Kaluguran Kita Pampanga

A year after my life in brief misery at Datablitz, I'm now residing in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga. We are adjusting to a traffic-less existence, non-polluted air and new environs where the birds chirped day and night. It's amazing, God is astounding. If I'm dreaming, I don't want to wake up ever. My work is with Ms. A, Sir Josie, Seth and Neal. Neal and I are neighbors, literally a door away. We have not imagined it happening in a million years. It's fun. We are having the time of our life. It's busy and alot of adjustments since it's the automotive industry. But it's challenging too and the people are kind. I could cry just now. They're so nice.

All the pain of Datablitz and Metrodental combined are nothing compared to the elation I'm feeling right now. Never mind them. I made friends though and I'm over the moon grateful.

Here the beach is just an hour or two away from me. Two weeks ago we were in Morong, Bataan. Last Sunday we were in Subic. Who knows where we will be next? I haven't even been downtown. or to Angeles which is near Clark that has Koreantown and Banapple in Marquee Mall. Arghhh.

I  have a personal favorite spot in the house. It's the terrace. I pray there. I watched Kdrama. And the birds fly over. The moon peeks at me. The stars winked and the sky makes dazzling lightning bolts. Everyday I wake up bathed in sunshine. Thank You Lord.

Manila is worlds away. I still miss the Old Manila and the church but nonetheless no reason to go back. Unless I  meet up with friends.

It's been amazing. I can work like a horse for 6 days and live like a princess for a day. Not a problem. My Greeley books are on display after 9  years. I just stared at them the first time I saw them again. And my cds.

If I could see the mountain of blessings coming, I would understand the magnitude of the fight. Aja!

A Career Roller coaster 2015

Has it been a year since I last updated? Sorry my personal blog I miss you so much. I've been really busy with...life or making a living. Let me start with the Pope visit last January. Totally amazing to see him up close and to sob at every Mass homilies he officiated. He's kept the fire burning in my heart to love the Lord more and more. 

Then the wheel kept on turning. I was to be transferred to the Education department which was fine if only it wasn't rudely done by Armi and Francis. I wasn't consulted at tall. It was tacky and of course I symphatized with Ms. A which led to the double resignation scheme. I got a quick job at Datablitz and met the coolest staff in the world. Imagine, it was my first managerial post with 6 people under me and I'm not even a gamer. I just wanted a place nearby with better pay. The trade off was a boss straight from hell. It was 4 months of agony even on Sundays. That's where I realized that I couldn't live for the money at all. I sacrificed my freedom and I was miserable. I resigned on the day where my MOP marketing had a summer outing. Soo liberating and it rained hard that day. It was Mama encouraging me haha. 

Next job was Limketkai Luxe with Ms. Corinne which made me travel to CDO. It was very brief bitin trip but I still felt that the hospitality industry was great. It welcomed me back with open arms but was short-lived. The office was too far and the organization was not ideal. So I had to look for another one. This time I hope is the charm. It's a dental chain which is perfect because I'm kind of obsessed with my teeth and oral health care. Also, the commute is tolerable for me and the best thing is no saturdays. Complete weekend again. So far, I'm surviving. I still have to prove myself and up the ante but by God's grace I think I can make it. In Jesus' name. 

This year I also converted my citizenship to South Korean. Completely K-popped. It wasn't planned at all. I was just happy with Lee Min Ho again since I really like him in Boys over Flowers and I even got the Heirs dvd before. And it led to "Personal Taste" which became the starting point of my being Koreanified. The cast, the story, ost and the locations just did me in. I kept searching for more LMH stuff. Then since I finished all his k dramas except Faith which was historical and too long, Youtube displays this Heartstring ep with Park Shin Hye and this payatot guy. Too heartthrobby for my taste I thought. 

So I watched it since the story involved music and college life and definitely loved Shin Hye after the Heirs. But what I wasn't prepared for was my 2nd crush Jung Yong Hwa. I first heard him from Julianna I realized now. His character was spot on - musician, with an attitude and a pained expression the first half of the story. By the other half, I was already in love with him and his band CNBlue. It was interesting because while I was still in MOP last year, they had a concert and Kang Minhyuk mentioned he wanted to go to MOP and Jollibee. The funny thing was I saw these trending posts on Twitter but I never did bother to know more. I just dismissed it as K pop thing. A year later I'm hooked. No turning back na talaga. I'm so besotted by him. 

Next job is Metro Dental. It was a roller coaster type of thing. Same day exam, final interview and hiring date. Glory to God. I met nice people, phony people and then I couldn't take it anymore. I stayed for 4 months and now it's February 3, 2016 already and I have a new job in the offing. God is truly amazing in my life. And Dad is coming tomorrow! 

3 years at MOP

It was a very curious thing to actually see an image of myself in a mermaid's tail and people having their photo taken with it. If you'll tell me 3 years ago that I'll actually have my first print ad wearing a swimsuit and a die cut poster wearing a bikini bra, I would probably just laugh it off. Seeing my face on cinema and television also just made me surreal. Being interviewed live on Unang Hirit was nerve wracking but it was fun. But it sure is real today. God is a funny Being. Thank You. Celebrating my 3rd year at MOP sure made it memorable with all these details.

I've been here 3 years. I sang the national anthem thrice. The first time wearing a baro't saya and scared shit, the second time facing Hundred Islands and the third time's a charm, just winging it.

So far, I've hugged a stingray, cuddled a baby bamboo shark, seen little Nemos and seahorses. I've seen a dolphin at sea and fed birds.

It's been good. Great. Missed some people but stayed with the coolest, bad ass co-workers in the planet. Talk about TMZ live. That's how it goes everyday. And I'm immune to it. Haha.

MOP taught me how to let it go. Just like the song Frozen. You just live one day at a time. Walk a little until you reach the destination. No rush. You will get there in time. It's very liberating to have your own pace. At 36, I think I've carved my own style. And I still don't want added responsibility.

I'm thankful for everyone, for the breakthroughs and the defeats, for seeing God's creation up close everyday. For magical sunsets and tropical storms. For walking down my street out of habit.

I asked God for the unboring. And He totally delivered. Thank you Lord.

belle debut of Ayla

Ayla turns 18 today. She had a great Beauty and the Beast themed debut in Auckland surrounded by new friends and a whole new amazing college life. Even if we weren't there to celebrate with her, I know she feels all the love through our videos from all over the world. Kuya Bong and Ate San are soo blessed.

We'll attend Zac's 7th birthday party. It's summer. Gloriously sunny weather. The beach. Rye's birthday. Holy Week. Swim lessons. What is there not to like? Excited much.

It's been a steady time for me. Very laidback. Enjoying every bit of everyday life. God is soo good to me and my family and my friends.

August 19, 2013 

three things that make it all worthwhile: child's laughter, song in your head that goes out in your mouth and that feeling that you're extremely loved.

I went to Escolta again over the weekend. Rain or more rains. We didn't care. Jenny and I wanted to go on a vintage hunt and we did. It makes it more nostalgic when it's raining. The buildings, the mood, the pre-loved stuff. And what's a visit to this area without Sincerity, one of the country's oldest restos and the best fried chicken ever made...It was Jenny's first time to try and yes, she loved it. Nothing like a trip to Old Manila to drive all my blues away. We walked further to Divisoria, the Lucky mall where Mr. C played, what else but "Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka" and "Can this be Love". This was my day. God said, let today be Lynette's day and it shall be so. A thorough Booksale search capped the night.

bye 2013

On hindsight, I think 2013 got me in a showbiz way - singing national anthem and opening prayer, being on print ad, meeting Daphne..work was amazing and loaded. True it had its crazy times with a weepy boss but all's well that ends well with my new one. It was amazing, had its share of pruning...My morning clockwork is precise. Workout, breakfast, mass. And occasional wake up with Rye haha. But weekends are reserved for just the two of us. He's turning out to be cool, funny and wise beyond his years. I can't wait to grow up with this kid.

It was also a year of heartbreak - rejection, loss of Tamay's and Jen's baby, Dad's sickness, Yolanda typhoon. My print ad ran on the day of the typhoon. How epic was that?

Rye doing well this year. God is good and faithful!

Cheers to new friends and fun times. Had so much fun with my bffs and workmates.

Thank You Lord for Your provisions. Your loving kindness. For lessons on true servanthood. Painful but it will make sense soon. I love You. Cant wait for 2014!

December is the bomb

How can it be December already? Was I in some weird time warp or something? Last week, I learned Dad has the friendliest cancer, prostate cancer early stage. How do you actually prepare for something like this? You don't. I kind of hoping it's not true with the test and all but then when it hit me, tears just flowed. I just pray that Dad is strong enough to handle the treatment and that I'd still see him soon. After 1 and a half years. Amen. In Jesus' name. I'm just grateful with such overwhelming support my way. It's like I have it instead of him you know.

Christmas is near. It's hovering around the corner. And I feel it. Not with the usual busy and commercial trappings but something internal. It's amazing how God can just reel me in His love. Untouched by the world's uncaring. Last year, everyone was here and busy and frantic. Now it's more quiet and my pace. I get to dictate my own time. I get to escape from the things that I don't want to do. And it's liberating.

Before Dad's news i was looking on how to spend my 36th. Somewhere far or something new, surfing or ice skating, something exhilarating. This time, I don't think I want to celebrate at all. Not that I'm not grateful but I just feel that it's not right. I'll just have a quiet time. I don't know.

The Lucky One

It was one of those strange days that I wanted to go to the office not because I wanted to work but because I wanted to search this really amazing OST of The Lucky One. Unlucky for me that typhoon Maring is currently lambasting the metro. Lucky for me that I got my ost and it uplifts my mood right now. A blessing to not experience flooding anywhere near where I was supposed to board or disembark. Weird. And as well as the fact that I can walk on my way home if need be which is highly unlikely.


I've been reading Nicholas Sparks for quite alot now. I started with the Notebook and A Walk to Remember. But this Lucky One is kind of tailor-fit for me. Single mom. Little boy. Small town. Nice. I love the setting. The film I saw last night was totally faithful to the book. I can actually see myself in North Carolina. Breathable living spaces. Sleepy towns, relaxed atmosphere, close to nature. Ahh. give to me.

Zac Efron was a revelation. Of course High School Musical almost typecasted him to be this cutie. But who would have thought he could be a hottie on this one? There's so much depth in his eyes. I could drown in them. Kill me while I swoon. Perfect casting. Beth, Ben and of course, Gwyneth's mom as Nana. I didn't cry. I just sighed. This soul sigh that goes deep down to the core of my being. How I wanted to be Beth. I still know God will give my Logan. It will just take time. Like all good things. Amen.

I saw Mama dancing on video today care of Ate. I miss her voice. I miss everything. I was doing G's bday video yesterday and so many memories came over me. Life is but a moment. 

Hundred Islands Revisited

It was one of those back-breaking, tremendously cold bus road trips that will be forever cherished just because of the experience. It was good and bad and sorry I forgot my jacket or deliberately didn't bring hence, suffering for 12 hours due to the unrelenting AC. But no matter. There was wifi and just forward motion lulls me to happy sleep.

I couldn't get enough of Hundred Islands. In 2009, we just had a half day tour, just a quick island hop with Rye and Jundee's family and that was it. It's always teasing me. Then this year, just on the last day of summer, I got to go again on an almost full day tour with just a little less than half hour swim. But then it was glorious and I snorkeled perfectly, without ingesting water. The ocean was emerald green and calm.

God's perfect creation was in full display. The bats showed off, the ducks flew and oh, the most awesome sea creature, a dolphin swam before us. I was shrieking instead of taking a photo. Dolphins are not supposed to be between islands, they should be in open sea. It could be injured, I hope not. I cannot believe how it is possible to live in another world out there. All quiet, all is well. No chaos at all.

I wish the bamboo sharks thrive where they got released. It was such a cool day to do good, to actually bring something back to nature.

It's June already. Six months to Christmas!

what happened

It's been 2 months since my last post. What~?! life happened. Well, I've been online for the most part of the week except Sunday and yet I couldn't find the words or time to write to you. Shame on me. Shame. Shame. I've been debating if I should share my blog or even a create a new one for all the world to see but then I realized, no. I value my privacy so much in this such selfie world that I couldn't bear the thought that somebody in the outer online space can actually read my mind. So no. Let's be private and be cool. I miss my livejournal. Goodbye multiply.

There's not much to post except that I went to Pampanga and got my android phone Sam. With the elusive one, it's still the same old thing with some fine moments but still nothing very earth shattering. Ugh. Pain.

Rye is as witty as ever. All the more so now. He uses big words now thanks to cartoon network. He's going to be 8 in 2 weeks. Eight. How is that possible...Time is wickedly fast these days. I see Rovik and she's adorable and I still think I want one of those but you know do I really need to go through it again...hehe.

I've been thankful but sometimes been grumbling so I need to ask for a change of heart. This plateau moment is a blessed thing to have and I embraced it with all my being. We're all fine, no one sick or in a rut or crazy. Everything is moving along great. Maybe I need patience like a cloth. I have like just a teeny tiny hanky of it.

It would be nice to sing again on a regular basis. I don't know. Singing in choir has been such a good breather for me once a week if I get to be on time for the mass communion on thursdays. No more overtime except tonight. My stomach is really mad now.

My food intake has been crazy the past 2 days so I atone by just having veggies and rice for lunch but come dinner, I eat like a horse. I exercise like a madman in the morning. My am ritual feels so good. everyday. Exercise, breakfast, mass, walk to work. Repeat. No one messes with my mornings. It's all mine. Oh but early today, I cooked breakfast for Rye so that was good. Garlic scent on my fingers.

Regarding the elusive one, could it be boredom, or I don't quite know how to pin it exactly.

forgetting february

Technically I'm on a fast. From this person that  I truly want. Huhu.

December is Bliss

Recent turn of events could only be planned by God. I don't deserve any of it but everyday has been drenched with grace overwhelming. I could never hug my siblings enough or my pamangkins as well. It's like racing against time.

How do you even begin to describe November to December 2012? I can't. There's just so many memories created with family and friends. My heart is full and continues to overflow. I still have to take it all in. I haven't started. Maybe after everyone has gone home and my birthday has passed. Maybe we'll make good ones again for 2013. Cheers Lord. You've been awesome. Tell me again and again how much You love me. I'm spoiled rotten. Lazy as a fat cat. Garfield peg.

Today I woke up to the sound of my sister's voice. It's comforting. I love listening to my family's voice, laugh, snort... :)

Mama @ 75

Last night I felt like Kim Chiu, tears flowing like a river watching this Kate Hudson flick "A Little Bit of Heaven" with Kathy Bates. It was inspiring how to deal with death like that. Bring back the FUN in funeral. That incredible sensation of feeling alive when your eyes look into mine. Aww sappy crap. 

Mama is 75 today. I miss her so much my heart still bleeds. 

Tonyo thanked me on his bday greeting. Lynetterski. Cute. 

2012 Highlights

In order of happenings: 

 

My bday food trip with Mavic & Thelms

- we went to Rubs BBQ in Kapitolyo, Pasig and just stayed here for the whole afternoon with the kids and then Starbucks Shang. Seeing Mavic after 6 years was soo cool. 

Daddy Dad arrival after 2 years

- we went to Manaoag, Baguio and Laguna. we gave a surprise bday party for him at TMM and reunion with Belair peeps. It was so much fun! Seeing Dad hang out in Belair garage is one of my best images for this year. 

Riley top 3 honors

- changed school but he got better ranking! thank You God for this fine piece of a child, mine!

Daily Mass commitment

- this wasn't planned but You planned it for me to go to my favorite church in the world every single day which is my lifeline to the world's insanity

Ideal weight achieved

- thanks to regular exercise and food intake consciousness, i was able to trim down to my ideal weight. and i feel good! 

TV Commercial extra

- never have I realized that this remote dream will come true in really amazing circumstance. First of all, I wasn't supposed to be in it, second is i got to be with my crushie! Weeh. Super effortless acting. 

Bgy LA arrival after 6 years

- my sister is my Christmas. She's the reason why I'm a good person. so after 6 years, I just wanted to be with her that I sometimes forgot about Rye. I just go directly to her before and after work. There are so many times to be with her and just talk, laugh and eat!

Bgy NZ arrival after 2 years

- Kuya Bong is my big guy! He's amazing and I've missed him so much. Bear hug everytime. For someone who took care of me, I will be forever Kuya's girl.

G & Rap Epic Wedding

- the sun was shining, people were more beautiful, food was great, everything fell into place to this fave couple of mine. Love love love! From Europe to Manila

Skyfall

- Bond. James Bond. It took me a whole year and a few months to be with someone I truly like to get to know better. And so far, it has been beyond expectation. Still praying for God's will. 

Disney Xmas Party as Princess Jasmine

- first i got to sing again and perform like in a musical with Lea's cartoon character. next i've been chosen as female star of the night. how awesome is that? and my family saw me coz they're booked at Hotel h2o. 

Xmas Eve/Advance Bday Kuya Surprise 

- my family pulled a fast one on me, and I was slow to see it. but I felt so loved, appreciated and cared for. everyone knew it except me..well Rye and Dad. haha. Kuya sang Here There and Everywhere with a banner saying "Yari Ka!" and took me about 3 minutes for the surprise to sink in.. I thought he already left a day before. And I told everyone to say bye to him over the phone coz true to tradition, I don't ever send off people to the airport. I just hated airport goodbyes. It's too cheesy and my eyes go heavy and cry (haha). 

Just a little more weeks

I'm counting the days to everyone's arrival and it's insane! I'm super excited ;) Aside from the fact that a wish came true. Yeah, God You're awesome!

October Freak

They say your child is a better, more improved version of you. It's absolutely true. Rye at seven is more outspoken, witty and smart than I was at that age. Bar none. Hey I miss bar none. I'm hungry. Hehe. You know how you meet one person for just that brief moment and you are changed forever? Last night Jen and I met this insanely funny and wise cab driver going to Greenbelt for Pelicula Spanish Film Fest. He gives unsolicited advice and the cutest thing was that he butts in at exactly the right time. The film was great,it's sibling rivalry/revelry at its best. And we had Italian food. A Thursday that felt more like a Friday. Some people you open up to, without reservations. Thank God for friends like her. I felt bad about my hair recently up until I saw Abby Asistio's docu last Sunday, who had a hair deficiency called alopecia. Now I love my hair! Sometimes you just have to be aware of what you have and instant gratification. There was a 50% reunion of Smokey Mountain at Net 25. Jeffrey Hidalgo and Geneva Cruz. I grew up with them. And when they sang their hits, I am at once 13 again. It felt so good. The mind doesn't grow old. When life was about first crush and music. I also saw "Top Gun". So nice. Back in the day when I love tom. now not so much. Landmarks went to Acuzar, the one with all these reconstructed ancestral houses. My guiding principle is Philippians 4:8, think of all that is noble, pure, true, admirable right now. I'm going to a funk today but it's great. I slept so much this weekend. Rye had colds and slight fever. But he's ok now. I had nachos for merienda and dinner. the best food for the soul. and the tummy.

SeptemBER is here

The Ber months have begun, which means Christmas is near, G's wedding is coming soon and I'm gonna see them again. yey! no more orphan me for a little over a month. I felt Mama's physical loss more this year than in the past. Maybe it's because she's been generous in my dreams and even with Rye's. Or maybe I'm turning out like her. I recently read a book that says you turn into your parents as you become one and as you get older. No matter if you like it or not. I do like it. I wish I was more maternal than normal. There are days when I feel short of it. I miss my friends. Last weekend I spent most of it with my BFFs, just catching up and just listening. Mix laughter is the best thing in the world. And chocolate. And bagnet. Haha. We saw I Doobidoo Bidoo. I've always known APO. I never knew how, but it was just always on the radio, on cassette, on my brothers' playlist like Beatles. So naturally I've grown to love the songs and memorized its lyrics. It was a great musical film. I enjoyed it especially Uge. I haven't really seen Kimidora. Rye is surrounded with maps and his 2 globes. We've had discussions over Russia and Africa. I think he's gonna be in places I would never be. And that is a good thing.

Shrink Wanna Be

It's such an honor for people to open up their hearts to me. I'm astounded when they reach out and pour out their problems, thinking out loud with me and just sharing a silence that brings comfort and sense of being there. I think God gave me a listening ear, more than the normal hearing range. Maybe because I don't talk all the time and I just absorb a lot of stuff and people trust me. Wow. Amazing. Another great blessing is that I seem to go to the Feast with my friends, now getting to be a regular thing. Rye is used to it already, going to Mass and the prayer meeting after. Like what Ma used to do before with me. Last Saturday I met with Thea and saw some former office people in Legend during the travel mart. Reunions however short are always a great time. It's looking back, moving forward and just being who you are right now. August was tough due to the rains that ravaged the country. Life was not normal for about a week with all the flooding, no classes and just being safe. It was letting God do His mercies for the havoc people did to nature. Pity us all. We had a great time touring Intramuros with Rye, Mai and Amy last weekend. It was spontaneous, cheap and oozing with fun! The thing I love about living now is that God calls the shots. No money, no problem. No worries, He made everything! Just surrender. Everything will be alright. And truly His provisions are more than enough. Thelma and I are going to Bacolod - next year! For only P400 roundtrip Piso fare via Cebpac. It's such a thrill!

July Holiday

July highlight was a surprise Boracay trip for our group. Subic didn't happen but God had something better mapped out for us. My Bora 2 was definitely an entirely new experience altogether. There was nightlife, 2 nights of dancing and getting tipsy. Tamang amats lang. Massage on the beach. Touristy treatment from the dock to a bus transfer to buffet dinner. But of course, Jonah's shake is something I'd go back to over and over, mango rhum it was since my first love melon is out of season. Boracay in July is not crowded, very idyllic and never boring. Unlike last year when the frenzy is very much felt. It was my first time to see the fire dancers. Awesome. John Puruntong aka Dolphy passed away. He was part of my childhood as a tv nanny and John and Marsha was some unforgettable family bonding time. Today is our Sportsfest. I've dedicated much time for the cheerdance portion. Yihaa! Let's do this! I've always wanted to dance. Rye has been amazing in school. He loves his new environment and he prays, knows alot of spiritual stuff now. We were discussing the Holy Spirit a few nights ago. Thank you Lord.