Cruise Trip

I know, I know I haven’t blogged. I was away for exactly 8 days and came back just last night. Xave and I together with his parents, now officially my new Papa and Mama (but still I feel awkward to address them that. Hehe) and sister went on a cruise, our long overdue vacation slash honeymoon. It was a good experience and we all had so much fun!

Here are some random snapshots. View complete pictures in my Multiply account. You have to be in my contacts for you to see my private albums.

Elephant Ride

Elephant massage
Sunset hug @ Deck 11

Night Safari

No guts, no glory

Phuket Thailand

Headline

Captain's Welcome cocktail

Deck Hallway

I’ve actually been TRYING to get decent sleep and I’ve failed miserable for a few nights straight now. I'm not feeling well and might skip work tomorrow. Oh dear, I've got lots and tons of work waiting for me. *waaaa*

Prenup Pictorial

We had our pre-nup pictorial today after a number of delays due to our very erratic schedule. Finally, we're done!

For many times, we’ve been browsing pictorials of our photographers. I’m a person who knows myself very well, my strengths and weaknesses. I recognize the things I cannot do.

For one, I’m not good in camera projections. *blushes* I don’t know if people will believe me if I say I’m a shy-type of person. (I am. Really! Convinced?) So I don’t know how the output of our pictorial would look like. I’m not into sexy and kissing pictorial. We wouldn’t be effective models. *muwahaha* Surely not for us. Xave and I are crazy couples!

Our pre-nup venue was in one of the rivers/lakes in Rizal as suggested by our photographer. It was a bit windy that day and I don’t know how my hair looked like in our photos. *guffaw* My make up done by Deng Foz. I like my make up very much.

Just to share you this photo which was taken 7 hours after my ‘do’ and 4 hours after the shoot,


which was so challenging as we were asked to climb big rocks beside the falls and crossed bamboo and vintage bridges. Whew! I couldn’t complain. I wanted our pictures to show the different sides of Xave and Tammy. Curious? We are trice as curious, too! We can’t wait to see our pictures!

This is not my supposed to be hairstyle. I just detached all the invisible clips and put my hair down before I take my hot shower and realized I have to take a snap of us. Hmm, make up still intact after our looooong day. I couldn’t believe I still look so fresh. Galing pala ni Deng Foz. *heehee*

Deng Foz is a guy, who does the make up of Zsa Zsa Padilla and Vilma Santos among others. What I like about him is the no-makeup fresh look that is so difficult to achieve. He is such a genius! *wink*

Life Lessons from Paulo Clemente

Tonight is the last night of Paulo. Hearing stories about him from different people I do not know made my heart melt. A guy talking about Paulo moved me. He is a staff of Fernwood Gardens and Paulo is supporting him to school and will be graduating this March 30, Paulo’s birthday. I really can’t hold my tears hearing this story. Paulo has a very big heart. Everyone will definitely miss him.

Pau didn’t know that he gave me lessons in life…

Before meeting Paulo and Ces, I was overly worried about planning a wedding because I’m not good at it. That’s why we got him as our coordinator/wedding singer/event host. Think, all-in-one/ one-stop-shop. I wanted peace of mind. Right there and then, I felt so confident that we are in good hands and everything will run as planned, very smoothly.

I was born perfectionist. I live by the list, post-its, mini notebooks, planners. Oftentimes, too many that I get confused. Hahaha.

During the course of our meetings, Ces and Pau have been telling us wedding horror stories from a cake falling down from the table on its own, a bride falling down on the stairs, families fighting over seating arrangements and many more. I always wish these wouldn’t happen to me.

But life indeed is full of surprises! If only I have the powers to amend an episode of the past, I would rather have bloopers on my wedding day instead of losing a good friend...sad to say, I don’t have that ability. HE has other plans for us...

The incident taught me how to adopt to change and not to be frustrated on the possibilities of things and life may offer, good or not so good. I wasn’t even bothered at all. If there’s something that I should be proud of, it is the faith I have in God that everything will be all right. He never fails me. Not even once. I might have some questions initially, but as time passes by I get the answers.

Paulo taught me to smile and be happy regardless of the bad circumstances happening. He taught me to loosen up a bit. He taught me how to put my heart in all the things I do and be sincere. All this I learned from him and I didn’t had the chance to let him know or even thank him…*sobs*

Lastly, he taught me how to “enjoy the moment”, which is just about to come in 27 days. *smiles* He will still definitely have a special part on our big day. A special prayer will given for him and his songs/CDs will be played as well.

Moving forward and on the lighter side, we already have a new event host by the name of Atom Ungson. Click here to find out more about him. Discovered, mentored and highly recommended by Paulo himself.

Punta Fuego + Tagaytay

February 7 marks my 2nd month in Dell and spent 2 days in Punta Fuego for our FY09 business planning. It was a blast though I’m lacking some sleep.

First day we ended at 4am partying included. Second day was mere leisure and food tripping.

I can say I joined the company at the right time. Start of the fiscal year (February) and it’s always nice to be working with a clear direction and strategies set. A good leader as a boss who inspires and motivates people is a big bonus! *wink*

Crazy people: (Top-bottom) Albert, Mike, Allan, Apple, Ricky, Barry, Leng, Tey, Jamie, Pinky and Me


(Left - Right): Sarah. Me. Pinky. Jamie. Apple. Leng in Tagaytay


Dell Asia Pacific Sdn. Team


Tomorrow I will be leaving for a 2-week training in Malaysia together with Mike and Sarah. I don’t know if I will have spare time for blogging (I hope). I will be meeting some people there who used to be my officemates when I was in HP but remained as good friends. Expect a lot of pictures when I come back (Feb. 23). *wink*

Oh dear, 2 weeks is long…*sobs*

I better get going. I have to squeeze in my time to do a bunch of things.

Ciao!

Har...har...har!

Busy busy busy! Tired tired tired!

Thursday, I left office 130pm to meet up with Xave and do some stuffs for the wedding. I’m coding (thank God) so he was forced to pick me up and I was excused to drive. *wink* I slept in the car while he was scouting how to go to Kamias. Yes, we went to Kamias to meet the designer who will do his suit. Little did I know that we're going to Randy Ortiz and Xave was giving me this silly smile! He got what he wanted. Xave brought me back to the office as I need to read some mails and go to Greenhills after to meet up with my Samsung friends. Home by midnight.

Friday, I had to actually work from home to find time to talk to Xave on more details. We have to be damn in synced. So many things to do, so little time. Argh! We went to suppliers from North to South --- Gifts for the principal sponsors and entourage, showroom in Vivere and Bellevue, ocular in Fernbrook Gardens and finally with Paulo Clemente. Meeting ended almost midnight and we haven’t eaten our dinner yet. Oh gawd, dinner at midnight?! Waaaaah! My first time in this lifetime that I wanted to skip dinner for sleep. Miracle isn’t it? Home by 130am.

Today was all for the preps. Guest list is the hardest part to handle so I’m giving Xave the authority to head it as we still have a number of things to take care of…My body is in pain now. All I want to do is go to bed and close my eyes but my mind is saying I have to work some more…

This is my 5-minute break. I have to get going…

P.S. Belated happy birthday to Joscel a.k.a. KUYA (the guy in yellow).

I was a bit tipsy already on this picture. I had one bottle with Dell officemates before going here. Nay!

L-R: Arsie, Bernie, Ronnie, Lizzie, Ai, and Me
R-L: Neil, Stu, Joscel, Annaise, Mommy Su and Tek

Hmm, 5 of us already working for another company. (Intel, Dell, IBM, 2 I forgot. Haha) Ummm, I badly need a hair cut!

Lazo & Regalado Nuptial

Here are some snapshots of Rolie & Kitine’s wedding. Sorry for the poor quality of the pictures…I’m just so excited to post something that I’ve asked Xave to be behind the cam. *heehee* I guess he somehow did a good job otherwise, I won't be able to post anything here...*wink*

Date: January 8, 2008
Church: Chapelle de Vi
Venue: Fernbrook Gardens


The lovely couple, Rolie & Kitine



That's me in green *wink* while I pin the Veil on Kitine's main veil


The Audio-Video presentation (AVP)


The NEW Mr. & Mrs. Rolie Lazo


The Groom & Bride's grand entrance to the reception area


By the way, I was a secondary sponsor (Veil) for the first time and I was more than willing to take that role for my dear friend, Kitine. I had a blooper though…(I'm really sorry Kitine if I caused you to worry) before the entourage march I broke the straps of my shoes! Argh! I walked down the aisle with my Havaianas High instead! *no choice* I’m still lucky, the open secret was hidden inside my gown. *wink* Mentos!

Lessons learned: (1) never use an old pair of shoes (2) avoid using shoes with tiny/thin straps (3) always bring an extra pair (of shoes) incase of emergency.


Xave and myself greeting the newly weds...

Congratulations and Best Wishes!

P.S. Thanks for the pearl accessories! (as seen in the above photo) *smiles*

P.P.S. Happy birthday to my dear mare, Lizette who is celebrating her special day tomorrow, January 9. I love you mare! BIG hug!

Goodbye 2007, Welcome 2008!

I’ve been busy for the past days I don’t even have time to blog. I have so many stories to tell but we are off to the church in a few minutes so, I thought of making a quick post to greet everyone instead…*wink*

Happy New Year!!!

Party hard but stay safe on this last day of the year. This is my last post of 2007.

See you all in 2008!!! ☺☺☺

Quality Time

I just have to make a quick entry, I’m not feeling well. Maybe it’s because of the sudden change in weather. I keep on sneezing, my nose is running and my head is killing me! Oh well…

Anyways, yesterday Xave and I had Christmas dinner in Jack’s Loft Eastwood and it’s nice to have some serious talk from time to time. It’s just so surprising that Xave is more into details and long term planning than me. Something not usual with other guys I know.

I thought of posting this picture of us. Our Xmas photo on our his and her shirts (again). *wink* Our last Xmas as single people.


Let me share some of our discussions. Hmm, we were talking about the uniform and his rules/regulations for the yaya of our soon-to-be babies! My goodness! I have yet to conceive and our wedding is yet to come! *heehee* The TV he wanted to install in my car so our soon-to-be baby can watch Barney (daw). This one really made me laugh out loud! Theme of our soon-to-be house. He wanted to personally be involved in the designing and I’d have to be at the back end I agreed (yes I did!) but insisted of designing our bathroom instead. I have this thing for nice bathrooms and I want ours to have his and her sinks. *wink* That’s it and I can leave everything to him. I know him so well. Everything he plans very well. Unlike me, I’m not good at it.

Today, is pamper day for Xave and myself. We went to the Nail Loft, our new discovery and had a few services. The place is not crowded and there is no disturbing smell that I often experience in California Day and Nail Spa (CANS). The girls are very warm and always have nice smiles on their faces.

We tried the hand and feet paraffin aside from the usual pedi and mani with footspa. We were both flabbergasted when the girls handed us our eye mask with real cucumber. It was soooooo relaxing to the eyes! I had my nails in red while Xave had his favorite footspa with big bubbles. *haha* It’s nice to share moments like this with Xave because I can see that he is really enjoying. I love to make him happy.

As I write this, my BEE is driving himself to Bataan. I’m just waiting for him to arrive in the farm and I can go to sleep.

Gotta go people!

Merry Christmas!!!

This is my last Christmas as a Miss a.k.a. single and I can’t think of any other ways to celebrate today but the usual way. I tried doing something different though...*teehee*

1. Pizza making

Xave and I made pizzas for everyone. The first 2 were hmm, so-so however people who did the taste test liked them. They actually finished them off! *not bad* Though we both know that we can do better. The next 2 I can say outstripped the first batch. We loved it! *smiles* And we call our pizzas, BEEzzas. *wink*


2. Simbang Gabi

A Filipino tradition of going to mass for 9 consecutive mornings starting December 16 originally at 4am however, later on they started having evening anticipated masses for people who couldn't make it in the very early morning (like me).

I was able to complete the Simbang Gabi (2nd time in this life time, I think). I didn’t wish for anything but good health for my love ones. I don’t believe in doing something just for the sake of wish making. I find it so insincere.

3. His and Her

Just for fun, we chose to wear something alike this Christmas. *heehee* Xave chose pink tops and here we are! *wink*


4. Reminiscin’

It’s always nice to look back. Well for one, it makes us grasp the things we have gone though all these years. Second, we become conscious on our future goals and how to reach them and lastly, we get to laugh on old pictures and see the development not only on the way we look but on how we present ourselves. *beams*

We love sharing these fun times with family and friends. It’s not bad to have good laughs from time to time, isn't it? *heehee*

Merry Christmas everyone!

Soon-to-be Parents

On a Wednesday morning 8:44am to be exact, Xave and I together with the rest of other friends got a message from someone and I quote: "I'm gonna be a daddy soon. Yahoo!"

It was a big surprise that the message came from one of our closest friend, Robert. Personally, I can feel the happiness in him. A very proud soon-to-be-Dad.

Congratulations to Daddy Bert and Mama Maits!

I think this says it all!

Based from the Chinese Calendar, they are having a baby boy. Let's see how accurate it can be...

Maita, have a safe pregnancy. Stay healthy and beautiful. *smiles*

Bert, take care of Maita and we all know you will. She’s the queen of your heart and your prince in on the way. *wink* We and your friends are just here as the two of you take another chapter of your married life.

Again, CONGRATULATIONS!

Photo taken the day before they found out that Maita is "on the way"

Maita, now 2 weeks pregnant.

Sweet Saturday

It was a long day yesterday. Our whereabouts:


Fernbrook Gardens

Xave and I together with his parents went to Fernbrook Garden’s for the ribbon cutting. Construction is still on going though but somehow we have a glimpse already on how it’s going to look like. Beautiful and breath taking! We can’t wait to see the place to be completely done.

I want these pictures to somehow serve as a teaser...*wink*

Tito and Tita as they walk towards Fernbrook entrance


Mini Basilica (Notre Dame de vi Chappelle) where our ceremony will take place

Top of a hill chapel just inside Fernbrook Gardens. There's a lake underneath the chapel where the Gondola will be stationed (ala Venice). Xave and I are thinking of using the Gondola instead of the Horse Drawn Carriage, Limousine, Bentley or Rolls Royce. Gondola is something new and different. *smiles* Well, it's not yet final though. As the wedding gets nearer, we'll be able to make our plans more concrete if not, final.

Byzanine Garden where our reception will be held


And us, enjoying and loving the moment


Greenbelt

We picked up Amae in JRP for lunch in Italianis Greenbelt. It was a hearty meal and we just talked about the wedding. Tito and Tita are now beginning to ask more details. Right after lunch, we went to JRP again to bring Amae for her afternoon class then, went back to Greenbelt to kill time.

Heard mass in Christ the King.


Eastwood

On our way home, Tito asked us to go on a gimik to celebrate and he chose Eastwood to be the place of the night. *heehee* Dinner and some booze in Ipanema whilst enjoying the live performance of Martin N. Great singer! Tito wanted to go back next week. *chuckles*

That was it! Our long busy day, nothing fancy though but it was good to be complete again after some time. Sweet.

Golden Birthday

Xave is in town. As expected, we hit the malls and pigged out. Two of the many things Xave miss when he’s at The Farm. Well, same goes with me. *heehee* Malling/enjoying good food is never the same sans Xave. While I write this, I can feel my legs in pain for walking half a day and my stomach so full because of excessive eating! *haha*

Earlier, we had a lunch date. Just the two of us. I was so filled and my eyes were dropping but I didn’t want to shake off the momentum of Xave wanting to go places. I had to fight my drowsiness. *beams*

Tonight was another event. It was a post-birthday dinner treat for his Dad in Minato and it was on us. It’s supposed to be a surprise dinner treat for him but for unavoidable situation, it became no surprise anymore. It was indeed a scrumptious feast!

Here’s Tito obviously enjoying the So Kal Bi among others


Happy Golden Birthday Tito! We love you!

P.S. It would be happier and complete if Erik was with us…

11-01-07

All Saint's Day.

I paid a visit to my Dad. 15 years feels just yesterday.

So many memories that will forever stay with me. All were happy thoughts.

I will always be a Daddy's Girl.

Que Horror!

The usual scenario on Fridays, traffic everywhere. To top that off, it’s Midnight Madness plus the Octoberfest in Metrowalk (I think). I started to believe this caused the severe traffic in the metro. Until alarming messages flooded my inbox, first three came from Xave recounting the explosion incident in Glorietta Makati. He was in the farm watching the news on TV whilst I was in the office infront of my computer. I immediately clicked Safari and opened the GMA News and Inquirer sites. I didn’t know it was that serious until I saw the pictures and articles in the internet. There were 8 fatalities and 30 casualties (now, 113 as of press time) and still counting. Goodness gravy!

I feel so bad for all the victims of this tragedy. Who would think that a leisurely afternoon in a popular shopping mall could turn out this way?

I hope the weekend would be peaceful. Take extra care people, and spend some time with your loved ones…

The Long Wait Is Over

Finally, Leopard to ship in October 26! (27 in Manila)

Xave is leaving for Bataan tomorrow. He’s back to work and he’ll be away for like 20 days. I will surely miss him! *no doubt* Another adjustment for me but it’s fine. I embrace change. I can visit him on weekends anyway, that is if he’ll allow me to drive alone. Sometimes, he tends to be so protective. As if I never drive alone to and from Bataan. *sigh* So, what’s the connection of Leopard to Xave?

BIG!

Leopard will help me divert my attention from Xave not being here to my Macbook and that’s what you call right timing! *hahaha* Can’t wait to let Xave know about this Leopard coming next week. He’ll be twice as excited as I am. *beams*

Fernwood Gardens

As planned, Xave and I graced the grand food tasting of Josiah’s Catering in Fernwood Gardens. Xave’s parents where there with Amae sans my family as they are based in the province and decided not to go anymore. Anyway, Xave and I are the ones making most of the decisions if not all. We invited Tricia & Mario and Maita & Robert to us join us. It's nice to share this experience with people very close to our hearts. They are the perfect people to be with us, very supportive and sincerely happy for us. And incase we need some help especially in choosing suppliers their presence is a big relief.

Robert & Maita

Mario & Tricia

So, what did we get?

Of course, our main priority --- venue and church. It’s now official, we got and Fernbrook Gardens March 29, 2008 Saturday 4PM has been blocked off for us. We got 10% discount for paying in full. The discount is very significant.

Xave and I are such camwhores! *hahaha* And we wanted to make sure we get excellent pictures on our pre-nup pictorial and wedding day.

Here’s Xave happily closing the deal with Smart Shot (Lito Genilo)

It’s amazing how generous he can be. We got the best deal more than what they offered when we visited their studio few days ago.

Josiah’s Catering literally rocked our world! *hahaha* She gave us a jaw dropping deal that even Robert and Maita find it unbelievable. (Josiah’s was their caterer, too.) For couples that really have plans to get suppliers, wait for wedding fairs --- best time do book them. Make on-the-spot bookings and you will save a lot!

On top of the hot buffet, we’ll have desert bar with chocolate fountain. For those who want to take coffee after a hearty meal, we’ll have coffee bar in one corner. If you want some booze, we’ll have a cocktail bar that will serve tequila sunrise, flaming shooters, slammers and other mixed drinks. Sounds exciting? Yes, and I wish to taste ‘em all which I doubt will happen. I remember I starved myself when I had my debut, I just couldn’t eat and got butterflies in my stomach. *hahaha*

Well, that's it for now. *wink*

P.S. Today is our 9 years and 6 months anniversary! *smiles* And I thought it would be nice to put this picture of us with the swans. *heehee* Picture taken by Robert.

Goodnight! ☺☺☺

Samsung TSE

Samsung is very close to my heart. I’ve learned a lot during the days I was working for them. I met a lot of people/colleagues from different subsidiaries and until now, I’m still in touched with some of them. It saddened me to leave but it was a choice I made, no regrets.

This news, “Samsung Executives Arrested In Thailand” broke my heart. Click here to read the story.

Above: Samsung Thailand's (TSE) General Manager (GM) and Managing Director (MD), Mr. Kim and Mr. Park

I was able to meet TSE's MD, Mr. Park (in dark suit in the above photo) 2 years back in Singapore during a big Printer conference. All Samsung SEA joined the meeting with their respective MDs. I represented Samsung Printer Philippines and I was with our MD (CEO/President), Mr. Shim and VP, Mr. Bae.

I wouldn’t forget Mr.Park because he interrogated me and Mr.Bae during my Printer presentation. I introduced a promotion named Samsung Printer “Switch”. It’s a trade in, trade up promo wherein you get to trade in (switch) your old printer (working or not working) to a new Samsung Printer for half the price. Cool isn’t?

He couldn’t believe small country like Philippines would be able to afford running that kind of big promotion. Take note, it was their first time to hear such kind of promo *haha* and true enough it entails a lot of money to execute it. Imagine, half the price??? w/o me sacrificing my margin! Geez! (oh, they didn’t know that margin part…) Their jaw might drop had I shared my strategies. *nyahahaha*

I was proud to respond to his question in full confidence on how I was able to make money for my Printer business. I have my ways *wink* of course in all legal ways. And why would I dare share it to him or to the rest of the people? Mr.Bae backed me up and that made him shut up. *teehee* Oh, I miss Mr.Bae

So, that was my first and last encounter with this person. I just couldn’t believe he got involved in such a mess and even got arrested. *sigh* Hmm, Koreans are really makes big waves all over the world! I just hope he gets himself out of this allegations. That is if proven not guilty.

Source and Image: Channelnewsasia

My Birthday

August 24, 2007

Mario and I celebrated our birthday together. It was a simple yet "intimate" dinner with never ending booze & buzz sessions. The So Kalbi was the best seller and the oh so yummy finger ribs were unforgettable among others. It was a very delightful feast! Thanks to Trish and Xave who did all the preparations. *hands up*




some people missing in the picture...


The party ended at 6am! That's what you call "quality time"! =D



August 25, 2007

Having hangover and no enough sleep, I had to drive to Serendra to meet two of my girlfriends, Kate and Lizette for lunch. I was late again, (arrived 3PM) I know tsk! I had no face to show them, actually! And they haven't eaten yet! OMG! But they always have this patience of waiting for me. *big hug, tsup!*

They were in a diet (daw) *hihi* so we had coffee in Starbucks instead and browsed through Lizzy's pictures from her recent Europe vacation. Kate and I were green with envy! *hahaha*

We had dinner in Roadhouse Grill afterwards. Then, Powerplant for a movie.

To Kate and Lizzy, thanks for the delightful dinner and I hope you did enjoy the movie! =) Thanks for spending your Saturday with me. I love you both! *mwaaaaah*


To have friends and loved ones celebrate with me is surreal. I can never ask for more!

For those who remembered me on my birthday, BIG thanks! *mwaaaah*