A Chocolate Mousse to Remember

** finally, i had the time to put this together**

August 21, Saturday AM

I can say it’s been a tradition that the team spends quality time every weekend, or whenever we have money. Their latest addiction is indulging in seafood, that is Dampa. This particular Saturday, they decided yet again, to spend another ‘breakfast’ in Macapagal avenue. Since I’m trying to save up as much as I can for our Hong Kong Trip, I initially declined. There were no signs of panic and disturbance from the team but my manager insisted I go. I even used Marvin as my excuse (that he was sleeping, that he may not be able to follow, that our food trip won’t be worth it since he can’t eat much) but they all talked me out of it, like everyone has something to say to me. Oo na, sige na.. sasama na ko. Gosh. Little do I know that he (Marvin) wouldn’t have a hard time joining us.

Here are some little segments.

So we arrived bright and early at Dampa. Like the usual, I didn’t join the rest on their scouting walks. My manager, Allian, despite her killer heels, walked from restaurant to restaurant looking for a private resto with an acceptable ambiance. We moved from the initial open area to an airconditioned one because I prefer not to hear Bonchie whine. :p And as usual, I let them order food. I was so engrossed on reading that I let them do all the work.

When we were just waiting for our food to be cooked, they were singing the Karaoke. They even asked me what Marvin’s theme song is to me. I said that of Introvoys, they all laughed. Wala ata silang love song. OK fine.. hnd ko matandaan. After a few more songs and few more 5 pesos, Allian said she wanted to buy some DVDs so she stepped out. I can’t remember how everyone else followed. I know Rona said she wanted DVD too. Few minutes after, Myda and Hakkai followed outside for some reason. Kathlyn stepped out too as she will wait for Cai to arrive. Joey kept taking pictures, I honestly don’t know or where everyone is as I was busy reading.

Suddenly, a becky approached me with a cake in a slightly open box. He said, me nagpapabigay po, “Ha?” Ung nasa likod nia said “buksan mo daw ung box, buksan mo” So he slightly opened it and I saw the WILL YOU MARRY ME text, yes I’m 20-20. I am shaking a little. Sabi ko, “Ano to ha, sino nagpapabigay nito.” At the back of my mind, I know the cake is from Marvin.

And then..

spread the LOVE!

Mheann and Trek Tied the Knot!

The long wait is officially over. :)

Mheann and Trek celebrated their 12 years together by tying the knot at the Lourdes Church in Tagaytay City last March 22.

The church ceremony was very emotional as close friends and family witnessed the exchange of vows. I went blank when Mheann pulled out a paper when she was about to say her piece, masasayang make up ko. I know deep in my heart, she said nothing but pure LOVE. Mababaw luha ko so I opted not to listen well. I focused on the priest and his intention to make the promises of the couple blessed by the people around them. The priest invited the family and ninongs and ninangs to surround the couple as they take their oath of endless love. Truly heartwarming.

A few minutes later, the ceremony was over. Picture Time naman. :)

let me show you some cute finds...


their bridal car was vintage

the venue of the reception was breathtaking overlooking Taal Volcano
I forgot where this reception was held but it was very near Lourdes Church
(plus I don't have invitation, haha, so I don't have a reference)

here's the pool turned to be a mini stage or area where the couple would be at
we didn't get to stay the whole time because I have class waiting for me, but I'm sure this looks lovely at night

even this cute cake was orange-y
I wish I could have stolen a cupcake!! haha

trendy photobooth courtesy of CDWORX

nothing beats a good old company
nice to be with you all

i love them!
SUPER CONGRATS!

it may not be easy to keep the relationship for 12 years, but it's not impossible.
CHEERS to the newlyweds. :)

Would look forward to juniors soon...

Bantayan Island, Marvin's Birthday!

I brought with me a party popper and several balloons. I was supposed to bring a lot but I was thinking in case the security people at the airport would took it, sayang naman.

I was very successful in keeping the balloons and popper from Marvin. He didn't know I brought stuff until we used it na. The resort was very accommodating in helping me inflate the balloons while I distract Marvin, which apparently didn't work quite well. Kasi, nahuli nia habang nagkakabit sila ate ng lobo, LOL.

Laughtrip!

you wanna see how strong the waves are?

Our day concluded with a hearty meal courtesy of the owner. She gave us free (square) pizza! Very generous, salamat Tita Nancy! (who, later I learned is a Tita of my new student in class. Nge!)

Kuya's Birthday: 2011

Happy Birthday to my KUYA!

Daan kayo sa bahay if you have time. :)

me handa si Kae last time, ngayon naman si Kuya.. parang ayoko sumunod. Hahahaha.

Valentines: 2011

I thought I wouldn't get anything this year, because I know it's a little tagtuyot.

But I was surprised when I got my flowers around 5AM. Sabi ko nga, mura na siguro flowers after Valentines? hehe. But thanks hon, so much!

ps - I didn't have my camera so this was just taken using my BB.

Happy Valentines to All! :)

Startek Summer Outing 2010

Startek annually hold summer outings in different locations as a treat to all its hardworking employees.. Last year, I can't remember where they went because our team was in Ohio - enjoying the weather. :)

This year, I was compelled to join. My manager signed me up. Signing up and not going means you have to pay in return - so there's no other way but to show up. And I don't want to waste 1500 even I can pay - hehe. So I decided it wouldn't hurt to watch the people swim, enjoy the program and say hello's to my former students who I left in Makati (as you well know, I'm in our Ortigas branch now).

And again, I didn't have any intentions to swim; blame the monthly visit. But in the middle of the program, rain eventually poured, soaking everybody. It would be silly if we run and hide - this is a swimming outing after all.

Our outing was held in Fontana Hot Spring and Leisure Park in Pampanga. I'm having a hard time reading from their site, so feel free to educate yourself - http://fontanaleisureparks.com

The Training Team

Hakkai and Me

the rain!

no plans of swimming

** we used an underwater camera. apparently, the lens gets foggy when they are not totally dipped in water. **

This is the last summer outing this year.
Rainy Season is here.

Santacruzan 2010

I've always wanted to wear ala-Imelda Marco's sleeves - but have not been able to. I thought I could during last year's Linggo ng Wika.. instead we wore a very simple skirt and kimona.



I remembered one of our US Visitor's even asked me to have a photo with him (nagmukha tuloy akong mascot). hehe.



Anyway, for our Santacruzan - since we don't know how to make paper flowers well, we decided, we'll make human flowers to escort Red Queen and MadHatter in Alice and Wonderland.
We actually won. But we decided to give up the 4k price because it wouldn't look really good that Support (we) won the event as we almost organized it. Not the entire team though but our beloved Manager. Even if the scores were a landslide to our advantage, we had to just give it up. We promised not to hold an event anymore if we're joining. hehe. :)

Congrats Team!!

Mother's Day 2010

Happy Mom's Day to all the INAY's out there. Wala nang dadakila pa sa isang pagiging ina. mabuhay po kayo.

Love you Mama.


Here in the office, simple cupcakes we're given to all the moms.
syempre, meron ako - hahaha..

Jas' Thanksgiving Party

My former colleague in TeleTech graciously invited Marvin and I to her Thanksgiving Party. She passed the Nursing Board (as her second degree) successfully while working full time. The party was held in Shakey's Magallanes.

Official theme of the party is white and in lieu of gifts, we are to bring school supplies in a plastic envelope. The collected items will be brought to less able school in Camiguin. Jas has a big heart.. even extending her blessings to everyone else.

my former workmates in TTech

Me, Jas and Marvin

Thanks Jas for the invite!

Happy Winter Valentine!!

This is probably the most busiest Valentine I've ever been to. Not that I dated today or something but I was part of the team that hosted a Valentine dinner for good 25 people.. or maybe more.

I think I talked about our hosted dinners here several times. So.. last Sunday, our team held the dinner.. finally, not only for our peers but for our American friends as well.

We were all busy entertaining and facilitating games that I didn't capture pictures. But before the party began, I was able to take the opportunity of taking photos of the food we prepared for them. After dinner, we played 3 games - twister, Pinoy Henyo and Amazing Race. After the race, we showed them a video presentation that has messages of their dear loved ones from Pinas that we requested through Facebook. Tears flowed while watching the video. I couldn't help myself too. I'll try to post it here if I get to have a copy.

We had hotdog tidbits on a stick with marshmallows as our appetizer. Lugaw, Kare-Kare with bagoong, Marinara Pasta and Salmon were the main dishes. Sweetened Avocado, Yema and Pies were for desserts. Sodas and Tequila Sunrise for the drinks. My team mates just knew how to cook!

Please take time to read the captions :)

It was a success!

Happy 49th Birthday Mama

We found a reason to celebrate despite the present conditions of Metro Manila. Mama just turned 49 today. We got her a gold/tan havaianas HIGH that she wanted - although it was already late when she said.. wag na lang.

We just had a small dinner at home with the rest of the fam.

Pizza and Pasta dinner with more than enough cakes.

4seasons from Yellow Cab

White Forest from Red Ribbon

Special Hizon Cake from my cousins
This looks very simple but it tastes real good
Will blog about them some other time

Love you Ma!

100 Days Before Xmas

.. Here comes the 'ber months, and soon enough it's a whole new year again. :)

2009 was a pretty interesting and a fulfilling year for me. But before I recall my highs and lows for this year, let me think of things I want this Christmas.

Libre naman db?

1. I want a technomarine. I want a watch that can be paired with just about anything. I may not be able to get you this Christmas but I still want one even after, hehe.
2. XPS or Vaio. Or any dependable one (except for MAC). This has been a necessity more than ever. So I want to get something I can bring anywhere. I returned my company issued laptop when I resigned from GXS.
   
3. I want IPOD touch - and maybe you're the only closest one I can get this Xmas. nyahahaha.
4. Two years ago or maybe last year I said I want an eternity ring, until now I don't have one. I want one. But I think I'm close to achieving this (but not yet this year?) because I have a jeweler friend who accommodates installment payment. So even if I don't get one this Xmas; I'm hoping I can get, even after... - for the sake of investment.
   

These are all material things I know but on top of all these, I am praying for continuous good health, prosperity and unconditional love of my family and those close to my heart.

Start counting everyone!

my 26th Birthday Bash

Yes! I just turned 26 and it was a blast!

This year is my longest birthday thus far. :p Though I'm far away from home.. I got to celebrate it differently today 1- the fact that I'm currently overseas and away from 'lutong bahay', 2- my unusual kind of birthday w/o breaking the bank, 3-I get to blow candles at this age :) hahahhaha

Why long birthday?? Because people and friends started greeting me last Friday (note, my birthday is due Monday pa).. until Saturday, Sunday.. and finally Monday morning and evening still.. people wouldn't just stop greeting me.. and I am totally overwhelmed. :) LOL, just pardon my english,, my head's spinning already.. i have to sleep soon...


Sunday evening, I cooked spaghetti sauce for breakfast the very next morning. Uhmm, I think mama forgot to tell me that after I put one cup of water, I have to wait until it's turning dry again. Because after the water, I added the tomato sauce.. hence sauce turned SOPAS! Well, I paired it with rice and it was ok naman. :p

I call this spaghetti soup

Here's my chocolate cake.
I also got Caramel Turtle Cheesecake from Patrick and
Choc Cupcake in Belgian Choc Icing and Curls from Yna

Celebrating far away from home

Pleasant morning visit from Yna and Marika with the cupcake and sparklers

We went to Dave and Busters for dinner after work. The entire team celebrated with me :) Thank you guys!

Dave and Busters offers eat and play combo.
The amount of your food lets you play in their Game Lounge. After several games I got enough tickets to buy myself a cute stuff toy.. hon, I need a name for my teddy :)

It was 9PM when we arrived at the hotel. I had a great day today. Though I miss home, I am absolutely doing fine here.


PS... I want to go back to Dave and Busters to get more toys!


THANK YOU LORD FOR THE BEAMING 25 YEARS! ITS TIME TO ROCK @ 26!