three years and seven months

it's our monthsary today but we didn't plan anything special. i guess i would just like to thank him for the little surprise i received at the office today


Thanks Hon!

Happy Birthday to You!

to the man who

.. loves me
.. understands me
.. takes care of me
.. loves to see me giggle and laugh
.. has undying aspirations and goals in life
.. has unselfishly shared his time and all he has with me

to you dear birthday boy.. may the LORD bless you more and more.

happy birthday and i love you!

Fun Trip to the Mall

Kae and I were bored today so we decided to go to the mall and 'magpalamig'.
Kae was craving NYFD, so we got ourselves some. We ordered the biggest, err gigantic.. LOL size and consumed it in no time. I didn't like the pepper steak sauce that I tried, (pepper steak na naman?) hehehe.




After eating, we strolled lang. We saw SOP nga pala, performing there.. mark herras and the rest of the young stars. grabe naman sa tili mga tao.. kala ko nga magigiba ung mall eh, wehehehe.

Anyway, I also bought my Proactiv at Watsons earlier. Kae had a funny store to share. You all know Watsons right? So here it goes.
The line was typically queueing with about 5 or so people in line for each of the two counters. There was a young chinese kid with his father.. around 7 or 8 siguro yung age. This kid went to the counter and grabbed the yellow-brightly-colored FRENZY! He went to his father who'se queued on the line and asked "Daddy ano to, Candy or Vitamins!?" The daddy I think didn't know how to respond and Kae thinks the Daddy said "Go and ask the counter". Confused, the kid put the FRENZY back near the Cash Register where he took it. Few seconds after, he took the FRENZY again and asked the Cashier "Miss, ano to, Candy or Vitamins?" The cashier was smiling and lauhing a little bit. She didn't know what to tell the kid. Kae was lauhing hard that the innocent boy didn't get any answer. I glanced at the father who was just smiling too. Now the lines are getting cleared up. So imagine nearly everyone get to hear what the kid was inquiring. There was even a mother in front of his Daddy with her daughter smiling and laughing with the cashier.

When I got home, Marvin phoned me and I told the story about the curious kid. He himself wouldn't know what to say if that is his kid. I was thinking is it proper just to tell the kid that its for daddy's only? I'm not a parent so I wouldn't know, hehehehe.

Hmmmmm, what would you say??

PS
Oh my, I just remembered.... hahaha. When I was young, I found TRUST C too in our house. Hihi, of course I didn't know what it was so I took it and opened it. Then I asked my tito what it was for. He said you blow it up and put it in the mothers tummy so she won't get pregnant. I asked my tito to blow it up for me. And he did until it popped.. and so I didn't ask anymore. Akalain mo... naalala ko lang!!

Pepper Steak

Tomorrow is Marvin's birthday.

He said he wants to eat somewhere we haven't dined before. I remembered Pepper Lunch in Rockwell because I've read so many reviews and blog entries about it. But I guess I was a little confused about Pepper Steak and Pepper Lunch during that time, and so I googled Pepper Steak instead, only to find out after few minutes that I was really craving to try was PEPPER LUNCH.

Anyhow, enough of the confusion. We still went to Glorietta to try Pepper Steak because Pepper Lunch is only available in Shangri-la and Rockwell.

We found Pepper Steak at the newly built and quite small, Glorietta 5.

served sizzling hot

my Beef Pepper Steak with Teriyaki Sauce

Can't remember what this was called but this is one of their House Special

I tried rotating the other picture several times but it still ended up vertically wrong, err.

I was really hungry at that time. My food didn't even last for 15 minutes, either it was small in serving or I was totally hungry. I didn't find the food extra special either. A steak served sizzling is not something new. I know House of Mini's is also a good choice. Serving size in Pepper Steak is not for big eaters too. Hindi siya pang malakihang gutom. You'll end up hungry again, just like Marvin, hahahhahaa.

I'm not sure what they offer differently though. I have to try it again.

But I ate all! Though hindi ako nabusog.

Philippines: Crying for Jobs

Few days ago I was watching ABS-CBN TV Patrol.. because I am back in the morning shift, therefore I get to enjoy what 'nights' can offer. Anyway, I just couldn't stand hearing and watching the news so I'm blogging about it.

Fresh Graduates rallied in front of DOLE because they are saying there are no more jobs in the market. They were there because they want jobs and they would want DOLE to give them JOBS.

The newscaster interviewed a young lady and asked her, how about call centers - why don't you try there? The lady replied "Hindi naman yun ka-linya ng tinapos ko eh"

Abah, choosy ang lola moh!

I don't have anything against people and newly grads following their dreams and aspirations in life. Who wouldn't want to work related to their field of study? If you want to be part of the IT or Industrial or Marketing or HRM industry then go and find a work there... but don't come running back, picketing in front of the local government that they should give you a job if you suddenly can't find any.

Common sense kids, you wouldn't die because you are working for a different industry. Hindi mo ikamamatay dahil marketing ang tinapos mo at nag-call center ka. In a company, there are different arms.. payroll, marketing, training, IT, etc. Not because you started as an agent means you'll end up an agent for the rest of your life. Lahat naman naguumpisa sa maliit. It's you who make your life.... no one else.

If you trust your capabilities, knowledge and skills.... i suggest you grab whatever is HOT in the market, a job decent enough to sustain your living. Sabi nga nila, on the average, a person changes career 5 times in his/her lifetime.

I am a graduate of Computer Science and now I am a Trainer in a Call Center. I started out as an agent 5 years ago. Now I'm halfway my dream salary :wink: I know a lot of people na hindi na din ka-linya ng tinapos nila ung trabaho nila. But they're happy, satisfied and contented. Siguro nga, nasa tao lang yan!

Plot your goals. Live your dreams. Work Hard, Work Smart. Do not stop reaching your own stars.

GoodLuck and enjoy your journey. Tama na ang mga rally!

Trainer Duty

It wasn't long ago when I first discover the Corregidor experience... and yet again for another adventurous experience, I went back... this time with different set of peeps.

It is part of being host to our guests that our company funds different activities - sometimes diving, out of town swimming (galera, pangasinan), shopping to different malls, Manila/ Philippine historical tour... just like the Corregidor tour.

So when our Systems Analyst (I think) was here, we get to bring him to Corregidor, that was my first time.

Our client was here for a three week Certification and so we offered a weekend tour for Corregidor.

The only difficulty he had was the sun. Sobrang init!! Check my MULTIPLY for more pictures. :)

The Final Set; Eraserheads Concert

Wikipedia - The Eraserheads or E-Heads was a prominent Pinoy rock band of the 1990s, formed by Ely Buendia, Raimund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala and Marcus Adoro. The band is one of the most successful, critically-acclaimed, and significant bands in the history of Original Pinoy Music, learning them the accolade, "The Beatles of the Philippines”.The Eraserheads are also credited for spearheading a second wave of Manila band invasions, ^]paving the way for a host of influential Philippine alternative rock bands such as Rivermaya and Yano.

2002 when Ely Buendia left the band.

Eheads reunion concert last year was cut short because Ely was rushed to the hospital due to heart failure. Earlier that same day, his mother passed away. It took him few months to recover in order to push for the concert. En quote he said ‘Singing is my passion, I will sing until I'm old enough to do it'

Today the much awaited Reunion Concert is set to happen at MOA brought to you by MTV and Smart. It is the event that most people (of their generation!) have been waiting and wanting to see. Being a distant relative of Ely, ehem, we tried to get discounted tix, or more so FREE ones, LOL… but to no avail. Marvin was dying to see the concert too. Anyhow, we will not see the concert tonight.

Hopefully there will be more to come.

Congratulations Eraserheads!

Master Rapper: Francis Magalona

Strange, I was talking to Marvin about him early this morning.

For some unknown reason, I was searching my PST files for something to delete when I stumble upon a forwarded message… the mail was one of his blog entries with pictures of his chemo.

Tonight, I woke up hearing from the news that the master rapper had died.

rest in peace. I'm sure you will be sorely missed.

Nothing is Certain

In the world of uncertainties, what do you do?
How do you decide?
Where do you even start?

Sure bet I heard plans, but nothing is stable. Nothing is concrete
It was as vague as a good dream

What if your sacrifices aren't even worth it?

I want to think its for the good, but is it really?

Canon A470

I bought my first ever entry level camera today!

Hehe, I know.. I'm a little late. With the age of DSLR nowadays, you might ask how come I just bought one now. Who can blame me? I really didn't feel the need for one. I was satisfied with camera phones. Plus the fact that my photography skills sucks.

Anyways, soon after I blogged about the camera that I wanted, the auction ended in ebay where I would be getting it. So during those days until yesterday, I was scouting for an affordable one. I still plan to buy some high end stuff but not this year.

I don't think I sacrificed too much quality by buying this affordable one right? :) I think the reason why it's the cheapest camera nowadays is because its a little bulky? Well, I don't mind LOL. I got it for Php5,500 from a seller at tipidpc.com. It comes with a free 2G Transcend Memory Card and a Camera Case. Not bad. Comparing it with other sellers in multiply, ebay, sulit and tipidpc? They offer the same amount and or higher and no freebies at all. So i'm happy for what I paid for. :D

Of course, I did some practice and I liked the results! I just can't post the pictures yet as it has not been uploaded. Desktop crashed and I'm just borrowing my brother's lappy.

The following of course were taken from my reliable 3.2MP Sony Ericsson P1i camera phone. Hopefully after this post, every photo I will be capturing will be from my a470 na. hihihi.

I'm overly satisfied, that's all. :)

I got this samsonite camera bag when I was in the US but unfortunately it doesn't fit my camera :S

I know management doesn't read my blog. Pero I want them to know that I'm ready na for the OHIO trip, LOL. Me camera na ko, ticket na lang kulang :p

Pares Mami House

I just want to share my favorite Pares House in Retiro. Marvin introduced this place to me. And I went there today with him, just thought of capturing photos. :)

I seldom eat Pares, but if I do... I head to this location for a delightful and simple treat.



I

Training Progress

How's everyone doing during this hot days of the season?

Ha. Summer is fast approaching and I personally think Manila is not the ideal place to be.. hehe. Not that I meant it in such a bad way, but sometimes I can't bear the heat anymore!! Ok, I'll stop whining now because unlike Australia, Manila doesn't seem to experience heat waves and heat strokes. It's just that when 3PM kicks in.. ay, I would be awake. I always and always.. get to wake up in the middle of my sleep because of the fu**ing heat. Or maybe its just our house? And thus, I wouldn't be able to sleep anymore. Aircon is not an option, we're a classic struggling family.. and so we don't have that, hehe :p

I just wish to leave Pinas soon and experience winter for a change!

How's your week? Mine? it was very BUSY but accomplishing. I am now fully New Hire Certified. Thank You! Actually, while the certification was happening, I had to do some side lines - print some stuff, laminate certificates and other materials, buy this, buy that, do up-training, send emails, update trackers, sign forms, CALL FOR FOOD DELIVERY (which I liked with no complaints at all!!) LOL and so many others.

But at the end of the week, I got a very positive result... I got certified and the rest of the participants too. On top of that, we (training) were able to pull off the biggest graduation celebration to date with the assistance of so many others. I failed to send a THANK YOU note to all of them but I hope they are all aware of their participation. We ROCK!! Thank you for the help everyone.

Last day of the week marks the end of the 10 painstaking weeks of product training. Hay salamat! :p LOL, but just like what I mentioned to my class.. I could have not imagined any other class to supervise but theirs.

At this point, I am all smiles kahit puyat.
No more overtime hours in the office just to finish trackers and action logs, no more class to look after to, no more people to motivate LOL (but I beg to disagree because I love talking to people and sharing my two cents every time)...

Seriously, I am very thankful for every learning experience. No room for retreats... it's all learning.. and its all about progress! success in 2009!

Almost There

The Cincinnati News is finally getting concrete.
We are now just awaiting confirmation as to when to leave, tickets, booking, etc.

... But we are still busy at work. Next week is the end of our 10-week training. After which another certification is set to take place.

... work work work and no play?

Happy Valentines! 09

And yet again.. for another little something... surprise..

Marvin bought some pizza and charlie chan from yellow cab and had it delivered to our office for my sumptuous lunch this valentine! actually, to tell you the truth.. he's not like this. maybe because we always see each other before (as we're in the same company) so he doesn't normally deliver stuff to me. But I liked it, thoughtful enough :p

I took a pic of the pizza because I was laughing my ass off when I saw the pepperonis.. can you see it clearly? tell me what you see. hindi ko alam kung baduy.. or he was just like making valentines day as the excuse to be cheesy and baduy. LOL. But just like what I've said. I love it, I love you!!

PS..
when he saw this pic, he said he didn't request it this way.. he wanted every single pepperoni cut into HEART shape and then distribute it just like a normal pizza. Sabi ko nga, natuwa naman ako eh, i think the ones who made this wouldn't spend so much time cutting/ reshaping the pepperonis right? The outcome was fine.. the only problem was some cuts were highly concentrated with toppings while the others were just cheese :p

..And the rest of feb 14? I just slept :p everyday is supposed to be a love day anyway.

Pre Valentines Special

I was pretty surprised to see what was waiting for me, last night's shift. I can say I was really impressed with the efforts. Not to mention I liked it so much!

First, I thought they're real flowers, but the official receipt (minus the amount, thank gahd), came together with the package and it says '12 pieces rose soap flower'. I'll wait till the time comes that I can use the soap, hehe. It'll stay in my table until after Valentine. I love it. Thanks hon!!

I also got a long stemmed rose from my co-trainer (whose name is actually Rose too)

just don't mind my messy table

if you look closely, you'll notice the petals were carved thinly.. i call it a piece of art

i don't know the source but it says fiore wiz - try fiorewiz.ph

Here's the message from the card:

"And through me, eyes will see
There will be only you
Only you"

an excerpt from Only You by After Image

Happy Hearts to everyone!

Online Marathon: Gossip Girl Season 2

I know I mentioned last time that I have a non working DVD of gossip girl right?, and ETC has started airing the show last weekend. I wont be able to really see it on TV so I had to search the net for some quality videos. It's a little pathetic I know.. Believe me I'm not so much a fan of pirated ones and free internet as its really not right and fair to many people involved in the industry.. but sometimes during desperate times... I have to do this!

Hehe, drama! And so I've seen quite several episodes already. To date I think they have until Episode 18. And while I am typing this I am allowing half of Episode 14 to buffer first before I continue to watch.

La lang, just thought I update you my dear blog. :p

.. and oh dear, sa labas ng bahay namen... VIDEOKE galore ang mga tao.. buti na lang malaki headset na binili ng kuya koh!

First Class for my 2nd Account

Finally! I made it to the very last day of my very first class, Product Specifics Training is nevertheless over.
And what a way to actually end it? Getting drunk of course! err, drinking but not really getting drunk. My class and I spent some time chit chatting outside of the classroom for a change.. for the very first time with them.. holding bottles of drinks instead of the tiresome notebooks, markers and ballpens. Fortunately, everything went well. Nobody was crazy drinking more than what they can take. And of course, nothing can beat a drinking session that's free!! :p thank you!

One of my trainees is leaving Pinas to continue his work abroad. He is actually bound to go there anyway, it just so happened that he was accepted in the company. And that is one of the reasons why the class went out too.

Training has always been a learning experience for me, and the recent one I completed was no exception at all. The class, I think tested me for patience... because I almost lost it during the process.. hay naku!! Fortunate enough, I'm still myself. hehe.

so happy nesting on Monday, and guys? share the pics please..

Point and Shoot

Sigh, I don't have a digital camera.

My family never owned one.. even during the 'film' years way back. During my last trip to the US, I borrowed one. Poor me. Hehe. Yeah I know. I survived without me having to buy. And now that I heard that there's a possibility of going back this March I am forcing myself to scout for a cheap, reasonably priced and quality camera. I want something that's point and shoot, no hassles, no complications :p

I have asked many people about it and I have observed that Canon is a great choice, and so I would like to stick with that. I like the ixus 85is - neat and pretty reliable. I think Cisco has this one and I have copies of all the pics he took.. they're all good. But I want something that won't even reach 10k... meron kaya nun?

... and I found this for 6K, you think this is ok for a starter?

Ohio in March?

GOOD
I'm posting because I can't contain it myself. I have to share it to someone or somebody else. Here it goes...

My manager told me we are going back to the US.

Ok, no screaming, no giggling or whatever. I am happy yes, but I know there's always drawbacks.. consequences. It all happened this morning when I got to talk with my 'MA' (manager) and she told me there is a possibility of flying back to the US and I might be part of the entourage after all. We will just wait for the official papers but until then, nothing is confirmed and official yet.
Here's the current weather condition in OH

Temp: 33°F (1°C) Overcast	Humidity: 70% Wind Speed: NW 5 MPH Barometer: 30.09 in Dewpoint: 24°F Wind Chill: 29°F
Updated at 753 PM EST MON FEB 2 2009

super I say.. super cold. :p


BAD
What is happening in OPS? I say its really unfair in so many ways. You have me 100% guys. If you have to do a dialogue, you can count me in. They might not listen to me as I'm not directly impacted but you can always rely on me.... till the end.

GG Season 2, UFC, 4th week, etc.

TV Update!
After my beloved Veronica Mars was cancelled, I stopped seeing series regularly, no time, not enough passion to see them. I love House, CSI (all of it), 24, Prison Break, Sex and the City, Californication, Nip/ Tuck and Entourage (i'm not sure if I'm missing anything else).
Gossip Girl was created in replacement for Ms. PI, Veronica Mars. I've completed the entire season 1 right from the Television, no help from the dvd. Aren't you proud?!
After season 1 they went off the air for few months to start season 2.

My very last day in the US was the very day that Season 2 will premier there! Arghh, have been dying to see them back pa naman.

But finally, after 5 months the Upper East Siders will be back in no time because Gossip Girl Season 2 Philippine premier will be this February 3 at 8PM, brought to us by ETC.
you may visit http://gossipgirltv.multiply.com for more information.

And of course, I can't watch it GG this season because I have shift during weekdays. So marvin bought me the season 2 dvd during our recent trip to 168. After the frustrating battle with the pc's and laptops, I finally had the courage to conclude that the DVD wasn't working properly. And nope, we didn't test it. I was hoping to do a marathon pa naman yesterday. :( Can you believe that it stopped playing after 10 or 15 minutes? darn!

next

I don't watch UFC (ultimate fighting champion) like my brother but I know what it is. And yesterday, it aired live.. cool. The website gets updated in-pronto! I watched it with the barako's here at home. I just thought of posting something about it. :)

LAS VEGAS – Welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre scored a one-sided win in what may have been the closest thing to a true “ultimate fight” in the history of a promotion with that name.

Between St. Pierre and lightweight champion B.J. Penn, you had two of the most gifted champions in company history – St. Pierre the world’s best welterweight and Penn the world’s best lightweight, with both at the peak of their careers.

And while St. Pierre was favored as the bigger man, it was still stunning how he dismantled someone who three years ago he struggled to beat in a controversial split-decision win. -- read more.. YAHOO

Fourth Week Update!

We're done with 4th week and I love just how the way it ended. We are not behind with the lessons, we even had a spare day (which was last Friday) so we did call simulations, mock calls and all that. We are now down to our final week for Product Training, next week is Abay. Hope that everything will still be alright.

Happy Monday everyone.
I'm not sure but I feel like I'm not uplifted at all.