Year-End Survey 2008

Earlier, I was thinking of creating a simpler year-end post. A few words and tons of pictures – like a 2008 collage. But traditions are traditions, and one cannot help but follow them year after year.
 
1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
What stands out this year is our family’s first-ever overseas trip. The whole family got to go to Singapore in August with the help of KrisFlyer miles and Starwood points. : ) Also in this trip, I got to experience living alone with my sister Kris. It's honestly one of my best experiences this year. : ) It was also my first time to be a maid-of-honor in Kuya Marky and Ate Mitzi’s wedding in May. On the down side, it’s my first time to get really sick with pneumonia. Also worth mentioning that I went to Ilocos this year in two separate trips – one with family and one with friends.

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Lose weight again? I guess that’s my resolution year after year. Haha! This year –  stronger faith. And to be okay no matter what happens.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes! Ate Mai gave birth to Shaylene Angelique September 3rd. My goddaughter : )

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Thankfully, no one. : )

5. What countries did you visit? 
Singapore - Merlion Country

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
I want to have the drive to really meet my personal goals. No, not work-related goals, like the ones you put in your PPR. But really personal goals – the main structure of my life’s big picture. I really, really want to take one step towards these goals and not to put them off for another day, another month, or another year.

7. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
September 3, 2008     Shaylene Angelique’s birth : )

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Work: Being assigned to be team lead : ) Hopefully next year one of my achievements will be being a great team lead : ) And of course, AU Mega DC Cutover! This is by far the best team I have ever worked with. I would feel lucky if I work with any of you guys again.
Last but not the least, I got SAP Certified this year. Yahooo! : ) 

9. What was your biggest failure?
The pneumonia. I failed to take care of my health. And stress management. I miserably failed in stress management. This year I've constantly been in tears. Seriously. I hope to be better at it next year. Less tears, more smiles! : )
On a lighter note – I failed to walk in high heels when I fell on my face for the second time.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Yes as I’ve been repeating over and over, the pneumonia! The pneumonia! I never want to be that sick again.
 
11. What was the best thing you bought?
For another person – I think the most thoughtful thing I bought this year was our gift to Mama on Mother’s Day: a photography book. : )
For myself – Lunch and dinner outs at foodie places. My black bikini that I spent weeks looking for (scouring the Net and the Metro for). Of course the books are mandatory.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My family and my friends – my shining suns of strength and love. : ) You know who you are.

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
Depressed? Wala naman atang ganun katindi this year. Sad for the rest of the afternoon or for the rest of the night, meron. :P

14. Where did most of your money go?
Foodies, promise!, Christmas gifts, the most recent Ilocos trip, and of course a lot went to my savings (I’m surprised I didn’t answer this before).

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
I really got excited about the Ilocos HoHoL (obviously), the complete Pentagon Reunion (first ever!), Kuya Marky and Ate Mitzi’s wedding, our family’s trip to Singapore and of course Ilocos! : ) I also got excited about our clan’s celebration of Lolo Cleto’s 90th birthday, Rolan and Krizel’s wedding, and believe it or not, I was really excited about Christmas!

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Soulja Boy (pang-masa) Also Pauie’s Miley Cyrus tracks.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? happier
ii. thinner or fatter? about the same
iii. richer or poorer? richer
 
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
I wish I prayed more often. Especially during the latter part of the year, I seem to have lost my routine. I hope I don’t lose it for good. Here’s a promise to really work on it.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
I wish I didn’t worry and stress out as much. As I’ve realized years before, it’s all not worth it.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
Like every year, I spent it with my family. Noche Buena with the tower cake of frupcakes, danced to Christmas songs with Sean, and opened our presents. Christmas is always Christmas! : )










22. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Did I? Not hardcore. A bit? If there’s such a thing.

23. How many one-night stands?
Zero. Do you honestly think I'll put it here if I actually had one?

24. What was your favourite TV program?
I’m still watching House MD til now. Got hooked with the usual Kapamilya shows – PDA, Iisa Pa Lamang, Pinoy Fear Factor, etc.

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No
 
26. What was the best book you read?
Fiction: Let’s give it to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. A very fitting ending. Hats off to JK Rowling.
Nonfiction: I was deeply moved by The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. It inspired me a lot.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Rediscovered old Tagalog love songs because of Awitan ’08.

28. What did you want and get?
That 2-week November vacation. The very very much-needed break. : ) Also all other vacations that I went on this year. SAP Certification also.

29. What did you want and not get?
At the top of my head, a really really good tan. Like the one I had from Boracay last year. And dare I say it – si The One na naman. :P

30. Favorite film of this year?
Kung Fu Panda! Hihihi! =) That’s the only movie that I watched in the theaters that I really really liked.









31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 24 on October 4th this year. I slept for most of the day. Then I got up and realized I had to do something special. So I drove to UP and prayed to give thanks to the blessings. Then went to Chocolate Kiss and wrote. Dinner was spent with the family at Bellini’s. The following week was spent having one-on-one dates with friends. I hope to continue this tradition next year, even if it means it’s a bit more expensive. : )

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
If may ano... : ) Alam niyo na to.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
I think about the same as last year. Though for the most part of this year I’ve been searching for dresses. I’m a girl, ya know.

34. What kept you sane?
My faith, my family, and my friends. : )
 
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Si Evo! <333 (Do you know who this is?)
 
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Issue ba? Topic nalang – Obama winning the US presidential elections – yeahboi!
 
37. Who did you miss?
Sometimes I miss the usual someone. A lot of the times I don’t. (Congrats to me). And of course I constantly miss Ate Mitzi the partner cousin. I was so sad when she left for the States : (
 
38. Who was the best new person you met?
I’ve been thinking of this for days now. I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m mingling with the same circles and have just made new acquaintances this year. Hopefully more new friends and solid friendships next year! : )
 
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
I am really and very much truly blessed. I must not forget that. Also that life will not change if I just wait for things to happen, so I have to take charge of my own life.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Sometime during the year, I hit a pretty rough patch with work. During that time, what I did was to focus on the little things that keep me happy, all the things that I needed to look forward to. This year I focused on the little things more, a lot of the times they matter more than the big things.

Happiness is two kinds of ice cream
Finding your skate key, telling the time
Happiness is learning to whistle
Tying your shoe for the very first time
Happiness is playing the drum in your own school band
And happiness is walking hand in hand

Happiness is five different crayons
Knowing a secret, climbing a tree
Happiness is finding a nickel
Catching a firefly, setting him free
Happiness is being alone every now and then
And happiness is coming home again

Happiness is morning and evening
Daytime and nighttime, too
For happiness is anyone and anything at all
That’s loved by you

Happiness is having a sister
Sharing a sandwich
Getting along
Happiness is singing together when day is through
And happiness is those who sing with you


Here's to a wonderful 2009! : )

Ilocos HoHoL (Hang Out Hang Out Learnings)

One would think that since I've been with Ilocos thrice, I wouldn't have anything left to say of the place. But I haven't been there with friends, and I wouldn't pass up the biggest and grandest HoHoL of the year. : )

As always, every new experience brings new learnings. I'd like to note the following for future Ilocos visits and out-of-town trips, to document random top-of-your head silly facts, and to remember the fun I've once again had in Ilocos:

Shakur is love
This can be said by anyone who's ridden in this CR-V for more than 24 hours. Yes, even if Shakur smells like longganiza, you still tend to love him. Going through the arcs of La Union, Ilocos Sur and finally Ilocos Norte, on a creepy night drive to Paoay Church, and over the mountains en route to Pagudpud, Shakur was there.

On speaking Ilocano
Want to learn the local language? Talk through your tummy! Dinakdakan, bagnet, dinengdeng... Only some words that prove we've learned to speak Ilocano. Hahaha! : )

Touch Taya
It’s never too late for childhood games, especially when you’re in the Paoay church compound. Habulan (touch taya), agawan base, and taguan… For more of a challenge, do it in the dark! Wuhooo!


Ten Shots
For a laughtrip, take 10 shots and just zoom in to see everyone’s facial expressions. You’ll spot an aspiring congressman, a little boy who doesn’t want to go to school, and a shy guy opening up.

The Legend of the Windmills
We have deduced how the windmills were eventually built in Bangui Bay. You know about those “Wala ka sa lolo ko!” anecdotes? This is the “Mas mahangin sa min!” one. Bangui takes the cake, so much so that the wind carries the grains of sand that hurt your legs.

Paoay Church is a cardboard pop-out
Seeing Paoay Church up close is surreal – like a huge cardboard pop out. You can’t fully believe that you’re there. You have to convince yourself that you’re not seeing it on TV or from a postcard.

Whispers in the Dunes
Even a whispery voice plus sore throat can carry out in the sand dunes. If a soft “Alis na kami, Babay!” can be heard by anyone, then an “Holrayyyyt!!!!!” can be heard all the more. And that’s how you phase out popular expressions.

Fort Ilocandia Beauty
This is a perfect place to get married. <3

Stargazing
Stars really pop out if you block all the lights in your surroundings. The easiest technique to use is the towel. Extend or retract it anyway you please. Stars you never thought even existed will pop out from the dark.

Churches along the Main Road
For the record, there are 21 Iglesia ni Cristo churches and 9 Mormon churches along the Northern Main Road. We took the liberty of counting the distinct church structures for better use of our time.


That's just a fraction of my third Ilocos trip. As with anything else, I cannot capture everything with words. I suggest you go there and experience it for yourself. Bring fun friends for the long drive and great smiles for the beautiful sights. Take the trip up North, it's well worth it. And as with what happened to me, you will keep coming back for more. : )

Ilocos HoHoL, December 2008

Ilocos HoHoL (Hang Out Hang Out Lang :P)
December 20-23, 2008
Mao <3 Jade, Papa Jay <3 Rica, Merrill <3 Traci Beybeh :P, Ricci, Bev, Carlo, Ed, Marco and Chubbs! (and Kars in spirit :)

The much-awaited Ilocos HoHoL! A dozen Santush planning sessions eventually led to this. And just when you thought I got enough of the place, I'm back for the third time! :) At puede ko din bang sabihin na hindi ko alam kung anong nangyari sa status ng mga barko namin papunta at pabalik ng Ilocos. :P

Most of these are just pictures of me and the sights. In true Chubbs fashion, I didn't delete any photos, so everything's here. Just choose what you'd like to see. :P

The trip up North, Vigan, Playa Tropical (http://www.playatropical.com.ph/), Sunset at Currimao, Paoay Church at night, more of Playa, Burgos Lighthouse, Bagui Windmills, Pagudpud, Patapat Viaduct, Blue Lagoon, Marcos Museum in Batac, Paoay Church during the day, and the sand dunes. Afterwards my camera's battery ran out so let's look at Jade's pics for the rest of the trip. :)

More pics (and other people) are here:
Marco's Site: http://macoy073080.multiply.com/photos/album/83/Hohol_sa_Ilocos
Marco's Site too: http://macoy073080.multiply.com/photos/album/84/HOHOL_sa_Ilocos_Part_2
Jade's Site: http://kesopizza.multiply.com/photos/album/32/Ilocos_HOHOL
Carlo: http://carlovalenzuela.multiply.com/photos/album/46

I don't know where Merrill posts his. :) But I'll be sure to update.

Other related pics are from my first 2 Ilocos trips, both with family:
August 2006: http://chubbs01.multiply.com/photos/album/16/Ilocos_August_2006
Blog Entry, Aug 2006: http://chubbs01.multiply.com/journal/item/75/Ilocos_
August 2008: http://chubbs01.multiply.com/photos/album/61/Ilocos_August_2008


That's a lot of links -- shows just how much I love the place. <3 I know I'll keep coming back. :)

More on Christmas

We obviously had a blast. :)
























































How was your Christmas?

The Season of Love

Just because it's the season of love.

Maligayang Pasko! :)

26 at 18

18th December 2008

Happy happy 26th wedding anniversary, Parents! :)
We love you!

From the chikitings. :)

Mission Accomplished!

Mission accomplished!

Finally got to try out frozen yogurt here in Manila. There's already a Pink Citrus stall in The Block, SM North. See my yogurt with mango and corn flakes above. Yummy, but my sisters didn't actually like frozen sour stuff. :P

And I'm out to try out more. :) I'll probably go to Megamall to see if I could get some Yogurburd.

Any other suggestions? :)

Random Stars

I wonder at how many writers experience being presented with a blank page and a blinking cursor without knowing what to type. JK Rowling experienced that. No doubt others have. And now I do. Not because I need to write something to get paid, but because I just have this compelling want to blog. :P

Random Thoughts (Stars), anyone?

 I realized that there are a lot of things to be thankful for. Of course not because of Thanksgiving weekend, but because my family's all healthy and safe. (Look, I know it's boring but this is important to me :)

We watched Live AIDS Silver last night and it was so hilarious! Buttercup/Scarlett was unforgettable (Isang Pinggang Pancit!). Don't Lie to Me production numbers were just like the real thing. And a mini Oblation Run happened (Would you look at that -- my first oblation run and I was so shocked I couldn't take it all in).

I really should go Christmas shopping soon -- before the malls fill up with people and the traffic becomes unbearable. Toooot -- Too late! Maybe shopping for next year?

Talking about Christmas, my spirits are lifted every time I think that Christmas is near. It's the most popular holiday and is also my most favorite. :) Christmas songs, choral singing, red cups, wrapping presents, midnight masses, parols and the cold weather -- I love everything about Christmas!

Our Ilocos trip is also drawing nearer. Excited much? I am! I hope it's lovelier than my last Ilocos trip. :)

Eng'g Week starts in a little over a week! I'm also very excited about it. Cursor Sexy!!! :) I'm obligated to watch Awitan '08. I'm saying that because there should be no excuses! This only comes once a year. The theme this year is Pinoy Dramas, which almost automatically means old Tagalog love songs. This is going to be so dreammmmy. :)

Lastly, I'm really looking for a part-time writing job. So if there's anyone who can help me out, just let me know. :)


So I guess it's back to work tomorrow -- back to the normal routine. Despite that, I still have a lot of things to look forward to -- even more stars to think and write about. :)

Superhero Stuff

During the past 2 weeks, I've been in and out of the hospital, visiting Lolo who was confined there. Lolo is now here with us at home, but all the times I've been to the hospital made me marvel at the superhero stuff that health care personnel do in their jobs. They actually save lives.

And what do I do in my job? I sit in front of the computer all day. Well, if you look at the bigger picture, I ensure that our client's business is fully supported by the system. If you take a look at the even bigger picture, I help make our client become a multi-million dollar company, if it still isn't.

Say, if I ask you to weigh which is more important - a human life or a multi-million dollar company - which would you choose? The choice is so obvious! I'm not trying to say that my job sucks because it isn't the most important job in the planet. What I'm driving at is that my job all boils down to our client and my company getting enough revenue for the year - it all boils down to money. How less humane can you get?

Compare that to saving lives, teaching kids how to read, preaching God's word, and even serving people their food. I'd exchange a human being to a computer any day.

I know there are still a lot of good things about my job. But right now, I just can't see the positive side of what it really boils down to. There must be more to life than shipping out orders and making our client amass money. I'd rather do something else daily - like helping other people and having a significant impact in their lives; something that makes me feel that I've served my purpose on earth, even if I'm not a superhero.

Kissmarks and Amici

So. Vacation started today.

Forgive me for being so detailed as I am usually not like this. ;)

1. Slept in. Didn't exercise with the oldies as Mama has repeatedly asked me to.
2. Watched Andrew Zimmern eat exotic-slash-yucky food. And Anthony Bourdain work his ass off at the restaurant where he used to be the chef.
3. Went to the hospital to bring food and see Lolo.
4. Checked my work email (Oh yes).
5. HoHoL with Sean (Hang out hangout lang). And look! He got a kissmark from Ninang! Teehee! :)






















6. Had dinner with Mabelle, Dotty and JB at Amici di Don Bosco. That is, after going from QC to Manila, getting stuck in traffic at Gil Puyat turned Buendia, finding our way to Pasong Tamo, and then finally arriving at Don Bosco.

When we arrived at Amici, I was secretly wishing that they hadn't changed the feel of the place. But with the new management, I guess it was inevitable. I do miss the old Amici -- the home cooked feel of the food, the canteen style setting, and the fact that its only establishment is in Don Bosco. I love the fact that a place is known by word of mouth and that the people come to the restaurant, not the other way around. It somehow makes every visit all the more special.

But I must admit that this expansion has an upside. They already have a branch at Tomas Morato and are also planning to open branches at Greenhills and Megamall. That means Amici anytime of the day for me! :)

Even with the changed setting, the food was exactly as I remembered it -- great! :) The travel from QC was well worth it. We had pasta Bolognese and Pepperoncino. For pizza, we had Tutta Carne (Meat Lovers). The mozarella sticks were super great! And of course, who would leave without some gelato?


While we're on dessert, I also had a slice of Mango Tango and a slice of Pistachio cake for takeout. :) When I sleep tonight, I'll be dreaming of both slices. :)

It was another great night with high school friends -- another night of great food and even greater company. And dare I say, the start of a great vacation. :)

Fruit Puree

"How do you feel today?"

If someone asked me that question last night, I wouldn't know what to say. Feeling a jumble of emotions at the same time is seldom easy. If only I could create compartments in my heart and segregate the individual feelings, it would make the situation less complex.


Here's a shot at it. And here's to hoping this will help out my confused mind.

Box 1 is for work
- I feel very tired. The 1 month slump has taken its toll. I'm tired of counting down weekdays and feeling sad on Sunday afternoons.
- I feel guilty, but more relieved than anything else.

Box 2 is for Lolo
- I'm worried.

Box 3 is for my 2-week a.k.a. half of November leave
- I don't feel as excited as I'm supposed to. Partly because I'll miss my office friends (Yehes, Click barkada!) and our Ilocos planning sessions every so often. Also because the start of my vacation means I'm closer to the end of it. (I know, right?!?)
- But I do have plans! I feel that I should put them into action. Scrapbooking. Sleep! TV. Books! Lunchies and dinners with friends (Jeth & Mike, ha!) Playing with Sean the whole day. Still attending planning meetings. Basically, just chill.

Box 4 is for YOU. The most confusing box in the stack.
- I feel jealous of her.
- I feel that I'm setting myself up for disappointment again. That I'm now expecting things that won't happen. I don't want to be controlled by this. I want to be more cautious.
- Apart from all that, I still feel hopeful. Kasi puede eh. Puede talaga.
- Lastly, I always feel damn happy when you're around. : ) Or even when I think of you... like now. : )


It's not like these boxes are still intact when they get mixed up inside of you. It's not like fruit salad. It's more like fruit puree (Anyone who got that has the same wave length as me.) And when the puree is inside it all feels like mush. Which, I want to clarify, doesn't feel good.

A normal Friday night, I must say.

Color My World

Thank you for the rainbow of colors, Sean! :) I Lab Buuuuu! :)