Missing You

I had a dream about you last night. When I woke up I didn't remember much of the dream but I realized I miss you. I thought I was over you. Tsk, I was so wrong. Haaay.... Kasi naman e! Break up with her na. *evil grin*

Weekend at Sofitel

It was our division's outing at Sofitel last weekend so I invited some friends over for swimming and poker night. Joint blowout also from me and Joema for dinner which we had at Pancake House, SM Mall of Asia - or as their directory puts it The Pancake House hahaha.

Only the Bravos joined us for swimming. Luigi had so much fun!

Our room wasn't facing the pool but that's okay because we were able to see the fireworks at MOA from our balcony. Here are crappy pictures of the fireworks.

We met the rest of the gang at MOA for dinner then came back to the hotel from some serious game of poker. I was the first to go huhuhu but that's alright because Joema was the big winner :)

Fun, fun, fun, fun, fun!

After a hearty breakfast at Sofitel - we had breakfast there from 830-10am. Talk about sulit!

No Goodbyes

Two days ago..



Today is her last day here at BPCB. She was the one who interviewed me and hired me here at the bank. And I’m very grateful for that. She has been a very wonderful boss, supportive and understanding. Someone who appreciates and acknowledges hard work. The exceptional rating she gave me was very meaningful because the year before that she told me during one of the PDP sessions that she only gives it if you did something extra, something beyond your job. If you did your job well then that’s good but that’s not enough to get an exceptional. That’s why I was really happy when she told me how amazed she was on how I did my job on that project. I wish I could have been under her tutelage longer because she’s a brilliant person. Smart and articulate. Plus she’s been a friend to most of us here. I wish she could have stayed longer. As my colleague puts it "I could only hope God has grander plans for you there. I know the experience will help you for a future post as Director here at BPCB." :) We'll see you around!

Dragon ng Senado

Written yesterday

OMG! Joker Arroyo, a senator of the Replublic, called me! I talked to him twice! He left a recorded message in my voice mailbox (which I saved)! I'm so starstruck even if, I think, he called me Grace instead of Cris once (and this usually pisses me off). Oooohh I so wanted to ask him about the coming elections. And he mentioned the elections during our conversation. Well, actually you can't categorically say it's a conversation but an exchange of information, instruction.

*I'm a bit uneasy about posting this yesterday because I'm worried about this bug thinga-majig that they keep track of people's phonecalls, use of the internet and they probably know who are the people talking about them and when and where. Haha talk about paranoid. This is what I get in watching Alias.

Brown

Remember when I said I wanted pink and brown skin? Although this is more brown and only a few hints of pink..this is okay. You like it? I love it! Thanks to blogskin. It wasn't really time for a new skin but I'm having problem about my Google Adsense. I thought it's probably because of my template. Turns out even if I change my template and I have a code for the adsense it still doesn't show. Do you know why? Can you help me?

To Err is Human

Well, she does not know anything about that. Must not make mistake! I am not human! I am a robot that should follow whatever she says I have to do! No room for errors! Grrrr!!!!

AGHAM Party List

With the coming local elections, I've been thinking about what party list to vote for. Someone emailed me their campaign materials and I will be voting for them. Here's the email:


Since the successful entry into Congress of such Party Lists like Bayan Muna, Anak Pawis, etc., a flood of other Party Lists also tried to do the same. This is a free country, and they are allowed by our Constitution to join Congress in this manner.

But records show that many of these Party Lists have hidden agenda for their own selfish ends rather than for the greater good of the entire Philippines. In many cases, we see Party List Congressmen (and Congresswomen) creating trouble and chaos through militant anti-government action on the streets rather than sitting down soberly and crafting laws and policies for the economic and social upliftment of our Country.

The Agham Party List presents an alternative. Agham consists of scientists, researchers, extension workers, teachers, trainors and the like who have always worked silently towards scientific and technological discoveries that can be used as tools to propel the people, the communities and the entire Nation towards higher socio-economic development. We need to put Agham representatives in Congress to see to oit that scientific and technological research will continue, and to make sure that the fruits of such research efforts will be widely disseminated in the countryside and used as tools for national development.

Attached is a flyer about what Agham is all about, what it intends to do if it succeeds in placing representatives in Congress.

I request two things from you:
(1) Please forward the attached flyer to as many of your friends and relatives as you can and convince them vote for the Agham Party List
(2) You yourself please vote for Agham Party List in the upcoming elections
Yours for a better Philippines

And the attached flyer:

Vote! AGHAM Party List

We represent the country’s science and technology (S&T) sector.

We are science workers in the fields and laboratories; technicians and laborers, science and mathematics teachers, researchers, extension agents, engineers, inventors, health professionals, science media practitioners and ordinary Filipino citizens who strongly advocate an S&T-explicit national development agenda.

We believe in the innate intelligence and analytical ability of the Filipino, his creativity and inventiveness, and his capability and commitment to harness science and technology for the nation’s purposes.

Our movement was initiated by the late Dr. Raymundo Punongbayan, long time Director of DOST-Phivolcs; and continued by Dr. Emil Javier, Science Minister and UP President, and now President of the National Academy of Science and Technology

Our Agenda
♦ craft legislation and advocate national policies and programs in support of science and technology for national development

♦ lobby for realistic budgets for science education, research, extension and development

♦ assist Filipino inventors in development and popularization of technologies and products that will serve the needs of the nation

♦ enhance existing and establish new science high schools, science centers and museums

♦ support science youth clubs and educational TV/radio programs

♦ expand scholarships for deserving youth in the sciences, mathematics, engineering and the teaching and other technical professions

♦ support distance and open learning to broaden access to quality education

♦ establish think tanks that will systematically and critically inquire into the needs of our people and the nation

♦ recognize and ensure dignity and well-being of Filipino science workers by pushing for full implementation of the benefits under the Magna Carta for Science and Technology Workers (RA 8439)

Nominees

Emil Q. Javier for Luzon
Saeed Apin Daof for Mindanao
Angel C. Alcala for Visayas


National Capital Region
Unit 424 GA Tower
EDSA cor. Boni Ave.
Mandaluyong City
Tel. No.: (63-2) 747-0288
Cell Phone: 0926-6724255

Office Southern Tagalog Regional Office
10005 Halcon Street
Los Baños Subdivision
Los Baños, Laguna
Tel. No.: (049) 536-4260

E-mail: aghamincorporated@yahoo.com
Website: www.agham-partylist.org.ph

Vote for them!

Remembering Puerto Princesa

Due to my lack of beach exposure this summer and missing Grace plus helping Joy prepare their trip there, I’m going to continue my post about my Puerto Princesa trip. I was reading my archives and realized that I wasn’t able to tell you what happened next after our Honda Bay island hopping.

*nuninuninu* (ala-Lovingly Yours, Helen background music)

June 30

After going around Honda Bay, we were exhausted going back to the city. Good thing we had a hearty dinner at Ka Lui. Note that Ka Lui is closed on Saturdays and that it’s always almost full with people so better make reservations. We were there as early as 6pm so we were able to get really good seats, that is, on the floor. They have set up low tables where we get to seat on pillows strewn on the floor ala-Japanese style :) But before we were led to our table, we had to remove our shoes/sandals and walk bare-footed inside the restaurant. We ordered their set meal (good for two), this is complete with appetizer, main course plus dessert and costs less that P300.













July 1

We had an early start for our second day because we scheduled a trip to the Underground river. We had it arranged at the inn for a guided tour. I think it costs around P900/pax. The travel time going to the Underground river is almost two hours. We had a stop at somewhere (ooppsss, forgot the name of the place). It’s a viewing deck overlooking one of the bays in Palawan. Our tour guide informed us that this is the same bay where most of the Vietnamese refugees(now living in Puerto Princesa) where found.






After the long ride, we were dropped off a port where we boarded a small boat that will take us to the Underground river.

We waited for a long time for our turn. It turned out there were a lot of people who were there before us (we were there the same time a group of civil engineers were there for a convention). While waiting we explored the island and took pictures.










And because we were roaming around, our guide had to come and fetch us when it was our turn already. We had to run back to the pick-up point for the boat ride going inside the cave. I was so afraid we were going to lose our spot…after all the waiting. But the travel gods were with us that day that when we got back they were still putting on their life vests. =) They had to rearrange our seating because some of them were a bit big and were seating on the same side of the boat hehe.









Our boatman was funny. He was interjecting jokes while giving us a tour inside the cave. He was speaking in English because there were foreigners in our boat. Basta funny sya. The cave is enormous with all those stalactites and stalagmites. An officemate of mine said that if you’re able to go inside the caves in Sagada then it’s okay to not go to the Underground River because it’s quite the same. Well, I disagree. For one, in Sagada you don’t need a boat to go inside, second the St. Paul cave is much much bigger.









We were famished after going the cave exploration. We were so eager to get back to Sabang beach to have our lunch. Because of lack of time, we weren’t able to swim in Sabang so we just took pictures.




When we got back to the city, we rested for a while at Badjao Inn then proceeded to go around town.


Their provincial capitol




We were trying to find some souvenirs in the different shops that we went to. But we can’t find any that we liked. I finally bought shirts from Island Souvenirs haha. After walking around town, we decided to have dinner. Funny thing is from the hotel, we walked to the city hall which is a few meters from the inn. Then we walked going to the different souvenir shops. And then from there we rode the tricycle to take us back to the inn. After we dropped of our things we walked back again near the city hall to get a ride going to Kinabuch Bar and Grill only to find out that the resto was right beside our inn. Ahahahahaha.






It was still early after we ate so we went to Café Kamarikutan to have coffee/tea. It’s a coffee shop/art museum. We thought they were closed already when we got there because there were no other customers around. But I guess that’s okay because we had the place all to ourselves. We were able to steal some pictures inside the place, I mean, they told us we can take pictures of ourselves but not the artworks, the place being a museum and all but they can’t stop us hehehe.





Cute cream and sugar container







We took more pictures at the inn before calling it a night.









July 2

On our last day, we intended to go early to the market to buy some seafood that we can take home back to Manila. But we woke up a little late, maybe around 7am, that the crabs and shrimps were all sold out when we got there. I bought some baby lobster (I don't know what it's called) for my family instead.

We spent the rest of the time at the inn packing our things. And before we knew it, it was time to say goodbye to Puerto Princesa. It's a bit sad because we didn't have the time to tour the city - butterfly sanctuary, crocodile farm, Mitra's house, Sta. Monica ranch, cathedral, Plaza Cuartel. But that's good right? Because I have a reason to go back there. :)

At the Puerto Princesa airport

Four Eyes

I found this site in her blog so I tried it myself. I should be due for new glasses but I can't find the time (and money) to buy new ones hehe. So which suits me:

A.

B.

C.

D.

E.

Haha ang daming choices!

Diyosa

I was browsing through pictures in my PC at ito ang aking nakita



Kamusta na kaya ang mga bruha???

Para kaming mga endorser ng Dencio's noh? ahahaha

Summer Lovin'

This morning I thought of how I badly wanted to go to the beach this summer and that my first beach outing is in mid-May while my first out of town trip will be on the last week of April (swimming pool only no beach). Sigh! And then this afternoon my agent called and offered a membership at Sunrise Holiday Mansion*. I immediately accepted because of the magic words - unlimited use of the swimming pool. Hahaha! I am so an Aquarius because of my love for the water. I love swimming (no I'm not a great swimmer). I love the beach! And because it's already summer here in the Philippines for sure all the beaches and resorts will be full. Atleast this place is inclusive for members so I suppose it won't be getting too crowded. Plus it's only in Tagaytay so easy access. :) Can't wait to get my VIP Card on Friday!


*Fucker! I can't do links here at blogger since last week. Just google the site if you want details of the place.

Grazie Grace

I’ve known Grace for more than 5 years. We used to be officemates and then when our office transferred to Alabang we became housemates. Now we’re just friends haha! In 2001 the ASP Convention was held at Cebu. Both of us were fortunate enough to be able to go then even though we weren’t associates. The company has this rule where associates and fellows are the ones who can go every year and then the other staffs may go alternately each year. We enjoyed traveling together so after that we made a pact to go out of town every year – just the two of us. This is our treat for ourselves after the May SOA exams (SOA exams were used to be held every May and December).

Hence the following year, we headed up north to Banaue/Sagada. We didn’t go anywhere in 2003 because we both just transferred to different offices then (wala moolah). We then went to Marinduque the year after that.* Sorry no pictures of those trips because neither of us have digital cameras then. The white sand beaches of Boracay was next in our agenda.




I also visited her once in Hong Kong when she was assigned there.




And then last year we went to Puerto Princesa.



It’s sad that on our the last summer before she goes to the States, we didn’t prepare for any out of town trips. Maybe next year I can come visit her in the States or she can come home and we’ll go the beaches here in the Philippines which I’m sure she’ll miss.

**********


The weekend after her birthday, we threw her a despedida. We rented out a house at Tagaytay and stayed there overnight. The house is really cute.






When My and her family arrived, we went tripping to Chateau Royale. Nice place to have an outing. In fact, our division will go here this summer (but I won’t go).



Mikaelle loved the playground. We liked it, too!




We had lunch at a new Italian resto Piccolo Mondo. The resto boasts of authentic Italian dishes. We figured either the owner is an Italian who married a Filipana or the owner is a Filipina/Filipino who worked in Italy. It turned out it was the latter. A little funny story about the owners son who’s about 3 to 4 years old: there’s a dog in the resto and little boy called to it: ‘doo-ge’ as in Visayan doggy? hehehe



In the afternoon, we visited Lyndon’s house at Royale Tagaytay. Lyndon was a former boss of Grace.



Dinner was at Leslie’s.



When we got back home and all washed up and ready to go to bed, we gave Grace our going-away gift for her – coat and complete manicure-pedicure set. She loved them!







**********

Tonight, we’ll be seeing her again for dinner. Another send-off to my dear friend. I think, I’m just starting to realize that by tomorrow we’ll be miles away from each other. No more dinners, no more late night movies, no more out of town trips. Shit! I don’t want to cry tonight. I’m such a cry-baby. I remember when they had their despedida for me when I left the company we worked for (I left a few months before her), I was bawling like a little girl. Haayy…I don’t want to say ‘goodbye’. I will just say ‘see you soon’ and ‘thank you’.

*Erratum to my Puerto Princesa post.