nov 1

All Saint’s Day and in my 27 years of being here on earth, this the 1st time I failed to visit the cemetery. Why? Well, because of my work! I had to leave for Dos Palmas last October 30 and I just arrived today…I feel so guilty I failed to visit my Daddy but I know he understands, and he knows that I did all my best to drop this trip… for a couple of reasons: (1) All Saint’s Day (2) security ---I was able to read Gracia Burnham’s book and was afraid to go to Palawan specifically DOS PALMAS. I was really in fear.

But still, I know I had to go because I have to conquer my fear…It happens to me, always! Things that I don’t like happen and in the process I begin to appreciate them. Well, that’s life for me.

On a lighter note, Dos Palmas is a very serene place. We enjoyed swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, picture taking and most of all, pigging out! They have excellent food, so yummy! We even had a cruise to an island for a lunch. This was one of my unforgettable out of town trips, very relaxing…How I wish I was with Xave. Too sad, he had to leave for Baguio.

last night, great dinner

island hoping for lunch - what an experience!

kayak with carol and she --- had fun!

got a fish! =)

DOS PALMAS

Chosen One

My 1st month in Samsung and I was privileged enough to be part of the 2005 Strategic Planning that was held in Tagaytay Highlands. I was able to mingle with the top managers of our company together with our CEO/President, Mr. Eom. It was a great experience for a newbie like me. We were able to plot 3-5 key plans to be achieved next year (per division). Joscel, Karen and I were able to share a lot of ideas, plans and goals that made us look forward for 2005.

The place was so relaxing, very conducive to planning as well. You won’t believe this, our company spent P250,000 just for our stay there. Samsung really invests on its people and pushes everyone to grow and be productive. Who won’t be motivated on this kind of perks?

After two days of hard planning, we had this thing called “social night”. It was basically a gimik after hard days work. Too, sad it was just a videoke party which I didn’t find exciting…Yeah, I get bored on gimiks like this...I just had a few glasses of vodka and that made my evening. =)

Check out our pictures…

You might want to read the caption of the last picture then go all the way up to be able to understand the whole picture.

my drinking and smokin' buddies: gerard, bingoy, karen, annaise and atty.gabby

gimik night

was so tired...lying in the sofa when joscel took a pic of me

brainstorming time with our team. while i was on the phone, joscel was singing (total performer, agree?)

funny people!

the chosen people =)

karen (mp3 player gal..girl..whatever! hahaha!), annaise (mobile phone queen), angie (ads and promo master), joscel (the total performer), tammy (hmm...it's for you to think.=) )

tagaytay highlands

e800 launch

Last night was the 1st Samsung event I attended since I joined the company. It was superb! I was lucky enough to be able to invite some friends to witness the fabulous event which is not possible in H* (hehehe). I’m sure they did enjoy.

Karen, myself, Angie and Kate

models holding the the e800 phones

flying on its own... w/o any strings, whatever!

I was amazed by the flying phone. Well, everybody did. Imagine, the phone was as big as a car flying up in the air of NBC tent! Mindshare was great, almost all of my non-Samsung phone users wanted to give up their units and buy Samsung instead. Guests were able to take home some swarovski crystal accessories to attach on their cell phones. It was an affair to remember.

Everybody is looking forward on our next event. Hopefully it would be my Laser Printer…=)

the flying phone!!!

dilemma

1) I have DEADLINES to meet. No data available for me to use to do my master plan. But I know I can manage…This is REAL HARDWORK.
2) Samsung V200 cellphone, I don’t know how to use it! I wanted to upload some pics from my phone to my notebook--- I can’t figure it how. I miss my P800…=(
3) I wanted to have facial with my derma, I HAVE NO TIME!
4) I wanted to visit my hairstylist; it’s just in Connecticut… I DON’T HAVE TIME!
5) I need a prophylaxis, again NO TIME!

Arrrggghh!

I know I will have time to do this all, soonER. Hmm, let me check my calendar. Oh my gawd!!! I’ll only be free by MID NOVEMBER! Fyi. This is my 3rd week at work and yet, I’m full of activities! (read: REAL B-U-S-Y)

I miss doing ‘whatever’ pops in my mind…I can no longer be like that. I have to prioritize things, I know. I have to accept these, ALL. Leaving my comfort zone, and not being able to do the things I want AT ONCE for the sake of 'experiencing what I have to experience' /or my career (growth). The same old feeling with my previous job however, I’m much happier now because I love what I’m doing.

At the end of hard days work, this is all that matters--- loving what you do and being content. =)

waaaaaaaah!

What a Friday! It was so traffic everywhere and there was no available parking space left for me. I had no choice but to bring my car in Shell and have it washed just for my car to have a parking slot. Worse, I was 5 minutes late at work!

I can leave my car in Shell for the whole day. Unfortunately, I had to go there and get some documents. Another not so nice thing happened: I had to claim my car as early as lunch time. Shell ran out of space for the other customers. Ok, fine with me...IF ONLY said in a NICE WAY. I got pissed, really! Aren’t they trained on how to give ‘good customer service'??? She totally spoiled my day.

It was so hot outside and I had to transfer my car. Thanks to Carol, she saved one for me.=)

I need a chocolate…

so many plans, too little time...

It’s my 2nd Thursday with Samsung, so far everything’s ok. I’m expecting my ID to arrive today. I’m excited! =)

I’m currently doing my Q4 master plan for laser printer which is due on Wednesday! I was surprised by the deadline that I have to meet. However, along the way I get confident that I can finish this before it arrives.

It’s such a nice feeling to like what you are doing for WORK. I can hardly notice the time. I have overflowing ideas in mind, I want to execute immediately. Hahaha! But it should not be that way. Well, beating HP is REALLY difficult. To be a strong #2, is more feasible. 3 months to go before our year end…too much work, waiting for me.

zzz...zzz...zzz...i need this!

What a tiring week! After office on my way home, I was having a picture of my bed in my mind. I was driving then, when suddenly I fell asleep for like a few seconds…I couldn’t help it! I wanted to close my eyes…

I thought I can get a good sleep. However, Xave and I had to leave to meet Tita in Galleria. For the first time, I wanted to skip on going to the mall for a very sound sleep. Unfortunately, sleep was not for me today.=(

I feel so drained like a battery. We keep on walking and walking and walking…as if there’s no end. To satisfy myself, I had my upper lip waxed. It was already due…that made me feel better! =)

Saturday @ work

It’s Saturday and I’m at work. I’m having my coffee now…I missed it. Taste is better than tea, of course but I still have to refrain from drinking too much of it for health reasons.

Everybody here in Samsung is ranting about SIMS --- Samsung Integrated Management System. It’s basically a system where each employee has to maximize the use of it for productivity purposes. It’s like an online organizer --- very hi-tech, everything you need is in there! Useful to some; nuisance to most. Will it be useful or a hassle for me? Hmm…I need more days to find out. =)

I need more sleep...

T.G.I.F.

Friends, read on…very inspiring.


THE JOURNEY OF OUR LIFE

A long time ago, there was an Emperor who told his horseman that if he could ride on his horse and cover as much land area as he likes, then the Emperor would give him the area of land he has covered.

Sure enough, the horseman quickly jumped onto his horse and rode as fast as possible to cover as much land area as he could. He kept on riding and riding, whipping the horse to go as fast as possible. When he was hungry or tired, he did not stop because he wanted to cover as much area as possible.

Came to a point when he had covered a substantial area and he was exhausted and was dying. Then he asked himself, “Why did I push myself so hard to cover so much land area? Now I am dying and I only need a very small area to bury myself.”

The above story is similar with the journey of our life. We push very hard everyday to make more money, to gain power and recognition. We neglect our health, time with our family and to appreciate the surrounding beauty and the hobbies we love.

One day when we look back, we will realize that we don’t really need that much, but then we cannot turn back time for what we have missed.

Life is not about making money, acquiring power or recognition. Life is definitely not about work! Work is only necessary to keep us living so as to enjoy the beauty and pleasures of life. Life is a balance of Work and Play, Family and Personal time. You have to decide how you want to balance your Life. Define your priorities, realize what you are able to compromise but always let some of your decisions be based on your instincts. Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of Life, the whole aim of human existence.

So, take it easy, do what you want to do and appreciate nature. Life is fragile, Life is short. Do not take Life for granted. Live a balanced lifestyle and enjoy Life!

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

my horoscope for today

Here is goes…

You love what you are doing and your boss is likely to commend the way you work. Grab this opportunity to seek advancement in your career.

reflection

How can you make someone else’s day more beautiful? Do it NOW.

Prayer: Help us to treasure this moment you’ve given us, Lord and make every moment count.

Gospel: Luke 9:7-9 (Taken from Didache Bible Reflectios)

for born worriers out there, listen up!

Allow me to share this with you…


Learn to live in the Present Moment

To a large degree, the measure of our peace of mind is determined on how much we are able to live in the present moment. Irrespective of what happened yesterday or last year, and what may or may not happen tomorrow, the present moment is where you are --- always!

Without question, many of us have mastered the neurotic art of spending much of our lives worrying about a variety of things --- all at once. We allow past problems and future concern to dominate our present moments, so much so that we end up anxious, frustrated, depressed, and hopeless. On the flip side, we also postpone our gratification, our stated priorities, and our happiness, often convincing ourselves that “someday” will be better than today. Unfortunately, the same mental dynamics that tell us to look toward the future will only repeat themselves so that “someday” never actually arrives. John Lennon once said, “Life is what’s happening while we’re busy making other plans.” When we’re busy making “other plans,” our children are busy growing up, the people we love are moving away and dying, our bodies are getting out of shape, and our dreams are slipping away. In short, we miss out on life.

Many people live as if life were a dress rehearsal for some later date. It isn’t. In fact, no one has a guarantee that he or she will be here tomorrow. Now is the only time we have, and the only time that we have any control over. When our attention is in the present moment, we push fear from our minds. Fear is the concern over events that might happen in the future --- we won’t have enough money, our children will get into trouble, we will get old and die, whatever.

To combat fear, the best strategy is to learn to bring your attention back to the present. Mark Twain said, “I have been through some terrible things in my life, some of which actually happened.” I don’t think I can say it any better. Practice keeping your attention on the here and now. Your efforts will pay great dividends.

i can't think of a title...

I left home at 730am. It was just a 15-minute drive going to the office. Good for me, I don’t need to rush too much everyday and I don’t even need to rent a place to stay. Well, I still have to see after a month or so…I miss being independent (read: living by myself), cleaning my bathroom, doing some laundry and having moments with the most important person: myself. But I feel that this is the time for me to save for ‘our’ future. Hehehe. Also, a good chance for me to help others.

I’ve never been so excited with my work until this came. I feel that there is ‘something’ with my new job. I don’t know, I always look forward on what ‘s gonna happen in my everyday life here at work.

I’m drinking my coffee jelly now while waiting for Xave to pick me up…yum-yum. I need this to keep me awake now that I’m still adjusting with my sleeping and waking time. I’m waiting for the clock to strike 530 then, leave. I have to take advantage of this stage wherein I can leave the office earlier compared to others leaving at 9pm! Oh gawd! I’m ready, though. It’s part of the ‘package’ when I accepted this job. It’s about time to grow up and be responsible, Tammy.

my 1st day @ work

I was so early in the office! I was afraid to be late so I left home at 6:30am and got to the office at 7!!! Gosh, early bird! Hahaha. Had my breakfast in Starbucks ALONE, just to kill time. My challenge for tomorrow: to arrive in the office before 8am without being caught in the traffic. Nyarks, coding pala ako tomorrow. Xave will have to bring me here, instead. Yipee! I can sleep longer. =)

I will have my orientation for a week. I feel so sleepy… Thanks to the internet, it keeps me company. Oh, by the way I love my new laptop---the lightest notebook in the world! *wink* As Samsung claims…I can say that this is much better than my previous one, HP. Hehehe. Also, I have to give up my P800 phone for Samsung. =( No other brand of cellphone is allowed here but their own. Sad…

30 minutes to go and I can leave. I need more sleep…*yawn*

something to ponder

A friend sent me this email and I thought of sharing it with you…


OUR MATE’S MIRROR

When your mate looks into your face, what does he see? Does he see acceptance or rejection? Whether you realize it or not, you are a mirror to your mate. The amount of confidence he has as he deals with people and life is in many ways influenced by whether you accept or reject him.

Self-image, self-esteem, self-concept---these three terms are used to described not only how your mate mentally sees himself, but how he feels about himself and what value and sense of worth he has internally.

Your mate’s self-image is central to all he is and everything he does. It will either hinder or enhance his ability to learn, make decisions, take risks and resolve conflicts with you and others. Your spouse’s self-image will either restrain him or refuel him.

When a person has a low esteem, he or she often views life through the eyes of fear. The fear of rejection is one of the most powerful forces motivating and controlling people today. If you want to see your mate’s self-image strengthened, then begin to recognize that the fear of rejection is your enemy. Fear will begin to dissolve in your mate under a steady stream of authentic love.

Love is the most powerful agent for change in the universe because love casts out fear! Perfect love ---God’s love--- is more powerful than the fear of rejection. Perfect love that accepts and embraces another, even in his or her weaknesses will win the power struggle against fear every time.

What fears help to govern how your mate reacts in different situations? Discuss with one another how rejection and acceptance have had an impact in your life. Pray that God would use each of you to cast out fear through your love.

“Perfect love casts out fear.” (1 John 4:18)

________________________________________
Shared by Joe Gatuslao
Bacolod City, Philippines

Sy family mantra

I would like to share an excerpt from the article written by Elizabeth L. Sanchez of PDI, published September 5, 2004

Henry Sy’s Daughter shares Dad’s story and 14 Principles

I will go straight to principle #8 which struck me.

8. Recognize opportunity. It is one thing to see opportunity, another to do something about it. When opportunity comes, you should be ready to react, otherwise it goes to someone else. Opportunity does not always come knocking. You’ve got to go out and look for it. Take stock of your assets, talents and resources. Pick the best opportunity you see and take it as far as you can. Don’t stop until you have done everything you can do to make it happen. What others would consider as luck is a combination of opportunity knocking and being ready for it.

tammy = mema?

Meet Coleen, Xave’s cousin. My day is not complete without seeing, kissing, sniffing and playing with this kid. I learned to love her and now, I love her even more.

She is now 2 ½ years old. She doesn’t call me on my real name because she cannot pronounce TAMMY. She calls me MEMA, instead. I like it! =) She can call me Mema ‘till forever.

Michelle gave me this butterfly pillow and was just stuck in my car for so long. When Colleen was at age 1 1/2, she makes it a point to go to my car (not tinted) and look at it. I never knew she likes it until Ate Gemma, her Mama told me. Days after, I decided to give it to her. (Sorry, Michelle…) It’s such a nice feeling to make someone happy.

Since then, she calls her butterfly pillow Mema. Maybe because she knew I was the one who gave it to her. Hahaha! Actually, all butterflies she sees, she calls Mema! Amazing! I love butterflies, too.

Yesterday when I went home, I can feel the excitement in her. She was calling me on top of her voice and showing me this bracelet her Mama bought her. It was a silvery block-kind of bracelet with her name on it. I was surprised to see butterflies before and after her printed name. *smiles* I was touched! She’s like a tea, makes my day complete. =)


collen with her MEMA

coleen and myself

it's Sunday!

I deserve a foot spa.

I went to Galleria and met Lizle and Asis. Got the few items I’ve reserved in Black Shop and got a jelly white shoes for my 'jeans days' when I feel the need to retire my Havaianas. I’m still fighting this urge in me to get a new pair of Havaianas. Hmm, I want the black Brazil one. Grrr!

Heard mass with Xave in Marietta and had my foot spa. It's a nice thing to start the week. My therapy. =)

midnight madness

Yesterday was a very tiring day. I continued my shopping…alone! It was my first time to go to the mall by myself because Xave has to leave for Bataan to continue the land filling in our farm.

My parking fee was 100 bucks! Imagine how long I was in the mall…almost 10 hours! Good thing I was able to buy a number of good pieces ‘for office use’. I deserve applause, don’t I? =) I was walking and walking until I felt my feet, legs and back aching. It was worth it though. But I hate shopping on midnight sales, lots of people everywhere. Just looking at them makes me feel so exhausted.

Between those times that I was in the mall, I was able to be wtih some friends. Had lunch with Lizle, coffee with Sprite & James and dinner with Asis. Whoo! I really felt the need to retire. However, traffic was at its worst and Asis and I had no choice but to let it pass and stay. =(

Afterwards, around 9pm we decided to have a couple of drinks in Aposento. Wala talagang patawad! RS joined us later on. I can hardly talk. I wanted to close my eyes and be home when I open them.

I went ahead, and arrived home at 12 midnight. No matter how tired I am, I still have to do my beauty regimen. *wink*

whew!

Today, I’ve finally signed with Samsung. I know this would definitely be a new experience for me and I’m excited. It’s like looking forward to my first day in class!

Whatever happens, whether I make it or not I know I wouldn’t have any regrets because I know for myself that I will try my best. Honestly, it’s the challenge that matters more, compensation just follows. This time, I wanna enjoy working. Life is too short to waste on doing nothing, right? I want to live life to the fullest.

There are still a lot of things to be done that added to my previous list---medical exams, NBI clearance, police clearance, diploma, transcript, etc.

17 days to go…I still need to decide where to stay.

blind item?

If there’s one person who knows almost everything about me, it’s her. We seldom see each other now but we still keep in touch. Text, call and ym.

People say opposites attracts. I’m not a believer, though. We are the exemption to the rule! We have extreme personalities, different priorities, and interests. Often times we clash. I can say that I’m more of a conventional type of girl and she is the opposite. People, don’t get me wrong…she is human! *laughs* Inspite of all this, I feel comfortable with her. I can spill my thoughts, feelings and even my deepest secrets with her! Oh my gawd, she has this vivid memory to keep in mind everything I tell her, however not in details...and that’s what I hate about her. She talks, writes and texts like a telegram. Often times, relevant information is missing. So how could she expect me to understand everything she says? Weird! *bwahaha* I know you’re reading this…*wink*

After having said all these, I can still say that she is a great friend. Always have helping hands and shoulders to lean on. Always on-call---24x7! Not until she got pregnant and I’m glad she’s starting to become normal now. *smiles* I keep on pondering why we’re close friends despite all the differences we have. There should be something we have in common. Uh-huh, we’re both true to ourselves, no pretensions and we just simply connect. I believe that is more than enough. I have nothing more to ask.

That’s MICHELLE.

It’s such a great feeling to have so many friends but having few true friends is incomparable.



me and michelle at Grila Libis, my birthday party last year

blessing vs. luck

I had an argument with Xave earlier on where to hear mass. We ended up in Christ the King, my choice. It’s solemn and I feel so close to Him when I’m there.

The homily was about REAL HUMILITY. According to the priest, we have to know what we have and what we can do to extend service to others. At the same time, know what we cannot do and what we do not have so we can trust in Him and be grateful. Vague as it seems, but I got the essence of it.

I have one question in mind, didn’t seek for an answer though. But I found it tonight.

God is so good. I never asked for this. Was thinking it was pure luck. No, it’s a blessing. I know what should be done… I always thank Him for my blessings and I know I have to share it to others.

aug 28

party!

broken vow on a saturday night

Ohhh, I broke my promise. I got myself 4 cutie tops (read: must-have, can be used as inner blouses for my office attires…---do I need to justify further???) from Len and 3 broaches! And I want moooore. Uh well, it’s hard to control myself…I’m such an impulse buyer! It made me feel good though. =) Shopping makes me chirpy! *giggles* and wanna be happy all the time, why not?


Mark and Robert's bday party

Ferrule Libis: Good to see some friends again. Though the place was so smoky and stung my eyes, we stayed longer to bond with friends. It’s hard to complete the gang. Especially now that we are all busy with our own businesses. I’m starting to believe, we’re all getting old! Oops, we’re not getting any younger. Much better. *hahaha*

Jack’s Loft Eastwood: Had a few bottles with some other friends: Yayo, Mica, Kitine, Jojo, Rezel and Mike. Kitine and I wanted to talk for so long now, no chance. Jojo is always with us. I wish her all the best, and hoping that she can get through with “it”.

friday

I’ve realized, I need to update my wardrobe ASAP. This time, for office use. I never thought I’d still go back to work. I’ve disposed all my office attires so I have to invest on new ones again. It means I have to buy new suits, shoes, bags that I can use in the office for me to look mature, older, and wise. Hehehe. So I have to set my mind: No more casual outfits for the mean time! Okay??? *sob*

Went to Glorietta with Xave and got a new suit from The Black Shop. Nice, but it’s not enough. I have to buy more but I can’t find any other shops that carry the styles I like. =(

23 days to go…I still have lots of things to accomplish! Buys clothes, look for a new place to rent, pack things and move in. Argh! I need more time…

I met Len and Lizle in Metro Walk and had coffee. It was nice seeing them again. I missed them. I can say, we’re more beautiful now! *hahaha*

Mga Mare ko, let’s bond again more often.

July 10, Xave's bday party

kuya dick?

Asis, one of my best buds.

rainy days...

Make me feel so lazy. I don’t want to spend the rest of the day sleeping. I’ve had enough sleep last night. There’s nothing good to do but to grab a book and read, especially now that the power goes off frequently. I decided to continue this one book I left long ago---In the Presence of my Enemies by Gracia Burnham. I’m on my last few chapters. I think 3 more chapters to go. I hope to finish it later before I doze off. I still have 2 books lined-up. I wanted to finish all before I start going to work. Hehe.

I visited my dermatologist earlier and had my facial. A must do for me monthly. I waited for 2hrs. It was worth it! I feel cleansed.

Visited Michelle and borrowed her digicam. I will bring it this Saturday, Robert’s birthday party. Michelle and Don couldn’t make it. I want to capture some pics to put in my album.

Michelle, don’t worry. Your cam is in goooood hand! =) By the way, I’ve uploaded my pics na. It was as easy as puffing a cig! *wink* bwahahaha!

I’m having my tea now. I skipped on it this morning for a taho---one of the many things that remind me of my childhood. I don’t eat breakfasts, I just need something hot on mornings, or else my stomach will grumble. Drinking something hot helps me boom easily. I need a cigarette…

my birthday

I had a simple celebration. On the eve of my birthday, we hung out at Michelle's place. Boys had their usual drinking session, while Michelle and I just food tripped. Most of the time I was in front of the computer, making my blog. Well, I find this blogger really dependable.=)

Xave and I enjoyed singing in the car on our way home. It was the Aiza Seguerra's version of How Did You Know. We repeated the track for several times until we arrived home.

On my birthday, I heard mass with Xave and enjoyed the spaghetti, cake and ice cream afterwards. Again, the boys had their drinks. I have to commend Asis for paying a surprise visit. I was touched especially upon seeing him so tired from work. For the record, it was past 11pm when he came. Asis, thanks! =) Tama na sumbat ha!

beyond belief

I can't believe it's almost a year since I left HP. Feels like it's only a month. =) I've learned so much since the day I left work. I needed it. No regrets, I'm happy. I had enough time to find myself, know what I want and what matters most.

And I can't believe I'm 27 now! Feels like I'm just 20. *laughs* Seriously, I'm proud to say that I don't look my age. =) With the way I dress and move I can pass to be a teen! I like wearing clothes in colors. One thing I have to give up on going back to the corporate world. I have to look my age this time, for me to look credible to the people I deal with. So, I'm gonna start to be a lifeless girl again (hopefully in terms of dressing up only) =( Wearing safe colors like black, brown, blue, beige...boring!!! Good thing we have wash days every Friday.

25 days to go...and I will embrace change again. It's a mixed emotion, actually. A bit sad, because I have to leave Xave behind to take care of our biz all by himself. (read: he'll be staying in Bataan, me in Manila) I can feel the excitement also, this is something different for me to try. I know this is one thing we have to do for us to grow more; extend our networks; help others in anyway we can.

guess what???

tammy lyn was a Patient Priest in a past life. http://quizme.stvlive.com/pastlife/quiz.php

think...think...think...part 2

I've decided, I'm going back to work---Samsung. We'll for one, I like the job. It's challenging. I have to make the laser printer #1 by the end of 2005. Whew! I know it entails a LOT of HARDWORK. I accepted the challenge. (read: to beat HP's LaserJet) Wish me luck, friends! =) Second, this is something I'm looking for---something new and different. Lastly, compensation is superb! I don't want to compare but it's much better than HP. *wink* Now, I have less than a month to make my vacation in good use. I started meeting my old friends again. Gosh, I missed them. Missed night life,too. Was with RS, Nino and Asis last Friday. We bar hopped, from Aruba to Tapas Tapas. I always look forward on meeting these 3 guys, all my good friends. As always, we had good conversations. They are very intellectual and I learn a lot from them (considering they are younger than me). Or shall I say, we learn so much from each other. I've known them since 1998 and I'm glad we're still in contact. I saw them evolve. From the kiddo type of guys to mature, responsible young men. Now that they're yuppies, I'm glad we can relate much better. =)

Whatever their achievements are, I'm so happy for them. RS is now with Smart, Nino with URC and Asis with Toyota. We'll be spending more time this coming days for sure. Thank you guys for being great friends! =)

Last Sunday, I spent quality time with Asis, one of my good friends. He gave in to my request on going to Power Plant for me to check the new cosmetic store that I saw in the internet. I don't know, I've been so addicted to make-ups lately. Grrr! As expected, I went home with some items with me. Oooppsss! Xave didn't know about that.*wink* Hope he doesn't read this...

We had mass in Christ the King. I was struck by the Gospel (I will try do a separate post on this). I always feel great after every mass that I attend to and I'm glad I was able to bond with HIM... that day that I was feeling so low.

coffee or tea?

my favorite beverage now

I started drinking coffee when I was in 4th year college. I needed it to be awake ‘till the wee hours of the morning for me to squeeze in everything that has to be done in a day (well, until 4am!) 24 hours seemed not enough for me to finish my school works, it was just so excruciating! But do I have any choice? Honestly, coffee helped me passed college (especially my thesis) with flying colors! *laughs*

Since then, I’ve been a coffee drinker. It keeps me going at work. Being in a fast-paced multinational company like HP, I needed something to make myself a key player to the team. Coffee and yosi, nice combination. Energy-booster. Then, it became a habit. Until this article caught my attention...

Listen up, coffee drinkers! This is an excerpt from the article of Lipton's ad. I have to agree with this. =)

You know that it’s all in your mind---small decisions here and there that multiply faster than you think, lifelong dreams that sometimes seem so real and yet in a split second seem to wander off completely. You know your mind can one day be a mine of ideas and suddenly a mountain of data. So what better way to begin any hurdle than having things clearer in your head? At the end of the day, it all boils down to having a clear mind.

There’s a world of difference between simply looking and truly seeing, between hearing and listening, between capturing information and crystallizing ideas. When your head is clear, it means you’re in place and everything around you falls in place as well. It means your feet are on the ground---you’re quiet but strong, you’re calm but collected. It also means you’re alert and ready to take on anything on your path.

And the secret to a clear mind is no rocket science, and follows no mind-boggling formula. It’s as simple as a cup of tea. Yup- it’s time to turn a new leaf and experience the power of tea. Like the rest of the world, you well know that Tea is good for your body- but are you aware of the wonders that tea can do to your mind?

Research has finally named the secret that has linked tea with mental vitality. It’s called Theanine and it’s found almost exclusively in the tea plant. Not a lot of people may know what it is but Theanine is certainly one of the big reasons why more and more are turning to tea nowadays as their beverage of choice.

Scientific research had validated the link between Theanine and a perfect state of calmness. Theanine is the very reason why you’re not a hyperactive when you drink tea as compared to when you drink coffee. But it’s also the reason why you don’t feel sleepy when drinking tea. In short, it’s the Theanine in your cup of tea that calms you in just the right way to put you in place and bring you to your “comfort zone”. And just as you’re perfectly settled, Theanine raises your level of mental alertness by stimulating your brain to increase its production of alpha brain waves. The effect is higher mental focus, better concentration and sharper memory. Studies have also pointed out how Theanine could effectively promote creativity. Now that’s when the miracle of Theanine unfolds. The unique combination of relaxation and alertness, of increasing mental sharpness while at your most comfortable state of mind and body, results in this renewed clarity of thought and mental vitality. Cup after cup after cup, the power of the leaf brings you to your natural groove.