Last Working Day for 2017

We live in an age where information equals money, power, and competence, and that a Boss’s competence varies depending on his/her assistant’s ability to gather information. For the Boss, of the Boss, by the Boss.

Today is Ralline Jean's last working day at the office for 2017! Yey!

Life of a COO

Being a COO, yes a Child of the Owner or a daughter/son of a well-known person in a particular industry, have its perks and downside some of the time.

Earlier, my brother attended a meeting and he finally met one of our Dad's mentors in one of his former offices. I met him already once when he attended a cocktail event that I partly hosted in a former workplace.

Cheebling No. 3 sent a message: "Tainted na ang "anak-anak" para kay Mr. Client S. Anak ka pala ni Lad. Is that good or bad? Anak kasi ni Mr. Client E ay promising."

As I read the message, I laughed and replied: "Hahaha! Nameet ka na pala niya. Negative kasi si FSJ sa kanya. Kaya tinawag niya na Promising dahil sa dami ng pinangako wala naman din nabigay sa mga pinangako. Bad image tuloy."

Oh well, we must prove Mr. Client A and all the rest that we, the Mojica Cheeblings ALWAYS deliver! And I mean, ALWAYS!

Happy 45th, Maria!

Wishing you a Cake-A-Licious Happy 45th Birthday, Maria Rachelle!

Happy birthday to a trendsetting diva with intricate layers and fabulous taste. May you know how much you are loved, and may your special day be filled with as much happiness as you bring to others.

I waited for the exact time to greet you and officially it is your birthday in your part of the world. Miss you so much, my dearest Sistahud Beauty Queen! Hugs!

Happy 32nd, Chloe Jean!

Happy Birthday to my very AWESOME, completely WONDERFUL, ALWAYS-THERE-FOR-ME, amazing SISTER!

 You make the world that much more fabulous, just by being in it! I hope you have a birthday that is just as fantastic as you are! You deserve it!

Happy 32nd Birthday, Owie Smowie!

BFF's 37th!

A friend like you doesn't come along very often. You make me laugh, and you're there for me when I cry. That's why your birthdays are so special. It's one more time to tell you how happy I am to have you for a friend.

May you enjoy a day of leisure, with hours of simple pleasures, on this day set aside, just for you! Have a Happy Birthday, Ruth!

Missed Connections

Much human misery and disease derives from self-centeredness, or the inability to transcend the confining limits of the ego world. Depression, anger, loneliness and other immunity-suppressing emotions are rooted in self-centeredness. To reduce any self-centeredness you may have in your life, try making the following connections. Each will help you get closer to achieving optimum health.

1)    Connect with nature and earth. Slow down and observe and appreciate nature through walks, gardening, picnics or outdoor activities.

2)    Connect with animals. People with pets tend to be healthier, both mentally and physically. The responsibility of owning a pet can put your priorities in focus. Plus, animals provide unconditional love, which is always rewarding.

3)    Connect with family. Instead of thinking of family as "immediate" and "extended," try to consider your family as just that: family. Near or far, family is what keeps us real.

4)    Connect with community. Interacting with those around you, and the area in which you reside, is a good way to create a sense of strength and comfort for yourself and others.

5)    Connect with a higher power. Regardless of what you perceive a higher power to be, sensing a connection with a power greater than yourself is a way to be part of something larger, and to become more connected with it.

Always remember: don't miss out on a single moment... it may never come again.

Remembering the Queen

In Remembrance on the First Anniversary of Reyna's Death

I think of my dearest Sister Taba, Reyna Villacarlos, so often, and although this day brings to mind the sorrow of her passing, it is also an opportunity to revisit some wonderful memories of Reyna. A friend so dear with a heart of gold.

Eternal Rest grant unto Reyna O Lord
Let Perpetual light shine upon her,
May her Soul Rest in Peace. Amen.

Making Choices in Life

If something is important enough to you, you will find a way. If it is not, you will find an excuse. Often, difficult circumstances can challenge you, but they cannot stop you. Only you can stop you.

Others can give encouragement, can teach you and help you or they can hold you back. Only you can decide what to do with it all and what to make out of what you've been handed.

There are some roads that lead to success and others that lead to despair. The path you are on depends entirely on the path you have chosen.

Whether you see your life filled with beauty and positive possibilities, or whether you see no hope at all - Your own perception will turn out to be a self fulfilling prophecy. So which one will You choose to see?

The world which you choose to experience and the world you choose to live in is precisely the world where you will be in.

The choice is yours.

To Be or Not to Be

Be understanding to your enemies.
Be loyal to your friends.

Be strong enough to face the world each day.
Be weak enough to know you cannot do everything alone.

Be generous to those who need your help.
Be frugal with that you need yourself.

Be wise enough to know that you do not know everything.
Be trusting enough to believe in miracles.

Be willing to share your joys.
Be willing to share the sorrows of others.

Be a leader when you see a path others have missed.
Be a follower when you are shrouded by the mists of uncertainty.

Be first to congratulate an opponent who succeeds.
Be last to criticize a colleague who fails.

Be sure where your next step will fall, so that you will not tumble.
Be sure of your final destination, in case you are going the wrong way.

Be loving to those who love you.
Be loving to those who do not love you; they may change.

Above all, be yourself.

Turning 36...

I can’t remember the last birthday that fell on a work/week day. For the past several years, I was not working as a full time employee. Based on previous experience, whenever my birthday fell on a work/weekday, it was always filled with too much work, stress and that “ME” time was impossible.

Last 2010, it fell on a Friday. I was overseas attending a convention that week but on the day itself, I was able to visit and relax at Hong Kong Disneyland. Last 2011, I spent most of day with my pillows while Mom prepared my fave dishes. I even had dinner with the family and was showered with lots of Hello Kitty presents. Not to mention, my birthday cake was divine.

This year, on my thirty-sixth birthday (I call it my 18^th!), I was supposed to be attending again a convention overseas but I opted not to join from the line-up. A week ahead before the 4^th, I already planned to have a catered lunch for my work colleagues, a visit at St. Andrew’s Church in the morning and possibly dinner with the family after work.

Whew! What a day to start! I was already up as early as 3am, waiting for all of my office-mates to arrive at NAIA T1, after a final SMS from my fellow Yehey Productions member that all of them are already present and waiting in line, I turned BBB into silent mode and slept for another hour before I prepare for the day. Lo and behold, as I unlocked BBB, 12 missed calls and 10 messages!

I was excited, hoping they were birthday greetings and callers as early as 530am. Hindi pala! So, my 18^th birthday started not so good. A case of “katangahan”, of course, not by me, led to the not so good mood of almost everyone at work. Whew!

Knowing that I will not dampen my day with bad vibes, go, go, go! Breakfast of champions with my Cheeblings and visited the nearest church that we pass before going to work. Paid my respects at St. Andrew’s Church and was happy for the blessings given and wished for more in the coming years.

At work after Church, it was a madhouse! I was surprised with the gifts, I got two at work. (Haven’t opened them yet!). I have a full load for the day since I was kept late still last Friday. Good thing; I know how to work fast, accurate yet fast. 

Before lunch break, Chloe arrived with Mom and Yaya Helen. I invited them to join the office lunch treat and took some good pictures. Since Yaya Helen was the one taking pictures, we completely forgot to take our picture.

Sir Bobby gave a wonderful prayer and wishes and blessed our food. Corrhin’s Catering never fails with their good food. Everyone was satisfied with the lunch buffet: Molo Soup, Japchae (Korean Pancit), Chicken Cordon Blue, Pork Pastel De Lengua, Fish Fillet and Black Gulaman with Lychee. Burp!

After lunch and clean up, it was back to work. Stressful work day for me, and yet I was still positive that I’ll be able to leave work at 5:01pm. My bad. It did not happen. I left the office at 7:10pm. Hungry and tired and wishing to just cuddle up with my pillows and sleep.

Then I remembered what Haydelin mentioned earlier during our Chikahan while working…

H: Ma’am, birthday na birthday mo, pinagtratrabaho kita.
R: Oo nga, 3am pa lang tapos bad news pa ang sumalubong sa umaga ko, tapos hindi man lang ako nabati ng HBD.
H: Pasencya na po, pero mabilis ka naman magtrabaho, matatapos mo din naman agad.
R: Okay lang. (Sabay biglang tumawa ng malakas na malakas parang Donya Buding).
H: Bakit po?
R: Naalala ko lang, weekday ang birthday ko at workday. Basta ang birthday ko, work/weekday, palaging loaded sa trabaho. Minsan, may party sa bahay, nanduon na lahat ng bisita, ako na lang ang wala.

I missed my birthday dinner. Even BFF Ruth was waiting for the venue. I asked for a rain check and we will have our usual birthday celebration on Friday. I have another birthday celebration on Wednesday dinner. I even have a movie date/lunch/dinner with the only Sistahud in Manila and hopefully a date with some of the beautiful and gal pals (Sem, Sheena, et.al.) before the end of the week.

Even though it was a very hectic day for me, I am still happy that a lot of friends remembered and greeted me by SMS, email and through FB. I even got a birthday card thru post. Thank you for the greetings and the gifts... receiving such made my stressful birthday/work day still a good one!

Thirty Tiny Decades + Six

Farewell, OTH!

It was my brother who first started watching the series. I only liked the show at first because of its dance routines until I became the fan. For the past 9 seasons, I followed OTH with admiration, laughter and tears. 

Come Wednesday night, I will bid farewell with the rest of its fan based. I will definitely wait for the surprises and hoping to hear the theme song once again as it closes for good. 

One Tree Hill  will surely have a bittersweet finale.

The Queen Will Always Be Remembered

"Somewhere a journey begins at the end of the worldly existence we know, Somewhere a path stretches over the stars, and rivers of memories flow... Somewhere a silence is heard far away and the brightness of day fills the night, Where the trials of life are resolved into peace -- when a soul finds its way to the light."

Maria Reyna C. Villacarlos

August 11, 1975 - October 10, 2011

Lord our God, You are always faithful and quick to show mercy. Reyna was suddenly taken from us. Come swiftly to her aid, have mercy on her, and comfort her family and friends by the power and protection of the cross. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sister Taba, we will miss you!

Australian Aby in Abe

Aubrey “Aby” Sacramed-Bader was in the country for just ten days. For the ninth day, she was able to squeeze us in for dinner. Yippee! Six members of the EconBlock3A-92 were able to meet with Aby at Abe Restaurant in Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

We had Gambas Al Ajillo, Sinute Baby Squid and Chicharon Bulaklak for appetizers while waiting for everyone to arrive. For the first time, we had the pleasure of having Orlando “Pasky” Pascual graced our get-togethers. Naks! Nakakapanibago seeing him but he is still the same Pasky from way back 1992 during our freshmen year. Galing talaga!

When Aby arrived, we ordered our dinner already. We had Mutton Adobo with Popped Garlic, Pinakbet Wen Manong, Sinigang na Bangus Belly with Ripe Guava, Binukadkad na Pla-Pla and Sugpo sa Aligue ng Talangka. Sarap!

Aby hasn’t changed at all! She is still pretty as ever and still sporting the long hair. She is with Australia Migration and frequents the Philippines on business trips that usually last for a day or two only. This was the one trip that she was able to visit again for a longer period of time. Buti na lang!

As I type this entry, Aby’s already on her way back to Melbourne and hopefully will see her again soon and maybe if our plans push through, we will see her on the 2012 Australian Open. Yes, Aby and I share the love for RF!

Twelve Thousand Nine-Hundred Fourteen and a Half Days Old

35 is just 20, with 15 years of experience!

I just celebrated a milestone birthday, 04 June 2011. I would like to give big birthday thank you to my Mom, Dad, Sister and Brother. Thank you for making my birthday a very special day filled with the wonderful treasures I'm keeping - yes, the special gifts and pictures.

Thank you for always taking the time and making the effort to make me feel special. I would like to thank the Lord for giving me another year to be productive and thank You for the blessings that You continue to shower me and my family. Thank you to everyone who remembered my birthday! Each greeting really meant a lot to me and absolutely made my day. I just wanted to thank you all for the birthday wishes!!!! It means the world to me that you all are thinking of me on my special day :)

I spent my 35th birthday relaxing and spending tons of time with my pillows. I went to Church and thanked God for all the blessings and even watched the church people prepare for a mid-day wedding. I had breakfast prepared by Yaya Helen, had another breakfast with Mom and Reyboy that they bought at the Salcedo Saturday market, then took a short morning siesta.

Mom with Helen, Clara and Mario prepared lunch of Pancit Bihon, Pako Salad, Beef with Water Cress, Inihaw na Hito and Pork BBQ, Squid and Fish Balls with Leche Flan and Sherbet for desserts. Dad arrived from Taiwan just in time for the scrumptious feast.

After the hearty lunch, I took my afternoon birthday siesta while waiting for Chloe to arrive from Cedric’s Baptism. I was sleeping my heart out since I was awake in the break of dawn just to watch Roger Federer beat Novak Djokovic in the French Open 2011 Semi-Finals. Hoot, Hoot, Roger!

After tons of sleep, we left for dinner. We decided to try the Makati version of the legendary Malate restaurant, Lolo Dad’s. This branch is more accessible to us compared to the Malate restaurant. The concept of these two restaurants is quite different. The food and the prices offered are not the same. Nevertheless, it’s an adventure just to eat in any one of these branches.

We started off with the Charcuterie Sampler, Pop – over bread and Parmesan and Pimenton Pastry Twist. Chloe even ordered more Jamon Serrano since it’s our ultimate favourite. The Warm Spinach and Sauteed Mushroom Salad was even good.

For the main course, I had the Steak Sampler of U.S Rib Eye steak, Tenderloin, Striploin, Tajima Wagyu Topside with Mushroom Risoto. I heart the Risoto! Yum-o! As we are almost finished with dinner, we had a sighting of Gretchen Barretto. She came in the restaurant chaperoned by a nanny and with such funfare. He, he, he. Overall, we were happy with our experience in this place. Good food and impressive customer service. Kudos to our server, Nińo!

After the dinner, we went home for dessert and gift opening. I opened twenty-seven birthday presents and enjoyed my majestic birthday cake. Based on the pictures, you’ll be able to guess, that the theme for the night is Hello Kitty! Ha, ha, ha! It is a long time childhood addiction that only a few people know about.

It was definitely a great milestone birthday! For the following days, there will be birthday blowouts with my precious friends! One by one and hopefully will be able to see them all!

Thirty-Five!

Busy Bee Me

As I am very busy, I am unable to update. Sorry for not updating for the past few months, oops, more than a year!

I'll make up for it soon.

A Taylor Swift Fairytale

I watched America's teen sweetheart, Taylor Swift's one-night-only concert at the Big Dome last night, 19 February 2011, with my sister and even though I'm not a fanatic like the thousands of kids and teenagers, I enjoyed the concert.



The kids were really great and I liked their perseverance. Even Sam Concepcion was a revelation! Sixth row from her made us appreciated her beauty, voice and guitar-playing skills more. As Chloe mentioned, Taylor said "Manila, I adore you!".


As for those who know me so well, yes, we watched at the Big Dome. Went home with satisfied smiles and overall it was mega-sulit!


Thanks so much, Terence!