Happy New Year!

I might be late for this post but I'm sure some of us still have some holiday hungover eh?

So how did you spend New year's eve?

As for me, I didn't spend it in Jaildah or above 35,000 ft or in a fancy hotel. I spent New Year's eve in a place very special to my heart, I spent it at home. Yes, I've been meaning to broadcast to the world that I'll be able to go home for New year's celebration since the day I knew it. But I've thought it would be happier if I'd surprise my family. Teehee.

Going home is always heartwarming for me. Imagine my Papa and Mama crying the moment they saw me standing in front of them. It was priceless.

I was very happy to be home. I really needed that time off from everything. I have been really blessed and favoured by God this 2012. I have been to some beautiful places I've never imagined I would set foot to. I've done some ridiculous things I'm not quite proud of but I've survived and now I'm wiser and better. I've learned a lot, spent a lot and even though I have my own lot now I know I have to save a lot. Okay that's too many lot's in one sentence. Haha.

This year has been AMAZING and it's all because of God's will. Looking back now at this first few days of 2013 I'm just really thankful for God for his 365 days of blessings. And that he granted my only wish before the year ends, to be with my family.

I guess it's a good start of 2013 for me.

And yes, I am now engaged to the love of my life.

Where did two years go?

Yes, I'm still alive. I'm still here.

So what happened? It's a cliche but what can I do when my crazy life got in the way.

I've done a lot of reading instead of writing. A lot of travelling (and some shopping on the side), dreams turned into reality, realizations, weighed out priorities, change of plans and a whole lot more. 2 years and just like that! Wow!

When I just started flying, I gave myself a deadline on this job. I told myself two years is enough. Two years of travelling the world and exploring life above and under 36,00 feet is enough. And so I thought.

The reason for the deadline is to pursue my first love, which is media. Growing up, I've never imagined myself as a beauty queen or a flight attendant like most girls would dream of. I just wanted to be in front of the TV delivering the news. I was a happy girl during my college days. I didn't care about eyebags, sleepless nights and being broke because of production expenses. The adrenaline rush of live production thrills me. Deadlines make me creative and I can say I beat most of it. I really, really love writing. And I felt I was born for it.

After college I thought I needed a break. Like a couple wanting some space to find his/herself. I think I grew tired of finding bad news everyday to sell. I felt weary and old while typing articles on my laptop. I felt the need of doing something new and liberating. Something that is not me.

I have a cousin who's working as a FA and I always admire and love her pictures exploring the world. I've thought it would be great to work and see the world at the same time. And I've asked myself, why not? Why not take a detour for some time and come back to media.

The rest is history and after two years, I'm kinda sad that I'm still here. Sad because now I think that I might have just fancied myself as a writer. I think I've lost the rigor in me during my freshmen years . I think I no longer see myself fit for media. I think I've lost a part of me that was the real me. Part of me wants to quit my work here and try again my luck in media. Fight. But my other half is thinking the most practical way of living. Flight.

I really enjoy my job. I have learned to love and appreciate it. I meet new people everyday. New encounters, new scenarios and I'm not limited from the 9-5 job. The most important thing is I get to travel and if I give up this right now I'm not sure if I'm ready to stop seeing the world's beauty.

I also realized from my previous post that I haven't accomplished much of my to do list as I turned 22. I  turned a year older but I wasn't able to buy my own car and get a driver's license.I won't be able to find a career fallback because I'm considering to stay here a little longer. And the worst is I have no savings, seriously!

Better things happened instead. Up to now I still can't believe I bought a house and lot. I have my own house and lot. My very own. Okay I'll stop now. I was able to set foot on US and UK which I really dreamed of. And I think I became a better person! Haha!

I remember my professor's reaction way back in college when she found out what the heck I'm doing with my life now. "Actually, if I was as brave and passionate as you when i was your age, I might have done the same thing! ha ha. Would have loved to travel around the world all the time too." She was my favorite professor and I look up to her skills not just in teaching but her journalist's instinct as well. And her having said that meant a lot to me. And I think I still have it.

I have been blessed and favoured for the past two years and I am always grateful and thankful for the love He has given to me. I guess God put me here for a reason. I haven't realized the purpose yet so I guess I'll fly until I find out why.

I owe my blog so many posts already

My apologies for neglecting my blog as if it died a natural death. Oh well, I’m sorry.

So here are the deets of how I went from jolly-molly to MIA. When I last scribbled my thoughts here, see this, I was in shock. Have you ever felt confused and coward to move forward when the moment you’ve waited for so long just landed in front of your doorstep? If you haven’t, God bless you, but if you had you might get my drift

Hesitant and halfhearted for my sudden departure, I packed my bags and left my heart in Dasma.

It’s been four months now since I left my great life in Manila. Yes, I’m now a flight attendant living somewhere in the Kingdom of the Middle East. I’m already done with my training and I’m up in the air almost every day. Well, I was supposed to post this during my training but due to my crazy schedule, it never happened ;p. But if you ask me how it was, twas one of the craziest roller coaster ride of my life.

Being away and living away from my family is crazy. Living in a flat with people I barely know is crazy. Doing house chores I’ve never done myself before is crazy. Waking up every morning to put on my make-up and don the FA’s uniform is crazy. Training myself to be poised and confident is way crazy from the klutz that I am. Okay, to sum it up I’ve been crazy and mad for the first four months. Hee.

Everything now is different. Even my choices on what to buy for groceries and what to cook for dinner make for a difference. No one is responsible for myself now but me. No one will look after me, only me.

On the brighter side I am learning. I am getting used to the ropes and I am establishing myself here in the dessert. I am learning to cope up with different people, from different cultures. I am helping myself to be stronger, tougher and wiser.

Even though life here is hard for me and I’m still adjusting, I know everything will fall in its place soo, in God’s will, in Shaala.

Bye for now, I have a flight to catch and I’m back to base later. Will post more blogs soon. J

OMG

Am I really leaving today? :(

I dunno but, what should you feel, when the time you have waited so much has arrived in a snap of a finger?

Oh Lord, what you will let it be so. Where you will there will I go. What is your will help m to know.

Wake me up when September ends

It's just a couple of hours and September will vanish in thin air. How time flies. It's the last day of the month so I might as well create my September '10- ender blog.

Here's a wrap up of my September:

1. I waited in vain. And still I am! Oh, maybe my patience is being pushed to the wall. Or perhaps God thinks I'm not ready yet for 'that'. Oh well, He's given me the blessing in an unexpected way and maybe 'that time' will come the same way I didn't see it coming. Oh Dear God, just let it be :)

2. Work was okay. For this month work has been nothing good, nothing bad. I have had so many thoughts of leaving work because first; I grew weary of waking up very early, pulling myself out of the bed and commuting all the way to Manila, second; I wanted to rest before the day of the departure comes (but I'm still waiting when would it be) and third; the pay is unfortunate.

3. In the contrary, I'm into business! Hooray! I've discovered I could earn more and add up on my measly pay by doing business! I'll save up in the future because I don't want to be an employee forever. Franchise will do me good in my retirement. Jollibee? Salon and Spa? 7-eleven? I am quite sure my life will be a tad easier by that time though I'll definitely have to work my ass for the franchise cost eh?

4. I miss media. Some of my college and closest friends are starting their work in media firms right now, and I'm happy for them. Two of my friends texted me today, asking for support on their work. One said her very first story will be aired in national TV and the other told me her article will be published in national newspaper. Isn't that amazing? To be honest I felt a little envy and a quick thump on my heart. I miss media. I miss writing. I miss the adrenalin rush of deadlines, productions, scriptwriting, editing and tons of articles to work on. But I I did not feel the envy as if I wanted to cry my heart out for not being able to work in media. I did not feel the envy as if I felt insecure and left out. I felt encouraged and inspired. One day, I'm going back and be a cut-throat bitch in my 25's. One day, I'll be back and prove that the blood of a writer still runs in my warm blood. I am capable, I am, I can and I will.

5. My life has become more amazing! Sometimes a positive and an energetic attitude can attract good vibes of the universe. I dunno but in some little ways, I feel alive because of what's happening in my life right now. I guess it's just the state of the mind which provides me fulfillment. Attitude is everything.

I hope everyone had a good September. So much for this month. You had been fair to me. Thanks September! 'Til next year then! Ciao!

When good girls gone wild...

Oh, madness! It's been a long time since I last scrabbled my thoughts here eh? Everything was crazy and I don't want to explain everything here. Period.

Good vibes instead! My colleagues and I went on a girl's night out last week at Zirkoh Timog. Everyone looked different with their hair down, without the plain uniforms, and just being fun and fab.

The gals just chilling.

L-R, Cai, Me, Faye, Cheng, Leslie and half-faced Debbie :)

Boozed up!

Two of my loves; Pey and Sweety!

With our Madam Cai!

My partner in crime, Pepey!

Yep, I got up the stage and had to bear with the comedians' wild and pun-intended antics!

15 minutes of infamy captured on TV! Hee!

Na-okray on stage! Hahaha!

Vanity strikes before we're off to home!

Vanity, still on our way home.

Yet again...

And again, okay I'm going to stop posting pictures because the next are wilder! Haha!

I slept over at Faye's dorm for almost three hours and we got up to work. It's convenient since her dorm is just a 5-minute walk near the airport. I'm considering of moving in an apartment near my workplace but since I'm just waiting for my batch, it's all unnecessary now.

We had a blast that night! And, we still have a list to do of our escapades!

If you are thinking how do we manage to pull off a put-together-look sans the complete sleep and rest, here's how.

Pey and I with my disturbed and growing eyebrows! Haha!

Travel tips for the dummies

Day 16 of the 60-day blog challenge

Don't get me wrong. I only had gone to two tourist destinations abroad. I haven't been to more than ten destinations here in he country. I'm no expert but because of the nature of my work, I'm quite accustomed with all the what-to-know-when-traveling tips that will totally save you from inconvenience and delays.

With that, here's the what-about travel tips for the first time passengers, travel junkie, and frequent travelers.

1. Know your necessary travel documents.
   

Be a smart pax. Know what documents you have to have when traveling abroad. Do not throw all the responsibility in the airline. You should be responsible and knowledgeable because it's for your own cause. Know if your destination needs visa or transit visa. If you're spouse is a holder of a resident card abroad, you still need a visa to get there. One time we had a passenger who doesn't hold any visa because she said her husband is a resident of Barcelona. She just showed their marriage certificate. Unfortunately she was refused. For visas, know its type and which one should you have. Transit visa, entry visa, working visa, etc. Some countries like Israel require an entry visa and a working visa for OFW's. While some country like Peru, requires none but official passport. For reliable information, google is the best teacher.

• Know your document's validity.

Almost everyday we encounter passengers who do not read their visa. If you have one, check the 'valid from' and 'valid until' date. Many got refused because they show up in the airport with their packed bags albeit their visa is not yet valid. Important note: you can only use your visa on the day that it is valid until it will be. Another tip, if you've booked a trip with your travel agency, make sure the period of your journey fits the allowable number of days in your visa. If your maximum stay is for 30 days, make sure you go back before the 30th day of your vacation because if not, you have to rebook your flight on the day of your departure and will have to pay for that. Also, you have to know if your visa is valid for 1-2-entries or multiple entries because if not, you can't use it anymore.

• Know your baggage allowance.

Please, please, please. After confirming your reservation, be smart enough to ask questions like for example, your baggage allowance. Everyday, I repeat, as in everyday, the line in the baggage counter gets congested because of passengers with excess baggage. Save yourself from the hassle of repacking or paying for heavy fee by simply asking the airline your baggage allowance. Some destinations are in weight concept while others are in piece concept. If your baggage allowance only allows you 30 kilograms, make it 30 or less than but not more than. For piece concept, you are only allowed 23 kgs for that and any excess weight or extra luggage will be charged for heavy fee and extra piece fee. I don't know how much it would cost you in other airlines but in us, it's 100 USD for heavy fee. Imagine how much money you can save for shopping and pasalubong rather than paying for your oversize or overweight luggage. Also, ask information regarding your carry-on luggage. Some airlines allow 7, 10, or 12 kgs. What's important is it must fit on your overhead compartment or underneath your seat. Also, keep your liquid items like perfume, shampoo, and other toiletries in a zip lock and put it in your check-in luggage, not in your hand carry bags. As one passenger told me, "We don't need everything so why bring many?" Bring only what you really need.

• Bring extra cash.

The other day, a passenger was asking for help because she lacks money to pay for the airport tax. What if you're very hungry and the flight was delayed? What if you have to pay for some taxes? You can't just say that you have no money because if you tell it to the immigration officers, they'll show no mercy and you might be offloaded. Save yourself travelers. For Philippine passport holders and even for resident card holders abroad, you need to pay for travel tax if your ticket is issued abroad. For the airport tax, everyone has to pay for the terminal fee. Always bring extra cash with you. All.the.time.

• Keep company outside the airport

It's best to ask your relatives to stay outside the airport until you reach the gate holding area of your airline or better until the flight departs. You just don't know that you need someone around not until in cases like you have to hand over to them your excess items that you need to pull out, or if you need some cash to pay for taxes or to buy food or worst if the flight is canceled. People is better than no people at all.

• Avail mileage programs

Make use of your airlines' mileage programs. It can do wonders in your future trips like upgrades or you can even use it in lieu of paying excess bags or other stuff. The longer you've been traveling with the airline of your preference, the bigger mileage points you'll earn. For example, we had passengers, sea farers to be exact, who were upgraded to business class because of their heightened miles. That's like a good steal right? Ask for your airlines' mileage program and enroll yourself in it.


So that's a wrap for my travel tips. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Make sure you are prepared for everything before your departure date. Research and inquire. These two words are your best friend for a hassle-free flight. I hope this helps somehow. Bon voyage!

Hello and goodbye

Day 11 of the 60-day blog challenge

I'm supposed to write a different topic tonight. But due to what' s happening as of the moment I just feel like blogging what my heart shouts.

I meet a lot of people everyday in the airport. Pinoy. Dutch. French. German. Spanish. Brazilian. Italian. A lot of man. I just say hello to them and bid goodbye when they board the aircraft. I kinda like the feeling because I know them yet there's no string attached. I don't have to exert extra effort to maintain good relationship with them. I don't have to worry about petty misunderstandings and nurture friendship more. I say hello and goodbye not later than 5 minutes. I don't lose anything because I don't have them. Yes, I can be anti-social at times.

Now, I love my work because I love the workplace and the people in it. They are fun, spontaneous, professional, and free-spirited. We are a team. We work hard and play harder. We try to know each other and care for one and all. More than a team, I feel like we're a family.

So when someone's saying goodbye, I feel sad because we will lose one happy soul in the family.

Our lost is your gain. Good luck Albee. See you in the sky. You will surely be missed. I love you.


PS. I think I'll feel exactly what you're going through right now when 'that' time comes. :(

Not just another manic Monday (because it was a rest day!)

Day 10 of the 60-day blog challenge.

How did you spend your Monday?

I spent it by waking up so late, around 10 in the morning. I made my bed, got up, and ate tortang giniling and golden fried rice cooked by my Mom. While enjoying home-cooked breakfast, I was listening to Barbara Streisand's greatest hits like Woman in love, I finally found someone, People, and You don't bring me flowers as played by Mama.

Papa, Mama and I are eating, in the same table, at the same time. I felt like it's been years since we had breakfast together. We chatted our lives off, told them some progress about my application, while they were giving me advices at work. Papa blurted out, "Masaya na ako kasi nagbunga ang pinaghirapan namin, hindi nasayang." I don't want to be sentimental that early so I just smiled. And in my mind, I was very overwhelmed. I told them what my plans are when I'm working abroad. I just want the best for my parents, my family. I already had the plans drawn.

This afternoon, I watched Kick-Ass. Oh, I know I'm tons late to react but I'd just like to say that it's so damn good. And to say that is an understatement. I have new favorite super heroes, Kick-Ass and Hit Girl. Poor thing Big Daddy died but it always happens, the good ones die early, and yes it sells!

Tomorrow I'm off to work again. And it seems like it'll take longer than I expected for my 'new work' to ask me to bid adieu to my KLM family. Patience dear, God knows the right time for everything.

Have a good week folks!

Gimme back my Sundays!

Day 9 of the 60-day blog challenge.

See, I enjoy my job. Time flies so fast. Adrenaline rush drives me to go beyond my limit. I meet a lot of people from different places all over the world everyday. I wake up, work, eat, go home, and work doesn't follow me nor bothers me when I'm around the house.

Perhaps the only thing I don't like about my work is that I work every weekends. I take my off at work every weekdays. Mondays to be exact. Sometimes, I feel sad that everyone is in their house taking their day's off in a Sabbath day while I have to get up from my sweet slumber and work my ass off. Boo.

Today, I spent my Sunday, well of course at work, and went to mass in the evening with Papa, Ate Ghelai, Sherwin, and their adorable kid Shannen. I was so sleepy and dizzy but I was the one who suggested Pop to go to the church so I have to walk my talk no matter what. Besides, I was having a bad day at work and I figured it's the exact place to go for my retreat. Plus, I owe Him lots of thank you prayers.

I miss my Sundays. There's a lot of things I used to do before, especially during Sundays. I used to have so much time during weekends. Sunday is a family day. When we were young and whinny, my parents used to take us to the church every Sunday and have dinner at Jollibee or McDonalds after wards.

When we were still in Manila, we used to go to a very cozy pancake house (it's beside Sta. Cruz church) after the mass where I play with the statue horses while I lick maple syrup on my fingers. I miss my childhood days when my parents used to have more time for us. I guess the more you grow up and the more responsibilities you have, the less time for pleasure or even some time off from serious stuff. Since my parents started paying college tuition, we seldom go to church.

Back to my hullabaloo, after church we ordered food in McDonalds and took it to eat at home. Today was a bitter sweet day. Again, thank you God for the blessing. I wish you'll add more blessing by giving back my weekends' off. Or I just have to wait until the end of the month for a whole week of rest in preparation for 'that'. :)

Now, I'm off to hug my bed. Good night everyone. Sweet dreams. Don't let the bed bugs bite. Zzzzz.

Have you read the August issue of OK! magazine?

Day 7 of the 60-day blog challenge



Friends, make sure to get a copy of OK!'s August issue. I personally think this issue is packed with the latest deets in Hollywood's finest. Also, the fashion and beauty features are amazing. OK! really knows how to make their readers equally beautiful with Tinseltown's jewels. I adored the cover story which feats Hollywood's cutest tots and how their parents manage to raise them in their weird and crazy world. Of course, with the paparazzi's around. Now who doesn't love Suri eh?

oh and by the way, if you just zoom your eyes to the image above, you can see the subtitle which says Lindsay Lohan sent to prison. Yep, I wrote that. :)

So please, please, please...grab a copy now! Thanks!

Wisdom for today

Day 6 of the 60-day blog challenge.

It's the first weekend of the month. Hooray! I wasn't crossed to SQ today so after our flight, I headed to the lounge to knock off. I could not sleep. Good thing I brought my sister's stash of magazines from home and decided to read it as I was killing time.

While reading, I felt like I hit a sore spot. Yes. Yes. Yes. I miss the magazine. I miss working for Cosmo. I miss my creative juices working for OK! I miss the Summit Media office. I miss my editors most especially in OK! mag.

See, I have a problem. I'm a graduate of broadcast journalism. I have dreams of swinging the ropes of media, may it be in TV, radio, or magazine. I have always pictured myself working for it. But after graduation, I wanted to take some time off. I wanted to take a break because I felt like I grew tired of writing. I felt like my eye bags grew tired of my sleepless nights due to productions and editing. I felt like my body grew tired of the stress, the deadlines, and demanding production matters. And so I took a detour. But I know that deep inside my heart of hearts, writing still runs in my blood.

Maybe I'm just not into it, right now. Like a man who's been loyal to his first love but felt something like he's never experienced before, with another woman.

As what I was saying, I stumbled upon a magnificent wisdom while reading. And it perfectly defines what shall I do and feel about my present condition.

As my editor in my OJT days put it, "We encourage you to own the changes in your life- bitter or sweet- and use them to make your life more amazing. We believe in the power of makeovers. They can pluck you out of being boring, depressed, or ordinary, and make you fun, fearless, and fantastic."

I was really inspired with this part. To be honest, I am indifferent to where I am right now. I am somewhere in between of sad and happy but not as lovely as what I felt when I was in media. However, I won't let my sadness eat my abilities. I'll make this change work for me. I'll make myself a best person out of this work, which I neither love or hate. I'll make this work to make myself amazing, fun, fearless, and fantastic.


Here's to all fantastic women who can pull everything off despite and inspite of!

Ouch!

Day 5 of the 60-day blog challenge.

Today is not my day, I'd like to say so. Here's a series of unfortunate events that happened to me today.

1. I didn't hear my alarm clock went off hence I arrived late at work.

2. I fell off the bus. As in literally, I stepped on the wrong stair as I get off the bus and then, boom, I fell. With my elbows on the floor, I stood up and said "I'm okay, I'm okay." And then I quietly walk inside the airport. That's a great way to start my day. Gah.

3. "That depressing news". I hope I can achieve my goal one day. I just thrive in the idea that God has better plans in store for me. Patience. Hope, dear.

4. I conditioned myself to eat ice cream after lunch. I was yearning for it. I fell in line for the ice cream and just when it was my turn, there were no ice cream on the stands. I was in front of the line and there was none left. No more.

5. I left my umbrella at home. And it was raining this afternoon. You already know what happened next.

6. As I arrived home, Papa was mad. He was a lose cannon. His blood pressure skyrocketed again because he was worried of me. Yep, I'll always be a baby. I did not say a word. I let him cool down.

7. I'm tired. Working but underpaid. All bruised up. Fat. Frustrated. And worst, broke.

Oh well, it's true that when it rains, it pours. Good night. I hope to see the rainbow tomorrow when I wake up.

My t op five pica-pica (road trip edition)

Day 4 of the 60-day blog challenge

If you live in the South and you work in the city, you and I probably get tired of the same thing everyday; traffic and commute.

I've tried moving out of our house and living near my workplace but it didn't work out for me. I miss home. I miss my parents, sisters, my niece and my Lola. I miss my bed. I haven't gotten a sound sleep, except for days when I'm dead tired. I miss the overflowing food and all the values made from home. I guess I'm not yet ready to live on my own.

Anyhoo, the estimated travel tive from Manila to Cavite is 1 hour and 30 minutes, without the traffic. But when the streets get infested with dreadful traffic, commuters spend 2 hours or more. During this span of time, everyone gets bored and hot tempered. As for me, I get irritated and hungry. Everytime I get stuck in the traffic, I always pray that some takatak boys will show up in the bus and sell me some snacks to munch on. Chips, biscuits, candies...with their persuasive voices, you're sure to buy something to save yourself from the crazy traffic.

With that, here's my top 5 pica-picas.

5. Empanada
This is just new in the road market, I think. On my way to Cavite, there's only one man who sells empanada and I seldom get the chance to encounter him. I don't know his name so I'd like to call him Kuya Joe. But every time I hear him say "Empanada, bagong luto, mainit pa," (Yep, I know his famous line) I wake up from my slumber and grab some ham and cheese empanada for my tummy.Okay, so Kuya Joe's empanada comes in two flavors, ham and cheese and chicken empanada. I prefer the first one. With just an affordable price, 12 pesos, Kuya Joe's empanada is filled with chopped ham and melted cheese. Yum!

4. Green peas and cornick
If siopao is for dinuguan and tuyo is for champorado, then green peas is for cornick. These two contemplate well each other and has been a staple on birthday parties and inuman session. On the road, I like Boy Bawang and Ding Dong. Crunchy and salty, so much yum to munch on. I just wish I can also have a can or two of beer while on the road, stuck in traffic, on a rainy day. Haha!

3. Chips
Who doesn't love chips? It's fun and can take away your bore. Piattos, Nova, Chippy, Marty's, Pillows, Roller coaster, Tortillos and a lot to mention.

2. Mani/ Peanut
Mani is a classic pica-pica. Boiled or stir-fried, it's always a blockbuster. I have seen so many variations of mani; from peanut brittle, kasoy mani, mani na hubad, mani with balat, mani na sinangag, and of course nilagang mani. As for me, I want my nuts hot and naked! (No pun intended, go figure) :) Need not to say more because mani is every Pinoy's favorite.

1. Kropek/ Fish cracker
I don't know what kropek or fish cracker is made of but I really really love the taste of it. I'm addicted to it since I was young. Whenever we pass by on vendors selling kropek, I make sure I'll get my own plastic bag of fish crackers. Up to my OJT days and as of this time, kropek is still my personal favorite. I prefer it without vinegar and I can finish one bag in one sitting, without sharing it to my friends. Hee.


How about you? What's your favorite pica-pica?

There's something about Charice

First day of the 60-day blog challenge.

For today, I haven't done anything except for two things; eating and sleeping. Today's my off so I might as well eat and sleep and eat and sleep to keep my sanity on its normal level.

By now, I know everybody know's Charice biggest break ever. Yes, our very own 18-year old Charice Pempengco, whose killer vocals amazed the world, is going to star on Glee. Isn't that fantabulous? When I learned about it, and when Charice confirmed that, I was like "Shocks, Charice is going to star on Glee. Singing with Rachel and Finn. Oh my God." I was so envious. Heee. :)

Yes, you are seeing it right. I am with no other than Charice! :)

The picture above was taken back during my OJT days in Cosmo magazine. I helped out on the photo shoot that day for the Fun fearless female awardees of Cosmo and Charice was included on the list. Vis-a-vis, I can't believe that our home grown talent is turning 18 then. I still saw her as that child who didn't win the singing contest in ABS-CBN. But that didn't stop her from pursuing her goal. Soon enough she conquered YouTube, The Ellen Degeneres show, Oprah and a lot to mention. In short, she became an international hit.

Well, I can attest that she really deserves it. She is a star. Charice was very professional. I know she was so tired from chains of concerts abroad but during that photo shoot for Cosmo, she was so energetic and so much fun to be with. I remember how giggly she was. It was a back to back photoshoot with two of Summit Media's mags, Candy and Cosmo. When it was Cosmo's turn, we can't see any trace of laziness and primadonna attitude. The shoot was like a mini concert. Charice was singing and dancing and immitating Beyonce and we were like the members of her fan clubs enjoying her litle private show. Charice was such a real diva. Her voice was magnificent. Even if the time has exceeded for the shoot, we didn't hear anything from her. Of course her manager and mother reminded us from time to time and we did expedite the whole thing. I was listening from her manager's stories and when I learned how hectic Charice's schedule was, oh I felt lucky how easy as a breeze my life was. Yes, it pays to be famous.

Oh well, I'm anything but excited. I'm very happy and proud for Charice and for our country. Another Filipino talent wowed the world. Another Filipino proves the world how ingeniuous and talented we are. Go Charice! I'm so proud of you, and so our countrymen. Mabuhay ka!

FYI, you can see the behind the scenes of the photo shoot here. Browse the gallery and scroll to the two last pictures and tada, there I was. Yes it's me. :)

Quick check

I've been through a lot lately. Work bullies, heart aches, trust issues, family problems and other personal stuff I dare not to write about. Two words. I'm exhausted.

It's like, reality slapped me on the face, burst my bubble and I, the gullible and vulnerable gal, was hurt, and too bad, I never saw it coming.

Work. Delayed flights. Hotac. Rebellious passengers. I was excited at first like a child holding her first barbecue. But gad, twas a day to endure and remember. Too many lessons learned that day. Too much points to ponder on. And the room is so big for improvement. I'll fire away.

Heart aches. I was hurt by the people I never expected would turn their backs on me, accused and prejudged me. Sigh. I don't want to remember every deets of it. What's important now is Jeff and I are together (yes, we've been on a rough road lately), and that's what counts. The fact that we have each other at this time that we're almost hitting rock bottom, we still have the world to hold on to.

Family. I can still put up with heart breaks but when my family is on the line, it's as if my heart will come off my chest with sadness. It's the first time my father has been rushed to the hospital. When I was told by my sister, my tears started to fall in a heartbeat. Tears kept running down my face while I'm on my way home from Mall of Asia to Cavite. When I saw Papa in the ER, I tried to be calm and refrained myself from crying. I tried to make the aura cool and fun by joking him. I'm glad Papa is recuperating well. Not so long after that, I was told that my uncle was rushed also in the ER. He had a mild stroke. Oh, it really pours when it rains. Uncle Globen is my favorite Uncle in the world. I remember how fun my childhood days were when he teases. Please, please, help my family dear God.

Oh, too many bad vibes. Shoo. shoo. shoo. I'll doze it all away. Good night. And beware of the bed bugs that bite.

Work and all that stuff

I do things differently.

I wear socks and brush petroleum jelly on my feet before I sleep. I eat the sides of the sandwich first before I finish it all up. I roll each piece of clothing every time I pack so it would fit perfectly inside my luggage. I fix my own closet and knows the exact location of my favorite black cardigan even when my eyes are closed. I can take responsibility for my own happiness. I can be happy on my own and a lot of things to add on this list.

At work, I also do things differently. I try not to mess up, and if ever, I make it sure I clean my own clutter. I don't blame someone for it neither depend for others to save my ass from a work's fiasco. I kiss ass not because I have to but because I love my job I am ready to suck all the monsters and bad dreams my job has. Yeah, I can be a sucker. I ask myself what's in it for me and if I find more 'none' than ''on the other hand', I am sure to quit. ASAP. Also, I try my very best to befriend all my colleagues not to stick to them for promotion but because I want to establish a good camaraderie with them. Sometimes, I can be anti-social but when the boat starts to sail, I could be their best ride ever.

On the other hand, I am sure a giver. I am not stingy for advices and help. I even volunteer for the dirty-works and the nitty-gritty part of the job. I am not secretive when sharing information and I would always want to learn in group. Yes, I am definitely a team-player.

I'm blogging all of this because I want to let something off my chest. There's just this someone from, er, work that irks me the most. If you happen to come across my blog, which I doubt because I actually know you hate reading, I just want to give you some reminders, for your own good.

1. Do.not.Compete.with.ME. Because I actually don't think of you at work. I don't care if you're better or weaker than me, I prefer the latter, but for god's sake. Every time I hear you speak about comparing yourself to me, I might turn into a lose cannon. Tempreance, I know.

2. I won't trust you anymore. Period. I tried to be good to you but you haven't been nice to me. I hope everyone knows how bad, bad, bad you are.

3. Do you know the meaning of the words shut up? Because I think you ain't have any clue. To make it sound sweet and good...I will quote from a song, "You say it best, when you say nothing at all."

4. Please, don't bother anyone with your self-centered self. Everyone experiences the same post and everyone of us makes it through without s whine. Except you. Grow up. No one would always be there for you or will take after you.

5. Throw me all the garbage you have. Throw me all the insecurity you have. Throw me all the frustrations you have. Because really, the hell I care. The law of the garbage truck says...

”Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of ang

er, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it. If you let them, they’ll dump it on you. When someone wants to dump on you, don’t take it personally. You just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. You’ll be happy you did.

6. Save yourself honey, stop playing user-friendly. Because it stinks. And take note of my mantra, I try to be always good. Whatever the situation is, I don't bite. But I am not a doormat either.

The joys of first pay day

Disclaimer: There will be no figures declared in any part of this blog due to...uhm, well, I might burst your bubble. Hee.

Oh! I've got my first salary. The feeling is nice actually. I felt like I can live alone without any support from my parents, buy a car or a beautiful house with a spacious garden or put up a salon and spa. Okay scratch the last idea, but seriously, I felt independent. It's like I've reached a certain point in my life where I leave every immaturity, tantrums, petty fights, and childhood cries behind. It's like embarking on another phase of my life where I am held responsibly for every actions, and of course, for every expenses I am going to make. It really felt special when the polished and crisped bills I worked for a week or two landed on my bony hands. It feels good knowing that you get paid for working hard, or maybe not really. This is my initiation to the real world, I think.

Anyways, here's what I spent with my measly pay. Lol.

1. I bought cosmetics! Because I always have to look good, I've purchased Mary Kay Blush on and Liquid Foundation from a good friend.

Then I can be beautiful...
With these stash. I wish I could complete this, but I'm such a Clinique gal. (Sorry no actual pics)

2. Chocolate cake for everyone in the family.

Imagine this because the cake was all gone before I can take a shot ;p

3. And of course, of course...I gave some moolah to my Mama and Papa. It's a different feeling of, not pride but proud, that after soo many years of my parents' financing my needs, I can now actually repay them for everything, albeit in just small ways and, small amounts. Although they are not asking me nor oblige me to give them a portion of my pay, I feel like it's the right thing to do. I feel happy with the fact that it's now my turn to give them. I know everything they gave me could not be paid by money, but I'm sure I could put a down payment on it. :)


The rest of my measly pay, well, is sitting inside my wallet. And waiting for their friends until the next pay day.

Mondays are love.

Back in college, I use to hate Mondays because then, it signals the start of another crazy week of paper works and work loads, which means, sleepless nights and drained wallets. But today, Mondays are love, love, love for me. It's my rest day so I get to avoid a lot of things that other people hate in this first day of the week; the rush day of commuting, heavy traffic, people traffic and all that. Yeah, I get to avoid all of these. Hooray for me!

Anyways, work has been making me lose pounds and blood counts. I've got a part-time job since last week. I'm a private tutor to a Korean. The work is okay, since I teach 2 hours a day. But the nitty-gritty part is tiring; preparing lesson plans, making exams, and of course, studying the lessons I'm going to teach. Well, I'm not only after the pay but I also want my student to learn A LOT from me.

***

So, how to spend your rest day with a blast (and not be dead tired the next day)? Here's how?

1. Once you hit home, hit the sack.
2. After 15 hours of good night/morning sleep, start your day, still, on your bed.
3. Watch the replay of your favorite show, as for me, my favorite reality cooking show, the Top chef. Yeah, I make myself hungry with those meals.
4. After feasting my eyes (and starving myself) with sumptuous meals, I get up and eat home cooked meals, imagining those were foods cooked by the chefs. Hay, I wish I get to sit with the judges' table too. -_-
5. Bond with family. Watch a tear-jerker movie, like Toy Story 3.
6. Watch a feel-good TV show, like Glee.
7. Go to friend's house, invited or not. Lol. Friends make me soo happy. :)
8. Ask for a body massage, either from your Mom or your Dad. In my case it's always Mom :)
9. Spend time with the boyfriend.
10. End your day with a prayer.

My comfort song (as of the moment)

Because there's so much hate and death these days, here's what I listen to every time I want to punch a freak agent, a stingy passenger, a bad hair day, PMS, and times when I feel ugly, fat, and helpless.

This is actually not a new song. But I love how poetic and lyrical it was written. Sounds and feels surreal.

And because Charice Pempengco will be on Glee, come on sing with me.

*I dunno how to upload a video that is not in my hard drive. boo. Just follow the link! Cheers!