Christmas Comeback

Inspired by Jessie’s 10 Days of Gratitude 2011 note in Facebook, I post again after eight months. Christmas is much more meaningful this year because of God’s goodness. 2011 has been the best year so far.

I praise and thank You, God, for my ever loving and supportive parents. Da, Ma, words will never be enough to express my love and gratitude for you. Donna and I are so blessed to be raised by two followers of Christ. :D

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at Von & Chinky's wedding - Dec. 18, 2011

I praise and thank You, God, for my one and only Towtsie Bownsie. You are my first real best friend, Towts, and you will always be the best sister in the whole world. :D

at Universal Studios Singapore - November 2011

I praise and thank You, God, for making this wonderful, godly man a very important part of my life. Miki, you are the greatest blessing I received this year. You are my answered prayer and I am looking forward to what God has in store for us in 2012 and the years after that. :D

First picture together (c) Anderson Godoy - at Seafood Island Eastwood City - June 26, 2011

I praise and thank You, God, for the crazy bunch of relatives I have. Garcia’s, Mendoza’s, Pascual’s and Gagelonia’s, I can never ask for a more diverse family tree, haha! :)) :D

MMA Thanksgiving Dinner/Aunt Gigi's __th Birthday Celebration at Intercontinental Hotel Makati - October 2011

Bonni's birthday - Ghia and Bonn's home - December 11, 2011

What we do best: kumain. Nay. LUMAMON! :)) Missing Uncle Tholits and Aunt Bebeth - Tagaytay Trip - January 2011

Latest additions to the family: Jaden Mendoza - all the way from CA :) (So of course, we miss you, too, Kuya Pao and Gen, Yene, Tita Tess and even Elena and Tito John) ...

... and Genroe John Garcia Javier - born - December 2, 2011 :D

I praise and thank You, God, for my bestest friends and sisters in Christ. Jana and Jessie, alam niyo na yun. :D Btw, we need a new picture together – the three of us. :P :D

at CBTL Greenbelt 3 - November 2011 - Jana, please tell Anderson we should hang out again soon. I miss him, too! :)

at Von & Chinky's wedding - December 18, 2011

I praise and thank You, God, for friends like family, colleagues and everyone who has made this year an awesome one. The Lord has truly blessed me through each one of you. You guys are the best. :D

Holy Light (Presbyterian Church) Family - Church Staff - Photo taken last November 2011 for the 2012 Calendar - I'm not in the picture though :|

The Crew - my second family. :) Special mention to Sir J, Ate Mycs, Kuya Pao, Love, Katha, Angel, Jez & Joel who now work abroad (even if some are here for Christmas, hehe) - at Sir J's house - March 2011

Another special mention to Von & Chinky who got married this month. You know I'm sooo happy for you both. :D Love you two! :) ...

... and Katha, my forever diva friend. Calling Ate Mycs & Love! Uwi rin kayo soon! ;) - still at Von & Chinky's wedding :D

with my Dadee Coach & Momee Anna - still at Von & Chinky's wedding :)

Sphinx (not in this picture: Ate Marge, Joyce and Pot) at Recipes Greenbelt 3 - Farewell Dinner for Mitch - November 2011

UP Street - Skechers Elims 2011 - I'm not in the picture again :P But I truly love this club :) Special mention to Kezia Gonzalez and every clubber now working/living abroad. Missing you all! :) And we even remember MJ Girl :') We rejoice in knowing she's now Home with our Father. We'll see her again someday. :')

ID05 - Get together at MyThai Kitchen Eastwood Mall - December 2011 - sana makumpleto naman tayo, hehe.. Jvee, we're excited to see you next year :)

My Steps Family - NAMCYA 2011 at the CCP - Ma'am Sofia, T. James and T. Leisl, T. Alice, T. Jun, T. Jeff, T. Rica, T. Xernan, A. Angie, A. Joy, A. Jo, A. Roms, A. Cecile and everyone!!! :D

New friends & relationships :) Ms. Georginna, Ms. Ann and Karen and everyone from PurBeauty & MUD :) - MUD Graduation at PurBeauty Serendra - July 2011

Old colleagues - HOPE Art Teachers (not in this picture: Teacher Yas) - I miss you, T. Ivy, T. Zeens, T. Niño, T. Ikoy and T. Yas! :) - December 2009

So yeah. Happy, happy Christmas, everyone! :) I hope you all remember and feel God’s love for us through the birth of His son, Jesus Christ. :D Blessings to you! :D

Happy Day

Small things make me happy. I was on my way to Gen Studios for my class when I felt my tummy grumble. I realized I haven’t eaten lunch so I decided to drive-thru McDonald’s near Tiendesitas. It’s summer time so kids are “working” for Ronald these days. After ordering and paying for my food, I moved on to the window where I am supposed to get my McChicken (with Barbeque Sauce), Regular Fries and Iced Mocha. A kid named James [I'm guessing he's around 8 years old, one of the Kiddie Crew], practically made my day. He said,

“Hi! Nice car!”

I couldn’t agree more, especially after The Crew’s La Union trip. Nice car indeed. Good job, Kahel! Very good job! :D

Tough Tuesday.

I bumped into Hans, a grade 3 student, as I was on my way to the supervisor’s office to submit grades yesterday. He said, ”Hi, Teacher Yang!” ”Hello, Hans!” I replied. “Are you ready for vacation?” Hans answered with that jolly face he always has, “Yes!”

Then he said something that kinda melted my heart.

“And I am ready for you to be my teacher when I’m in grade 5 and 4th year.”

I just gave him a smile. :’)

*************************************************************************

It’s like there’s a pile of stuff on top of me as I lie on my bed. I want to sleep some more; and I probably will after posting this. Yesterday was crazy. I woke up at 5am for school.

5:30-ish am – Left the house.
6:45 – I got to school.
7:30 – First class.
8:10 – Grades.
10:00 – Brunch.
10:25 – Class.
11:05 – Next class.
12:00 nn – More grades.
2:00 pm – Discipleship
3:00 – Even more grades. Brain wanted to explode.
3:50 – Submitted grades. Yey!
4:00 – Checked e-mail [no reply yet :( ], FB, etc..
4:30 – Art club. (It’s a good thing Teacher Ivy called for an early dismissal.)
5:10 – Left school.
6:00 – I got to U.P. Theatre. Thank God traffic was moderate. Rehearsal.
12:10 am – Left U.P.
1:00 am – Home.

Whattaday! Lucky me, I don’t work on Wednesdays. Later, rehearsal for Street Fuzion will be at the UP Theatre, again. Til midnight, again. And I’ve work early tomorrow, again. Let’s go, ME! Haha! …and the rest of The Crew and the club, who pretty much have the same schedule. Well, not exactly the same; I mean same busy schedule. (?) Haha! – I apologize, I am still sabaw.

3 days to go before RECONNECT!

I hope to see you there. :) God bless!

4G’s

My dad kept calling me ‘abnormal’ while we were noshing mom’s nilagang baka. (Filipino beef stew). I like the way she does it. Sometimes she puts seaweeds. Tonight, she did. Yumyum! :)

*Ate Mycs, if you’re reading this, don’t worry. I didn’t eat rice. Just the soup and veggies, plus, less than a cup of oatmeal with banana. Haha!

Anyway, I couldn’t stop laughing because of, well, inside jokes – you know, family stuff. :P They were chortling as well but I was laughing the hardest,  I had tears running down my cheeks. I just said to my dad,

“Me?! Abnormal? It’s your genes!”

Then we all cracked up some more.

It’s really nice to have dinner at home with family. I couldn’t remember the last time we were complete. With my sister coming home late from work and with my irregular schedule, that seldom happens now. Tonight, all four of us (4G’s) ate together and had a chitchat-bonding time. It was lovely. :)

Fourteen and Counting.

I can’t imagine my life without having to know these amazing people, some of the bests I know, my friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, indeed my second family. I am so blessed and I am forever thankful for each one of them.

The first four pictures are from the 10^th year celebration of The Crew, February 20, 2007 at Dampa in Ortigas – also a very memorable day for me, my Crew birthday. I am now 4 years old. ;)

Sir J told me to go to their celebration because he said he needed to discuss concert matters with me. SCHEME. :P ;)) KUYA RANDELL?!?!?! ISHDATCHU? =))

Ate Toni's fake cake, which was actually for me. Hehe..

Love and miss you, Sir J! See you soon! :)

The Crew '07

The Crew - December 6, 2009

The Crew - Christmas Party 2010

So, HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CREW! I love you! :) And err.. See you later! Hee hee.. ;)

Not This Time, Sir.

I was on my way to school for the PTC when 2 men in yellow uniform stopped me as I turned right from N. Reyes St. to C. Recto Ave. on GREEN light. I pulled over. The officer told me I disobeyed traffic rules. No right turn on red light. I told him that the light just turned red but he still asked for my license anyway. I showed it to him then the officer took it and showed it to the other officer. The other officer came to me and asked me where I was going. “Papunta po akong school,” (I’m on my way to school) I said. Then I showed them my school I.D. The officers exchanged looks and then the one who was holding my license gave it back to me while telling the other, “Eh teacher naman pala si Ma’am eh.” And they let me go.

Hay nakoooooo… :/

One Down…

… one more to go – for this month. Hehe..

It’s a beautiful morning! There are soooo many things to do. Even SO, there’s just soooo much to be thankful for. ;)

Yesterday, my dear friend, Michelle Aguilar, got married. She’s now Mrs. Michelle A. Mante and I am so happy for her and her husband, Nikos – I finally got over that “Sir Nikos” phase and I’m now used to calling him just his first name. :)) The ceremony was held at National City United Church in West Triangle then the reception followed at The Glass Garden in Pasig. I’ve heard of The Glass Garden’s grandeur before but when I saw it last night for the first time, I must say, it is indeed impressive. Classy. ;) I can say a lot more about what happened during the ceremony and reception but I want to keep my post short. Let me just say that I loved the performances of The UP Manila Chorale and UP Concert Chorus. They took my breath away. ;) They made me miss the RC Choir, and singing with them, even more. The bride was stunning, as Ate Marge said. Beauty exuded from her and everyone saw how happy she was as she walked down the aisle. Of course, the groom was on cloud nine. :) Joyce, you’re next! :P

Congratulations, Michelle & Nikos! Thanks for giving me a special part on your big day. I'm really touched. Love you both! :)

*Special thanks to Bianca Lee for my dress and Ten Franco for my hair & make-up! You girls are the BEST! :D

Ate Marge is here! :D I missed you, ate! We all did and we’re so glad that you were able to make it to Michelle’s wedding despite the fact that you have little time to spend with your family, and that you’re flying back to Singapore on Wednesday. Thanks so much for the effort. I’m sure Alex appreciates that even more. ;) We miss you already! Too bad we won’t be able to see each other anymore before you leave but we understand. At least we got to be with you on this such important day. ;) Keep in touch!

She's here!!! :D

When I got home, another great news was waiting for me. My favorite uncle in the whole wide world is also here. :D He and aunt Bebeth arrived yesterday. He’s here for 5 weeks (aunt Bebeth, 4) and on their first night, we already went to uncle’s haven. To our surprise, he actually multiplied his bet to ten times!!! Tosh, E.G., Peejay and I got our balatos (in Filipino, money given away by a winning gambler as goodwill), haha! Looks like Resorts World has another frequent guest for a month. Yes, we still went there late last night. Uncle’s eyes widened and sparkled like a little boy’s at the sight of, you know, haha! In fairness, the place is like the ones in Vegas. Although, they could really use a non-smoking area. :P

He's here!!! :D My Uncle Slimer!

Anywaaaaay, I must get back to work now. I still have much to do for my cousin’s wedding tomorrow. I was able to hold my tears yesterday but tomorrow, I might just not. Nyaha! :)

I Buzzed Myself. Literally.

I heard liquid spilling outside so I quickly got up from my seat and unplugged the switch of our water tank. It’s full now. When I turned to go back to what I was doing, I was stopped at the sight our breakfast counter, which is nearly done. I am awed by my dad’s work. I decided to turn on the kitchen lights to see its full effect. He put continuous LED lights under the countertop and as I was appreciating it, I noticed that parts of the hose were sticking out. With my fingers, I started pushing the lights, from the center to the tip of hose, inside the space intended for it. I was actually sleepy and tired from what I have been doing but when I got to the end, every part of my body woke up with a jolt. I was SHOCKED as I was staring at my finger. Then when I realized what just happened to me, I cried out, “Huuuuuuuh, Mama!,” which I now find funny and a bit embarrassing, actually. My dad got out of his office to see what the crying like a baby was about. When I told him, he laughed. Apparently, the same thing happened to him. There’s a small open wire at the tip of the hose, which he has yet to take care of, so when I turned on the lights and touched it, BUZZ!

 

I hate that copper wire you see.

My finger is still a bit red now and I could still feel my heartbeat pounding but I gotta get back to work. I am on vacation mode. Or so I thought.. :|

Three in Nine

I’ve been driving since I was 17 and I got my third ticket yesterday. I was so used to picking up Jessie at NAIA Terminal 1 that from there going home, I take a left turn to NAIA Rd. and then right to Domestic Rd. Jessie rode in a different airline this time so her mom & I waited in Terminal 2. She got out late coz she waited for her baggages – which she didn’t get because they were left in the first plane she rode from SF to LA. Her luggages should be delivered today. – that’s another story though. *I’m excited! My W!W! album’s in there!!! :D *

So anyway, I was on the 3rd lane from the right of NAIA Rd. while Jessie, her mom & I were talking, I didn’t realize the Domestic Rd. isn’t that far from Terminal 2 that when it was time to turn right, I swerved. Two MMDA officers were trafficking at that time, both waved at me and then that was it.

Hello, VIOLATION TICKET! - Disregarding lane markings.

The officer said the fine should’ve been Php 650. I am too lazy to check now if it’s true but he said since it’s Christmas season, he’ll be nice. He just put 150 on my slip.

There’s more to tell about how my day went yesterday, I had super fun, but I got another busy one ahead. I am just waiting for my mom who is getting dressed. — Well, now she’s ready so off we go. I’ll just update this entry, maybe tomorrow or maybe I’ll just write a new one, we’ll see. Hehe.. :)

New Philippine Peso Bills! (via Strange Fruit)

Nice! :D

Well, it’s been so long since we had an overhaul of our bank notes.  The newest ones we had were the 2oo peso bill, and before that, the 1000 and 500 peso bills?  So I’m so stoked to see the new bills, although the existing bills will still be honored for the next 3 years.  I’m sure collectors will start setting aside bills they’d like to keep as commemorative items.  I should’ve kept the 100 peso bill that had the U.P. stamp on it! The same hero … Read More

via Strange Fruit