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!

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.

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.

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!

Breakfast Delight

The other week, I was eating breakfast while waiting for the bank to open. I asked Yaya Juvy if she heard my name being called. Somebody was calling “Ralline, Ralline, Ralline!” I was busy browsing the newspaper… then I looked up… and saw a familiar face.

Josephine Ragunton-Galang, commonly known as Jheng during our elementary and high school days, was on the other table. She was waiting for her husband, JM (Jose Maria), and their breakfast as well. Jheng works as a Relationship Manager in the bank and JM goes to a telecommunication company nearby.


“Makikita ko na ba yan mamaya sa Facebook or sa My Space”, Jheng said of the pictures taken. But, it took me almost two weeks before I could upload the pictures. Still, I can still recall the chitchat as if it were yesterday. It was nice seeing Jheng again, even though I am used to see her in bank, but seeing her as a wife and a mom, that I still have to get used to. Nevertheless, motherhood suits her; I see a certain glow with her smile.


Today is Jheng’s birthday and she’s spending the week with her family in Hong Kong Disneyland.

For Jheng: Wishing you a beautiful birthday and a lifetime of beautiful tomorrows!

Classmate Sighting

Last Saturday afternoon, as I was walking to the Clubhouse of Casa Milan I saw a familiar face. I literally screamed her name… Cathy Cariño!!!

Yes, after all these years, I was able to see in person Atty. Cathy Cariño in a summer getup. She’s still the same; petite and beautiful.


I was so excited that I completely forgot to ask for her mobile number, but nevertheless, she’s just an email away.

See you again soon, Cathy! Hopefully with the rest of our fellow UP Baguio Batchmates!