Snap

Days like this, I sure wish there's an on and off switch for unwanted emotions. These bouts of melancholy and despair gets in the way of my positive outlook in life, I will admit that.

Please don't let my demons win.

Big Kitty Sitting Pretty

Too bad we didn't get to feed 'em chickens just like we did when I first came here in '09.

Zoobic 2010.

Milk Tea

Maligayang Pasko 2010!

Raising Hope

My current TV series addiction. Hilarious Grandma V and Grandpa Burt, odd Maw Maw and dorky Dad, but Hope, Hope is too precious for words.

6th Month!

Today marks my sixth month back into the workforce after being unemployed a day short of six months. Wow, what's with me and number 6?! Anyway, I'm glad how everything turned out. I love my current job, my small albeit, very efficient team and quirky teammates. Dealing with deadlines, editing/proofreading, change of schedule, meetings with our US bosses, helping fellow NPIS improve their work and handling extra work and responsibility -- I'm thankful for them all. I didn't realize it in me that I have a future to excel at something lol. It's not writing, don't fret.

More than anything, 6 months = regularization woot!

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Photo taken by Diana Liban.

Boracay!

Finally, my outstanding date with Boracay came. I was supposed to spend it with a friend but she has to call it off due to health restrictions, so, naturally, I have to ask the Cheese. I'm super thankful because it was not easy for him to get out of the office, look for someone willing to swap with his current schedule at a time when overtime and absolutely-no-absence policy was being imposed. I thank Bathala!

I'm a Boracay virgin so my perception of the island and what it's supposed to be were solely based on what my friends and other people's stories, what I read on blogs and what I've seen on the telly.

Well, I've seen better beaches. I admit though that the proximity of lodges/hotels/restaurants/bars/stores and whathaveyou's amazed me. Everything is within a 10-meter radius. If you ran out of water or need some meds for an upset tummy, you can always run to the nearest [drug]store. No one can argue that food or bar choices are limited because there are tons of stores to choose from, or spots, stalls, everything!

I'd like to commend the local government for one thing. A spotlessly clean port, beach and shoreline. I was having a mini fit with all the fees we were paying for upon arrival (environmental, terminal and another I forgot!) but seeing as they take good care of the place (as only fitted), maintaining its world class quality, I'd have to say that at least the money's going somewhere (which is a rarity in Philippine system so please don't judge me haha).

For that observations alone, you have my respect Boracay. I, we had so much fun. Until next time!

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PS: I got too lazy to do photo collage on paint manually (photoshop be darned!) so I resorted to an online photo collage maker. Keber na.

Still a Great Game, Azkals!

It's about time we be recognized for our potential excellence in football. Forget basketball, let's leave 'em to NBA and those mighty Argentinians and Slavic boys. Football is for us. All signs say so.

Despite everything, I am so proud of you Azkals. No, Neil, you have nothing to apologize this time. That was a great goal from Gonzales and I acknowledge a great goal when I see one even if it comes from the other side. The referee, however, with his effing impossible calls is another story.

Now let's build that world class stadium, dammit!

Stress Drilon Wednesday!

What a fabulous (yes, sarcasm) news to greet me on my first day in the office after a vacation. Such a BV Wednesday I was so stressed the whole day sa mga problemang NPI related. It wasn't my fault pero inako ko na para wala nang mahaba pang usapan. Dumagdag pa ang napakababang sweldo na mali-mali pala, buti na lang naagapan.

Dahil dyan napa-tsaa ko, napa-update ng Lakbayan page at napa-blog ulit sa wikang Filipino.

My Lakbayan grade is B-!

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

Created by Eugene Villar.

So Long Siargao!

Til we meet again. Sana by that time, marami na para hindi na ko mag-isa. ;)

FLYING SOLO

This has officially become an annual tradition. Please pray for me. Ikaw nang bahala sa akin Bathala.

Later Manila.

The alley-oop that made the difference

I like this Rondo-KG photo, may kurot sa puso. Hehe. Congrats on your 9th consecutive win, don't break the winning streak now!

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photo courtesy of nba.com

Merengues Got Trashed!

EPIC, EPIC GAME. Too bad I wasn't able to watch this soon-to-be-classic El Clasico game of all time. 5-0 man! Super intense game where the Galacticos are obviously frustrated with the turnouts no wonder there were so many physical contacts, bludgeoning and unnecessary fouls thrown.

Haynaku, the look [of horror] on Mourinho's face as the events unfold, Ronaldo's what-the-eff-is-going-on-here face and you, yes you Sergio Ramos. I loathe you. As if hurling Messi didn't satisfy you enough, you come and shove Puyol's face with such force and nudged Xavi's chin too! Pambihirang patis!

Next year, I'll make sure to not miss any of the El Clasico games for a first rather secondhand experience of it.

Congratulations Barca! Blaugranes el fantastico!

And Another One!

Eto na ang regalo nya sakin sa Pasko (no more Nalgene haha) bilang sya naman ang pumilit sakin na mas mataas na phone model na ang bilhin ko imbes na N1616 lang. Maraming salamat! Sana magtagal sya sakin +_+ May jinx ako sa mga sun phone ko huhu.

And while we're at it, happy 26th na rin! :p

Brady Red/White Christmas Party

Isang seryoso...

at syempre, isang kalokohan!

Hindi makumple-kompleto NPI/SEO team kainis!

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photos nicked from Diana's.

More Loot!

E-Business and Creative Services Group Christmas exchange of gifts. This is my loot and I got all I asked for (thanks to Bubbles/Miss Paula from HR). YAY!

First Christmas Gift Came in Today!

From my officemate...

Who quite knew me well, at least when it comes to my huge appetite for food haha.

Thank you! Kinilig ako sa tuwa :)

My 2010 Christmas Wishlist

*I'm hoping to get my lost earphones be replaced by the same brand but I know that it's so expensive so kahit Phillips or Sennheiser earphones na lang will do as long as the music quality is good (at di yung tunog lata), I'm okay with it.


*12 (Silent Comics) by Manix Abrera. Have always been a fan of his works. Support Pinoy artist! (500 pesos at National Bookstore)


*I need my own small water bottle. Lugging around a 1-liter Nalgene is so inconevenient! I want the blue one preferably pero kung wala, I'll have purple, green or pink in that order haha.
*Been asking for this one for quite some time now. I do hope I get one huhu.


*Pocket solar charger. This is a very useful gadget promise!


*Illusion lens. Pa-cute lang sa P&S nyaha.


*Long, thick socks. Any color will do.

*Para lang maiba hehe. Pero okay lang kung Safeguard soap ibigay sakin.


*Tide powder para sa paglalaba ko! :D



*Still waiting for this book to complete my Jessica Darling series books.


*More domestic and international travels (Cebu, Puerto Princesa, Davao, Indonesia and HK-Macau, etc. to push through without so much hassle, schedule and financial wise)

That's for the material stuff. For not so materialistic wishes, I wish for

* Good health
* Good health and long life for my grandmothers
* More confidence in handling my small team
* For all Filipino kids to be properly educated
* Calamity-free Philippines
* Boston Celtics in the playoffs
* Inner peace, World peace
* Ampatuan case to be solved
* Selfless politicians
* For Mykonos to come out safely in this world.
* To see my friends more often
* More years and adventures with my Cheese

Tawangan Trail: The Road Less Traveled

Road number two to Pulag was an extreme adventure I dare not try again. I thank the Lord I and 14 of my friends came out alive, all in one piece. The general feeling of heaviness, wetness, coldness, hunger and fatigue were clearly showing on our faces and tired bodies. But despite the bleak and rainy weather, the gazillion leeches that fed on us and that terrible, terrible ride to Brgy. Tawangan, I am so glad humor and friendship conquered 'em all.