Lost in Manila

Got an email from JC. He just read my February 03 posting, "Rediscovering Manila" and he jokingly suggested that I rename that post to "Lost in Manila". ha ha ha!!! :D

JC so enjoyed his Manila (Subic and Boracay) trip and has been raving about his vacation here in the Philippines to his co-workers. Saw his pictures taken in Subic and Boracay and they were beautiful! Not surprising if he comes back this year with his friends. :) Can't wait to see u again, my dear friend! GOD BLESS! :)

Trying to keep busy

Haven’t been posting for a while, and looking back, though things were happening in my life, it’s as if I wasn’t inclined to post it on my blog. Anyway, that is about to change. I just want to write…whatever comes to mind… whatever I feel like writing… whatever!

Btw, today's a holiday so the kids are here at home. Was originally planning to go to Subic for the weekend just for some fun on the beach, but decided against it. Knowing it's a holiday, for sure traffic will be heavy everywhere going out of Manila. And just thinking of the 3-hour drive (sans traffic) to Subic is enough to make me seriously consider even leaving the house. Oh well, there's always a next time. Summer is only beginning anyway, so there's still plenty of time to plan for an out-of-town jaunt. Something the kids (water babies as they are!) are looking forward to. :)

So what has been keeping me busy? Organization is a priority now. Have been taking the time to organize my files, as well as all the books and magazines I’ve accumulated. Also started making a scrapbook of my baby pictures. After I’m done with my pics, plan to start work on the kids’ scrapbooks / photo albums. It felt so good to finally finish one, so while I’m still in the mood for this, plan to work on some more albums.

And since I’ve been organizing, decided to give away my parents’ collection of back issues of Reader’s Digest. Dating back to the 80s, would you believe? Asked for their permission first, of course! I didn’t want to throw them away, as I knew that someone else might still find them useful. Luckily, found out about this organization (BROOD) whose project is to start community learning centers and libraries in depressed areas. The goal is to start at the grassroots and combat illiteracy. I’m also seriously considering volunteering for this organization since I’m not too busy nowadays anyway.

Also noticed that since I haven’t been working, my social life has been going great guns. Funny, huh? :) Honestly, the past weekends were spent with these new friends. Like one Sunday (February 13), had to bring JC to the airport for his trip back to China. Early breakfast, then mass at Baclaran Church. Then the following Saturday night was Fiona’s 25th birthday. Had a blast!

Basically, the past month, have had a chance to meet a lot of new people, quite young, and from backgrounds quite different from mine, but we still got along pretty well. Planning to meet up with them again for good food, and laughs. Good company! :)

On the homefront, hopefully the kids have been ‘enjoying’ my presence here at home. They get to try new dishes and I make it a point to cook what I know they’ll actually like. For one, they get to eat flavored French fries for snack, and get to drink as much chocolate milk as they like. Ice cream is not limited to dessert either. Paolo has a new “vice” now. He enjoys ice cream topped with chocolate syrup and pistachio nuts. Yum!

But on the other hand, now that I’m staying here at home, whatever the kids do gets more notice from me, too. Toys have to be cleared up after playing, afternoon naps have to be taken, and violent cartoons are a no-no. And after eating, their plates have to be clear of all food. Am thinking that they’re probably praying that their mommy gets a job soon just so I’d get off their backs! Ha ha ha!!! :D (We’re praying for the same thing!)

As for Toastmasters, am gearing up to do speech #3 during our next meeting. Just finished writing my piece. But I still need to practice, practice, practice… Have to tame those butterflies in the stomach and make them fly in formation. he he he... ;)

SATC

I miss the show "Sex and the City". boo hoo hoo... :(

But let me share something SATC's Carrie Bradshaw said on finding true love: "The most exciting, challenging, and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you find someone to love the you YOU love, well... that's just fabulous."

how true. wish we all could find someone like that... *sigh*

Love Quotes from Movies

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, everyone! here's something i got in my email today. just wanted to share it with everyone... who's in-love and who want to be in-love!!! :D

=============================

Josie Geller: Sometime you'll kiss someone and know that's the person
you're supposed to kiss for the rest of your life.
---NEVER BEEN KISSED


The only wrong thing would be to deny what your heart truly feels.
---THE MASK OF ZORRO


You will see a lot of things. But they will mean nothing to you
If you lose sight of the one you love.
---AT FIRST SIGHT


If you love someone you say it...
you say it right then, out loud...
or the moment just...
passes you by.
---MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING


I would rather have had
One breath of her hair,
One kiss from her mouth,
One touch of her hand,
Than an eternity without it...
---CITY OF ANGELS


You will be doing anything
For the one you love...
Except love them again.
---FAITHFUL


Fate exists but it can only take you so far,
Because once you're there
It's up to you to make it happen.
---CAN'T HARDLY WAIT


When you've found that person you want to spend the rest of ur life with, you
want the rest of ur life to begin right away."
---When Harry Met Sally


"Sometimes when you hold out for everything, you walk away with nothing."
---Ally McBeal


I hate the way you talk to me And the way you cut your hair.
I hate the way you drive my car.
I hate it when you stare.
I hate your big dumb combat boots. And the way you read my mind.
I hate you so much it makes me sick -- It even makes me rhyme.
I hate the way you're always right.
I hate it when you lie.
I hate it when you make me laugh -- Even worse when you make me cry.
I hate it that you're not around. And the fact that you didn't call.
But mostly I hate the way I don't hate you --
Not even close, not even a little bit, not any at all.
---Kat Startford (10 Things I Hate About You)


"if two people are meant for each other, it doesnt mean that they are
meant for each other NOW."
---Pacey Witter "DAWSON'S CREEK"


Lois: You know, if somebody had asked me three days ago who the one person in the world I admired most was, I'd have said you. But, without really knowing what that meant. Without understanding that the hardest thing about being you is all the things you can't do. All the cries for help that you can't answer, and how that quietly tears you apart. But it never stops you. And after living a little of that myself, I realized something...something I never thought was possible.
Clark: What?
Lois: I love you more. More than I ever have and more than I ever thought I could love anyone, and so, I wanna ask ... Will you marry me?
---LOIS AND CLARK


I know it's a cornball thing, but love is passion, obsession, someone you can't live without. If you don't start with that, what are you going to end up with? I say fall head over heels. Find someone you love like crazy and who'll love you the same way back. And how do you find him? Forget your head and listen to your heart... Run the risk, if you get hurt, you'll come back. Because the truth is, there is no sense living your life without this. To make the journey and not fall deeply in love -- well, you haven't lived a life at all. You have to try. Because if you haven't tried, you haven't lived... Stay open.
Who knows? Lightning could strike.
---MEET JOE BLACK


Man: "Will you love me for the rest of my life?"
Woman: "I will love you for the rest of mine."
---PHENOMENON


I guarantee it won't be easy
I guarantee that at one point or another
One of us is going to want to leave.
But I also guarantee that
If I don't ask you to be mine
I am going to regret it
For the rest of my life
Because I know in my heart
You are the only one for me.
---RUNAWAY BRIDE


Dear Catherine,

I'm sorry I haven't talked to you in so long. I feel I've been lost. No bearings, no compass. I kept crashing into things, a little crazy I guess. I've never been lost before. You were my true north. I could always steer for home when you were my home. Forgive me for being so angry when you left. I still think some mistake's been made and I'm waiting for God to take it back. But I'm doing better now. The work helps me. Most of all, you help me.

You came into my dream last night with that smile of yours that always held me like a lover, rocked me like a child. All I remember from the dream is a feeling of peace. I woke up with that feeling and tried to keep it alive as long as I could.

I'm writing to tell you that I'm on a journey toward that peace. And to tell you I'm sorry about so many things. I'm sorry I didn't take better care of you so that you never spent one minute being cold or scared or sick. I'm sorry I didn't try harder to find the words to tell you what I was feeling. I'm sorry I never fixed the screen door. I fixed it now. I'm sorry I ever fought with you. I'm sorry I didn't apologize more. I was too proud. I'm sorry I didn't bring you more compliments on everything you wore and every way you fixed your hair. I'm sorry I didn't hold on to you with so much strength that even God couldn't pull you away.

All my love. G.
---MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE


"The only feeling of real loss is when you love someone, more than you
love yourself."
---GOOD WILL HUNTING


"I love that you get cold when its 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle in your nose when you're looking at me like i'm nuts. I love that after i spend a day with you, i can still smell your perfume on my clothes. and i love that you are the last person i want to talk to before i go to sleep at night. and it's not because i'm lonely, and it's not because it's New Year's eve. i came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible."
---WHEN HARRY MET SALLY

When you love someone,
And you love them with your heart,
It never disappears when you're apart.
When you love someone
And you've done all you can do,
You set them free.
And if that love was true,
When you love someone
It will all come back to you
---FORGET PARIS


You cannot find true love where it does not truly exist. And you cannot hide it where it truly does.
---KISSING A FOOL


I created my very own first breakup rule: Destroy all pictures where he
looks sexy and you look happy.
Breakup rule No. 2: Until emotionally stabilized, enter no stores.
Breakup rule No. 3: Never stop thinking about him, even for a moment. because that's the moment he'll appear.
And finally, the most important breakup rule: No matter who broke your heart or
how long it takes to heal, you'll never get through it without your friends.
---Carrie, from the sitcom SEX AND THE CITY


" i miss you so much it hurts"
---SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE


"Half my days i cannot bear not to touch you,
the rest of the time i feel it doesn't matter
if i ever see you again. It i sn't the mortality,
it is how much you can bear....."
---THE ENGLISH PATIENT


Do you believe in love? I bet you don't, you're probably too sensible for that. Have you ever seen someone and you know that if only that person really know you, they'd dump the perfect model they were with and realize that you are the one they want to grow old with? Have you ever fallen in love with someone you've never talked to? Have you ever been so alone you spent the night confusing a guy in a coma?
---WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING


"anything less than mad, passionate, extraordinary love is a waste of your time. there are too many mediocre things in life to deal with and love shouldn't be one of them."
---A DREAM FOR AN INSOMNIAC


"i'm here to love you, to hold you in my arms and to protect you. i'm here to learn from you and to receive your love in return. i'm here coz there's no other place to be."
---MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE


"Me? I'm scared of everything. I'm scared of what I saw, of what I did, of who I am. And most of all, I'm scared of walking out of this room and never feeling the rest of my whole life the way I feel when I'm with you."
---DIRTY DANCING


"When you kiss someone, everything around you becomes hazy... and the only thing in focus is you and this person... And you realize that this person is the only person you should be kissing for the rest of your life... And for one moment, you get, this amazing gift... And you wanna laugh and you wanna cry... Cuz you feel so lucky that you've found it and so scared that it'll go away all at the same time..."
---NEVER BEEN KISSED


"It's funny how we set qualifications for the right person to love while at the back of our minds we know that the person we trully love will always be an exception"
---Ally McBeal


"how can you assume to be friends with someone when all you think about when you look at him is how much more you really want?"
---Joey Potter, DAWSON'S CREEK


if two people love each other, but just cant seem to put things together, when would that point be.. when one would say enough is enough? NEVER.
---THE MEXICAN


"So this is love...so this is what makes life divine. I'm all aglow, and now I know. The key to all heaven is mine. My heart has wings, and I can fly. I'll touch every star in the sky. So this is the miracle, that I've been dreaming of... So this is love."
---CINDERELLA


Don't you understand? That everything I do, I do for you? Anything that might be special in me...is you.
---GREAT EXPECTATIONS


One day, you look at the person and see more than you did the day before, like a switch was flickered somewhere. And the person who was just a friend is suddenly the only person you can imagine yourself with.
---Xfiles (series)


I feel like the best version of myself when i'm with you... and that makes me doubt everything else.
---KEEPING THE FAITH

Is it possible to be just friends with someone i have these sort of non-moderate feelings for?... Or am I doomed forever to just be in love and ultimately significantly hurt?
---Felicity


"There are some people who meet that somebody that they can never stop loving, no matter how hard they try. I wouldn't expect you to understand that, or even believe it, but trust me, there are some love that don't go away. And maybe that makes them crazy, but we should all be lucky to end up with that somebody who has a little of that insanity. Somebody who never lets go. Somebody who cherishes you forever."
--- Ally Mc Beal

Rediscovering Manila

A new friend who just flew in from China requested for a tour of Manila. Juan Carlos is originally from El Salvador and Canada, but who is now based in China. He just flew in Saturday night for a one-week vacation from the harsh winter in China. Besides, it was the week of the Chinese New Year!

Touring a foreigner through Manila was a challenge to me since I am not too familiar with Manila in the first place! Embarrassing, but true! Of course, I knew where Quiapo Church was, but it had been years since I went there. Same with Intramuros, Fort Santiago, and Luneta Park. It would be like the blind leading the blind, I kept saying. But then, I also knew it would be so easy to take a cab in case we got lost anyway! I was also not too comfortable going to Manila since I didn’t think it was a safe place to be in, especially with a foreigner! But then, no guts, no glory! So figured we just had to be alert and keep our eyes open and we’d be okay. Decided not to pass off this adventure. We were all set to do ala-Amazing Race! :)

So after an early lunch, proceeded first to Adriatico (mainly for some errands), then passed thru Robinson’s Place manila. We were on a mission to find a silver cross pendant. Mission accomplished! (Though we originally planned to buy one at Quaipo, found one at Silverworks which was pretty nice, and not too expensive so bought one there on a whim).

Off to the LRT (which was surprisingly not too crowded). Got off at the Bambang station and headed for Bambang market for some UK clothes (“ukay-ukay” to the un-initiated). It was my first time to go there, and my friend was able to buy 4 shorts all at only 50 – 80 pesos each. Branded pa, mind you, and some even still had their tags on! Walked around some more hoping to buy something for the kids, but no luck!

Hailed a tricycle and JC was not too sure about riding it. Told him to think of this as the tuk-tuk. Next ride was on a jeep, which JC had called a mini-bus first time he saw it at the airport. :)

Next stop was the Quaipo church to see the Black Nazarene. But we were so hungry by that time, that we opted to lunch at Goldilocks in Carriedo first for some delicious Filipino food. JC has fallen in love with Filipino food, but only the ‘healthy’ ones – lechon, sisig, crispy pata, sinigang na baboy, and chicharon! Ha ha ha! :D He also liked leche flan and Red Horse Beer. :) He didn’t want to try balut and dinuguan. He he he.. At Goldilocks, we had the caldereta, daing na bangus, binagoongang baboy, lumpiang ubod and mounds of rice. Dessert was leche flan again. And the food was delish! Yum yum!

Feeling full from that hearty lunch, we went back to Quiapo Church and prayed, prayed, prayed. And since it was JC’s first time there, told him about our belief that if it’s your first time to be in a church, you should pray and make a wish. One wish each for the world, your country, your family and yourself.

Outside the church, pointed out the “herbalists”, and those hawking religious items and what-have-yous. Bought lottery tickets from a little old lady who said she’d pray for me to win the jackpot (5M). Couldn’t say no to the little old lady, and bought 5 tickets.

The fortune tellers were next. JC couldn’t resist not having his fortune told, just for fun we said. One fortune teller had the chutzpah to tell us he was the VIP among the group as he was psychic. so we figured, what the heck, then went for it! He was surprisingly accurate with his ‘guesses’ about JC, telling him about his past, and ‘guessing’ that he had plans of putting up a business here in the Philippines. (Later on, JC did admit that he was seriously considering putting up a business here, as well as in China, and this was something that he didn’t tell us earlier). The fortune teller also guessed correctly that JC had always been successful in the business ventures he put up in the past. Health, career, and love life were also ‘guessed’ correctly. What we just didn’t buy about the whole thing was when he was prodding us to buy 15 wishing candles (at Php 70 each, mind you!) so that he could pray for JC’s protection, as there were those who were jealous of him and wishing him harm. We thought that was BS! But of course, we didn’t say it then! We just said we’ll think about it. Next up, JC then prodded me to also have my fortune told. Ok, end of story. :)

Now we were ready for the ‘seedy’ side of Manila. Off we went through the Quiapo underpass and scoured for pirated DVDs for JC to bring back home. It was dirty, with papers scattered everywhere! Makes me wonder how long before these people get a visit from “pirate-busters” of government. Anyway… Then we walked to the Ille de Tulle (“ilalim ng tulay” ;-> ) to look at the handicrafts.

By this time, we were weary from all the walking, and sweaty from being under the sun, and decided to take a cab. Pointed out the Post Office building, Manila City Hall, and the different universities in the area. Asked the cab driver to give us a ‘taxi’ tour of Intramuros, Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, and Luneta. We stopped, and JC got off the cab to take pictures while I stayed in the comforts of the airconditioned cab. He he he…

Last stop was Harrison Plaza, not for a tour, but just for a caffeine fix as we were both so sleepy and tired. Seattle’s Best stop, then off again, to go back to Dan’s place in Pasay. It was so funny, coz when Dan saw us, he could tell we were so pooped! So nice to finally put up our feet on the sofa and rest!

All in all, it was a pretty fun and exciting adventure, not just for JC but for me as well. I had a chance to rediscover the ‘real’ Manila, and not just the malls, and Baywalk which I’ve visited in the past. Carriedo was sooo crowded even if it was a weekday, mainly because of the people who were scurrying around to buy things in preparation for the Chinese New Year! We also got a chance to watch 4 different dragon dances and if this was an indication of our luck for this new Lunar year, we’re thinking we’re in for a good, if not better, year!

This tour has also reaffirmed my belief that people are basically good. All throughout the day, even when we were in crowded places, there was no pushing, and people were generally polite. People smiled at us, and were ever so helpful to give us directions. (Yes, I asked for directions countless of times! Unlike most men I know, women are not afraid/ashamed/embarrassed to ask for directions noh! :) ) Another thing I noticed, there were police everywhere and that honestly, made me feel a lot safer about going around Manila.

Am more confident now about going back to Manila. For JC, it was really an adventure of a lifetime. For me, it was a re-discovery of the “authentic” Manila, and not just the airconditioned, sanitized malls. Next time someone asks, I’ll be more than happy to give another tour. :)

Halo-halo

Had another interview this morning, my 2nd actually for this IT firm. Though am not feeling too confident as they already mentioned early on that they'd prefer someone with background in the IT industry. Oh well.

Forgot to mention the good news that Paolo passed his entrance exams at DBTC. :) Shouldn't be surprised, as Paolo is really a bright kid. Got the results last Thursday, and he's scheduled for an interview by next week. so need to make myself available for that, too. Between my job-hunting and mommy chores, my schedule is full. :)

Gearing up to do my 2nd speech at Toastmasters next week. Kinda nervous about it, I admit. But I NEED to take this step if I want to advance and improve my public speaking skills. Hopefully, all goes well, then I'll post the speech here next week. :)

Saturday night, am scheduled to accompany a friend to the airport to pick-up another friend. The next week will be spent accompanying them on tours all over the city. Am thinking this is a good thing, maybe this will help me see Manila with brand-new eyes...

Job hunt update

Just stayed here at home the whole day, compared to the past 2 days when I went to Makati for interview/s. Last Tuesday, I was interviewed by a headhunter for a call center based in Quezon City. And though it’s a call center, the HR Manager will report 9-6 and not graveyard shift like the rest of the employees (CSRs, TSRs, etc.). I was told that there will be times though, that the HR manager will have to report during the graveyard shift to meet with the operations manager, the employees, etc. Seems okay. The call center is medium-sized, 250-350 employees, but the HR Manager will be in charge of the whole range of HR functions (recruitment, compensation, training, etc.) Whereas in other call centers, medyo specialized ang HR, and a different person is in charge of the different HR operations. Hmmm... still not too keen on joining a call center since I know that turnover is high, and recruitment is going to be on full throttle to replace people as they go. we'll see... am not closing my doors on any opportunities right now until I get more info.

Then yesterday (Wednesday), I was interviewed for an HR Manager post at an IT company. Funny thing is, my resume’ was handed to the HR by a friend of a friend (who I happened to have met only last December). And according to him, there was no opening in HR. So I was surprised when I got a call to come in for an interview. Turns out that the HR manager will be leaving the company end of February, and right now, not too many employees know about it yet. So my resume’ was given to them at just the right time. Serendipity! :) Anyway, I have another interview with the HR Director tomorrow and I think they’re really in a hurry to hire someone, so there will be proper turn-over. Don’t know what to expect, and if this is really for me. So am praying and seeking a sign. Honestly, am pretty excited at the prospect. Who knows? I'm really looking for a company where i'll stay for the long run. We'll see! Pray for me. :)

You know, applying these days is soo easy compared to past years. Applying through email is not only acceptable, but expected! So no long lines at companies, submitting hard copies of resumes' personally, etc. Applying online really is the way to go nowadays. Thank GOD for technology and the world wide web! :)

LET GO OF 2004

LET GO OF 2004
by Bishop T. D. Jakes

There are people who can walk away from you. And hear me when I tell you this! When people can walk away from you: let them walk.

I don't want you to try to talk another person into staying with you,
loving you, calling you, caring about you, coming to see you, staying
attached to you. I mean hang up the phone.

When people can walk away from you let them walk. Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left. The Bible says that, they came out from us that it might be made manifest that they were not for us. For had they been of us, no doubt they would have continued with us. [1 John 2:19]

People leave you because they are not joined to you. And if they are not joined to you, you can't make them stay. Let them go. And it doesn't mean that they are a bad person it just means that their part in the story is over.

And you've got to know when people's part in your story is over so that
you don't keep trying to raise the dead. You've got to know when it's dead. You've got to know when it's over.

Let me tell you something. I've got the gift of good-bye. It's the tenth spiritual gift, I believe in good-bye. It's not that I'm hateful, it's that I'm faithful, and I know whatever God means for me to have He'll give it to me. And if it takes too much sweat I don't need it.

Stop begging people to stay. Let them go!!

If you are holding on to something that doesn’t belong to you and was never intended for your life, then you need to… LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to past hurts and pains ...LET IT GO!!!

If someone can't treat you right, love you back, and see your worth...LET
IT GO!!!

If someone has angered you ... LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge ... LET IT GO!!!

If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction ... LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to a job that no longer meets your needs or talents...
LET IT GO!!!

If you have a bad attitude...LET IT GO!!!

If you keep judging others to make yourself feel better... LET IT GO!!!

If you're stuck in the past and God is trying to take you to a new level
in Him... LET IT GO!!!

If you are struggling with the healing of a broken relationship...LET IT
GO!!!

If you keep trying to help someone who won't even try to help themselves...LET IT GO!!!

If you're feeling depressed and stressed...LET IT GO!!!

If there is a particular situation that you are so used to handling yourself
and God is saying "take your hands off of it," then you need to...LET IT GO!!!

Let the past be the past. Forget the former things. GOD is doing a new thing
for 2005!!!

LET IT GO!!!

Get Right or Get Left .. think about it, and then LET IT GO!!!

"The Battle is the Lord's!" LET GO AND LET GOD! :)

Job-hunting

Went for my first job interview this year. Was there bright and early this morning, 7:30 a.m., no less! Felt kinda “funny/different” while on the MRT, commuting to the office for the interview, thinking of how things will be once I’m working again. No more staying home with the kids, no more late nights out (well, maybe once in a while! :) ), no more waking up even later than usual, and no more watching TV all day. (Well, in fairness, I don’t really watch TV all day, but knowing that I can should I choose to do so, is a plus to staying at home). :)

On the other hand, nothing beats the feeling of ‘security’ of having a regular job. Yup, nothing like a full-time job with all the perks! Paid holidays/vacations, paid sick and vacation leaves, bonuses, free medical insurance, etc. ... Have been on 'mini' vacation for almost three weeks now, and enjoyed myself to the fullest. Still so many things to do around the house, but then I guess these ‘chores’ will never run out! Besides, I feel refreshed and ready to take on the pressures of the corporate world again. Never really thought I’d say this, but YES, I’m ready to go back to work! Bring it on! :)

And the job-hunting saga continues… :)