Kiliggers, ever!

Life is a series of decisions. Sometimes I think back and consider what would have happened if I chose a different path. My life would entirely be different.

What if I chose to study in SHS rather than Pisay? Maybe I'd be a writer right now, but I wouldn't be able to meet the greatest people and friends.

What if I chose not to join Cursor? Then I'd probably have a higher GPA, but I'd miss Eng'g weeks, Awitan nights, and my orgmates. Also, I wouldn't ever appreciate the color green.

What if I didn't meet certain people (guys?) in my life? Then I wouldn't have learned how to save, layla_1204 wouldn't be layla_1204 (You are the 1204 in layla_1204. Haha. ), I wouldn't have written my best prose, I wouldn't have gotten closer to God, and I wouldn't have started to jog.

What if I didn't go through heartbreak and didn't reach the point when I was brimming of hurt that I had to share it to 6 blockmates to whom I wasn't really that close to? Then I would have missed out on UBEs (Ultimate Bonding Sessions), laugh trips, funny emails, friendship, support, and love that I get from friendskami.

What if I didn't wait and accepted a job offer before going to the States for a vacation? Then I'd be driving to work, but I wouldn't be in HP right now. I wouldn't have gone to Melbourne for two weeks.

What if I didn't invite Hanna and Rhea to watch The 40 year old Virgin last night? What if we thought a movie in Greenbelt was too expensive? What if we caught the later show? What if Rhea didn't suggest to eat at KFC after the movie? What if we stalled for just a minute at the Ladies' Room? Then I wouldn't see the split-second image of Jino the basketball player. Then we wouldn't have went inside the Greenbelt mall. Then we wouldn't have seen Abby! As in Abby Santos!!! Wheee!!! Heehee, we really saw him in Greenbelt! Just when I least expected it! I was so giddy last night, I was talkative and giggling all the while. And to think I just saw him for a couple of seconds. Hehe, talk about starstruck! Basta I was happy and smiling from ear to ear. No one could stop me.  Ang gwapo ni Abby! Kiliggers ever!!! Heehee..

I think I made the right choices last night...

I heart you, Australiarrrr!

I think the pictures say it all. I've posted a ton of pictures of our recent trip to Melbourne, Australia in this link. Please take time to read my well-thought-of captions. Haha.

For almost 2 weeks I experienced life in Melbourne. I called the Marriott Hotel home and extremely loved my comfy bed (parting was hard, I tell you.) In the mornings, my teammates and I would meet up for breakfast (I was always late) and after a few minutes of cab issues, we would go to the office for a whole day's worth of work (notice how I leave this part vague.) At high noon, we would eat the prepared sandwiches and pasta and wish we were eating rice instead. After work, we'd always go out for dinner. We'd brave the cold weather and walk to Chinatown, Collins Place, or go hunting for steakhouses. We went to a Japanese restaurant, Kenzan, for three nights. It was like a yummy salmon sashimi overload.  I daresay I've eaten more Asian food in Australia than I have in Asia.

Over the two weeks, Christa, Gene, Sheryl, Donald, Jusel, Krizel, Maricar, and I have gotten used to the cold, the Australian accent, and each other. I've also eaten two whole boxes of TimTams (at one point it was my breakfast. Good God!) I am now a fan and an addict of these chocolate wafers. Gosh, I love TimTams. :) I almost got myself killed by looking to the left when crossing the street (Maybe that's exaggerating it, but I didn't see a car coming for more than once.) We've also picked up the Australian accent more or less. "I have to goer (pronounced as ger as in tiger-grrr or lion-grrr or gurl without an 'l,' so gur) now." We also went to the best roadtrip in Australia. On Sunday, Christa, Krizel, and some of our colleagues from P&G, Jericho, Grant, and Jobim, went on the Great Ocean Road. The sun, sea, sand... The 12 apostles... Seeing koalas in the wild... Everything was just so beautiful. I'll let the pictures say it all.

I just love traveling.  I hope I can get to know more cities in the future.

I heart you, Australiarrrr!  I hope to be back soon!

Melbourne, Australia

08 October 2005 - 21 October 2005
Gillette ANZ Kickoff & Matching
HP Team: Christa, Gene, Sheryl, Donald, Alice, Jusel, Krizel, Maricar, and Chubbs!

My Birthday :)

21 glorious years in this Earth. That was my milestone yesterday.



My birthday has always been special to me -- whether it was when I
turned 7 or 13 or 18, there always seems to be a magical air on October
4th. This, despite my birthday being bogged down with final exams, MPs,
and quarterly tests for the past 8 years. This year was not any
different. I woke up with just one thought: "It's my birthday." And
everything revolved around that fact -- from the text messages I
received to the three (yes, three!) different cakes at home to my
slight sadness at the end of the day (because my birthday was ending.)



I can't help but reflect on my birthdays. It's more like starting a new
year to me. This year, I realize that I have so many blessings and had
so many challenges that I overcame. I realize the gifts I found in my
family, my friends, and my faith. I am very, very thankful for
everything that I've went through, everything that I have accomplished,
everything that I've become, and everyone that helped me get here. Lord
kung nakikinig Kayo, maraming maraming salamat po.



My family gave me cards yesterday, and I just want to share how they
read. Kudos to Hallmark for the great poem, Mama for the great letter,
and Paula for the insulting/funny one.



Our dearest Chubbs (baby),



Have you any idea how special you are,

how much joy you have brought to this earth?

That the smile on your face

is a thing of great grace,

that the world was improved by your birth?

Have you any idea how much you are loved?

Do you know there is nothing more true

than the very best gift anyone could receive

is a daughter exactly like you?

Happy Birthday!

We love you,

Papa & Mama & Kris & Pauie



"...But don't forget that even at this stage and until you grow old you will always be our baby. We love you very much."



Wishing you laughter

and good times and fun

And whatever you find entertaining,

A birthday that's perfect

beginning to end,

With lots of good memories remaining!



"Happy 21st birthday. you are so cute and I love you even you are bad. <3 <3 <3

You are so so beautiful but you are black.

Happy birthday, I mean."

Love: Paula and Ate Kris

To: Ate Chubbs"



Funny, noh? Iba talaga ang kapatid si Paula.



I also included pictures of lunch with my college friends at Heaven and Eggs on Saturday.



Cheers! God bless!