palawan and cebu getaway

Me and my officemates were planning on this trip early last year pa.  After so many skpe conferences, google searches and with a tight budget nyahaha! Finally... we made it through.

FIRST STOP: Puerto Prinsesa, Palawan
April 9-11
Accomodation: Marina de Bay http://www.marinadebay-palawan.com/
Travel tour: Seablitz Travel and Tours http://seablitztravelntours.multiply.com/

The experience was all worth it.  I cannot blog about every details of our trip as there were so many things we've done that I could not contain it in just one writing.  Eventhough we have limited time, I can say that we were able to maximize all of it the day we set foot on that beautiful place.  We thought that this trip would not be that enjoyable because there were only 5 of us who've booked on this flight.  On the contrary, it was a ONE HECK OF FUN AND ADVENTURE!!! for the five of us and not only that, a deeper level of friendship had emerged within the group as the ELF was formed (naks naman talaga!!!).  Don't ask na the meaning of ELF  Wehehe!!!

This was our itinerary for the 3 days we stayed in Palawan.
- City Tour
- Underground River
- Honda Bay island hopping
- Crocodile Farm

DAY 1: City Tour

On our first day, we just roam around the city.  We went to famous spots in Puerto Princesa City like Baywalk (naks! roxas blvd???) hehe... yung iba pang place na nipuntahan namin is nde ko na maalala kng anong name. Wahaha.  But I remember our tour guide saying that Puerto Princesa is a city within a forest.  Hhhmmm... interesting!  

DAY 2: Underground River (morning)
Honda Bay Island hopping (afternoon)

Eto ang kwela... we did not expect this.  Kung sino man ang naka-experience na pumunta sa Underground River can relate to my story...  hahaha!!!  It brought a smile on my face thinking of it pa lang.  Astig si manong bangkero sa mga jokes nya as in his voice when he is talking is just plain and monotonous then suddenly he interjects a joke concerning the rock formation or the bats.  I cannot describe it in writing.  But if you want to know what I mean, check it for yourself try nyo ding mag Underground River tour wehehe!!!  Pero aliw tlga sha pramis!!! hahaha

Let's talk about the food.  The food was just so overwhelming and overflowing... super dami nya.
We had different kinds of seafoods to munch on.  We had grilled tuna (as in big slabs of Tuna were in front of us), sinigang na maya-maya, calamares, prawns and a lot more.  After every meal, sobrang busog kaming lahat. Our tour guide made sure that we will not be lacking of food to eat.  Thanks to Ms. Laarni  and Chikee of Seablitz Travel and Tours.  They were very accomodating to us and made us feel very at home. :)  They also managed to made a reservation for us in the famous reataurant in town - Ka Lui's restaurant.  That time when we arrived, jam packed ang resto... buti na lng we had a reservation so we were accomodated properly.

DAY 3: Crocodile Farm and Buy Pasalubong (morning)
Off to Cebu (afternoon)

The exciting part during this day was the latter part of the day.  When we were already in Cebu.  Okay, maybe you're wondering what are we doing in Cebu... well, our flight have a 12 hour stop-over from Puerto Princessa to Manila.  We arrived at Mactan International Airport at approximately one in the afternoon, and we still don't have an itinerary to go to.  What we were sure off is that we are going to Crowne Regency Hotel for the rides they are offering which are the Skywalk and Edge Coaster.  BTW, these 2 rides are the newest attraction in Cebu and can only be experienced at Crowne Regency Hotel which was the tallest building in Cebu.  We were planning to do the rides in the evening.  So what to do the whole afternoon??? That's the question we are all asking upon arriving there.  Hhhhmmm... we have different opinions on what to do in Cebu.  I for one, would like to visit Plantation Bay.  The others... actually, kasama din pala ako wanted to have a city tour of what Cebu can offer for a tourist like us and the others just wanted to find a hotel room and rest there for the whole afternoon until evening comes.  So, when we set foot at the airport we had a little discussion and planned on something that would accomodate everyone's satisfaction.  But eventually that plan didn't push through.  Instead, an unexpected turn of events took place.  And here it goes... We were decided to just go to this 3 star hotel and rest for a while.  So we found this taxi cab that would take us to the hotel, thankfully manong driver let us inside his cab even if the maximum allowed passenger is 4 and we were 5 of us.  Inside the cab, we were still discussing about our itinerary... then manong driver suggested to us,  if we want he could be hired for the day and he will take us to the different tourist spots in Cebu for a fixed rate of 1,500 bucks!  We got to thinking... hhhmmm not bad!  He mentioned some of the tourist spots in the city that we can easily go to: Magellan's Cross, Taoist Temple, Colon Street, Tops, but something is missing... Plantation Bay was not included.  So I suggested if we could include Plantation Bay in the itinerary and manong driver agreed. Yey!!!

So for the tour in Cebu we had:
- Magellan's Cross
- Taoist Temple
- Colon Street (oldest street in the Philippines)
- Tops
- Plantation Bay
- Crowne Regency

DAY 4 (early morning)
April 12
Back to Manila

After the tour and the rides, we were all very tired and exhausted but at the end of the day, we had this BIG smiles on our faces.  We really had a great time doing all those activities and experiencing new sites and sounds.  Enjoy talaga when you are with the company of your friends.  Parang ang bilis ng araw at uwian na pala... Hay!!!  At dahil nag enjoy kami sa aming bakasyon grande... meron na namang next destination in line, this time marami na kami.  Hahaha!  


NEXT STOP:  Panglao Island, Bohol

Kumusta naman yun??? Purita na ako sa kaka-book.  Wehehe!!!

chivalry is dead!!!

Allow me to site different situations that will prove, indeed, Chivalry is dead!!!

* Scenario in a bus...
Standing room only, men are sitting-pretty like a queen on their seats playing deadma while an old lady is standing right beside them... gggrrr!!!

* Scenario while waiting for a cab...
Rush hour and all the taxi cabs are nowhere in sight... and then suddenly, lo and behold! An empty taxi is approaching.  You were the one who made "para" to the cab but you were advanced by some men who looked to have been overdosed with steroid tablets. Bad trip talaga di ba???!!!

* Scenario between a husband and a wife when eating on a fast food restaurant...
Lunch time and the fast food chain is buzzing with hungry people with long lines of customers waiting for their turn for their orders to be taken.  The husband then lets the wife to order for their food and be the one to wait on the long line, while he will be waiting on their table.  What a shame!!!

* Scenario while waiting for a tryk going inside the village...
It's raining and you don't have an umbrella, while waiting, you stayed on a shed so as not to get wet.  Thankfully, a tryk is nearly approaching the terminal stop then this guy walked past you to overtake you on riding the tricycle.  Kapal ng fessss!!!

Have you ever experienced any of these scenarios one way or another, or you know of someone who underwent any of these???  Isumbong mo kay Tulfo! hahaha...
Well, it's just goes to say that men are basically insensitive and "manhid" for crying out loud!!!
I know that on this day and age, we (men and women), should all have equal footings when it comes to career opportunities, decision makings, etc.  but  you see women, should still be treated with care and consideration as they are sometimes fragile and needs attention especially for those senior and pregnant women.  Am I right or am I right???

what happened before the "V-DAY"

DISCLAIMER: Napilitan lang talaga akong sumali sa game dahil wala nang iba pang pwedeng maging representative sa team namin. hayssss...

Friday, Feb 13 '09
Our valentine program at the office started during our tea time. (every friday we usually have this where employees are gathered together and were treated with foods, fun and games.)  There are some gimmicks that the fun committee had prepared for this event.  One of that is a dating game. I was requested to be the representative for our team because everyone else in our team are taken except for me.  At first, I really said "NO"!!!  But eventually, my team mate told me that this is just for the fun of it and I don't have to worry or anything, and so it goes... I am on the game!

Mechanics of the Game:
The searcher will ask 5 questions to 6 searchees.  The searchees will then write there answers to the heart-shaped cartolina given to them.  After each question, the hosts will then convey the answers to the crowd and to the searcher.  There is a divider between the searcher and the searchees so that the searcher will have no idea on who the ladies will be.

Game Proper:
I don't remember much all the 5 questions but here are some I remembered with my corresponding answer.  By the way, I was searchee #2.

Mr. Searcher: If you are a thing in the bathroom what would you be and why?
Me: a toilet fresher. no more explanation on why. hahaha!!

Mr. Searcher: If we would watch a movie together what movie would you like to watch with me?
Me: Never Been Kissed
* and the crowd went wild as they know that literally I was never been kissed. nyahaha!!!

Mr. Searcher: What would I miss if I will not choose you as my date?
Me: you'll not miss it... you'll regret it!!!
* panalo!!! as in hiyawan ang mga officemates ko. wahaha!!!

The Announcement:
The announcement of the winner for the girl searcher with male searchees came first.  The girl searcher was my co-QA and her choice was... searchee #2.  He holds the position as Business Analyst in the company and is an expat.

The time comes for the male searcher to announce his choice. this male searcher holds the position as Computer Architect in the company and is also an expat.  Guess what??!!  He chose... searchee #2 and that was MEEEEEE!!! OMG!!!  The crowd was in hysteria again!!!  I got flowers (3 long stemmed-red roses) and chocolates.  After the picture taking, we were escorted into the conference room where the funcomm has prepared a romantic merienda. with a romantic ambience on the side.  What with all the flower petals on the carpet and with the candles lit at the table.  Effort kung effort talaga!! hahaha!!  We have chocolate cake and blueberry cheesecake as our food.  Because our dates are expats, nosebleed talaga eto.  And I tell you there were AWKWARD moments during that time, but we were able to pull it off... We chatted for not long until we finished our food.  I won't elaborate for more!!! hahaha!!!

At the end of the day, it was a fun and enjoyable experience for all the employees and for me as well.  At least, I got the chance to win on  a dating game... ehehe!!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ALL!!!

my top 10 kilig movies

Since Valentine's Day is fast approaching, I don't have a date as usual... har! har! har!
What I usually do during this day is to watch romantic movies...  all alone in a room with a bag of potato chips.
I'll admit it, I'm a couch potato.  That explains my bulging arms and legs.  Argghh!!! 
Oh well, here is the list of my Top 10 Kilig Movies...

1. A Walk to Remember (2002)
- "Love is like the wind. You cannot see it but you can always feel it " -- Jamie Sullivan
- Take a risk. Dare to move. Love is a leap of faith

2. While You Were Sleeping (1995)
- "I'll see you when I see you " -- Lucy
- A story about love at second sight

3. 50 First Dates (2004)
- "Nothing beats the First Kiss" -- Lucy Whitmore
- Imagine having to win over the girl of your dreams... every freakin' day.

4. Pretty Woman (1990)
- "Edward? That's my favorite name in the whole world." -- Vivian Ward
- She walked off the street, into his life and stole his heart

5. Notting Hill (1999)
- "After all... I'm just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her" -- Anna Scott
- Can the most famous film star in the world fall for just an ordinary guy?

6. The Wedding Planner (2001)
- His big day is her big problem.
- A romantic comedy about love, destiny and other events you just can't plan for.

7. A Walk in the Clouds (1995)
- A man in search. A woman in need. A story of fate.

8. Just like Heaven (2005)
- It's a wonderful afterlife.
- Love will bring you back.

9. You've Got Mail (1998)
- Someone you pass on the street may already be the love of your life.
- At odds in life... in love on-line.

10. Never Been Kissed (1999)
- She's never been hip. Never been cool. Never been in... Until now
- Some things are worth waiting for

If you don't have a date this Valentine's Day, I suggest you go on with the DVD marathon and watch some of this movies I've listed... I guarantee you, this will make and break your heart!!! lol   Enjoy watching!!!

1st Bible Study at the office

My PM (Project Manager) and our Accountant at the office are hosting the first ever Bible Study this  Wednesday after office hours.  And I will be one of the attendee on this  cell group meeting.  This is a refreshing take on the challenge for us Christians to spread the Word of God for other people to get to know Christ in a much deeper level.  We are going to discuss the book that made a great impact to the lives of so many people, and this is the Purpose Driven Life.  We are praying for more number of attendees and hope that this will be a weekly meeting that is open for every office personnel at the office.  With all the going ons around the world, the global crisis we are all experiencing, the instability of every country's economy, during times like these... all we could do is to cling on to God... the Creator of all things.  I hope and pray for God's leading on this one.

another stressful week at the office... argh!!!

With our Production release being delayed by 2 days, we were scheduled to GO LIVE last January 28, and now was pushed back to February 2, I feel like I'm falling from the demands of my work.  
I need a sabbatical leave...

goodbye my havs :(

After almost 2 years of everyday usage, my havaianas have finally said goodbye to me... uhuhu.  
Yesterday, when I was going downstairs, I was knocked down literally because of my slipper's disfunctionality.  Ouch!!! sakit non!!!  I was not aware that the thong of my slipper was already torned apart.
Hhhmmm... I had never given much thought to how my havaianas would end up... hahaha!! Mag-ala Bella Swan ba sa dialogue?  (lol)
E kasi naman ginawang pambahay na tsinelas instead na pang alis lng dapat!  Ayan tuloy bumigay na sha! Ampf!
Niweys... I would eventually have to buy a new one.  I am torn in buying Crocs, Ipanema or Birkenstock sandals.  Hhhmmmm.... Watcha tink guys???!!!  

OBAMA RULES!

With the Time magazine choosing him as Person of the Year for 2008 as he was the most talked about personality last year and still are today, he affected the news and our lives, and embodied what was important about the year... and winning last year's Presidential Election with unprecedented return of votes, it is just fitting for Barack Obama to be the Person of the Year for 2008.  And just last Tuesday, (January 20) we were able to witness his inauguration/oath taking as being the 44th President of the United States of America and the first African American to hold the office, truly Barack Obama is the man of the hour.  He was able to make a good transition from a Senator to being the President of the most powerful country in the world. 

During his Inaugural Address, what struck me was when he talked about other countries that needs the help of a strong country like America.  And I quote him "To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds.  And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect.  For the world has changed, and we must change with it."

Let's wait and see if he can really make the CHANGE HAPPEN on his term, as what was on his slogan during his campaign.  With the recession still going on in the United States, more and more people are losing their jobs.  Here in the Philippines, we can already feel the global crisis happening with some of the giant corporations either shutting down their operations in the Philippines or laying off their staffs.  Hayssss!!!  What have happened to the world???  But I do believe that we can get pass through this by God's grace and mercy.  Let's just hope for the best!!! :)

i'm loving the weather... lamiiiiiggggg!!! :)

These days, it's getting colder and colder outside. It's like you're in Tagaytay or in Baguio even if you're in the Metro. In the morning, I would get up at around 6AM to jog within our village and it's freezing cold outside.  Well, maybe I am not just used to having this kind of weather here in the Philippines because we are in the Tropics.  But it's nice to feel this gentle breeze of the wind caressing your skin and making you feel like you're in a different country... hehehe! Oh well, I hope that this kind of weather would stay much longer for me to enjoy!

I've checked the temperature today here in Ortigas and it's 19 degrees celsius.  cool!!

grief and sorrow

Have you ever experienced losing someone important and close to your heart?  May it be a family member, a relative, a friend or a colleague? I have lost my mom 21 years ago and accepting the fact that my mom is gone forever was the hardest thing for me to bear.  No comforting words can compensate the pain that I've gone through as a kid during those time.  And now, that feeling repeats itself as I've lost my aunt this time last Dec. 21, a few days before Christmas. She is my mom's youngest sibling.  She stood as a second mother to all of us her nephews and nieces.  We knew that it was coming... and it's just a matter of time.

And with that experience, I've come to know that there are phases of grief.  According to an article I've read from the Internet, there are 5 phases of grief and they are the following:

1. Numbness: This reaction often follows the death of a loved one and may last up to 10 days. People who experience emotional numbness say they have a sense of being paralyzed, distant, and removed from one's feelings of grief. Some say such numbing is the body's mechanism for protecting itself from being overwhelmed by the shock of the loss.
2. Denial and Isolation: In this stage, the person experiencing grief and bereavement has significant difficulty accepting the reality of their loss. It may be expressed in more severe forms as a complete denial of the death or in less severe forms in lapses of thinking and behaving as if the person hadn't really died. While complete acceptance is part of the work of the entire grief process, the initial more acute difficulties with acceptance are included in this phase.
3. Anger: In this phase, the grieving person feels anger with the world, fate, God, or people in their lives. He or she may ask, "Why me?" and/or "Why not someone else?" give a flavor of this phase. Bargaining with God for the return of the dead person may be part of this phase.
4. Depression: As time passes, grieving individuals experience acknowledgement and acceptance of the loss. The reality of life after the loss grows; sadness and depression become more present.
5. Acceptance: The bereaved person comes to terms with the loss, and is able to move on to re-invest in the new life that lies ahead. They experience fewer extremes of emotion.

As of this date, I can say that I'm now at the acceptance phase.  I've accepted that it is her time to go. I know that wherever my aunt is right now, she's in a better place and she's much happier now.

I do not want to welcome the new year with a sad story, but there are things that are inevitable you just don't have control over with. All you could ever do is to just leave it all to the BIG GUY up there. AMEN!