October is almost Over

Month's Highlights

Roxas Part Deux


Kuya Jo Arrival


Marcomm Family

The past two weeks were busy doing interviews for the hotels. Guests from all walks of life in all shapes and sizes..I have a weird attitude to all the socializing. Sometimes I wake up with a sick feeling about it. Sometimes I seem to enjoy it. But what I noticed is that I'm comfortable with one on one conversations. There's no awkwardness on the onset for about 15 minutes and it's good that I'm the one who ends it.

It's disorienting to attend corporate board meetings. I'm physically exhausted for sitting 3 to 4 hours straight. My head aches, my stomach is upset..all those mental exercises and the thought that they might asked for my opinion keeps me insane up until its over. And then the next one happens all over again.

Every year since 2005, we're moving houses. That means packing up boxes and boxes of books, cds and my usual life litters. And now since its a commercial space, I get to sell some of the books I don't like anymore. Hopefully someone buys my trash. haha. It's a mixed feeling this moving thing. Exciting because it's going to be new. Sad coz you leave the comfort of your routine. I'll miss my mall, my walks and my park.

But I'm psyched that Christmas is near. And the 15th highschool reunion. Sweet. I love year end celebrations and new year bday seasons. And then February is usually new something month. Can't break tradition.

President Roxas trip

October 9, Friday



Rye's first plane trip was super. He was scared at landing than take off. Ate Mar and Claire picked us up from the airport. We went to Real Voice and Rye had fun with the instruments. Had lunch at Mang Inasal. It rained so we just stayed at the studio. Merienda at Baybay Beach, People's Park. Dinner at Oakwood house.

October 10, Saturday


Early morning trip to Mambusao, about an hour away from the city. I was sorry for not taking photos of the town hall and the church. had fun swimming at the pool. Met with Dad, Kuya Jo and Kuya Jun with Gab at the studio and at church. It was my first time to sing at the Cathedral with Ate Mar. Sister Ana and her congregation were there to facilitate Padre Pio's remains. Dinner at Albasom's in Baybay beach front.

October 11, Sunday


Went to Ibaca, Lutod Lutod - my Dad's hometown. Was late for the Mass but it was ok. Met Lola Gloria, Tito Neneng, Tita Zeny, Tita Janing and other relatives. It was a blast. Rye had so much fun, chasing the chickens, making himself feel at home with Gab. Got dried fish and went back to Roxas at the hotel. Chatted with Ate Elma and the kids. Paid homage to the house of Manuel Roxas, another NHI marker conquered. Hooray! Went to Gaisano for pasalubong shopping. Went to Baia Norte Beach Club and just chilled out. We went swimming for hours. The place is soo cool and we were the only ones there. Very relaxing.


October 12, Monday
Breakfast at Oakwood house and off to Manila. Back to reality. See you again Roxas!

Typhoon Trauma

I was spared from the wrath of "Ondoy". We were about to attend a birthday party in Taytay, Rizal that day. But Dad prevented us (meaning Rye and me) from going out since the skies were ominous that morning. Turned out it was a Genesis type of flood and it was the worst we've seen in Manila.

As we watched the news, I sat feeling helpless and a bit guilty for being safe and kept texting people who I knew lives in those areas. The next morning, it was brown out and my only source of info was my cellphone FM radio, thank God for Jam 88.3. Then Gang played "Here Comes the Sun" as her last song on air, and I cried. It was such a hopeful Beatles song which I love so much.



Monday I went to work but the restlessness persisted. I ought to be doing something to help. It was such a basic human need and I searched for a way and God led me to it. I was checking out Twitter and FB for some volunteer sites. Voila, Les had this really small note (a reply to another friend) that says there's a site nearby, as in walking distance from my workplace. It was perfect! I didn't have any excuse not to go.




So it was two days of Gawad Kalinga sponsored activity (wish granted). I've always admired their Habitat for Humanity work. Such great spirit. Thank you. Thanks to Jackie, Bert, Chel and Ms. Elisa for coming with me. It was such a great experience. It's modern style bayanihan. It's serving at its most basic level.

September Long Weekend

September 19
Went to the park with family. Played football and basketball. Missed the smell of trees and the wonderful sunshine. Got three books from a garage sale. Whopee. Had dinuguan for brunch. Yum! Yen texted she's gonna be admitted to give birth. Went to the hospital and stayed until I saw Yna for the first time. Such a beautiful inaanak. Went to Ayla's and bonded with them. Recorded our own version of "Way Back into Love" and got into the Iphone craze.

September 20
Briefly passed by the church but Rye wanted to go to Mcdo. Went to the hospital again this time with Rye. We rode the bus and had lunch at Mcdo. Chika with Yen and then Thelms the whole day. Rye had fun with Mina and Jasper.

September 21
Briefly watched the Emmy's. Grocery and Timezone with the troops. I think I got tired from walking coz I zonked out right after. Finished Debbie Macomber's novel.

September blur

What?! it's the middle of September and I didn't even noticed. Lotsa things happened to me or to my close circle. G-anne got married to Rap. Changes at work. Rafa lost in the semis of U.S. Open. Long weekends. Jen left to Qatar.

August thoughts

I've been looking at celebrity blogs lately - tv, radio..foreign and local and it's interesting. How I can relate to some of their thoughts, how I envy the house or the gadgets they have but mostly it's to really understand that they live normal, boring lives at times too. and that we're all humans with rants and what nots.

There's a new lesson I'm trying hard to know. It's about parental discipline. There are some things that you can't control like a gift of a gameboy, something which he certainly wanted to have since he learned how to play one. But if I have it my way, I still won't buy him an expensive toy like that. So now it's how to draw the line between playing computer games the whole day and playing in the park. Balance is the key...and he's just four.

I seriously need nature - the beach, trees, outdoors. It's something that my soul craves. And I'm gonna get it..

Going, Going, Gone

This month 3 people who are close to me are going away to 3 continents. Angel, my sister in law goes to Ireland tonight. On the 27th, it will be Ate Lydia to California and Jenny to Qatar. And it makes me feel happy and kind of sad. Happy since they will earn money and be with their loved ones. Sad because they will leave us behind. And less people to text about my rotten days or great kilig times.

Sometimes I want to be the one leaving than the one left behind. It's the feeling of abandonment and seeing the remnants of that empty space where she used to occupy. My first real heartbreak was when my sister went to the States when I was 12. She was my bestfriend (and still is), my idol, my crutch. I was inconsolable for weeks.

Up to now, I couldn't handle it when she and her family departs back to the U.S. I don't go to the airport with them. And even at this age, I still cry. I'm bad with goodbyes. Worst at it.

Daddy will also leave for the U.S. this latter part of the year. That would be tough. Gotta brace myself for that.

Flow

I catched a PAGCOR produced show called "Flow", from the makers of "Wanders". I haven't seen Wanders but it got great reviews. Flow is about a fusion of different forms of dance and acrobats. A concert circus if that's even a right term. There are Chinese contortionists, Filipino theater performers and international dancers - some look Latin american and African..

Riley had a grand time watching it. He loved the magic show with Eric Manna and the flying acts.

I miss the theater. I miss the rush of performing in front of a crowd. I miss the bright lights and the jitters just before stepping onstage.

Come what May

ahh May...There's Yen's wedding. Mother's Day. Rye's bday parties. Church fiesta. Lots and lots of happenings. How can you not be merry?

Summer Time

I can't believe I haven't posted anything in 2 months. Anyway, I'm back and that's what matters. A lot has happened. I watched the Eheads final set reunion concert, moved to a new office and went to Roxas City. Oh and have two new techy friends - Super nova and Lennie.

Weekends, I've been busy playing football with Rye and Dad or just hanging out at the park. Give me nature anytime. The smell of grass and leaves and the saltiness of the sea. Love it!

I'm also appreciating my old friendships that has weathered time and distance. Going to Roxas is a reunion for me and the Medinas - we are related that's for sure.

I have lots of plans this year. Learn Spanish. Go to another destination. Celebrate Rye's 4th birthday. soo cool.

Rafaholic

Over the years, I had quite a number of tennis crushes - Tim Henman, Carlos Moya, Pete Sampras but nothing compares to my fixation over Rafael Nadal. During Australian Open, I watched the semis - 5 hours and 14 minutes and the finals - 4 hours just for him. That's like a day in the office. And I sat there at the edge of my seat transfixed..

He's humble, simple and very loyal to his girlfriend Xisca in Mallorca, Spain. Always waiting for him after every match. Sigh. And he cooks. Double sigh.

Reading his blogs made me realized how normal he is even if he's number 1 in the world. Shucks.

Vamos Rafa! Can't wait to see you play again..

I could have written this song

PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE

I am the one who believes in all that you say
(in short, gullible to a fault)

I am the one who never wants to define herself
(hindi ako ma-PR, hindi ako pang-sales, but my work involves that)

I am the one who’s parallel, upfront, behind
(kahit saan, pwede, strike anywhere)

I am the one paddling like crazy through the night
(hmm, this one is kinda hazy..unless di ako makatulog for some reason)

Refine (mahinhin DAW ako), old time (old soul), colourblind (kasi malabo mata)

Big sign, do time, doesn’t rhyme (mix and match)

A lot, too much, standing tall (kahit maliit)

And I’m crying in the valley: “I shall never, ever fall!” (yes!)

People are people
and I feel so strong
People are people and I’m
going on

I am the one who stirs it up everytime (masaya pag exciting ang mundo)
I am the one who never know how close she is (as in on the brink na, clueless pa din)
I am the one who’d rather be dead than confess (kasi nga tyope ako)
I am the one trying to be good, wanting to be bad and so on (i'm bad at being bad)

Excess, temptress, big mess (when I'm in trouble, boy I'm IN it big time)
Phoney, lonely, it’s a test (yup, plastic minsan)
Be still my heart, don’t you fail (my heart and I are not friends right now)
And I’m crying on the stagefloor: “I will always prevail!” (naman!)

I’m going on…

My Birthday

I had the busiest birthday this year. Since it's midweek and we have a workshop, I just agreed to meet with my ex-ofcmates for dinner. I wasn't able to come because we had a deadline to meet, a role playing video due the next day. So my birthday came and went, hindi ko man lang naramdaman save for the text messages the whole day. And our VP who greeted me - he's also the speaker of the workshop.

Fast forward to today - work people pulled a fast one on me. I'm super touched. They surprised me with cake, a bouquet of red roses, a gift and food! Saya saya..I'm so thrilled. God is Good!

How to Deal with Grief..

A dear friend lost his mom to the same cause as my Mama - aneurism or cerebral hemorrhage. I was at a loss for words. How do you comfort someone who is feeling the same thing I felt almost 10 years ago..It's not easy. The guilt of not spending enough time because you believe she's sort of immortal, that she will always be there until you get married and have kids and share mommyhood stories with.. that you will get to know her as a person not just as a mom.. that you will take care of her when she's old and gray..

And she died at 61. Or in my friend's case - at 56. He was hoping to do a tribute on her milestone bday, spend quality time with her..

A mother's love goes on and on. Even amidst death. She will always be in his heart. Always...

And so I say let's spend time with the ones we love right now. at this moment and for the rest of our life. Let's not regret each talk or laughter shared. Priceless.

Over the weekend, I saw "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" and "It's All about Women" - whether you're just about to experience life or in the middle of it, a woman's resilience is very important and her faith that all will be well with God's help, her friends and family backing her up.

Last night, the biggest moon of the year called the Perigee - said hi to me in our window. And moonlight has been such an inspiration to me. Thank you God for 2009.

I'm feeling sick and healed all at the same breath..

First post for 09

I'm very grateful for 08 Lord. Though it's hard personally to give up being in control, I'm letting You handle it. Just because You know what's best for me...

Been selfish lately. Not the visible type. Just some thoughts swirling in my head. And then I want to dismiss them as quickly as possible. Hay..will be busy at work and some related to work I think. So yun.

Mixed feelings..happy kind of sad. I dunno why. 08 has been really spectacular. So saying goodbye to it was hard..I didn't even know it was 12 midnight already. Unlike previous years when there's even a countdown chenes. But I was happy that I got the greeting I wanted from this guy I craved..sigh.

So enuf of all drama. Good gracious, I got the gadgets I drooled over. Thanks alot ate and kuya Jo..

And my family - healthy and goofy..

my friends - getting fat (me included) but still beautiful!

so God is good..cheers to 2009!

2008 in retrospect

2008 was a blur..a great mind-boggling year with lots of thrill and drama. Been to the North a couple of times, been soo stressed about bigger responsibilities, "with talent comes less time" hahaha..

I've completed Simbang Gabi for the first time. Met Don Moen and Bo Sanchez - two major spiritual influences in my life. Reconciled with my bestfriend. Went back to Manila. "Iksperience" year.

If I were a garment, I'm super-stretched - at work and in church. Been doing stuff that I don't normally do and couldn't imagine handling. But it's good. God is good. He knows how I resist grown up stuff and yet they still happen.

My Dear Ilocos Region

I have conquered Hundred Islands and Pagudpud! Yahoo..

My Lakbayan grade is C-!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!

Created by Eugene Villar.

up, up and away

rye and his purple chick


shoot with Gino of Chillspot


Thelma and Maro's home in Lipa, Batangas

what?!! it's been a month since my last blog? hay, been really busy with the marketing plan for 2009 and finally it's approved..yahoo! glory to God. now the fun part is the implementation..

the month has been crazy - tv shooting, gift shopping, party preparations and wow - a trip to the North again this loong weekend. Has it been a year since that fateful day...whopee..

I'm super excited for December..lots of social stuff happening and bonding with family. It's been awhile since we're all gathered together.

Weekend that Was

Casa Manila Museum

Plaza Fountain

Mass Wedding Music Team


Went to Intramuros with Jensky to check out the wedding reception venue of Mojo and the string quartet at San Agustin Church. We watched "Nights in Rodanthe" and had tuna pesto..yum yum..

Attended the mass wedding of our head office as singer..awoooh!

My ideal scene

"The Notebook" is my ultimate favorite scene..


Lindsay in "Georgia Rule"

I have a fascination for boats and a body of water - river or lake..Ewan ko ba. It's just so romantic and isolated.