All time Favorite

It was fun hosting this year's halloween event in the office. I remember blogging about this a year ago, that I never felt 'it' happening since there was nothing -- no activities, no party!

Well, I think I did well. After the event, people asked me to host birthday parties but the weird thing is, birthday parties for their newphews and nieces....hmmm...

I said to myself, last year's Xmas party is the last hosting event I'll do for the Centre but I guess i have to eat my words...what can I do? As Cathy would say, "The host for all seasons!" (magagalit si ate Vi niyan)

First Time

Oh yes, my first tourney since I started playing badminton. I remember taking one subject in MBA just to make sure I have time to play this sport. I stopped for almost a year. First, I felt frustrated not improving at all -- all those smashes that I can't hit, drop shots I often miss and a whole lot more. Second, the badminton center near my place closed shop (the name is TUTELTONE according to Shamoy). Third, I have no more playmates (given my working hours).

But now is the time to finally take that next step -- to compete! Some who saw me play before and now said I've greatly improved (mas ok pala walang practice). So wish me luck guys. I'm not expecting to win but I will try :-)

Break muna

Things I like to do or buy (as of the moment):

1. buy a pair of black sandals (flats) from Charles and Keith
2. buy a black/pink office bag from Mango
3. window shop
4. have coffee with a friend
5. go to my derma
6. have a full body massage
7. play badminton
8. go to the gym

...and the list goes on and on and on and on.....

Delusions

I've always believed that as long as you have passion for your job, regardless of the people you're with, you will survive.

That has been my belief and I think I was just blessed to have a great team in my previous work.

That was before. Now, i am more attuned to reality...konti na lang...arrgghh!!!!!

Gawa Hindi Dada

That was the theme of the 42nd annual PMAP Convention which I attended last week in Cebu. It has been a year since I last visited the Queen City of the South. The experience was great, one which I never expected. I wasn't supposed to be the company's representative but last minute (as in the day before), I got a call at 5am from my boss asking me to prepare things/work I need to do before I depart for Cebu. Wow, knowing me...the ultimate planner, it caused me to panic somehow. But working for this company for almost a year made me immune to such kind of happenings. In short, it was kinda anticipated (only 80% so that leaves me 20% for the panic button to switch on).

I was so sleepy and hungry when I arrived at the airport. PAL was on time, in terms of boarding the passengers, but as expected we were 20 minutes late in departure. I really fell asleep the entire flight and just got up when the plane hit the ground. I said to myself "Welcome to Cebu!!!"

As I've said earlier, I had a great experience except for one thing: the hotel where I, and some of the delegates, was booked is located 45 min. away from Waterfront Hotel Lahug City. Imagine, passing through 3 cities before I arrive in the venue???!!! What the...???!!! As if my company can't afford Waterfront or Marriot!!!! I didn't complain anymore to the organizing committee. I heard people whining while in the shuttle service and even sweared to give feedback. So that saves me the trouble :-)

I'd like to commend the PMAP officers and organizers for this event. It was a success, as compared to last year's Baguio. Personally, the event inspired me in my work. The sharings of Gov.Padaca, Steve Benitez , Pres. of Chinatrust and Dr. Bio were eye openers to me ...very timely when you think that nothing great has been happening to the country and here they are, Filipinos who are very proud of where they come from, people who proved to the world that Filipino's are world-class. Despite of these achievements, they still continue to do so and simply because they believed in what the Filipino people can do.

What struck me most was the statement of Tony Meloto ...The problem here is that when we are able to get out of our miseries, we tend to leave our kababayans behind." And that my dear people is the reason why even if we, as individuals, are talented and intelligent citizens, we are not prospering as a nation. There is lack of 'community spirit' within us. "Great challenge for me -- to be true to the theme", that's what I just said.

Being the lone delegate, I'm very thankful for Christine and Quen. My new found friends who adopted me during the entire convention. Because of that, for a day, I was with the Ayala Group. I also saw some schoolmates from college and from graduate school, met previous colleagues (one of them was even working in the hotel where I stayed. Thanks Roy for the cappuccino!) and also family friends. It was a reunion of all sorts. I really thought I would be alone and eat on my saliva for the entire days. When Christine and Quen were not around, I would hang out with the cousin-company, PSPC.

The change in ambience, meeting new people, getting freebies, listening to inspiring stories all made it a very remarkable event for me. Of course there was the shopping of accessory, pasalubong, pictures, food, beer and more!!!!!