Happy Birthday Maita!

Today is Maita’s birthday, *happy birthday girl!* Robert and I are preparing a surprise party for her tonight and Xave will be coming to join us all! *yipeeee!* I terribly miss him!!!

It would be a sort of a reunion actually because “good old friends” will be there, too. I hope we can be complete ---for those who confirmed, BIG thanks! We have Mark, Mario, Mama Trish, Asis (hopefully with Cecile) + me, Xave, Robert and of course the birthday girlash! *hihihi*

On the other note,

I’m surprised that Friendster can now accommodate 100 photos per account and can upload in bulk. I’ve tried but I was not successful! In fact, I got upset. There seems to be a problem with their uploader. Hmm, that’s why I’m loving Multiply over Friendster.

Missing Link + Stuffs

Ever had questions in mind but find no answer? Or perhaps, got many signs but confused on which is the right one? Or maybe, you’re almost there but you feel something is incomplete or missing? Subsequently something will transpire that will either create more confusion to you or make you feel content?

Well, I have. Countless times. But something new and different happened recently which diverge from the rest of my experiences in this journey of mine (if I may say that!)

I found the missing link! Everything currently is falling on its place like puzzle pieces at the perfect timing! Peculiar.

I don’t want to divulge much on these here yet. Not now. I’m still “in the process of experiencing it” and I love it! ☺

By the way, let me share with you some stuffs I’m loving.

Nicole Richie's bags! Here, she is carrying a Chanel Jumbo 2.55
Gawd, she is indeed a fashion icon. She has a humongous collection of designer bags. I envy her! *hahaha* Everyone does, right? *wink*

Shu Uemura Deepsea Water
With temperatures rising to the high 30sC, a hydrating spray is a best fix. It seems to be the most expensive of all facial mist, but at 150ml it gives more value for money. What makes it special is its main ingredient --- deepsea water, which is extracted 320 meters below sea level. Deepsea water naturally contains over 60 minerals that instantly moisturizes and enhances skin clarity and texture. This can be used for the hair, too!

Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil
#1 selling Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil in the world. A premium, anti-aging and anti-oxidant skin purifier that thoroughly cleanses the skin while protecting it against the internal and external aggressions associated with aging. Features Green Tea Extract, known worldwide for its anti-oxidant properties. Leaves skin smooth and protected without stripping it of its natural oils. Removes waterproof makeup. I use this only at night to remove my makeup. Otherwise, I use the cleansing water.

Shu Uemura Foaming Cleansing Water
Soap-free, water-textured cleanser formulated with soft, mild cleansing ingredients and Deepsea Water for pure, clean, refreshed skin. Dirt and impurities are rinsed off, leaving skin thoroughly cleansed and balanced. I'm using the 450ml (value for money!) and I'm actually using it everyday.

Gorillapod
This is a camera tripod that can "climb trees"! Unlike regular tripod that you can only stand on an elevated flat surface. The Gorillapod can be wrapped around poles and trees, and can balance on uneven spots. It is small and lightweight enough to stuff into your bag, so it's ideal to take along on trips. It is built to be both sturdy and flexible, and comes in 3 sizes for different camera types.



Havaianas Wonderwoman in Brown


Havaianas Wonderwoman in Shocking Pink
Can't wait to get my new pairs! *waaaah*

Time and Priority

Got this from somewhere and it really makes sense...

The importance of someone (something) can be measured by how much time we are willing to invest on them. The more time you give to someone (something), the more you reveal his/her (its) importance to yourself.

Also, the essence of love is not when we think, or do, or provide for others, but how much we give of ourselves. Relationship takes time and effort and the best way to spell love is T-I-M-E. When you give someone your time, you’re giving them a portion of your life that you’ll never get back. Your time is your life and it is the greatest gift you can ever give someone.

Spiderman 3

I had a chance to see this movie only today. I was in Bataan for almost 2 weeks (and you know why). Amae and I had a pact. I will bring her to movie in one condition: we have to see Spidey (her 2nd time). We’re in a win-win situation here. *giggles* She is awfully bored at home for the same period I was out of town and she is dying to go out. I am the answer to her dilemma. *hahaha* So off we went to Eastwood for the 130PM sched. *wink*

It is no ordinary hero-fights-the-villains type of movie. It’s much deeper than that. (Well, that’s how I see it.) The movie is about FRIENDSHIP, TRUTH, LOVE, FORGIVENESS and MAKING A CHOICE.


FRIENDSHIP.

In this world of malevolence, it is not easy to find friends that stay. Ever noticed, as we get older, our friends get smaller in quantity? I do. But I never fret about it because I believe it is a GOOD sign and I always go for QUALITY over QUANTITY.

I remember I used to celebrate my birthdays with a number of friends/barkadas and there were times I missed some on the list. No, it’s not what you think. I love being with them! Through the years, I tend to bump/meet with different kinds of people because of my work, other friends/acquaintances, my hobbies. My network tends to get diversified.

People say, “friends come and go”. I agree. And some stay and that’s more important. Those who stay, are the crème of the crop.

I’ve friends I’ve met since I started schooling, MOST of them I still remember. SOME of them, I still keep in touch. However, only a FEW I treasure like PRECIOUS DIAMONDS. The RARE ones (with good souls). *smiles*

Friendship/relationship that stood the test of time is PRICELESS! There is no perfect in this world. Each of us is unique and most of us have differences. They say “opposites attracts” but others believe that “compatibility is vital in any relationship”. You cannot change a person to be someone you want him/her to be. Hmmm…for me, it all boils down to RESPECT and TRUST. If you know how to handle your differences with respect, then you’ll be good. Once you find that person/s, KEEP them (and SHARE them to others as well). Don’t be SELFISH, dear. SHARE YOUR BLESSINGS! *wink*

If there’s something I am proud of, it’s my relationship with these people who have touch and moved my life. I hope I was able to do my share, too. You know who you are. You are my wealth.


TRUTH.

Truth will always come out and will set you free. So, it is best to start it right. Be true to yourself and to others. Never ever pretend to be someone you are not!


LOVE

I believe that love is immeasurable. Your share doesn’t mean it’s what you have to get. For me, love is not freely given (talking about friendships/relationship) it has to be earned like trust. You have to invest time and emotion. However, you have to accept that the possibility of getting hurt is part of it because love is a mixture of different feelings. It is no bed of roses, either. Being hurt doesn’t mean it would be the end of your life. Life has to go on.


FORGIVENESS

I’ve been hurt and deceived so badly long time ago and I thought it would be the end of it all. I experienced to be so lost it was like my life suddenly stopped. I couldn’t be productive at work. I was literally staring on my laptop cannot compose any email or even an intelligent sentence. I phoned a friend (Asis) at 2PM (I was at work) to have a couple of drinks so I could have a sound sleep after. All I wanted to do was to sleep the whole day, see some friends, sometimes I didn’t want to see anybody, smoked my lungs out, and get drunk. I wanted to forget EVERYTHING in one snap. IMPOSSIBLE, that was my first insight of what I was going through.

No matter how I want to forget everything, it wouldn’t happen. Later on, I realized that I had to go through a process and my goodness, it was not easy! People say, “to forgive is to forget”. True but it is easier said than done.

ACCEPTANCE is the first step. When I learned to accept that this has actually happened to me, my emotions suddenly opened like doors and windows of houses! *hahaha* I’m serious, that’s how I felt. To accept that this has happened will open your emotions to a different level. (well, this is better.)

UNDERSTANDing why it happened is the next step. Your perspective in life will amplify, blimey! Then, you will start to FORGIVE YOURSELF. I am a believer of forgiving oneself before you will be able to FORGIVE OTHERS. Been there, done that. TIME plays a big factor here.

It took me not 1, not 2 but 3 years to be able to go through this process of FORGIVING. It was a STRUGGLE, a humongous struggle! There came a time that my mind is willing but my heart is weak. I had a number of attempts. I’ve been wanting PEACE OF MIND even on the 1st year but maybe God knew I wasn’t that ready yet. There were still pinches in my heart everytime I hear her name. God prepared me well enough. On the 3rd year, we crossed our path again in one summer vacation (in Ilocos, in one roof). There were a bit of reservations but I remember a few weeks after that getaway, she went to our house to personally talk to me. Little did I know, that would be a start of a good friendship. I never expected this, not even in my dreams! God is so good.

Now, I am the godmother of his son and I will be her bridesmaid on her wedding next year. I wish her well, really! I so love her!


MAKING A CHOICE

You deserve what you get. Agree? I do. It is a matter of making GOOD choices. Wherever you are right now, be in a bad relationship, or maybe in a very competitive and stressful job, or perhaps out of the country away from your family and friends, you should NEVER blame it to anyone because you always have the CHOICE. If you are not happy, LEAVE and MOVE ON. Don’t make yourself MORE MISSERABLE by sticking on your “known” comfort zone, which in fact is the opposite. Make a stand and be firm with it. Life is too short to be unhappy.

Oh, this is too long. Sorry to strain your eyes...*teehee*

Experience LIFE.

Wishful Thinking

I was scheduled to drive back to Manila this afternoon (for Mother’s day tomorrow, Election day on Monday, dentist and derma appointments, etc.) after our meeting in Tamayo’s Farm with the Department of Agriculture’s consultant. However, after the said meeting I’m left with so much things to do and must be present for the site inspection in our farm this coming Tuesday. Hello Ms. Secretary? *laughs* Which made me hide my smile from Xave as I’d really want to stay here looooger! I miss simple life in the province. I love the food here! (read: okoy with big shrimps, tuyo ---love this!, fresh oysters, chicken ala Xave ---yummy!, manga at bagoong, to name a few)

Xave is actually driving me away (as I may call it) as he is worrying too much about me being in the farm (read: hot weather, a number of power failures at night, some insect bites and most especially my fight against being bored) *hahaha* He said he couldn’t focus with his job thinking about me. *naks!* Little did he know I’ve got a couple of good reads with me and some magazines (I came well prepared! Hihihi!): Devil’s wear Prada (I’ve watched the movie but still wanted to read the book, it’s more detailed!), Shopaholic and Sister (my fave series), Preview (#1 mag for me), and YES! (my guilt pleasure). Got a copy of YES for eye candy --- did you see Ruffa’s stuffs in there??? WOW! Get a copy!

Note: Shopaholic and Baby still NOT AVAILABLE! Argh!

Xave has been making plans (personal and business) as if there’s no tomorrow. Something we have in common. What we want, we make it possible! (after all the signs from heaven) *wink* I don’t know, we’ve been bonding with our calculators and notebooks lately. *hahaha* We just wish we are making the right decisions and choices. I believe in business, “gut feel” matters with prayers of course. For personal, it’s all about heart and soul. (agree?)

Both of us have been considering things and this meeting came into surprise as we feel this is the answer to our big question. This time, we have to be MORE careful. (Lessons learned: Don’t rush into things especially on money matters and think as a REAL businessman). We are still coping. As everyone knows, I’m so impulsive. *hahaha* Actually, Xave and I are both impulsive! But mine is more intense! Forgive me, I too shall learn how to slow down (a bit) sooooon. Promise.

As I write blog this, I’m waiting for my FRESH oysters being prepared by our ever reliable Ayong. I’m alone in the room, doing this blog whilst watching eeerrr listening to TV, with my book open on my lap. Talk about multi-tasking and bore boosters! *laughs*

XOXO

Bonding with Girl Friends

Another “girl bonding” with two of my good friends, Kate and Lizette.

Where we enjoyed the day:

1. Starbucks SLEX
2. Sonya’s Garden (Tagaytay) for lunch and some “kulitan”
3. Glorietta
4. Seoul Condo for dinner

I really love hanging around with my girl friends. ☺ Makes me feel good! Oh yeah! *hahaha*

Call time was at 8am, Kate’s condo in Greenhills. However, after 19 wake up calls from Lizzy we got no reply from Kate so we decided to have our breakfast in Mcdo whilst waiting for her. Oh, miss having breakfast with them. Then, raided Kate’s place after. *haha* We were right, she was so wasted the night before and got home at 6am!

On our way to Tagaytay, we stopped over Starbucks in SLEX for coffee (of course!) and some updating. We missed each other so much!!!

Just wanted to share this. Kate got an ICED Latte while Lizzy and I had our usual hot drinks. Usually, Filipinos take anything hot to relieve hangovers (soup, coffee, congee) very different for Koreans because they take cold. They looove COLD SOUP as in ICED soup…eewww! (talk about trivia!)

Then, we headed to Sonya’s Garden for a very hearty and healthy lunch. We had the usual salad and pasta. I love the entire meal! Their salad dressing is superb and all the spreads they served for the bread is so appetizing.

We were planning to get our spa after (at Sonya’s Garden, too) however, due to the very hot temperature in Tagaytay (believe me, it was so HOT and HUMID!!! We were all in sweat!) We agreed to leave immediately and hit the mall instead. We need AC!!! *waaaa*

Glorietta was our next stop for some shopping. Kate bought some essentials for her roadshow. MAC, The Faceshop and Mango. We were starving to death (again!) and Kate introduced us to this new Korean Resto in Makati (as promised).

Another trivia: Big Korean restos with very nice interiors more often than not, serve “so so” Korean food. I’ve been to a number of Korean restos here in Manila and Minato is on top of my list. If you were to go there, you will be a bit turned off by the interior. But they serve GOOD FOOD. As some people say, “don’t judge the book by its cover.” Minato is a “must try”. ☺

Our last stop was a Korean grocery near the resto. Bought a couple of goodies to munch before bedtime. As everyone knows, my life wouldn’t be complete without chocolates.

It’s such a nice feeling to have girl friends to hang around anytime and anywhere. I’m happy that even after resigning from Samsung, I still get in touch with my officemates that now I treat as “good friends”. We always make it a point to update/see each other as much as possible. My friends are so dear to me, make me sane.

Ciao!