After featuring the Dance Moves and the Scrumptious Foodies during the yearend party at work, I believe it’s now high time to share the dance showdown of the five groups.
My group was the last performer after I picked no. 5. I can’t help but feel relieved, LOL!
During the performances of the four groups, everyone was laughing and you can evidently see that we all were having fun in each and every group’s performances.
And why not?
Group 1
From the costume to their dance moves, it really was so funny! I can see the Boss laughing out so loud when Group 1 performed.
Group 2
Group 2 was composed of some Muslim members. Their choreography was a little toned down and so they contented themselves with some footsteps that were very easy to follow. Except for some moves when the boys did a very hilarious skit.
Group 3
Among the five groups, the third group was the lone group who had spent so much time for practice. They were complete with props and choreography was very creative.
Group 4
If Group 3 spent a lot of time for their practice, it hasn’t been the case for Group 4. They only hurdled one day for their practice but it turned out really well. One of their members though had to drink lots of beer before he performed the “Careless Whisper” moves, LOL!
Group 5
It’s my group who performed last but definitely not the least, LOL! I can’t describe well how we fared that night because that would be speaking full of biases. However, I believe we got the highest score for choreography as we displayed strength, intricacy and the pacing of movement/ transition skill was very well performed.
But well… I am part of the group so you can hear me say all praises and glories, hahaha!
Our fate actually lies in the hands of the judges:
The Honorable Panel of Judges
Win or lose, the party was absolutely one night of fun and excitement. It was the first time that I was made to dance, hahaha!
What on earth are you gonna do if you don’t know how to swim and this happened to you in a 7-feet deep swimming pool? LOL! (Edit: Just take a closer look at the photo)
How are you all guys doing during this time of the year?
I am aware that most of us have been rather busy running here and there- buying and wrapping gifts for our loveones, attending yearend parties and family reunions as have been the case for me.
The gifts
I beg your pardon for the infrequent visits and lack of updates across my blogs. The past week was rather toxic not to mention that I was feeling really, really sick. That must have been the fatigue setting in with all the tasks at hand that I need to accomplish in between my crazy busy regular work schedule. More than all, I took time to bond with my family and had to put blogging on the side for the time being.
Today, it’s declared a regular holiday here across the country but yes! I still had to report for work. Crazy indeed, yeah?! I took a few days leave of absence the previous days because I had to spend time with my family apart from the fact that I badly need to relax and take some rest. My monthly sickness have been giving me such a really hard time.
Anyhow, I need to gather my strength back again for today’s activity. After work, I need to go out of town to attend a family reunion on my mothers’ side of the family. I feel pretty excited seeing my Titos, Titas, cousins, nephews and nieces. This is going to be the first time that our Morning Dew shall be introduced to the rest of the clan. I can just imagine the look on everyone’s faces when they get to see my handsome nephew
My Morning Dew
I can’t wait to get back full swing with my blogging routine. There’s just a helluva lot to share:-)
Thanks everyone for your frequent visits and comments. Please bear with me if I can’t return the favor just yet but I definitely will make it up as soon as I can. I hope to see you all in 2012.
Wishing you all the Pleasures of the Holidays – filled with warmth and blessed by Peace.
I was in the process of coming up to speed with my return to blogging. As such, I have been here – hanging in despite my procrastination to update all my 7 blogs. The effort that I put in with this blogging come back is already a huge accomplishment for me.
You see, I decided to quit blogging sometime ago for health reasons. I have been in and out of the hospital seeing many a clinical assistant, during the pre and post election period. I only returned to once more exercise the passion that I have learned to embrace- blogging. But not at the expense of my own health.
This week, my biorhythm had not been at its best. I have been sick for days. It’s a terrible thing to feel home-bound when you’re sick. But no, I am not blogging from beyond the grave. Basically, I am alive
For two nights, I can’t gather enough strength to just even face the lappy. It is such an ordeal feeling sick like this. I have been feeling the body shivers but I had no other recourse but to still show up at work. Things got worse when I had to move out my stuff here in the old pad to the new one. I did not even find the energy to take some snaps for documentation, LOL!
Meanwhile, I better follow these simple steps so that I can recover quick:
Photo not mine
I ask for your understanding if I can’t visit you back, return all your comments and do crazy EC drops till I feel a lot better.
It wasn’t quite a bloody good weekend for me. I had been running from pillar to post for a lot of reasons. I have decided to not renew my Contract of Lease in my present pad.
Yes siree!
I deemed it best to look around for another pad where I don’t have to climb up and down a 10-step spiral staircase. Though it isn’t as terrifying as The Glassgow Glasshouse with 234 steps, I find it too stressful to walk up and down the stairs day in and day out after a long day’s hard work.
Having a spiral staircase is not a question of just going up or down. It’s way more than that. I am hopeful that I’ll be able to find a good pad to my liking before my contract expires.
What kept my hands full apart from pad-hunting was to make sure that the higher ups will have a good venue for the conduct of a short Briefing to be presided by the the Regional Election Director himself. This is in connection with the slated 3rd COMELEC Mindanao Goodwill Games which shall take place at Dapitan City, Zamboanga Del Norte come first week of December.
3rd COMELEC Mindanao Goodwill Games 2011
I had been tasked to scout and negotiate for a good venue with less budget spending. Arrggh! That was torture! It wasn’t I who found the venue though but the Boss He asked me to see the venue for myself and finally confirm our booking.
A subordinate and I have managed to sit and take a pose
The view of the Gensan Sports Center, the orig venue of the Briefing
That stern look: Please answer my call, Bossing :-/
However, after the booking was confirmed, the management had to transfer us to another venue which is at the function room in their hotel because there was a conflict in the booking schedules. Good thing it happened because the place was a good discovery. It’s new and is strategically located. But I find it’s name, Ice Castle, so ironic. I see no ice in that castle, LOL!
A statue at the Castle with No Ice ;-)
Some souvenirs
Yours truly smiling for the cam ;-)
Can't get enough smiling for yah! :-)
Two generations
A pose with the Regional Election Director before the Briefing officially began
My immediate superior, the Assistant Regional Election Director, is way too shy for the cam. We had to coerce him to pose with us, LOL!
I had no idea what’s the program flow for that particular Briefing and so I got surprised when the Boss informed me to take center stage and be the Master of Ceremony.
Geez!
The task was never new to me. However, my audience at that particular event were mostly lawyers. I felt dwarfed! I took some deep breaths, gathered my thoughts, carefully chose my words, and gathered my bearings real quick. The Regional Director then took over the floor after the program preliminaries were done.
The Big Boss with his well laid-out presentation
The audience listening intently
As the meeting progressed, I got another shock when I learned that I am to represent Region XII for the dart competition yet again!
Golly!
Remember the time when I had to learn darts as a new hobby by force? It was a huge relief when I thought I won’t be hurdling yet another extensive practice and to learn a sport that’s way out of my comfort zone. I was wrong. They obviously got me by the balls and I simply have no choice but to squeeze in practicing darts now in between my daily schedules.
Despite the stressful events that passed me by, I’m just glad I was able to manage writing this post, LOL! It’s quite an understatement to say that I put such an effort doing so.
First and foremost, I’d like to say a huge THANK YOU to all my bloggy and Facebook pals for being so sweet and supportive of me all through these years.
A thank you note, from me to YOU!
I have been meaning to write something right after my birthday but hadn’t found the time until now.
On my 25th birthday, I was bombarded with greetings and well wishes via SMS, across my blogs and over at my FB Timeline. This year was full of blessings. Though I encountered a few ups and emotional letdowns, I can sincerely feel the warmth of your love and friendship. Sometimes, I feel like I don’t deserve it all being just a short, Asian girl but it’s so humbling all the same to believe that I really do have some of these people to count on, who will always be there behind me and who can relate to all my craps, hahaha!
HOW IT ALL WENT
My birthday began with yours truly wide awake till 4am in the morning, writing an article letting the world know that Today Is my 25th Birthday. This was actually the second birthday since I’ve declared myself to be 25 Years Old Forever. I only got 3 hours of sleep. Quite a handful of SMSes and phone calls woke me up too soon. These came from a few very special people who never failed to remember my birthday. I felt so special.
LUNCH TREAT AT WORK
We had lunch at work. I initially wanted to have a birthday holiday, being it a Saturday. But it has always been a tradition that celebrants at work throw out some birthday treat for everyone. It was actually the exact opposite from where I worked before I landed working as a civil servant. In my previous employment, I don’t spend a single dime for my birthday. It’s actually the other way around. The Boss and co-workers would plan out for my birthday. The moment I enter the workplace, a birthday banner is hanged on the wall near my working table and a bouquet of fresh flowers would make my eyes glow and give that rare sparkle. It honestly gives a tinge of excitement. A surprise special lunch is usually prepared for me and a birthday present especially wrapped for the occasion makes it a lot more exciting. I miss those types of birthday celebrations. Nonetheless, it doesn’t make it less of a celebration now. I have all the more reason to celebrate for the new lease of life because the essence of sharing and loving is there whenever it’s the celebrant who prepares and gives out for the bash.
Long table, LOL! Never mind the stack of papers, Okay?
With girlfriends at work
More of us! (The Mango tee was a gift from my Mom)
I am thinking of just spending it by my lonesome or simply by pampering myself by going to a salon, get my hair and nails done, get a good body spa, and facial. Hmmm.I think that’s a good idea.
Though I did not spend my birthday by my lonesome, I made sure I have some self-pampering sessions. I had a haircut and had my nails done.
I had a trim for my birthday
Nail art yet again
Ruby toes
What made all these very special was when a very generous sponsor, Skin and Body Essence, gave me a birthday treat by virtue of FREE hair treatments and facials. READ: I had two sessions in one week. Isn’t that wonderful?
Hair treatment underway
Almost done
DINNER WITH FAMILY & SOME FRIENDS
This was something special for me. The pals who came over were the same ones who made their presence felt each time I celebrate my birthday (except for last year when I had my birthday bash at the beach). They were mostly buddies from Church.
Church pals
A quick pose before some pals bade goodbye
Like before, it was not something grand. I’ve always had simple birthday celebrations. The occasion was made livelier by a good musical background- Happy Birthday, Reggae Style
What's on the table?
Chopsuey
Chicken Menudo
Homemade Bombastic Tilapia
Humba
Beef lumpia
The famous "Kinilaw"
Chicken curry (Indian Style)
Spaghetti sauce minus the pasta
Macaroni Salad
Guess what it was?
I thought I wasn’t going to have a cake for my birthday. Thanks to my Mom for giving me one
Make a wish!
I actually had two cakes (This deserves another post).
SPECIAL BIRTHDAY PRESENTS FROM YOU TO ME
Apart from the special presents from a virtual friend which traveled far and wide just to reach right on time for my birthday, I have also been a recipient of some stuff from people who made me feel very special on my birthday.
There was Ate Susan, our former house help who insisted to buy me something. I told her she wasn’t compelled to give out a gift; she better save her money. However, she’s as stubborn as me so my resistance was all for naught. She gave a real nice wallet as a gift when she learned that I don’t own any and that what I have been using for four months was the wallet which I borrowed from my Mom, hahahaha! Thank you. My Mom must have been so happy regaining possession of her wallet, LOL!
Nice wallet from Ate Susan
My friend of twenty years, Elvie, gave out a few cool tees.
The gift note
Elvie and I
Peepz at work handed out some ladies’ accessories. Real nice of them to think about that.
Pinky pink!
And how can I forget my brilliant blogpal Windy? He has always been there for me, ALL THE WAY.
Some more gift-givers refused to be named and I can’t help but make it known from here that I truly appreciate the little things you have thought of to make my birthday even more special.
Nice slipper from a very generous gift-giver
Lovely top
Cool cardigan
GRATEFUL HEART
Though this year has been a bit of whirlwind, what with the move and living solo, I continue to be humbled by God’s loving grace. I am bound to always give thanks to our Lord God Almighty for all the wonderful and unspeakable gifts. The gift of life, that of my friends, my family and that of my nephew who now gives the simplest of joys.
When mother and daughter dress alike (again!)...
With Mom and my brother who's now a Dad
The new additions in the family
The fam's apple of the eye
I love you, Xyle!
Introducing: My nephew, Xyle Jash Can't you see I am such a proud Aunt? Hehehe!
Before I learned how to earn money through blogging, I had to give up the 6 units (Thesis Writing) remaining at the Graduate School Program. I was about to have my Masters Degree in Public Administration specializing in Organization and Management but then I was very enthusiastic to take a different path. It must be noted that at that time I was then still working for a private institution. I have to admit that I was encouraged because of all the hype which surrounded MT jobs then in 2005 and it led me to want to venture into such an undertaking. Although I have no personal interest in Science, I was told that Medical Transcription is a job that’s home based and that I could earn a good deal of money, in dollars, and so it lured me into it without having second thoughts.
Since I did not entertain the daunting choice to teach College students, I decided to enroll for a Medical Transcription Course. I hurdled the 4-hour session nightly (6-10) after work for 6 long months. I would often go home very late at about 11PM or so. I was much younger then and had so much physical and mental stamina so the toxic schedule did not matter. I devoted most of my time mugging through a lot of medical terms, listening to voice files which I often found some doctors have really terrible audios and crazy accents, LOL! I felt like I was in Mars! Everything was so new to me!
It was only within the MT Lab though when I began to learn to appreciate Science. In fact, I have even contemplated of getting a Nursing degree (that deserves another post). The grueling nights of hurdling the MT language and doing OJT for a hundred hours just to get a certificate for this short-term course in between my regular job at the end were all for naught.
Sadly, as fate will have it, it changed the course of my life. I haven’t put my MT education to good use. I decided to apply for a MT job in Manila in 2007 after completing the MT course. I was very excited when my friend had found a condo for us to stay even before I gave up everything that’s within my comfort zone. But then, the quick turn of events had me perplexed. There were a lot of things that happened in 2007 that I had to keep the status quo. I was hired to work for the government on the first month of that year. It was also the start of maintaining a long distance relationship. The rest is now history.
I saw some of our MT Lab photos earlier and I can’t help but reminisce those times when I still look sexy and pretty, hahaha!
Group pose at the MT Lab with the Lab Trainor, the burpday celebrant
Chow time!
Grins for the cam :-)
The surprise bday bash gave us a short break to the deafening out-of-this-world accents by the Docs, LOL!
One more pose for the cam!
Seriously, there’s a lot of what-could-have beens just by looking at the photos above. Two of my classmates in the MT class are now happily married to physicians As to the others, I am not too sure if they have professionally pursued the degree. Back then, I could only utter: Que Sera Sera, Whatever Will Be, Will Be
Note: I have to give credit to my newfound blogpal KM who blogs at More Than Sexy for inspiring me to write this post
In less than a month’s time, 13 days from now to be exact, I shall be celebrating my 25th birthday. Oh! Don’t you dare give me that dagger look. Wasn’t it last year when I declared to be 25 Years Old Forever until I invoke my right to change my mind? Hahaha!
David Funk's newspaper tribute for my birthday last year
Seriously, I was born to two very young individuals who were unprepared for marriage.
My parents' wedding eon years ago
As a result, I grew up in an environment where I was economically deprived as a child. I could still vividly recall my childhood. It was a childhood that’s devoid of children toys and I wasn’t given the chance to play like all normal kids would. It’s because I was trained to do household chores as young as 5 or 6. I had to look after my younger brother who was only about 3 then. You see, I am the eldest of three broods and the only girl in the family.
With my Mom and my two younger brothers when I was about 9 years old
I cannot recall from my childhood instances when my parents lavished me with a birthday party; even a simple birthday cake. In fact, I only had my first birthday cake two years ago.
My first ever birthday cake that was given to me as a gift
At such a very tender age, I have realized that life is not a bed of roses. I feel grown-up even when I was just a young little kid.
The idea of writing this article occurred to me not because I felt deprived as a child. Even when life was hard back then, I felt complete because I have a family who showered me with the love and attention that can never be bought by any amount of money.
Family portrait after a Sunday church worship service
While writing this article, I feel proud of my parents because even when they were young and did not plan my conception, they however, lived up to their responsibilities and love commitment. What I am now is not because I am better fed, better housed and better schooled because as I’ve earlier pointed out that we weren’t well off. What I have achieved as a person is entirely because of my parents. They have molded me to be the best person I could possibly be. As such, I have become determined to achieve my goals from an early age. Anything dignified about me and whatever decent you read in this blog I actually owe it to them; anything else is simply not their fault.
When I went to school, I was a shy and timid girl who didn’t want to mingle with others. I always have that reservation with people. I have my own inhibitions and it included that I may not fit in their kind of world.
Grade I
Nonetheless, I have been a loyal and friendly friend to those who keep a low profile. I tend not to come close to those who have weird hang ups and those who have a tendency to bully others. I simply can’t stand bullies!
This year, I am celebrating not just any other birthday. It is actually my “25th”. Born and raised with my own sets of faith and belief, I celebrate neither Halloween nor Christmas. However, these yearly seasons are “bookmarks” to an event in my life. For me, these are the time of the year when we have to share our blessings with others. Sharing can not only be manifested by material things but the most essential of all is the sharing of one’s self and being a blessing to anyone that we come across with.
Many times, I planned of having a garage sale. Who wouldn’t want to earn from selling the not-too-worn out clothes? However, I think of my cousins and my nieces (daughters of my cousins) who are much less privileged than I. On most occasions, prior to meet ups with relatives, I would remove the price tags (items are supposed to be up for the garage sale) and replace these with names of my cousins and nieces. I would then pack them individually. As I see the smiles on the recipients’ faces upon receiving these hand-me-down clothing, I feel wonderful. I feel great not only because I was able to share but because I have now a good excuse to go shopping, LOL!
I realized that the art of giving, sharing and loving makes me happier. How can you make something valuable that is already of great value or how do you give value to something that is already valuable? For me, it is when I give out something valuable and that it was given more value by the person who needs it more than me. These are the little things that actually makes me happier. It is not the material things. It’s the unseen things in life that are given to us for free like joy, love, care, trust that makes us the happiest persons on earth.
What excites me and what makes me look forward about turning 25 years old forever is the idea of being graceful when aging sets in and of being wise in decision-makings, especially in my pursuit for personal and professional growth.
As I grow older, I feel deeper appreciation for my family. Most people say that real love can only be experienced when one has children of their own. Since I don’t have children that I could call my own as of now, the love of my family are the only love I know that’s unbounded and immeasurable.The love of my father (may God rest his soul), the love and care of my mother and that of my brothers and later, that of my nephew, Xyle Jash. I don’t know yet a love that’s more real than this.
I have always loved to read and write. Though I may not write free of errors, I have always loved to express. I can’t remember anyone teaching me how to read. I must be too young then to recall. But if my recollection would serve me right, I have learned on my own. When I was a little grown up, I simulate what teachers do. I own a piece of board eraser, chalk, blackboard and my students are my brothers. I have been their first teacher. I taught them how to read and write. Yes. I do love teaching. It was my second best ambition. I was almost on the brink of being a college Professor some years back but I believe it wasn’t my calling. I have always wanted to be a lawyer. Yes, a frustrated lawyer I am.
My passion for writing somehow paved the way for me to have interest in learning the ropes of blogging. Some bad experiences at the blogs though kept me from wearing my heart in my sleeves. I had to do away with letting out everything for everyone’s scrutiny as the past experiences had taught me a hard lesson. Some had deviously gathered information about my person and I was dissected like a laboratory specimen. It was a terrible experience that a blogger would not want to go through. I find the gesture unethical and abusive.
When I went to college, I have met more and more people. The more people I meet, the better I understand myself. I discovered the things I like, the things I don’t like, which applies to people as well.
With college pals on our Graduation Day
However, early on, I knew I did not want to be talked or gossiped about, so I deferred judgment against others and refused to gossip about them. I found the people, aside from my family, who can jive with me, who understand me and withstand all of my moods.
On my graduation day. Please don't mind the oily face, okay?
I found friends, online and offline, who are so like me in some ways and so unlike me in others, stuck by me through thick and thin. I need not mention any of them here because they know who they are.
I know one day, someone is ready to make me his world (a scary responsibility on my part). That someone does not mind building a family with me and consent to my being mother to his future children (a risk on his part). I know my capabilities as a woman and with the many roles I play, I strive to be a woman who is a better daughter, a sister, a soon-to-be-aunt, a friend, a blogger, a servant of God, but I could not be certain if “wife” and “mother” fit me. Only God knows. I cannot imagine being responsible for the future and well-being of another individual, much less an innocent, all-love, trusting little child. Right now, I am happy being me, focusing on completing myself, making myself whole, before I become that someone’s whole world, before I become a wife and a mother.
In my 25 years on Earth, I have made mistakes, I guarantee. But these mistakes I turned to lessons learned. And I also guarantee that I will make some more mistakes. However, this will not stop me from moving along, taking each day one step at a time and planning for my future. It is a conscious effort, a continuous everyday choice on my part, to constantly look at life in a positive light. I am scared, like a little girl of 6, of what my future will hold. But I gather strength from God, my family and my friends. I am encouraged and inspired by the unending love from those I love the most.
To get me through another 25 years, I need the younger version of me who thought herself a full-grown woman, ready to take on the world. I am truly uncertain of the future, but I am certain that with all the uncertainties of tomorrow, I am both scared and excited of what the future brings.
One more thing that I am very certain about is that I am going to love being 32 and forever be 25! Hahahaha! There are still a lot of people who gets deceived by my real age. I feel good that the aura that they see in me is the younger version of my real age, LOL!
Yours truly at 25 forever
So as I excitedly and giddily prepare myself for another 25 years of my life, I am ready to take on the world, unafraid of the storm, heartaches and pain that may come my way. I believe in my heart and I know in my mind that I have loved, I am loved and my life is worth living.
The long awaited visit of my Mom in my pad finally materialized yesterday. I was a little surprised when I received her SMS which reads:
My Madear's SMS
For those who doesn’t speak my language, in English translation it says:
“Te , where are you? Tita (My aunt- Mom’s elder Sis) and I wants to have lunch at your house. Tita Nely (Ally’s Mom) kept inviting me since last night. She wants to come visit you; there are many of us, also Tita Naidz (Mystique’s Mom), je je”.
Please pardon my crude attempt at translation, hahaha!
Anyways, you might wonder why my Mom calls me Ate. Ate or ‘Te for short is a Filipino sibling title for an elder sister. She has been used to calling me that since I was a young kid after my two younger brothers were born. In Filipino culture, calling Ate for an alder sis and Kuya for an elder brother is a sign of respect. But with the widespread use of honorific kinship titles, Kuya and Ate has become a generic term for an elder brother and elder sister respectively, not necessarily the eldest. Being the eldest of three broods, my Mom got so used to calling me Ate so that my younger brothers will follow suit. If you know what I mean. In Filipino families, the elder brothers and sisters are to be always respected. That’s the prize for being the eldest. The sibling constellation has its pros and cons but I won’t be delving into that for now.
Going back to yesterday’s event, I had to rush out of the office at lunch time. I informed my Mom ahead that I can’t cook for them because I was busy at work. So I just asked what they want to have for lunch and I bought cooked food for all of us. We all had a sumptuous meal. Too bad though that I wasn’t able to take a single snap.
After lunch, my Mom and Aunt scrutinized every nook and cranny of the pad. Both of them must be reserving their comments for themselves coz I didn’t hear any feedbacks, LOL!
My Mom was able to take a few minutes of nap in my bed before we finally parted ways- yours truly going back to work and the two ladies going to visit my 89-year-old Granny (their Aunts) who’s confined in the hospital.
Today, right after attending church, my Mom had her breakfast here in the pad with her God Mommy. You might get surprised that they even arrived here right ahead of me. It’s because I still had to do my duties at Church and the Mom hates waiting for so long and so I handed over the keys to them. When I reached the pad, they’re both done eating, LOL!
My Mom just then blurted out that what she didn’t like in the pad was the spiral staircase.
The spiral staircase
She fears for my safety. She said that accidents do happen and it’s scary to think of it happening to me. I appeased her by saying that I got so used to it so there’s nothing to worry about.
I feel happy that after almost a month, my Mom finally was able to come around. I have waited for this time to come and I simply can’t contain the gladness in my heart.
Dance Moves and the 
General Santos Time
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