Amazing 2012

Of course, it has been a tradition.. writing my own recap of the year that past.

My 2012 can be described in two words. Travel and Buffet. Just kidding. 

Well seriously, 2012 has been a great year for me. I cannot say it is the best one, but definitely a good one. Maybe because it is full of experiences I had in different places and wonderful moments with friends and loved ones. Yeah, like my twitter profile says, I am still 27 and still singing the same song. 2012 is just a glimpse of hopefully, the best year to come. So here goes a brief review of the year that was.

TRAVEL

My blog is full of my stories about the places I've been to this year. I have traveled to Korea, Coron, Taiwan, Singapore, and Vietnam. What a great way to maximize my 18 vacation leaves this year at work. The best trip of course is Korea because it is my hometown =) Kidding aside, I fell in love to Korea and I really want to go back here. The weather, the food, the shopping, and the people makes me miss this place so much. Of course, Coron is also a good island, but because of the propeller plane, I am hesitant to go back. Anyway, our two day trip to Taiwan is a stressful one but I think we managed to explore Taiwan enough, given a small time. But I forgot to try their version of Chatime. Spending two weeks in Singapore almost broke me. Just kidding. But yeah, spending 2 weeks is a lot of time for a costly place. I didn't get my luck here but no regrets, at least I tried and experienced what it's like to be here for some time. I miss shopping in Singapore. I came here during the great Singapore Sale and really bought a lot especially in Cotton On. Compared to Manila, Cotton On prices are times three. I'm not kidding. Some items I bought in Singapore are sold here thrice the value. How unfortunate. Thatt is why I am never going to buy here in Cotton On Manila. My last trip of 2012 is in Hanoi, Vietnam. A place where you can have a Motorcylophobia, fear of motorcycle. I don't have one but I started to feel it in my 3-days trip =) Hanoi is famous for their high-quality branded bags Northface and crumpler so I bought luggage and bags here.. so cheap with original quality. Explored Halong Bay which is quite similar ambiance when I was in Coron. Well, Coron is better for its diving facilities. So that's it, my major travels. Looking forward to spending my 20 leaves again in 2013, traveling.

BUFFET

Of course, if you will check my blogs, almost everything is about food. This is the year I almost tried every buffet deals in town. Having buffet with good friends is a great experience. It has been our bonding moments this year. Without this, I think we are lost for stories and won't catch up with each other. That's maybe the reason I gained 10lbs at the end of the year. I will just hit the gym in 2013 again after being away for two months. Anyway, the best buffet for me is Market Cafe, Hyatt Hotel, and Heat, Edsa Shang. The worst would be Cafe Jeepney, Intercon and F1 Hotel. After this year, I am not looking forward to more buffet in 2013, unless I lose that 10lbs again. And also, I tried almost every buffet so that experience is something already.  I am just going to lose that pounds then I'll be back with vengeance =)

CAREER

When I failed to find job in Singapore last June, I thought it's the end of finding success. But as the saying goes, everything happens for a reason so I just keep trying to apply and apply then finally got the good news, not in Singapore but here in HSBC Manila. Getting an upgrade is a gift these days. I am very thankful and I love my job now. Learning SAS is cool. I am happy with my job right now. 

FRIENDS and FAMILY

Having healthy family and friends, no worries.. can I ask for more?

LOVE

What can I say? Love is a complicated thing to handle. GO with the flow. If it comes, let it come. If not, then it will come, someday. I am hopeful. I'm ready. 2013, make me happy. #alamna Puh-please?

KOBE and Co.

My Lakers are struggling this year. Chemistry is just starting to build with Nash coming back from injury. Gonna keep pushing hard up to the playoff spot this year. I'm not expecting a the 17th banner this year with the current kind of defense, but they have the talent and what it takes to win, just need to find themselves together. Go go go! 

Goodbye wonderful 2012... Cheers to a promising 2013 =)

27th @ NSC

For the first time, I celebrated my birthday in my new department in HSBC. I am really not expecting any surprise at all since we are all busy and birthday celebration isn't really a big deal here. But amazingly, they prepared something unique and creative. I have no idea! Just look at the pictures below and see my happiness they brought to me with all the decorations. Thanks team!

p.s

After treating them to a fiesta before this thing, I bought them tapsilog, korean ice creams, and cream puffs -- just additional thank you.

I'm Really Back to Reality

After my May and June escapades to Korea, Coron, Taiwan, and Singapore, I am back again to blogging. So many stories to share. So many memories that I want to bring back. It seems words are not enough to describe how my world stopped for a while and enjoyed life. No worries at all. Where do I start? Of course, I will start by sharing my Korea Trip last May 5-9. Whew, I am still in awe as of the moment. In a span of almost two months, so many things happened and changed that will likely shape a part of my future. I just like to stop right now as tomorrow is another work day for me. I'm back to my daily routine.. the real world. But as the saying goes, go with the flow. But yeah, I want change already.

What Bonus???

Chocolates, bags, shoes, camera, ipad3, iphone4, the new wii, gadgets, more gadgets, hmmm.. did i mention gadgets??? Haha! See you on May 1.

Goodbye Midyear Bonus!

#amazon.com

#blackmarket

#bestbuy.com

#costco.com

#ebags.com

Time to save for my May-June escapades.

#Korea

#Coron

#Taiwan

#Singapore

My Holy Week Thoughts

During this time of the year, I always feel like I am becoming a better person each year. I don't know. It's comes with the mood as a Catholic when you are reflecting about what your life has been. I am just so thankful to Him for giving me a blessed life. I'm a kinda guilty because at times I am taking advantage my free times and forgetting to thank Him everyday. I admit I may not be the most religious person who goes to Church every week but I am a believer and sometimes I feel like I just have to kneel and pray just to thank God for all the blessings that I have received. I am aware how fortunate I am to have this kind of life. I can say that I don't have all things that I wanted in life, but I do have a happy life with my friends and family. I can't ask for more than anything else from these priceless gifts. As of writing, I am watching TV5's "Ang Katapusan" special. Sometimes, you can't help but think if this is true. But whatever happens, we should all be prepared and as Catholic, just choose right over wrong - as always. So have a meaningful Holy Week everyone! I am leaving one of my favorite Church songs, Bukas Palad's O Hesus Hilumin Mo.

V-day Gift

Oh what can I say? BIG Thanks to you!

 I never truly celebrated Vday but this gift means a lot to me.

Going 27

Feeling old - That's how am I feeling lately. I am 27 years old by September. I think by end of this year, I have traveled enough and fulfilled my simple dreams (except going to Paris). I feel like settling down next year. Having a baby in 2 years. I have plans already about my future. I feel financially fine. I feel ready to be a mom and good wife too. The only thing I'm waiting, is THE ONE. I'm still praying it was YOU.

02.14.12

Isn't it ironic?

I've mentioned some tips in my previous blog on how to survive Valentines day as single but what happened to me last Vday was unexpected. 

Well, first of all, I am transferring to the other department in our office. It was a surprise. I almost cried after hearing about it. I don't know, maybe because I feel so blessed with the team I have right now, we are so bonded that we are just like family. I'm sure am gonna miss the "FDs". In addition, I saw many couples outside the office, you can see some girls holding flowers and bouquet so I can't help but get a little jealous. Valentines has always been emo day for me. Though some are asking me out, if you are not him, I'd rather be alone and go home early. Anyway, after the announcement of my transfer, I received a surprised package from a friend in Australia. I couldn't actually believe it. It was my first time to have a package or gift on a Vday. I opened it and saw stuff toy, chocolates, and a Vday card with note on it. Maybe the thought of it couldn't outweigh my sad emotions. I should be happy right? But I don't know. I feel so sad. The thought of my transfer overwhelmed me on that day. But still, I called him to say thanks. I don't wanna cry, but I did without him noticing it through the sound of my voice. It was just a 15-minute call because I should head straight to the gym. Yeah, I scheduled my gym on a Valentines day. Why not? It was Tuesday after all. My friend asked me if we could have a chat but I refuse to. I chose gym over him. What happened to me? I felt so insensitive. But I thought going to the gym may ease the sadness but it didn't. I went home around 9pm and couldn't sleep. It was mixed emotions. I felt so bad on that day. It was "crayola" night.

The following day, I chose to be quiet but also realized that everything happens for a reason. Maybe change is good for me. It was just a moment of silence then afterwards, I am back to normal. By night, I talked to him about the package again and was so thankful. It was just that moment that I realized how sweet he was to do such an act. No one ever made me felt so special on a Vday except him. By this time, I am feeling guilty that I never had anything for him on that day just because of the fact that I never ever celebrated this Hearts day before. It was just an ordinary day for me.

Anyway, I don't know what will happen next. That's life. I have to adjust and cope with every situation - good or bad. Look at the brightside, I will learn new job and earn new friends hopefully. Goodbye to my friends and loved one in CAO, I am the overall first draft pick, be ready friends maybe you are next! =)

P.S. I am having the best time in my office especially because I am starting to be close to him again, my seatmate. Maybe fate isn't just so nice to me.. Oh well. To you, GOODBYE AGAIN.

Goodbye CDs and Cassettes

 

Time to say goodbye to all my CD and cassette tape collections. Will put everything in the box to free up space in my room. After all, I have my ipod to play all the music I want. It's like saying goodbye to my childhood already. Oh well, this is what modern technology can do to us. Until we meet again old school music.

Skype-ing!

I just remembered my post before about Skype. I remembered how I told that my friend was again getting in touch to his ex-girlfriend thru Skype. When I first heard about it from a friend close to him, my initial reaction was, “Really? He’s getting back to his ex-girlfriend via Skype and chooses a long distance relationship over someone that he’s seeing in front of him everyday? Haha. Before I don’t believe it. I mean, cmon! Long distance? How can you even feel her touch? Her company? How can you kiss her? But yeah. Now I understood the feeling. I mean I must admit that Skype is one of the greatest inventions in the world. You can talk and see someone just like you’re in front of each other for real. I can’t believe I am using Skype now. I can’t believe that I am going to actually need it just to see someone and talk so that your day would be complete. You would do anything to get the free wi-fi access just to connect online. You even considered buying those unlimited wifi that will add to your monthly bills. I realized that it’s hard being away from someone you truly miss. Especially when you want to feel the person beside you but just can’t at the moment. But somehow, after your Skype sessions, you feel happy and satisfied than nothing at all. Somehow, it eases the longing. But of course, you still wish that you can be together for real. On the brighter side, you look forward each and every day for another Skype session. With this, your bond of communication gets stronger and intact. I think it is a must for every real relationship. It is a good foundation of a serious relationship. But can it work forever? I guess distance matters when there is trust issue. But you have no choice. Would you let go of the person you like? Or will you keep holding on to the possibility that there will come a time you will be together? For me, it’s just simple. Choose what will make you happy. Don’t think of the future but rather enjoy the present moment. Most importantly, throw away the negative instincts and don’t stress yourself too much thinking things. Seriously, it will make you cry and act like crazy. Just go with the flow. If someone broke the trust, then let go. So, thank you Skype for bringing us closer to our loved ones.

Wishing and Hoping

Some people believe that when you complete 9 mornings, you will be rewarded. Hmmm. I'm glad I did this year for the first time. What could be my reward? Well I wished for something just to be sure. What is it? =)

Goodbye Wonderful 2011, Hello Promising 2012

Wow it is so amazing how time flies. It’s the time of the year again when I do my list of the best things that happened to me this year.

2011 – I can say it’s been good to me. No serious problem at all. Friends and family are still together. Oh, and still no love life... But unlike last year, this time, it’s been a quiet one when it comes to the matters of the heart. Though I met someone, but.. Go with the flow! Overall, yeah, it’s been a great year. I am so looking forward to 2012. What’s my goal next year? I hope that I may finally find “the one” – how many times did I mention this in my annual summary? I hope next year I have reason to scrap this one haha. Of course, my ultimate plan is to try new ventures abroad come June, just waited seven years in the bank. Supposedly, December of this year is my target date but change of plans. Anyway, I am hopeful for good things ahead. For now, I want to list some the memorable events and trips of my wonderful 2011.

A&S Events – The whole 2011 as Green Team Rep, I'm proud that it all worked out.

Bicol – April 20-23 ~ stressful roadtrip but all worth it with all my good friends.

Pahiyas – May 15 ~ family bonding!

Kobe Bryant in Manila – July 13 ~ Kobe's annual visit in Manila shouldn't be missed at all.

PBA NBA All-Star Weekend – July 23-24 ~ once in a lifetime experience I'm glad I've watched the 2 games.

HSBC Live 4 - July ~ K-pop addiction strikes!

Bacolod - August ~ the best trip this year because of the food!

Davao – October 15-17 ~ eat all you can galore trip!

Manila Ocean Park – October 28 ~ thank God I'm with my friends or this trip is worthless haha.

Puerto Princesa, Palawan – November 19-21 ~ of course, surprisingly became memorable to me.

HSBC Mondiale 2011 – December 9 ~ yeah, it was a great party and we had fun during our practices.

Weddings, Birthdays, Dinners, Videoke, Movie Hang-outs, Teambuildings, Get-togethers, etc.

9 Mornings

Simbang Gabi in Tagalog, Misa de Gallo in Spanish, 9 Mornings or Mass at Dawn in English is a very popular Filipino tradition during the Christmas Season. It is when Catholic Churches celebrates mass at around 4:00 in the morning for 9 days until the day before Christmas day. 

 

It starts every morning starting December 16th. It is also said that when you finish the "9 mornings", a wish would be granted to you. Of course the faithful believes and hopes that their heart’s desire would be true. I believe in that too but unfortunately I never completed any Simbang Gabi. Besides the celebration of the mass, people look forward to the "simoy pasko" of December since it’s at dawn and of course the yummy puto bumbongs and bibingkas being sold in front of the Church. 

 

This year, I am hoping to complete since I am on leave from the office.. Promise!!!

Surprise!

How sweet it is. A surprise from my mom when I got home in Bulacan. She made it herself. =)

Vertigo

 

You’d think after twenty-six years I’d be used to the spin.

No, but really, its vertigo. 

I hate it.

Dear Warrick

As you celebrate your big day today, I want to thank you for being my best guy friend in the world. It’s been more than a year since you resigned the bank. Since then, I had never found another friend whom I could just share anything. With you, I can tell my problems, corny jokes, and everything about my life. During these times, you are always ready to listen and give those “brotherly” advices. Though sometimes we do text each other, I still miss you. I still remember your gift to me last 2008 – the love spell box, which you said I might use to find the right guy for me.

I always keep in mind your favorite line, “The more you wait, the more special that someone would be.” I’m sorry but I have yet to use the book. I wonder if you used it first since I know you’ve found the right girl for you haha. Well, today, I want to congratulate you. The moment you told me about her, I knew that this girl maybe your match. It’s never been easy, I know, but thank God everything went in the right place to be in this moment. Jed, I wish you and Va a happy and successful marriage. You are the best friend I ever had and will always be. God bless you both.