Honesty Tag October 13, 2009

Since I was tagged by Ate beng.

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Can you fill this out without lying (it’s not hard)? You’ve been tagged, so now you need to answer all the questions HONESTLY. At the end, choose at least 8 people to be tagged. Don’t forget to tag me!

Next, tag people and list their names at the bottom. Have fun!

1. What was the last thing you put in your mouth?
chocolate mousse (oops. hehehe)

2. Where was your profile picture taken?

Cruise ship to Corregidor.

3. Can you play the guitar?
No.

4. Name someone who made you laugh today?
Fae, one of my favorite teammates.

5. How late did you stay up last night and why?
Past midnight. Playes Plants vs Zombies and talked on the phone with the boyfriend.

6. If you could move somewhere else, would you?
Flushing, Queens, NY. (yeah!)

7. Ever been kissed under fireworks?
No(t yet ) too.

8. Which of your friends lives closest to you on Facebook?
Fresh (who also happens to be my boss),  Jasper (who happens to be his brother BWHAHAHA) and Josh —- syempre magkakapatid sila.

9. Do you believe ex’s can be friends?
No! (bitter-bitteran? ganon? hahaha)

10. How do you feel about Dr Pepper?
I’m not sure. HAHAHAHA.

11. When was the last time you cried?
Sept. 4, 2009 night before the Wedding Expo.

12. Who took your profile picture?
meeee.

13. Who was the last person you took a picture of?
Ami, another favorite teammate, during the grand food tasting in Oasis.

14. Was yesterday better than today?
Definitely!

15. Can you live a day without TV?
Yes…I think.

16. Are you upset about anything?
Yup.

17. Do you think relationships are ever really worth it?
Yes. Always.

18. Are you a bad influence?
I’m not sure. hahaha.

19. Night out or night in?
Both.

20. What item(s) could you  not go without during the day?
Cellphone, wallet and moisturizer (yes, I’m vain like that).

21. What does the last text message in your inbox say?
Ma’am, I’m sorry if I have offended you. from an officemate.

22. How do you feel about your life right now?
I love it more than before. bow

23. Do you hate anyone?
Not really. More like annoyed and upset with.

24. If we were to look in your Email inbox, what would we find most?
Emails from partner-suppliers, facebook and multiply alerts and short letters from the boyfriend.

25. Say you were given a drug test right now, would you pass?
Yes.

26. Has anyone ever called you perfect before?
No.

27. What song is stuck in your head?
No One by Alicia Keys

28. Someone knocks on your window at 2:00 a.m., who do you want it to be?
Hmmm Sta. Clause?

29. Wanna have grandkids before you’re 50?

Yes!

30. Name something you have to do tomorrow.
Meeting with Jay (General Manager) of Sweet Harmony for the tie-up event with CBN ASIA on Saturday

31. Do you think too much or too little?
Too much.

32. Do you smile a lot?

Yes. I have lots of laughlines to prove it. hahaha.

Tagged: A. Beng, Riz, Xai, Tarits, K. Aleks, Jenny, Jam, K. Ruben  

THE DIFFERENCE (for crying out loud) September 30, 2009

So you’ll know the difference:

HEADBAND

TURBAN -  a traditionally muslim headress consisting of a long scarf of linen, cotton or silk that is wound around a small cap or directly around the head.

TURBAN

Yes I perfectly know that we’re not allowed to wear turbans at the work. SOOOOO before you tell me that I’m wearing a turban might want to check the meaning of it first  or even seach google and look for pictures how TURBAN should look like. OKAY?! Besides I don’t wear turbans. I don’t even own one. RRWAAARRR!

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

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.

Never Too Late from Year Enders (tagged by Tarits) February 9, 2009

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before? Resign from a job. Talk to Koreans with and without an interpreter. Seriously pray someone with my mom as the prayer partner.

2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year? maybe

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Yup, yup. Welcome to the world Izaak & Yuan

4. Did anyone close to you die? None thank God.

5. What countries did you visit? Provinces of the Philippines: Bolinao, Baguio, Pampanga and Olongapo (si Jasper kasi. )

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? Passion to share the Gospel, travel, vacation, more wedding gigs and new friends.

7. What date/s from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? Sept. January – started praying for Angel Aug. 15 – 20 – Official tour guide of the Korean visitors Sept. 26 – last working day at OMF Lit Dec. 30 – Angel’s bday also the day I said yes to him. (yeeessss.)

8. What was your biggest achievement/s of the year? Stepping up and pursuing what I am passionate about and yes having a boyfriend that I so love and am proud of (haha)

9. What was your biggest failure? Being complacent.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Flu now and then.

11. What was the best thing you bought? Card reader hahaha.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? ME! Hahaha.

13. Whose behavior appalled you and made you depressed? Too many to mention

14. Where did most of your money go? Dinner-Coffee with friends, phone bills, tithes (yehey!)

15 What did you get really, really, really excited about? Church activities and plans. Angel’s vacation hopefully this December.

16. What song will always remind you of 2008? (Pwede ulit songs? ) His Strength is Perfect, The Stand, Oceans Will Part, From the Inside out.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: i. happier or sadder? happier ii. thinner or fatter? mmmmm pass iii. richer or poorer? Poorer. Grr.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Listening, reading, praying

19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Talking and sleeping

20. How will you be welcoming the New Year? Feasting my favorite menudo made by my aunt, praying and exchanging gifts with the Mercado clan. Making 2 new year count downs (Manila and New York)

22. Did you fall in love in 2008? Yikeee. Yup.

23. What was your favourite TV program? Heroes, One Tree Hill, The Life Channel TV programs

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? Not really hate. “Like” is a better word to describe it.

26. What was the best book you read? Twighlight series, Love beyond Reason.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery? Rock Band rocks! Hahaha.

28. What did you want and get? Love life and the perfect black shoes

29. What did you want and not get? Too many to mention.

30. Favorite film of this year? Hmmm The Dark Knight, Hancock, Mamma Mia, Prince Caspian, High School Musical 3, and Twighlight

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I really didn’t like my birthday last year. Hahaha. But 2 days before my birthday last year I was with Jasper and Riz having a pambitay buffet at Fish & Co. They were too embarrassed to sing happy birthday to me even if I really want that free ice cream. Hahaha. I was 26.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? Plain, simple but very comfortable

34. What kept you sane? Praying, Talking to Angel, Bonding moments with the family, coffee date with friends

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Brandon Routh and David Cook yeah!

36. Who is your real-person crush? The boyprend of course

37. What political issue stirred you the most? Hay naku… That freaking fertilizer scam. Cmmon people. Grrrrr.

38. Who did you miss? Angel Bear USA. New friends from Korea.

38. Who was the best new person you met? Kelly, the new girl friend from Korea.

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. (Pwedeng lessons?) Don’t give up on your real friends. If you say I love you, you should really, really love the person from the inside and out. Obedience is better than sacrifice. Lot of times we say we’re waiting on God when in fact God is waiting for us. Different strokes for different folks

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year

A thousand times I’ve failedStill your mercy remainsAnd should I stumble againStill I’m caught in your grace Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fadesNever ending, Your glory goes beyond all famemy heart and my soul, Lord I give you controlConsume me from the inside out LordLet justice and praise become my embraceTo love You from the inside out Your will above all else, my purpose remainsThe art of losing myself in bringing you praise Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fadesNever ending, Your glory goes beyond all fameIn my heart, in my soul, Lord I give you controlConsume me from the inside out LordLet justice and praise become my embraceTo love You from the inside out Chorus 2xEverlasting, Your light will shine when all else fadesNever ending, Your glory goes beyond all fameAnd the cry of my heart is to bring You praiseFrom the inside out Lord, my soul cries out

*****AND LASTLY!!!

1) GOALS/DREAMS FOR THE NEW YEAR: to glorify God.

2) PREDICTIONS FOR THE NEXT YEAR ON: A. LOVE – more love hahaha. B. CAREER – Hmmm new job?

A week and 3 days after. October 8, 2008

This week is my first week working with Visions and Ideas! After much muni-muni and prayer, I finally decided to join this team. YEAH!

Visions and Ideas is the “brilliant” events management team behind Wedding Congress 2008. Aside from the fact that I’ll be able to purse events and wedding planning, our office is 10 minutes walk away from our house. Yey excercise! Our Team is composed of 7 members!

Because I’m a newbie, syempre kunwari mahiyain. hahaha. So I took pictures while they’re out for lunch.

Our opis

My desk...I know, hintay pa kayo ng mga 1 week!

guests area. naks.

Last monday, the so-called “first day high”, I was excited and anxious at the same time. I think when you finally see you dreams comming through before your eyes can be a bit scary afterall! But after work, I went out and saw this.

Above our very own office.

I realized that it’s gonna be okay because God, the giver of all good gifts, is with me.

P.S. Pag di na ko mahiyan (ulet) I’ll post my teammates pictures.

Places August 4, 2008

Working with OMF Lit has brought me to different places. But here are the 5 that captured my heart

1.BAGUIO

Ukay BOOKay sa Panagbenga 2004
(K. Ian, K. Aleks, Doc Luis, A. Beng, Me, K. Ferdie, K. Nix and K. Cris)

The first time I went to Baguio without my family was during UkayBookay sa Panagbenga. Feb 2004 Flower festival at the People’s Park in Partnership with Heaven’s Corner, our distributor in Baguio. I forgot to bring a jacket. Stupid mistake…it’s February and it was freezing cold. Haha. I remember Ate Beng and I used to ask Kuya Aleks if we could buy a pair or gloves in the market, and at the end of the event our bags are full of Ukay stuffs and alas no gloves can be found. Hahaha.

Baguio became a second home to me. I could go anywhere without getting lost! (love the taxis). It is also where I got to be in touch with a childhood friend, Dra. Lizette Refuerzo…yes she’s a childhood friend, our dads are like best friends way back in college. I also get to go on late night gimmiks with Xai who was studying in Baguio back then.

The scent of the pine trees…yes definitely home.

Marketing Planning 2006

(K. Nix, K. Aleks, A. Glads, A. Kaye, A. Lynnie, A. Daphne, K. Cris and K. Ferdie)

2. BORACAY

Funny Faces with K. Jun, K. Jojo, A. Analyn, A. Glads and Joseph

It was my first company retreat in 2004 and I’m sooo happy it was in Boracay. We had our marketing and sales team building before the retreat, we BEGGED people to buy Pupose Driven Journal. Our team won the Amazing Race! The retreat theme was Grow, Glow, Go. I love the place, specially during sunset. I think no picture, yes no matter how brilliant your camera is, can capture how wonderful God’s painting of the sunset. And like any other fanatics, I bought my wonderful camera (twas a SLR Nikon and it was not digital, di pa uso nun.) But there were times that I just stood in awe of God’s creation that I didn’t bother to take pictures at all.

With the OMF Lit Family picture taking at Club Panoly…yes picture taking lang.

I think the highlight of my trip was the night I walked alone at the whole stretch of the beach just praising and thanking God for His works.

Definitely love the place and the food…it was cheap (back then) but love the company of the people more!

3. RIZAL RECREATION (QUEZON)

Sales and Marketing Team Building
(with my teammates A. Dez, K. Avel, K. Jun and K. Ramil – we stole Direk Ferddie’s plate number. )

Rizal Recreation is like OMF Lit’s extension, tambayan or playground we held so many company events there that even the frogs knew our names. (I really hate them.)

We had 1 sports fest, 2 company retreats, 2 Sales and Marketing team building.

Me with the boys K. Cris, Gilbert, K. Arnold, K. Rommel and K. Ed at my favorite swing.

Aside from the cool weather and the quiet place the bestest of all the perks at Rizal Recre are their swings. I love this swing in particular. This is where I get to spend my quiet time. Its like my bedroom. hehehe. This swing heard many of my cries, whines, prayers and thoughts. This swing is my friend. I’m thank you bow.

4. BANAUE

Two-hour trek in Batad for this wonderful waterfalls (with my trek buddies K Nelson, K. Arnold, A.Daph, K. Aleks, A. Glads and K. Ferdie)

We had our Company Retreat in Banaue the summer of 2005. Love it. The exposition was about Habakuk.
The theme “Lord Give Me Patience Right Now”, was very relevant  to our activity which was  a 2-hour trek in Batad.

Ang lupet ng Banaue Rice Terraces!!!! I know, it’s sooo amazing right. Sobrang worth it ang pagod.

5. BOOKSTORE

This is where I spend my 8 hours and sometimes more than that, working. This is where I get to interact with customers too. Even when I was still with the Marketing I usually hang out at the bookstore, sometimes to talk with other staff and sometimes just to browse a new book. This is actually the new improved look of our bookstore. Before, it looks like as if we are having our inventory everyday.

OMF Literature Inc. Bookstore – Boni Mandaluyong City

Aside from the wonderful view or the experience with friends, one of the reasons that I love these places is that, the Lord met me here. When I was doubting, looking for answers or simply being still and praising Him. The expositions in the company retreats I went to, were simply amazing. I really don’t know how God does it, but He met me everytime I am looking for Him. He didn’t give me definite answers like yes, go or no. But He always made my heart at peace. These places are simply landmarks of how far the Lord brought me…so far Looking at how His hands painted the beautiful sunsets or the majestic mountains reminded me that His work is bigger than my world. And I am thankful that I spent these memories with my OMFLit family.

Time Out February 2, 2008

One of my favorite hang outs when I was in college, was in UP. No, I’m not a iskolar ng bayan. But I have a lot of friends from UP so they introduced me to this wonderland called Sunken Garden. A friend and I even had our own bench across the Educ bldg. And whenever we meet we’ll just say, “cge sa bench ganitong oras.” Such belongingness. hahaha.

I know that I’ve got a lot of 2nd home, and the Sunken Garden was one of them. I usually hang-out there with or without friends. Sometimes to shoot for my photography class, sometimes to have a heart to heart talk with friends. And sometimes just to simply hang out.

It’s been 5 years since I’ve graduated. And since I’m working far from UP, it’s been quiet a while since I’ve hangged out “just to hang out” there. I guess that’s one of the reasons why it made yesterday (my latest tambay), a special one. I was passing UP since I’m supposed to meet my mom. I got torn between hanging out at Starbucks and Sunken Garden, but yes, the latter won. It’s like calling out my name. So I just sat there at “our” old bench just staring. I smiled and simply uttered, “hey, it’s been awhile.”

 It feels so much like home. Where I could just write how I really feel. Where I could find rest and peace from the battle of the world. Where I could just enjoy the wind blowing on my face, or the laughter of barkadas hanging out. Where I could pray and not be suffocated with the mess in my room. A place where I could just be alone yet not lonely. 

It feels like a friend that accepts me without judgement (whether I’m an alumni or not. hehehe). Whom I could just pour our my heart and know that whatever I will say will be between me and him.

I’ve been through a rollercoaster of emotions lately. And this …this is a perfect place to say time out.