When in Baguio

....you take the Deluxe trip of Victory Liner because they have an airconditioned lounge for you to wait in

A lounge with pictures of old buses and their old bus station

plus the deluxe bus has big legroom although you can't cuddle (trying hard kami magdikit jan)

....you travel 15mins to Trinidad, Benguet to go strwberry picking even if it costs P150/kilo instead of P80/kilo if you don't pick them

...you go to Good Shepherd to buy their famous ube and take pictures of the view and their garden

...you go to nearby Mines View Park and take a picture with Doglas

No more kids who will catch the coins that you throw

but the view is still spectacular

...you then go to The Mansion and Mines View Park

...you go to Lourdes Grotto and take the hundred or so flights of steps to get to the top. But we cheated coz the taxi took us the top already hehe

...you can buy pasalubong at the shops nearby although there are stores in all the places I already mentioned.

...you hear mass at the Baguio Cathedral

...you should while away your time at Burnham Park and wait for someone to offer their services to shine your shoes or give a manicure-pedicure

...you go ukay-ukay and hope you get a steal like we did. Gucci bag for P350 (for my mom)

and for me two Coach luggages for P2000 not for one but for both luggages!

Now that's how I celebrated my birthday in Baguio. Turning 27 isn't that bad after all. Thanks to all who greeted me. Mwah!

Break Muna

Took this picture the other day. I had candies for merienda. I can't stop eating sweets again. That's why I can't shed the extra pounds I gained during the holidays. Today naman I'm so full because we went out for lunch at Max's - pansit, chicken, lumpiang sariwa, lumpiang shanghai, crispy pata! Haayy...mamatay sa sarap!

Of Housewarmings and Birthdays

Last Saturday, we (me, Grace, Joel and Gary) went to My and Robert's place. Sort of a housewarming of sorts. We ate way too much! My served us her specialty - baked spaghetti yum yum yum! We also had pork chops and fried chicken. Banana split for dessert (cappuccino ice cream for lunch then strawberry for dinner). My's house is really, really nice. Her daughter's room has a built-in playhouse. Awww I wish I had - make that have one. It's been so long the last time we saw her that it's like a never ending story telling for us plus Grace will be leaving soon for the States. Anyways, after eating lunch My called their masahista and we all had massages. Grace was the first one so while she was having her massage we went around Merville to look for houses/townhouses. Joel is looking for one although I'm not sure if he's serious about it. Then it was my turn to get a massage. It was a one-and-half-hour-pure-bliss. I think they ate merienda and watched Scary Movie 4 while I was gone. After my massage it's eating time again! Gary and Joel had their back massages afterwards then all of a sudden the day was over.




We'll see each other again for Joel and my birthday. The Baguio thing will not push through but we'll go to Tagaytay instead for Grace's despedida this March. Side note: I will go to Baguio this weekend with my family for my birthday. Yay!


Sunday was Luigi's 2nd birthday.




When Joema and I arrived, the "adults" were playing a game. The ladies won - of course! =P





Jo and David was in town again for David's brother's wedding. They were able to drop by the party but it was bye-bye time after that. We gave them our super late wedding gift :)






We had coffee after the party. But not for EJ who's now one month (or so) pregnant. Congratulations guys!






Weekends spent at home lazing around sleeping, eating and watching tv are fun. But weekends spent with friends are much much more fun!

Performer itech

We had our annual performance evaluation last Friday at work. I was so worried before my boss talked to me. But I'm pleased to say that she gave me an 'Exceptional' grade in one of my projects. *big grin* She also told me about the promotion that was supposed to be for me. You see, in the bank if you want to be promoted you have to apply for it. The opening are advertised and all qualified staff can apply. There is an opening for a higher level post which I was suited for. But I cannot apply for it yet because I need to be atleast one year in my current level. My boss wanted to wait until my first year which will be in February. But unfortunately our HR sent out a new AO that applicants for promotions should have been atleast two years in their current level. So, my boss told me they can not possibly wait for another year for me. She said they need to advertise the post even if I'm not yet qualified to apply. She didn't want me to be demotivated and assured me they appreciate the work I'm doing and that they will try to reclassify me to the next level. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everything will work out fine. For the mean time, I need to show her that I am qualified for that promotion and that I am as hard working as my other colleagues in the unit.

Haberday!

Happy birthday to my only brother!!





Wishing you good health and all the happiness in the world. You deserve it!

Janice and Al's Wedding

It was Janice and Al's wedding yesterday. Janice is such a beautiful and elegant bride. The church they chose suit them perfectly because San Sebastian Church is soooo grand!!! They wanted this church because of its history. It's the only church in Manila "made of steel frames and panels...that were manufactured in Belgium". They enjoyed their Europe trip so much that they wanted their wedding to have a touch of something Europe. That is why they chose this church. Actually, the bride initially wanted a garden wedding but since priests don't marry couples outside the church they opted to have their reception at a garden instead, at The Orchidarium beside Luneta Park.

Joema wasn't able to come to the wedding so my "date" for the night was Steve.

During the reception, Janice and Al's love story was told to the guests. And theirs is like no other. They've been together for 12 years and half of it was spent away from each other. After college, Janice went to the States to study and finish her Masters degree for two years and then she worked in New York for three years. In 2002 she went back to Manila but it was Al's turn to leave to finish his Masters in Belgium. When he finally came back, they started preparing for their wedding. So nice noh! They stood the test of time and distance.

The other couples that night: Penny and Pao

Charline and Allan

Sino kaya ang susunod sa altar? Hmmm...

Sorry for my rant last night. I was just so pissed off. I am still irritated with that girl but I did not fax the letter anymore because I received an automated reply from the email. That means they reguarly check their inbox right? Oh well, I did told her why I was mad. It's a long tiring story of text messages exchanged. Let's just say na sayang ang piso ko pangtext sa kanya. The nincompoop will still go to our meeting place even after I told here I'm canceling our meeting. Good luck to her coz I won't be there.

Random things:

1. I'm eager to finish work today because Joema and I will see each other later this afternoon. In less than 5 hours I'm off! Yipii!
2. It's Janice and Al's wedding on Saturday. Pam gave me an evening purse as a Christmas gift and I'll use it on Saturday. I'm excited hehe. I like weddings because it's the only time I dress up like a real lady. :) Although hirap sa paa talaga mag-stiletto okay na rin. Nung wedding nga nila Jo, Cris and I are complaining 'sakit na ng paa namin, di ito ang natural na bihis namin'.
3. I have to buy a gift for my brother. It's his birthday on Sunday. Hmmm...what to give him?
4. I have P2200 worth of gift checks from SM. And I don't have anything in mind that I want to buy. Can I just exchange it for cash in their Customer Service booth? I will use part of it to buy my brother's present.
5. I need to scout for a gift for my parents' wedding anniversary. I'm thinking if I should give them another package from Nurture Spa like I did two years ago, or book them for an overnight stay at a hotel in the city like I did a year ago, or book them at a hotel in Tagaytay. I have to check out this place, Balay Indang, if it's good there.
6. We are planning to go to Baguio for Joel's and my birthday this January. Well, actually we're scheduled to go first week of February. Yehey! But before that we'll have a lunch get-together at My's place next Saturday.
7. Another trip I'm having this February is our trip to Davao. I have to scout for places to stay in and activities to do. I'm so excited for this one! I hope we have a great time like we did in Camiguin.

Customer is Always Right

I'm so pissed off with this agent I sent an email to the developer of the property she was selling to tell them of her unprofessionalism. Tomorrow I will fax my letter to their home office to make sure that they get it! Here's my email to them:

I saw an ad of your project Spazio Bernardo at this link:

http://bahay.ph/ads/15421/

I inquired about the property (on 12 Dec 2006) and Ms. Marivick Barbo sent me an email with the payment terms for the condo unit (on 13 Dec 2006). I made an appointment with her via text message on 28 Dec 2006, 2pm at SM North Edsa as I was eager to see the site and the model unit. She agreed on the date and time I set. The day before the appointment I was a bit anxious as she has not confirmed with me if we are pushing through with the meeting. But since she agreed, based on her earlier text message to me, I assumed that the meeting will push through. On the day of our appointment before 1pm, I sent her a text message asking her if we could move the time to 3pm instead because my boyfriend who was accompanying me was running late. She said it was okay but the meeting place she indicated in her reply was at 'Bluewave, Marquinton'. It turned out she set up another appointment on the same date and time that we agreed on. I wanted to cancel the meeting because of her unprofessionalism but she insisted that Ms. Lorie, the secretary in their office, will assist me. She also offered to meet me at 5pm instead. But since I had a previous engagement at 5pm the same day I agreed to meet Ms. Lorie which turned out to be alright because she was able to answer all my questions and she showed me the model unit and some of the condo units that were being renovated to show me a better view of what the unit will look like.

Ms. Marivick followed up on me asking how I found the property so I told her I will contact her for feedback. I sent her an email (on 4 jan 200) with some questions I have regarding the property and again set up a meeting for tomorrow, 11 Jan 2007, at 5pm at SM Megamall. On the same date, she confirmed our appointment via email and text. Again today, one day before our set appointment, I did not receive any confirmation from her. So I sent her a text message asking her if we are still okay to meet for tomorrow. She replied asking me what time we'll meet. I can't believe this agent of yours! She doesn't keep track of her appointments with her clients. Maybe you should give them diaries/planners as Christmas gifts! I accepted her apology the first time she forgot about our appointment, but the second time is unforgiveable.

She told me that your condo units are selling like hot cakes. I'm sure that's true with your very affordable price and the very nice environemtn of your project, but that doesn't mean that she will not take time to service all of her clients. She could have told me to set another time and date if she already has a previous appointment. As a working individual myself, time and money is of value to me. If your agent does not think that I am worth her time and attention then that is okay. I am letting you know how this agent has treated me so that you can teach them on how to handle your clients. The truth is, I was already keen on getting a unit but because of this I am extremely turned off with the service of your agent, I would rather get a condo unit from a not-so-famous developer than get one from you because I was not treated as a valued customer. Just so you know, customer service is still the most important factor in running a business.

Thank you for your time.

Double Celebration

The day of 30 Dec 2006 was a double celebration for Migs. It was Jo and David's wedding and Joy's 2_ birthday! The wedding ceremony was held at Ermita Church followed by reception at Villa Immaculada in Intramuros. At the reception we were seated with Cris and other college barkada of Jo.



They are all part of the entourage that's why they're wearing the wedding motif. I'm just wearing pink but I'm not part of the entourage hehe.

I love the centerpieces.



Marj was the one who caught the bouquet and Epoy got the garter. When asked about their names, Epoy gave his as Joema. Pati yung host ginago.



Jo and David invited us to play poker in the afternoon at their hotel room. So after the reception, we went to Starbucks Intramuros to while away the time.



While there, Epoy made up this challenge for Mek and him he dubbed 'Mig-gest of them all'. The challenge was they had to lose 15lbs at the end of four months. We all have to put in P200 each for the pot money. If they lose weight, they get the pot money. But if they don't lose the 15lbs, say they only lost 5lbs, then they have to double our money. We had so much fun making up the mechanics for the challenge.



Seryoso mag-explain ng mechanics...si Mek kasi tagal maintindihan hehe






Eventually we got tired of waiting and decided to barge into Jo and David's room so we can start playing poker. Joke! When we got to their room, Joy started curling my hair.



I liked my hair curly, which is ironic because I naturally have curly hair but I have it straightened every time it gets curly. Do you like it?



With my hairstylist and another satisfied client =P




With Epoy and my curly hair



Of course night-out with the Migs won't be complete without poker.



The boys smiling for the camera.




I was not luchy that night so I always ended up with no chips while the other are still playing kaya kuha na lang ako ng pekchurs.


The night did not end without Joy trying to curl Joema's hair - with no success.






Next time dapat makulot na si Joema!

Year of the Pig

The Year of the Pig
Chinese Horoscopes for 2007

Chinese New Year in 2007 is the Year of the Red Fire Pig. The year of the pig ends the 12 year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. Like the houses of the zodiac, the animals of Chinese astrology are said to influence your luck during the year. Your horoscopes for 2007, the year of the pig, depends on which animal signifies the year you were born.

Pigs are said to be very good matches for tigers and sheep, but do not get along well with snakes and monkeys. Other pigs, rabbits, horses, oxen, rats, roosters, dogs and dragons can make good companions, but the relationships are not always smooth or long lasting.

Babies born in the year of the pig are fortunate and make good partners in life. The pig is modest, sometimes quick to anger but also quick to learn and hard working. Their ability to see things through brings success in business and personal affairs.

Find out what else the animals of fortune predict for you in 2007.

Pig : 1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
With the 2006 year of preparation behind them, those born in a pig year finally come into the full energy of their own sign. With all of the patient pig's attention to detail and hard work, the table has been set for this banquet year and pigs will enjoy sharing the feast with their family, friends and business associates. This will be a lucky year — with prosperity coming from success in business but also from unexpected money. Good fortune in 2007 is ahead for romantic adventures. A marriage for the pig this year is blessed with good omens. Family, always important to the pig, will be well taken care of and the home ruled by the pig will enjoy harmony and good fortune. Old business will be successful and new ventures will be fortunate.

Rat : 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
The clever rat will do well to spend this year planning for the beginning of the next twelve year cycle. This cycle has been a bit difficult, but starting with the rat year in 2008, plans should start to succeed. This year of the Pig is a good time to be with friends and family who are celebrating the fullness of the year. Take care of old business and tie up loose ends that might get in the way of your coming good fortune. Enjoy vacations and hobbies this year. You will need to be well rested when your year begins.

Ox : 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997
The year of the hard working pig brings good fortune for the ox. The energy is there to get more done and this brings prosperity and success to the sturdy ox. Just remember that this is also a year of celebration. The ox should not become so busy with work that he misses the invitation to the banquet table. It is there that new opportunities will be discovered. The ox should take care to include time for romance in this year's busy work schedule.

Tiger : 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998
The wild tiger prospered in the year of the dog and the pig will not change your good fortune. Be more cautious this year. The pig invites the tiger to the party, but the guest may find it too easy to spend more than is wise — especially in the early year when the influence of the tiger sign raises the energy. The pouncing tiger must control the urge to jump and learn to walk at the pace of the steady pig. Balance between the banquet and serious business will bring success. It is not wise for the tiger to jump into business or romance decisions this year.

Rabbit : 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999
The rabbit is also a friend of the pig who likes to hop ahead. The clever rabbit will slow the pace and enjoy the friendship and steady good fortune of the year of the pig. The influence of the pig will make rabbit calmer and more ready for serious commitments. This year may add to the rabbit's family either through marriage or children. Business fortunes will be steady but not exceptional. The rabbit will be busy enjoying life and family and have less energy to spend on work.

Dragon : 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000
Dragon is very happy to see the pig. After a year of challenges by the yipping dog, the dragon is ready to sit at the banquet table and rest. The tired dragon must remember that the dog is not far away and the clouds of the dog year still dampen his fire. The pig year will bring fullness to the dragon who eats slowly. Self control does not come easily to the fierce dragon, but this year there is little energy stored after battling the dog. The wise dragon will spend resources with caution and build strength for new cycle starting with the rat year in 2008. Enjoy the quiet return to fullness and do not get frustrated at your weakness after battle with the dog all year in 2006. Your strength will return. This year plan trips and business ventures that will not need your full power. Success will come slowly. You will find many reasons for frustration with family and coworkers. It is not the fault of others that you cannot provide the energy you need this year. Control your fire breath and you will receive more assistance and find good fortune.

Snake : 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001
The snake will find that he has not been invited to the pig's table. This year is a time of quiet for the snake to lie coiled and waiting for the rat year that will bring a new wave of good fortune. You may enjoy the company of friends and family, but successful results in business will be limited. It is not a good time to begin new ventures or to challenge decisions. Avoid conflicts — they will not bring good outcomes with the opposite pig sign ruling this year. The snake should enjoy home, food and limited travel while planning for the much better prospects coming when the opposing pig sign is no longer dominant. The rat and ox years ahead promise that this next 12 year cycle will be good to the patient snake who gathers resources and plans to move when the time is right.

Horse : 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002
The horse will be invited to the party, but may find it difficult to get there. The energy of the horse is very different than the pig. The neighboring snake, who sits alone, may try to keep the horse from the feast by hiding the invitations or slowing down the messengers. You may find your business fortunes are delayed by slow associates and misdirected or misunderstood memos. You will not win the favor of the pig with expensive gifts. Spend wisely to pace your resources to last through the coming challenges of the rat year.

Sheep / Goat : 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003
At pig's table, sheep has the seat of honored guest. Luck and good fortune in romance and business are the gifts offered to the lucky sign this year. Gifts of money may surprise the sheep. The pig smiles on family and will shower the sheep who becomes engaged or married during this year with many blessings. Sheep born in this year will receive good fortune from the banquet host. The shy sheep or one who cannot decide may miss the advantage of all the opportunities that this year brings.

Monkey : 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004
Monkey will be invited to share the fullness of the table. This year will bring good fortune in business but monkey tends to rush to finish and the pig is a slow, detail minded sign. Expect frustration and delays, but do not get discouraged. These are minor setbacks, not the ill fortune of the last two years. The rat year coming up in 2008 will allow you to enjoy the full benefits of your patient work this year. Take time out to enjoy the pleasant year, it will help you to overcome the small frustrations in business. Be prepared for travel — you may even change where you live. All will be in preparation for the good fortune which the rat will share with you in 2008.

Rooster : 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
Rooster will be at the feast, but pig is modest and rooster enjoys strutting. Conservative pig has little patience for rooster's emotional displays. In the pig year it is best to work on compromise. The rooster will worry about his seat at the table. Don't be foolish. Stop worrying and enjoy the party. Good fortune comes to the rooster who can copy the pigs steady pace. This does not come easy to the proud rooster and you will find that success this year takes more work. Business may suffer small problems, but a steady pig approach to completing tasks and following through on plans will bring rewards.

Dog: 1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
The dog leaves the dominant energy of 2006 as the pig arrives to close the cycle. The dog will continue to enjoy good fortune, but should look inward during the pig year. The feast of the pig year will be enjoyed by the dog only if it is shared with family and friends. The dog is still full of energy and will find that this attracts new friends. Relationships that begin in this pig year may be a source of good fortune in the next 12 year cycle. Calm and relaxing activities are the best idea for the dog who wants to be prepared for the rat year of 2008.

Remember, whatever the omens portend, for better or worse, you are the final master of your own fate.

These ideas are provided for your enjoyment and amusement and are not meant to take the place of your own good sense.

Now I'm all excited for 2007. Here's to wishing this year will be a great one!

hehehe This is just my sorry excuse for not posting since the start of the year and not giving any updates on how my holiday season was. Promise I'll post something any time soon. Visit my multiply account for pics.