Through the Years

Friendships like ours, are not made in a day or even a year.
Friendships like ours, are built with long talks and revealing our true selves.
Friendships like ours, make us feel accepted and loved.
On your birthday, I want you to know I feel blessed to have you in my life.


I'm glad to have a wonderful friend like you. See you in June!

Fabulous Christmas

Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a holiday that's filled with cheer and a very happy, healthy, and peaceful New Year!

Ribs and Laughters

Since it’s the season for giving gifts and endless parties, for us, it is also a season of reunions and re-acquaintance with people we have not seen for a while. It has been years, I cannot even recall if it is five or six, but it’s been a while since we last bonded face to face. Good thing we have email, SMS and FB, the friendship is still intact.

The original date was weeks before but we had to reschedule because of the flu. We’re supposed to attend our HS reunion but conflicts on dates forbid us to attend. After a week of delay, we had our date set and ready for a night of chitchat and laughter.


For our date, we find La Maison Brasserie, a French Casual Dining Restaurant, in Greenbelt 5 an interesting place to eat and share good food. It was advertised as having the “best steaks” or at least something along that line.

First to arrive was the super trendy, Ms. Charito “Chato/Iking/Chamy” Gabriel, clad with her powerful Prada bag, Mikimoto pearls and of course, the Philip Stein watch. As always, Chato depicts the corporate banker type with elegance and character. I love her salt and pepper hair, suit her more compared to the highlighted do from before. She’s on the thin side nowadays but as I told her, adding a few pounds will do her good as well. As we were getting settled at our table, Chato bombarded me with tons of questions, I cannot help but look at her and go back to years back when we were still classmates in HS. I did miss her laughter, her antics and sarcasm and most special of all, her with and humor! Nothing beats Iking!

As we were waiting for our other date to arrive, we had to update ourselves and it was tiring yet fun. As the clock ticks later in the night, we wondered how come she’s still a no-show. I suddenly remembered she gets lost in the area. Tadah! She did!

The other Maria for the night is the very petite and cute, Ms. Rubyanne “Deng” Canasa, sporting a new hair color and laughing out loud that she got lost again within the Greenbelt 5 premises and having a hard time finding a parking slot. The ever conscious Deng is still the same, prettier in fact, as others say, the added years suit her best. She lamented on how hard it was for her to find a parking space for hours and it was a real laugh for us to hear her rant! Between the two, I have more contact with Deng through the years, but hearing her voice again, brings back memories.

We feasted ourselves with the house specialties and the baby back ribs were indeed tender and juicy as mentioned by some friends who already dined at La Maison. The service was good; very polite and helpful staff. The ambiance was quiet and comfy, stylish but relaxed. It is absolutely perfect for a date place. Overall, we really had a great dining experience.


Even though we missed my dearest twin, Mrs. Evangeline "Vangie" De Jesus-Cruz, the laughter and the voices were really ear-splitting with our own stories to tell and the tons of chismis with regards to our other class/batchmates. Just like in any occasion, we talked about almost everything under the sun. Next time around, we do hope to have Vangie with us - physically.


Much as we want to stay longer and chat, the night was almost over and everybody have her own schedules for the next day - getting ready for the last working day for the year and for flights to catch. After exchanging presents, kisses and hugs and tons of pictures, we said our goodbyes.

See you again soon, Deng and Chato! Hopefully with the rest of our intriguing classmates and friends! Oops, might be sooner, maybe along Harbour City Shopping Centre perhaps?!

World's Best Brother

I am so happy that I have you for my brother...
you give me your time when I need it,
your shoulder to cry on when times are tough,
your advice is always sound, and only offered when asked for,
and last but not least...
you always manage to make me laugh!


What more could I ask for?
You're the best, Reyboy!

Happy 24th Birthday!

Just Today

There are two days in every week about which we should not worry. Two days which should be kept free from fear and apprehension.

One of these days is yesterday, with its mistakes and cares, its faults and blunders, its aches and pains. Yesterday has passed forever beyond our control. All the money in the world cannot bring back yesterday. We cannot undo a single act we performed. We cannot erase a single word we said. Yesterday is gone!!

The other day we should not worry about is tomorrow, with its possible adversities, its burdens, its large promise and poor performance. Tomorrow is beyond our immediate control. Tomorrow's sun will rise, whether in splendor or behind a mask of clouds. But it will rise. Until it does we have no stake in tomorrow, for it is yet unborn.

This leaves only one day: today.

Any man can fight the battles of just one day. It is when you and I add the burdens of two awful eternities - yesterday and tomorrow, that we break down.

It is not necessarily the experience of today that disturbs one's peace of mind. It is often time the bitterness for something which happened yesterday and the dread of what tomorrow may bring. Let us therefore live one day at a time.

While we should remember the past and plan and anticipate the future, it is critical that we don't get paralyzed by either. By focusing on making the best of the present, we can actually make the past a sweeter learning experience, and make tomorrow's hopes and dreams closer to reality.

Bringing Up To Date

It has been a very stressful quarter for me and I know I am way behind in updating my blog.

A few tidbits for those lurking (of course, I know who you are!) for what is happening in my bittersweet life.

• Yaya Laisa had to go back home.
• I spent a weekend with 26 persons and most of the time with my five best buds.
• Yaya Helen had her first stamps in her passport.
• A wedding preparation is already in the works.
• Took a day off and had fun with HSFs.
• Brunch with a lovely couple has become a semi-routine.
• Again, I cried buckets when a girlfriend left for another country.
• Started a new project and will take a year to finish.
• Booked flights, hotels and was able to get directions.
• Received a new gadget and need to read the manual ASAP.
• Typhoone Ondoy/Ketsena flooded my house.
  

Despite the busy-ness of the past few months, I still have time to (what else?!) tend my farms in Facebook.

I am exhausted! Until my next time off.

Nobody

I got a call late Saturday night from Yaya Helen asking me to open my laptop and search a video of a group of female celebrities from ASAP doing their own production number of the latest Korean pop hit, Nobody by the Wonder Girls.

I was so tired to open my laptop and ignored it totally until the other day; she called again and mentioned the video. I was already searching the said video but I chanced upon another version of the single.

This one is better, I forwarded the link to my sister, and she too was laughing so hard with the choreography and the editing of the video.

“Nobody, nobody but you!” The song has been stuck in my head!

On Being Remissed

I missed blogging. I have a valid excuse. I am still extremely busy at work, from school and just came from a short trip.

Too busy to blog for a while but I have lots of stories and pictures to share. Will post tons of entries soon!

So better check the blog regularly for my can’t-wait-to-read-and-look entries and pictures.

Thirty-third

Freska-tastic!

Last Saturday was an 11-hour brain drain event for my class. Aside from the pressures entailed to finish the Business Game, it was our second round as host teams.


All eight teams were very competitive and gave their all. For my group, we got two valuable stars. Yet we didn’t win the grand pot prize. Still, we enjoyed and learned a lot from the experience.


To refresh ourselves from the grueling exercises, a few classmates went out and had dinner/videoke at Freska, an Ilonggo inspired Seafood restaurant along Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City.

The buffet was appetizing but what we feasted primarily was the ample oysters. It was so good and the price of the buffet is way too cool. All of us enjoyed the servings from the buffet line that we pretty much stuffed ourselves.


One thing that was totally new to me that night was seeing the Beer Balloon. It was a new innovation and the beer maintained its taste and stayed cold up to the last drop.


As we eat our hearts out, the round of singing started. Everyone had their chance and belted their favorite songs. I cheered with the rest of the group whenever we know the song and joined in the chorus.


It would have been funnier if everybody came but since class ended so late, not all was able to make it. Still it was a good number. I enjoyed the company of 11 of the precious MC-B.


Singing and dancing ended before the stroke of midnight but we stayed a bit more and had some serious discussions before finally calling it a night. Before parting our separate ways, one MC-B mentioned that will have another round of singing, dancing and beer drinking before the end of the month and another suggested to make it a regular affair.

Whew! A regular gig of booze and funfare, I definitely need to catch up and practice. Until the next round!

If I Only Knew

Another good one...

If I knew it would be the last time that I see you walk out the door, I would give you a hug and kiss and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise, I would video tape each action and word, so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time that I'd see you fall asleep, I would tuck you in more tightly and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time, I could spare an extra minute or two to stop and say "I love you," instead of assuming, you would know I do.

If I knew it would be the last time I would be there to share your day, well I'm sure you'll have so many more, so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow to make up for an oversight, and we always get a second chance to make everything right.

There will always be another day to say our "I love you's", And certainly there's another chance to say our "Anything I can do's?"

But just in case I might be wrong, and today is all I get, I'd like to say how much I love you and I hope we never forget, Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, young or old alike, And today may be the last chance you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow, why not do it today?

For if tomorrow never comes, you'll surely regret the day, That you didn't take that extra time for a smile, a hug, or a kiss and you were too busy to grant someone, what turned out to be their one last wish.

Hold your loved ones close today, whisper in their ear, tell them how much you love them and that you'll always hold them dear, take time to say "I'm sorry," "please forgive me," "thank you" or "it's okay". And if tomorrow never comes, you'll have no regrets about today. Just do it.

A Double J Celebration

It was a rainy Thursday when Vangie sent a personal message informing me she’s already in Manila for a short period of time. It’s a double header celebration for her two beautiful daughters – Julianne’s 2nd birthday and Jasmine’s baptismal. As always, the party fell on a Saturday. Knowing Vangie, she won’t take no for an answer even if I did give her my valid reasons.

Since I have class till 6pm, I asked my sister to buy my presents. I asked her to buy my twin’s two daughters dresses at Rustan’s Makati and to have them gift wrapped for the occasion. Dutifully, she obliged despite not having eaten lunch that day!

Back to my story, class was extended for a few minutes and as usual, traffic in EDSA was the worst. As we were going to the De Jesus’ residence, I can’t help but reminisced some of the funny moments with Vangie during our ES/HS days.


The party for the kids started at 3pm. We came in at around 7pm. Even though we are 4 hours behind, there were still a number of guests. Food as always was provided by Corrhin’s Catering. I got to taste again Nanay’s special fried chicken. Even my sister enjoyed the Hotdogs. Yum!


Although we were late, I got to chat longer with my twin. We talked about almost all the topics that can be covered while I ate dinner and enjoyed each other’s company. I always feel at home whenever I’m at the De Jesus’ residence – para ka lang nasa bahay!


As I said my goodbyes, I can’t help but be teary eyed. It was as if we were just mere students the other day and now my twin is a mom of two beautiful girls. As the night goes deeper, I got good news – she’s coming home for good before the end of the year. Definitely more time for bonding and as I was leaving, I kidded her, one more round – make it a boy!

Gie, don’t forget to get me a room at the Venetian! Let’s have some fun in Macau before you head back to Manila for good.

The Best Mom Ever!

You fill our home with love and laughter, warmth and comfort, life and hope...




...You're the secret ingredient in this family.


Happy Mother's Day, Mami!

Colors

A reminder for all of us...

Once upon a time the colors of the world started to quarrel. All claimed that they were the best. The most important. The most useful. The favorite.

Green said: "Clearly I am the most important. I am the sign of life and of hope. I was chosen for grass, trees and leaves."

Blue interrupted: "You only think about the earth, but consider the sky and the sea. It is the water that is the basis of life and drawn up by the clouds from the deep sea.

Yellow chuckled: "You are all so serious. I bring laughter, gaiety, and warmth into the world. The sun is yellow, the moon is yellow, the stars are yellow."

Orange started next to blow her trumpet: "I am the color of health and strength. I may be scarce, but I am precious for I serve the needs of human life. I carry the most important vitamins."

Red could stand it no longer he shouted out: "I am the ruler of all of you. I am blood - life's blood! I am the color of danger and of bravery. I am willing to fight for a cause. I bring fire into the blood."

Purple rose up to his full height: "I am the color of royalty and power. Kings, chiefs, and bishops have always chosen me for I am the sign of authority and wisdom. People do not question me!"

Suddenly there was a startling flash of bright lightening thunder rolled and boomed. Rain started to pour down relentlessly. The colors crouched down in fear, drawing close to one another for comfort. In the midst of the clamor, rain began to speak: "You foolish colors, fighting amongst yourselves, each trying to dominate the rest. Don't you know that you were each made for a special purpose, unique and different? Join hands with one another and come to me." They did so.

The rain continued: "From now on, when it rains, each of you will stretch across the sky in a great bow of color as a reminder that you can all live in peace. The Rainbow is a sign of hope for tomorrow and it's Biblical message is "God keeps His promises."


Whenever a good rain washes the world, and a Rainbow appears in the sky, let us remember to appreciate one another.

Guidelines for Life

A few guidelines to live by...

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
3. Follow the three R's: - Respect for self - Respect for others and - Responsibility for all your actions.
4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
5. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
6. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
7. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
8. Spend some time alone every day.
9. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.
10. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

Each one of us needs to create some personal guidelines to live by, which is based on our values and our goals. So now is as good a time as ever to start doing so. And each day we must review the list, so hopefully we will find that the more we review, the more we will follow, and the happier we will become.

Presidential Dinner

It was almost three years ago when we last had a big get together. For this year, even though we can’t outnumber the count of attendees, it was still a fun night.

Available members of EconBlock3-A and the Big Family met for dinner at President Tea House behind SM Mall of Asia. The restaurant is in Bldg. F; and in the same row as Hooters and collectively known as San Miguel by The Bay.

We enjoyed the food. The servings were generous and reasonably priced. Peter Allan, the man behind PTH, was the one who selected the specialities and we dined like presidents.

Who were the presidents who graced our dinner? Let’s enumerate the magic seven.


Nhore is currently in the country for a month’s vacation. She’s radiant-looking that night and everybody commented that her hair colour suits her better as well as her added poundage looks good on her. She came with her youngest sister and we were kidding that they looked like twins. Nhore’s husband was not able to join us since he went home to his province in Cagayan De Oro.

Joseph perfectly fits as a dignified lawyer in his paisley designed polo yet he’s still the same old Joseph that I remember. He was teasing me that I might not be able to attend dinner since I was a no show in 2007’s dinner. Sorry! I was able to make it although a little bit late since I came from a far location. He was with his wife that night but the wife was with a friend and decided to shop during our dinner.

Jojo, on the other hand, is also missing a fiancée. The most sought after guy in our block and family is getting married on October and I can’t help it but laugh when Bing commented something about the coming event. Jojo is very jolly as always and never fails to brighten the mood of any person. He still works as a consultant and currently busy with the pre-wedding preps. Hey, don’t forget to invite us on your big day!

Peter or Allan as some people call him is now managing four PTH branches. Aside from the branch where we had dinner, he still visits the Binondo, Glorietta 4 and ATC branches almost every day. Talk about wellness in restaurant-managing! He mentioned that business is doing well (good for you Peter!) and he doesn’t have a competitor within the restaurant row (even better!). Kudos and more power to you and PTH!

Then came ME! Enough about myself – though for this date, I came late as mentioned earlier.

That night, we have two new recruits. The last time I saw them was way back in 1994 but good thing for the World Wide Web, we were able to touch base and it was like college days once again.


Gigi or Geraldine is now a mom of two cute kids and soon to be a new mom again in four months. She works for CHED and still sports the long locks that I used to remember during our freshmen days. It was nice that she was able to join us even if she came all the way from Quezon City and heavy with the third child. Bayani!

Bing, our teacher turned nurse is now sporting a new look too. She used to wear her hair short, just above the shoulders. Now, it is traded with a long flowing hair, as if she’s a shampoo commercial model. Naks naman! She works as a fulltime nurse in one of the hospitals in Manila and currently thinking of going back to her first love, teaching high school kids.

Oops, before I forget, Bing is single, so are Peter and Ralline Jean. I just thought to mention that!

As we were finishing our dinner, we started calling other blockmates and family members. We were able to talk to Kuya Menard and Ate Jane. Menard’s still doing work with PAO in Ilocos and Jane’s in Dubai. We also learned that Jane is visiting Manila for two weeks and we might have another round of get-together by the middle of April. I just can’t wait!

We tried calling Reyna, Au, Vicky, Pocs, Rhodz, Alovel, Cynch, and Oli but all we got were unanswered calls. Maybe they are already sleeping or watching telenovelas seriously! Anyway, we missed their company and wishing the next round they’ll be able to join us.

It was fun that we updated ourselves on what we know of the rest of the group. We feasted on gossip and facts. If only they knew that those who are not present in gatherings are the usual topic for discussion, maybe they would have attended. Kidding aside, we all wished that we could all go back to where our friendship started and bond just like old times.


As Friday night, breaks into midnight, we started to say our goodbyes. We promised to continue with an open communication among ourselves and to recruit more blockmates on the next gathering.

Going home, even though I know I will suffer in class the next day because of the lack of sleep, I was really happy seeing them once again. It was nice reminiscing what we did during those college years, the laughter we shared, heartaches, lost loves, admirations, winnings and losses, all in all it was a night to remember.

UPCB’s EconBlock 3-A and The Big Family will live forever in our hearts. Until the next round of gatherings and chitchat, we wait. For now, let us cherish the wonderful moments.

Aim Higher

From a good friend...

Always aim higher than you believe you can reach. So often, you'll discover that when your talents are set free by your imagination, you can achieve any goal.

If people offer their help or wisdom as you go through life, accept it gratefully. You can learn much from those who have gone before you. But never be afraid or hesitant to step off the accepted path and head off in your own direction if your heart tells you that it's the right way for you.

Always believe that you will ultimately succeed at whatever you do, and never forget the value of persistence, discipline, and determination.

You are meant to be whatever you dream of becoming

We must always focus on growth, at any age. It is why we are here.

Just Like Before

Distance is not a problem. Communication is also not a problem. Technology is vast that it makes the ties closer and tighter. However, for my case, human factor or human touch is still a big factor. I still believe in meeting friends for dinner, for a cup of coffee or even for a movie date.

Given our work schedules and the hectic life we live in nowadays, it would be a miracle for the Sistahud to be complete in the near future. Elline left for a better job opportunity and possibly to find Prince Charming in Singapore recently while Rachelle has been living in Sunny California since the early 2000.

I suddenly realized that we are back to the old routine. Just like before, after each class or whenever we have a free time, Mary Ann and I would go out and celebrate. We either go eat our hearts out or watch a good movie.

Yesterday was again, just like before. We ate our hearts out and watched two good movies. We met at Power Plant at Rockwell, Makati City at 10am and started our day of pure fun and happiness.


Given the time we have on our hands, we checked out the movie selection and the time of showing. We decided to watch Nicholas Cage’s Knowing and Dwayne Johnson’s Race to Witch Mountain.


In between the two movies, we had a quick lunch at Burgoo and we had popcorn during the first movie. Both movies were good and fortunately, we decided to watch RTWM last since the first movie was a little bit on the heavy side.

Since we have some time to spare, we window shopped and did some grocery shopping. Since nobody can fetch us earlier, we had dinner as well at Healthy Shabu Shabu.


Even without Elline and Rachelle, we were able to have a good time. I know having them around would be a different bang but we promised we’ll make do with what we have.

We’ll do this again soon. Hopefully we will spend another round before my birthday and then a birthday celebration in June.

As I drop Mary Ann off in her apartment, she said that she’ll email the Sistahuds and will tell all the stories we shared.

We missed you Elline and Rachelle! Come visit us soon! Better yet, we will visit you soon!

Four by Four

It was a very draining Saturday in class as always but my energy level was still very high at 5 in the afternoon. Class was good; I behaved as I should even though deep inside I want to strangle the neck of somebody within my reach. Good thing, I have friends in class who were texting me to put a smile on my face and to cheer up.

As the class wraps up for the day, I was giddily counting the minutes to dinnertime. I was to meet my former officemates and to celebrate the birthdays of Sheryl and Jannice.

Since class was dismissed early, I had time to chat with some of my classmates while waiting for their friends as well. It was nice to talk to Cat and Sheyan and even with the students from the other class.

As I wait for my friends’ arrival, they kept me company. Iyra was the first to arrive and then we fetched Sheryl who got a little bit disoriented in Diliman's campus and then Jannice infront of the Kapuso compound.

So that we don’t have to travel far away, I decided to have dinner within the area. It is good since it will be near for the three beautiful ladies. We had dinner at Chili’s Bar and Grill in Tomas Morato, Quezon City.


It was Sheryl who I haven’t seen for a long time. Four years! During the absence, we stay connected through chats, sms, and emails and of course, letter writing. Oh yes, I still believe in the power of the postal services. Sheryl changed a lot. She’s now blooming with longer locks and with confidence. She’s no probinsiya anymore. Iyra, the “Cutie”, was there and the last time I saw her was in 2007 with Jeremy during a side trip to Diliman from The Medical City. She is now wearing braces and we all agreed that she’s skinnier than before and warned her that she should eat more since she’s too slim. We missed her chubby cheeks and long hair. She’s now sporting a shorter do and takes a few years off from her age. Same with Sheryl, we never failed to update ourselves with the use of modern communication. Jannice or Ja, was very tired coming from her work in Las Pinas and was just so happy to see the two ladies as well.


We were calling Jeremy but he was not answering his calls and he was supposed to join us. Mike had to go to another planned gig while Marvin was out of town and Norman was out of the country.

Much as we want to spend time with the rest of our group, some of our officemates are already in various parts of the world. Abbie and Jean are in Sharjah and Dubai respectively while Raphael is in Bahrain. The significant others of some are also out of reach during dinner. Ka Roger is in Jeddah while Carlos was in Cagayan De Oro.

The night was purely just for the four of us. Four “single” ladies with tons of smiles, laughter and of course, good food to top the night.


We talked about almost everything. Work, school, entertainment, current events, love life, sex life and most of all the lives that we lead since the time we left our Concorde address and the people we met during those short but memorable times.

Dinner was not enough for all our stories. Since Roger’s coming home for a month’s vacation, Iyra suggested for another round, this time longer and more intimate. Iyra will organize the get-together and will try to have more of these good times. Sheryl suggested for karaoke and barbeque night, while Jannice suggested some swimming and I was thinking of doing all of it.


We almost forgot that it was a birthday celebration when we were about to dig in with our dessert. We informed our server about it and we got a freebie Birthday Sundae.


Much as we want to talk on and on it was getting too late for us and decided to call it a night. I distributed my birthday presents to She and Ja; and of course gave a present to Iyra as well.

As we were going out of Chili’s, we promised for a much sooner get-together. The dinner was really “bitin” and we missed our boys.


We parted with smiles in our faces and I was cruising on my way home, I can’t help it but reminisce the times we were together as officemates. It seems too long ago and a very short time for us, but the experience and the friendship that was developed was definitely for keeps.

One question lingering in my mind as I reach home, in Ja’s words – can we ever be complete as before? My answer – I really don’t know.

Tongs

Wishing you dreams in your heart, love in your world, and the beautiful day you deserve for being so special!


Happy Birthday, Jannice!

See you on Saturday afternoon for our Frozen Margarita celebration!

BF-CF-DF-EF-GF-FF

After fourteen months of no visual contact, we finally saw each other again. Moises or most known among close friends as Jon, with his girlfriend, Weng, fetched me from UP last Saturday after class.

It was Jon who decided to have dinner at North Park’s Kopi Tiam located in Horseshoe Village, Quezon City. I’ve never been in Kopi Tiam but I liked the trellis by the side of the restaurant. The whole trellis is filled with Lily of the Valley flowers and it was just hanging in full bloom.

As I admire the beauty of such white flowers, Weng noticed my footwear. I was wearing my Havaianas High Heel Sun Black Flip Flops and she was laughing her heart out. I looked at my feet, then her feet then we both laugh together. We were both wearing the same Havaianas. Jon was asking what are we laughing about, and then we just laugh even more. Talk about a twist of fate.


Kopi Tiam boasts about their unique Asian twist with various meals with a cozy ambiance. We had Pinsec Frito as appetizer. We also ordered their specialties: Lechon Macau, Chapcae, Classic Bibimbap, Garlic Squid and was greatly satisfied with the food.


While having dinner, Jon and I shared to Weng our Corfin Family Stories. It was nice reminiscing about the years we spent together as officemates and all the extracurricular activities we shared. Weng also commented on Jon’s latest diet and their LQ’s. This reminds me, I have to give them a tease on Thursday as March 19 is a memorable date for the lovebirds.


After dinner, we headed off to Rockwell in Makati City. Since they will be bringing me home for the night, I volunteered that we have Ice Cream for desserts. It was a little bit late when we reached The Ice Cream Bar (Flavors by FIC) but there was a long line of customers still. It was good that it was a bit chilly since we got the table outside – Alfresco Ice Cream treats for us.


While having our sweet treats, we continued with our stories and Jon made fun of himself by taking pictures of him. Filled with good food and laughter, we then headed home. They stayed another hour in my house since I showed to Weng our precious photographs.

I spent seven hours with Jon and Weng that night. When they left my house with their goodies, even if it was already the break of dawn, I was still smiling; it was nice to see them again and to reminisce.


Before leaving, Weng mentioned that we don’t have to wait another fourteen months, we will see each other again soon, especially now that Weng’s working just a few blocks away from mine and we scheduled for a few out of town gimmicks as well.

I wonder will I hear wedding bells for them real soon. Jon and Weng – wishing for your happiness together!

A Crack at the Spotlight

Our Program Directors assigned eight host teams for the whole course duration on our first day of meeting. Last Saturday was our first hosting engagement for the whole class.


Together with Iyah, Jigs and Abeth, we are HT #7. As host of the MC-B class, we came in early to prepare ourselves and our stuff for the day.


We rendered the Opening Prayer, a brief recap of the previous session and provided entertainment with two fun-filled energizers to the class.


Aside from that we also tendered morning and afternoon merienda for everyone. We served chocolate chip and double chocolate chip cookies, tortas from San Lo’s Famous, various puto from Goldilocks, pancit sotanghon, canton and pork BBQ.


Everyone enjoyed the food and even the program directors from the other class came to munch with our goodies.


The only sad part for the day was that Erson, Cat and Edwin missed the class and wasn’t able to join in our Famous Person activity and our class picture. Nevertheless, we can still have another class picture next Saturday.

As for our next hosting gig, we will make it better and with more surprises for all! Go team!