Beautiful July 29, 2009

I love love songs! Not love songs that has good melody but senseless. But love songs that can articulate one’s deep feelings for the other. I think I’m deep. HAHAHA.

So one of the events that I handled last week. This song was rendered beautifully by a mini-orchestra (I forgot their name so sooorry!) But they are really, really good. Amidst the running and making sure that everything during reception is okay (because that’s my work! hahaha), I really stopped and listened to them sing this song for the couple.

 So I start looking for the lyrics and mp3s that I could download. And I am trying to influence Faye (our new ads and promo officer) that this is the best song for her bridal walk. (And if she won’t use it I will!!!!) hahaha.

So I’m sharing you this.

BEAUTIFUL

 

From the Moment I saw you,
from the moment I looked into your eyes
there was something about you
I knew I knew
that you were once in a life time
a treasure near impossible to find
and I know how lucky I am to have you

 

Chorus:
Cause I’ve seen the rainbows that can take your breath away
the beauty of the setting sun that ends a perfect day
and when it comes to shooting stars, I’ve seen a few
but I’ve never seen anything…as beautiful as you

 

Holding you in my arms
no one else has fit so perfectly
I could dance forever with you, with you
and at the stroke of midnight
please forgive me if I can’t let go
cause I never dreamed I’d find a Cinderella of my own

 

Chorus:
Cause I’ve seen the rainbows that can take your breath away
the beauty of the setting sun that ends a perfect day
and when it comes to shooting stars, I’ve seen a few
but I’ve never seen anything…as beautiful as you

 

Chorus repeat:
Cause I’ve seen the rainbows that can take your breath away
the beauty of the setting sun that ends a perfect day
and when it comes to shooting stars, I’ve seen a few
but I’ve never seen anything…
Oh Oh, Oh no, I’ve never seen anything…as beautiful as you

from the moment I saw you,
from the moment I looked into your eyes…

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!

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

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.

Where Are You Christmas? December 9, 2008

Sixteen more days and it’s already Christmas. I still don’t have that Chrismassy feeling yet. And as much as I want to share why I can’t articulate the feeling, so instead I’ll just use a song. I’m thankful to came across this song. It’s one of the songs in the movie How The Grinch Stole Christmas and was sung by Cindy Lou, the little girl who eventually melted the Grinch’s heart.

Where Are You Christmas lyrics

Where are you Christmas
Why can’t I find you
Why have you gone away
Where is the laughter
You used to bring me
Why can’t I hear music play

My world is changing
I’m rearranging
Does that mean Christmas changes too

Where are you Christmas
Do you remember
The one you used to know
I’m not the same one
See what the time’s done
Is that why you have let me go

Christmas is here
Everywhere, oh
Christmas is here
If you care, oh

If there is love in your heart and your mind
You will feel like Christmas all the time

I feel you Christmas
I know I’ve found you
You never fade away
The joy of Christmas
Stays here inside us
Fills each and every heart with love

Where are you Christmas
Fill your heart with love

Because today is my last day… September 26, 2008

Photo by Jon De Vera. Taken during the bonfire, OMF Lit retreat 2006

… I will bare my heart. This is one hard post to write. But then again, There is no harm in trying.

To the men and women who’ve gone before me.

Kuya Fernan, because of you I met OMF Lit.Thank you. Ate bless, our perpetual mother, thanks for the job interview even i wore slippers. For the kikay tips and motherly advices. Kuya Ferdie, bow ako sayo (parang si Buddah lang). hehehe. Ate Kaye, salamat sa grace. Ate Daphne, you are one of the ates that I treasure. Kuya Jojo, the george clowny ng bayan. Kuya Avel, thanks for praying for me just a few minutes after you’ve learned that this is my last day. Gilbert, kung san ka man naroroon, hello. hahaha. Kuya Cris, my favorite talent manager. Kuya Jopette, my twin sister, I miss you. hehehe. Ate Aileen, you are an encouragement to me. Sir Rocha, hi sir! It’s been an honor working with you.

To the Publications Department.

Syempre sa inyo ako first na nag-OJT. Ate Yna, thanks for praying for me. Ate Lindy, my facebook buddy. Ate Beng, our talks are always meaningful. Ate Joan and Baby “Isaak”, for helping me chase after my dreams. Kuya Butch, thanks for our lunch outs and prayer time. Kuya Ian for the “free ride” and bonding moment. Ate Joy my coke supplier. Ate Marriane and Ate Lizette, Mabuhay!

To the Marketing Department whom I love so much.

Kuya Aleks, it’s been an honor to be your apprentice. Ate Gladys my ex-pakner. Kuya Ruben and Ate Ruth (yeesss) my adopted parents, love you both. Gracie, my favorite bridesmaid. Kuya Nix, for helping me “pirate” my docs. Kuya Jon, I soooo admire your creativity. OPCORS Mishhhyyy. I’m so glad I met you.

To the Accounting Department.

You are my favorite department. hahaha. I will definitely miss you guys. And yes specially you Ate Gie. When I grow up I wanna be like you. Hehehe.

To the Sales People.

You’ve been great kuyas to me. Thank you. Kuya Ron, thanks for the small talks and thank you for sharing me your wisdom.

To the Warehouse people.

Kuya Rollie, Kuya Carl and Kuya Noel. Thanks for being my body guards. Ate Helen, you’re my favorite inlaw. Hehehe. Ate Dez, I know you will miss me.

To the Delivery and Processing People.

Kuya Mike, your sense of humor still amazes me. Eric, for the boxes. Hehehe. Kuya Boyet, Kuya Jun, Kuya Rene and Kuya Freddie. Mamimiss ko talaga kayo to the highest level.

To Ate Analyn, I miss you already. Ate Maloy, thank you po a lahat. Ate Lea, you are my favorite yaya.

To Sir Paul. Hi Sir! Thank you pos a Krispy Kreme nung bookfair. Thank you po for sharing your testimony of God’s grace to us.

And to the Bookstore Department.

Ma’am Glo, thank you po for your patience and prayers. JL, I will miss our banters too. Ate Anabel hindi na tayo nagkita. Hmp. Hehehe.

Thank you for sharing your lives with me. I’m blessed to serve God with you.

Labs,
Bijoiski

Because It’s Raining September 5, 2008

I’m kinda emo today so I shall blog stuff that I missed at OMF Lit.

1. The every morning Libre’s horoscope reading at the Marketing Department. Since most of the staff came from QC and they usually take the MRT they were able to get the Libre newspaper. I applaud the people who are behind the horoscope section. Those brilliant and creative minds usually made our day. (ofcourse aside from the team’s devotion) hahaha. Don’t get me wrong their horoscope is nothing but hilarious. I think one of the most unforgettable line for me was “Hindi ka sisipulan ng mga tambay ngayon” hahahaha.

2. Birthday parties every month. OMF Lit is like a big family. I think one of the things we have in common is the love for food. One of the reasons how we celebrate birthdays now, is the economic crisis. hahaha. Kaya per department nalang ang blow-out.

3. Sir Rocha’s unforgettable adobo. Actually I only tasted sir’s famous adobo once and that’s how unforgettable the “experience” was. Addiction na ito.

4. Events. Booklaunches, bookfairs, school tours, and even the almost-every-night dinner with ate glads and the rest of the tropa.

5. People that I’ve worked with. After 5 years of working at OMF Lit, I get to work with men and women who are not just good in doing their jobs but these people also served as my mentors. I know that the Lord will call you where ever and whenever He wants and I am just glad that I was able to cross paths with these lovely ates and kuyas.

Writing these stuff made me more emo. hahaha. *group hug*

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.

5 years @ OMF LIT July 17, 2008

Sir Rocha, A. Maloy me and A. Analyn -OMF Lit Retreat’08

5 years! Wow! I’ve been working for 5 years already. Paid my taxes and SSS for 5 years. And because I just celebrated my 5th year at OMFLit, I shall devote my next 5 posts about my 5 years working (including this one. ).

I’ve started working at OMF Lit when I was 20 years old. I was looking for a company where I can do my OJT. My dad encouraged me to apply at OMF Lit coz he knows K. Fernan, the sales manager back then. When K. Fernan saw my resume he suggested that I should take my OJT at CBN ASIA or FEBC because of my credentials and subjects. I just smiled and told him I was running out of time and I have to start by December. Little did I know that God in His mysterious and wonderful plan wanted me to serve at OMF Lit inspite of my reasons.

I remembered I was only wearing my favorite slippers when I passed my resume. I didn’t know that the same day was the interview (gulp). Well, Ate Blessie, the HR manager at that time was kind…make that gracious enough to have my interview still. I was assigned under K. Ferdie (the Sales and Marketing Director back then) and A. Yna (the beautiful *wink* Publications Director).

OMF Lit was a two-story building back then. Every morning I will ring the dorbell and K. Carl would answer. Since I was a new face to him, I would explain, “Nag-oOJT po.” every morning. I can’t remember exactly my schedule that time, but what I can remember was that I portrayed this shy-timid type school girl (yuck!) hahaha. And at the end of the day, I would go back to my dorm and tell Brianne, my one and only ‘favorite’ roomate, how my day was. Our banter usually ended up with her saying, “Ang galing mo talagang artista napaniwala mo silang lahat na babae ka…at tahimik pa ha.” I also can’t remember the reason why I was like that. Maybe because its a “workplace” or maybe because it was the first time I get to work with grown-ups.

Before I ended my OJT, K. Ferdie asked me what my plans are after graduation. I said, “I really don’t know.” He told me to call him after graduation and I did. That’s when my careerlife started at OMF Lit. (‘yung totoo na.) I had my interview again with A. Bless and K. Aleks, and I wasn’t wearing my slippers this time.

I was a part of the Marketing Team which was headed by K. Ferdie and last year they transferred me to the Bookstore.

I am glad that I started my career at OMF Lit, because I became a Christian in spirit and in truth (hahaha). Maybe I should pursue writing that book how to be a Christian in a Christian organization. Seriously, I’m humbled at thankful that God straightened my issues and beliefs at OMF Lit. I remembered vividly how it felt meeting God as if meeting Him in the first time and He used the books and the people at OMF Lit. That’s one thing that no amount of money can ever pay.

I remember falling in love with work, that not even my boss can stop me from doing overtime with or without pay. That I visit the bookstore even if it’s holiday because I just miss it. Or even the thought going to other job saddens me.

Hay OMF Lit happy anniversary to us. yikee!

(to be continued…)