Across the Globe: A Dream come True!

SAN ANTONIO. It's been four days since i got here. We've been so busy I had no time to blog until just now. 

While on my longest flight ever, I look back years ago when the young me dreams about stepping onto American soil. "One day" I said, looking at a plane passing above me.

In hours, I'll be living that dream.

Entering the US for the first time is not easy. You have to prepare for the long trip and tight security. From my port of entry, I was questioned by an officer about my purpose of entering the country. After a series of question-and-answers and checking of documents, my passport was then stamped "admitted". I giggled for so much joy! Just imagine if I was denied, I could have (in a way) ruined my cousin's wedding! 

My relatives picked me up at the airport welcoming me with warm hugs and kisses. 

This is it!

"WELCOME TO AMERICA!"

I arrived just in time for Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey on the table! =)

The next morning, we visit grandma's grave before we head to Austin. I met my cousins -The Bride (Racquel), Man of Honor (Randy), and the Bridesmaid (Michelle) for the first time but feels like we've always been seeing each other, they were friendly and accommodating. 

A dream come true indeed! 

Racquel surprises me with a small part in her wedding being an usher, I'm glad I was well-prepared for the occasion. =D

We were told to attend the rehearsal but Ty, Meesh, Matt and I got lost going circles looking for that Hog Eye St.! We just went on to the rehearsal dinner in a Chinese restaurant called Din Ho where Dino was introduced by Auntie Angie. 

AUSTIN. In Hyatt Hotel, my cousin Meesh and I shared a room but we didn't stay much longer to chat. In the morning of 30th, I dragged my Uncle down to stroll along the river just outside the hotel, there were joggers and cute squirrels running around. The temperature is cool and perfect for a stroll. 

We walked about a mile and up the bridge we found out there's a parade for children. I saw plenty of familiar characters like Disney Princesses, Star Wars, Minions, and my new boyfriend, Thor! Hah! There were also veterans driving those cool vintage cars, and some cheerdancers and little gymnasts too. 

By noon, we ran back up to the hotel to eat and prepare. Ms Lupita, our hired beautician, had done a great job in making us beautiful for the special occasion!

THE WEDDING DAY was a very fine day, thank goodness, because I was wearing a dress and it was a garden wedding. Tyrone made me a Cherry Vodka Sour for a drink and I had salmon, beans, rice, and bread on my plate. We danced, took pictures, and shared shots with all the bride's cousins.

I rarely enjoy weddings but I am delighted with this one especially the happy hour after the wedding. We get into a nearby bar, got drunk, met new friends, and had a foodtrip along this famous downtown street. It was a blast! 

COPPERAS COVE. On 1st of December, I got the chance to visit my cousin Ronnie's grave and see the Sanchez' home. 

Before we head back to San Antonio, we picked Gem and Lilly at Melody's Pet Ranch and now I'm sleepy. Yay!

Goodnytie! =)

Random Thoughts: Thank You World!

Yolanda's wrath made its way to history books. The most powerful 'Super Storm' in the world, that, unfortunately, we Filipinos had to experience and endure. All eyes were on us.

Days after the calamity, it left a very devastating scene, like that of a post-apocalyptic scenes we only normally see in the movies. Watching the news is heartbreaking. What's even more distressing, is the lack of action from the government to provide aid to the hungry and exhausted victims. Chaos on the first few days were uncontrollable. We were in a total mess.

But in the middle of all these, we, Filipinos become united, and together with the whole world, acted as one. Now, help and aid is on its way, it is getting better now. Smile is visible in our faces again. 

We may have lost lives but our spirit stays on because We are Filipinos, We never give up!

From the bottom of every Filipino's hearts, our heartfelt Thank you!

Faith in humanity restored!

PBA Governor's Cup 2013

October 25, 1013

Araneta Coliseum

Cubao, QC

Game 7. Championship game between my team, San Mig Coffee vs my friends' Petron Blaze. It's already 2pm and still undecided. No tickets yet, but as the saying goes, "if there's a will, there's a way". And we found a way! Thanks to Troy.

Marc Pingris at the line for 2 free throws!

The score says it all... 

And The Champion is...

The best player of the game and mvp of the finals was awarded to... 

I was so fortunate to have settled down at 'San Mig fans' side of the crowd. Haha poor friends Petron trailed most of the game and until the time expires. Though James Yap's presence cannot be felt, Simon stepped up and unleashed the much needed shots! Kudos to the MVP too, Sakuragi!

It was a great game but it was only I who screamed for the win and the rest of my friends were frowning... I had fun! Bleh =P

Across the Globe: The Preparation

Required documents. Check. Approved leaves. Check. A Check on my bucket list. Check. 

I still have a lot of things on my checklist that needs to be done in 2 weeks. 

I am already excited to see everyone and everything there is! 

Oh, I still need to go back to my ENT for my follow up check-up next week. My check-up's result yesterday doesn't sound good as per Dr Viceral of Borough Medical, I have a Chronic Rhinitis and my left ear's eardrum has a slight pressure; it is a bit cloudy which is not good especially when travelling by air. She had prescribed amoxil, sinupret, and co-aleva which I should take in a week. I hope it'll be treated in time for my flight. But as a precaution, I'll keep my earplugs by my side :)

This for now.. I'll keep you updated with my journey to the other side of the globe! :)

Run United 2013: 3rd and Final Leg

October 6, 2013

SM Mall of Asia

Here it comes, our most awaited half-marathon race! 

Breakfast: bread + peanut butter + banana + water. And since I just got well yesterday from sickness, I added a few slices of orange and vitamin C.

Gun Start: 4:00 AM.
We got out from the Condo unit to the race venue at 3:30 am and as expected, parking were already full but luckily SM Mall of Asia opened its building's parking are to accommodate the runners' vehicles. 

We were a bit late but we managed to join the 2nd wave of the half marathon. The gun was fired and off we go!

I have already set my mind to just follow my own pace and not be tempted to race against other runner's. I did a few tips I've learned from other runners as well, including the breathing technique which I had mastered from training. We took some bananas, water, gatorade, sponge dipped in cold water and had our knees sprayed along the way. It all helped us go the distance. 

At the finish line, I went straight to the medic for ice packs on my legs to avoid cramps and sprain.

I felt ecstatic when they handed my 1st ever half-marathon medal and Finisher Shirt! I had a good personal record too (official chip time: 3:00:55)

Below are us, the MSi Runners' Club! 10k, 21k, & 42k runners. It is a very satisfying run!!! 

Thanks to Gianne for believing that we can do it! If she didn't open our mind that this is in fact (could be) our only chance to get that half-marathon medal because we're getting older, we might have missed this opportunity of proving ourselves that we could, indeed, go the distance!

Thank you to Mam Fanny for the accommodation and free ride ;)

Random Thoughts: Marley and Me

It's a lazy Sunday. I turned my laptop on and watch Marley and Me. It was a fun movie focusing on a couple who just started their marriage life. They decided to get a puppy. Marley, the labrador dog, became part of the Grogan family. He grows up with them. But it left me heartbroken when Marley passed away.

I had a fair share of sad moment like this. I was in high school when our dog, Exerion, gave birth to a number of puppies. The white-coated one with black-colored circles around the eyes was mine. I named him Yankee. He was a sickly puppy but I became responsible and he was well-taken care of. I feed him before I eat, give him a bath before I do, pet him before I go to school and soon after I get home. He has grown stronger and healthier. 

Until one day, I saw him lying outside the house. I came from school and was so ecstatic to play with him. I run towards him thinking he was just sleeping but he didn't respond. He wasn't moving a bit and when I knew he was breathless, I burst into tears and cried confusedly. When I calmed down,  mom told me he got out of the gate that morning when Im off to school and he was accidentally hit by a tricycle. It really broke my heart that up to this day, I don't own a pet.

I also remember when my sister's love dog, Munchies, died. It was a mournful moment. It was hard to look when she was trying to revive the dog telling her how sorry she was for taking her for granted for the last several days because of her busy schedule. I just can't erase that scene when she was cuddling that lovely mini pinscher in her arms, saying her last words to her until its last breath.

I feel for my sister, munchies was a sweet, lovely dog and it's just so heartbreaking to let go of a pet that's already a part of the family.

In remembering all of our pets that brought us joy and gave us all their love, loyalty, and companionship, I dedicate this quote from the movie Marley and Me:

"A dog has no use for fancy cars or big homes or designer clothes. Status symbol means nothing to him. A waterlogged stick will do just fine. A dog judges others not by their color or creed or class but by who they are inside. A dog doesn't care if you are rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart and he will give you his. It was really quite simple, and yet we humans, so much wiser and more sophisticated, have always had trouble figuring out what really counts and what does not. As I wrote that farewell column to Marley, I realized it was all right there in front of us, if only we opened our eyes. Sometimes it took a dog with bad breath, worse manners, and pure intentions to help us see."
— John Grogan

Random Thoughts: A beginner's Half-Marathon

On October 6, we are set to run our first ever half-marathon. Are we ready? I was running for about 6 years now and been running 10km since last year. But how ready am I? How ready are we, MSI Runners Club? Our guys were fuelling up for 42k marathon and most of us girls for 21. HP run was our last event prior to this. It's been raining and a typhoon is coming. We haven't have enough time for practice. No, we have to find time. We have to, even if the field is wet and heavy.

Challenge Accepted!

Early this morning, we decided to brave the cold, cloudy weather. We jog at Club Manila East, but with just 2kms of jogging, the rain fell, showing no mercy to me and my running buddy. Well, we have to stop and just go home, we don't want to catch a cold.

I'm just going to pray for a focused mind and healthy body especially our knees. We have to be at least in great shape to achieve this new goal, a very ambitious one. 

I ask God's grace and guidance, prior, during, and after the run. May we all cross the finish line with a satisfied heart. Go for the Finisher Shirt errr.. Medal!  ;D

I'll update you soon!

Random Thoughts: A friend's Birthday

Celebrating Marco's birthday at Sambo Kojin Eastwood on July 2013. 

Although he's a blabbermouth and a jerk at times, he's a guy you could easily get comfortable with. Cheers, my friend! 

We wish you a Happy Birthday, Coco Marco, this year and always... And thank you for the half-treat! :D

HP Run 2013

HP Run 2013

September 1, 2013

BGC The Fort

Welcoming the Ber Months with a healthy lifestyle! It is also the start of an extensive training in preparation for Run United Leg 3 on October 6. We are aiming for the half-marathon!!! Woohoo!!!

And, finally, 3 from MSI Team won some gifts courtesy of HP Run sponsors. 

This event is not as big as Runrio events. They don't even have Chip Time and our finish time were only based from Gun Start. But photographers are everywhere! Thanks for the shots! ;)

Run United 2013: 2nd Leg

Run United 2

June 2, 2013

SM Mall of Asia

Run Rio Trilogy 2 is a more difficult run because the morning is too humid. I finished 2 minutes behind my previous chip time, and so are the others despite our efforts to non-stop running. Mr. sun was not, at all, easy on us. The heat found its way down our skin and inside our body, which made us grasping for breaths. 

It is too hot! And I want to take a cold shower asap. The last kilometer is wearing me down... I just want to walk, but I need to push myself harder... And when I saw this big, fat guy in front of me telling himself, "one last push, one last push", it motivated me. Finally, the finish line is within the reach! 

And yeah, it maybe is the end of the race but it is also the start of a new beginning..

We're done with the first two. We need to get ready for the final leg! :)

Random Thoughts: My Thirty-Something

 Celebrating a "Happy Birthday" with Family and Friends is a wish come true!

 

Thank you Lord for all the Blessings and this sumptuous lunch with my family and dinner with friends. I am so grateful that you have given me another year to be with them wonderful people. ;) May you continue giving me hope and strength to provide happiness and support to each of them. May you continue guiding me to the right path to inspire others to do the same.

 

Happy Birthday to my fellow September celebrants: Bong, Jinks and Aleli. =)

And yeah, thank you for the gift ladies!!!

Weekend Getaway: Tagaytay's Sky Ranch

August 9 is a Holiday, which means 'long weekend' for us!

Since we're on a tight budget, we only settled in to a nearby town, Tagaytay City! and LJ's hospitality saves us an accommodation expense, thank you! =)

We spent the day at Sky Ranch Theme park @ Php50 entrance fee. The park wasn't fully developed yet and most of the rides are designed for kids, so we just took a ride at the country's tallest Ferris Wheel @ Php200 overlooking Taal Lake and sipped some flavorful Buko Shake!

 

 

 

Hungry bellies and tired feet took us at Bulalo Point Restaurant. We ordered, well, fatty Bulalo!, and inihaw na bangus, and ensaladang talong. Fresh Buko for drinks.

We walked along the busy street down to the market to look for Rowena's Bakeshop for yummy tarts, a good choice for dessert and pasalubong! =)

Back at LJ's home, I made some nachos for midnight snacks that goes with tanduay ice. Went sleep fully loaded! Such a pig! =D

What I learn today: Why?

WHY? Why do we keep on asking "why?" when one struggles or die? Why does it have to happen to me? to him? Why so tragic? Why so painful? Why?

Tell me, how do you want to live your life? How do you want to die? Think about it. 

Cancer let you do things you need and want to do while your body slowly dies. But the pain is just tremendous to bear and you have to endure it until the end of your time. 

Or how about getting killed instantly after an accident, would you rather prefer it? It would be painless but you would also lose that one chance to do the things you want to do or at least say you want to say before you pass away.. 

Or, for a any reason, you will opt to be selfish and coward, and attempt suicide instead? Torturing yourself until you're breathless leaving nothing but mystery (you have the option to leave an honest open letter of hatred and bitterness beside your dead body). You just want to end it. Period!

Imagine you were granted a choice, can you tell how you want to live and die? Can you really make up your mind?

Try to weigh in your options and you'll get exhausted. I got exhausted! that at the end of the day, I just told myself "Oh dear life, you know what? Surprise me!"

In a matter of time, the bottomline is, we 'Die'. No matter how we protect ourselves.. life will end. So, why not just tell yourself, "Thy will be done" and leave your worries to God? Only Him knows what's best for us.

Never ask Why but perhaps ask "What?".

What's the purpose of life and death. What is your purpose?

I also believe that if there's a purpose of living, there is a purpose of dying. Sometimes, somebody has to die to let someone live. 

Moreover, when one has to go, let him wholeheartedly. Say a prayer and be happy for his soul to be at peace.

Random thoughts: Movies in 2 nights

June 26, 2013

Four Sisters and a Wedding

Citywalk Eastwood Cinema 4

Thank you Star Cinema for another Quality Filipino (family) Movie featuring some of the best actors of my generation - Toni Gonzaga (Tedi), Bea Alonzo (Bobie), Angel Locsin (Alex), Shaina Magdayao (Gabby), and Enchong Dee (CJ). I got carried-away during the confrontation part. I could somehow relate to the cast's characters having sisters and brother myself. More movies like this! ;)

June 27, 2013

World War Z

Gateway Mall Cinema 9

My friends had no idea about the movie and I didn't had any idea about them not  watching this kind of movie as well! Sorry guys, my Bad. ;D

I was pretty entertained looking at them slouching at their seats, hiding under their jackets and peeking carefully with half-open eyes! So frightened, they almost hit me. They hate me for making them watch Brad Pitt's zombie movie! I just hope they could sleep well tonight. Hehe... 

People who likes 'The Walking Dead' would definitely like this one. Hey Rick, you've got to find Gerry now!!!

The taxi driver (Melberte UVR637) is a nice man. He took us (from Cubao) and dropped us off to our destination without complaining or asking for an additional tip. That's quality service! If all cab drivers are as nice as him, it would be great!

Hmmm... Monsters University... Next?! ;)

Random thoughts: Heat's 3rd Championship!

June 21, 2013

Friday (Philippine time)

Game 7, Finals

I was never a Lebron James fan but always been a Heat fan since Dwyane Wade was drafted by Miami in 2003.

2012-2013 Season is their best run and might be their best Finals ever! It was very exciting, full of thrill and tense, and I had so much fun exchanging friendly rants with Spurs fans most especially with the "haters"! 😜 

LBJ earned my respect but I am still a Wade fan. He may be hurting and not 100% but I commend his courageous effort in playing hard to help his team win despite his injuries. 3 for No. 3!!!

Now that the season was over and the Miami Heat together with the King, the Flash, Super Mario, the Birdman, Mr Pure Shooter, Coach Spo and the rest of the team has proven their Greatness and Mightiness, the haters continues to hate while the heat fans celebrate!

Thank you San Antonio Spurs for a spectacular championship series, hats-off to you tough guys.

We look forward to a three-peat and a start of a new dynasty! Let's Go Heat!!!

Random thoughts: The Female Gender

The four types of women:

1. The FEMiNiNE. She is the girly one who is attracted to the opposite sex.

2. The TOMBOY. She is the boyish, more of an athletic kind of girl but certainly still attracted to the opposite sex.

3. The LESBiAN. She often is a crosssdresser, a girl who wishes to be a real guy, and is only attracted to the same sex.

4. The BiSEXUAL. She is the kind of girl with identity crisis often confused of what she really is. She is attracted to either male or female.

Girls, given the above types, which one are you? ✌😊

PS&MIS Team Palawan Tour 2013: Day 2

From El Nido, we traveled back to Puerto Princesa for Underground River Tour (It is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World! -a must-see!)

We were in a convoy of 6 vans and I'm on Van#5. I just love my Van mates! We had a great time together and there are some unforgettable moments along the way. =)

We took a break from the dusty, rough and curvy road. Had a few minutes of picture-taking at the Karst Mountain.

While waiting for our turn, we ate our lunch while others bought halo-halo, shakes and cold refreshments to fight off humidity. We also had an opportunity for a photo shoot! 😄

When we're about to go on a boat, it began to rain which made some of my peers worried for their non-waterproof cams. We bought disposable rain coats which cost us P50 each just to see the rain stop as we took off.

After 20 minutes or so, we finally reached the island where the underground river is. It is nice to see  some foreigners - most of them old, visit the famous tourist destination. 

The Cave's Entrance. 

Everybody is required to wear a life jacket and protective hat when entering the cave. When looking up at the cave's ceiling, close your mouth because as the tour guide says, there are only two things that could drop from there: holy water or holy shit! =D

Inside, you will admire the formations of stalagmites and stalactites along the 1.5 Km cruise. The weird sound made by bats and birds that inhabits the cave echoes. The tour guide's way of showing the formations is also fun! It's just amazing how they knew where the formations are exactly at, considering the darkness throughout the tour.

Before our flight back to Manila, we stopped by at a souvenir shop then our heads treats us for dinner at Kinabuchs Restaurant, just 5 minutes away from airport.

To sum it all up, the whole team enjoyed the camaraderie and the opportunity to have a good time with each other's company in one memorable outing.

Our team would like to thank Joy and her sister, Ann, for the assistance in organizing this event and for taking good care of us during our stay in Palawan and of course to our drivers for the safe, fun and fast ride! =D

PS&MIS Team Palawan Tour 2013: Day 1

MSI-ECS PS&MIS Teambuilding 2013
Puerto Princesa & El Nido, Palawan
April 12-14, 2013

Before it happened, we've gone through a series of meetings just to make this ambitious team building a reality. Spearheaded by our AVP, everyone agrees to join in the summer fun. It's not easy because firstly, it is expensive and secondly, with the compressed itinerary, it seems really exhausting. We had doubts but no matter what, we made it happen!

Behold, the convincing power of Sir Tom! =)

From rented Jeepney, Coaster, Bus...  now, a Plane!
The 41 of us took Zest Air, while the remaining 16 takes Air Phil.

There were delays on both flights due to runway/air traffic at the airport. But finally, we all touched down safely at Puerto Princesa! We traveled straight to El Nido. The road is dark and bumpy. And there sure are lots of curves! It's a roller coaster ride!

We gather up at Robinson's Palawan by around 10:30 PM.

We don't supposedly have an accommodation but at the last minute, our heads decided to rent a transient house. Thanks to our travel agent, we found one! But the challenge is, there are only 3 rooms and 1 CR! It's impossible to accommodate everyone but it's better than having nothing at all...

By 9:00 AM, we began our Island Tour. Our first destination: Small Lagoon. 

The rock formations are majestic and the water is calm and clear. It's better to rent a kayak when exploring the small lagoon.  

Our second destination: Big Lagoon

The Big Lagoon's exit...

Next up: The Secret Lagoon

You have to pass through a small hole to get inside the secret lagoon.

You might not get in if the tide is high.

  

We had our lunch at Shimizu Island, on the buffet table: rice, sliced tomato, cucumber and onions, buttered shrimp, chicken adobo, grilled fish (of different varieties), pinakbet, banana, sliced red and yellow watermelon.

We also shot some clips for our team building official video here. 

We spent the rest of the day snorkeling and bonding at the Helicopter Island
(the island can be seen at the end of the movie "Bourne Legacy")

Marvel the beauty of Helicopter Island!

Aqua shoes, snorkeling gear and underwater camera is a MUST-HAVE when you take a tour around El Nido's magnificent Islands =) Enjoy your visit!