Fashionista...

Our company’s year-end assessment program had just concluded in a Christmas party filled with glitz and glamour as it was inspired and defined a Fashionista Night. Everybody came in their colorful costumes and fashionable dresses, fancy make-ups and head-turning make-overs. Shared excitement and fun filled the venue every time participants arrived in great costume. Other got suspense as other became thrilled. Cheers and yells jammed the place during registration as they welcomed one another.

Highlight of the program was the fashion show competition which showcased the skill and artistry of every group. Way back in September, the company was grouped into four to vie in a bowling tournament. My yellow team just ranked second that time. The committee decided to continue the game but this time in fashion show to add excitement in the program.

Each group required to present two distinctive male and female costumes under the categories of filipiniana, retro, corporate attire, beach wear and futuristic inspired. I spent a week to conceptualize, prepare and do the leg work for my group’s presentation. I tried to use unique materials for the project- the output is an art which defined one's creativity that captured the attention of the crowd. I made gowns out of plastic sheets, sentai costume from toys and enchanting concepts for sexy beach wears. To kill the boredom, we matched a pair of sneaker to a prim and proper corporate attire for the girl, and let her did the ramp as she carried another pair of elegant shoes and bag. We let the male wore short pants and a bag pack in contrast to well fitted suit and tie. We really made a crazy crowd.

At the end of the show, my group bagged six of ten awards that brought us to be the overall champion. In addition, my self-canvassed shirt and disk-mosaic pants brought me to the title of top male fashionista of the night. Also, the lantern and décor I prepared out of recycled acetate film with the concept of “White Christmas” displayed in our office lobby both garnered second place while my personalized Christmas Card was included among the finalist. With all those, I instantly became Man-of-the-Hour. Compliments didn't ended that night. Days after until now, I still receive generous acknowledgement and admiration from colleagues and tt was all flattering.

Trick n Treat...

Bringing kids in the mall for the annual trick or treat party had just become my commitment. Other than the occasional family summer outing, this is the only time of the year when I can treat them all and let them enjoy bonding with the rests of city youngsters .

I’m about to miss recent mall’s annual party in my hometown. It was scheduled on working day. The idea of taking a vacation leave became an option, but at the end, i realized the work to be at stake. I chose to be in the office and attend on my errands. Before lunch we surprised to receive a memo declaring the cancellation of the remaining working hours for that day to benefit employees who’ll go provincial travel for the Halloween. I never wasted single second. I instantly grabbed my bag and took the stairs from the fifth to the ground floor rather than taking the elevator. I registered a new record of 35 seconds (no kidding). I got the first available cab I saw while I’m crossing the lane down the building and at any rate, order the driver to drop me in the bus station at the fastest possible way. The cool driver just smiled and asked me to take the seat belt and hold breath to fly.

The cab dropped me in the station at around 15 minutes after. My hubby was right there patiently waiting handed our take-out lunch for the trip. We didn’t fly but it was fast enough as the clever driver took alternative routes and short cuts avoiding the bumper-to-bumper situation along the main roads due to the rush hours.

Generous numbers of commuters came at the station. In few minutes the bus engine started to work, sign that we're heading home. Along the way, traffic was not as good during ordinary days. There were short-distance slow moving situation. We came in Lipa one hour delay than our usual trip.

We rushed in the mall to see remaining activities of the Halloween program. Right there and then, a big crowd of cute kids converged in their colorful costumes with their loot bags and pumpkin pails hopping from one store to another for some candies and cookies. Generous stores gifted little toys and chocolates.

In the venue, I saw my nephew with her mom almost got sleep waiting for the program. The kid was not in costume, no pumpkin pail so he can’t go to stores to grab stuffs just like the other kids. He was there to watch the magic show and enjoy wandering colorful kids costumes.

I just ate my heart as I saw certain jealous on the eye of the boy stared on the other kid happily roaming around the mall. In 15 more minutes, the program proper will about to start. Adrenalin rush- I grab materials from the store: plastic sheets, a small roll of clear tape. and a sachet of glitters. We took a seat in a food shop and I started working on my unplanned costume for the kid as his mom and my hubby taking their watery food. I’m almost half through my stuff when the colorful parade passed through all over the mall. 20 minutes more and I’m done- there he was… Marsian Kid. I started to see the smile in the little kid when we proceed on the fashion show back in the venue. Few minutes more, his name was called. The boy proudly ramped his 20-minute makeover costume. It was all good as it received ohhhs and ahhhs from the crowd. Around 300 children in fancy costumes gathered at the mall participated the annual costume parade and contest, enjoyed the whole magic trick show, colorful games and other treat from the mall administrator. At the end of the show- the marsian kid bested the rest as he was announced the best costume under his category. Up-the-stage was a happier kid and proud mom enjoying the flashes of cameras from the crowd. Prizes were good enough that I should no longer worry for the kids’ Christmas shopping. It was my fourth winning in a row. My adrenalin really worked under pressure.

Paradox of Our Time...

I just wish to share this article that I received more than three years ago sent by a colleague. This is too interesting that it gave me recalls. I must say that I was hooked by juxtaposition. and i highly admired the way author use clear-cut cause-and-effect pairings which provide reader a far more comfort in accepting the harsh realization of a world that has no assurances at all. The article is an eye-opening to the truth that our sophistication has loosed us from our belief in the myths of simplicity, thus leaving us vulnerable in a complex world man created that is too capricious and insensible to the human misery which could be identified as tause of unfathomable catastrophes.

Behind of this artistry is far more intriguing history of its authorships that I prefer not to tell. It’s gloomy. You'll surely depress once I reveal.

Read it and lets all ask ourselves…What Has Gone Wrong?

Today...

We have taller buildings but shorter tempers; wider freeways but narrower viewpoints; we spend more but have less; we buy more but enjoy it less; we have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, yet less time; we have more degrees but less sense; more knowledge but less judgement; more experts, yet more problems; we have more gadgets but less satisfaction; more medicine, yet less wellness; we take more vitamins but see fewer results. We drink too much; smoke too much; spend too recklessly; laugh too little; drive too fast; get too angry quickly; stay up too late; get up too tired; read too seldom; watch TV too much and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values; we fly in faster planes to arrive there quicker, to do less and return sooner; we sign more contracts only to realize fewer profits; we talk too much; love too seldom and lie too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life; we've added years to life, not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbor. We've conquered outer space, but not inner space; we've done larger things, but not better things; we've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul; we've split the atom, but not our prejudice; we write more, but learn less; plan more, but accomplish less; we make faster planes, but longer lines; we learned to rush, but not to wait; we have more weapons, but less peace; higher incomes, but lower morals; more parties, but less fun; more food, but less appeasement; more acquaintances, but fewer friends; more effort, but less success. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but have less communication; drive smaller cars that have bigger problems; build larger factories that produce less. We've become long on quantity, but short on quality.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion; tall men, but short character; steep in profits, but shallow relationships. These are times of world peace, but domestic warfare; more leisure and less fun; higher postage, but slower mail; more kinds of food, but less nutrition. These are days of two incomes, but more divorces; these are times of fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, cartridge living, throw-away morality, one-night stands, overweight bodies and pills that do everything from cheer, to prevent, quiet or kill. It is a time when there is much in the show window and nothing in the stock room.

Indeed, these are the times!

Boracay Escapades...

In the sun-kissed center of the Philippine Archipelago, I came and find the Paradise of Boracay. I was enchanted by the sheer beauty of the seven kilometers sugary fine white sun-scorched sand, bathed by a tranquil turquoise sea, with a backdrop of swaying palms, set against clear blue skies. On the second day, we enjoyed a leisurely boat trip around and witnessed other hidden beauty of the island- cliffs, caves, secluded palm-shaded coves and coral islets, nestled in calm bays which seem welcoming us and waiting for some shots to share for some friends who are still missing the place. No wonder that Boracay is being acknowledged by most experienced travelers and travel magazines to be one of the best beaches in the world.

The island defines various possibilities. It is the perfect spot for windsurfing, scuba diving, sailing or just basking in the sun. The thing I enjoyed most is the snorkeling pristine coral reefs and had fun times feeding and playing with little marine fishes welcoming and waiting us almost near the shore during the island hopping. When you get on the water, there are lots of reasons to search, discover and be enthralled by the colorful bounty of marine life that thrives in the warm crystal waters of the South China Sea. A full array of scuba diving activities are available for some guest who are looking for a different adventure discovering a different life there under.

Boracay is a vacationers dream, just a short one hour flight from the bustling metropolis of Manila. Since this idyllic island is just twelve degrees north of the equator it enjoys a perpetual summer, with blissful tropical days and gentle ocean cooled evenings. The island is only 7 kilometers long yet it is blessed with a multitude of picturesque coves, rolling hills and sand beaches, including the world famous White Beach where we stayed. The combination of sparkling beauty and tourist attraction along this beach dominate the island.

Such a splendid day is sure to develop a hearty appetite as there are inviting and enticing seashore restaurants offering and boasting the best of cuisine, savor the sea’s fresh harvest. One can also enjoy visiting an array of shops located at d*mall and the rest situated along the stretch of the bay, buy some stuffs to bring home.

When the glare of the sun begins to fade as the sun breeze subside and the warm tropical evening draws to a close, treat yourself with a cocktail drink, together with your love one, have seat on the sand and enjoy the scenic and lovely ocean sunset of the majestic fireball.

The life in the island never stops on the scenic sunset because for night wanderers, the time is just about to begin to enjoy Boracay’s vibrant nightlife, set beneath clear tropical skies ablaze with a million of stars. Evening till dawn offers an array of nightspots, including cozy bars, beach parties, discos and cultural shows including the fireball dancing which I liked best.

It’s nice to know that you don’t need to go far searching to experience the “Magic of the Orient.” For that I left my heart in Boracay so there are always reasons to go back and I’m always looking forward to that.

Honest Mistake...

To err is human. But this is not the thought that ran in my mind before I committed a fault this morning at work. Though it was purely an honest mistake ,who will believe anyway, especially if you’re working and dealing with fault-finding critics. Who will dare to listen and hear your justification when everyone involved were on denials and I , the newest part of the group and perceived less credible, left speechless, wondered and ate by total discomfiture acknowledged the whole responsibility to pause argument and pinpointing. I guess I already received enough embarrassments for the today and I got prepared myself for some more humiliations in coming days. I know that the issue will not remained silent in the four corners of the meeting room and I already accepted the fact that there are shallow people who will really take advantage of this opportunity for some trivial talks as sort of fun- other person’s downfall maybe others gain. Pathetic. That's my worst expectations and it is the prize I have to pay for incurring a mistake in time when I’m dealing with co-workers completely strangers and working with an office nursed by cultures totally different from what I had before.

I want to gain my self-respect this time since I already did the best things which i thought the way it should be. I admitted the fault and asked for a dignified apology. With that, I don't think i have to walk along the hall in a bow head. I never lost anything but a piece of ego- which is not an add-on my character. I will not blame myself, or anyone. Nobody likes making mistakes. unless one want to go through life as a complete recluse, and that's not me. Mistakes are essential part of going forward and self-improvement, more than just enduring on guilt and regrets. If you go through life afraid to make a mistake, you’ll spend most of it doing absolutely nothing. My sanity knew how much I tried to gain perfection, but the more I do it, the more I likely commit a slip. In the height of my battle against fault, rest assure that at any rate, I am really trying my very best to avoid mistakes at all costs.

On top of these, I’m always grateful for having a superior and mentor who never missed of reminding and inspiring me to work on perfections. Above all, I am too fortunate that she never give-up in believing and molding me to be the best who I can be despite the times that I slipped-up.

Owe to the Rain

Yesterday was a lazy day. Its midweek and a non-working holiday. Night before that, I set my phone in the silent mode as an ethical manner while in the movie. I failed to reset it until I went to bed. Longing for my wake-up call, I stir up at past 8am. The sun missed to shine as it hide in the total gray clouds while the sky kept non-stop pouring fine drops of rain since dawn. There is no strong wind evident by vertical strands of rain drops straightly fell on the ground. From the window, I took advantage of taking a deep breath to clean my lungs, enjoying the offered cold, clean, fresh air courtesy of the non-stop rain. The rest of my flat mates were still on deep sleep and soon begun awaking when they start to sense the aroma of coffee that I usually prepare every morning. With hot breads and butter, we spent almost two hours on the table sharing good laughs and more hours in front of the screen doing movie marathon as we’re all waiting and watching the indolent rain slowly taking the time and all the opportunity to seize the day. The downpours never stop until late afternoon but it never ruins our day. As little kids hate if for not allowing them to play, i started to love it anyway. I thought the rain is caring enough for giving us the whole occasion to take some rest and letting ourselves rejuvenate for the next busy days.

Waiting for My Cats to Die...

That’s the title of the book of Stacy Horn I recently read. The book served as the author’s memoir of her weird adventures and crazy ideas (that’s how I perceived it). As I read the pages, it gave me the feeling of becoming a good psychiatrist as I listen to the story of a New Yorker lady in her mid-30s describing her as nuts who preferred living a life in a permanent rerun. She is not stupid but honest in disclosing a wide-range of common human uncertainties, struggles, questions and fears which kept me realize as similar to mine. I admire her crazy devotion in caring for her two dying diabetic cats which according to her served as self-motivation to life.

The only thing I hate about this book is the whole thought of the author’s crazy idea and weird obsession on death. As a result, she is constantly engaged in various methods of keeping the connection between the past and the present alive. She indulges herself in eerie visits to graveyards, lots of tombstone reading, geneology hunting... searching through long forgotten photo-albums, yearbooks and artifacts and microfiched obituaries. Odd that she even conducted interviews with old people asking questions no one will ever dare to ask even if we want to know simply because they are nearer the fateful day than her. Totally weird isn’t?

I didn't think it was very good or interesting to much of a readership. I actually half read the book when I stopped. I got sick for more than a week and the idea of death always sink on me all those times. Last week, there’s a 29-year old single man found dead in his unit in the building next to our apartment. Creepy that he’s the same of my age and I’m single too. Recently, fathers of my two elementary classmates and friends who both live in the same street as mine died in just a week of interval. And lately, I was surprised to hear news from friends about the death of my former student. Odd that it all happened after reading that book. Whether it’s a coincident or not, I decided to stop reading it because I already find things too weird and creepy.

In memory of Mavie.
She attended my class in Taxation, Basic Accounting and NSTP. We used to share wacky ideas and cracking jokes during free times in between classes together with the rest of the class. This girl gave me a recall of a young and talented young lady who always kept herself looks funny. She never minds her big bellies and increasing weights yet still believed in the whole idea that she’s still beautiful and owns that sex appeal. Her humor was very infectious. She’s fun and full of life- that’s what I miss about her. So long, Mavie- you’ll always be remembered my dear friend.

ANGAT Experience…

Our team composed of 12, I being the youngest (kink…) got decided to work out-of-town. Early on Thursday we headed our way to NPC Angat HEP Guesthouse, Norzagaray, Bulacan. I enjoyed passing through slopes and zig-zag roads. For exactly two hours, we were on tip of the peak and almost touched the rain clouds. Most people in the place were on vacations due to long holidays. The venue became a perfect place to serve our purpose. The silence allow us to stay fully concentrate at work. The cold air is very refreshing, chirping birds can hear anywhere, calmness was all over and the rest were green. The mist made it hardly for us to see, but I still let my eyes indulge the blur yet scenic view of the Angat dam from our place. The fact that its one of the most beautiful barrier in Southeast Asia gave me more reasons to admire it. It is a protected area.

Few minutes after, big drops of water started to fall and we have to run in our accommodation. Perfect timing for lunch had just set. The guesthouse reminds me of big dwellings built for big families in my hometown. Dining in a long table with these great people cracking jokes and airing witty ideas, watching the rain in glass windows and enjoying homemade cuisine- pork sinigang with gabi, crispy tilapia (freshly harvest from the dam,) sided with camote tops, fresh tomatoes, diced onion, garlic and salted shrimps, gave me the feeling of being at home. The rain never stops as it insists us to proceed at work and let searching the rest of the place be our next thing-to-do.

I got woke-up early the next day. The air was colder than day before. I took the opportunity to take some walk and search the rest of the place. Fogs are everywhere. Morning dews were on foliage and I can really feel its coldness just like small chucks off ice every time it drops on my head. Houses in the village where still closed. No one in the street but me. It’s creepy. This is the exact scenario is most scary movies I watched- ghost town. As I passed through houses, I can feel that somebody eyeing at me and few steps more a group zombies will appear from the foggy end of the road... ok, I’m just scaring myself.

Few more blocks away and I met a group of kids eager to take some shots. They live with the family squat on the other street. Another block more was the oval were senior colleagues enjoy the run. When the sun started to unhide in the clouds, it began to reveal better color and beauty of the village- the century old trees standing tall around, growing foliage and the colorful flora along the way.

Meanwhile, my attention got captured by a couple getting into reconciliation. It seems they never had a good night. The female felt bad while the male is trying to win her. I’m getting unethical this time. In silence, I tried to get close so I can see them clearly, then…. Click! Ooops, I missed to undo the flash. They got surprised. I tried to hide but its too late. I interrupted their private moment and I’m too sorry for them. I just stayed away and kept sat on the bench not far from them so I can still enjoy watching. Lucky for me that they never felt bad. With great patience, the male continued his move as the female felt hard to get. Few more strokes with no little interruption the male got what he wanted. It’s indeed a good morning for the couple… turkey.

The third and last day was an educational tour. As part of the tradition among their employees, we visited one of the NPC’s hydroelectric power plant supported by the dam. Contrary to the rising buildings in the city, the structure in the plant is located underground. The tour guide accommodated us down to 120 meters below sea level just to see how the plant operates. It’s a good thing to see a plant maintained big turbines, heavy machines and other highly complicated operating devices located in the mid of the forest underground. We also get into the dam. The water was so calm, clean and the view was totally invigorating. I really love nature tripping and I can’t stop thinking grin… green I mean. Lucky that I was able to bring my ever reliable portable camera- I was able to shoot some to share.

Daybreak

… a day during our Island Hoping in Visayas on March. As breaking the dawn we decided to take a walk along the shore to pep up and enjoy cool breeze of the sea, pampered our feet tapping fine granules of white sands and greeted the good day and kissed the morning sun. Under the purple sky, we indulged our eyes as it slowly bare scenic picture of the beach and I enjoyed picking tiny sea shells like token to bring home. I started to pack things during sunup and got surprised by the depiction registered in my digicam. It was great but I got more amazed as I hardly recognize a familiar image on the side- it was me and I totally have no idea about it. Sweet. Isn’t it nice to be with someone who’ll always there with you in bringing the best out of this life? This is my favorite picture during the entire trip. Very picturesque because it captured the calmness of the place, drama of the lights and solemnity of the moment. More than that, I find it very special because it depicted the love in the heart of the caring person who eyed on it. (Panglao Island, BOHOL)

Feast for Unknown Occassion

No offense and no intention of boosting myself. I just want you to share this.

My financial condition was very liquid lately. During payday, I receive mine in full for the whole month ( I was not able to collect the other payday though) and last week I got my last paycheck from my recent office which took four months to process. To my surprise, I receive double to what I expected.

So, I sum them all and kept portion for the savings, another part for my Mom (its my obligation), I settled my cards ahead of due dates, and I spoil my younger Sis with two pairs of shoes of her choice and some tops (an advance birthday gift).

Last week, I dine in my favorite Italian food shop known here for its big servings-heaven for people who do not include the word "DIET" in the vocabulary. With me were my Sis and two best friends from former office. We got too bloated after not just because of those foods but more of it were air reaped as we shared boisterous laughters. Believe me my girl friend “M” marked as queen of talk and laugh. She’s totally hilarious.

The following day, I invited four of my closest friends in my present office including my boss for lunch. After minutes of walk and shop hop, we all decided to dine in a Filipino resto along Glorietta 3 best known for its watery local cuisine. Its an Eat-All-You-Can. Too delighted with great foods. we extended our lunch break for another hour (not bad coz I’m with the boss). No foods got escaped from these greedy eat lovers. We really made P289 worthy up to its last centavo.

On weekend, I was In the mall and captured two familiar faces among the crowds- a sweet couple, former officemates and seldom seeing friends. We shares hours of good laugh and nice conversation over delightful food.

This lunch, I brought my division to share a 3 KFC Bucket Meal. I sent the invitation via e-mail right before lunch. Being the newest specie in the division, I took the opportunity to be-friend with the group. For months of working here, I never had casual talk with them other than work. I don’t want to create a nerd image here. And I think I made a good work- it was really fun-full mid-day. I spent for 3 Bucket Meal and gained a dozen of new comrades. Ei, my Sis joined us- she's few blocks away from my office.

All of them ask the cause of the invitations- I refuse to comment but at the back of my mind, the answer is there… its for our 2^nd ANNIVERSARY.

I'm alone now...

Yeah, you read it right! ... and times like this remind me of bliss moments together. I really miss it. These are what I love about my relationship…

1. waking up every morning and getting welcome with a very familiar face glancing at me

2. Seizing sunup with hugs and kisses and still finding it sweet even after more than 6 hours of sleep,

3. free-cuddles for half an hour until alarm begs us to get up and rush

4. taking every day’s breakfast together while discussing today’s errands

5. wishing me a good luck, a nice day ahead, I’ll miss you, see you this afternoon, take care and I love you through a single act of kiss before going to work.

6. a regular phone call in the mid of the day to confirm if I already had lunch.. follow-up question- WITH WHOM? (in a very suspicious tone)

7. playing tug-of-war WITH time just to rush off office and keeping myself waiting in a regular place where we always meet heading home

8. Dining together

9. being pampered with fine touches of powder to relax upon getting home

10. having a company and sharing big laugh in watching comedy until midnight

11. doing shower together

12. asking for more powder to dry and relax

13. enjoying minutes of conversations until getting sleepy

14. good night kiss

15. sound sleep

That’s the routine, but lately, my life turned out of ordinary. I woke-up in the mid of the night find myself in the empty room hugged in pillows. There were mornings when I kept myself awake much ahead of the mobile phone which suppose to buzz me up. There is no morning rush, yet I can finish my routine in a snap. No two sets of uniform to iron. I don’t even take my breakfast. Worst, I can leave the house and nobody wishing me the best of luck for the day- as if nobody care for me. (Sighs). Getting home is not as excited as before. Watching movies is the only way to kill the time. Comedy is no longer that funny. No more shower before bed. Nobody pampered me with powder, I can hardly reach my back. And to ease the feeling of emptiness the least thing I can do is to grab my notebook and browse our collections of photos stored in it…somehow it can bring me smile. The silence of the night added the feeling of aloneness and the thought of missing somebody really kill me. I never had good sleep just like before. I hate feeling like this…… being alone.

Ei, we are not breaking up. And I don’t think it will happen. The universe knew how much i love my relationship. My other half is in the business trip for four days now and I still have to wait for six days more- looking forward for weekend to come. Seriously, it too bad to spend days in a way that I am not used to be.