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!

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…

Twenty Weeks

For the past six weeks, it has been a very interesting and intellectual phase for me. I gained further knowledge about business, relationships and I gained new friends. Why so?

I’m back to my alma mater and currently attending UP ISSI’s 89th Manager’s Course. The Manager’s Course is a 20-week program dubbed as a compressed, non-formal MBA geared to equip top and middle managers from various industries to enhance organization, marketing, production, financial and information management skills.

I also have been exposed to different ways of thinking. My classmates have been very open to share all of their thoughts about certain things. For my part, the experience is a delight. As if I’m back in college with countless readings, brainstorming and nosebleeds. Fifteen more weeks and it seems a bit too far yet time flies fast nowadays.

Anyhow, with the numerous readings, I am sure every Friday is a cram day! All the same, knowledge is power and with our technical and the necessary management skills, we will surely increase our assets as managers.

Oops, I need to start browsing for Saturday’s module. I wonder if we will have a good one this time?

A Centennial Change

Today marks yet another milestone in the history of the University of the Philippines (UP).


After a 16-year struggle, the University of the Philippines (UP) will have a new charter that signals a new opportunity to arrest the declining quality of education in the country's premier state university. This as the entire UP community anticipates the signing of its new charter today by President Arroyo in Cebu City. The historic event will take place this morning at the Conference Hall, Library Building of UP Visayas Cebu College.

For the whole UP Community, 2008 is a double header – Centennial Year and the new UP Charter. Way to go, UP!