My journey & discovery to the new ME.: friendship

Showing posts with label friendship. Show all posts

Q Celebration

Last 24 February, Thomasians in ADB gathered and celebrated UST's 400 years of existence, the oldest university in Asia. We called it "Q" Celebration, in short for "Quadricentennial." There are 194 staff who graduated in UST, more than 100 attended the event. The UST Alumni Relations were there too and provided the backdrop for the photobooth and stage, they also gave away souvenir items (paperweight and baller ID), sold some shirts, car stickers and stufftoys. They also brought the Quadricentennial mascot, they call him Qster(??). There were performances and some games. I looked forward to this event, I volunteered and was assigned to be one of the collectors of ticket payment. The tshirt was provided the day before the event, I decided not to wear it because I was not able to wash it and it was not required to wear it anyway.

Here are some of the photos:

with Ruth, Ruby and Kathy

with OGC friends

with SARD colleagues

with co-volunteers

I joined this game...I didn't win.. Ruby won!

with Rhina

the car sticker (which I bought), the paperweight (souvenir) and the ticket

I really enjoyed the event, we had so much fun and had lots of photo-taking. It was good to see familiar faces and learn that they came from the same alma mater as yours.

I look forward to more events, to more get-togethers.

Go USTE! ;)

The Sweetest Thing

This week, I was not feeling well due to my period and colds. I am planning to visit my dear friend, Shervel, this weekend but due to my sickness, I would probably postpone it, again...

I saw her last 5 February when I attended the baptism of her firstborn Enzo, I was one of the godmothers. We did not have a chance to talk because I left the church right after the ceremony, I did not proceed to the reception anymore.

Here are some of our photos at the church:

Shervel is one of my dearest friends, we were schoolmates in college but we became friends 9 years after we graduated. The friendship started in January 2009, I was newly married (3months), she was newly married too, (nearly a month). The story of our friendship started there, my bh and I were there for her when her marriage was tested at a very early stage... They were able to survive that very tough trial and now they are happy and blessed with a very cute baby, my inaanak, Enzo Matteo.

This photo was taken in 2009 when we watched Breakfast at Tiffany's at Rockwell Powerplant.

Shervel knew my situation just last month (but not yet the details), weeks after I attended the baptism, I didn't tell her about it because she was pregrant (gave birth on 13 December) and didn't want her to feel sad about it. I know she's very eager to see me, I feel the same, since she learned about my situation, she emails me from time to time and she's asking when can we meet. I texted her and told her that I might not be able to visit them this weekend due to my colds, I don't want baby Enzo to get sick too because of my virus.

Shervel's response was the sweetest thing, she told me to just let her know if I could make it, she would cook "sinigang" and would prepare calamansi juice for me. I feel so loved, God has blessed me with wonderful family and friends, I feel so pampered, even those who do not know my situation, they treat me so well, I could not think of any other reason for this but only because of God's love, He loves me and makes me realize that life is worth-living and truly beautiful, the people around me, my angels-on-earth, they are my greatest blessings, if you are reading this, you are certainly one of them, you are heaven-sent.

Thank you... you know who you are...

My European Dream

Yesterday, Gillian called me up. I knew from the tone of her voice that she would deliver a great news! ;)

She told me that she received a text informing her that she's one of the finalists in the KLM contest "My European Dream." Last November 30, 2010, I received an email from KLM informing me about this contest. You need to choose 3 European cities that you would like to explore and narrate your reason for your choices. The next day, I forwarded the email with a simple note "worth a try" to Gillian, Eia, Lianne and Emma, my four travel buddies in my Europe trip in 2015. ;) That same day, I sent my entry, I got too excited, I didn't give myself some time to think about it. I chose Paris, Venice and Prague and gave very short reason for each. I didn't know that you have to post it in facebook(?) and facebook contacts have to "like" it (one of the criteria), Gillian told me about this when she sent her entry on 13 December. I didn't know that there's a mechanics! hehehe Well, I no longer have a facebook account that time so I guess, it's not really for me.

When Gillian told me that she already submitted her entry, I read it and I knew that her entry has a very big chance of winning. I know that Gillian is intelligent, she speaks well and is well-travelled, what I didn't know is she can also express her thoughts in writing so well.

Below is her entry:

"I believe that every traveler has Europe at the top of his/her "must-see" places. Certainly, it is in mine. I had the opportunity of setting foot in this dreamland September of this year, wherein I roamed in Rome (no pun intended), explored the rustic and medieval towns of Tuscany, and basked in the picturesque Provencal region in France. Reading these places in travel books, magazines, and blogs surely do not give justice to actually being there in the flesh. One must have a real experience to capture and appreciate its beauty and splendor. Many women my age would prefer to splurge on designer shoes or bags or jewelry. Travel is my only luxury and I definitely wouldn't mind spending my money's worth on a trip to Europe. Why not? It's THE place to indulge. It's a feast for the senses , the mind and the soul. So if by God's grace, KLM takes me there a second time to have a whole new gamut of European experience (wink, wink), I would have these 3 places in my itinerary: 1) Athens to explore the ancient ruins and satiate my appetite for Mediterranean cuisine; 2) Istanbul to see the majestic Hagia Sofia and go on side trips to Ephesus & Cappadocia; and 3) Vienna to visit the Hofburg Palace and relive my love for classical music and everything Mozart. An experience in Europe is definitely not a "been there, done that" moment. It is worth re-dreaming, re-exploring and re-discovering."

Yesterday, after she called me up, I visited the site and looked again for her entry. I found her entry on the 84th page, per page there are 6 entries. I also looked for my entry, found it on the 154th page, so I am certain that there were more than a thousand entry, so being a finalist is really something!

The finalists will gather on 3 March for a special lunch in Makati. I am very happy for Gill, I prayed that she would win free trip to Europe via KLM.;)

The Joy Luck Club

Last Saturday, I watched a play, with Gillian and Eia, entitled The Joy Luck Club. Eia has read the book and Gillian has watched the movie. Gillian told us about this stage play and we agreed to watch on a Saturday. I couldn't remember when was the last time I watched a stage play so it was good thing to do something different and spend a weekend with friends and appreciate (performing) art such as this.

We had dinner at Marcianos before we watched the play. Sorry for the poor quality of photos, we couldn't quite figure out what setting to use in an ambiance like this. I badly need a photography workshop! ;)

I used Intelligent Auto for this one ;)

Anything but Ordinary...

A friend sent the lyrics and mp3 of this song via email.. I just thought that this can be my theme song..What you think?

I told him that I will be extraordinary, just watch! ;)

***
Sometimes I get so weird
I even freak myself out
I laugh myself to sleep
It's my lullaby
Sometimes I drive so fast
Just to feel the danger
I wanna scream
It makes me feel alive

Is it enough to love?
Is it enough to breathe?
Somebody rip my heart out
And leave me here to bleed
Is it enough to die?
Somebody save my life
I'd rather be anything but ordinary please

To walk within the lines
Would make my life so boring
I want to know that I
Have been to the extreme
So knock me off my feet
Come on now give it to me
Anything to make me feel alive

Is it enough to love?
Is it enough to breathe?
Somebody rip my heart out
And leave me here to bleed
Is it enough to die?
Somebody save my life
I'd rather be anything but ordinary please.
I'd rather be anything but ordinary please.

Let down your defences
Use no common sense
If you look you will see
that this world is a beautiful
accident, turbulent, succulent
opulent permanent, no way
I wanna taste it
Don't wanna waste it away

Sometimes I get so weird
I even freak myself out
I laugh myself to sleep
It's my lullaby

Is it enough?
Is it enough?
Is it enough to breathe?
Somebody rip my heart out
And leave me here to bleed
Is it enough to die?
Somebody save my life
I'd rather be anything but ordinary please

Is it enough?
Is it enough to die?
Somebody save my life
I'd rather be anything but ordinary please
oh I'd rather be anything but ordinary please

Lunch Date on Hearts' Day

Yesterday, my friends(officemates) had lunch to celebrate Hearts Day. Though it was quite ironic because all the food (Barbeque, Sisig, Pork and Chicken Lechon) were not good for the heart! ;p

Thanks to Cris who initiated the email and suggested that we have lunch for this occasion. I volunteered to bring a cake. Nicki suggested to have the gelato cake from Caramia (Amici), I ordered Merry Berries, it was so yummy!! ;)

from L-R (Ms. Vicky, Karen C., Ms. Fe, Angela, Cris,

Karen G., LJ, Ms. Myrna and Rhina)

Yummy Merry Berries ;)

By the way, when I picked up the cake in our receiving area, there was a rose that went with the cake(a freebie from the delivery)! Atleast I "received" a flower on Hearts Day! ;)

Happy HD!!

Happy Hearts' Day everyone!;)

This is a friend's prenup photo, taken just this weekend. They will get married next month. Thanks Rica for sharing this photo with me first hand, I am really honored. ;) I wish you a blissful marriage for a lifetime!

Guess where my next travel will be?

Exactly 2 months from today, I will be travelling out of the country with Eia and Mark. Guess where we're going? ;) It would be my first time to experience "spring." We were told that the temperature will range from 10-14 degrees celcius... My body is not used to low temp so I need to shop for some jackets, scarves, gloves, socks, thermal clothing, etc.

Here are some clues...

Prayer is the key

I received an email today entitled "God's Timing is Perfect." I received it thrice from three of my friends. One of them knows my situation and the other two are clueless. ;)

Just when I am about to give up on praying for a particular request, I received this. I think God wants me to continue praying for it and never give up. Ok Lord, I will not give up...

***

One day Jesus told his disciples a story to illustrate their need for constant prayer and to show them they must never give up…Luke 18:1 NLT

Saved by a Stamp

God's answers to prayers can affect generations to come. In fact, if not for his gracious answers to a prayer offered many years ago, my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren would not know his blessing today.

The story is simple. My cousin Mirea and I wanted to visit friends in America. Sensing that we would not abandon our grand idea, my father sent us on our way with heartfelt prayers for our safety.

Our trip across Europe took several days. Finally we arrived on the western shores of England. But as we prepared to set sail for America, we were told there was a problem with our papers. Officials at the immigration office said Mirea was missing a stamp on a paper that would allow her to leave the country. We would have to stay in England for another week until Mirea's papers could be corrected, they said.

Mirea and I went to the steamship office to ask if we could exchange our tickets for a ship leaving later in the month. The man at the window was glad to make the exchange. He was sure he could resell our berths. People were eager to sail on the maiden voyage of the Titanic.

As we wandered back to the hotel, Mirea and I were disappointed that we had to stay in England. But, when the news reached us a few days later of the sinking of the Titanic, we both began to cry, in sadness for our lost shipmates, but also in relief, realizing how close we had come to death ourselves. God, in his mercy, had answered by father's father's prayer for our safety with something as small as a missing stamp. How good is God! - Elsa Sturit Kint

Adapted from The Prayer Bible Jean E. Syswerda, general editor, Tyndale House Publishers (2003), p 1495.

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

This made my day..

I was not feeling well this morning, I don't know exactly why I was feeling down...

And all of a sudden, this message popped in my desktop..

When I was about to approach my friend, Angela, to thank her, I realized she does not know about this blog and she certainly does not know I like mints, so I asked her how did she know, she told me that Rhina (the one who told me that After Eight products are available in S&R) mentioned it to her so she offered it ;) Thank you Lord for your little surprises just when I need it! ;)

Starbucks Adventure - 1st Stop

As mentioned on this post, mi amiga Lianne will visit all the 12 branches featured in 2011 Starbucks planner. We initially planned to go to Intramuros for our first stop but at the last minute, we had to detour, I will reveal the reason next time, but this is definitely a pleasant detour. ;)

Yesterday, 29 January, we had our first stop in Corinthian Hills, very near Megamall where we met and had lunch. We arrived at Starbucks at 2pm. We transferred from one seat to another, we finally settled on our third seat where the chairs were more comfortable and the electric sockets for charging our laptops were within reach.

Lianne ordered Java Chip (grande) while I ordered my staple Caramel Macchiato hot, tall. After four hours of chatting and blogging in between, I got hungry, I ordered tuna pandesal for both of us and another Caramel Machiatto, hot, this time I ordered short for the very first time.

Here are some photos to document our first Starbucks adventure. Yesterday was the very first time that my Vivienne Tam hp mini "travelled." I used it for almost two years just inside our home. We also brought our planners, the inspiration for our adventure. We stayed there for almost 8 hours, the longest time I ever stayed in Starbucks. We had so much fun, so much chit-chatting, blogging and caffeine overload. ;)

Before I forget, there were 13 branches featured in the planner(January 2011-January2012), not 12, the 13th branch is called 32nd and 7th, located at the Fort.

32nd and 7th will be, most likely, our second stop for this adventure.

Well, more than the adventure, this is our way of bonding and catching up, our celebration of more than a decade of friendship!;)

Cheers to more cups and more decades of wonderful friendship! ;)

More Davao Photos

This is the continuation of my previous post...

We left in the afternoon of 13 January, arrived in Davao at around 7pm. Gillian's friend, Julie, picked us up at the airport and dropped us off at Microtel. Eia, Gillian and I headed to Penong's for our first dinner in Davao, Penong's is just walking distance from Microtel.

The next day, 14 January, we woke up early for our Pearl Farm Day trip. We arrived at Marina Wharf at 8am, the boat trip to Pearl Farm is less than an hour, so we reached Pearl Farm at around 9am.

After taking a few photos at Pearl Farm, we decided to go to the nearby island, Samal, via speedboat provided by Pearl Farm.

The itchy feet of Eia, Gillian and Ryah ;)

After taking some "me" time and taking lots of photos, we all got tired. I literally dozed off, Gillian took this photo.

At almost 2pm, we got hungry and decided to go back at Pearl Farm for the buffet lunch. This is the last photo at Samal Island.

Our late lunch at Pearl Farm, we all enjoyed the food and the fresh, sweet pomelo.

Last few photos before leaving Pearl Farm.

The next day, 15 January, Eia met her friend from General Santos in SM Davao while Gillian and I headed to Eden Nature Park. The first few hours when we arrived there, it rained so hard so we just stayed at the "fishing village," ate some snacks and chit-chatted non-stop. ;)

at the fishing village

Our tour was scheduled at 1:50pm, thank God the rain stopped just in time for the tour. ;)

We left at Eden Nature Park at 3pm. We looked for Blugre coffee shop to try durian coffee, Blugre coffee shop in Matina Square was still closed so we looked for the other branch, we finally found it on the third stop. I liked the taste of durian coffee and also tried 2-cheese egg scambler, yummy combination. We went back to Microtel at around 5:30pm to get some rest before Julie picks us up for dinner, she invited as for dinner, it was also the birthday celebration of her eldest daughter, 5 year-old, Nina.

Here's Julie with baby Imma, the main reason why we were in Davao. ;)

The next day, 16 January, we attended baby Imma's baptism. After the ceremony, we all headed to Emerald Restaurant for the reception.

We did some shopping for pasalubong after the reception.

We attended mass at 6pm. Just before the mass ended, it rained so hard. We stayed inside the church for almost an hour after the mass because we only have one umbrella. We planned to have dinner at Blugre in Matina Square, but since it was so hard to look for taxi, we eventually settled to take the jeepney and went to Gaisano Mall first thinking that we could find a taxi there easier. Well, since it flooded, it got harder to find a taxi but thank God, we did get a taxi and was able to have dinner at Blugre. I ordered durian gatchpuccino again and 2-cheese egg scambler again.

That's our last night in Davao, truly one-of-a-kind experience but it was all worth it.

We forgot to take photos of our room, here's the facade of the hotel.

That's all for our Davao trip.

If given a chance, I will definitely come back to explore more landmarks.

More Lists...

Places to Explore:

Batanes
Bellarocca, Marinduque
Bacolod
Caramoan, Camarines Sur
Camiguin
Palawan
Seoul, South Korea
Paris, France
Rome and Venice, Italy
Barcelona and Madrid, Spain
Geneva, Switzerland
Prague, Czech Republic
United Kingdom
United States

Movies to watch:

Date Night
Inception
Twilight
New Moon
Eclipse
The Switch
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
Valentine's Day
The Book of Eli
Alice in Wonderland
When in Rome
Back-up Plan
Shrek 3
Shrek 4
Toy Story 3
Taken
I am love
Titanic: How It Really Sank
The Kids Are All Right
The King's Speech
Black Swan