Let's go!

a week of love..

nope..it's not what you think it is..a week of love for me is simply a week of wonderful moments at the office and at home..clear? c'mon..everyone loves wonderful times..

My officemate, Mitch and I attended the HMO orientation first thing this week. While the orientation really seemed serious, we managed to point out a few of hilarious scenes in the room, some were mentioned by the speakers as examples and some were behaviors of the attendees..but of course, we just kept it to ourselves and used those funny moments to get through the session.

And the most amazing surprise for my Monday? ta-da!

Sunshine Peas! Childhood memories flashed right in front of me!

I spent Valentine's day at the office which is NOT a bummer since we have this:

hearts up the ceiling..(see the details? they're really small hearts..)

..the lights

..and the people

yep..a Valentine's show..no further info..you can guess what it is but that's all the hint I can give you..

One of the best things in life is sharing..and the best things in life are for free..

TL Jen celebrated her birthday this week and she shared with us a piece of heaven:

Mango Cheesecake..I just fell in love!

I ate breakfast four times thrice this week..surprised? it's not the first time but I'm starting to ask myself if I'm some kind of a mutant or a monster..in one of my breakfasts, here's what I had:

5:15 AM big breakfast with pineapple juice from McDonald's

6:10AM three-piece pancakes with coffee..

7:00AM pan de sal with peanut butter from Pan De Manila

7:55 AM bagel with cream cheese and fruit jam..plus lemon chamomile tea..CBTL..

Well, that's my week of love..made of laughter, pleasant surprises, sharing, and yeah, food..it's just everywhere! See? you can just find something lovable anywhere..no need to conform with society's idea of Valentine week..


:)

things I learned on 1st wk of February

1. Don't go to Divisoria on a weekday..especially if you have work the next day..just don't..(unless you have the most understanding supervisor in the world who would just allow you to adjust your sched without any questions)

2. Glorietta had changed. Yes, you may have memorized its entire floor plan like you have the blueprint tattooed on your mind 4 years ago but its completely changed into a full-pledged maze. So if you're planning to watch a movie there, make sure you have a mobile GPS functional. That way, you will not lose your time trying to search for the cinemas like a worn-out Amazing Race participant. (you don't want to miss the trailers, right?)

3. If you plan to clean up and rearrange it, finish the task. But don't scold yourself if you only got to clean it and only got to half of the rearrangements. No need to hurry. Rearranging your room is like rearranging your whole life. You have to decide where certain things should be placed, on your bedside table, on your wall, or on your bottom-most drawer..take your time..

4. It's time to be serious about owning a property. No more procrastinating. Call that real state agent or car sales executive today and discuss your options. Now.

5. Never miss a week without having checked on your friends and family. I guess I don't have to explain.

hope you all had a great week!

hide and seek

how is she? is she fine? who can tell? nobody asked..nobody asked and stayed to listen..stayed to listen not out of curiosity but of understanding that she needs to just let it out..

she's tough, yes..but has anyone thought that she also has helpless moments? who had dared look her in the eyes and see what she's going through? maybe no one..

maybe she also doesn't want anyone to see it..because she's tough..she doesn't want people to fuss around her..she's not known to break down and cry..she's known to hold her ground and stand on her own..(which is why people who wants to tear her down would go for the people she cares most just to get to her..cowards!)

but then no matter how much you try to hide it, there will always be those people who can see beyond your laughter and smiles..there will be those who can tell that beyond your ultra tough armor, inside, you're actually tearing apart..

..but who? who can see what she's hiding?

..and it was all purple [final stage]

so after watching the movie, Gerald had to leave for a life-changing event..don't ask..anyway, we went shopping for a while (well, i think i did) and tried on a few dresses until I finally got the one i've been eyeing for like eternity..thanks Unica Hija..

bought a yellow-brown dress to deviate from purple day..but irony is on my side; the saleslady packed it on a purple paperbag..

We then went to Starbucks from choco-caffeine fix to cap the wonderful day..simply being with these people, though not complete, gives a feeling of incomparable happiness..we've been through a lot of stuff in our own little ways and we stayed being friends through it all..and now even though we're all going separate roads, we still have the time to skype, text, email, chat with each other about anything from asaran to moral support (when applicable)..

hoping we'll last for years..

Val, Cai, Bey, Niko

not in picture: Perry Jade, Robby, Kleto, Luloy, Gerald (sali na lang) and Ian (who has become such a dedicated presence in our group)

One last thought..what are we going to do with Robby?

The floor is now open for suggestions..

:)

..and it was all purple [Part 2]

after our hearty lunch, Niko and Ian had to leave to meet Niko's mom but Niko promised she'll catch up with us after we watch a movie. As we were waiting for our bill, the master of all green jokes and pervert phrases, Gerald, arrived. He didn't get to join us for lunch so he requested for his favorite popcorn, Kettlecorn, instead. I know it was in danger of being consumed even before we get to sit inside the cinema, and well, I was wrong, but, hello, he already had 3/4 of the large pack of popcorn.

We first decided to watch Life of Pi however it was in 3D and most of us don't want to spend much. After a few minutes of deliberation, we ALL agreed to watch Les Miserables instead. Gerald bought the drinks for everyone. This act is already in the process of being submitted to the Vatican to be officially announced as a miracle.

We still had 30 mins before the show starts so Gerald suggested that we stroll. All (girls) obliged by going to all shoe shops in our way. There were no complaints from the boys. Not a single one. This act is also now being processed to become an official miracle.

We came across a lingerie store and Gerald was tempted to check the place. But he did not. This act ...made me think that Gerald had been abducted by aliens on his way to Galleria and was replaced by an impostor from planet Saturn or Neptune.

10 mins before the show, we went back to the cinemas to get our drinks from the snack counter. While Gerald and I waited for the others, a few highschool girls (in off-shoulder tops and shorts) passed by and Gerald gave them a lingering look with matching evil smirk. (Now I think the alien impostor is back on its mothership).

Les Miserables.

To anyone who had experienced Les Mis (as a high school project:musical, book review, thesis), it is an epic story that should be given the utmost attention. For those who love it, you would be too excited that you'd forget to empty your bladder first as it is going to be a long movie and it's not like in live theater where there's a break. I'm guilty. The moment I sat inside the cinema, I knew I would not get out until it's over.

But I had second thoughts.

Not because the movie was bad. Oh no, it's not. The reason I had thoughts of getting out was because Gerald had made his usual remarks on things. And the show started..

Gerald: Ai, ano ba 'to? kakanta sila? concert pala 'to eh..sabi sa labas, movie..
Me: Eh derived nga sa musical di ba?
Gerald: Sana pala nag-One More Try na lang tayo..

Look Down part
Gerald: weh, impossibleng makakanta kayo nang ganyan kabigat hinihila nyo..
(then he goes to eat popcorn..and eventually fell asleep)

Few more songs and everyone was so quiet. When one number was over, Gerald applauded it with his "very discreet" snore. So discreet that I'm sure the whole cinema shook. And it happened not just once, not twice, oh, not thrice, but hell, four times! But he would try to make it up by saying comments like "in fairness, it's nice naman pala" or "ganda ni anne jan ha" .He would laugh at parts were people would laugh without bothering to know why. Then he'd go back to sleep and snore. I was always at the edge of my seat, ready to leave if people would start throwing things at Gerald. Good thing they didn't.

I still enjoyed the movie though I would still prefer to watch it live on stage. I miss the belting out parts of Fantine but Anne still delivered it very well. The movie gave so much visual wonders that you would not see on stage.

When Eponine had her moment, my heart stopped. Bey reminded me not to sing along. I did my best. I got teary-eyed, as I always do on this part. Who wouldn't? Eponine was like my teenage avatar, she's a representation of all teenagers who felt miserable. I have always connected with her emotions, not necessarily her situation, from reading her from Victor Hugo's book 'til she was brought to life by a lot of actresses on stage.

And of course, even though I'm not French, a sense of patriotism always comes out whenever I hear Do You Hear The People Sing. In this movie, it was soooo moving that I almost cried and I have to remind myself not to stand up and join the barricade.

Do you hear the people sing

Singing the song of angry men?

It is the music of the people who will not be slaves again.

When the beating of your heart 

Echoes the beating of the drums

There is a life about to start when tomorrow comes.

..to be continued

..and it was all purple [Part 1]

Last weekend, my friends from my previous company got together for the first time in 2013. We rarely get together due to our uber-busy lives (and uber-fictional excuses). So when the first invite for 2013 was sent, it was a miracle that well, 90% RSVP'd with going. All of us were excited, well, maybe most, as some went M.I.A (hello, Robby).

from left: Bey, Val, Kles, Me, Niko and her bf Ian

We all agreed to meet at Mexicali at 11AM. As expected, most are late (yours truly is guilty) but it's better than not showing at all (hello, Robby). We only had appetizers at Mexicali as most were craving for real food (kanin, ulam, dessert), then decided to go to Mangan as venue #2.

our appetizers: my hot tea, cheese and garlic quesadillas, tacos, mexicali salad

After the preliminary food consumption, we headed to our 2nd venue but decided to have a detour to the department store to leave Bey's baggage and to accompany her in buying a shirt.

Bey's section..peace, thumBEYlina!

We were all hungry after "hours"of finding the perfect shirt so we headed off to Mangan. Little did I know, this is going to be the start of my purple-torture day. But I didn't let it ruin my appetite for food! haha! (yeah, like something could ruin that). So we ordered the best of Mangan: inihaw fiesta, sinigang na babi, pinakbet (despite Bey's begging not to order any veggies as she had a lot of 'em in Baguio) and thank God, no puto bumbong!

photo courtesy of Nikola Rio

(emphasis on my purple top, purple phone case, and the purple table)

to be continued...


:)

of chocolates and phones..

Too many definitions for life, huh? There's a lot to say about life and while it is commonly thought of when you're at your happiest or lowest point, life definitions can also hit you on some idle Wednesday..

Today, I think life is..

..a box of chocolates..you'll never know what you're gonna get --if there's no label on it.. :p

*****

My friend Nikola lost her phone today at their office (i presume since she mentioned that one OM reported the incident). It wasn't the first time that this happened to her at the same office. And she's not the only one who experienced that. 

I felt bad that this had to happen..again. Despite the very tight security measures there, people still lose their phones. Sometimes, you can't help but blame the culture in there. A culture with a lot of trust issues. In the company I'm with right now, it's completely the opposite. I have left my phone at my desk a few times and when it hits me, I freak out and I fear that when I get back, it's gone..but it's not. And when i look around, I can see a lot of desks, with valuables out in the open that a thief could call it "buffet". However, nothing gets stolen. Too good to be true? Well, i thought so too at first but I've witnessed and experienced it and it made me realize that this is actually possible. 

One time when I left my phone, I told one of the associates "I'm really surprised to see my phone is still where I left it. In my previous company, just two seconds you take your eyes out of your phone at your desk, it's gone."

The associate responded, "Oh, that's sad. I've been here for two years already and no one ever had to worry about valuables being taken. People here got used to not touching things that are not theirs without permission. If things are left (ballpoint pens to a laptops), it always goes to Lost and Found department."

I guess this should always be the case. You don't have to put seven million security guards to ensure nothing gets lost. There will always be things that would be lost but if it's found, it should go back to the rightful owner. Sometimes, a mass reverse psychology about this would (might) work. 

With the previous companies, outlook takeover is rampant. Forget to lock you pc and you're done for. Email blasts about you treating everyone for pizza or professing you love the most peculiar person in the office is sure to happen. I have NEVER experienced it at my new office. There was a time when I saw a fellow trainer's pc unlocked and the outlook is there, as if telling me to send one funny email blast for fun. But I decided not to. I don't want to bring in bad culture there.

While most companies have INTEGRITY printed on their hallways and employee manuals, this company is living it.

:)

sweet deeds, anyone?

So my friend Tetay tagged me in one of her posts about paying it forward stuff. For some people, this concept would seem very heavy as it could mean things like adopting a school, sponsoring a less-fortunate kid's education, environmental pledges, orphanages/home for the aged visits, etc. (Well, I actually have some lined up for me this year..I'll probably post it as well and try to get some friends to join). While all of these are really ideal, we must not forget that a simple act of giving time to spend with a friend (in need or not) is also a form of paying it forward. Remember that when you spend time with someone, you're giving away a part of your life you'll never get back.

So setting aside the serious stuff, I committed to Tetay's Pay It Forward Program (haha)..but instead of limiting it to five friends, I'll pay it forward to 20.. :)

Friendship is always a sweet responsibility.

*****

I just wanted to post this screenshot of me during Facetime with thumBEYlina..thanks for the call last week..miss you! (ehem, tea set)

Cai and Baby B (B=Bugnutin -because that pink cuddly bear of mine looks grumpy) saying good morning to thumBEYlina!

*****

Work today is sooooooooo great! Lots of progress, commendations and recognition I got from bosses. Even got SB certs just for being diligent. So nice to be surrounded with people who are very appreciative of any efforts shown at work.

I used to have a mantra ("I love my job..i love my job..i love my job..") everytime i feel too stressed (or pissed) at work..but now, i say it because I mean it..i really love my job! Good times are coming around again. :)

Work's not that bad when you have........

(chocs courtesy of one of my big bosses, Gary)

:)

2013 for Cai

*just posting this from what i have on my journal..

So 2012 has come and gone and I'm still here. A question pops into my head though, "is life still the same as I've always known it?

Last year, I took risks. You see when you take risks, most people pray it would go the best way you want it to be and not bring you the worst possible situation. However, the consequences of our actions are so diverse that predicting the future is a very nasty job indeed. When you're "lucky" enough, you might get a bit of both. I guess I did. But nevertheless, I have no regrets. If i'd be asked to take the same risks again, I definitely would, but I'd be wiser.

So this year, take risks still, whatever it maybe about..but be braver..and wiser..

This year, I will also continue to nurture my love for travelling. 

Just recently, a friend of mine asked me, "So, what are you going to do this weekend?". I said, "Well, nothing much, I'm just staying at my apartment."

He responded with a loud, mocking laugh. "You're kidding, right? Cai -- indoors on a fine-weathered weekend? The world must have turned upside down."

Then it got me thinking, maybe it did. And what the hell just happened? Did I just let it happen? My friend's right. I was always travelling. No matter how sleep-deprived or energy-drained I am, I am always somewhere else.

This year, nothing shall/will stop me from travelling. 

If there's a risk I would not want to take, it's the risk of not taking the opportunity to explore the world while I can or enjoy life when I must.

So, is life the same as I've always known it? Yes, but it will definitely be better!