Closing 2009 and Moving on to 2010

I just realized that I had to write this. It's been crazy busy even during the holidays that I almost missed the year-end blog thingy. For this year, I figured to do away with the survey and create something of my own. I've missed writing so much.

In a nutshell, 2009 has been really, really great and really, really emotional. If it ended in October, in March, or in May, I would have answered differently. So here's to hoping the next few paragraphs are coherent enough for you to follow.

I'm really happy that I'm back in school. I'm often asked what I'd do after I graduate and til now I don't have an answer to that. What I know is school is making me happy. And it just about compensates the normality of everyday life. And I'm also happy that I've re-met and met some great people in grad school -- Earl, Kaye, Jomar and James. :) Thank you for being good friends through the fuzzy-crazy terms.

In the latter part of the year I've also started attending an out-of-school/out-of-work/out-of-this-world class. :) And I can't say anything more about it aside from it's fuuuuuun, it's tiring, and I hope to be very good at it someday. Thanks to this class I've reclaimed my jam-packed weekends. :)

I've also shifted my Sunday mornings from jogging to playing badminton with Kuya Sonny, Ate Cel, and Kris. I can't say I'm really good, but all I'm thankful for the regularity of exercise. And we do have fun, especially when Kris makes those funny shots. :)

I've also been to a lot of places this year. A huge chunk was spent on vacation and for that I'm very thankful. :) Our family's February Boracay trip kicked off my travels for the year. Boracay is beautiful as always, but I guess less beautiful when you have work in mind. I believe I still enjoyed that Bora trip even if I didn't get the tan that I longed for.



Bangkok was the next stop in April. Kris and I went with Kuya Sonny's family. Visiting and discovering a new place is always fun. :) We've had some great pictures with the temples and had our adventures in the floating markets and beating Bangkok traffic.

During one of the long weekends in September, our family went on a beach day trip to Subic. Although the hard rains can be considered as an epic fail, we still had fun under the rain and the waves. It was marked by a lot of shop-shop-shopping! It was just the break that we all needed to recharge.

The grandest trip this year was the most recent -- Dos Palmas in Palawan. Okay, so I was sick for most of the trip. But I got a bit of a tan, I got to sunbathe, to relax, to think too much, to make sandcastles, to snorkel, to eat a lot, to visit the beautiful island where the waves meet... Well I guess I did a lot of things (this includes sleeping too) and the vacation was a year-ender in a lot of different ways. :)

On the social scene, I am thankful for my different groups of friends that I got to spend time with this year. Friends (pa rin pala) kami, newly-Christened FK, came together in March and had some pretty constant meet ups ever since. The loss of Ate Caren touched us all very deeply, some more so than others. And if it was a test of our friendship, I'm glad FK passed it with flying colors. Special shout outs to co-Octoberbabies Hanna and Miki! Thank you for impromptu coffee dates at McKinley or Katipunan or Diliman or wherever. They kept me sane.

Also significant this year is the constant meet ups with the Pisay Sampa folks. Lunch-to-sawa, movies, plays, let's-nag-JB, lunches, dinners, chismisans -- we almost see each other every two weeks! It's funny that we never get tired and that we've known each other for 11 years and counting. Thank you especially to Mab. :) Love you Mab! :) You know I'm here for you as you've always been there for me.


Of course who would forget my girls at the office? Flo and Nhiza for the Red Ribbon lunches, Nutella pandesal meriendas, and wherever-our-feet take us dinners. I love you both very much. :) Thank you for listening to everything I say (even if it's all my fault). You know that among the three of us I'm the most talkative -- thank you for bearing with my stories. :) Here's to more adventures, corny jokes, dance moves, and foodie trips!





Last few shout outs to friends I've missed:
- Mike F & Quel - I miss our lunches. I'm happy we're still somehow in contact :)
- Maymay - To the best virtual friend ever! :P Thanks for listening and giving advice.
- Krizel - Through the busy manager times and having Zoe, thank you for being a good friend. I miss you :)
- AR and Jade - Wasap yow? Jade, thanks for being my seatmate through the year! I like that when I think aloud, you sometimes answer. :) AR! Lab kita sobra. More gyozas for the both of us (and I mean the literal ones :P)
- The email thread team Ponch, Sars, and Chess - Our crazy email threads are real stress relievers. More to come next year. :)


Work has also been crazy this year. In the earlier part, I was very close to taking a break and changing careers. Obviously, I haven't chosen that path but instead grew with my teams during the year. I'm happy where I am right now. I'm happy with my teams and I can see that we can still continue to grow and help each other in the coming year. :)

If there's one event that stood out this year, it would surely be when I turned 25. I've mentioned this so many times before; this year gave me the happiest birthday yet. With family, friends, and you, everything was very memorable. I know this for a fact because whenever I say that I'm happy, it means I'm overflowing with happiness that I just have to say it out loud. So thank you for making my birthday this year one for the books. :)



2009 was also a hard year for all of us. The loss of Pres Cory, Ondoy, Pepeng, and the Maguindanao Massacre stand out as noted events that impacted a lot of people. On a personal level, I've grown apart from a close friend, there were times that I worried about work too much, I don't pray as often as before and I've gotten myself hurt. In some aspects, it has also been a tough year. There are times I feel that I just came back to where I was exactly a year ago. But I think the key right now is really moving on and leaving all this behind.

It has been happy and challenging year in a lot of ways. It has brought a lot of changes, I got to experience new things and met new people who left their own marks in my life. And through everything, my family has always been there. From my daily late night arrivals to the vacations, the challenges, the extensive singing and dancing in the car, the quiet moments, and the good and not-so-good food, they have always been there. And even if you take away everything I've just mentioned, I'm certain they will still be. :) It's amazing how big a chunk of my life is spent with family and I wouldn't have it any other way in the years to come. :) BIG shout outs to Papa, Mama, Kris and Pau! And other people close to my heart especially bulingits Sean and Shay! :) Thank YOU for everything!

So this is it -- I hear the first batches of fireworks going off outside and 2009 is finally coming to a close. I'm very thankful for the year that was and at the same time, I'm super excited for the experiences, people, and places that 2010 will bring. I don't know why, but I have a giddy-good feeling about 2010! Through God's help I'll be able to have another great year. :) Always with and through Him. :) And always for and because of Him. :)

It's been a long post, and all I can say is thank you for being part of my life and looking forward to spending more years with all of you. :)

Here's to a happy 2010!!! :)

Christmas Eve

I miss writing.

A couple of days ago I had a lot to write about -- more than 5 Christmas gatherings that I really, really enjoyed.

Now I can't just write anything. My mind draws a blank.

Turning Silver

I can't not have a birthday post. With my 21st, 22nd, 23rd, and 24th all documented in this blog, will I let my silver year pass by just like that? This doesn't pass for a birthday post -- it's a wish list. So after more than a month, here we go...

In the past, I've had "normal" birthdays, but there were a handful that stood out -- those that made me feel most loved, most blessed, and most grateful. This year was dubbed as simply the happiest. My happiest birthday yet.

I was happy because of so many things falling into place. I was happy at work and I found added happiness with school that started this year. With the turmoil that I went through early this year, I felt that I finally found my peace. :)

Of course I was also very thankful for my family and friends -- them that make my life worth while. The celebrations were simple and the gatherings were tight, but we still celebrated lasting friendships, fullness of life, and love for each other. During birthdays, I find that I don't just celebrate my birth, but also the bonds I've had with people over the years. It's like saying, thank you for being in my life, because it wouldn't mean anything if you weren't there. And I do. I do thank all of you for being part of who I am. :)

















This year as well, happiness was found in a smile and crinkly eye corners. Although short-lived, I celebrated this happiness fully and I wouldn't take it back if given a choice. I was very happy, and I don't take that away. With a full heart, I look forward to lasting happiness -- one that would surpass this. At least now I know that this kind of happiness is real. :)

Lastly, all credit is given to God. Not only for beautiful sunsets and for saving us on rainy days, but also for being there even when I forget to take a moment to pray. This year has been crazy busy, but I know that God has always been there. He is present in every breath and every step, every sigh and every silent prayer. He has been there from my start 25 years ago til the end. A love story that is truly worth while to tell, one that I wake up to everyday and see unfolding before my eyes. This is my life. This is our love story. And from start to finish, I live it with God.

Salamat sa 25 na taon. Til the very end, Lord. Mahal na mahal kita <3

C'est fini la comédie

I don't understand tad of French - just the usual Lady Marmalade lyrics (which I presume is not a good thing to know). I just chanced upon this song that was performed by the Philippine Madrigal Singers at a church in New York. It's so beautiful to listen to. And even if I don't understand the lyrics in French, the English translation is just so beautiful. It's an obvious translation, but the emotions, the feelings, are all there. You can feel it and visualize the story right with the song. :)

C'est fini
C'est fini la comédie
Tout avait commencé
Comme une pièce à succès
Dans le décor tout bleu
D'un théâtre de banlieue
Nous n'étions que nous deux
On s'est aimé longtemps
Au point d'oublier le temps
Qui tout au long des scènes
Transformait les joies en peine
Il a gagné le temps
Il est content
Quand il nous voit chacun de son côté
Comme des étrangers
Nous n'avons plus en commun
Que les mots quotidiens
Le décor n'a pas changé
Mais les acteurs n'ont rien à jouer
Il faut baisser le rideau
C'est fini
C'est fini la comédie
On était bien parti
Eternité garantie
On était seuls au monde
Devant tout l'amour de l'onde
Pas de sens interdits

Il a gagné le temps
Il est content
Quand il nous voit chacun de son côté
Comme des étrangers
Nous n'avons plus en commun
Que les mots quotidiens
Le décor n'a pas changé
Mais les acteurs n'ont rien à jouer
Il faut baisser le rideau
C'est fini
C'est fini la comédie
Tout avait commencé
Comme une pièce à succès
Dans le décor tout bleu
D'un théâtre de banlieue
Nous n'étions que nous deux
C'est fini
C'est fini la comédie


Everything is over,
The comedy is over
Everything began
As a brilliant representation
In blue scenery
Of a suburban theatre
(Where) there was only the two of us

And we loved each other so long
Almost forgetting about time
Which in all our stages
Transformed pleasures into a pain
And time has defeated us
It is glad
To see us, both on different sides
As strangers
Nothing more connects us
Except threadbare words
The scenery has not changed
But the actors have nothing more to play
Time to lower the curtain.

Everything is over
The comedy is over
We part well
(And) Eternity is ours.
We are alone in the world
On waves left our from love
But nothing more remain of our forbidden feelings.

And time has defeated us,
It is glad
To see us, both on different sides
As strangers
Nothing more connects us
Except threadbare words
The scenery has not changed
But the actors have nothing more to play
Time to lower the curtain.

Everything is over
The comedy is over
Everything began
As a brilliant representation
In pink scenery
Of a suburban theatre
(Where) there was only the two of us

Everything is over
The comedy is over...

Bob

You may not be her first, her last, or her only. She loved before, she may love again. But, if she loves you now, what else matters? She’s not perfect - you aren’t either, and the two of you may never be perfect together, but if she can make you laugh, ‘cause you think twice, and you admit to being human and making mistakes, hold on to her and give her the most you can. She may not be thinking of you every second of the day, but she will give you a part of her that she knows you can break - her heart. So don’t hurt her, don’t change her, don’t analyze and don’t expect more than she can give. Smile when she makes you happy, let her know when she makes you mad, and miss her when she’s not there.

- Bob Marley

(30) Days of You

You are my Summer.

I remember old school music and beer. A busted taillight at 3AM. My happiest birthday yet, a surprise sunflower and a hardbound book. I remember singing in your car and virtual hugs. Our impromptu lunches, our planned Saturday nights, and Lamborghini Diablo. Waking up to your good morning text and sleeping with your wish of sweet dreams. I remember your warm hands, your serious look when you drive, and how the corners of your eyes crinkle when you smile.

I remember you.

Summer had 500 days. We only had 30. But we sure made it count.


(100 words)

© Isabel M. Casas 20091025

Carrie

I'm looking for love. Real love. Ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming, can't-live-without-each-other love.

- Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City

Because I love Han and she loves me

hanna: chubbs
hanna: >:D<
hanna: mahal na mahal na mahal kita
hanna: pero minsan talaga
hanna: ang sarap mo tajakan papunta sa curb
hanna: you know?
hanna: :))


This is what I call real friendship. You know?

Everyday I Love You

I think this was one of Boyzone's last singles. And I really love the lyrics of the song.

From the school girl, the total fan, and the kid who professed undying love, Steo deserves a proper goodbye.

Stephen Gately, RIP. Thank you for the music that brings me back to my childhood.


Everyday I Love You

I don't know but I believe
That some things are meant to be
And that you make a better me
Everyday I love you

I never thought that dreams came true
But you showed me that they do
You know that I learn something new
Everyday I love you

Cos I believe that destiny
Is out of our control
And you'll never live until you love
With all your heart and soul

It's a touch when I feel bad
It's a smile when I get mad
All these little things I am
Everyday I love you

Cos I believe that destiny
Is out of our control
And you'll never live until you love
With all your heart and soul

If I asked would you say yes?
Together we're the very best
I know that I am truly blessed
Everyday I love you

And I'll give you my best
Everyday I love you

<3

25 for the 25th

18 September 2009

Everyone is having a big fuss this year because it's the quarter of the century, the silver year, and even the start of the quarter life crisis. However we try to be creative in defining it, it's still a milestone. 25. :)

When I was young, I thought 25 was the ideal year. I'll be independent, I'll have a great career, great friends, great love life. I get to buy anything I want. I'll have everything within my reach.

Now it's just 16 days away and my life is far from perfect, far from ideal. I still have a lot to achieve, a lot to do! I still want a lot of things, but a lot of simple things, really. So for my 25th year on earth, I have a list, like so many of us born this year. But you'll find this very different from the others.

I'll tick this off one by one starting October 4, 2009. The deadline is set the following year, October 4, 2010, because I've always believed in celebrating birthdays in years. I'll update this blog from time to time to post pictures and update the list. These are very simple joys in my life. A lot I can get for myself, but some I expect others to give. A handful cannot be given by anyone else but God.

So let's go through the list, shall we?

4 October 2010
16/25 - Not bad!



1. A surprise =)

1 October 2010 - Best surprise ever! At first I really thought that Flo, Nhiza and I were really going off for Friday night dinner. But no! Everyone was hiding with a cake in Manila room! :) The boys sang a boyband song that I really appreciated :) And my card was so full of greetings <3 <3 <3 And I love the book! Thank you, thank you guys! I love you because 1. You knew I half expected the surprise and 2. You didn't spoil it for me anyway. :) I love you! :D

2. Sunrise at the beach
21 May 2010 - A lot of sunsets by the beach, but not one sunrise. :S
4 October 2010 - No beach sunrises for this year, because I traveled to beaches facing the West. Nevertheless, I wouldn't change my vacations :)

3. An impromptu trip to Tagaytay
This is one of them 'romantic' wishes

4. A movie date at the old Eastwood cinemas
Another romantic wish! Come to think of it, I haven't been on a movie date this year. Well aside from that almost-thing (bordering on nothing) Haha!

5. Run for me and the causes I support: the fight against cancer, Gawad Kalinga, World Vision, World Food Programme, Kythe, Haribon, One Plus One. Or you can also help them by donating. :)
Awww! But it's okay! A lot of people helped other people even without running :)

6. A really good joke that'll make me laugh =)
Heard this from my groupmate, Eunice. So funny with good execution ;p
Knock, knock..
Who's there?
Nararamdaman
Nararamdaman who?
Na-raram-daman, na-raram-daman (Lady Gaga's bad romance)

7. Isang daang kotseng kuba
Hit 100 on January 2, 2010! My eyes are trained to look for Volkswagen Beetles now. And I never fail to get surprised or happy whenever I see one -- even one I've seen before. I'm not going to stop counting, though. Let's see how many a year's worth of counting will bring.

So far I've seen a multitude of Beetles -- in different colors (purple, blue, red and black, silver, yellow, fuschia, light pink, white, brown, maroon, electric blue, white and red, sky blue, baby blue, sprite bottle green, lime green, orange) and places. A lot on the road, some in pictures, and small model... Hey, who said I have to limit counting to real ones? :))

Here's a document of my most unexpected finds. :)

13 October 2009 - I was having a particularly bad day. Too many changes all at once. When I went out to do some errands during lunch, I was happy enough to see a Volkswagen Beetle. And then more and more when I traversed the roads. I ended up counting 5 just in one day. Just a small thing that made me smile. :)
19 September 2009 - I brought Han home to Makati. I saw one on the rearview mirror while backing up in their road. :)
15 November 2009 - 10 in one go! Wow! Cocheng kuba factory FTW!
17 November 2009 - Reading Postsecret. One of the secrets had a poster of The Beatles' album cover in Abbey Road. Guess what car was in the background? A Volkswagen Beetle!
25 November 2009 - Going home from our block Christmas party in Markinina at 3AM. I found a yellow one.
1 January 2010 - 99 on the first day of the year!
13 February 2010 - Worried about Allen. Nahappy ako sa parade of cocheng kuba sa Big Night. God looks out for us. :)
22 February 2010 - Decided to watch Valentine's Day by myself. And Ms. ex-Nancy Drew is driving a cute white one.
20 March 2010 - Trust your intuition. Take a different route and see three. God looks out for you.
26 March 2010 - From the 14F, blue cocheng kuba parking at Mega after a bad morning. God looks out for us.
24 April 2010 - First day of our North Luzon roadtrip. Saw one instantly at Vigan
14 May 2010 - Limang cocheng kuba sa finale ng Here Comes the Bride. Happy happy!
13 June 2010 - An old green one while getting lost in Recto


A total of 327 by October 4. I parked right next to this one on my birthday. These cocheng kubas have a different meaning to me now :) Every time I see one, I always think that it's God's way of saying that He looks out for me. A bit weird? I know. But I've seen these guys on the most unexpected of times. :)

So, God looks out for us :)

8. A baby sunflower







18 October 2009
I love love love my baby sunflower from Tagaytay. In gradeschool I learned about Ikebana. I don't know if this directly translates to the earth, man, and the heavens. But I guess this is my version of it.

Thank you, S, because I'm happy happy happy. <3









9. Someone who'll just patiently accompany me study :)

5 November 2009 - I got four! Gabs, Mab, Dotty, JB, and I spent a few solid hours studying/working at Figaro Technohub.

Dotty worked with her laptop.
Mab brought this little book for the doctors, hehe!
Gabs tinkered on his 3D stuff for work and even helped me with my Accounting homework.
JB tried to study with his matching book stand and smoked, like, thrice that night.
And I got to work on our Flow Management Report for school, yey!

Oh, such nerds!


10. Happy Christmas holidays!
This year was the busiest stretch of Christmas holidays yet! I met up and celebrated Christmas with almost 10 different groups. And of course my relatives came home and we spent a lot of time catching up and having fun.

The pictures say it all! I really had a happy, happy Christmas 2009. :)



























































11. Rain on my birthday
4 October 2009
It rained quietly when I was about to go to church, as if God was saying, "Here you go, Chubbs. Happy Birthday." <3

12. Alone time well spent
26 November 2009 - It's Lola Paz's birthday and I miss her dearly. I arrived at UP too late for my first class so I decided to skip it. I spent time at the Parish of Holy Sacrifice instead. Indeed, alone time well-spent. A confession, a fervent prayer, the rosary, and a choir singing Christmas songs completed my night. Again, alone time well spent. :)


13. Birthday frupcakes!
But I still want frupcakes!

14. To watch a live UAAP UP game
Still supported UP this year though! Just didn't find common time with Mab to watch a game :S UP FIGHT!

15. Pesto pasta at 10 different restaurants (10/10)
15 October 2009 - Pesto Pasta at Cafe Xocolat with MBA groupmates =)
30 October 2009 - Friday comfort food Pesto at World Chicken
13 November 2009 - Pesto from sosy Cibo! Good vibes!
28 November 2009 - Dinner of custom made pesto pasta at Dos Palmas, Palawan
15 January 2010 - Friday night loser pesto spaghetti at Conti's. My comfort food made me feel better even if I was spending Friday night alone.
25 January 2010 - Carlos Pizza pesto cream with RG :)
26 March 2010 - Pasta verde at the new Banapple with groupmates.
26 May 2010 - Tuna pesto at TOSH with Mab, Dotty, and JB :)
11 June 2010 - Pesto lasagna at the house of Lasagna with the HOHOL gang!
3 October 2010 - Pesto at Amici with my family! :)

16. A kiss and hug from baby Sean







4 October 2009
A hug, a kiss, and a 'Happy Birthday ' song! Yey! :) More than I asked for. :)













17. A kiss and hug from baby Shay




21 May 2010
When I first met my niece Shay in person last month, she wasn't the most friendly of kids (like we didn't share any blood together). However, she warmed up in 3 weeks (3 weeks!). I got a simple kiss and a weak hug, not necessarily at the same time, but it's still good enough for me. I love Shay-shay :) Miss you baby :)




18. A poem read out loud ala Il Postino
Another one of those romantic wishes. WISH! :))

19. To watch a great play!
15 August 2010 - Watched Cats with Pisay girls. Although there were some parts when I almost fell asleep, Lea was just super great. I was blown away -- so sulit!

20. Reese's peanut butter cups
18 April 2010 - I bought some in Subic, but that doesn't count. :S
2 October 2010 - I saw Reese's peanut butter cups in the ref at home and owned it :)) (Turned out to be my sister's!)

21. A family out of town trip
The ultimate family out of town trip on April 24-19, 2010. We all went up North to experience our roots. Traveling in a coaster with a lot of stuff and a lot of family is an experience worth remembering. :) Again, the pictures (and we do have a lot) tell the whole story, but more than all these places, my family was definitely the most important part of the trip. <3






























































22. Gimik with just my 2 sisters
19 June 2010 - Date with my sisters at Red Kimono Technohub. Lots of sushi, teriyaki, and tempura with my loves on a relaxed Saturday afternoon. Sarap!!!







23. A beautiful hard bound book







4 October 2009
Women are Crazy, Men are Stupid by Howard J. Morris & Jenny Lee. From a very stupid boy. ;p













24. A handmade bookmark
Last time I got something like this was during CURSOR Missions Week :)

25. Someone I don't know who'll be moved by my writing and will let me know
This will continue to be my wish for the next year.


I don't expect to get everything. :) But it'll be a bonus if I do.

So let's fill this post up together with the things and nicknacks of the thing called life. Specifically my 25th year of it. :)


4 October 2010
These were indeed very simple wishes. I continue to have simple yet meaningful ones in the next year. THANK YOU to everyone who made this possible. And in the next year, like my first wish above -- Surprise me :)

Cheesecake Part 2

While playing badminton earlier with Kuya Sonny, Ate Cel, and Kris.
Kuya Sonny and Kris just won their second straight set.

Ate Cel: Chubbs kayo naman ni Kuya Sonny kampi, para manalo ka naman. Kawawa naman ako never na mananalo.
Kuya Sonny: Eh panalo ka naman sa kin eh.
Chubbs and Kris: Yihee, sobrang cheesy!!!

Ilocos: Just when you thought I've written too much

I'm feeling so nostalgic today.

I remember Ilocos and my three trips, but I still feel they aren't enough. Each trip was a new experience. The first was of discovering it for ourselves. The second was sharing the beauty with my family. The third trip was having a good time with friends.

With each trip I had so, so much to say. And now I surprise myself with so much more words for Ilocos.

I guess I have really fallen in love. :) That is, if there's such a thing for a place. But why? Maybe it's the loooong drive that makes me feel that it's worth it. Maybe it's the anticipation of going back to somewhere familiar or something that you can boast the beauty of to others. Maybe it's the adventure of stepping back into time and pretending to live a simple life.

Maybe. But when I really think about it, during each trip, I felt like I was coming home. I felt so much at home with the beauty of Ilocos. I saw Ilocanos with the same dark skin and the same industriousness as I do. I experienced their hospitality and love for their homeland. I loved the food that they cooked. And I wished I spoke the language, but nevertheless, I felt that I belonged.

I guess that's really it. It's about going back to my roots. To the region where my maternal grandparents grew up and fell in love. It's like discovering a love that has always been there, one that makes you realize that you never really had a choice. Being Ilocano runs in my blood and I embrace it. I know I will continue to for many more years to come.

Let me end with three pictures, one from each time I visited, taken at the same place -- the Blue Lagoon. I once mentioned that it is paradise on earth. I still continue to believe so. Until now, it's still my favorite beach in the world. And until now, I still yearn to go back and experience everything again.

After all, there's no place like home.