Japan & Interdependence.

Though I find the title a bit vague and shallow, I opted to put it because it will look good in the layout of my blog: simple. Sometimes, that’s how we are. Because of the complexity of our lives, we miss thinking about the real essence of what we do or the things we have, sometimes, when it looks good or appear good to others, it’s valid.

This morning, since I work in a Japanese company which publishes a Japanese magazine about the Philippines, Philippine Primer Magazine, we had an emergency meeting regarding the “real” situation in Japan and how we can help the Japanese community.

Our plead is to please refrain from retweeting of UNCONFIRMED Information, especially the avenues to help and find missing people, because it’s affecting those who are sincerely willing to help and who are dying to find their missing loved ones. I came to the realization that (our company’s President is right) in the Philippines, when these tragedies happen, we usually have our Church to trust our donations aside from the government and its agencies. But in Japan, the LGUs (Local Government Units) are the ones who do these kinds of activities, thus there are some organizations who are taking initiatives to help and it’s very annoying to know that there are some misleading organizations that are trying to deceive people about their donations.

If this kind of catastrophe happens in the Philippines (Lord, please don’t let it happen), I think it will be worse.

I remember last 2009 when the typhoon Ondoy hit the Philippines (Manila area), I was working in ABSCBN’s News & Current Affairs and saw how bad is the country’s facilities and preparation in such disasters. 

seeing this and hearing their stories melted my heart.

We all know how “unprepared” the Philippines is compared to Japan. During that time, I volunteered in Sagip Kapamilya’s project and answered the calls for all the concerns of people who would like to help or look for their missing family members and I’ve noticed that many Filipinos are very pessimistic and dependent on the government and other people. If want to progress, I think this is one thing that we have to change: mentality.

Japan will definitely recover from this one.  

As compared to what happened in Kobe (which affected 4% of the country’s GDP), the March 11 earthquake just affected 2% of Japan’s GDP because it was in the northeast part of Japan that is rural and the population is small.

Let’s all pray for the safety and recovery of the Japanese people and for our own safety as well.

Media is sensationalized at some point, I had a glimpse of that industry and that’s what I’ve studied for four years. I know that at some point there will be a time that they’ll prefer to give emphasis to the more dramatic. Sometimes, media is just a PR. But it’s a good thing to have these brave reporters because we know “something” but we should be vigilant and keen in discovering the other bits and pieces of the story.  

My boyfriend is in Tokyo now and during breakfast with my Dad while watching TV, we worried a lot about him but maybe, his blog is a breath of fresh air also for all of us who sees things just through the media and hesitant to help. 

I also got this info from him that a Japanese created a Facebook account to cheer up the victims: HOPE

You may also want to read some of Greenpeace thoughts.

Simple steps from ordinary people. I believe we all know how to contribute in our own little ways; we just need to believe that it will make a difference even to a single individual.

It is indeed true that no matter how knowledgeable we are in the world we’re living in or how technical we are with reference to earthly things, there are some things that are out of our control. Don’t wait for the time that disasters will happen in your life for you to realize that relationships matter.

 We don’t need to live alone. After all, all we need is LOVE.

** Just for your info, as of today, here is the information regarding our (Philippines) safety and current situation:

• No tsunami threat in the Philippines for now according to Philvolcs.
• Also, Philippines is safe from radiation: according to the RP government.

Richest Person in the World 101

When I woke up this morning, I realized that I have a new goal: to be one of the richest person in the world.

I came to realize that goal because when I looked at my wallet before going to work, I only have 66 pesos. I was surprised and thought of the things I’ve done yesterday. Then I realized that I ate out and gave money when I heard the mass.

It was a mixed feeling.

The fare going to the office is tricycle ride- 6 pesos and Shuttle ride- 60 pesos. Brilliant! No excess! No contingency fund! I was so careful in my action because any move and delays could affect things. I might miss the shuttle and pay more and I don’t have the capacity to do it! LOL.

I looked at my planner and all my notebooks (I’ve got so many notebooks because I get high whenever I have new one) where I wrote down my 5 years plan, then I grasped that I’ve so many plans but I am so financially illiterate.

Savings= no movement.

          Don’t reprimand me on this again. I know what to do, I’ve read a lot on this, and yes, I’m just stubborn. But I’m very good in budgeting, but not for my own money. Tomorrow’s a new day, a new payday! So, I’m going to think of more ways on how to be one of the richest people in the world. Oh well, I have a long list of expenses monthly (rent, life insurance, Mom’s SSS, other insurances, credit cards, allowance for our home in the province) but the hell with those things! LOL. I know that I’m living life and I’m being a good daughter and friend (Excuses for not being responsible in handling my money). Aside from that a successful businessman said that to be rich, we have to value our relationships and our people.

          Mom reminded me today that I have to buy her a flower farm for their retirement. Oh no! Flower pot, I think, that’s possible! J

          I have to spend the whole night for my serious planning. Yahooo! Dan Guiam, watch out! LOL.

Dear Savings,

Please don’t leave me. Please stay in my bank account for long.

I need you. 

I really really need you.

Sincerely,

Cyra

Grew up fast.

Once I heard this from a friend,  "that's the good thing about time, it flies."

“It’s funny how day by day nothing changes, but when you look back, everything’s different”.

From my old blog (Sept. 2008): It’s so amazing how time flies so fast. How the handwritten became typewritten, how Betamax became DVD, how penpals became phonepals and eventually became textmates, how porridge was made available in an “instant” packaging to substitute the used-to-be Lola’s merienda during my childhood, how Daddy gave me freedom to live on my own without hearing his usual loud voice when scolding me, how Mommy stopped me from crying from the usual life intrigues, how my friends who used to be Mama’s girls became Mom’s with girls,how my dreams seem to be closer, and how my number of so-called “friends” were trimmed down into half but now more fulfilling since they’re more precious and true…

This afternoon, after watching so many footages of the catastrophe in Japan from CNN and NHK, I reassessed my life and priorities. I stopped for a while, cleared my mind and let the most indispensable things to float in my mind's surface. And just like any other Filipino (we have very close family ties), I realized that my family is on the top of the list of my priorities, then my boyfriend and friends.


I had a chat with my Dad. He's a strict dad but he talks about everything with me now, I knew then that time flew and I grew up. I'm the eldest and that maybe the reason why I am amiable according to my mom, I had responsibilities at a very young age.

I was 11 yrs old at a Family Reunion.

I grew up well. I have great parents, they are my superman and wonderwoman or maybe, my malakas at maganda. :) They didn't have degrees (Mom's an Economics undergrad and Dad's a Civil Engineering undergrad) that's why since we were kids, they taught us to be independent and they instilled in our minds that we will be the one to teach other people how to treat us and that RESPECT will always be earned and will always matter. They said they want us to have a good life and have better choices. 

at my college graduation. Mom's hair looks weird.

It's amazing how parents love their children.
It's amazing how they sacrifice for their kids' good life...(because they're the fruit of their love, as they say)
It's amazing how they make their children feel secure, that everything will be alright the next morning.

GROWN UPS!

I used to hear from Dad, "I should have given you the life that you deserve." And I always say, "you've given us the best life. It may not be perfect, but it's the best." It rips my heart to listen about his frustrations and I always want to shout "Dad, we're OK!" but I think it's not enough to say that I had a good life and with no regrets, I must show him that I am indeed having a good life and it's all because of him and Mom. 


Talk with parents makes me feel good all the time. I can still remember when I first asked Mom to enroll me in school...I was too young. haha. Time flies so fast, Charmaine and I are now grown ups. AND I BELIEVE , IT'S PAYBACK TIME.


PS.

My uncle  was drunk today and he talked to me and said, "if me and your dad will die soon, remember that you and your cousins have blah blah blah."  I didn't want to hear it but the two of them say that often whenever they get drunk. LOL.


Here's my blog entry last 2009 about them when they were drunk:


Usapan sa “matatandang” baso.




I am definitely blessed.

Is it a girl thing?

I always feel this.
It's a big problem.
Sometimes, I'm feeling extremely happy, then sad, confused, bored, nervous... I don't know.
And definitely, the person closest to me, especially my boyfriend, is the one suffering because I complain a lot. Haha. Is it a girl thing?

I cleaned up my closet this morning because I have some clothes from the past weeks’ travels, then I found some shirts and tops which are with the same style but in different colors. Weird.

I didn’t even realize that I have them! But why?  

I suddenly felt that I am abnormal.

Aside from the clothes, I found my shoe rack which is chock-full of shoes! Goodness!

Is this a girl thing? I'm not even wearing all these!

Having mood swings.
Having clothes in same style but different colors.
Having shoes I just wear once in 3 months (I think!).
Girl thing?

Maybe not, I am just weird and I have to thank all the people who are sacrificing and holding on even if I AM ABNORMAL. 

FLEXITIME no more.

When I was working in ABSCBN, one of the leading broadcasting companies in the Philippines, I didn’t experience having a “time card” for the company to monitor the time I come in and out of the office. It was because we normally work in broken time, longer hours or should I say, mostly, 24 hours. I was used to having an indefinite schedule. Aside from the schedule, the workload and lifestyle are extremely different from what I call the “usual” job. What I meant by usual is the job mostly in the corporate world in 8am to 5pm shift. Before, I used to think that the production or the media industry is for the crazy and brave people- people who are very spontaneous and adventurous. After working there for 2 years, I found out that it’s true. And I adulate those people who opt to work and become experts in that field.

Having all the perks like meeting and interviewing the most famous personality inside and outside the country (may it be actress, politician, author or singer), having special treatments from several places (restaurants, resorts, hotels and even in hospitals) and even from people like the person from the government or the traffic enforcer, the network became my “comfort zone.” I got used to the FLEXITIME and I loved it for a period of time. But due to several reasons, I decided to leave my comfort zone.

Leaving my comfort zone means leaving all the perks and the flexitime. Yesterday, after a long time, I rode a train (MRT) going home and I realized the hassle of riding it during “rush hour.”

at MRT Ayala Station

Aside from the fact that it’s getting hotter now in the Philippines because the summer is fast approaching, inside a jam-packed train feels like you’re being grilled. I started to think positively and creatively by observing about the movement of people upon entering the train then, I imagined that I was like water, flowing uncontrollably. Haha. It was fun during the first two stations, though I was hearing several complaints from an old lady (which was quite annoying), on the third station, I got suffocated and got too tired. I guess I got tired because of the old lady’s complaints because I don’t want to see old people experiencing tough moments and complaining how bad their situations are, and that made me realize that I have to work harder to have a good life, retire with a life that I’m dreaming of and possibly, help my parents to have a wonderful retirement. It’s not that I’m saying that riding a train is not a good thing what I’m saying is that we have a choice to live the good life that we all deserve, we just need to set a goal and work on it.

Flexitime no more, I know I have to live with the rush hour because this is where I want to be.

I'll see you again.

Banana Pancakes will never be the same without you! LOL.

I'll wait for your stowies, kakkoi!
I'll be seeing you again.
Mahal kita!

Turning Japanese: Celebrating Hina Matsuri!

Our Client Services team is an all-girls team. Luckily, I have BEAUTIFUL girls in the team and they're all SINGLE. When our lovely president put the Hina Dolls at the top of the fridge and she said that we should be reminded to remove the dolls on the 3rd of March, everybody was so cautious because we know that according to their belief, if we'll forget to remove them, we'll not be able TO MARRY :(


That is scary, I know. 


I just arrived from a business trip (from Cebu) when we celebrated the all girls' day then, we had the "how to handle rejection" training. 
Definitely, ALL OF US WILL MARRY SOMEDAY. LOL.

It's fun to wake up looking forward that you have new things to discover & experience.

We ate Chirashizushi made by our President, Ms. Jeri.


Here's a gist of the festival's history:


March 3 is Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival or Girls' Festival), when people pray for the happiness and healthy growth of girls. Families with young daughters mark this day by setting up a display of dolls inside the house. They offer rice crackers and other food to the dolls.

The dolls wear costumes of the imperial court during the Heian period (794-1192) and are placed on a tiered platform covered with red felt. The size of the dolls and number of steps vary, but usually the displays are of five or seven layers; single-tiered decorations with one male and one female doll are also common. 


The top tier is reserved for the emperor and the empress. A miniature gilded folding screen is placed behind them, just like the real Imperial throne of the ancient court. On the second tier are three ladies-in-waiting, and on the third are five male court musicians. Ministers sit on either side of trays of food on the fourth step, and the fifth row features guards flanked by an orange tree to the left and a cherry tree to the right.

The practice of displaying these dolls on the third day of the third month on the traditional Japanese calendar began during the Edo period (1603-1868). It started as a way of warding off evil spirits, with the dolls acting as a charm. Even today, people in some parts of the country release paper dolls into rivers after the festival, praying that the dolls take people's place in carrying away sickness and bad fortune. Most families take their beautiful collection of dolls out of the closet around mid-February and put it away again as soon as Hina Matsuri is over. This is because of an old superstition that families that are slow in putting back the dolls have trouble marrying off their daughters.

LSS: Marry Me

I was listening to this song for the past two days.

It relieves my stress and keeps my hopes up because I know for the next days, months, and years, I'll be needing a huge amount of patience and faith. LOL.

Faith in him, faith in myself, faith in US. Faith in Love.

They say that everything is about timing and TIMING is everything...

Haven't thanked you for this couz!

I came across with this blog post and I wanna say "I love you Couz! Thanks for everything and I miss our Yoga classes! (Oh Tina! Haha)." I love your title, though I know that this is just a euphemism to make me feel better  when I was too impatient and was trying too hard to find the right guy through DATING 101: Trial & Error. Haha. Mua. I'll see you soon!

The Z Projects: For The Girl Who Never Runs Out of Men Who Love He...: "Happy Birthday, Cy! May you find the one faithful boy among the many who love you. Ha ha ha!"

It was a happy accident.

Just when you thought everything's fine, 
everything will be better...

I think I have to talk about him.

...because since I first saw him, I haven't stopped talking about him. Haha.

"Just being random." I used to wonder if there's a person that is very much a planner but spontaneous at the same time. Well, those are two different things and I know that people who have those characteristics are CRAZY. I know I am crazy. I ask random questions, I go to places spontaneously, I'm a plan-freak, I express myself freely, I always want to try new and extremely weird things and I keep the kid in me. And I just can't believe that I have a counterpart.

I accidentally bumped into him.

It's priceless to be with someone as crazy as you are because when someone's crazy, he likes you just the way you are and tries to cherish the kid in you.

I like him.

I like it when the maximum size of his small eyes is just as big as my just-woke-up-eyes. I like his laugh and how he makes me laugh (all the time). I like that he likes Banana Pancakes, just like me. I like that he doesn’t eat much of the only food I’m allergic of- Shrimp. I like it that he doesn’t get mad when I wake him up. I like the way he holds my hand while walking. Though I hate that he doesn’t like my red-orange lipstick, I like it when he says, “You look better without any make up at all.” I like it when he listens to my non-stop stories and when he makes me listen to what he talks about. I like it when we put 5 to 7 pieces of marshmallows in our mouths and eat jellies at night. I like slow dancing with him and when he does his different dance steps. I like how he manages to entertain all my friends and make them love him (I think he’s too charming because of his “stowies” and very big eyes). I like it that he appreciates stars and can go home with sand and mud in his shorts and head. I like it when he understands me and he laughs at my joke. I like his tackiness and how he asks me out for dinner. I like it when he says “I like you.” I like that he doesn’t text, call or email me when he’s working. I like his discipline, professionalism and optimism. I like our tacky yet sensible conversations. I like his passion to live life to its fullest and how he always chooses to be happy. I like that he plans ahead but can be spontaneous and random. I like how he says “Really,” “Sorry,” “Story” (Maybe that’s why he calls me Cy instead of Cyra). I like how he shares his childhood, family life, love life and views about everything. I like how he helps me understand our cultural and individual differences. I like how he sings “Ah..o-oh-oh.” I like how he treats me with “world-class hospitality”. I like how he lets me reveal the “kid” in me like nobody does. I like how he appreciates and values everything.

I can talk about a million things I like about him and make this blog much longer…

But I know that I don’t need to that because everyone knows that this time, though it’s just too good to be true, I’ll not say NO to this one… I know that I deserve him and I’m genuinely happy to have him.

Amen to "Patience is a virtue."

It was a happy accident and I’m just a lucky girl (I know everybody is! You just have to know what you deserve).

Random sadness.

For 3 consecutive months, our Client Services Team had reached and exceeded the target Sales for each month and the management just announced it and congratulated us awhile ago during our weekly Sales Meeting. I don't know why but I felt unhappy about it. 


Maybe I am tired. Maybe I am pressured. Maybe I am hungry.


Or maybe I am feeling that I can do better! Even if I've been so swamped in paperworks and as-high-as-mt-apo-tasks, I still feel that I haven't done my best. Is it because I'm having a balanced life? I'm just thinking that it's about the hormones. Haha.


Well, I'll be out of town next week and instead of getting excited for my vacation, I'm now pressured of the business meetings coming up! Proposals are piling up! 


Now, all I want is a hug from Taku and a very good dinner.

PROSPECTING

This is a super overdue post. 


I was thinking that Prospecting in the Sales Industry and Prospecting a new partner/ boyfriend have the same process. True?


In a Sales Funnel, Prospecting is the first step and occupies the largest space. Simply because it's the continuous and deliberate search for new prospects or new needs of present customers. Then, there comes the appointment getting, preparation, presentation, closing, objection, negotiation, then... SOLD!


In both areas, you need to plan your prospecting. You have to collect "suspects" then qualify them. First, you establish the need or the opportunity.


In Sales, everyone can be a prospect. Same with lovelife. But to make the search more exciting and effective, you have to plan out and determine which will be fit for your company and which will be needing your service. No one will buy your service if they think that you don't offer something different or they don't see the opportunity for growth using your service. Same with lovelife, right?


So after planning your "prospects," you have to qualify them. In Sales, you must determine if they have...


A- bility to Pay
W- ant or Need
A-uthority to Buy
R- easonably Approachable
E- ligible to Buy


In lovelife, you must consider the same...


Sources in prospecting can be referrals, Internet, newspapers and other publications, other salesmen or other singles, associates of the prospects, and the prospects himself. But always be reminded that in prospecting, you must put set targets or systematize, look near and far, it must be continuous and deliberate and you have to AIM HIGH TO SETTLE HIGH. Never settle for less.


Why do we need Prospecting?


...for effective use of the Salesperson's time
...higher sales and income
...replacement of lost customers


Think about it, it will be so sad for you to belong to someone else, when the right one comes along... Prospecting helps one to measure what one deserves and gives one the opportunity to explore.

Santa's wish comes true.

It's been a while since I've been in a relationship. I remember last month, my last blog entry was entitled "Wanted HUSBAND. My daughter left me." lol. I'm very vocal about how scared I am to be in a relationship again but I was missing it badly. I tried dating several people from all walks of life (sound so diverse. haha) but  I always feel that there's SOMETHING missing...


...I don't know what.
...I don't know why.
...They just felt different and sometimes, empty.


Whenever my friends ask me, "How was the date with the doctor? With the Persian? With the hot guy?" I came up with some excuses like "Hmmm...he's too workaholic" "He's too conscious and serious" "We have cultural differences." 


Believe me, I've tried them all. My cousin Zarah used to tease me that I've got collections of suitors-- old, young, actor, grandson of actor, accountant, engineer, doctor-- and I just might end up with a politician! I used to think it was funny because I seemed to be so picky but as time went by, I became desperate and frustrated because I'll be 25 soon.  I even realized last Christmas that "malamig pala talaga ang Pasko" but I know I MUST NOT SETTLE FOR LESS. I must feel the magic.


Depression became worse during our company's Christmas party. Everyone should get a "Santa's wish" during the raffle draw. Most of my co-workers went home happily because they got air coolers, rice cookers, Starbucks Gift Certificates while I got... "Santa's wish for you is...


... A NEW BOYFRIEND"


It made me feel so down (though I usually divert it to my addiction to work) and asked them, "Where is the new boyfriend?" Haha. But I believed that there's someone out there and I just have to prepare and be excited to meet him someday.


But 2011 for me is the year of Cyra's Lovelife.


So, I wished and prayed so hard for God to bless me with more patience and hope that one of the days of 2011, I'll bump into him and I'll feel fulfilled with the magic. I went to mass often, I prepared myself physically, emotionally and mentally. My friend Jaymee said that she learned that when you wish for something, you have to be more specific and write it down. So I wrote down those "specifications" and pasted the small piece of paper in my planner, I believe, Santa will be kind to me this year...

now I can check the "new boyfriend" in my 2011 planner.

And I just can't believe it, just before the first month of the year ended, I bumped into the "specific" guy. Just in a blink of an eye, I felt like everything changed...


It felt so magical. Too good to be true, but Santa's wish came true.


I've got what I deserve.

Wanted: Husband. My daughter left me.

Ganda ng anak ko!

This is a quick blog entry is for my only daughter, Camille Rastrullo Ramin.











Ooooppss! My beautiful baby...

Pasensya nak, walang biyaya ng cleavage.

Sorry nak, I really had to include "Wanted: Husband" in the title because after your dad left me, I realized that I've been single for almost 2 years now! Haha.

Just now, I felt that it's slowly sinking in to my system. This morning, I started to look for Cams upon entering the office. I've wanted to tell the stories about my "Health Awareness Day!" and how my eating habits have changed through my doctor's advice. When I was about to say "Nak, guess what?!" it hit me straight to my senses that... she's gone.

And the only pink thing that's left in the office is the "reality mirror" that she has given me with "Mama Cy, Thank you for Everything! I'll miss you! I Love You" dedication...

I've seen a lot of myself when I was starting in Cams that's why as much as I can I want to teach and point out all the mistakes that I've committed for her not to commit the same mistake, for her not to love the same kind of man, for her not to act the same way at work.

When I saw this photo,
I know I'll cry...seeing how tight my baby's hold was...

She's a girl with an untiring heart who always think of others and forgive. (Siya na nahihiya kahit na siya na ang ginago. Haha) She's turning into a woman of sense and worth and I really like what I'm seeing. How I wish I could teach everything so that her life will be perfect.=)

I love you Nak, we miss you all here.

...the pink, the loudest laugh, the most red lips, the highest tiil...





I'll always be here, just like the first day Baby...

the last hug I got.

I love you Nak!

Don't worry, Ill take care of Baby Buz & Tom and remember to save and keep your eyes away from shoes, bags and irresponsible boys...

And always remember to know what you deserve...

I'm dying to go to mass, party til dawn, chat and laugh with you soon...

Dong and Machete misses you also.

Keep your eye on the goal, baby!

GOAL for Filipino Travelers

Because  Airline companies have several "seat sales" nowadays, Filipinos in my generation are more exposed now to traveling and experiencing other cultures and places. 

There will never be shortcut to learning. I believe that to remain fresh and happy, we should always learn from our every encounter with people, places, things and situations everyday, and traveling can be a fast track  to discover more about ourselves and the world we're living in.

And because it's always fun to discover more about your own culture that basically reflects who you really are and show you the attributes that you should always be proud of, I decided to post this article from Philippine Daily Inquirer. I think it should be a goal for every Filipino to experience this checklist (As a Filipino, I still have to experience 20 things. Haha. I crossed out my experiences, I hope you’ll do yours too.):

Philippines has several breathtaking beaches.
Photo taken in Nasugbu, Batangas (2010)

25 THINGS TO DO IN THE PHILIPPINES…

By Jill Lejano, Philippine Daily Inquirer

… before fantasizing about exploring other countries

1. Go white water rafting in Cagayan de Oro.
2. Visit Batanes.
3. See Mt. Mayon up close.
4. Swim with the whale sharks in Donsol.
5. Climb Mt. Pulag and be awed by its sea of clouds.
6. Dive, swim and explore Palawan’s underground river. (Just Coron!)
7. Hike and let the view of Mt. Pinatubo crater take your breath away.
8. Party in your bikini in Boracay.
9. Surf’s up! Choose your wave—La Union, Zambales or Real, Quezon.
10. Missed out on the pristine beauty of Boracay 15 years ago? Visit Malapascua, Cebu.
11. Dive and see the rich marine life of Anilao, Batangas.
12. Travel back in time—go to Vigan.
13. Let Bohol wow you with its many offerings—the Chocolate Hills, the tarsier, the Loboc River Cruise, old churches and the beach.
14. Go high! Drive to the Mountain Province of Sagada. Check out the caves, the hanging coffins and enjoy the laidback lifestyle.
15. Grab a Viaje del Sol map, visit Ugu Binyan’s pottery studio, eat at Kusina Salud and unwind at Casa San Pablo.
16. Spend an entire week up north. Take a road trip from Manila to Vigan, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Aparri and Isabela!
17. Try wakeboarding in Camsur.
18. Check out Malate, Old Manila and all their secret spots.
19. There are many reasons to love Davao. Kublai’s artworks, its proximity to the beach, the tasty pastil and juicy suha. And did I mention that it’s a smoke-free city?
20. Spend a weekend roughing it in Anawangin and Capones in Zambales.
21. Check out our colorful fiestas and document them with your camera. Ati-atihan, Dinagyang, Masskara, Sinulog, Higantes, Panagbenga, Pahiyas and more.
22. Pick your own strawberries at the Strawberry Fields in La Trinidad, Benguet.
23. Go to Pampanga for sisig.
24. If it’s too hot in Manila, grab a few friends and take a quick trip to Tagaytay.
25. Enjoy a food trip in Iloilo. You’ll never go hungry in this city.

"Basta pangit, masama ang ugali!"

"Basta pangit, masama ang ugali," this is the famous saying from my dear friend, Robbie.

With a few experiences on encounter with some "pangit," I can truly attest to this. It's always true that real beauty is in the eye of the beholder and it comes from within. I believe that all God's creation is beautiful and we're just making it ugly, so we have to be careful in our words, thoughts and deeds.

For me ugly people are those:

...who doesn't care and is not sensitive to other people's needs and feelings.
...who brags a lot about him/her self.
...who thinks about herself and prioritize only her condition all the time.
...who doesn't care and true to him/her self.


Basically, these are the people who doesn't know what RESPECT is all about and definitely, they're the ones who are not having a good laugh with family and friends everyday.

But aside from a good skincare and make up, evaluating your own attitude and actions is a good way of staying beautiful and fresh. Always laugh, keep in mind how blessed you are, discover or learn something new everyday and just like what my friend Mark is saying "Good Vibes" to everything!

...but if you'll ponder on it, ugly people are good to keep because they indeed add thrill and fun to our journey!

First weekend of the year.

My mind's on my BDJ planner. I'm thinking of the best cover to use for it to preserve its too girly cover because I'm too obsessed to it. I'll look for a good one tomorrow because no matter how strong and wonderful something has been made of, it needs a cover or a protection for a slower depreciation.

Just like the human body. Maybe it's time for us to shield or take it away from anything that's making it deteriorate easily.

Well, definitely, watching "Tron" in iMax is a good sample of human body protection. Haha. It was really amazing! My favorite shot was when old Fynn was telling stories to young Fynn and the camera rolled and got inside the room. I seemed to be in there. Haha. Well, that's the magic of today's cinema.

I suddenly missed production.

Veyda

I was surprised when I was drinking water and saw my "inaanak" on TV. So pretty, talented and smart! She's very charming and friendly. I am really a proud ninang. Haha. She's very talented and smart. Anyway, she'll be competing in Star Circle Quest Kids Edition, so please vote and support her, Veyda Inoval.

No yoga with cousin for tomorrow, I'm hoping to rest, pray and play.

According to Cris, he would like to try being a Vegan even only for a month. really? haha. Goodluck! "Mahilig kasi ako sa laman," according to him.

It will be a busy week!

I will rock 2011!

On the first week of the new year, I've heard people saying "Now, I'm starting the year right."  Hopefully, it's true. Hopefully, all throughout this year, we'll see many people doing the right and good things.

2nd day in the hospital
&diagnosis was still vague.

Just like last year, I started my "new year" with pain. Haha. Literally, 3 days before 2010 ended, I was admitted to the hospital due to Urinary Tract Infection. The pain lasted until Wednesday, and now, I'm continuing my Cranberry juice diet to normalize the ph in my urine.  Oh well, thanks to the Internet and my Ate Ronnie for this information! Haha. Well, I just have to remind myself all the time to drink lots of water, use cotton undies, urinate if needed, no acids, caffeine, citrus and alcohol. "No Alcohol?!"-->

Oh no! Hopefully, I'll be okay soon! =)

But I know I'll rock 2011!

all-smiles Caparros team!

On the first day of the year, I was too grateful to spend the day with all the very few yet important people in my crazy life! I miss my cousins already!

We celebrated the first day of the year with our usual BINGO Galore with our relatives. Mom was the only lucky one to win! But I really enjoyed the non-stop storytelling of everyone while non-stop eating Dear Darla.

Tita Carol: "Ang Caparros, maliit, pango ang ilong, saka maitim."
Cyra: "Parang pag sinabing Caparros, ako ang image model Tita ah!"
Tita Carol: (speechless. Haha.) "...ahmm...kaya dapat ang pipiliin nyo ay matangkad, matangos ang ilong at maputi.

LOL. But maybe if I can't endure waking up beside him but he has 3 Jaguars and 2 Lexus, we can think about it. =) Haha.

When I got promoted as a Client Services Team Leader on the 4th day of 2011, I knew, I JUST STARTED THE YEAR RIGHT AND I'M NOW STARTING TO ROCK 2011.

Have a blessed and fun year everyone!