Shower Party 03.15.08

I haven’t been to any shower party in this lifetime. I didn’t know that my 1st would be my own party. *smiles* So, naturally I was left clueless on venue, guests, and main event.

Call time was 9pm but I was late for an hour and a half. I had my power nap in the afternoon and overslept. So it took me some time to prepare. Xave and I were actually late in meeting up Khryssy, too! *sorry!* We convoyed going to the meeting place and Khryssy hopped in with me. Of course, shower parties are intended for the ladies so Xave had to step back and we parted ways along Ortigas.

The ladies prepared this all for me. *BIG thanks to all, mwah!* Victoria Suite Room 253 was reserved for us.

It was a funny experience for Khryssy and myself to be driving along Pasig and making that left turn. *hahaha* I was so conscious that some people might recognize my car and realized we were starting to get lost in that vicinity! *bwahahaha!* We didn’t know exactly where to turn left. I had to roll down my window to talk to the guys outside waiting for hmmm, signals. Then we thought, why should we mind them in the first place? We’re just going to a party. Justification not needed. *beams*

Anyway, let me share with you some of the snapshots during the unforgettable party in room 253. *wink*

Maita getting mad na yata because I didn't want to be blind folded...*hahaha*

Here we go....Yikes!
Someone grabbed my hand and place it to the stripper's chest! I felt the skin...He was topless and I freaked out! Next, I felt someone was doing a lap dance on me. I was in tears behind my eye cover but I can't do anything as I've been hearing people shouting "kasama sa bayad yan!" So I felt guilty and tried to compose myself but I hear people roaring and got more scared...Then, somebody removed my blind fold and I saw Xave right in front of me. I threw him my big tight hug and I bawled! *waaaaaaa* It was a different feeling all together. I was scared to death and at the same time relieved to see it was Xave. *whew!*

Everyone was laughing out loud. *huwaaaaaaa!*

Bestman and Groom as "strippers"!!!

The culprits: Tricia & Maita

Connivance in action: Khryssy, Lizzy & Xave

My girlfriends: Tricia, Amby, Maita, Lizzy, Kate and Khryssy

Ladies with the Groom (This is a favorite photo)

All married couples except us (soon-to-bee!) *wink*
You guys really made my night! Thanks for this memorable evening. This is a story worth sharing to our future kids and grandchildren. *hahaha*

Thanks to all!

P.S. My apologies for the late post. We've been soooooo busy with the preps. Some more pictures still to be uploaded in Multiply and Facebook. I'm just waiting for others to hand me my copy of pictures from their cam. Stay tuned. *wink*

OFW

OFW stands for Overseas Filipino Worker.

I have this enormous admiration for all OFWs. Last night, I was in a house party and I had the privilege to meet a number of Pinoys (Filipinos) here mostly are working for IT industry --- Dell, IBM and Intel. Good companies I may say. They are truly blessed to have the opportunity to be working for these multi-national/multi-billion companies however, for the single people they have to sacrifice and be away from their families. Lucky for those who are married as they can bring their husband and children all expenses charged to the company they are working for children’s education and housing included. What a great deal, right? Who can say no to that?

Albeit all these, there’s still sadness in their eyes.

Everyday routine would be house-office-house. It’s all work! On weekends they go to the mall, eat out, shop and evenings are for house parties. They usually do house party hopping. One week can be at one’s place then the following week would be on someone else’s house. Eat, drink, kwentuhan, drink, dance. That’s their typical life here.

Then one moment I was thinking whether can I survive a set up like that and I heard myself whispered, “NO I can’t…”. *sob*

Today is my 7th day here and I’m beginning to feel gloomy. If not because of my friends and laptop, I’d weep! *haha* I can’t wait for Saturday!!!

To lighten up the mood, let me share with you some of our photos.

Queensbay Mall @ Starbucks

@ Jamie's appartment with all the Pinoys

Can you see those good food? Yummy! I suddenly miss my Mommy's kare kare *sob*

Surely, I will miss them all. On the contrary, we work in the same company and we have this thing in our laptops called communicator wherein we can keep in touch with anybody in Dell, worldwide. *smiles*

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! ☺☺☺

Who is Cathy Vasquez?

Cathy Vasquez, a college classmate, a friend, a confidante. I can’t remember the last time we saw each other. However, we try our very best to update one another, not regularly though. Despite this, every time we talk (or chat) it’s like yesteryears. Nothing has changed.

CV reminds me of a lot of things most especially during college days. In times that I was lazy (tamad) she used to be my human alarm clock. *haha* She pages me endlessly to remind me of things to do, wake me up and be in school on time. There were times I was so damn sluggish, I couldn’t get out of bed then, our intercom will ring and she’s on the line! Oftentimes, she waits for me in our dorm terrace to personally fetch me so we can go to school together. She will do anything and everything just to bring me to school. *hehe* I'm so thankful to have her as a good friend.

By the way, I used to stay in a girls dormitory (ICLD) just right across our school. I just have to cross the street and I’m there. *smiles* One of the many reasons why I do not know how to ride public transportations (buses and jeepneys). Because I don’t know their destinations. The signages make me confused and scared as they might drop me on the wrong places and I'd be left there wondering how to go back. (stupid eh?) Haha.

On crazy days that I’d be craving for fishballs, I’d cut classes and she would be mad at me and gives me her tiger look! After a few walks, I’d see her at my back and the next thing I knew we’re enjoying our fishballs together (in the gym). Remember those days, Cathy? *giggles*

Every time I hear SM Southmall, I’d remember her. We used to go to Las Pinas for our school group projects and she lives just at the back of SM. Well, I've almost cursed Las Pinas because we used to take buses to go there and doing so makes my stomach go wild! Ridding buses make me dizzy and worst, puke! I get sick with the smell of their bus fresher. I’m so sensitive with fragrance.

CV has a lot of funny stories about her work. The many attempts of leaving the company, which made her receive a number of promotions! Whoa! She never moved from one company to another. She sticks to only one where she can actually get a loyalty award for doing so. *hihihi* Recently, she resigned and what made her do that? LOVE. She is getting married and will soon to be Mrs. Antony (read: antow-ni). Her fiancé is not a foreigner if that’s what you are thinking. 100% Pinoy.

She is now in Singapore with her fiancé.
Above: at the giant durian

Above: view of the Furrlerton Hotel

Lately, she’s been idle (like me) and that made me introduce her to (my) blog. Years back, I’ve known Cathy to be always in the know in terms of gadgets. --- from pager to cellphones. I don’t know what happened to her after we parted ways as she was totally naïve with techonology now *peace Cathy!* Haha. She happened to read some of my posts and she’s in absolute awe. *nyahahaha* It’s alright Cathy, you now have more free time to be connected again with technology. Just be patient. *wink*

Oh, I miss this girl! I miss our good ol’ days…Remember our shoot in Nayong Pilipino? *haha* I wish to spend even one day with you to reminisce all these crazy days we had. One day, I will visit you in Singapore. I love Singapore…Orchard road, Raffles, Ritz. I have good memories of Singapore.

Good luck on your job hunting and wish you and your soon-to-be hubby all the best! *mwah*

One Soul

Happy Birthday Mama Mary!

Heard mass with the whole family today (my 2nd family *wink*). I can’t remember the last time we were complete. I’m glad it happened today.

During and after the mass, I felt this peculiar hunch that I couldn’t explain. When I got home, the feeling didn’t go. I knew it; HE wanted me to break my silence…

For the past weeks (can’t remember when actually, I’m so bad on dates and numbers…) something happened (not to me though) but I/we remained silent for the reason that I am/we are not part of the situation and I/we don’t have the right to meddle with these people. Days passed, nobody dared to ask me/us so I/we thought to be in hushed is fine. Which is ok. It's their issue/s not mine/us anyway. That's very clear.

As I write this, thoughts are starting to spill out. Answers to my questions…

There’s one soul out there who is hurting, lost, so undecided and longing for the hardest thing to get --- happiness. And here I am, doing nothing. Whew! This is strange, I know. But I feel I’ve been poked to talk to this person. Hard, I admit. Because we never had the chance to know each other thoroughly and be “good friends” (as how I treat my other friends). Honestly, I don’t know much about this person, just the basics. I stay distant and I have my reasons. This person might not believe me or might find me weird *haha* and insincere. Well, that would be his/her call and my risk.

Sometimes the hardest things are the ones that are really worth doing.

I always say that I want REAL and HONEST people because I am one. I am not plastic, I speak my mind. Oftentimes, too straight to the point others find me so strong and they tend to take it against me. I'm sorry that's me. Nobody can change that as I can't change anybody.

I’m blessed (in some ways) and HE wanted me to share and pay it forward. Thy will be done. Ok, I’m taking the risk. I don’t know how this person will take this or what might happen (to us) after. I will leave it all to HIM.

One thing is definite --- My intention is good and I care.

Inhye Choi a.k.a. KATE

Kate is my one and only Korean friend. We were not formally introduced and the first time we met was in a very unwieldy situation. I was in a meeting with Mr. Shim, our CEO and we were talking about sales figures. He was in fact interrogating me that time and I was very confident about my figures vs. his. After that, he asked Kate to join us then I knew she was the one who did the report that Mr. Shim was holding and the printer sales figures were all screwed up! *slaps forehead* We smiled at each other.

I didn’t thought that that meeting would be a start of good friendship and the rest is history. It’s nice to have Kate as a friend. She maybe demanding at times err most of the times *peace Kate* but I understand, it’s a very typical Korean trait. I'm used to it. What’s good about her is she is sweet and very childlike (like me and Lizzy) so we all clicked! Haha.

Now that we don’t see each other that often, we always make it a point to update each other even in a simplest way like SMS or MMS. Which reminded me...she texted to inform me that she had her hair done again and sent me a MMS.

Here you go… Kate on her new hair stlye


Isn’t she cute? She is so kikay and Lizzy and I love her so much. Oh, I miss ‘em both. I’m looking forward on our next meeting.

P.S. Kate, I’m sorry if I published your photo here, I had to (see title of this blog, haha). This might be a start of your startdom *just kidding* Mwah!

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*

Minato

Finally, our dinner date plan has materialized. After endlessly planning I'm glad it happened.

So, we chose to pig out in one of the best Korean restaurants in town, Minato. I've learned about this place from my former Korean expat bosses in Samsung. Usually, when we have guests from other subsidiaries (especially Koreans), we bring them either here (Minato) or Kaya.

Mama Trish is so fond of Korean cuisine and telenovelas. One of reasons why we chose Minato. Well, aside from me loving this place. *yes, I'm biased! hahaha*

the gang (Xave, Me, Tricia, Mario, Robert and Maita)

We left the resto with full stomachs and big smiles.

'Till our next food trip! BURP! Ooopps! =)

Luxury Lounge + Subic

Last night after having dinner in Behrouz, we proceeded to the Luxury Lounge. Hanged out with some good old friends and had some booze. It wasn't really planned. We just texted some people and the next thing we knew we were all together talking like there's no tomorrow. *Hurray!* Seeing friends keep me sane and relax. I just love being with them!

OMG, it's my birthday on Friday! *guffaw* How time really flies!

Anyhow, we have 3 celebrants this month (Robert, Mario and myself). Maita is preparing a surprise party for her hubby on the 25th that made me and Mario decide to have our own "parteh" on the 24th instead which is the exact date of my birth. *wink* It would be a very simple intimate party. The main intention aside from us celebrating is to update each other and to make other "get together" plans for this year. *excited* (trip to Boracay or HK maybe?) Mario is forced to celebrate earlier otherwise, we would be incomplete. Robert and Maita are flying to US this month end for a 2wk vacation and maybe for a honeymoon, too! *why not?*

In the next few days, Xave and I together with Mama Trish and Mario will be busy preparing for that "B" day. They promised to prepare very special dishes for us. *can't wait* In return, they requested us to have a fishball cart on that day (among others, I have my assignments). Oh my gawd, I sooo love fishballs! *simple joys of mine* Of course, I demand that cart MUST be there!


Today is holiday and we spent the entire afternoon in Subic, 30-minute drive from the farm. Tito is considering to get a unit in Edgewater. We hope everything turns out fine so deal can be closed.

Xave and I love to go to beach. Edgewater is a private beach front compound within Subic wherein in we can enjoy sea, sand and sun at our own convenience in PRIVATE. *who-hooo! that sounds great, huh?* Sometimes, I just want to be out in the beach enjoying without worrying much on people staring or even stalking at me. *argh!* Sometimes, I just don't like being this white because my complexion tends to attract attention! *grrr! i hate getting people's attention* On the contrary, I love my complexion because any color fits me. *heehee*

So there you go, my beautiful holiday.