Over a Half-filled Cup of Coffee June 29, 2009

After a few weeks I passed my vacation leave for the ‘grand vacation’ with the boyfriend, He finally booked his flight. The plan is for him to arrive in Manila on a Friday night so he could have his rest then we’ll start the ‘real vacation’ on a Saturday and leave on a Sunday so I can go back to work Monday. Apparently he did not listened to me and booked another airline which doesnt have the flights that we originally scheduled. So now he’ll arrive in Manila on a Saturday afternoon and leave on a Monday morning. That means one, we won’t be able to spend the whole day of the Saturday he’ll be arriving  and two, the driver of the car we’ll rent or my dad will go with him at the airport when he leaves, cause I have to be at work.

 

After a few minutes of arguing with him for not doing things my way. I paused and this truth, like a slapped on my face, came over me. ‘Gratitude’.

 

Just like how much I hate it when I coordinate an event and people didn’t thank me after.  Just like I hate it when people, myself included, magnifies a not-so important detail during an event and forgot all the nice and beautiful things.

 

Why is it so easy to look for things we could complain and whine about and neglect the beauty and things we should be thankful for instead.

 

So then I pause, took a deep breath and finally said, “Its okay. There are a lot of things we should be grateful for you know.  God gave you to me, and He sustained us even when we’re apart and He provided and grant us this time so we could spend it together. I think those details (airline, flight schedules etc.) are not so important now as you comming home to me.”

5 Months May 29, 2009

Since the “theme” of my blog, are the people I love, these days I’m soo excited to post this.

Starbucks moment. Nov 3, 2007

 5 Months. Since YOU and I became US. I can’t help but thank God. For the highs and the lows. For the friendship and trust. For the praying with and for me. For being known and loved. And for the fact that I can entrust to you my heart.

Being US made me experience God’s grace, forgiveness and great love. I am grateful that He entrusted you to me. Someone I can work, play and pray with. Someone I can express myself without editing my thoughts. Someone who is not afraid to speak up His thoughts and rebuke me with gentleness and love. Even we are apart and different from each other, we make a pretty good team. Really! hehehe.

 

5 Months more. And you’ll be here again. And we’ll be taking more pictures together, watch more movies, take more long walks and have more Starbucks moments.  I can’t wait to see how your forehead “crinkles” whenever you talk. Go to “that cupcake place” again. (It’s Sonjas by the way.) Or simply hang out and talk non-stop. HAHAHA.

 

5 Months and more. And we’ll stop counting months and start counting the years! And we’ll look back and smile knowing that Writer of all Great Love Stories, wrote yours and mine. Wrote OURS.  

WUVVVV YOU BABY DOLL!

For Riz May 22, 2009

I think she’s one of the persons that deserves to be featured in my blog because this lady (lady-boy) is not just a friend but a sister to me.

We’ve been together for 26 years now. It could have been 27 but I was born a year advance. And we were inseperable since then … The end. hahaha.

 

If there is a person that influence my decisions the most, Riz is that person. (yes parents, its all because of Riz. HAHAHA.) Riz is like my girl-other-half (if there is such a thing). Although growing up with her is not that easy cause since we were inseperable and people tend to compare us. KASALANAN KO BA KUNG MASMABAIT AKO SA KANYA?! hahaha. But looking back I thank God how we’ve grown, having our own identities and developed our own talents and capabilities God has given us Believing that God is our reason for exsistence and who are now is all because of Him.

 

It’s still amazes me how we are alike from music to arts to colors and movies and be completely different in alot of ways. Blooming in our different fields of expertise (naks!) Praying and developing relationships with 2 completely opposite guys. (yesss. ano pa, ano pa?)

 

We used to say we don’t have a choice but to grow-up together. Being in the same church, our families being life-long friends. But after all these years, I can say we have a choice and and I’m glad that we chose to stick with each other. 

 

26 years of friendship has proven only one thing. God’s goodness to His children that He allowed us to have this kind of friendship that is full of love and yes, compassion. They say that true friends are tested by trials. I say, what we have is tested by trials, boys and time. HAHAHA. 

God is Good pare.

Here’s to another year less drama and more laughter and joy

More new frienship that will last long

More love than pain.

Above all more of God.

Happy 26th! Labshu!

Dwelling on those things. April 28, 2009

Since the bestfriend’s phone was cut, I was compelled to register again my twitter account so she can send me free sms. And again I was reminded why I deleted it long time ago. It’s where I can speak out my thoughts without thinking, it’s where I can whine and complain and let my friends hear it. It’s where I can say something pertaining to a person and yet not telling him/her directly and let everyone guess who am I talking about. It’s gave me that kind of convinience. And I am not proud to admit but sometimes or most of the times my burst of emotions speak of  my relationship with My Maker.

I had a good reminder from  Ate Lynnie last week when I and some of the gals at OMF Lit went out. She said, “My Pastor told me that the Christianity is dying to oneself. So we can say that we are Christians is not just because of our faith but because we follow Christ by dying to ourself everyday.”

 The Lord can see every thoughts comming in and out of my mind. And just this moment I need to stop thinking and reflect on this verse:

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8

So there, I need to FILTER every thoughts starting this very moment. And DWELL on those things.

Goodbye Summer! April 17, 2009

(Bolinao, Summer 2008)

I just realized last week that this year I won’t be attending any summer camp. As much as I want to, since I’m new at the job, I can’t get any day-off. This is unusual for me since every summer in my previous company, we usually have our annual retreat. So for the last 6 years, come summer, my mind and body relax and reflect automatically. That is my signal that it’s summer already. (Well, aside from the fact na ang OA sa init hehe.)

This year, even the sun is showing off its power, there won’t be any summer for me. I’m stuck in an air conditioned room with tons of papers on my desk. Not that I’m complaining cause I’m happy at the new job.

This afternoon while in the middle of the ‘tons of paper’ like an uninvited friend, this memory came to mind…the OMF Lit retreat exactly one year ago.

“Two more days before the company’s retreat. Every year during the company retreat, I usually resolve the things bothering me. I think it’s the powerful expos and the peaceful place. Whatever it is, I get to really really listen what the Lord is telling me. This year I know its gonna be really grand. Cause I know this will be my last retreat employed with the company. I can feel that this will be the year, that I will  have to pursue what I am passionate about.” – April 10, 2008

During the retreat we had the most unforgettable time with the Lord together. I mean THAT is one retreat that I don’t think a staff could ever forget.We laugh, play, pray and cried together not just as co-workers but as God’s children.

And yes a year after here I am, in the wedding industry, just like what I prayed for. This afternoon I miss the OMF Lit pips that I’m almost in tears. But just like a sister working abroad far from her family, I was called in a different mission field.  It also moved me to pray for my brothers and sisters who remained faithful in the field where God called them.

This year, I won’t be joining any summer camp. But this year in the middle of  ‘tons of paper’ on my desk, I will be reflecting and rejoicing in God’s goodness and faithfulness. For He promised, ‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.’ Jeremiah 29:11

For the book lovers April 4, 2009

Kick off the summer with OMF Literature’s unbelievably huge sale!

R.O.B. Us! Raid Our Bookshop: The Ultimate Sale
13-25 April 2009
OMF Lit Manila, Cebu, and Davao

Buy in bulk and enjoy big savings at the OMF Literature Bookshop in Manila, Cebu, and Davao. Take your pick of any combination of books at low, low prices:

FIVE-orites (any 5 for P200)
Reader’s Dozen (any 12 for P400)
Thrifty Fifty (any 50 for P1500)

Plus more cheap steals, including reads for kids for as low as P5!

Stock up on Christmas gifts and birthday presents as early as now! Choose among books such as: The Bible Jesus Read (Philip Yancey), Dear Dr. Sala (Harold J. Sala), Bringing Up Boys (Dr. James Dobson), and many more! For a complete list of titles on sale, click here:
http://omflit.com/home/events.php?i=76

Hurry! Come early for more great choices!

Only selected titles will be included in the sale. Due to limited stocks, availability of titles cannot be guaranteed. Also, reservations will not be accommodated (e.g. via phone, email, etc.).

Credit card payments are accepted.

For more information, visit OMFLit.com or call the OMF Lit Bookshop:

Manila | 776 Boni Ave. corner Pinatubo St., Mandaluyong City
(02) 531.6635
Cebu | Units 111-112 Marijoy Bldg., 306 F. Ramos St.
(032) 412.5543
Davao | G/F Mitaji Bldg., Tionko corner Mapa Sts.
(082) 221.3416

Boy or Girl March 31, 2009

Intramuros 2008 with Rovy and the Korean pips

I saw this picture stored in my USB. I can’t help but smile. Well anyway, I made up my mind that I should blog often for fun.

I dunno if it’s just me, but I find it really funny when gays at tv shows dressed up like real women and they start talking with their husky male voices.

I remember few years back, when I was still working at OMF Lit, Ate Kaye resigned (oh by the way she just got married yey!). Ate Bless our HR passed a memo that we’re looking for a copy writer to replaced her position. I called Ate Bless and surprisingly she didn’t recognized my voice.

Me: Hi Good afternoon! I saw your ad that you’re looking for a male/female for the copy writer position.

Ate Bless: Yes. Can I get your name?

Me: Well I am a male and a female. I think qualified. My name is Georgia Gorgina but you can call me Gigi for short.

I think she already got the cue that it was me. She was choking with laughter so she hanged up the phone. After a minute or two,  I got a call from Kuya Aleks, he was the creative head that era. hahaha. seee. news like that travel fast.

By the way I almost got a memo. HAHAHA. Kidding.

For Kuya Ago March 17, 2009

(December 2009 with the Panda)

It’s been almost a week late I know. And Tensai already did one for you (but hey eulogies are my thing you know.)

Dear Kuya Ago,

Thank you for living up that ideal best-boy-kuya-friend I ever dreamt of. For being my constant Valentine’s date when my prince is still searching for me. Thank you for sharing me your creativity, wisdom, thoughts, problems, success, life and yes, emo moments.

Thank you for ‘delivering’ me safely to the dorm when the theater practice went from one to sawa. Thank you for always bringing hankies, cause they were so useful when I get so emotional about things. Thank you for not “sharing” me with your friends, because I am THAT special!

You saw me bloom inside and out. You saw me fell-in love and listened as my heart cried out when it didn’t worked out. (poor hankies and countless tissues.hahaha.) You were honest to boldyak my face when its all my fault. But you are also compassionate and kind to stick with me even if…it was my fault.

I remembered during a sleep-over at your place, you thought I was sleeping and you and Christian were talking about me (KALA NYO HA!). You were talking about… hahaha secret! Although our family was “three” and now were just two. (shucks bigla kong na-miss si Christian! hanapin nga natin yun!) I know there will be no break-ups nor letting go, cause you will always be my kuya ago.

And someday, when you find your other half (or when she found you), I’ll be celebrating with you. Cause aside from the fact na may naloko ka, hahaha, someone discovered how much you’re worth! But while God is writing your amazing love story, I’ll be your screening committee okaaaayyyy? HAHAHA!

Here’s to many more Birthdays and Christmas tradition with you! (tagay!)

Habertday!

Labs,
Ivz

Turning 27. March 11, 2009

My mom was 27 when she gave birth to me. After 27 years the baby is now a lady.

I really tried writing my thank you remarks for my mini kiddie party last night. But I got so preoccupied with work and I had a migraine the other night (my real birth date!) so I just relied on my expertise, impromptu speech, which I consider almost a complete blah blah. My gasps the MC (Jacky, who turned out to be a hands-down excellent MC) asked me what my birthday wish was, I got metal blocked and said moneyssss and world peace hahaha. (well that’s a first since I used to wish boyfriend, which now I have, thank you very much. hahaha.) WHAT I WAS THINKING!

Now after a much deserved sleep and I’m back to my sane self, I get to process what really turning 27 means to me.

Whenever I make my life about me. I turned out to be so self-absorbed, impatient, worldly, selfish creature who sucks out the life of every healthy Christan friends I have. And at the end of the day I’m still empty, depressed and discontent. And instead of encouragement I tend to say words that are discouraging or prideful not being aware that I did because out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

Whenever I pursue God and make my ultimate life goal is to bring Him glory, even if I turned out empty handed, I have peace and joy. I see myself worthless and little compared to His whole creation. I am humbled how He loves me and use me despite of me being “myself.” Whenever I pursue God I careless about being on top, getting applause or praises from people I look up to. Its easy to be gracious and patient knowing and understanding God’s grace and patience to my own learning curves.

As the boyfriend says it, “Following Christ is making unpopular decisions, but we can never experience greater joy if we don’t.”

Twenty-seven years of God’s faithfulness, now that I know Him, I see no reason why stop. Being 27 to me means surrendering the past and trusting the future…. all of it before God’s throne.

25. February 24, 2009

Rules: Once you’ve been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it’s because I want to know more about you!

(To do this, go to “NOTES” under tabs on your “PROFILE” page (you may have to add the tab by clicking on the + sign), click on “Compose New Message” and paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people (in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish.

1. It took me 10 years just to write this tag.

2. When it comes to household chores, I’d rather do the tasks that involves water. (Washing dishes, cleaning clothes etc.)

3. I HATE high heeled shoes. I think I’ll start a petition that women can come to work wearing chucks. hahaha.

4. I’m one of the Starbucks stock holders. (hahaha.)

5. I’m afraid of the MMDA over pass….really! There is no way I can go up without holding someones hand, even if it belongs to a stranger. (MSC: Hawak kamay..di kita iiwan sa paglalakbay..sa mundo ng kawalan. HAHAHA.)

6. I really tried writing but I guess writing (just like what singing does to other people) doesn’t like me.

7. I’m done buying stuffed toys. They are invading my bed! hahaha.

8. There are times that I just wanna be left alone, but most of the times I’d rather be with people.

9. I love the water. And I love swimming!

10. I don’t understand why some people preferred to eat raw food.

11. I’m Ate Joan & Kuya Nixon’s son Izaak’s first Valentine’s date. HIS parents ordered pizza for us. Hahaha.

12. And yes…I don’t know why but kindergarten boys usually make pa-cute at me. (Gusto ba ng magpapakolehiyo? hahaha.)

13. I love the Joy Club. Kahit mas matatangkad na silang lahat sakin.

14. I can be really really mataray if I don’t feel well. That’s why I tend to shut off from people specially if I have a sore throat.

15. I live by God’s grace.

16. On normal days I sleep around 1 am.

17. I love traveling. Lakwatsera po kasi talaga ako.

18. I was around 10 years old when I had my first jeepney from Marikina to church (Lerma). I have to attend the choir practice and my parents can’t pick me up since they will be coming from their offices.

19. Baguio is my second home.

20. I like my bangs. tenks.

21. Mcdo= french fries, Jollibee = chiken joy, choco kiss = devil’s food cake, Dencio’s = sisig & sinigang na baboy. I’m thank you bow

22. I say the word “adik” and “good job” allot I don’t know why.

23. I miss going to camps and retreats.

24. I may be a social butterfly and I have a lot of barkadas but I only have a few true, trusted and treasured friends. And I won’t share them *evil laugh*

25. I’m inlove. yooon.