tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24018267630496025812012-02-06T16:32:51.767+08:00nobodynoreply@blogger.comBlogger901100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-89704784261394437022009-11-15T17:40:00.016+08:002009-11-15T21:02:03.374+08:00

To my friends who are curious about my "Endings Are Beginnings" post: Yes, I'm okay. These are simply random musings I put down on paper, triggered by something random as well. They may come across as forlorn or somber, but they don't necessarily reflect my current state. So, no need to worry about me! ;) No, these are not lovelife matters hahahaNo, you're not one of those "friends" who take

nobodynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-81707009709584974652009-11-11T02:08:00.010+08:002009-11-11T12:14:08.839+08:00

I know I'm supposed to have already closed down the blog, but I'm writing anyway because I need to and I want to! At any rate, I'm pretty sure no one would be visiting, so here I am, giving my thoughts SEMI-free rein (just in case somebody DOES happen to stumble upon this hehe).***************************1. I dislike not being in control, being helpless when not-so-good things happen. I realize

nobodynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-52533943992897623862009-10-14T21:10:00.003+08:002009-10-14T21:12:57.321+08:00

It's been 1 year and 10 days since Nobody Said It Was Easy was born.It has served me well.Now, it's time to say goodbye.The blog may be no more, but the good times will definitely continue to roll!

nobodynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-6587812267426443712009-09-28T01:20:00.020+08:002009-09-30T01:26:34.365+08:00

Typhoon Ondoy has wreaked so much havoc. I can't even begin to imagine the terrible pain people who lost their homes, their belongings, their security, their loved ones, are going through. Their lives have been turned upside down, and nothing is the same. I've been high-strung ever since calls and text messages from distressed employees and worried managers started pouring in last Saturday

nobodynoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-83187739093465570792009-09-17T02:28:00.018+08:002009-09-17T12:56:47.394+08:00

Yay! We're going on a road trip!Road trips are tricky. Enjoying one hinges a lot on who your companions are.Just imagine being cooped up in a vehicle for hours, traveling miles and miles with the wrong bunch...it's sheer torture! Really, I'd rather gallivant alone (or not at all) than be stuck like that.On the flip side, picture traversing the long and winding road with folks whose company you

nobodynoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-29872828064406446632009-09-13T21:47:00.018+08:002009-09-13T22:40:16.190+08:00

Jack & The Beanstalk (Repertory Philippines) Aug 8-Dec 10, OnStage Greenbelt 1www.repertory-philippines.comN.O.A.H. (Trumpets)Sep 18-27, Meralco Theatertrumpetsinc@gmail.comSpring Awakening (Atlantis Productions)Sep 25-Oct 18, RCBC Plazawww.atlantisproductionsinc.com

nobodynoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-47000358328569548192009-09-07T20:16:00.005+08:002009-09-07T21:43:07.739+08:00

It's been arranged. We're definitely watching! Come hell or high water! Reschedule all previously-set appointments! Woohoo!*************************FINGERPRINTS by Katy PerryVoted most likely to end up on the back of a milk box drinkLooks like I'm letting them downCause $7.75 isn't worth an hour of my hard work and timeWhen you can't afford half the shit they advertiseOh I'm worth more than an

nobodynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-44944544191579894492009-09-06T21:36:00.000+08:002009-09-06T21:36:59.556+08:00

I am so happy for Ailenne and Estre, who are awaiting the birth of their baby boy Andre. I do hope they will consider our suggestions for Andre's second name...But then again, given the suggestions, I'm thinking they most probably won't hehe :p In any case, we're all looking forward to the arrival of the newest member of the sosyalan gang! Ailenne has always been a favorite person of mine,

nobodynoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-41033610091885532652009-08-27T22:00:00.002+08:002009-08-27T22:00:02.996+08:00

I've heard it saidThat people come into our lives for a reasonBringing something we must learnAnd we are ledTo those who help us most to growIf we let themAnd we help them in returnWell, I don't know if I believe that's trueBut I know I'm who I am todayBecause I knew you Like a comet pulled from orbitAs it passes a sunLike a stream that meets a boulderHalfway through the woodWho can say if I've

nobodynoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-23386538634022642212009-08-26T00:18:00.010+08:002009-08-27T07:17:39.120+08:00

During World War II, a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as “the Basterds” are chosen to spread fear throughout the Third Reich by scalping and brutally killing Nazis. They join forces with a German actress and undercover agent to take down the leaders of the Third Reich. The Basterds soon cross paths with a French-Jewish teenage girl who runs a movie theater in Paris and is out

nobodynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-81473594728960810462009-08-25T11:29:00.007+08:002009-08-26T13:24:30.051+08:00

Mom and I are flying home tomorrow night and will be in Manila Friday morning, YIPPPEEEE!Huge thanks to the following people back home: Vinchi, Migs, and Grace - for so ably taking care of the team the past three weeks. I'm returning to work fully-charged and armed with a different perspective. I owe you lots. My sisters - for running important errands for me while I was out. I shopped till I

nobodynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-2649846072720531032009-08-24T17:50:00.014+08:002009-08-26T03:23:29.379+08:00

The Strip...Where I gambled and lost it all! ($3 lang naman hehe) We watched Cirque Du Soleil's Criss Angel: Believe at the Luxor.It was ok, entertaining enough, but nothing to rave about.San Francisco Public Library - a haven!Below is where a scene in the film City of Angels was shot.We queued for 1 hour just to have brunch at this well-acclaimed dining spot in SF. Yummy!International Orange is

nobodynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-9586239886749594312009-08-20T01:32:00.008+08:002009-08-24T10:44:50.212+08:00

"It's good to be back home!" - Sam and Bing :p Clothing Storage and Shower Room Prison Block and Standard Prison Cell Solitary Confinement Unit a.k.a. The Hole The Hole (where darkness is total) vs. The Sunniest Corner of the Building (where the most sought-after cells are) For Recreation and Sharpening the Saw Prison Control Room and Visitation Area Hmm...the problems sound

nobodynoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-75452903326044985342009-08-18T23:58:00.011+08:002009-08-20T14:28:59.449+08:00

We waited roughly 1.5 hours before we were seated for brunch at Mama's on Washington Square, a Zagat Restaurant of Distinction awardee and one of the best dining spots in San Francisco. Fluffy omelettes and pancakes, homemade jam, and fresh baked breads keep tourists and locals lining up. Definitely worth the long wait!We're watching the play Wicked tomorrow night, woohoo! This Tony

nobodynoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-27410052761253308122009-08-13T23:00:00.015+08:002009-08-18T06:01:27.956+08:00

Why is it that I always get homesick when I travel to far-off places? This trip is no exception. Tsk tsk. I miss the rest of my family, I miss friends back home. And this despite the series of activities keeping us occupied day in, day out! Aaaarrggh. Speaking of days, the days are literally very long. I can't believe it's just Thursday; it seems like ages since we landed Sunday. **********Next

nobodynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-16259123150074149632009-08-11T22:49:00.001+08:002009-08-12T13:44:30.718+08:00

Macabre, historic, creepy, and imposing all at the same time! So intriguing. I hope Sam/Rye will agree to go. In any case, I think I've made up my mind ;)

nobodynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-79474968290670999222009-08-11T08:07:00.004+08:002009-08-12T13:09:33.295+08:00

My grandparents have been married for almost 50 years. It's a feat, especially in this day and age where divorces are a dime a dozen, where many marriages don't make it beyond the proverbial 7 years.My grandfather is the quiet, soft-spoken type, while my grandmother is a dynamo. He's gentle and doting, while she's a force to reckon with (...and this is why I couldn't worm my way out of the gala

nobodynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-28330024791121340742009-07-29T01:19:00.008+08:002009-07-30T00:55:29.661+08:00

Everyone in the house knows that eating on my bed is a big NO-NO. My sisters and niece like to hang out in my room even when I'm not around, and it's ok as long as they observe this Cardinal Rule. I don't like lying down on a bed of crumbs! So when I arrived home one night to find this on my bed, my first thought was, somebody blatantly broke the Cardinal Rule!! A piece of bread on my bed!! Grrr

nobodynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-53785688747047294482009-07-24T02:06:00.002+08:002009-07-24T02:26:37.789+08:00

A couple of people asked me how I define "saddest fiction books." Simply put, these books either made me feel markedly sad, depressed me with their depiction of the deplorable side of life/human nature, or maybe moved me to tears just a wee bit.I just realized that all the books in the list are bestsellers. Here's the rest of it: 6. The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough (my Mom's book). This

nobodynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-20437281885380688082009-07-20T01:26:00.013+08:002009-07-21T00:30:50.022+08:00

I've started watching Season 7 of 24 on DVD. While its storyline is not as heart-stopping as previous seasons', it's gripping enough to keep me glued to the TV for hours on end.I wonder - is there a person alive who is just like Jack Bauer?? One thing's for sure, anyone would want Jack Bauer around when in mortal danger and there seems to be no way out. He's able to bring to safety just about

nobodynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-34944039509424827882009-07-11T00:14:00.019+08:002009-07-24T02:09:01.096+08:00

In no particular order:1. She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb (given to me as a gift). An Oprah Book Club selection, it covers 31 years of Dolores Price's life: divorce, mental illness, violence, self-image problems, obesity, loneliness, physical and emotional abuse. I found this book downright depressing!2. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold (recommended by an officemate). Teenager Susie Salmon is the

nobodynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-63698452134571205412009-07-10T02:12:00.008+08:002009-07-10T14:19:22.560+08:00

We're set to watch this Repertory play tomorrow! In a clever reverse of the Romeo and Juliet story, two fathers put up a wall between their houses to ensure that their children fall in love, because they know that children always do what their parents forbid. After the children do fall in love, they discover their fathers' plot and they each go off and experience things in the world. They return

nobodynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-67221038005009091732009-07-05T16:43:00.025+08:002009-07-10T17:40:49.472+08:00

We watched Ice Age 3 last Friday -- I enjoyed it thoroughly, it made me laugh so hard! I didn't get to watch 1 and 2, but I think I would've liked them as well.This blog post is not about the movie though. It's about things I didn't use to do that I now find myself doing and enjoying, thanks to the influence of family and friends. Here are some of them:1) Watching certain kinds of movies.

nobodynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-57955619734623832962009-07-02T23:02:00.005+08:002009-07-03T00:13:56.217+08:00

Just this morning - a few days after the hustle and bustle of securing approval for a 3-week leave, ensuring my mom is given a clean bill of health for travel, and buying tickets - I realized that I am so looking forward to my US vacation this August, and I am sooo ready for it. It suddenly dawned on me that I'll actually have three weeks of bumming around, no work, and all play! Three weeks!

nobodynoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-5297366578342111392009-06-25T01:23:00.010+08:002009-06-25T13:58:23.761+08:00

It's Wifi Body season once again!Wifi Body is an Independent Contemporary Dance Festival held annually. This year's theme is "The Evolving Body" and it is being held, like before, at various venues at the CCP from June 25 to July 5. Wifi features the country's Contemporary Dance Companies with events such as dance concerts, new choreographers competition, dance workshops, dance

nobodynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-89736858384966951492009-06-19T02:26:00.010+08:002009-06-19T03:06:23.841+08:00

Comfort food = what I eat when I'm feeling tired, stressed out, or down, when I want to unwind, relax, and be soothed.1. Lots and lots and lots of Chinese food2. Lucky Me Pancit Canton, with pan de sal3. Home-cooked fishball/squidball4. (When I'm on the go) Warm hotdog or sausage in a bun, with plenty of mayo and mustard, and cold cold Coke Lite5. Warm milk and cookies6. Spanish sardines/

nobodynoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-75826218213293844542009-06-14T21:06:00.015+08:002009-06-14T21:45:07.110+08:00

My sister, brother-in-law, and niece spent the long weekend in Subic and tried the Tree Top Adventure! Here's what I got from the Clark/Subic Marketing site:Tree Top Adventure PackageAppreciate unspoiled nature from up to 100 feet above the ground! Follow an adventure trail like no other, suspended among the rainforests’ highest branches. Cross 4 suspension bridges and take 9 motorized cable

nobodynoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-62074942468026225722009-06-12T00:33:00.016+08:002009-06-12T02:18:48.986+08:00

What a week! There was so much that needed to be accomplished, so many issues that had to be resolved, with so meager time and resources. I wouldn't have been able to make it without the invaluable help and support of my teammates, most especially the following: 1) The Project Team. Wilks, James, Sheryl, Daryl, Grace, Ron, MeAn, and Ramil really pulled through! I am indebted above all to Wilks,

nobodynoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-61452896803921462272009-06-08T00:02:00.008+08:002009-06-08T14:05:55.549+08:00

I've read the Harry Potter series, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, and The Chronicles of Narnia. Generally, though, I'm not into the fantasy genre, and I haven't been exposed much to it. That is, until I chanced upon a book left lying around by my sister in the house - The Amulet of Samarkand. One thing about me is that I really cannot resist an unread book. So, out of curiousity I started reading

nobodynoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-75814074847789726292009-05-31T23:05:00.010+08:002009-06-01T00:23:45.222+08:00

My favorite fruit has always been grapes - so tasty and refreshing! I like them best when they are seedless, crunchy, and cold. My meals at home are usually capped with a serving of grapes. I've never really paid much attention to their nutritional value, and it's just recently that I discovered they have a lot of amazing health benefits. I came across an article in the May issue of Healthy

nobodynoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-27657362249558257932009-05-27T23:27:00.006+08:002009-05-28T00:01:31.674+08:00

I discovered another delicious drink in Starbucks (thanks to Vangie, who tried it during one of our recent visits and praised it to high heavens) -- White Chocolate Mocha.Served warm, it's a delightful combination of espresso and steamed milk, complemented with flavors of white chocolate, and topped with whipped cream!Blissfully sweet and comforting. Definitely the kind of drink that makes my

nobodynoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-42961618459516221992009-05-25T17:01:00.008+08:002009-07-15T13:01:48.456+08:00

I'm stuck here but my thoughts are all over.My laptop went bonkers last Friday due to a slew of viruses that attacked it. It affected pretty much everything, including my AT&T, so I couldn't check my mails last night (good or bad?). Turns out there were still some viruses left after my visit to Helpdesk last Friday, so I had to go to the office early today to have it fixed again. Thank goodness

nobodynoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-30097252288797733562009-05-15T13:38:00.004+08:002009-05-15T14:22:27.578+08:00

The night before my last day in IBM was sleepless and restless.Not because of the things I need to do, but more because of the people.My IBM stint could have never been as fulfilling, as inspiring, and as challenging without so many people. I have enjoyed working with everyone. But I hope I can steal Bing's blog space to share how grateful I am to find a family in two very special people:(1) Bing

nobodynoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-62660755956168818152009-05-10T21:01:00.002+08:002009-05-10T21:06:32.269+08:00

nobodynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-84874892004515544502009-05-03T22:03:00.033+08:002009-05-10T21:02:33.380+08:00

I want to learn to play drums! I've always been interested in learning (even way back), but of late, it's on my mind a lot. I'm thinking, if I go ahead and take classes and buy me a set -- 1) Where will I put it? Hmm...how will I make it fit in my room?2) How do I practice at home w/o disturbing the household? :p2) Who will I jam with?Anyway! I already listed the songs I'd like to play (haha

nobodynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-52600720504556161912009-04-20T00:26:00.010+08:002009-04-22T01:00:15.165+08:00

Saturday Relaxation. My day was quite packed but the activities I did alone/with family, friends were all geared towards relaxation and de-stressing :) Salon stuff at Cielo and Piandre (girl stuff!) Quiet time at Starbucks in between appointments (with my Green Tea Soy Latte and new book) Swedish Massage at The Spa (kudos, kudos to my masseuse!) Feetish Foot Massage at The Spa (finished

nobodynoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-37425500203935819132009-04-16T00:10:00.007+08:002009-04-16T00:51:15.120+08:00

Since Monday we've been encountering several emergency situations at work which require a lot of delicate and smart handling. I'm really grateful for the people in and out of HR who banded together, rolled up their sleeves, and gave so generously of their time and expertise so we could hurdle these challenges. I'm humbled by their commitment, and energized by their support. It's also

nobodynoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-6996727575822622292009-04-12T21:08:00.013+08:002009-04-13T00:17:23.445+08:00

Two weekends ago, Allan, Liza, and I had dinner at Terry's Bistro, Pasong Tamo. (Note: I really like Terry's - its interiors, the delicious Spanish cuisine served, its ambiance, the live music, and the fact that it's housed in an out-of-the-way building that patrons trek to anyway simply because it's worth it.)Accompanying our sumptuous meal was a pitcher of sangria, which is now officially my

nobodynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-55898832242113959952009-04-10T00:20:00.014+08:002009-04-13T01:10:13.284+08:00

I'm so elated to find out that my jazz dance teacher, Rhosam, bagged the GRAND PRIZE at the Yokohama Solo x Duo + competition in Japan! Rhosam was the official representative of the Philippines.Yokohama Dance R Collection was launched as a contemporary dance festival in 1996 and has become one of the most prestigious dance events. Held to discover, support, and train promising young

nobodynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-24868105816047177622009-04-05T18:28:00.048+08:002009-04-06T18:21:05.156+08:00

Over dinner the other night, Allan posed an interesting This or That? question to the group:Would we rather -A) be eating really, really good food but be in bad company, orB) be eating really, really lousy food but be in good company?My answer is B. To me, good company can make the lousiest stuff infinitely bearable :)One thing most people don't know about me is that I am very deliberate

nobodynoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-60112029764242319222009-03-30T13:34:00.006+08:002009-04-02T12:53:08.606+08:00

SPELLING BEE centers around a fictional spelling bee in Putnam County, New York. It is a hilarious tale of overachievers' angst that chronicles the experience of six adolescent outsiders vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime. Through the course of the competition, they learn that winning isn't everything and that losing doesn't necessarily make you a loser. Each night SPELLING

nobodynoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-74403533757826547752009-03-27T03:22:00.015+08:002009-04-04T23:18:40.380+08:00

...I was experiencing Monday blues, so I decided to stop by Music One on my way to work. Music is a surefire pick-me-upper for me. I left the store a poorer person, but I got to buy some good stuff: 1) The latest album of The Fray, entitled - tadaaaa - "The Fray" hehehe. I really like their music.2) A 6-CD collection of 100 Love Songs. I bought this because of this one song I wanted Riza to

nobodynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-52785595114320844282009-03-27T02:16:00.016+08:002009-04-04T23:26:12.216+08:00

...I resolved to stay put in the house so I could get some rest and finally get rid of my cough and colds. Apart from sleep, I spent most of my time reading. Here are the books I got to read: 1) Nancy Drew Mysteries by Carolyn Keene. I used to read these voraciously when I was in Grade School. I raided my sister's original volumes collection and went through the books chronologically...I finished

nobodynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-43192294781805033992009-03-18T01:23:00.014+08:002009-03-19T09:30:58.668+08:00

The ladies I work with directly are also super-charged dynamos. Here they are:4. GRACE. She's poised, she's ultra-patient, and by being so, she keeps my Kill Bill tendencies in check. She's a superwoman (both at work and at home), and her customers simply adore her. Who wouldn't, with all the TLC she pours into whatever she does? Grace is the soul of reliability and groundedness. Despite all the

nobodynoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-25787391934790859982009-03-05T02:03:00.004+08:002009-03-06T00:51:58.415+08:00

It's almost end of 1st quarter - time flies! Things are happening so fast, and this is precisely the reason I want to take a step back and count my blessings...Seven of them, to be exact. The 7 people I have the opportunity of working with directly in my current roles. I like all of them a lot.I'll start with the gentlemen:1. MIGS. In my job, I'm usually the one asking people how they are,

nobodynoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-63696797187217062862009-03-04T12:45:00.011+08:002009-03-05T11:57:33.685+08:00

It works! My resolution to take multi-vitamins everyday, cut down on softdrinks, and exercise regularly is paying off in terms of stronger resistance. I felt myself getting sick last week (I think my lifestyle makes me pre-disposed), but it did not progress into full-blown prostration. In the past, I would've been down with fever, unbearably sore throat, cough, free-flowing colds (the works!),

nobodynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-81582512446385877822009-03-01T17:35:00.013+08:002009-03-01T21:15:04.244+08:00

Austin Bennet’s life is turned upside down when he finds his long-term girlfriend in bed with another man. Forced back out into the treacherous New York dating scene, Austin meets Marcy Fitzwilliams, a flighty photographer whose spontaneity is matched only by her ability to drive him insane. They are constantly misguided by Austin’s brother Jeff, Marcy’s best friend Diana Bingley, and the New

nobodynoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-50644122479360571852009-02-22T19:28:00.010+08:002009-02-22T20:50:39.890+08:00

Dr. Gregory House of House, M.D. and Jack Bauer of 24 are two of my favorite TV characters. Though House is a medical diagnostician and Bauer is a government agent, they actually have several things in common. Here are the five things I like most about them:1. They are not afraid to break some rules. Especially if the rules are stupid to begin with.2. They think unconventionally (way out of

nobodynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-17273266920489074232009-02-17T08:12:00.012+08:002009-02-18T23:25:09.899+08:00

I first came across this book in November 2006. It caught my eye while I was wandering aimlessly in National Bookstore waiting for my Mom to finish shopping. It was written by former Saatchi & Saatchi Executive Creative Director Paul Arden, a legend of British advertising. The book is quite easy to read (so much so that I was able to cover many of its 140+ pages right there in National). It's

nobodynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-72749228477125552352009-02-15T22:27:00.000+08:002009-02-15T22:29:31.726+08:00

In keeping with the love theme this fab month of Feb, here's another essay from Kent Nerburn's Letters to My Son. I noticed though that readers don't like to publish their comments on essays like this. Instead, they share their insights (to me) through text or YM. Hmmm...I wonder why.Anyhow, the following piece on marriage has been circulated far and wide via email. I remember - forwarded mails

nobodynoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-43405243231533998052009-02-12T03:18:00.002+08:002009-02-13T00:37:15.502+08:00

ONE. My sis passed her Internal Medicine Board Exam wahooo!! The two of us found out a few minutes ago...The rest of the family's in dreamland and is totally oblivious! Man, she's good. Less than 50% passed. Unknown to her, I posted an OA congratulatory message on the kitchen ref so the household will be informed first thing in the morning...I also included an OA picture of her wahahaha. Too bad

nobodynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-21124119060110071342009-02-09T14:47:00.014+08:002009-04-13T00:56:53.025+08:00

Here's my latest comfort drink at work: Starbucks' Green Tea Soy Latte. It's a blend of premium green tea, soothing steamed milk, and delicately sweet melon. I like it served warm. I discovered it when Vangie and I were chatting in Starbucks Eastwood Mall a couple of weeks back. They gave us free cups for tasting, and the rest is history! This effectively nudges Coffee Bean's Double Vanilla Tea

nobodynoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-14468886913384421112009-02-06T16:34:00.011+08:002009-02-07T02:17:19.009+08:00

I seem to be in a mode where I don't have much energy and drive to write, so I'll just post an article from the ever-reliable book Letters to My Son by Kent Nerburn. Since it's the Love Month (whoa, it's Feb already - time flies!), I picked an essay that's consistent with the theme. I'll also publish Nerburn's insights on marriage to complete the picture! Falling In Love It is a mystery why we

nobodynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-54320715292179855792009-01-30T01:39:00.007+08:002009-02-03T14:13:51.868+08:00

I've made a list of 12 things I commit to do this year, with the aim of maintaining wellness, work-life balance, and a well-rounded life. I've categorized them into physical, social, emotional, spiritual, financial, and intellectual activities. Of the 12, three fall under the physical category -- all about my health. A month after resolving to do them faithfully, I find that I've pretty much

nobodynoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-56339962444510352712009-01-27T01:50:00.001+08:002009-01-27T12:52:15.673+08:00

I'm officially in the Neutral Zone -- that unsettling in-between time, the limbo between old life and new.It is challenging and stressful, especially because I am the way I am. I have to keep in mind that change is a process one cannot simply rush through, that things eventually fall into their proper place -- with patience, hard work, and a lot of faith. I'm thankful for the help that always

nobodynoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-711155762588954312009-01-23T00:42:00.006+08:002009-01-25T14:35:49.978+08:00

I had an interesting conversation with Migs not too long ago about defense mechanisms. I don’t recall what triggered our discussion exactly, all I remember was we were trying to get each other to reveal our most commonly-used defense mechanism hehehe. Here are some of the more popular ones: 1. Reaction Formation. This reduces anxiety by taking up the opposite feeling, impulse, or behavior.

nobodynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-50146390243965912102009-01-20T09:53:00.008+08:002009-01-20T21:54:02.401+08:00

Last night, I was leafing through an old book to get additional inputs for the '09 strategies branding...I came across an article which has helped shape the meaning of "class" for me. Here goes: What Is Class? Class never runs scared. It is sure-footed and confident in the knowledge that you can meet life head-on and handle whatever comes along. Jacob had it. Esau didn’t.

nobodynoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-3938147722685410912009-01-18T13:33:00.042+08:002009-01-19T12:52:38.081+08:00

So I watched Repertory’s season opener yesterday: A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino. Written by Nick Joaquin, it is considered the most important Filipino play in English. Set in Manila in October 1941, it tells the tale of two of Don Lorenzo's daughters, Candida and Paula Marasigan to whom Don Lorenzo has given the portrait. Many different forces want the painting. The daughters

nobodynoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-63416146124195823562009-01-11T00:20:00.003+08:002009-01-11T18:58:22.068+08:00

Winning at the Venetian Macau Casino! I won HK$226 at the slot machine right after betting the minimum amount of HK$20!! I quit while I was ahead and collected my winnings pronto hehehe. Dining at Camoes, an authentic Portuguese restaurant at the Macau Fisherman's Wharf. My first time to try Portuguese cuisine -- yum yum! Riding a giant tea cup at HongKong Disneyland! This is a favorite ride

nobodynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-85132985946763596562009-01-08T01:10:00.074+08:002009-01-25T14:29:57.665+08:00

I did it! Finally, I've experienced jumping off the Macau Tower! At 61 floors, it's the highest SkyJump in the world.Here's a chronicle of how it happened last January 2.Initially, I was decided on doing the Skywalk instead of the Bungy or SkyJump. The Skywalk involves walking the Tower's outer rim at the 61st floor. Here are some shots: After getting outfitted with the Skywalk harness and

nobodynoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-29514138070199016732008-12-31T20:20:00.006+08:002008-12-31T20:40:28.111+08:00

Okay, so I'm in China, bored as a weed and sick as a cow. I'm spending New Year's in Shanghai but stuck in the hotel. What to do? Blog, of course. But then, I don't have my blogs anymore so I hope Bing doesn't mind that I'm now sneaking into her blog to write.Feel free to add. You know me, I have a memory of a goldfish.Work out session movementsFacilitation lunge on one footA

nobodynoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-4975928795970023132008-12-30T22:29:00.017+08:002008-12-31T18:59:48.244+08:00

I got an offline message from Sam requesting me to complete by December 31 my Letter of Recommendation for her admission to Grad School. While I would always gladly help Sam out, part of me (the selfish part hehe) didn’t want to do it…It somehow meant I was slowly but surely surrendering to the strong possibility that she'll leave the company soon to study abroad for the next two years. (Yes,

nobodynoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-46126330086545034732008-12-27T17:01:00.024+08:002009-01-01T00:26:28.003+08:00

I've made good progress on my goal of decluttering, only my work files and inbox left to be tackled. I've decluttered pretty much everything: my closet, shelves, cabinets, drawers, tables, personal files, boxes in storage, wallet, work bag, car. Here are my thoughts from this exercise: There were certain things I stored because I was waiting for the "best time" to use them, but I’d

nobodynoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-12059797783748979392008-12-20T22:22:00.020+08:002009-01-12T00:50:35.885+08:00

I had the chance to fly to Cebu a couple of weeks back for some fun and relaxation with friends from the office. It was indeed a welcome break. My last vacation was way back in April in Boracay -- too long ago in my book! Here were the highlights of the trip for me: The FoodWe ate as if tomorrow will never come (or at least I did), and I loved every moment of it! Below is my ranking of the places

nobodynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-88287659003146433212008-12-20T11:17:00.004+08:002008-12-30T13:39:48.761+08:00

Finally, the stars have aligned in my favor -- I'm going to Macau on New Year's Day! Our plane tickets have been purchased and the hotel has been booked. This is definitely pushing through! :D I'm grateful my Mom allowed me to fly out evening of Jan 1...This is a first, because the whole family traditionally stays at home on New Year's Day. I think she took pity on me. I'm so excited to try my

nobodynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-6702284578658526372008-12-19T23:45:00.006+08:002008-12-20T01:52:45.287+08:00

Am I change-savvy? In some ways I am. I guess it helps that I'm the type of person who gets easily bored with routine, and who needs new, exciting things happening regularly. I think this is the reason it's not very difficult for me to initiate changes in my life. However, I also know this about myself: if the change is not on my terms, or if I have no choice in the matter (e.g. people leaving),

nobodynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-73961012769099588422008-12-14T21:00:00.016+08:002008-12-14T23:51:24.645+08:00

Yummy!I had lunch with my friends Mel and Noel -- Noel cooked a yummy meal for us! While eating I came to a sudden realization: I am more in my element being cooked for rather than cooking hehe. Still, I'm bent on becoming a good cook myself. I also found out that Mel's IT guys (good people) got to read my blog recently, and they're wondering what in the blazes I'm doing in cooking school hahaha!

nobodynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-71493164681574315342008-12-05T23:36:00.002+08:002009-04-06T12:55:01.764+08:00

I love to eat. But more than just eating, I love the whole dining experience. I am especially partial to quaint and cozy restos, tucked away where one wouldn't expect to find a delightful restaurant. The search and the discovery, the food, the company, the look and feel of the place, the service -- taken together, these make a dining experience memorable for me.I recall, during its heyday my

nobodynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-21704142633643126232008-12-04T01:13:00.000+08:002008-12-04T13:56:32.682+08:00

I've been racking my brain trying to determine how I will facilitate a session tomorrow entitled Maintaining A Positive Outlook. All this pondering has led me to think about my work, and how the fact that I genuinely love what I do makes a lot of things easy and fun. This in turn brought to mind one of my favorite books -- Letters to My Son by Kent Nerburn. In his book, Nerburn writes to his son

nobodynoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-5305259261870753092008-11-29T01:25:00.000+08:002008-11-29T01:58:44.493+08:00

Activities I used to do regularly which I wish I could do again:1) Watching Repertory plays2) Teaching in Ateneo3) Attending one-on-one dance class every Saturday4) Traveling to Sagada yearly, bringing friends who haven't been there before5) Conceptualizing and executing a "Grand Prank for A Good Cause"

nobodynoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-66908771637151663442008-11-23T21:17:00.000+08:002008-11-24T12:55:42.041+08:00

Forces in the universe seem to be conspiring to prevent me from flying to Macau this December.Each and every potential travel companion has backed out for varying reasons.My family could not make it due to work commitments.Sam wanted to, tried to make it work but things didn't pan out.Steph said yes initially but had to back out because of personal stuff.Rey said yes but had to take it back

nobodynoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-86105388724028916712008-11-23T13:11:00.000+08:002008-11-23T14:41:57.391+08:00

...have been spent eating and eating. Good thing my metab is cooperating! Here's where I've been recently with family and friends: Antonio's Tagaytay. Perfect in every way! Wedding reception material. Barcino, Julia Vargas. A cozy date place. Yummy! East Creative Asian Cafe, Rustan's Makati. So-so, not much of an impact on me. [no photo] Sala Bistro, Greenbelt 3.Delightful. I love its

nobodynoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-58423091024115743222008-11-20T00:01:00.000+08:002008-11-23T13:05:39.209+08:00

Enjoying the brief calm before the storm... Chefs doing what they do best (notice the big big pot) My teammates in action (while I steal a moment to take a photo)Me taking a picture of me

nobodynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-16718364683013887502008-11-17T14:40:00.000+08:002008-11-18T01:10:09.358+08:00

I just finished watching a few episodes of Criminal Minds Season 1 with my sisters who are viewing it for the first time. This leads me to think about past lives once again. I wonder why I'm so drawn to crime-solving. Back in college when I was taking up Legal Management and still planning to go to law school, I so wanted to specialize in Criminal Law. I love watching crime shows. I'm a big fan

nobodynoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-34601842958328048862008-11-13T17:06:00.001+08:002008-11-17T09:40:50.944+08:00

According to Daniel Goleman's Emotional Intelligence book, a key component of managing emotions is the ability to soothe oneself when needed.How do I soothe me? Let me count the ways...1. Having warm milk and cookies (or cake). Such a cliche, but it works for me! The best milk drink I've had so far is Lindtt's hot chocolate which I discovered in Sydney a few months back. Truly heaven on earth.

nobodynoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-36653453312763207812008-11-11T12:10:00.000+08:002008-11-15T23:25:27.291+08:00

It was a grueling weekend of cooking at CCA...My classmates and I were so exhausted after each lesson we didn't have energy for anything else but sleep. Each day's session was intensive, simulating what happens in a professional kitchen. We were on our feet 9am to 6pm, putting together our assigned dishes, pressured all around! To think we didn't have actual customers yet demanding their food to

nobodynoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-25775910585275842992008-11-10T10:22:00.000+08:002008-11-11T19:04:13.386+08:00

I'm waiting for a sign for a certain decision I need to make soon. It is also possible that circumstances will just make it for me and I simply need to wait. Or perhaps it will be status quo.I've always been an intuitive decision-maker, especially when it comes to life decisions. Rarely do I go through the logical-rational process, do a cost-benefit analysis, or chart pros and cons. I go by my

nobodynoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-14021274490842207182008-11-09T19:03:00.000+08:002008-11-09T21:55:51.159+08:00

Tomorrow I will undergo two tests that have to do with the heart, just to rule out some stuff (I'm sure it's nothing serious). In keeping with this hearty theme, I did a little research on the human heart and got some interesting tidbits. The heart is the most important muscle in the human body! We need to exercise it at least 15-20 minutes each day to make it strong. (Hmmm...most people are

nobodynoreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-35111956270706989542008-11-05T09:16:00.004+08:002009-01-01T00:58:38.415+08:00

I’m sitting here inside the cardiologist’s clinic waiting for my turn to be examined. This is the second time in 3 months I find myself dragged to the hospital. As always, my sister-doctor arranged everything for me so all I have to do is show up. Nonet is the youngest sister. That makes her my little sister, though I'm only 2 years older than her. Funny, she’s profiled us

nobodynoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-65813038806286209132008-11-01T01:11:00.000+08:002008-11-15T20:34:14.400+08:00

I love to shop. I enjoy going on shopping marathons -- marathon being an entire day (or weekend) of hopping from one store to another, or hopping all around town from one mall to another!Here are my own 10 Cardinal Rules of Shopping which I follow pretty strictly:1. Shop alone. Shopping is purely "me time." That's why I also find it very therapeutic.2. Eat before shopping. I tend to lose track

nobodynoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-77700202066708224452008-10-31T22:28:00.001+08:002008-11-15T23:31:39.056+08:00

I often wonder if there's really such a thing as a past life.If yes, then there are two things about me which I associate to my past life (or lives?).First, I am oddly drawn to old houses -- as in like the Spanish villas in Iloilo, the ancestral homes in Vigan (Syquia mansion), Cebu (Casa Gorordo), Laguna (Jose Rizal's), Cavite (Aguinaldo's), and the old, creepy mansions in New Manila.There was

nobodynoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-53165370174808547202008-10-30T14:53:00.000+08:002008-10-30T22:46:49.689+08:00

Some of my classmates - getting all dressed up for kitchen work! Chef April lecturing before the demo Chef April sharpening the knife that will cut it all... Is this the "Julienne" cut?(Mental note: I should NOT name my kid Julienne) Different kinds of cuts... More kinds! Just about anything can be cut and sliced and diced... What we needed to replicate Spot the difference.

nobodynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-33306159979893604982008-10-29T00:24:00.000+08:002008-11-07T17:59:52.477+08:00

I like my home-based exercise regimen, but I have to admit I haven't been faithful to it since I arrived from Sydney last July :p 10 mins Aerokaebo (a combination of aerobics, karate, and boxing for a full body workout) 10 mins floor exercises zeroing in on the lower body 20 mins running on the treadmill for a cardio workout I miss my modern jazz dance class every Saturday...I haven't been

nobodynoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-20428186616922820182008-10-26T23:12:00.007+08:002008-12-06T22:56:26.552+08:00

My cooking lessons ate up my entire weekend, but it was well worth it! I had loads of fun and learnings, complete with a groovy Chef's attire (minus the shoes though...I have yet to buy). Here are my learning toplines:1. Food costing. There's a science to it! Useful. But darn those volume and mass conversions!2. Food sanitation and safety. Practical! Eye-opening! Some real-life horror

nobodynoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-54655849984697122282008-10-19T04:27:00.000+08:002008-11-07T13:23:28.941+08:00

We had a family dinner again in Makati last night, together with my two favorite cousins who are in town for the weekend. We all converged at Mr. Rockefeller in Greenbelt, did some serious food tripping and went on a mouth-watering oyster binge!Some facts about this family gathering: No. of participants: 10 (Everyone!) Where people came from prior to dinner: Trinoma shopping for Crocs (3

nobodynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-34675035384151659872008-10-13T19:59:00.000+08:002008-10-13T20:28:29.468+08:00

Guest writer: Samuel.Samuel says:Bing might be Midas when it comes to work, but she is... er who or what's the counterpart of Midas anyway - rock? Oh who cares, the point is Bing is NOT Midas when it comes to technology. (How eloquently said, don't you think?) So I have the opportunity to write something as I post her pictures in her blog.What Samuel learned from Bing's recent cooking lesson:#1:

nobodynoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-83645214770610237712008-10-12T20:43:00.000+08:002008-11-07T13:24:28.080+08:00

I got the chance the other day to carve out some conversation time with a friend I don’t get to talk to all that often. Out of the blue she shared an observation about something that involves me. It’s funny because several people have already made the exact same comment, separately. It got me thinking -- what is it that makes them say that? Something they’ve observed first hand? Something they

nobodynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-57920664407997029692008-10-09T19:14:00.001+08:002008-11-10T13:11:47.219+08:00

This work week has certainly been trying and tiring. If I were to inventory the negative emotions I've experienced since Monday, they would be: frustration, anger, worry, disappointment, panic, shock, sadness. Quite a list I've got here. BUT, I've decided to focus instead on the good stuff, to write about the things which "turned to gold", the things and people that helped me stay creepily

nobodynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-21301604413824494512008-10-05T22:29:00.000+08:002008-10-30T21:11:12.821+08:00

I woke up very early today to attend a brainstorming meeting with friends who are owners of this consulting company. The meeting was set for 8:30 am, of course I was late (I arrived 9:30 am), having slept at 3:00 am earlier. It was a very productive discussion, as always with this group. The company is bidding for a pull-out-all-the-stops sales kick-off event of a big multinational manufacturing

nobodynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2401826763049602581.post-47821296285671009752008-10-04T23:42:00.000+08:002008-11-17T09:52:18.097+08:00

...was Sam's idea. It was created by Sam, too, password and all! The inspiration for its name was the song playing in McDo right when we were talking about putting it up. It seemed apropos as I was in a nobody-said-it-was-easy mood at the time. Weeks after its creation, I am finally writing something. While I am not new to journaling (I have a big yellow notebook for this, stashed in my room),

nobodynoreply@blogger.com7