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!

A Sweet Farewell

Just like he promised, he returned to where he started. For the last time and before its final call in television, George Clooney made a final appearance in ER as Dr. Doug Ross.

Watching the show with most of the original cast members was like a mini reunion. The tandem of George’s Dr. Ross and Julianna Margulies’ Nurse Carol Hathaway and the friendship between Noah Wyle’s John Carter and Eriq La Salle’s Dr. Peter Benton. It gave us a final glimpse into how their lives have gone since they left the ER.


Some friends were saying that they didn’t know that Clooney will be a guest in the show, there was not even a promotion from NBC. In my case, I was anxiously waiting ever since the rumors started that the original cast might do a cameo before the series finale.

As ER nears it finale, this one was a great way to send the show out!

Real or Reel

In Philippine show business, it is a fad to have love teams. They usually are pair a cute couple, market them to the fans and if they click, they become instant pop-idols. Usually love teams are for teenagers or young adults. Some are just for television and in the movies but some relationships go beyond the klieg lights.

In class, we do have two love teams. One side of the group, there’s the tandem of Kristian and Aileen. I don’t know if there is really a thing with the two since they are usually seated on the other side of the room.


While on the other side of the group, there’s the tandem of Ian and Iyah.


From both tandems, I’m more in the Ian and Iyah group. Iyah’s my seatmate since Day 1 and we hit it off from the start. While Ian, what can I say, the known chick boy in class. Ha, ha, ha! Peace, Michael!

I can’t remember when they started teasing the four individuals but all that we can say it makes the class more exciting and lighter. As per Cat’s term, “parang high school”.

For my part, it’s just like my first year in UP. Kakilig moments!

Happy 22!

Happy 22nd Anniversary to R. A. Mojica and Partners!

Best wishes for this special occasion and for another year of accomplishments to come.

Here’s to many more terrific years! Cheers!

S-S-S

Saturday. Surprises. Strawberries.

Last March 7, 2009 was another extraordinary Saturday for me. Days before Saturday, one of the KIDS, informed me that she’ll be in the area and asked if it is okay to visit me during class hours. What else can I say but yes! Though I was looking at my notes, I saw the note that visitors are not allowed, hahaha! Screw the rules for a day. I can spare a few minutes.

Two classmates celebrated their respective birthdays but the uber generous Erson had a Buko Pandan delivered for Owen and Venz. Because of work related commitment, Venz left after the morning session and wasn’t able to enjoy the cake but Owen gladly posed and enjoyed the birthday cake while being serenaded by the class.


Jannice texted me that she’s already in the area and I sneaked out from the room during the start of the afternoon session. It was a little bit over five minutes and with a few hugs and smiles and it was over. I can’t stay longer since I can’t miss a lot from class and we can’t go out after the end of the class since I have earlier plans. We just exchanged gifts and promised to meet again on the 21st and will ask the rest of the KIDS to join us. For sure it will be a riot full of laughter and gossip and most of all food!


The lesson for the day was very informative and helpful for my daily work yet as usual I drifted for a few seconds in the computation part, whew! It was a bit of a nosebleed since we are without the handy Excel worksheet.

As most of my friends know, my top three fruit choices are Grapes, Cherries and yes, Strawberries. Ian was in Baguio City for a client presentation and he brought me a pack of fresh hand picked strawberries. Sweet! He gave the strawberries after class and I brought it home and had it chilled before I started munching the berries. Thanks so much, Ian!


Another fun-filled Satuday it was. Next Saturday it will be another one for the books. I’ll be one of the host team members with the very pretty, Iyah, and the equally guwapo, Jigs; and to top it all, I’ll have dinner with Moises and Weng after class.

I can’t wait for Satuday Sunshine! Countdown begins…

He Will Be Remembered

In the night of death, hope sees a star, and listening love can hear the rustle of a wing.
- Robert Ingersoll

Rapper-TV host Francis Magalona has succumbed to leukemia at the Medical City in Pasig City on Friday. He was 44.

The Master Rapper. Francis M. The Man from Manila. He will always be remembered.

Keep Smiling!

Do you ever wonder what people are feeling when they smile? Do they smile because they're happy or do they smile because they want people to believe they're happy? Maybe they smile because they want you to smile and be happy.

A smile can touch a person's life in ways you can never imagine. It's infectious and can cause a chain reaction. It can be memorable to someone you pass on the street or the mall or driving... and it only takes a split second to smile and forget, yet... to someone that needed it, it can last a lifetime.

Maybe we should smile more often.


A smile is like a flame. A flame can ignite another flame without lessening itself. The same is with smiles. Your smiles cause someone else to smile - and you both end up smiling even more.

Happy Square Root Day!

Today is 3/3/09 -- a rare kind of day where the day, and the month, are both the square root of the year.


It is only the 3rd Square Root Day of this millennium and only occurs nine times each century. According to various sources, it only happens when the numbers of the calendar align so that the month and day is each equal to the square root of the year as expressed in two-digit form. Check out the full article from CNN to read up on it!

The last such day was five years ago, February 2, 2004 (2/2/04). The next is seven years away, on April 4, 2016 (4/4/16).

Hooray to all the math-buffs!