Pictures

The lazy boy in me directs you to some pictures I’ve uploaded lately in my multiply extension. If a picture paints a thousand words, then I hope these shots can paint even just a hundred.

Photos here.

Blue Eagle bonfire

OK so just in case you are living under a cave, the Ateneo Blue Eagles won the UAAP Men’s Basketball Championship. Later, I’ll be attending the Blue Eagle bonfire to celebrate our victory. I was meaning not to come but I felt a bit guilty since I haven’t set aside any time watching any Ateneo games this season. I know it sucks specially last Thursday when almost all officemates from ADMU filed for VL just to watch the games live. I thought, “what am I doing here?” Anyway, when I told my mom that there was a bonfire and that I will not be attending, she said “What? Sayang naman. Ang saya nun.” She remembered the last time when Ateneo won the Championship (I was a senior then) and even my family attended the celebration. It was really awesome.

Anyway, I’m going to the bonfire! I am lucky cause I will be bringing in my whole chapter mates in SFC. This will be our fellowship for tonight. I’ll just post the pictures in my Multiply in the coming days.

To end, here’s a post that I saw while searching for information about the Bonfire in the internet >> WHEN IT MATTERS

What’s up?

OK so it has been years since I wrote anything in my used-to-be-very-active blog. I wouldn’t say I’m very busy nor do I lack any interesting things to write about. I have time and topics but I am still unable to write. I guess I was just missing something. This weekend, I realized what it was – I have time and topics but I no longer have Passion. Somewhere along the way, I lost my drive to write. It was probably because I was feeling lost myself. In any case, I have decided to bring back that activity that gives me happiness – writing. I need to find my balance again and I will start it here.

So just so there are no missing pages, I’ll try to fill you in on things I can remember experiencing or doing since my last post.

1. 2 years and counting – Chin and I celebrated our second year anniversary last August 19. It was a tiring and fun-filled day as we both took the day off to spend the whole day together wandering in the streets of Metropolitan Manila. Pictures are in my multiply.

2. My first major scratch – I remember this clearly because it was the first. Some weeks ago, we went to Pampanga to treat our relatives for my father’s birthday. We celebrated it in my Tita’s house. Her garage can only fit one car (hers) so I had to contend with parking outside the house. Unfortunately, her house is located in a busy road. My car was parked overnight and the following day, I noticed this long scratch that spans the back bumper to the rear door panel. It was long and I was furious. I was so concerned I couldn’t sleep well. It was like a betrayal since I didn’t even know who have done it and I am left with a scratched car. Waaahhh! Anyway, to make the long story short, I had it fixed and now it’s not as visible anymore.

3. Changing teams – I have officially left my team of 5 years and moved to a completely new team last Sept. 1. I tell you the feeling is bizarre. It’s feels like I’m a newbie all over again. Like I somehow have to prove myself because nobody knows about me in this new team. It’s a weird feeling being the lead resource that is respected and looked up to because of a well established track record and reputation from my old team to suddenly being a new guy whom nobody really knows about and where everyone else is more knowledgeable in the application than I am since they have been there for XX years. I guess I just needed to adjust. Oh well, I asked for it and now it is given. What can I say? Well, bring it on and watch me! (I need some positivity. Hehe)

4. CLP experience – I am leading another Christian Life Program on our chapter and this time I took a more relaxed approach. I performed my service diligently but I did not allow myself to get too much affected by factors beyond my control. I just told him, “give me the participants who’ll need SFC support and needs transformation at this point in time.” If it’s just 2 people, then that’s fine. If it’s 20, then that’s fine too. The result is a more enjoyable experience. This Saturday, we’ll have our Baptism and we are preparing for 11 participants. Not bad at all.

5. Window shopping for my first crib – At first I was opting to buy a condo unit either in the Makati or Ortigas area. I started this fervent attempt to look for the best condo deals and I almost decided on buying a 1 bedroom unit when I realized that I also have to consider my car. If I purchase a parking slot, that’s an additional 500K. I cannot afford to just leave the car roasting under the sun or being soaked wet in typhoons. It was then that I realized that urban condo living is essentially a commuter’s lifestyle. Condos are at very prime locations that are virtually near everything so that it eliminates the need for the person to bring a car to his destination. Everything is walking distance or 15 minutes away from this and that. It was then that I decided that condos are not for me. I don’t mind the distance because I have the means to transport myself. I have been traveling from Cainta to Makati for the past 5 years and it was never an issue for me. Additionally, I thought that for the same amount of getting a unit plus parking, I could afford getting a decent townhouse already. It has more space, covered parking and you get a small garden. Perfect for a first home. Haha! Anyway, the search is not over yet. I am still looking for that best buy that would finally force me to amortize. Hehe.

6. Discovery Weekend – This is a major push for my spirit. It reenergized tired and resting Passions. It helped me to start and go back to the basics of what keeps me happy and those that brings me joy. Plus I enjoyed the social dynamics of the retreat. I felt as if I was a regular, carefree member of the community again. My housemates were also very hilarious and that kept me laughing throughout our breaks. A good bond was formed between the participants and I looked forward to sector gatherings again.

So I guess that’s a total of 6 blog entries all cramped into 1. I hope to be back actively in blogging. I will use this as a start to a brand new blogger me!

Reminiscing

I am in a state of transition now as I will be soon transferring to a new project at my office. I have opted to take a week-long break this month to sort things through – career goals, happiness in this company, do I still have the drive to be a high performer and what I really want to do from this point on. I am sure that part of my evaluation will go back to my upbringing and what I have really set out to achieve in the first place. I will go back to my Blue Eagle roots…..

Anyway, this post is not intended to be serious. I just started that way since this was my mindset when I googled the word “Buhay Atenista.” I stumbled upon this Blog and I wanted to answer the checklist for fun (and so that I can be reminded of how I was so that I can eventually decide where I want to go). Enjoy…..

This is the Ateneo Way:

(x) eat at Manang’s >> I think I will do this again during my leave.
(x) learn the alma mater >> sort of. I haven’t memorized the whole thing up to now. Haha!
(x) sleep on a bench >> in between classes
(x) be a TNT >> one of the best social experiences
( ) jog around the campus in the evening >> more like morning because of PE
(x) visit the art gallery >> thanks to Joyleen for this
(x) know at least one xerox lady, manong, or technician by name >> Yes, but now I forgot their names. I still remember their faces though
(x) get a Jesuit for a teacher >> Father Dacanay
( ) itch from higad bites >> Ewww. No
(x) have gotten an F in something >> Math 21 baby! First and only F ever
(x) have taken a crap in school >> Sec C
(x) watch a La Salle vs. Ateneo UAAP game >> You are not an Atenean when you haven’t done this. Haha!
(x) give a powerpoint presentation >> Powerpoint, Flash, Movie Maker, you name it….
( ) smoked in a “strictly no smoking” place in the campus
(x) study in the caf up >> First year days!
(x) watch a T.A. play >> Yeah. And I think Alfred Vargas was one of the lead characters in it (Forgot the title)
(x) sit on the SEC ledge and watch the stars >> watched the stars and recited poems.
(x) eat in Full House, Martha’s Kitchen, and Ken Afford >> I loved the Ken Afford Kare-kare
(x) sleep in the lib >> I would do this in the “hidden” areas to be discreet
( ) visit Mr. San Andres -
( ) star gazed at the Ateneo field
(x) go to the chapel >> my sanctuary. This is now part of my history with Chin.
(x) have gotten a pebble stuck in your shoe/slippers in the middle of the quad
(x) cut class with your block to watch a movie >> especially if I know the class sucked
(x) sign up for those institutional (i.e. difficult but brilliant) teachers [Fr. Dacanay & Dr. Ibarra] – Fr Dacanay’s lessons about love and marriage have become my foundation for handling my relationships
( ) go to CERSA night
(x) have tried siomai rice
(x) learn how to smoke >> I entered college a smoker already
(x) fall in love >> all my college friends knows who it is
(x) actually read the book you keep borrowing from the lib >> lots of them
(x) play cards during your free time
(x) dress in business attire >> defense and presentation
(x) learn to stay awake for more than 24 hours straight >> hell week anyone?
( ) have gotten side comments from ASSOC
(x) take Saturday classes >> yes, from summer classes
(x) go to your immersion >> in Zambales
( ) eat Food for After Thought sandwiches
(x) get a boyfriend/girlfriend >> yep yep
(x) take time to read the vandalism in the CR doors >> Berchmans Ground floor
(x) watch Minsan Lang Sila Bata and Macho Dancer for class >> Eye-openers
(x) do a last minute paper >> the best inspiration comes from immense pressure. Haha!
(x) have spent a lot for 1×1 ID pictures >> colored xerox at Floro photo in UP
(x) get exempted from final exams >> sweet victory specially during 4th year
(x) attend a college mass
(x) promise to quit smoking >> and I did before 3rd year college
(x) play hide-and-seek in the mini-forest >> not hide and seek but research work for my ES class
(x) know where the best restrooms are on campus >> SEC. Back then there was no MVP and JGSOM was just new.
(x) join an org
(x) allow yourself to make mistakes >> lots and lots
(x) take summer classes >> I changed courses from CS to MIS
( ) admire the sacred heart statue in the evening
(x) make a video for a project
(x) have a crush on a teacher >> because of their intellect. The brain can be very sexy. Hehe.
( ) attend a Jesuit retreat
( ) have gotten a parking ticket -
(x) come to school in your crappiest yet most comfy clothes >> shorts, shirt, birks
(x) learn how to use the Bayantel pay phones >> not so bad actually
(x) participate in school activities
( ) catch the Blue Babble Battalion tryouts
(x) ride a tricycle on campus >> this is where I lost my Bosch phone 
(x) find a tambayan >> SEC A before the benches were nailed to the floor then De La Costa before it was renovated.
(x) admire the marikina valley at night >> beautiful
(x) go drinking along Katipunan >> but I didn’t get drunk though
(x) learn how to beg for a higher grade >> more like beg to allow me to shift courses
(x) use your cuts wisely >> oh yeah. This is a life-saver on deadlines
( ) volunteer to be class beadle
(x) had the worst lottery schedule for reg >> 4 hours break in between, classes at 6-9pm. Name it.
(x) admire the trees on campus >> most particularly on a bright sunny day
(x) have forgotten about your freecut and gone to that class >> you go to class, rain is hard, and there’s no one. Argh.
( ) got lost in the campus -
(x) eat in the ISO canteen  >> I love eating here because the food is different and its much more quiet
(x) be active in your org
( ) have signed up on an ACP class just because the girl or guy u like signed up for it
(x) get as many app forms as you can during the job fair >> i got every form even if the job is not for my course
(x) learn how to cram >> you bet
(x) sell tickets (or watch) an org-sponsored movie premiere >> i hate this part. Don’t know why I did it.
(x) save money to Xerox all of your seatmate’s notes >> Just when I was sick
(x) have accidentally seen a make-out session >> Bellarmine
(x) check out the Meron Lagoon and Lambingan Bridge >> how can you not?
( ) have dozed off in class
( ) attended a class drunk
(x) learn how to work with groupmates from hell >> yeah. but mine wasn’t so bad
( ) perfect the art of parking on campus >> didn’t bring a car in college. my dad would drive me
( ) had a bad encounter with one of the guards on campus
(x) develop a love for sisig >> hmmm comfort food
(x) learn how to pronounce AEGIS properly
(x) have used typing rooms at the library >> cramming…
(x) have reserved a classroom, AVR, etc. for a class or org function
( ) have asked the library for an endorsement to research in other libraries
( ) attended class 30 minutes late
(x) have lost a perfectly functioning umbrella >> in the library
(x) have used consultation hours properly
(x) went inside a room that’s not your class >> good thing they’re of lower batches so I wasn’t as embarrassed.
(x) Looked forward to lab breakage refund, in case you didn’t break any equipment >> More money for gimmick
(x) visit the Guidance Office >> for my yearly guidance. Hehe.
(x) and Infirmary >> Never for myself. Usually for friends.

Ineng’s Special BBQ

Eating outside always has a price. Even the services that the waiters give you have a corresponding service charge or demands a tip. For some, the service charge is already integrated in the meal prices. In a society where restaurant service always has a price, it’s definitely refreshing to experience customer service beyond the call of duty.

Last Friday, Chin and I were eating at Ineng’s Special BBQ in Petron Square Bel-Aire. It was the most practical location coming from her dentist appointment. I had to wear my retainers that day since I knew I was visiting my dentist so I had to show her that I was being a good boy by wearing my retainers. Hehe. Anyway, we ordered food and while waiting I removed my retainers since I think it’s a bit icky eating with it on. I wrapped it in a tissue paper and proceeded to eating my meal. After some conversation and a hearty meal, Chin and I went back to our respective offices. The minute I sat down, I realized something was missing. I forgot to bring my retainers! Waaahh! Ineng’s was 10 minutes away from GT so I couldn’t go back again since it’s already past our lunch break. I immediately told Chin and we both called the restaurant. I was expecting that they’d say that none of the staff reported anything and will continue to proceed with their business. But instead I got a ‘we’ll try to look for it, call back later’ spill. Fair enough, I thought. But I wasn’t really expecting anything. In fact, I somehow knew my retainers were good as gone. It was thrown in the trash because it looked like any other tissue paper and the staffs will not even bothering trying to look for it and they’ll just tell me that they did not find it. P2000 gone. That was really my expectation.

To my surprise, Chin informed me that they found it and I can just pick it up. What?! Is this for real? They actually tried to look for it and kept our concern at the back of our heads even if the resto never ran out of customers to serve? Wow. Because of my delight, I asked Chin to eat again at Ineng’s after we got my retainers. I guess it was my way of thanking them and patronizing their food. It was really a simple but amazing case of value added service where the restaurant actually cares for their customers. I never really got a chance to thank their supervisor/manager so I’ll just express my gratitude through this post. Thanks guys!

PS: Their sizzling pasta is a must-try. I thought it was an excellent idea to put the pasta in a sizzling plate because it keeps the sauce warm, it melts the cheese as you eat it and it gives the meal a more sinful flavor. Yum yum.

John Mayer

I remember one sunny weekend in Chicago. I just came from an all-out drinking session the night before and I woke up at 10 in the morning. I didn’t feel like going out since that’s what I have been doing for the past weeks so I opted to stay home and just watch TV. I opened it and checked the shows. I finally settled to watching weekend reruns of last season’s So You Think You Can Dance. I know for some it’s probably cheeezy or trashy but so is a gazillion other shows in the states. I was glued to the screen the whole day because the show was entertaining. That’s the buttom line. Plus I like the performances. Anyway, it was in this bright sunny weekend in my apartment and while glued to the TV that I began to love and appreciate this song since it was one of the performance pieces:

————————
Waiting On The World To Change

me and all my friends
we’re all misunderstood
they say we stand for nothing and
there’s no way we ever could
now we see everything that’s going wrong
with the world and those who lead it
we just feel like we don’t have the means
to rise above and beat it

so we keep waiting
waiting on the world to change
we keep on waiting
waiting on the world to change

it’s hard to beat the system
when we’re standing at a distance
so we keep waiting
waiting on the world to change
now if we had the power
to bring our neighbors home from war
they would have never missed a Christmas
no more ribbons on their door
and when you trust your television
what you get is what you got
cause when they own the information, oh
they can bend it all they want

that’s why we’re waiting
waiting on the world to change
we keep on waiting
waiting on the world to change

it’s not that we don’t care,
we just know that the fight ain’t fair
so we keep on waiting
waiting on the world to change

and we’re still waiting
waiting on the world to change
we keep on waiting waiting on the world to change
one day our generation
is gonna rule the population
so we keep on waiting
waiting on the world to change

we keep on waiting
waiting on the world to change
————————

It’s funny how months after I would find myself in the same situation – WAITING…. I hope something happens soon…..

First Month Check

OK so to those who haven’t seen me lately, it’s been a month now since I bought my first brand new car. It has been a lifestyle change for me since I became poorer. Haha! Anyway, driving daily allowed mo to realize and experience some important observations:

1. Think Big – You cannot just cross the street to get to the other end of the road or enter into the main entrance of a mall. You have to look for a U turn slot and find yourself a safe parking to achieve these simple tasks. You have to think big because you’re carrying this ton of machine.

2. Bye bye 20-20? – Night driving is putting a strain on my eyes. Your front is bright and lighted while you see next to nothing on your side mirror until this bright light blinds you on the side. It’s a mix of darkness and light and my eyes keeps on adjusting to that. After 2 hrs of enduring traffic, I find myself wanting to shut my eyes after driving. Is this the end of my 20-20 vision? Let’s just wait and see

3. I have a newfound relationship with other group of motorists:

>> Trucks – this things are scary specially on time slots when they are allowed to freely roam the city. You do not want to be driving near them and if that happens, don’t be afraid to honk yourself to safety
>> Buses – if trucks are scary, buses are dangerous. Trucks are big but they’re slow. Buses, on the other hand, are faster and they know it. They also know they’re big and can bully anyone. Driving between buses along EDSA is an experience that rivals other extreme sports like bungee jumping and sky diving. Haha!
>> Motorcycles and Tricycles – If buses know they’re big and they use it, motorcycles and tricycles are small and they take full advantage of it. They will squeeze their way anywhere and it’s annoying because there’s really no warning, you just suddenly see them in the strangest places and hope that your breaks still work to avoid them.
>> Taxis and FX – this group is the most aggressive son of a ***** I have encountered. They just do what they want without regards to other motorists. They don’t care if you scratch them because they already have a lot of that anyway so they just do what they want.
>> Jeepneys – it’s about the money for them. Even if they’re in the middle of the road, when a passenger hails them, they just stop right smack in the middle of the road. It’s so annoying sometimes. They’re like unpredictable creatures driven by the P8 fare.
>> Other private vehicles – you’d think that only public vehicles need some more training. Apparently not. Some private vehicles are as reckless as the public vehicles. Sometimes I wonder if the people driving them used to be truck, bus, taxi, jeepney or tricycle drivers themselves. Good thing there’s still a lot of private vehicle drivers who knows how to be considerate.
>> Pedestrians – this is especially true when I drive in Kalayaan going to C5. Oh my, they just cross the street nonchalantly outside the pedestrian crossing, like they own it. Sometimes they even walk very slowly so that you’ll miss bumping them by just an inch. I don’t know what joy they derive in knowing that cars stop for them to save their lives. One of these days, somebody is just going to drive along and also not care if they hit them. They will meet their match.

4. Gas prices are getting higher and higher – I used to be just mildly affected when I hear in the news that gas prices will go up again. Now I feel bad when I hear those clips. I am deeply affected. Haha! I guess my only consolation is that my car is very fuel efficient relative to other vehicles with bigger and more powerful engines.

5. Owning a car is expensive – Thus I am now poor and broke. Hehe. Between gas expenses, parking tickets, maintenance costs, insurance fees and ‘panglagay’ to traffic enforcers (Hahaha!), a big portion of my income goes to this machine. So if you plan to own a car (not just drive them), be prepared to have considerably deep pockets.

But you know, at the end of the day, I still think it’s all worth it. The benefits still outweighs the cost and I am one happy car owner so far.

Hong Kong Trip

We’ve planned for this trip since last year as part of our family vacation since it’s been really a while since my dad, mom and sister were out together for days and days. The last one was I think 10 years ago (whew!) when we took a road trip up north (Ilocos, Vigan, Pagudpod etc) where we checked in to different hotels and just become a family without any disturbances from our own separate lives. This time we traveled outside the country and got to experience the joys of being tourists. It was also a much-deserved break for me since I’ve been working to successfully stabilize my team since the start of this year without any break. Now that my teams are more stable, I can leave them and just enjoy some time to relax.

Saying that the trip was amazing is an understatement. I was everything I had hoped it would be and a little more. It would be very long if I detail out every activity so I’ll just let the pictures paint the thousand words. There were 3 cameras documenting the trip so you can just imagine how many I have now in my notebook. I just uploaded some and I’m mostly in them. Haha! Enjoy!

Pictures in my Multiply

Hooters in Manila

Last Saturday, my family celebrated my sister’s birthday. Usually when there’s an ocassion in the family, we try to eat somewhere we’ve never tried before. Or at least my family hasn’t been to yet (since I eat everywhere. Hehe). This time the decision was simple – we were going to Hooters! It was just their first wek of opening in the bay side area of Mall of Asia so we figured this is a good time to go since everything will still be fresh and new.

And so we went. We know it’s going to be a bit traffic but we didn’t expect it to be that much. The line to the parking lot was long because apparantly, there’s also a World Pyro Competition in the Manila Bay area so there more people who headed our way. We didn’t budge and decided to pay the extra ‘entrance fee’ just to park near the Bay area. And mind you, it was P150 per head. See how good Filipinos are in making money to something that can essentially be seen even without tickets because it’s happening in the sky. Oh well. I just teased my sister that her birthday is a bit more extravagant than originally planned since there’s fireworks involved.

Anyway, back to Hooters. The place is clean, noisy and full of energy. When you enter there, you know it’s new since things are still being ironed out. I was salivating this whole time since I left Chicago and craving for the Hot Chicken wings with Blue Cheese dressing and I’m not passing up on this opportunity. I got what I wanted and I loved it. The taste was somehow the same. I’m sure you’ll hear some people say that the branches in the States are better but come on guys, can someone really tell or is it just in their minds? Anyway, I enjoyed the good old chicken wings and bottomless Iced Tea. It was relatively cheaper too, when you convert it to USD but of course it’s not your usual KFC price range. And the Hooters girls? Well…. The one assigned to us looked ok but some girls there were just thin. That’s all. Haha! The place also had some imported Hooters girls and Managers to probably oversee the first weeks of operations and to show the Filipina Hooters girls how it’s done. Quite frankly, I like the Pinays better for their attentiveness even if they’re more shy and more reserved. I guess you just have to get used to it.

The fire works display happened before our orders came so were able to get some good shots. I also saw some officemates there so I was able to introduce my family. After Hooters, we wtached this hilarious and talented band play in the open air of the bay side area (no there was no stinky smell from Manila Bay). A couple of songs and we were done for the night. It was fun and relaxing and it was a good way for my sister to celebrate her birthday. Happy birthday sis!

(Pictures in my Multiply)

Being Truthful

Being in the SFC community for almost 5 years now, I’ve attended a lot of household meetings. In all of these meetings, I would have to say that the household I attended last Wednesday was one of the most honest and in effect one of the most unforgettable. There was nothing particularly outstanding about that night – we did not have a perfect attendance, the topic was just decent, no one cried their hearts out nor was there any newsworthy scene. What made it different was the collective revelation and open contemplation that the attendees shared. It hit close to home and we had to face the music. Even I had to face it. I didn’t think that we would come to a point that we would be talking about that. I didn’t think when we started 5 years ago that we would lead to that. I guess you can call it a test of Faith – faith in Him, faith in people, faith in yourself. As much as a huge part of me is a friend and a brother, I tried my best to be more of a leader, a role I try to follow for Him. Anyway, all those roles are a part of who I am so there shouldn’t be any conflict. I tried to keep it together because I have Hope – hope that this too shall pass, hope in the people that were entrusted on me, hope in the Lord. I will never give up on you because I know you’re stronger than this.

I will honor the confidentiality agreement in every household meeting so apologies for the vague representation.

Barrio Driving

OK so I’ve been driving quite a lot lately. I don’t really drive since I don’t own a car but I’ve been interested to be on the wheels primarily because my dad bought a new van and I wanted to try it out. I think he saw my renewed enthusiasm that he asked me to accompany him in picking up my lola in Pampanga… and he told me that I will be driving… say what? Waaahhh! Talk about fully trusting your son. Haha!

Anyway, we woke up early today and I was set. I used my favorite shoes to use for driving (since I can really ‘feel’ the vehicle using those) and brought my shades…. Going there, well, let me see… I was good with city driving (from my house to the North Edsa area), flawless in the highway (NLEX) and kinda sucked in the “Barrio” driving. “Barrio” driving – this is what my dad called it. It’s that kind of road where there’s only 2 lanes, 10,000 tricycles, 5,000 bikes, and 2,500 pedestrian that don’t use the side walk and does not really respond to a blowing horn. It was definitely a new experience for me. Worse than the unorthodox driving of jeeps in the old Manila area. I think my dad understands since “Barrio” driving is not something that can be taught in driving schools in Manila. It’s just something that you have to experience to understand. Why did I suck? Well, I almost hit a man in his bike who doesn’t seem to understand that he should be on the side of the road. I almost scratched a parked van because all the tricycles kept coming from everywhere like ants and I needed to move forward so I took a small opening. Nothing serious really. And mind you, I was not panicking during those times. I was relaxed and kept my cool. My dad was the one who was quite freaking out after an almost perfect ride.

Anyway, the experience taught me a lot about a different kind of driving – “Barrio” style! Haha! You have to be one with the car in the highest form so that you can muster the skill to seep through that unique traffic. Anyway, I had a chance to redeem myself and apply my experience on the way back since we’ll be passing through the same road….

So what happened? Well, I got home didn’t I? It was the cleanest driving from the crowded barrio to the super fast highway to the busy city to the welcoming garage. It was all good. We got home at lunch time and I was so hungry. Obviously, this was the farthest I’ve driven (back and forth) and I need some food! Hehe. Until the next driving adventure.

Tax Season

For the past 4 years, filing for income tax return was never a problem for me. That’s simply because I had always been eligible for substituted filing. This is when the company files your ITR for you since you only had one source of income so it’s easy for them to generate your BIR form.

This year is different. I am no longer eligible for substituted filing because I was assigned onshore and thus needed to file my taxes both in the Philippines and in the US. Waaahhhh! I really hate paper work. Well, actually, it’s not that bad. The company will still file my taxes for me. It’ll just be more tedious on my part since I will need to fill up more legal documents. Argh! Plus, I need to get a CTC (community tax certificate). I never got one before so here goes my offsettable hours again. I just hope this tax season ends well for me.

I remember the movie ‘Meet Joe Black,’ where one of the lines is ‘We all know this deal is as certain as death and taxes’ – the only 2 things that are certain in life…..

Happy Happy

What can I say, I’m 26 today! I’m past the quarter-life crisis (and believe me, I’ve had my share) and in four short years, I’ll be 30! Waaaaahhh! The thought is sending goosebumps in my spine. Haha! I decided to continue my self-imposed birthday leave so I won’t coming to the office today.

It was a good day at the office though. There is just enough work and not so many urgent issues so I was able to work at a relaxed pace. My two teams also decided to give me a little something – a surprise birthday cake. Hehe. It was a very cute gesture considering that my team are all guys except for one very pregnant member. Thanks guys, I appreciate it. My SFC family also held their own. They have been teasing me to treat them since Saturday and all I give them is a laugh. Haha! I’m actually saving up for 2 major expenses (details of which will be revealed in succeeding posts.) Anyway, we also had our service meeting today at Klea’s place. I honestly was not really expecting anything but to my surprise, these guys also had a cake for me. Haha! Nice.

I think 26 will be a good number for me. I am in a good place right now. I am where I need to be in life. I am spiritually mature, financially stable, emotionally nurtured, physically well and personally fulfilled. In short, I AM happy. It’s a good state to be in at this point in my life. Don’t get me wrong, my life is definitely imperfect. I still have problems, pressures,rants etc. But even with all these things, I still choose to be happy and I intend to stick by that decision. Life will only get better at this point and I can’t wait for the future to unfold. I’m not afraid because I know that God will take care of me. Cheers to the best days ahead!

PS: Here are pictures of the cakes.

Falling in love again…..

With diving that is. Hehe. Last Saturday was my first time to dive again after almost a year. Whew! Didn’t realize it was that long since I was underwater. It was a clean up dive for the Dive Club in my company and the target was the dive spot in Anilao, Batangas. For the whole event, I think the stars were in my favor.

Usually with my past dives, there’s always a small thing or two that would make the experience quite imperfect. Examples are regulators having a minor leak when you’re already in the water, straining your back because of the heavy dive equipments, unexpected currency in a supposed easy dive, people being late and waiting for them for more than an hour, or even a person saying something stupid that would ruin your day. Things like that. But in a pleasantly bizarre manner, this particular dive did not have any of those. The BCD and regulator rentals went OK with new BC and fully functional regs used. The whole group left on time (thanks largely to Sean’s iron hand) so we were there early and had the time to relax and not hurry up because of being very delayed in our schedule. The ride was smooth with me sitting on a spacious Kia Pregio with my feet up and my iPod playing music that puts me to sleep. The dives were flawless. We did not encounter any complications with any of the people in the dive group so we didn’t really need to baby-sit anybody. The dive spots did not have a single current, visibility was high and biodiversity was lush. It was heaven with bubbles.

I think all these things added to me falling in love with diving again because this experience allowed me to concentrate on the things that really mattered. I was not distracted with small things that in a way side-tracked my focus. This time, I was able to enjoy what I really came there for – nature. While I was strolling 60 feet below sea level, I remembered why I entered this sport anyway – it’s because I am fascinated with the ocean and all its creatures. I want to take peak at their environment even for 45 minutes at a time. I want to be part of their magnificent world, even temporarily.

 Some photos:

1. I’m the one on the right
2. This is what we were removing from the ocean
3. Killer eyes =)
4. Trying to remove one deep inside a reef

Manila Ocean Park

When my mom mentioned that there’s a new Ocean Park in Manila, I immediately said, when do we go? I can’t believe that we have our very own Water Park! Well, everybody knows that I’m a child of the ocean so anything that has something to do with water, I’m there. Two weeks ago, I woke up early in the morning and prepared to go. We wanted to be early since it has just been a day after the opening so we want to see it all. I thought there shouldn’t be so many people since we’ll be there earlier and the entrance free is not necessarily for the masses (P400).

Well, what can I say? I underestimated the purchasing power of Filipinos when it comes anything related to fun. The place was jam-packed. There were crowds from A to Z. There were also buses of students that chose to go on field trip there. Waahhh! The place was chaotic. Forget about tranquility in a slow walk and taking time to learn each species displayed, I was being bumped here and there and had to be aggressive in walking if I wanted to keep up. I even had to take pictures in very unique angles since everyone seemed to have brought a camera. DigiCams or Camera Phones, they’re all there. The trip was actually quite stressful so I opted not to write about it immediately.

Looking back with more objective eyes, I think the Manila Ocean Park is something that we can be proud of. The idea is first of its kind in Asia (I think) – water park, mall and hotel that’s all integrated in one place. The staffs are adequately trained to answer inquiries about the underwater animals on display. The place is divided with varying themes that sets the mood for what the visitors will see. The species are mostly from local water. And yes, that is a good thing. For a country that is comprised of thousands of islands, I’d be surprised if we import animals from other countries and not sport our own. Only the water park is open at this point but I’m sure that the place would be greater if all the other amenities are also open. The place is also at par with those we saw in other countries – my dad said it’s comparable to the one in Hong Kong and I think the place is good even if you compare it to The Shedd aquarium in Chicago.

Overall the experience was wonderful. Aside from the place being note-worthy, a big reason for it is because I get to spend that beautiful Saturday morning with family whom I missed going out with for a while now.