Hayden-Katrina scandal. hahaha After that crazy dinner, we walked around Boni High Street and played at Timezone. We decided to grab some drinks thanks to Jave's prodding so we went to Attica at A Venue in Makati Avenue.

I got home around 3 AM and fell asleep quickly. I realized I'm getting old and hindi na ako party person. HAHA Iba na ang focus ko in life. chos!

SATURDAY...the something else

We went to SM today to do some major grocery shopping before my parents and brother leave for Iloilo tomorrow. The lined up for a counter. In front of our big cart was a lady with a basket only. Tapos mom notice the SUPER BIG CART lined up in the lane next to us (you know in groceries they have this basket with a special cart, the normal cart and the big cart na usually pang sari-sari store shopping or fiesta level of purchases). Tapos anak pala nung manang sa big cart yung babae sa harap namin. So ang intention was ipinila niya yung small cart sa lane namin, ipinila niya yung big cart sa lane na isa tapos since mauuna sa amin, isisingit niya yung big cart sa harap namin. BASTUSAN. My dad objected to what the manang wanted and she argued back. Sumali na rin yung anak niyang dambuhala. They kept saying isang bayad lang yung mga yun at hindi sila sumisingit. Sabi ng daddy ko ipipila jan, pipila ka rin dito, tapos sisingit ka, nanlalamang ka eh. Basta she kept battling to put her huge cart on our lane so my dad called the guard nearby and said "Guard, ayusin mo toh. Ipinila niya dun at ipinila niya dito, tapos isisingit niya." Well, the manang gave in (but she was really mad) and pulled her daughter to her original lane. TAPOS CAN I JUST SAY??? YUNG DAMBUHALA NIYANG ANAK NAG SALITA PA. She said a word which I didn't hear but she followed up by saying 'that's the simplest way to define it.' SHE EVEN SAID TO MY MOM 'STOP!' PARANG PUTANGINA* MO DON'T YOU DARE TALK TO MY MOTHER THAT WAY. In fairness to her mother, sinaway naman siya na stop na but both of them were mad. Tapos ang nakakatawa, lumipat rin sila eventually sa likod namin. Ayun lang daldal pa ng daldal yung anak niya. May tinawagan pa sa phone para magsumbong. Siguro di niya kinaya yung embarrassment. Kami naman nila Daddy, we were very calm. Our voices aren't raised. And as for me, I even said 'Sumisingit PO kayo.' I was very respectful. PASALAMAT SIYA HINDI KO PINATULAN ANAK NIYA. HELLO. BAKA GUSTO NIYA MAKATIKIM NG SALITANG UP CBA? 

Anyhoo, I will avoid making it a personal issue and will try to avoid calling the daughter dambuhala but here's my two cents on this. Think of the line in the comfort rooms. In civilized places such as in Shangri La Mall, there is a single line in the banyo so everyone stays there. It's like you're getting equal chances in any cubicle coz you're technically lining up in all cubicles. Now in banyos like SM... You line up on the door which you think will open soonest. YOU CAN'T LINE UP BETWEEN TWO DOORS and then pretend to line up in door #1 when it opens first. 

One: Konting breeding naman at civilization diba? Isang entity ka lang, therefore you are entitled to a single space in a line. If you have two karts but will be paid in one transaction, then you stay in a single line! 

Two: When you are caught in an argument and then it gets settled, SHUT THAT BIG MOUTH ALREADY. Stop dropping comments and 'parinigs' kasi ang loser loser mo. NAPAKA WALANG BREEDING.

Three: Magcocomment ka nalang, pa English-English ka pa. Thank God for a UP CBA education, I was intelligent enough not to stoop down to her level. Hindi ko siya papatulan. I won't make a scene inside a supermarket or elsewhere for that matter. Malay ko ba saang school siya galing. I would have bragged and said UP AKO, IKAW? Nothing beats the UP brand. But in case she was from UP, well I'm sorry but I am from CBA. Nothing beats CBA culture-wise.

Four: Common sense. Have some consideration. Kaya kami pumila sa lane na yun kasi inassume namin mabilis lang. Tapos isisingit mo ang isang malaking cart sa harap namin? You should be decent enough to respect other people's time and effort. Shempre naiistorbo rin kami kahit papaano. Di mo ba naisip yun? Well, I can't blame her if she didn't think of that.

Fifth: Respect. This boils back to breeding again. The way you talk, argue and act shows your culture. And I can really say I did a better job than her daughter. I argued with respect. She raised her voice and acted as if napaka respetado niya. I did not raise my voice while talking to her mother. So can I just say PUTANGINA* MONG DAMBUHALA KA. PAG NAKITA KITA HUMANDA KA TALAGA. YOU MAY NOT REMEMBER ME BUT I WILL REMEMBER YOU. I'M THE CRAZY BITCH AROUND HERE YOU KNOW. 

*I don't curse in my blog entries but this super pissed me off. Excuse the profanity this time.

Long Weekend Topic Dump

Long Weekend nanaman- AS IF I CARE. I don't even have a job. hahaha I just couldn't think of a better title.

Here's another topic dump of the nice things that crossed my mind recently.

1. Camella Homes Ad. It's about time someone uploaded this video. The ad has been out for probably three weeks now and I still love it! haha

"SIKIP"

2. I just got a pm from my college friend/ blockmate Vincent Matias. He's venturing into Wedding Photography and I'm here to support him. Wooot! Vincent took our photos during the 18th Year of ABAM and he did really great.

Here are some of our shots from the ABAM pictorial.

More sample shots here.

For the more discerning and mature markets (like your titos and titas or older cousins), a more experienced photographer is at your service in the name of Robert Lester Aliscad (Robert Lester Photography) - dad of our UP batchmate (kala mo tagal nang graduate eh haha) Roselle. Oh btw, Happy Birthday Roselle! I love you!

Check out their website here.

3. And for the exciting part naman...Tet invited Fa and I (open invitation to the batch actually haha) to visit Cagayan de Oro for vacation. Well, Fa and I haven't talked about this yet but I am sooo happy to have this chance. I've always wanted to go back to CDO (been there yeaaaars back when Dad was still assigned in Mindanao). I wanna try the 4WD, White water rafting and all that adrenaline rushing shizzo. Ghad I do hope I could go.

* * *

In other thoughts...I've been reconsidering my options. I am pretty sure I won't be working this May. Weeks back, I said I wanna start working in June. But life's tough, mahirap mag hanap ng work ha!!! And I'm still happy being a bum. So I kinda reconsidered my time line. Come June and I'm jobless, I will take up a class- whatever that is. If not naman, dun ko na seseryosohin ang pagiging job seeker. Maybe go home to Iloilo first for a few days/weeks. BAHALA NA TALAGA. I don't want to overthink about the future. I'm just really glad my parents aren't cutting the financial support until I get a job. DREAM JOB, PLEASE TAKE ME. 

Kayo? Who's got a job now? How's the vacation naman?

THIS IS REALLY IS IT!

GRADUATION DAY TODAY!!! 

Highlights...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DIANNE!!!

One of my best college friends evar!!! I love you!

 Enjoy Japan! Don't forget to bring me a box of Royce Nama white chocolates. 

hahaha Kapal ko!

Issa and Timmy with the rest of the execore (required sila haha) came to grad as well. Thanks guys! mmmwah!

Julian was there too. Although Timmy didn't meet him. sayang.

And of course, the most snaps go to this fan pic photo of MTRCB Chair Consoliza Laguardia and I. Also in the photo is Caloi Laguardia and haha naki fan pic rin si Miggy. hahaha aylavet!!! Thanks Caloi! You made one of the stuff in my wish list come true. Mwah!!! 

Good luck Mister Banker! haha

And Miggy, enjoy the rest of the Korea adventure! weee! I'm so happy to see you!

Congratulations to us guys! I love you all! Keep in touch okay? Enjoy your vacations haha!

BIG DAY

It's graduation day tomorrow. I don't exactly know how I feel. Parang excited na anxious, na sad na ewan ko.

Questions in my mind right now?

1. Magkakatrabaho na kaya ako?

2. Magkikita kita pa kaya kami ng friends ko?

3. Paano na yung mga friends kong maiiwan sa BA?

4. Mamimiss kaya nila ako?

5. Pupunta pa kaya ako sa ABAM? haha

6. Sino kaya pinaka mamimiss ko?

Everything about leaving and being away, that's the main feeling I have. But it's fine. I'm excited about so many things too!

Like...

1. Attending ABAM events as an Alumni

2. Seeing friends in random places

3. Surprise visits and all that shizz

4. Earning my own money.

5. Traveling!

YEHEY! Here's to a bigger world and a crazier life! Cheers!

Good Day

First, A BIG BIG CONGRATULATIONS to the graduating students of CBA! Especially to my batchmates! Especially to my cum laude and magna cum laude friends, yehey to you! Pero shemps, super mega congrats rin sa mga hindi cum laude. OKAY LANG YAN FRIENDS! WE HAD A BLAST IN COLLEGE. YUN ANG IMPORTANTE. I love you friends!!!

Second, today my family had dinner at CPK. Again, nadaan ko nanaman sa joke yung Daddy ko. So far I've lured him into getting me a pair of lovely flats, eat at Zong, and now CPK. I usually eat with friends sa mga ganyang lakad, pero ayan. He used to prefer eating whatever mom cooked or he'd have Dencio's or Congo Grill deliver us food. Now his food directory is expanding gradually. Safest bet before was Super Bowl. Then Recipes. Now, so far Zong passed his standards with flying colors. CPK naman, he eats there with his colleagues whenever they have a meeting at ATC. So technically it's his first time to treat us in CPK. I love the Thai Crunch Salad. Also it was a funny dinner coz I told them about the funny kwentos from Raish. Yung Rodic's story and also yung friend niya na nag communion tapos pagkabigay ng priest ng Host, sabi ng friend "ay, thank you." RAISH, REMEMBER THESE STORIES? ahahahaha

Third, I wasn't able to make it to Tim Humangit's birthday surprise. Rona is the mastermind. I hope to hear a lot of kwentos from Keberloo and Weng. I hope it went well!

Fourth, gaaah! I'm excited to see my batch tomorrow! It's our Baccalaureate mass and grad orientation. I miss them na talaga. 

Fifth, this summer is weird. It's raining - like heavy the past few days. Sana sa grad sunny. hehehe Feeling ko Global Warming nanaman toh eh. It's Earth Day pa naman today. We can all do something for the Earth. One, HELP SAVE PASIG RIVER! Two, conserve energy. Commute when you can. Or when we're rich, buy fuel efficient cars please.

YEHEY THAT'S IT. I'm such a tamad-mag-isip-mega-bum-mode blogger lately so ayan, sabog post again.

Crazy Topic Dump

ON SOME CRAZY ENCOUNTER...

Can I just say:

Ako'y naloka

Hinanap kita

Ngunit siya ang nakita

Kaloka diba?

AYAN, I'M SUPER SABAW. AHAHAHA 

ON THE UPCOMING VACATION (for real)...

Take me to Baguio friends! And I'll take you to Bicol. Yehey!

ON THIS RAINY DAY...

I've never been appreciative of the rain. Coz it's muddy. It ruins my shoes. And it's such a hassle to commute when it's raining. Today I SORT OF appreciate it kasi gosh ang init kaya ng summer na toh! Pero sort of lang kasi naman...I was wearing my new Hush Puppies Bayside driving shoes. I have been eyeing this pair for months but since I'm saving up for a camera, I never really entertained the thought of getting one. My dad got me these pair one random day at the mall. Niloko ko lang talaga siya saying 'Daddy, halika. Ganda oh, bagay sakin.' HAHA

Forgive the photo. It's nicer in real life haha

Anyhooo, back to my rainy kwento...I was wearing it today when I went to Shang with Mom and guess what, pauwi, mega ulan. nakakaloka. Natawa nalang daddy ko kasi inis na inis ako kasi nabasa. haha

ON GRADUATION PREPS...

Ang hirap maghanap ng grad outfit. hahaha Unlike the boys who have to wear a barong and then the usual slacks and black shoes, we girls have to find the perfect dress and the shoes to go with it. May guidelines pa na prescribed length, color and all that shizz. Bahala kayo. HAHAHA

I have a dress na. I had it made. Yun talaga inuna namin dati pa pero the shoes jusme. It took mom and I three days to find one. Kasi una ang hirap mag match ng color. Second, lahat ata ng babaeng bumili ay size 9, naubos na. Wala na for me. Third, hindi comfortable yung ibang shoes. Basta, hindi ko feel eh. Pero ayun okay naman today. Thank God.

Natatawa ako. I don't usually post a journal-ish blog. Pero nahawa ata ako kay Erielle. HAHAHA

IT'S COMING TO AN END

Tell me how I'll say goodbye.

It's been four years- four long, fun and exciting years that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Just the thought of leaving makes me cry.

Because it's really hard to leave when all the good things are here.

When all the happy days lead you back to your second home.

Masyado pa akong masaya, nakakatakot umalis kasi baka malungkot na.

In the four years I had...

Let me remember the smiles that made my day.

The hugs that lightened my mood and the crazy jokes that sent me laughing out loud.

Let me recall the funniest moments that had me rolling on the floor.

Now I can say I am happy.

Let me remember the subjects I enjoyed.

The teachers I loved, and those I those I love to hate

The classes I struggled with, and the classes I never miss.

Now I can say I have learned.

Let me remember our sweet victories as a block, as an org, as a group.

Let me recall the defeats that made us stronger.

Let me reminisce on the cases we lived through and survived as A block and as a batch.

Now I can say we are one.

Let me recall the late nights we shared.

The parties we rocked, the music we grooved to,

the movie dates and the spur of the moment stuff we did.

Now I can say I lived.

Let me retrace the roads we travelled,

the tracks we ran,

and the race we made.

Now I can say I gave my best.

Let me say thank you to the unexpected friends I made.

To the first friends I've kept, and to the new ones I treasure dearly.

Now I can say I am better.

Let the mushiness linger a little longer.

Let the music repeat itself.

For if I could, I'd extend the week a little more

and re-do all the things we enjoy together.

Let me hug you one more time.

Let me cry with you just this once.

For after this part, we go on with our lives.

We'll see each other soon, I bet.

But for now, I think I can,

I can say goodbye.

MY FRIENDS, BOTH OLD AND NEW MAKE IT HARD FOR ME TO LEAVE.

That sometimes I wish it would last a little longer. But it's all ending really soon. I can really say I have enjoyed my college life to the fullest. I may not leave with the highest awards, but I can say I had the best damn time of my life with my dearest friends and the best people in the world.

The biggest thank you to the people who became part of my college life. To my friends, my blockmates (Yooohooo group block A!), to my ABAM family, my JFA family, my AdCore circle,COMELEC families (under Kitch and Tim), my ABAM-HR loves, my Burger Macho and Oracle group, Ilocos Summer friends, my H&S, Wonder and Kruchy teams, my cassava queens and Stitch donyanesses, to my crushes, my teachers, to my road trip buddies, my late night McDo friends, my ka-inumans and ka-gimmicks back in junior year, my non-BA friends and rappel-mates.

IT'S BEEN AN AMAZING FOUR YEARS.

Thank you.

Cheers to togetherness, 'til God knows when.

Do leave your comment below or sa multiply link. hehe

TOKAYO

Tokayo is a local term for someone whom you share a name with. I dunno if it's Tagalog though.

I know it's crazy but while googling my crush(haha!), I googled myself also for the heck of it. I thought my name was unique but guess what? There exist another Adeliza Garcia! I'm assuming she's from Mexico because almost all her friends on Facebook are Mexicans. haha Wala lang, naloka lang ako. Maybe one day I shall contact her or something. Parang si Nica Yan (tama ba Nica? You emailed the lady whose name is Veronica Yan also? Or imbento lang ako?)

Buti rin pala on Facebook my profile name is Adz. 

Sa ABS-CBN meron rin production team na Adz ang name pero guy. hehe Nakita ko lang sa credits ng Pinoy Fear Factor. Sa Soc Sci class ko before, I had a classmate and group mate na Adz rin. His real name was Adrielli so I call him Rielli (as in Rie-lee).

Well, FYI my nickname at home is Lee. (That explains my multiply site name and this blog's name.) I wonder how different it would be if my college friends knew me as Lee Garcia? HAHA! Only Punky calls me Lee. I've known Punky since freshman year. And yes, she was one of my first friends-slash-seatmates in UP. And at that time, I was still battling whether I'd want to be called Adz or Lee in college. KAKALOKA TALAGA, PROMISE. Sir Raya calls me Lee too! haha Sir Jet, Ms. Chin and Sir Ray call me Adz. 

Oh well, just my random thought for today.

* * *

 So far I still haven't found the  right words to write. Or maybe the right topic to write about. Or maybe I know what I want to write about but I keep postponing it. Hoooboy. HELL WEEK IS SOOO HERE. 

MY PAST FEW WEEKS IN A NUTSHELL.

fa-hay-na-lleeeeey had the time to write! hahaha

Just wanted to do a random recap of my past few weeks.

DRIVING. Yay to Tim G. for allowing me to drive the van!

TAMBAY THURSDAY. No Jeturian class. kakaloka. Oh well, we spent the whole morning tambay-ing at ABAM.

JOB FAIR. Damn recession. Ayan tuloy, freeze hiring lahat.

PI Debate last Wednesday. We lost by less than a point. But I'm happy the group won in the part which I made. haha After PI, Dianne and I ate at RoC (Restaurant of Choice) at the Bahay ng Alumni. Yumyum garlic chicken and banoffee pie! I got home and also found the remote control of the tv. Long story yung remote control but believe me- theory ko 'hiniram' ng other being. haha

ABAM TBS WAS SUPER FUN! HR lost though. But it doesn't matter coz everyone enjoyed!

HR Team

rats

TAKBONG MAY YABANG. Hurray to Claude for running with me!

 

LAE Results. Shout out to Raish yo! Pat Coloma too! GOOD LUCK!!!

ABAM WEEK. SUPER FUN, I LOVE IT!

orphanage visit

CulmiNight

Overseas. Shout out to Miggy! CONGRATULATIONS for the Korea Scholarship! 

Miggyyyyy!

JEDI FIELD TRIP.

Sir Nestle

THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO:

ABAM Elections.

Eraserheads Concert

Aux Event.

Travels.

Graduation.

Can I tell you about GOAT?

"Greatest Of All Time."

GOAT is Procter & Gamble Philippines' umbrella mantra. Created by P&G Philippines' General Manager Jim Lafferty and the whole P&G team, they share this vision to young students through the leadership class that they hold in UP.

I am part of this class. And it's the biggest hassle of all- BIGGEST AND THE BEST HASSLE OF ALL CLASSES. And I love it. I cannot find the right words today to tell you how humbled and happy I am to be part of this class. The teachings I get make me realize how much there is to see in the world. 

Here are two stories I will never forget from his class.

Nadia Comaneci is the first gymnast to score a perfect 10 in the Olympics. She shares that if you do less of what is expected of you, you are a loser. If you do what is expected of you, that's good. If you do more than what is expected from you, you are a winner. Jim always reminds us of this story when he calls the late comers to move to the front and do 50 push ups. In class we have an honesty system. Some would do 50, some would less, my seat mate and besty Dianne does 52 always, and there are some who never even admit that they were late. 

Another is Jim's friend who has no legs (can't recall name). This friend joins marathons and runs with his arms. He finishes marathons in 7 days or so. Organizers would leave the 'stops' open for him. He'd sleep on the sidewalk to rest and when the sun start to rise, he starts walking again. I was almost in tears hearing it. Anyhooo, one day this person approaches the man with no legs and says something like 'oh, you're so great. I can never do what you do. It's amazing.' Jim's friend answers back 'I wish I had your legs.'

These are two of the many great lessons Jim shares with us every Saturday. And because of that, I'd be willing to do 55 push ups than to miss his class.

SPEAKING OF GOAT... Here's the greatest CONCERT of all time...

ERASERHEADS: THE FINAL SET

photos during the first reunion concert

Fa and I bragging our VIP passes. Special thanks to Cha, Tash and Ellis.

I am still convincing my brother Joop to fly to Manila on March 6 so that he can join Fa and I in watching the concert. He refused my offers since he has classes- ayaw niya ma stress. But I will still try. Nevertheless, I am so going bananas and I cannot wait for March 7. Yabadabadoohooo!

Topic-dump

NEWBIE

By now everyone has seen the famous McDo commercial. Everyone I know has blogged or replied to a blog about it. While I have enjoyed the luck of seeing it on the very first time it was aired, I was too lazy to sit down and blog about it at that instant. haha 

For the record, I liked it! As in like- at face value ha. More than that, ang galing ng timing ng commercial. By now you should know that the second part of the Eraserheads concert (aka The Final Set) is set on March 7. I am super kaduuuuper excited for this. I do hope Fa manages to get us stickers! Stickers for VIP and SVIP, tickets for patron and general admission. If you have a contact and is willing to get us stickers for a fee, lemme know!!! Anyhooo, back to the commercial. McDonald's and Eraserheads. Two big brands in their respective industries. And two big brands building one another. In fairness talaga, walang nalugi sa commercial. haha Haaay, I miss Sir Ray Acedera tuloy. I am sooo gonna attend the finals day of his 177 class this sem. 

SLEEPY HEAD

On a different note, today I was suuuper sleepy the whole day. On my way home, I realized why. I drank bioflu today- one after breakfast, another around 2 pm. So in all my classes I was so sleepy I had to leave to avoid embarrassing myself in case the teacher sees me. The weather is making me sick, ugh. I wonder how I'll survive in a different, and much colder country. Wag nalang. hahaha

DONYA-ness

Today we had 192 (Entrep class). Mr. Gary Quimado returned our business proposals and gave his feedback. I'm happy that he liked all three proposals we (with Fa, Weng, Jeni and Emm) submitted. Right now I just wish I find it in myself to REALLY BELIEVE in what I can do so that I'll have enough courage to put up my own business. I don't really have a plan for my life after graduation. All I I have are random little thoughts- like travel with mommy after grad before I start working (if I get a job at all). Right now I think I have to structure my life. I know what I want to be in the future- the life I'm living and all the shizz that comes with it. But I have no idea how to get there. I just wanna be a donya- is that too much to ask? HAHAHA My 192 groupmates and I just wanna be donyas. That's all.

Here's to donyaness and the things we have to go through to get there! :D

Recall and Compare (edited Jan.1,2009)

Because a new year awaits, and just like any tv show right now, let's wrap up our year 2008.

BEST OF 2008 (discarded unnecessary and boring questions haha)

How old were you in 2008?: 19 (still am)
What was the most important thing you discovered in 2008?: Priorities change. (Most) People change.
What will you always remember about 2008? FEASIB, major s-t-r-e-s-s. But super rewarding classes with Sir Acedera and Sir Jet. Also, ABAM- Orgpress and tbs. hahaha Out of town trips- Ilocos, Pampanga, Tagaytay, and Palawan

cassava queens Weng, Myself, Fa, and Emm

In Pampanga with my great groupmates Bee, Mae, Sel, Nikes, Atei Claire and the best tourg guide ever, Peter!

Ilocos Heritage Village with Bee, Emm, Ram and Jewel

Paoay Church, Ilocos Norte

In 2008 did you...
Keep your New Year's resolution(s)?: Yeah, just one. The other one I tried but, haha!
Go on a holiday?: ILOCOS, beybeh! PALAWAN, Mehn! PAMPANGA, chong! hmmm, do 'spur-of-the moment' road trips count? haha

at the park on our way to the Underground River, Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Change jobs?: I don't have a job.
Get drunk?: HAHAHA MAJOR. zuri naman.
Get high?: Yah. alcohol high and love high. :)
Fall in love?: Maybe?
Break up with someone?: no.
Stop speaking to someone?: Sort of.
Kiss someone?: my friends.
Kiss someone whose name you can’t remember?: nah. haha

Make a new friend?: Yupyup!
Do anything embarrassing?: sobrang dami :))
Do something that you thought that you would never do?: Uhm, Facebook? hahaha

Do something you have always wanted to do?: DRIVE! (Special shout out to Raish! Thanks yo!) Cook!
Do anything that you regret?: Drank too much once, I guess. hehehe
Do anything illegal?: Meron pero since illegal, shempre I won't write it here. :))
Break a promise?: I don't recall also.
Lose something?: LIKE MAAAAJOR!!! (haha conyo!) My phone! k800i Cybershot phone.
Go crazy?: NUNG FEASIB NA-BUANG KAMING LAHAT. And nung H&S and WonderWalis days (NIGHTS actually) namin together.

Best of 2008...
Movie: A Very Special Love, Wanted
TV Show: Gossip Girl Season 2
Song: Not the best but I'll remember Bleeding Love and No Air. And sa OPM naman I think it's the year of Ryan Cayabyab and Bugoy's Paano na Kaya. :)
Album: No idea.
Thing you bought: My new leather bag (Christmas gift to myself). haha
Memory:

ERASERHEADS CONCERT!!!

TRIP TO PALAWAN!

Julian's birth,

177 Prezo Day(L-R): Sir Ray, Fa, Myself, Dianne, Claude,Emm, Weng, Lori

172 Prezo Day with the whole class (Find sir! haha)

Marketing classes (in fairness talaga kay Sir Ray and Sir Jet)

Worst of 2008...
Movie: Among those I watched...hindi sulit yung Quantum of Solace and For the First Time
TV Show: Eva Fonda? HAHAHA
Song: i don't listen very often so I don't care.
Album: I don't care also.
Hangover: BAdhoc! hahahaha
Memory: FEASIB.

About 2009...
What do you want in 2009?: A GREAT JOB, prosperity, love and happiness. And that the Philippines won't be too affected by the recession. And that the price of petroleum won't go high anymore so I could get a car. haha
Is there anything you would do differently in 2009?: Last year I wrote this for 2008: Take things one day at a time. And focus on important things like the people I love, the things I enjoy doing and the tasks that will help me reach my dreams. (nyak, napaka profound! haha)

Now, this: Plan ahead but keep in mind that things won't always turn out as planned. And shempre, as always, FOLLOW MY HEART. :)

Do you think it will be a good year?: DEFINITELY. :)
What do you look forward to most about 2009?: Prosperity, more friends, and more destinations!
Do you have a New Year's resolution?: Mag gym para sa wedding ni Weng at Hun, hahaha and...More like plans, not resolutions... Itodo to the highest level and college life (including acads), enjoy traveling after grad, and then do my job (kung meron) to the best of my powers. haha

CHEERS TO A GREAT 2009 FOR ALL OF US! LET'S MAKE IT THE BEST YEAR YET! WOOOPEEEE!