Moving Out

I've moved to Multiply.
Here's my site: http://cherds.multiply.com

Sober

Must get out, must keep busy, my mind screamed. The body dutifully complied. Five steps away from the north entrance, I counted five couples HHWW (holding hands while walking) with all the matching sweety sweety stuffs, oblivious of the crowd, oblivious of my envious stare. I looked down at my empty hands. I turned back. Maybe this isn’t such a good idea after all…

After much debate, I finally entered the mall. The croaky speakers blared. “Three months and I’m still sober….” A chill ran down my spine. Kelly Clarkson. Sober. Ahh yes, I remember. How can I not? I have listened to it countless times before, crooning with it, emoting with it. Maybe, just maybe, someday soon I’d be able to utter that same line with that same conviction. So-ber! Yes, I am sober!

Never did I imagine myself dreading such wonderful days as Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. It wasn’t long ago when I waited with excitement and anticipation for the end of yet another week. Without you though, the end is no different from the beginning. Where I had once become ecstatic over Republic Act 9492, I now dread the looming long weekend without you. As if two days weren’t long enough! Even the arrival of August, my extra special month, failed to lift my spirits up. What good are birthdays without someone to spend it with?

I swallowed the lump forming in my throat as I see another couple approaching. They look so happy together – his arms around her shoulders, her arms around his waist, laughing gaily. That used to be you and me. We had such a great time laughing, didn’t we? My cornball moments would trigger a series of laughter which often ends with us laughing at my funnier “hic-hic” laugh. We’d hold hands, my left on your right, never the other way around, except when crossing the street. We’d talk all the way to the restaurant but would not have anything to say while eating except “chow time!” Were we always that hungry?, I wonder. We would walk a few, talk a few, and laugh a few more before finally heading home. In the parking lot, you’d walk me to my side of the car; look around to see if anyone’s looking before planting a quick kiss on my cheek. You’d then whisper a soft I love you in my ear before closing the door. I love you too. Oh God, I miss you…

I tore my gaze from the lovebirds and tried to focus. Now is not the time nor is it the place to be breaking down, I scolded myself, already feeling my cheeks flushing, my tears welling. I quickened my pace, my eyes searching wildly for an escape. Everywhere I turn there they were – arms around each other, lips entangled, hands tightly clasped, taunting, mocking. “Get away from me!” I heard myself say. It fell on deaf ears. “Go away!” I repeated. Sprinting blindly, I sought for refuge. I ran and ran, with only one thought in my mind – finding you.

I awake with a start, my head throbbing furiously. I remember it…I remember it all, the mall, the people, the loneliness, the tears… My hand automtically reaches for my cheeks - tears indeed, fresh tears. It’s okay, it was just a dream. That’s all it was, a wicked but harmless dream. Comforted by the thought, I turn to you. A sickening feeling begin to rise as it dawn on me once again. As before, the madness begins, the uncontrollable tears flow. Somewhere in the building, a song is playing. It was Fergie this time, “and big girls don’t cry…”

Oi pare

Just a quick one, since I'm super sleeeeepy already...
This is one of the stories that attests my Self-Esteem Chronicles entry.
I got myself my much needed haircut today. The hairstylist was an amiable guy who chatted with anyone and everyone. This was how our conversation went:

He: Kapatid mo yun? (I was with my younger brother)
I: Yup
He: Ah, I see. Magkaboses kayo e (Whoat?!)
I: Hehe
He: Oo noh, pare, ang laki kasi ng boses mo e
I: *smile*
He: Galing ng doctor mo a, di halata, mukhang girl na girl ka naman
I: Oo nga, except sa voice (said in a girl-like voice)
He: Hahaha, o nga, naiwan yung boses
I: *smile*
He: O bakit, d ka na nagsasalita?
I: *smile*
He: Hahahaha, hindi na talaga nagsalita o.
I: *smile*
.....
He: Sige pare, balik ka a.
I: *smile*
He: Hindi na talaga nagsalita o...

The actual thing was funnier than what I've transcripted here. I was laughing my heads off listening to them joke about my big voice. It's a good thing they did a pretty good job with my hair otherwise, they'd be a tip less that day hehehe.

Plugs

I'm in 2bU! -
http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/you/2bu/view_article.php?article_id=53280

PBFantasy in PhilStar -
http://www.philstar.com/philstar/LIFESTYLE200703099710.htm

PBFantasy in Studio 23's Digital Tour tomorrow - March 11, 2007 around 830PM

From Boyish to Beautiful (Post-Op)

Be a part of 2bU! and Dove's Self Esteem
Chronicles
Dove recently launched the Self-Esteem Fund, which will
be used to run BodyTalk workshops fro young girls. In this connection, 2bU! wants to read your self-esteem story.

Here is my story:

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/you/2bu/view_article.php?article_id=53280

So far, these are the comments that I have gotten:

• "hello, pare!" (now they're calling me "pare" as if I were their drinking buddy)
• "boy ponkan" (it used to be just ponkan...)
• "syotz!" (hey, what happened to syobz?!)
• Those are not enough! You should have mentioned **** **** **** too! (what the...)
• I have got to see those pudgy hands and feet in person! (now I'm a lab specimen)

They just can't resist making fun of me. How sweet! On the lighter note, here are some of the "bola" comments:

• pretty ka naman e. Uy a, aaminin ko bolero nga ako pero hindi ako sinungaling (go figure!)
• As a matter of fact, you're the type that I would kai shao to my brothers if they were still available (o? how touching...)

Anyway, thanks everyone for your lovely comments, the "bolas" and the nots, about the article and about me. May I continue to delight you with my life and my stories.

Grey's Anatomy

My favorite mcshow for the moment. It makes me laugh, it makes me cry - and that makes me feel awfully good. I can marathon on it for hours and forget about my own mcdreamy. Now on its 3rd season!

Finally! Happy new year!

Back from the dead..
Hehehe.
I've been trying to blog for quite some time now but everytime I try, I keep getting 'the page cannot be displayed' page. Grrrr! I've given up trying...Until now...

Well, what's new?

1. I got myself a Starbucks planner! Yippeeee! A month overdue and still unpaid (sorry dean, I'll pay you soon..), but I'm making the most out of it. The pen's not writing too well though so I've changed the classy black Starbucks pen with a cheap but trusty Papermate. Talk about class! Hehehe.

2. I was finally able to ride the 3G LRT this morning!!! Big deal huh? It is if you have to wake up every morning to your kid brother's text of how he got to ride the new train again! Boohooo! I'm dying with envy. Hehe. Well now, I can proudly say that I have ridden it too even if it was just for a teeny weeny short trip. Wonder if I'll be as lucky tomorrow hehe.

3. I found this cool site (www.pbfantasy.com) that's offering free Sony PS3!! And all you have to do is play! Whatever happened to the saying 'nothing in life is free'? Heheheh. Anyway, I'm trying my luck, why don't you try yours too? Here's their ad in case you're intereted.

Nanny 911

I just caught the show Nanny 911 on ETC. It's basically a show where a family calls up the Nanny Central for nannies to help them with raising their kids the right way. The nannies at Nanny Central observe how the family behaves; after which, the head nanny decides who to send to the family. The nanny that gets chosen stays with the family for a week and tries to work up a miracle by turning the family from hell into a very blissful one.

Anyway, the one that I've seen was a family where the kids were as unruly as can be. One was a pre-teen who would hit anything and anyone just for the heck of it, another was a prima donna who would scream her way into getting what she wants, and the youngest was a taker on her prima donna sister, not to mention that she is a 4-year old who has not yet been potty trained!

Oh my gosh!!!!! It really is a scary sight! It will surely make you think twice (and a hunderd more times) about wanting to have your own family! Thankfully though, the nanny had all the experience needed to solve the problems. She analyzed the family and worked up a plan. She stressed out the need to have rules, respect, and communication in the family. She used positive reinforcements to encourage the children to behave better. The hardest part for her was to tell the mom to change her nagging ways, to appreciate her children's efforts, to listen to them, and to allow them to make mistakes. It was harder for the mom to take it all in. Imagine a stranger walking in to your house, watching your every move, shaking her head at your every mistake, and then has all the nerve to tell you how raise your kids up right. How humbling can that be? Better sit on that ego dearie! It's for the family anyway. Back to the story, all's well that ends well. The nanny eventually succeeded in helping the family become a more loving and a happier one.

The show's concept is a good one. Viewers can learn a thing or two (or a lot) by watching how the nannies turn a seemingly hopeless family into a model one. Isn't it good to have a nanny central with a pool of experienced nannies to help you through the very challenging but very crucial task of raising up your kids. Wouldn't it be better though if you yourself can be the problem-solver nanny of your own family? I sure hope I can be my own nanny central when the time comes!

LC Training at PLC & Airport

My birthday month was mainly spent on attending trainings. Nope, you don't hear me complaining this time hehehe. It's a welcomed break, a breather from work. I was back to being a student again, listening in class, cramming for exams, the works. The only part that I didn't like was having to get up so early coz classes start at 0730H! zzzzZZZzzzzZZZzzz.... The up side is that it ends at 1530. Yipeee! Ü And since it's so near the mall, I always drop by Rob Place for a quick window-shopping since it is en-route to the LRT station. Hehehe.
One more perk from attending these trainings is the new friends I get to make. "I love you,You love me,We're best friends like friends should be...." oops, got a bit carried away there... Heeeheee. Anyway, the LC training (pic shown above-at PLC mock-up), has, by far, been the most fun for me, mainly because of the people I got to be with. They're really friendly and hospitable. They took care of me while I was at the airport, inviting me to their lounge, introducing me to their friends, making me a part of their group. Awwww... Hehehehe Ü I miss them already. Thanks for everything you guys, especially to Milca, Rejane, Onel, and Aldwyn! Ü See you guys around!

Disneyland HK

These mascots are the gods and goddesses of the Disney kingdom. Guests from all over the world queue up shed per shed, enduring the unbearable heat, in a park dedicated just for these stars. People hover over them as die-hard fans would, snapping pictures, seeking autographs, and extending handshakes. What nonsense huh?

Well, guess what? I'm one of those people (minus the autograph part)!

More pictures

HK Day 1

No time to blog, chat transcript nlng hehehe

cherds_1983: bali, from airport
cherds_1983: sakay kami ng airport express
cherds_1983: wla ngang sumasakay nun e
cherds_1983: kita naman sa pics na wlang tao eheheh
cherds_1983: mjo mahal din naman kasi
cherds_1983: kung by bulk ka bibili mas mura
cherds_1983: tapos after nun, sakay kami mtr to go to hotel
cherds_1983: namin
cherds_1983: bago lakad to hotel after
cherds_1983: weird nga namin
cherds_1983: walking along the busy streets with our maletas in tow hehehe
cherds_1983: put to stress test agad yung samsonite hehehe
cherds_1983: tapos punta na hotel
cherds_1983: kya lng wla pang available room
cherds_1983: so iniwan lng namin yung mga luggage sa lobby
cherds_1983: tapos ikot ikot na sa mga shopping malls. ay lunch muna
cherds_1983: heheheh. e mas madali daw pag train e hehehe
cherds_1983: ang mas cheaper alternative actually is bus
cherds_1983: pero malamang mas mahirap
cherds_1983: yung sa mga mtrs dito, ang haba haba ng lalakarin mo
cherds_1983: no wonder daw ang papayat ng mga tao hehehe
cherds_1983: tapos ang swa kaw pa namin sa paggamit ng mtr heheh
cherds_1983: kasi bumili kami ng octopus card
cherds_1983: parang sotred value ng lrt natin
cherds_1983: pero yun valid for 3 years hehe
cherds_1983: pero ang laman lang is 100
cherds_1983: so bawas bawas nlng for every use
cherds_1983: e d namin alam na pag yuna ng
cherds_1983: parang idaan mo lng sa scanner on top
cherds_1983: ahh
cherds_1983: alam mo na pala ehheeh
cherds_1983: anyway, d kasi namin alam so try namin pasok sa butas ehhehe
cherds_1983: ayaw e Ken: hehheehheehhehe!! yep yep!! tagal tagal ka ata yun noh hehehehe!!
cherds_1983: buti nlng may mga commuters nauna sa amin hehehe
cherds_1983: so nakita namin panu, gaya nalng kami
cherds_1983: o ha hehheh =)
Medyo just got back in hotel. Super tired. Too much window shopping hehehehe.
There's an internet corner here in the hotel. It says it's free for use for
hotel guests. Whew! =) Till next time!

pictures

Brrr!

Out to conquer the Mt. Everest? Nah! Simply too cold at the office! The bright yellow hood on my head sure is a sight to behold. Hahaha. It is a favorite target of curious stares and incredulous looks but I really have to keep it on to keep from freezing. Brrr! =)

Disney's High School Musical

There's just too much hype about Disney's High School Musical to pass it up. Fortunately, I got home pretty early to catch its premiere. Thank goodness for commercials though, I still got to do some of the things I have to do while watching it (there were some parts that I missed though). The movie is okay, but it's more of a youngsters movie (duh! "High School Musical!"). Well, it just goes to show that I'm getting older. Haha! I'll just sing along, at least it doesn't matter how old I am to enjoy the songs hehehe. This is the start of something new....

SM Mall of Asia

Six times in five days! Nope, that's not me but I'm not lagging far behind with 4 times in 5 days! I'm talking about our visits to the great new maze along Macapagal Avenue - the much awaited SM Mall of Aisa. This fine piece of real estate finally opened its doors to the public last Sunday, May 21. Since then, I've been there almost every weeknight, skipping only wednesday to take a breather. What a fan huh? Just give me a couple more days and I'd be able to draw up a map of the area complete with store names and opening dates. Haha!

Seriously, one would need a tourist map once you get there. Restaurants and shops are literally everywhere! It's a maze for the clueless and a memory game for the shoppers. Where was Delifrance again? So far, the directories they've put up have been anything but helpful. I'm seriously considering selling maps by the entrance. Boy, would they sell like pancakes! Hehe =)

Confusion aside, the place is grand! It's got everything you'll ever need. Until now, I still hear myself blurting out "Wow cool! They've got this store here too!" It's an all-in-one place. Name it, they have it! Supermarket (oops, they have a thing for superlatives, they call it Hypermarket), restaurants, computer shops, bookstores (I've counted 6 so far, and these include Powerbooks and Fully Booked! Yahooo!), home stores, dental clinics, medical clinics, wellness centers, lympic-sized ice-skating rink, iMax theater, cinemas.... you get the idea. Have I whetted oyour appetite already? what then are you sitting there for? Troop down to the MoA already! Hunt me down, I'll be your guide! Haha! =)

P.S. A lot of the yet to be opened stores, open on June 30.

24 Season 5 - Super Kilig!!!! (Hehehe)

I don't know why I'm so giddy over the Jack Bauer and Audrey Raines pair-up. I wasn't at all like this during season 4. In season 5 however, eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! Kilig!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (tsk tsk hopeless!)

Pics from Season 5 finale and Episode 22:

Mother's Day Special

Instead of eating out for Mom's Day, we prepared our own "fine-dining" at home. Nyahaha! =) Here are some pics of the food we ate.

- Pan Fried Fish in Pesto Sauce with Risotto Rice

- Plain ol' Spaghetti (as requested by Ahma)

- And for dessert...Fresh fruits in light sauce

A Tribute to Akong

Borrowing some lines from Uncle Sario's message:

When a good man passes away, those closest to him lose a treasure. More than that, the world loses someone whose presence made it a better world. We are consoled, albeit in a small way, by the wisdom, love and dedication we were fortunate to have received from him. For such a treasure was a gift that we were blest with but rarely in a lifetime. Those touched by his counsel and infused with his love carry within them an ever-sustaining guide in their lives. Such is the wonder and treasure of Uncle Siong Lim.

Pinoy Obituaries Page

Handwriting Analysis

The results of your analysis say:

You plan ahead, and are interested in beauty, design, outward appearance, and symmetry.
You are a person who thinks before acting, intelligent and thorough.
You are diplomatic, objective, and live in the present.
You are not very reserved, impatient, self-confident and fond of action.
You enjoy life in your own way and do not depend on the opinions of others.


What does your handwriting say about YOU?

World Pyro Olympics

The first-ever World Pyro Olympics, participated by a total of 9 countries, garnered enough interest from people of all over. Every single day of that week promised a thick crowd and unbearable traffic. People took to the streets in hopes of catching the magnificent shower of lights. Streets were heavily lined with cars, the drivers and passengers of which have long decided to abandon their vehicles in the middle of the road. Awe-stricken spectators oohed and ahhed after each burst while trying mightily to capture the spectacle with whatever camera device they have.

I have had the chance to catch two of the five shows. While one was atop a tall building overlooking Manila Doctor’s College, the second was far more adventurous with me running the whole stretch of the Mall of Asia with my brother in tow (or was it me in tow?) just to get to the Esplanade where the fireworks have already begun. When we finally did reach the ticket booth and paid PhP200 for the entrance fee, we hurried to catch a jeepney to get to the site. Out of excitement, we jumped into the first one available. No sooner was it filled when we heard the second jeepney’s engine rev up and move away. What the..?! Bossing, we’re all in a hurry here! Impatience got the best of us as everyone jumped out of the first jeepney and into the third. Off we went. Finally! When we arrived, the first set of fireworks was already over. To entertain spectators, live music played from a band onstage. On another platform was a thin crowd enjoying the tricks of a magician, or a clown, I’m not sure. We found our way to the sea wall and readied our equipment. Surprised to find only a few people, we couldn’t help but feel like we’ve hit a jackpot as we’ve got a good view and there was no crowd to make our way to. Our pot of gold soon turned to stone when we realized our folly. The direction of where the fireworks would be coming from was opposite our position, as announced by the host. It was just too good to be true huh? We hurriedly made our way to the correct direction and were not at all surprised to see that many have already camped out there. The sea wall, contrary to our good spot just a while ago, was now lined with people; bodies squeezed together, heads raised in expectation. Some looked as if they had been there since the gates opened at 3. One even brought a tent! Talk about serious campers! Camera enthusiasts were already positioned beside their tall tripods, ready to pinch their cable releases at the first sign of light. We set up our humble gear not far from them. Unlike them however, we had to bend over as our tripod is but a child compared to theirs and sorry, no cable release. Just like them though, we had to wait.

Ecstatic cries greeted the first light that illuminated the cloudless sky. South Africa was about to start. As more bursts of light flashed, more oohs and aahs were heard. I, on the other hand, was all bent up, one hand on the left hip, the other on the shutter, one eye on the viewfinder, the other to the sky. Tough job huh? The show lasted for 20 minutes, give or take. A warm round of applause rang in the air when it ended. When the awe finally subsided, the crowd soon dispersed, some towards the exit, some to enjoy the band, and still some to enjoy the magic show.

My brother and I headed towards the exit. While taking the 5-minute walk towards where we came from, he urged me to go again the next day. Boy, was he a fan! Having been through the heavy traffic of both vehicles and people, who in his right mind would want to come back and endure it all over again? Apparently a lot, as traffic the next day grew much worse. It’s just too good a chance to pass up, I guess. Who knows, we might not be as fortunate the next time as heavy traffic might not be the only thing we have to endure to see the fireworks, but also having to purchase a costly plane ticket!

Moving In

After almost three months of agonizing anticipation, ISD’s COPS (Corporate & PC-based Systems), MADS (Mainframe Applications Development & Support), and SQA (Systems Quality Assurance) have finally moved in to their newly renovated abode in DCB. The Data Center Building, home to the Airline’s IT professionals, has been undergoing renovation since late August of this year. Employees have since been necessitated to make do with the remaining space available in the office while the first phase of the renovation takes place. With a target completion date of October 30, the first of five phases was officially opened for occupancy on November 17th.

Ribbon cutting ceremonies and welcome parties, even modest ones, are never out of place during such occasions. Notwithstanding the lack of materials (all supplies have been packed the day before), the eager beavers managed to come up with a makeshift welcome banner, balloons, and a ribbon for the occasion. Managers Jose Rene Nagrampa, Noemi Tañada, and Louis Lim, did the honor of cutting the ribbon, officially opening the newly refurbished office to its excited occupants.

The wooden board that separates the old and the new areas may be but a thin sheet but the view that it keeps from each other are as different as can be. Lined with low contemporary-styled gray and blue modulars, the new office bares a stark difference with its old counterpart. Gone are the stained walls and broken ceilings that have seen much better days. In their place are white-coated walls, renewed ceiling panels, and bright lighting fixtures giving a sense of modernity and a more spacious atmosphere. Wires, cables, switches, and network hubs have also been organized and hidden from view, further enhancing the professional look of the place.

Seemingly a tourist attraction, the newly inaugurated area has been packed with people all day. Visitors from various divisions, both curious and excited as to what is in store for them when the next phases are completed, have come and gone, admiring the newly installed furnishings, even trying out the legendary washrooms. Who can blame them? For our IT professionals in DCB, it sure is a sight to behold. And truly, this wonderful change is nothing but what our IT people deserve as it is in this office where they would be spending most of their days and sometimes nights working assiduously just to keep the airline’s systems running smoothly.

Phase II of the construction is scheduled to start on November 21 and will last for four weeks. Phases III, IV, and V will soon follow, each lasting for 7, 2.5, and 2.5 weeks respectively. Data Center Building is scheduled to be completely renovated by February 19th of 2006.

Link to Pictures:

November 17, 2005

November 18, 2005

A Rather Sad Story

Today marks a friend's last day in the office. While we're all very happy for him, now that he's off to seek much greener pastures, one can't help but feel a pang of sadness over his decision. His “syoberry-lunchmate” is certainly no exception.

Fate must have had it for the two to be such good friends notwithstanding the age difference. Exactly ten years and ten days apart, the man and the kid struck up a friendship so unlikely that many have wondered the origins of it. The most I can tell of it is that they started out as a group of four people having lunch together. For reasons we know not of, the group shrunk to three people and eventually to two. While I cannot be of any use in giving the history of this unique friendship, I can however, attest to how great it is.

It could have been that they were of the same racial ancestry or that they were both born under the same month as the two easily found a connection. Stories were exchanged with great ease; hobbies were shared and received with great enthusiasm. No sooner had this started that the friendship blossomed into something more extraordinary – “sibling-hood”. The kid was soon dubbed Syoberry (a mutation of syobe, which means younger sister, and strawberry) and the man, Ahyaberry (ahya - older brother), for lack of a better and more appropriate name.

As siblings would, they took care of each other, remembering to share whatever one has to the other, especially chocolates! They both share a passion for the sinful treat despite the fact that they both mightily try to curb the same passion for different reasons. It is said that Syoberry would often add the reminder “In moderation!” when sharing chocolates with the elder Berry. The warning was never heeded however. Chocolates aside, the two Berrys love eating in general, comparing notes on the latest food binge each has taken. It isn’t a wonder that both can be heard complaining about needing a workout.

While the similarities don’t necessarily end there, both have their share of differences. A self-confessed game freak, the elder Berry is a gamer by nature. Having explored every nook and cranny of the gaming world, he still constantly drops by Syoberry’s cube for a game at her pocket PC. A big fan of animé, he muses at how the younger Berry’s hair flies away as that of a cartoon character (Thundercats anyone?). Syoberry, on the other hand is more of an artist and a writer. Aided by a pen or a mouse, she turns to writing and creative stuffs for self expression. Albeit their differences, both managed to get along well, learning from each other and respecting each other’s quirks and foibles.

All good things however, must come to an end. Just when everything seems comfortable, the elder Berry brings news of his departure. It has been a couple of months since he first brought it up with the youngster. Although time has proven to be a good ally, nothing could prepare them, her at least, when the day finally came.

One can just imagine how hard a goodbye it is for the two. They smiled for the cameras, laughed aloud at old jokes, had loads of fun, just like the old times. But when goodbye finally did come, the smiles quickly turned to sorrowful curves, half-smiles - a desperate effort to mask the sadness deep inside. Tears threatened to fall; emotions surged from within. A half-hug, a phone call, a final goodbye. Click! – and then tears….

And that is how the rather sad story ends. The friendship between the two, I believe, will live on despite the distance. Both will surely miss each other but nothing but the best are wished for as they part at this fork of their lives. Only time can tell if they will meet again. In the meantime, life goes on.


SQA Head with ASV: 08-08 (2T5) 

Yiheee, I won a book from Powerbooks! 

My Inquirer Trip

I went to the Inquirer office yesterday to claim my prizes for the Valentine Blowout they had last Feb. I was expecting a long line of excited winners already milling around in the spacious lobby, waiting for instructions on how to get their prizes. On the contrary though, as I stepped inside, I was met with a spacious but rather bare lobby. Only a single couple hovered over the pink bag by the front desk. They were busily looking for their number in a pink woven envelope. Apparently, the INQ guys have thought of a scheme to organize the claiming of prizes since it will surely be hell without one as all 100 of us start pounding at their doors asking for our prizes. A list of our names and respective numbers were posted by the door. We were then supposed to look for the number in the woven envelope (a rather difficult task, if I might add) and bring it to the 2nd floor where we were supposed to present our valid IDs to claim the prizes. After the couple before me rummaged through and finally found their number from the envelope, I tried my luck. I was number 16. There were still a lot of numbers left in the envelope; it was almost like finding a needle in a haystack! I found 17, I found 18, where the heck was 16? There! Oops, that's 91 upside down! There! Nope, that's 61! I finally tried to just remove some of the numbers from the bag to narrow down my search scope (tsk tsk, talking like a compsci geek). There you go, number 16! I quickly headed for the stairs to go up the second floor but was stopped by the security guard. Without a word, he looked up and pointed to the stairs. Oh, so it's a one by one thing - the couple that went before me was still up there. Ow-khay, no problem, I've waited three long months, what's three more minutes huh?

When it was finally my turn, I went up the stairs and into the main room in the middle. Inside the room was a woman, who I thought was also a winner rummaging through the prizes looking for hers (I forgot, it’s a one-by-one thing so she can’t possibly be another winner). Oops, turns out that she was one of the INQ staffs. When she faced me, she smiled and said, “you’re Cheryl right?” Wow, she recognizes me?? “Uhm, yup”. She then started looking for my goodie bag from the bags neatly lined up on the floor. When she finally got it, she turned to me and said, “You didn’t pick a prize!” My face fell, “What?” I explained to her that I did reply to her email and did indicate the prize I wanted. (For the unenlightened, last Feb, they published the list of prizes that could be won. Upon submission of entry, we were to specify the prize we’d like to get if ever our entry gets picked). She said she didn’t get any reply from me. I did! I did! I did! Well, I couldn’t have possibly argued to death that I did email the prize I wanted and so I just accepted the bag handed to me and said a gracious thank you. At least I got to take home something, that’s good enough.

I bet you’re dying to find out what I got huh? I was once I got out of the building. Despite being overwhelmed with curiosity, I somehow managed to keep myself from tearing apart the paper bag until I was already in the car. Well, I got a 13L Jansport backpack, which my dad says makes me look 16 when I use it hahaha, a super small Russ stuffed dog with I-Love-You ribbons around its neck, a Coffee Beanery gift certificate, two Eastwood cinema movie passes, and two packs of Wrigley’s gum. Not at all what I had asked for but okay nonetheless. Thanks to Inquirer and its sponsors for all the goodies I’ve got. Till next time! Boy, I sure can’t wait to use the backpack!!! Hehehe =)

Friendster Blog

Recently, my inbox has been filled with a number of blog notifications from Friendster saying this friend and that friend has started a blog and would like me to check it out. Wow, Friendster has a blog! That's pretty cool! I never did think that I'd sign up for one though since I already have my trusty Blogspot blog up and running. Well, I guess the blog bug still got to me as I did create my own blog account with Friendster. I've decided to name it "MY LITERA DEPOT". As the name implies, it would contain my literary musings. I've posted the old ones that are from here and have also added a new one entitled "Forlorn", which I was feeling yesterday. It happens to be at the bottom of the page since I made the mistake of posting that one first. Hehe.

Here's the link: http://cherds.blogs.friendster.com

I Love You But...

A boy had once said,
"Oh I love you but I can't,
Both our hearts ar'nt free.
I can't, I musn't, I choose she"

I neith'r laughed nor cried,
"Yes, I und'rstand, I agree,
some oth'r time maybe,
or if God wills it to be"

I didn't have a clue
that I'd be smitt'n oh so by you
I was so darn fine
till you said that "I love you" line

My heart skips a beat
ev'rytime you're within a few feet
it can't seem to stop
ev'n in my dreams you choose to pop

Must've lost my senses
to be in foolish madness
you belong to her
there's no room for another

--- To be continued.... ---

Let Me Tell You All About It (Season 2)

Just as life is not just ups but downs as well, this space is not solely dedicated for the happy moments of my life.

Here I am, lying idly on my stomach, alone with my thoughts, haunted by my emotions. With nothing to do, my thoughts cannot help but turn back to it. I try to fight off the wave of emotions surging forth. Deep breaths, inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale… It’s of no use as a I feel my face flush and a lone tear soon fell, smearing the freshly written text under the heading February 28, 2005: NCCA Entry =(

A week before the deadline, I was already racking my brains for an idea. I’ve caught wind of another contest. Prize money is to be given to the top three winners. It was quite a long shot considering the number of talented designers around and the fact that I only have a few nights to work on it. I’ve got nothing to lose, I figured and so decided to give it a try.

Before the end of the week, I already had a finished product. Surprisingly, it was the best I’ve made so far. It spelled out maturity in most aspects, uncharacteristic of the works I’ve done before. A sense of pride crept up as I realized that I have reached new heights. While some shared the same sentiment with me, others just gave a ho-hum look when shown the artwork. As much as I’d want to get everyone’s approval before submitting it, I just didn’t have the time nor the resources to create another one from scratch. I ended up making minor edits here and there before finally sending the entry with my fingers tightly crossed.

The results were supposed to be out the week after. I was too naïve to have believed that such schedules were religiously followed and so I patiently waited. Life went on as usual besides the terrible waiting. Monday, the day the results were supposed to be out, came and almost went without me getting any news about it. Almost. My dear officemate, having more faith in me than I have on myself, decided to call up NCCA to ask for the results of the contest. He patiently went through the drudgery of being transferred from person to person only to be told to call back after lunch. When he tried again a couple of times later, he finally had news that the results would be out on the 28th. “See, you still have a chance”, he encouraged. Almost willingly, I held on to that chance despite my own warning against keeping my hopes up.

It must have been that I had other things in mind throughout the week as I soon forgot about the contest and waiting for the results. On second thought, it could have been that I forcibly pushed it out of my mind so as not to be disappointed when Monday comes. On Sunday however, as if magnetized, my thoughts were again drawn to it. I was thinking what my strategy for the next day would be. Should I check the results early morning and be disappointed for the whole day or should I live with hope and wait until the end of the day to be disappointed? The answer seems apparent but my excitement would still choose the former option. Just as I was trying to keep from thinking further, my celphone beeped. I almost dropped the phone as I read the message.

“U are 1 of d WEBGISING DIGITAL ART contest FINALIST – AWARDING at malacanang museum, program start 730 am till 11am bukas, Smart casual, - c u! – NCCA-AAP”

Like wild fire spreading rapidly, the whole of me caught up with the tiny spark of hope that had been ignited. I was a finalist! I made it to at least that far!

I was just too stunned to ask further despite the many questions that ran through my head. Does it mean that they would still pick out the top 3 from the finalists tomorrow and that I still had a chance? Or does it mean that they already have a list of the top 3 and they’ll simply award them the next day?

I now regret not having asked. I also regret not having gone, not that there was a prize to claim. At least I could have seen what my being a “finalist” meant. It would have given my pride a little cushion before the big blow. Cushion or not however, I did get a big blow. Blinking back fresh tears, I can still recall how my heart was pounding wildly as I had opened up NCCA’s website. Gone was the sentence that said winners will be posted on the 28th. In its place was a link, a link to the winning entries. Gosh! This is so it! I had clicked on the link, waited for the page to load, hastily scanned for a red entry, scrolled down, scrolled up, then down again, none. I sank back in my chair, defeated. So much for keeping your hopes up.

I stare blankly at the page before me, willing myself to write down my thoughts, my frustrations. Instead of words however, tears find its way to the pages. As each drop falls, my disappointments magically melt away with it. I finally pick up the pen and beside the sad-faced emoticon, write “Sure was a tough one but I’m back up and ready to try again!” I add three grinning emoticons for added effect.

The Honey and the Bee

February 24, 2005

Kawawa naman si Honeybee,
Busyng busy.
Kawawa din honey ni Honeybee,
'coz busy nga si Honeybee.

Pero ok lng kay honey
'coz lapit na di maging busy.
Lapit na weekend kasi,
and may time na kay honey-me.

Ang galing ba ni honey?
pinagrha-rhyme ang mga bees,
Gusto mu pa pati tutubi?
Wag lang nga si teletubby!

Anyway, balik tyo kay Honeybee
na siya ring si busybee.
Nyeh, mukhang busy pa rin si itong si bee,
Ay naku, punta na nga lang tayu kay Jollibee!

----------------

Heeeheeeheee
Ay ang corneeee!
1547H-1410H

Let Me Tell You All About It

Art Contest Results are Out! 

I'd been at the edge of my seat since the moment I submitted the entry. What if they don't get it on time, if they even get it at all? What if it gets there on a weekend where the person in charge is not there and the one who received it misplaced it and forgot about it the coming Monday? What if? What if? What if? It's amazing how my nonsensical imagination can run amuck in a matter of seconds!

December came and went with me eyeing the 9th closely as this marks the contest's judgment day. I constantly checked their website hoping for a hint of the results. I even memorized their contact number, just to be prepared, while I debate with my alter egos whether to call for update or not. Impatience got the best of me as I eventually did pick up the phone - only to learn that the results were still with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for verification. I was told that it would most probably be out by the end of the month. Week after week, I waited. During idle moments in the office, I'd occassionally look up and see my entry hanging proudly in my cubicle. Does it stand a chance? Is it even competition-worthy? "Yes!", I'd beam with the thought. The longer the wait however, the usual "Yes" answer would be accompanied with a "Kahit consolation man lang diba?" (At the very least, it's worth a consolation prize, right?)

Fortunately what little hope I had left did not go with the year 2004 as it bid its goodbye. My visits to the website still remained the first thing I do whenever I'm online - half hoping to see a list of the winners posted (it's the new year already, update your website!) Still no list, still no phone call, still no telegram though.

Surprisingly on January 5th, out of his own accord, my brother texted me to ask about Sterling's contact number. The following conversation ensued:

Him : Num ng sterling?
Me : -I gave the number-
Him : Adult or youth?
Me : Adult
Him : Nah
Me : Anu ibig sabhin nun? Wla?
Him : Hmmm la award
Me : Kahit man lng consolation wla? tlga? o?

At about this time, I looked solemnly at the entry posted on my cubicle wondering if I had just been falsely hoping all this time. Are my works eye candy to just me and nobody else? Those who had said that it looks good could have just said it so as not to hurt my feelings. I so wanted my brother to reply back to say that he was just kidding and that I did win the first prize (haha fat chance!) Just then, my celphone beeped again with an incoming message.

"Hmm mayrun Pahabol", the message read.

"...U won!!", the next message said, arriving shortly after the first.

With my hands trembling and my heart beating a hunderd miles a minute, I deliriously replied, "Anu ba talaga? Should I be jumping for joy or crying out na?"

The reply came much too late, a single word "Jumping", which I had not understood the meaning of until much much later. Even before the reply came, I had already called him up on the landline. He confirmed that I did win an award, some sort of an award, the prize of which he didn't know. It could have been something lesser than a consolation prize but during that time, I could have cared less. I was just thrilled to know that after skimming through the list, the person he had talked to did find my name, even if it's at the bottom of the very bottom.

Despite the sudden rush of emotions overwhelming me, I managed a silent thank you to God before drifting off happily to Smugville...

Author's note:
Pardon my enthusiasm but this is the first time I've won something from a nationwide contest. The complete list of winners was posted in The Philippine Star dated January 22, 2005 (Saturday) and it turns out that what I had won was an LSL Special Award. I've often joked that LSL stands for LaSaLista. Kidding aside, LSL stands for Lim Seh Leng (if I got it right), the founder of Sterling. It's below the top 5 but at least above the 10 consolation prizes. I haven't gotten my prize yet as I'm still supposed to wait for a telegram. In the meantime, I'd better be thinking of what to do with PhP 7000 worth of Sterling products. Now, those who had cried out "Libre!", would you care for a free notebook? Some specialty paper perhaps?

P.S. Don't worry, I'm back from Smugville and am quite normal again hehe Ü

Don't Stop the Tears from Falling

'Fraid not when it comes,
Lip quivering and then some
All becomes a blur
As the eyes well up, yes sir!

Drop by drop it falls,
Much like tree leaves during Fall
Bit by bit is cast
of emotions hid'n alas!

Convulsions can't stop
and a heave with every drop
All pain and all ire
Panted out of thine Empire

When all's sobbed and done
look out and out comes the sun
Wern't you sad just b'fore?
Behold! You can smile once more!

Author's Note:
Women have been given the wonderful gift to cry. Despite swollen eyes and stuffy nose afterwards, it remains to be a wonderful prerogative treasured by many. Not that men are not allowed this privilege, they rarely use it however. The poem tries to paint a picture of how it's like to "cry it all out" for those who know not.

Some tips to the one comforting the crying,
1. Listen
2. Give comforting words
3. Stop doing other stuffs
4. Offer a shoulder if you can
5. Offer a hanky (a clean one, please!)
6. Don't make jokes (this ruins the momentum)

Maxthon Browser

Are you getting tired of your ho-hum browser's boring look and dull capabilities? Well, today must be your lucky day 'coz I've got some hot news for you! Fresh out of the house is the latest version MyIE2 - Maxthon. (Yea, yea, I'm sure you've heard of it before...pardon me then for being the techno geek of the Jurassic Age, I just learned about the browser yesterday *sheepish smile*). Tagged with a caption "The Way We Surf the World", Maxthon promises a lot more in terms of enhanced features and better security.

I just downloaded my copy of the browser and I sure am enjoying every minute of my browsing exerience. I've been changing the skin, toying around with the settings, playing kung-fu with my mouse (mouse actions) and "tabbing" my way along the busy streets of Netville. It's a very different approach that needs some getting used to (I sometimes still wonder where my opened pages had gone) but is truly a step, if not a leap forward from the conventional type that the likes of Microsoft has introduced.

Maybe you'd like to try it out too :)

P.S. Thanks Bong for telling me about it :)

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve 

HapPy NeW YeaR eveRyoNe!

6 minutes from the start of 2005 and I'm blogging already! Talk about starting the year right hehe.

We had the usual New Year's Eve dinner with some kinsfolk, which lasted far shorter than the whole preparation. As there was not much to do afterwards, each family member went his own way. A pang of loneliness started creeping in as I was not able to find anything to occupy myself with. I knew that there was no place for it though. It's New Year's Eve! Not even the loneliest of the lonely should feel the least bit lonesome even just for today. But there was just no one to talk with on the phone, no one to chat with online, no one to text with (and I don't mean just sending a New Year's forwarded greeting and getting another version back), and no one to do stuffs with.

"Phew! Bo-ring!"
"Might as well clean some mess up before the coming year."
I was in the midst of rearranging stuffs when the I caught sight of the yellow smiley ball grinning at me, as if beckoning me to pick it up. Well, who can resist a smile like that? I grabbed the ball, totally forgot about cleaning up, and started shooting some baskets on the miniature basketball hoop stuck behind the door. My kid brother evenutally joined me and challenged a game of shooting. "Sure", I said. Not even bothering to change from the clothes I've worn to dinner, I folded my pants up, and donned a pair of plush Hello Kitty slippers (the thick one with cushions, with the big head design) to finish my utterly inappropriate outfit. An hour or so of shooting later, our clothes were soaked, our legs were tired (at least mine was), but our spirits soared. We had a great time. It was a great way to kill time while waiting for midnight to strike.

Less than an hour before 12, the house was silent again. My kid brother had gone back to their place, my big brother had gone to sleep (so much for getting all worked up for midnight). I spent the remaining time changing to cleaner clothes, stuffing my pocket with coins (and some bills), opening up all the lights, and sending some last-minute New Year greetings. I constantly watched the clock, tick tock, tick tock, impatiently waiting for the hand to strike 12. When it finally did, I started jumping. Yes, jumping. While texting more Happy New Years with one hand and clanging the coins loudly in my pocket with the other, I jumped happily, without any care that I'm already 21 and have no chance of getting any taller. For me, ushering in the New Year just won't be complete without jumping. Twenty years from now, when I'm already 41 and you still catch me jumping, don't think me weird hehe.

Once again, haPpy new year! Hope 2005 will promise a brigther and better tomorrow Ü

Tsunami Disaster

I was in the midst of watching a movie when news about the Tsunami disaster broke out. Since then, it has been the talk of town - the hottest topic in most conversations. I've been hearing a lot, reading some, and watching none of it. It was only yesterday that I got to borrow my neighbor's TV, switched to BBC (and CNN) and saw how serious the statement "80,000 death toll" meant. The figure is still rising as of writing, I just checked CNN's website and the figure just reached 118,000!

The number covers a wide span of people - from locals to foreigners, from the rich and famous down to the homeless and the poor. Many children have become orphans, many parents have had to bury their own children. Most are left homeless and are in dire need of any sort of aid.

Amidst the terrible tragedy, small miracles have abound, miracles that make us believe or want to believe that God is still watching. The 20-day old baby who floated in the "magic carpet" miraculously staying out of harm's way even days after the tsunami hit could not have been anything other than God's plan. There was also another 2-year old boy who managed on his own and was safely reunited with his dad save for some mosquito bites. There would be countless more stories on people who could have been among those who perished if not for some unforseen, even lame circumstances to prove that we still have something to be thankful for.

It's been 5 days already since the tsunami hit. Many are still missing while many are still crying for their dear ones. It would be a long while before the nightmare is over. Let us offer to them our prayers, that their loved ones may return to them safely, that they may have enough despite the scarce resources, that they may evenutally rebuild what they have lost, and that they may continue to find strength and comfort in God.

HapPy HoLidaYs! 

Cosmic Catastrophes and then Some

So what happened last Friday at the party? Well, the fact that there was no sign of a dark cloud anywhere must have been a good sign right? Unfortunately, no. Our performance ("The Frustrated Songbirds") couldn't have been any worse. Good thing though, our stint was among the last few ones after dinner. Whew! I guess the people were just too full to throw things at us although some were pretty worked up at mock-cheering us. Hehehehe. Yes, I can still laugh about the whole experience because we ourselves found the attempt rather hilarious, and oh yes, without a doubt, embarrassing. Well, that's life huh? Some people are meant to be the stars of the night while some just had to be the - errrr.... cosmic catastrophes?

Cosmic catastrophes aside, the party was a blast. Unlike us, the other groups came in prepared, complete with costumes, make-ups, and props. Wow! And we thought it'd be hard to convince them to take our party seriously. The party kicked off with a fashion parade of the 60's, 70's, 80's, and 90's musical era. A few raffle prizes later, the party was in full swing as the groups stut their stuffs onstage. They danced, they sang, they wowed the crowd. The first half of the show ended with the last group - 90's, doing their own version of Spice Girls' "Stop", Britney Spears' "Hit Me Baby One More Time" and Cristina Aguillera's "Genie in a Bottle" - all with guys dressing up as girls. Truly comical, if I may add. Dinner came and went. Finally, it's the New-Hires' turn. By this time, we ("The Frustrated Songbirds") were already having second thoughts of performing. Seeing how good the previous performaces have been, we knew we would pale in comparison. The dance troupe went first. We were too busy practising to watch them but I'm sure they did well. When our turn came, everyone had their hands on their ears. Can't blame them, they just had to, with our singing prowess, who can stand it? Hehehe And so the night ended with a few more raffle prizes given away - the big ones being a personal refrigerator and a brand new Nokia celphone. Pretty cool huh?

There was not much life after the party. Though a band played on, no one dared to go up the stage to start the free-for-all dancing. That is, until the VP caught me making my way out. He grabbed my hand, dragged me towards the stage while I helplessly wriggle out of his grasp half crying "No! No!" and half laughing my heart out. The VP of course had his way as another officemate helped him drag me up the stage. Uh-oh! What do I do here? Well, there were some who were "dragged up" too and we started moving our feet, swaying our bodies. Well, wadya know? I was actually d-a-n-c-i-n-g. Another first for this 2-left-feet girl who never fails to step on someone else's foot during PE. Thanks to Sir Kev (the VP who started it all) though, I actually had fun! He taught me a few steps ("Step-one-two-three", he keeps saying) and we managed to dance together, with matching turns and swings. Yipeee!

The dance floor was still filled with swaying bodies when I left. I've had enough for the night though, enough fun, enough memories, and enough stuffs to blog about. One thing I don't have enough are pictures. I'm still trying to befriend my new digicam and it sure is giving me a tough time hehehe. I'll try to get share some of the pics that I took.

In the meantime, step-one-two-three...step-one-two-three...step-one-two-three...

Here are some of the pics

Guess who Tuesday's Blog Addict at INQ7 is

Me!!!!
Check it out!
http://you.inq7.net/gear/12072004/tec1-1.htm

Thanks to Joey Alarilla for this early Christmas gift.

P.S. I haven't posted for quite a while. Been really busy these days...practicing mostly for the big concert on Friday (for Christmas Party presentation at the office). I suggest you all brace yourself for another "Yoyong" coz' the heavens will surely cry out loud ("Stop! Stop! Oh Please..Stoppp..") when we strut our stuff on that day hehehe. Wish us luck!

My Deviantart Account

Thanks all for viewing and posting comments whenever I have my artworks here. Beginning today though, I'll be posting my works in DEVIANTART while maintaining this for regular blogs. My deviantart account is at http://cheanne.deviantart.com/

Looking forward to your visits here as well as there. Thanks a bunch!

The Overstressed Stress Ball

"Stressful" Ball 

I have always wanted a stress ball. It's quite a toy, you see. Squeeze it beyond imaginable form (with all your might, all your agitation, frustration, and irritation) and it manages to return to its initial shape. Just the reliever we all need for everyday stress, huh? Well, I've been in search for a good stress ball for quite some time now. I've found some but none compared to the one I recently chanced upon (as shown in the picture above). It seems like the best, as it is indicated in the box that it is really meant to be a stress ball. When squeezed, it's unlike any other I've tried so I bought it. And there I was, squeezing happily away, left-1-2-3, right-1-2-3, left-right-left-right... Yesterday, I picked it up as I always do, sat in my throne before the computer and started to relieve some tension before I started work. After quite some time, a bit too engrossed with what I was doing, I didn't notice that my left hand was already covered with a glue-like substance surrounding the stress ball. When I finally peeled my eyes off the monitor, I examined my hand - what on earth?! And the rest is history. The overstressed stress ball just added more stress to my already stressed day. Stressful huh? Maybe you can suggest some good stress balls out there. Just post a comment. Thanks! Ü

Comments Please. Thanks 

A blog like no other...

Today seemed rather typical that I didn't think I'd have something to blog about. Turned out I was wrong though when, upon coming home, I checked my cellphone. A pang of sadness rushed over me as I read the words on the display screen. I could not quite believe it the first time and tried to turn the thing off and on again, as if to erase the strong words that have almost thrown me off-balance. I sat myself in a nearby chair to catch my breath. How could it be? When? Why so soon? A thousand and one questions ran through my head as I struggled with the grief that overwhelmed me.

Despite the many questions that my mind asked, deep within me, I knew the answers... If I had so much as given it another chance and not be tempted by another, none of this would have happened. If I had just asked for more strength, I would have been spared of this immense grief. Forgive me please, I am but human and is bound to err. The past two years had been great - two unforgettable, truly memorable years. Those memories are not without value to me, I treasure them more than one can ever know. It pains me deeply that we had to part ways, I can only imagine the grief on the other side... The decision however, has been made and can no longer be undone...

As I sat in the chair with tears threatening to fall, I checked my cellphone again to reread the message - the short yet powerful message that has casted a gloom over my otherwise carefree night. Although I've read it a thousand times already, the four words still seem strange and offer no comfort to my aching heart; it read: "SIM CARD REGISTRATION FAILED"

The author wrote this in relation to her Globe sim card (postpaid) being deactivated as she will now be trying the Sun Cellular network. Forgive the dramatic narrative, she has just become rather too attached with her old number. Maybe you'd like to switch to Sun to cheer her up. Ü Just leave your name and number. Hehehe Ü

Be a Sun Convert Now!

A couple of weeks ago, a full blown Sun Cellular ad that says "24/7 Call and Text UNLIMITED" caught my eye. Wow! That would mean that the good ol' texting days are back. It's like being 16 all over again (literally speaking) where texting like crazy is the "in" thing and "sayang piso ko" or "p're pass a load naman o" is unheard of. Truly, in a society full of avid texters, Sun's promotional offer is undeniably eye-catching. So why isn't everybody rushing to be a "Sun Convert"?

Personally, I liked the idea very much as it would mean bigger savings. In spite of this very appealing fact however, I had to rethink the offer. Not only was I hesitant to give up my existing number with another network, I was also aware that this might not last and is just a way to attract new subscribers. Sun, being a new network, was also rumored to have poorer service relative to its competitors in terms of signal coverage and on-time message reception. Giving Sun the benefit of the doubt however, I've decided to give it a shot. I just got my number tonight and already the (cel)phone has been ringing all night with calls ranging from a friend who has lost touch since I-don't-know-when to calls made by someone just in the next room. I guess it's all about making the most out of this unlimited offer. Ü So, anyone who wants a Sun textmate? Hehehe Ü

In Loving Memory...

EOH 
An officemate of mine, Eli, once posted a Friendster bulletin regarding an exhibit that will showcase the artworks of her sister who had recently passed away. Being new in the office, I barely knew Eli and so didn't give dropping by much thought. A few days later though, I chanced upon a leaflet that another officemate had gotten when she had visited the exhibit. After looking through the artworks and reading the message at the back, I immediately regretted not having gone. Although I've never met Eisselle (Eli's sister) personally, her story is a truly inspiring one. There have been times in my life where I feel like giving up without even trying. It is so easy to succumb to the thought "I cannot do this, there is someone else who can do better" or "Cut me some slack, I'm just normal, not a Promil kid!". Eisselle, having battled many a sickness in her life could have easily said all that and she would have every right to do so. She could have just given up and you yourself could have assured her that it's okay. She however, chose not to give up; she chose not to think of herself as something less than what God deemed her to be. She continued to live her life to the fullest, facing challenges head-on, and reaching great heights, despite her circumstances. Maybe that's what we all need, someone like Eisselle to awaken the tiger in every one of us, fighters till the end, no matter the circumstance, no matter the challenge ahead.
God bless! Ü
This is the message at the back of the leaflet:

Since Eiselle was a child, she was already suffering from a serious illness. When she was jsut 18 months old, she was operated on to remove a mass found on her left thigh. After only a month, the mass reoccurred and was thus removed again. After the 2nd operation, the doctor already diagnosed it as rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancer of the muscle.
Her first treatment of chemotherapy was at the age of 2. Because of the medicine's side effect, she vomitted blood, was rushed to the hospital, and was given a 50-50 chance of survival. Through everyone's prayers and Eisselle's fighting spirit however, she survived. After chemotherapy, she was treated with Cobalt, which made her bones brittle and caused the shortening of her leg.
When she was 9 years old, her leg suddenly broke so the doctor had to put a screw to attach the bones together. However, the screw didn't last long and was replaced with a long, stainless rod to support her bone. When she was 13, she was treated again with chemotherapy. Eisselle had to stop her studies and was put under a home study program for two years. Despite her situation, she had really wanted to have a regular schooling and so went back to school and graduated high school in 1995.
She took up Architecture at the University of Sto Tomas but could not continue the term because her heart was becoming weak. She had to have another operation and more chemotherapy. Despite this, she still enrolled in the Philippine School of Interior Design (PSID) and finished her major courses.
She was able to work for a year. Her heart however, was getting weaker so her mom had to ask her to discontinue her work. Yet, Eisselle could not stand having nothing to do so she took up minor subjects at the College of Saint Benilde (CSB). She eventually was not able to finish the term and just stayed home.
In mid 2002, Eisselle's heart problem (cardiomyopathy) became serious that she was confined in the hospital for almost 3 months. She became too thin and fragile. She rested at home and spent her time painting to eade her boredom. She even enrolled in the painting class of Mr. Fernando Sena, a renowned artist who considered Eisselle as one of his 3 top students.
On Februaray 2004, Eisselle was again rushed to the hopsital due to lack of oxygen. During this time, she had thought it was already her time to go. she made it. 5 months later however, she was again confined, this time due to pneumonia. She insisted that she felt fine and need not stay in the hospital.
August 12 of 2004, the maid went up to Eisselle's room and found her lying in bed, her lips discolored. Her parents immediately rushed her to the hospital where the doctors tried to revive her for almost an hour. Sadly, she passed away at 1:30 in the afternoon due to heart failure.
Although Eisselle's life was full of sufferings, she tried to live her life as normally as possible. She did not let her sickness stop her from her passion - designing and painting. She was able to make 50 artworks, all of which showed happiness and contentment in life. Her friends did not know about her condition as she did not tell them nor did she compalin to them when she was not feeling well. Everyone thought that she just had polio.
Before she passed away, she had wanted to share her works with other people. She was very happy when she found out that her paintings could be exhibited. Knowing that she would be very happy, her family prepared this exhibit in memory of her.

To view Eisselle's works, follow the link below:
Online Gallery

Alicia Keys Live in Manila

Alicia Keys in Manila 
Live, loud, and rockin'! That's how the Big Dome was like Saturday night in Alicia Keys's concert. The place was packed with young and vibrant bodies swinging to the beat of songs in A minor. The speakers were blaring gazillon decibels while the people were screaming at even higher decibels. No wonder we all had scratchy throats and impaired hearing after the show. Hehehe Ü The icon herself was great with the crowd. She wooed the audience with her bootylicious (for lack of a better term) dance steps, her wonderful voice and her impeccable piano skills. And yes, what you heard is true. She did make a very normal piano seem like a very comfortable haven complete with sensual red light flooding all over her. As she laid on top, her head near the keys, she touched the keys and made music like only Alicia could. That sure garnered enough "wows" from the crowd and is apparently still the talk of town. The show ended with a song about peace where Alicia urged everyone to raise their hands up in the air and give a sign of peace. A very fitting ending indeed in this world that needs just that, don't you think?

It's finally out! 
After weeks of preparation, the 2-man newsletter committee finally coughed out some stuff. It looks pretty good, thanks to my editor who just happens to be a member of the university paper and yearbook committee way back in college. It's 16 pages in all for only 12 bucks (not anymore the 10 I mentioned in my previous blog). Though there was the fear that the 2-peso increase would send people complaining till the end of days, we really are in dire need of money!

Unfortunately, rather fortunately, I was tasked to sell the newsletter to my team and the QA's, a total of 13 people excluding the editor and me. I dropped by each cubicle to "alok" the newsletter. It wasn't as hard as I expected. They need only to take a look at the front cartoon, flip a few pages, see the centerfold (a sample of which is posted in the previous blog 'Cartoon for 1st Issue'), utter a "wow" and out comes 12 bucks from their pockets. There were some though who gave me a hard time, still, they paid up and added that "kung hindi lang maganda...". There was one who was kind enough to let me keep the change because she liked the newsletter so much and even thought it was worth more than 12 bucks. Oh God bless you! I was already dancing in the clouds at that time. It's so nice to know that all the hardwork finally paid off. Thank you all for making my day!

Ladder 49

I won't be called a blog addict for nothing hehehe.
(Side note: Yehey! I'm going to be featured as a blog addict at http://you.inq7.net/! Not yet though...sometime soon hehe Ü. Watch out for it!)

Just got back from watching the premiere of the new John Travolta firefighter movie -Ladder 49. It's rather late but I'm itching to share the experience with you. I'll try to keep it short 'coz I'm so ready to hit the bed any minute now.

We got three tickets to the premiere for free 'coz my dad happens to be a member of the volunteer fire brigade. Hmm...come to think of it, this is a new perk for having a volunteer dad, aside from knowing firsthand where the fire is at whenever we hear firetruck sirens going off. Before the movie started, as with all premiere events, there were hosts to entertain the audience. In line with the movie, there were volunteers from fire brigades who taught us a thing or two about fire survival tips. I might forget them later on so I'll take note of it here (yea right, as if I'll go online the next time there's a fire just to be able to recall what to do, haha!) The first tip was STOP, DROP, and ROLL (that's when your clothes catch fire, don't forget to cover your face though). The other one was - hmm.............there goes my goldfish memory...

About the movie...don't worry, I won't play the spoiler and tell the entire story, just the ending, hehe just kidding! I found the movie a bit typical and at times even dragging. Despite my not-so-good comments, I still found the movie rather good. The ending, although highly expected, and the whole idea of the movie were enough to cover up some rough spots to redeem it as a "rather-good" movie. It's just the kind of thing we have to see to remind of the ordinary heroes around us - people just like firefighters who are willing to put their lives at stake just to be able to save another person's. The movie was successful in showing the joys, the thrills, the pains, and the gains of their job. These people are ordinary men and women just like you and me. They too have a future to think of and families to be there for but what makes them run towards a burning building when everyone else is running away? John Travolta's character, in his speech towards the end, answered that question. It is simply because of courage. It is what spells the difference and it is what we should be thankful for - their courage to put OUR lives before their own.
To these people, a heartful thanks.

Zzzz....

Missy

Missy, our 1-day dog  

That's Missy, our 1-day dog - overly full of life, hyperactive, super short attention span. In other words, very lovable but too much to handle. We might not be able to take good care of her here so we decided to just return her to her original owner. Such a cutie! You can't help but be amused by her. I'm saying that even if she kept us awake up to the wee hours of the morning! She refused to sleep outside where she's supposed to and kept us all awake in the process. We finally let her in to keep her from waking up the neighbors. When she finally found a place to sleep - the bean bag, there was momentary peace. It will only be minutes before she starts getting up and running around again. The next morning, we just had to pack her things and return her. Hehehe. The trip to the owner itself was a terrible chore. She couldn't be kept still in the car. Back and forth, to the front and back she went. Anyway, it was fortunate that we were able to take some good shots of her coz more than half of the pictures taken were just hands trying hold the elusive Missy.

Cartoon for 1st Issue 

Follow the link below to see the bigger version.
caRtOoN foR 1sT iSsUe

Almost Christmas Again

Too early for Christmas? Nope, not in our office. It's almost Christmastime again and the tasks of the newbies just increased tenfold! You see, in our office, all the newbies take charge, or rather, are forced to be in charge of the annual Christmas party. We take care of the programs, the invitations, the souvernirs, the food, the games, the prizes, and the list just goes on. Our biggest problem as of now is of course, money. Don't worry, I'm not here to solicit. Hmm...on second thought....you can deposit your donations to.... Hehehe Just kidding! Anyway, one of the ways we generate funds is through our newsletter. It doesn't need much startup, just a printer, a photocopier, some papers, and of course, creative pambobola at 10 bucks per issue. The maiden issue is due out next week and we're still working on the creative pambobola part to fill the blank pages up.

Here's a sample of the first issue's editorial. Well, not exactly. This version will not be the one used but I like this better than the others. It's my blog anyway, so I'll post whatever I like. Hehehe. The reason why I like this is because of the paragraph that reminded the readers of the reason for the season. It may be all Sunday School stuff but I particularly like the idea of thinking of it as ONE big party celebrated by different people from all corners of the world. Anyway, enough talk for me, read on and post a comment if you like.

Christmas, the Best Time of the Year

Who will not agree with me that Christmas is the most celebrated event of the year, especially for us Filipinos? In fact, our preparations for the season begin as early as the BER months of the year. Still a couple of months away from the big day, yet we can already feel a tinge of Christmas spirit in the air - Christmas carols on the radio, decorations in houses and establishments, Christmas bazaars and tyangges in every corner, to name a few. It is quite amusing how we Filipinos never fail to do these things in spite of what we have or are experiencing.

I’m sure, just like me, you now look forward to going on Simbang Gabi and feasting on puto-bungbong and bibingka afterwards (Mmm..just the thought of it makes my stomach growl). Yup, guilty as charged, I do think that it is the most exciting part of the event, so sue me!  Aside from delicious delicacies, Christmas reminds me of presents, of gift giving, of still more presents under the Christmas tree (or that makeshift plastic calamansi tree we use every year). Don’t we all remember how it was like to get all excited about Christmas because we get to receive a lot of beautifully wrapped gifts and aguinaldos. Oh, it was so much fun! Just a kiss on ninang’s cheek and there’s a big box of toy for me from out of nowhere; just a mano po to lolo and out comes a red envelope from his hand. Aww…those were such fun days… Snapping out of the nostalgia however, reality hits us hard in the face. We’re no longer the inaanak nor the apo who awaits for Christmas goodies, we’re already the ninong/ninang (thankfully not yet the grandparents!) who gives out the Christmas goodies! Aw..shucks! And the list of my inaanak keeps getting longer! To top it off, our being in such a prestigious company as PAL ushers in more expectations to give even more. I sure can’t wait for that Christmas bonus!!!

But Christmas is not just about the gifts, the puto-bungbongs, and the bibingkas. Of course not! It’s also about the reunions, the parties and even more parties!! Kidding aside, we do tend to forget the real meaning of all this hype and excitement. Forgive the cliché but let me do “Christmas” the honor of reminding all of us of the meaning and reason for it. As we very well know, Christmas is a birthday celebration – Jesus Christ’s birthday celebration. We’ve all been to a birthday party at some point in our life, haven’t we? Well, think of it as one, a Jolly kiddie party if you must, except that the guest list includes everyone, as in everyone! It sure is too big to be held in one place so it was decided that the guests celebrate it in their own place, in their own way. Different parties, different ways of celebrating, one theme, one celebrant – Christ the King. Now, isn’t that something?! The next time you open a Christmas gift or have a Christmas dinner, think of it that way – that we’re all invited to Christ’s birthday party, thus the sumptuous food, the abundant gifts and the joyous festivity. Such a celebration also means time for family – whether by blood, by organization, or by friendship, as exemplified by traditional reunions and gatherings. More so than anything, this celebration is about love, about giving love. The coming of Christ alone is borne out of love. It should thus be the main ingredient of our celebration as we commemorate His birth this season.

With that said, may we all keep in our hearts and minds the true reason why we are celebrating Christmas. While we’re at it, let us enjoy the parties, the pig-outs, the merrymaking, and the fun that only such an occasion can afford. We wish all of you an advanced Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!

Wadya think? 

Happy Birthday! 

PAL-ASV Family

PAL-ISD/ASV 

L-R (Standing): Kuya Jhun, JR, Myra, Me, Ma'am Anits, Malou.
L-R (Seated): Deejay, Mama Ces, Ma'am Belen, Jona, Lynn.
This is a group picture taken just a while ago. This is my ASV family in PAL. We were having pizza from Pizza Hut. (Yum Yum!) Why? Everyone just seemed hungry and the number is just so easy to dial.... hehehe. They say I look like the one throwing a party coz of the half-eaten pizza pose. Hmm...next month maybe heheh => By the way, the one seated in the middle is our manager. Funny thing about her is that she almost never misses to close her eyes the moment the camera clicks.