2008 and its slew of blessings

I should have posted this 2 weeks ago, in lieu of Thanksgiving. Pastor Rico said that instead of having the usual wishlist for Christmas, why not simply give thanks for the blessings you already have? 2008 is definitely one of the best years for me, and here are the main reasons why:

5. My Job
I had been praying for a new job when the previous one I had wasn't fruitful for me anymore. So far, I am enjoying the resources and fulfillment without the hairfall from stress. Yes, there are definitely tough times - I am still adjusting and I still have a lot to learn. But I really enjoy what I am doing right now, and this is where I intend to stay.

4. Good Health
Me and my family have been relatively healthy this year. Minus my mom's vertigo episodes, there were not much visits to the hospital. I am also working my way to a healthier lifestyle - better food intake in controlled quantities, walkathons, surfing, etc. :)

3. My Friends
Though it takes quite some time for me to warm up to new people, I have made great new friends this year. With the new job and Victory, I have met people who I am now good friends with.
And for my dear friends who I have had the past few years, I can definitely say that we have grown closer and have become better friends.
You know who you guys are. Know that you are appreciated, and that I am *really* thankful that I have you as friends. ^__^

2. My Family
I'm just so happy that they are supportive of me, despite my shortcomings. Things have definitely gotten better at home (compared to how we were last year), and I'm just very thankful everything is in its right place.
Oh, and Mike is also counted as family, so :P Happiness!!!

1. My Salvation, His love and faithfulness
Having a personal relationship with Him has always been important more than anything else. I am His creation, I am His child, I am His disciple. I am still a work in progress, and I will strive to be a better Christian and testament to His goodness. :)

Here's to more fruitful, blessed and hopeful years like 2008! :D

Celebrity Collage by MyHeritage

MyHeritage: Celebrity Collage - Family reunion - Free family tree

Bob Ong's Philosophy on Love

Nakita ko lang from a bulletin post on Friendster. Bato bato sa langit... ;)

--------------------

1. "Kung hindi mo mahal ang isang tao, wag ka nang magpakita ng motibo para mahalin ka nya.."

2. "Huwag mong bitawan ang bagay na hindi mo kayang makitang hawak ng iba."

3. "Huwag mong hawakan kung alam mong bibitawan mo lang."

4. "Huwag na huwag ka hahawak kapag alam mong may hawak ka na."

5. "Parang elevator lang yan eh, bakit mo pagsisiksikan ung sarili mo kung walang pwesto para sayo. Eh meron naman hagdan, ayaw mo lang pansinin."

6. "Kung maghihintay ka nang lalandi sayo, walang mangyayari sa buhay mo.. Dapat lumandi ka din."

7. "Pag may mahal ka at ayaw sayo, hayaan mo. Malay mo sa mga susunod na araw ayaw mo na din sa kanya, naunahan ka lang."

8. "Hiwalayan na kung di ka na masaya. Walang gamot sa tanga kundi pagkukusa."

9. "Pag hindi ka mahal ng mahal mo wag ka magreklamo. Kasi may mga tao rin na di mo mahal pero mahal ka.. Kaya quits lang."

10. "Kung dalawa ang mahal mo, piliin mo yung pangalawa. Kasi hindi ka naman magmamahal ng iba kung mahal mo talaga yung una."

11. "Hindi porke't madalas mong ka-chat, kausap sa telepono, kasama sa mga lakad o ka-text ng wantusawa eh may gusto sayo at magkakatuluyan kayo. Meron lang talagang mga taong sadyang friendly, sweet, flirt, malandi, pa-fall o paasa."

12. "Huwag magmadali sa babae o lalaki. Tatlo, lima, sampung taon, mag-iiba ang pamantayan mo at maiisip mong hindi pala tamang pumili ng kapareha dahil lang maganda o nakakalibog ito. Totong mas mahalaga ang kalooban ng tao higit sa anuman. Sa paglipas ng panahon, maging ang mga crush ng bayan nagmumukha ding pandesal, maniwala ka."

13. "Minsan kahit ikaw ang nakaschedule, kailangan mo pa rin maghintay, kasi hindi ikaw ang priority."

14. "Mahirap pumapel sa buhay ng tao. Lalo na kung hindi ikaw yung bida sa script na pinili nya."

15. "Alam mo ba kung gaano kalayo ang pagitan ng dalawang tao pag nagtalikuran na sila? Kailangan mong libutin ang buong mundo para lang makaharap ulit ang taong tinalikuran mo."

16. “Mas mabuting mabigo sa paggawa ng isang bagay kesa magtagumpay sa paggawa ng wala”

17. “Hindi lahat ng kaya mong intindihin ay katotohan, at hindi lahat ng hindi mo kayang intindihin ay kasinungalingan”

18. "Kung nagmahal ka ng taong di dapat at nasaktan ka, wag mong sisihin ang puso mo. Tumitibok lng yan para mag-supply ng dugo sa katawan mo. Ngayon, kung magaling ka sa anatomy at ang sisisihin mo naman ay ang hypothalamus mo na kumokontrol ng emotions mo, mali ka pa rin! Bakit? Utang na loob! Wag mong isisi sa body organs mo ang mga sama ng loob mo sa buhay! Tandaan mo: magiging masaya ka lang kung matututo kang tanggapin na hindi ang puso, utak, atay o bituka mo ang may kasalanan sa lahat ng nangyari sayo, kundi IKAW mismo!"

19. "Ang pag-ibig parang imburnal...nakakatakot mahulog...at kapag nahulog ka, it's either by accident or talagang tanga ka.."

Programming, anyone? :)

For those who want to try a teeny tiny bit of programming, check this out: http://www.gameroo.nl/games/light-bot

The last two stages are fun to do! Here are my solutions (may not be optimized though):

Note the congratulatory screen:

"What you just went through is the kind of logic programmers go through on a daily basis. If you enjoyed thinking this way and using logic to solve problems, consider trying to learn a real programming language."

Does Excel count? Geez, I'm such a loser. :(

I MISS PROGRAMMING!! I want my tech skills back!! *whine* :'(

I'm Yours by Jason Mraz

My official LSS of the moment... it has been in my head since Saturday when I heard at the youth service. Love, love, love the song ^__^

Toto Sorioso, kung mabasa mo man to, I hope you'd sing it in your gigs :P

I'm Yours

Well, you done done me and you bet I felt it
I tried to be chill but your so hot that I melted
I fell right through the cracks, now I'm tryin to get back
before the cool done run out I'll be givin it my best test
and nothin's gonna stop me but divine intervention
I reckon it's again my turn to win some or learn some

But I won't hesitate no more,
no more, it cannot wait
I'm yours

Well open up your mind and see like me
open up your plans and damn you're free
look into your heart and you'll find love love love love
listen to the music of the moment people dance and sing
We're just one big family
And it's our godforsaken right to be loved loved loved loved loved

So, i won't hesitate no more,
no more, it cannot wait i'm sure
there's no need to complicate our time is short
this is our fate
I'm yours

*scat*

I've been spendin' way too long checkin' my tongue in the mirror
and bendin' over backwards just to try to see it clearer
But my breath fogged up the glass
and so I drew a new face and I laughed
I guess what I'd be sayin' is there ain't no better reason
to rid yourself of vanities and just go with the seasons
it's what we aim to do
our name is our virtue

But I won't hesitate no more,
no more it cannot wait
I'm yours

Well open up your mind and see like me
open up your plans and damn you're free
look into your heart and you will find that the sky is yours

so please don't, please don't, please don't,
there's no need to complicate,
Cause our time is short
This, this, this is our fate,
I'm yours

*scat*

You and Me by Lifehouse

I'm so excited for the Lifehouse concert!! I heard Chico and Delamar interview James Wade on RX last week, and it really got me looking forward to the concert. We don't even have tickets yet! :( Though I want to try getting tix from scalpers, this is just one thing I don't want to miss.

This song, You and Me, is reason enough to go to the concert! Tara tara tara!! :D

You and Me

what day is it
and in what month
this clock never seemed so alive
I can't keep up
and I can't back down
I've been losing so much time

cause it's you and me and all of the people
with nothing to do
nothing to lose
and it's you and me and all of the people
and I don't know why
I can't keep my eyes off of you

all of the things that I want to say
just aren't coming out right
I'm tripping inwards
you got my head spinning
I don't know where to go from here

cause it's you and me and all of the people
with nothing to do
nothing to prove
and it's you and me and all of the people
and I don't know why
I can't keep my eyes off of you

there's something about you now
I can't quite figure out
everything she does is beautiful
everything she does is right

you and me and all of the people
with nothing to do
nothing to lose
and it's you and me and all of the people
and I don't know why
I can't keep my eyes off of you

you and me and all of the people
with nothing to do
nothing to prove
and it's you and me and all of the people
and I don't know why
I can't keep my eyes off of you

what day is it
and in what month
this clock never seemed so alive

ID Quest Pt.2

I *really* have to get my passport before July ends. Thing is, I need all sorts of IDs, which I don't have.

- PRC ID: I will never have
- Driver's license: ngek, di pa ko marunong magdrive
- Voter's ID: Anong petsa na COMELEC? It's just a piece of printed paper! Mahirap ba magprint??
- NBI Card: Why do you only have select branches which issues this? Why can't all renewal centers/kiosks offer the same service?
- SSS ID: I nearly screamed my head off when I saw the "Paunawa" sign in the Diliman branch saying that those who applied for the SSS ID from Sept 2007 onwards are still not available. When I asked the lady in the Information counter about it, she was scowling as she told me, "Ano? ID? Wala pa, wala pa! Sira machine namin." Pasensya naman, I asked. Hanu ba?! Anong petsa na? Sorry, di ko maunawaan.

On a general note: I simply don't get it why they put masusungit na manangs sa counters. People who seem irritated at the mere sight of people approaching them should be locked in office spaces far from the public. Seriously. -_-

Hay... Naman! Buti na lang the Postal and TIN IDs are fairly easy to get. The DFA is asking for more docs though, since I'm lacking 1 primary ID: College ID, TOR or yearbook daw. SURE! Gusto nila pati Diploma, BIR forms, SSS E1 form, green NBI clearance, baptismal cert... I just need a passport, please please please :'(

Photo Class with Jun Aves

I had my first "formal" photography class last Saturday, June 28. Jun Aves, one of the country's top cinematographers, led the Photography 101 class at the Victory Center. Finally, I understood apperture, shutter speed, white balance, and all that jazz. Now, how to put it into practice... I think I need more classes for that. Haha. I'm still stuck with the presets (Auto, Apperture Priority, Speed Priority and Macro) and I'm still not sure how to tweak the settings of the SLR. I need more lessons!! ^___^ For now, I guess I'm sticking with the point-and-shoot. At least with my Cybershot, I take better gig pics :P

To share with you the pics from our class, here are some shots taken with and without flash. See the differences in WB as well ;)

Group mid shot in warm light (and red nila no? hehe)

Group mid shot WITH flash

Still shot with shallow DOF, tunsgten WB

Take 2 on the still shot, with flash

I hope they'll hold the next class soon. Excited na ko! ^__^

First time ko...

... magpa-lumbar X-ray kanina. I was a bit freaked out because I went there alone. My lower back has been aching for the past 3 weeks but I was too scared to find out why. Recently though, the pain was getting worse so I finally decided to have it checked. There's this tiny protruding thing on my spine kasi... I refuse to think it's a slipped disk. Or whatever. I don't even know what is yet. waaah! Kung kelan naman gusto ko surfing! Ayoko magka braces sa likod!! (okay, I'm freaking out. I'm really freaking out...)

Breathe in... breathe out...

Shucks, kakaloka. I read this from this site:

With treatment, most people recover. It can take a long time. Treatments include rest, pain and anti-inflammatory medicines, physical therapy and sometimes surgery. Losing weight can help, too.

Losing weight? Hanu ba, natira na naman pagka-chubbilita ko. Kaasar! hahaha. Paano ako makakalose ng weight e pinagbawalan na ko ng doctor mag-gym? Bleh... as if naman naggi-gym, hahaha!

Anyways, please help me pray. Sana maging okay yung makuha kong results tomorrow :)

How to maximize your weekend :D

Friday:
Leave the office early, head out to Hard Rock Cafe. Meet up with friends (kahit indianero yung iba, calling Yvonne and Chris!) and enjoy the Side A music!

Drool over the guitarist as he sings "Always Be My Baby" while you're at it :P

Saturday:
Go home at ~1am, pack your stuff and sleep at 2am. Get up at 3am, then meet up with Aileen and Mela at McDo Banawe at 430am. We're going to Zambales!! :D Breakfast at NLEX, arrive at Crystal Beach by ~9am.

Surfing at 1-2pm! Make sure you apply several layers of sunblock, kahit parang wala ring effect (we no like skin cancer :P). Super duper fun!!! I was able to stand several times at my first session, I'm so proud of myself :D hahaha... Thanks to Kuya Rex for patiently teaching me.

Snooze time: 4pm to 7pm at the JohnEva Resort. Dinner at Green Cab Pizza, then do a little road trip (actually, we got lost on the way to Canoe, hehe. Peace Carlos :P). Magpatalo ng Php40 sa In-Between card game with Anna, Aileen, Mela and Andrew. Magpatalo uli sa Pusoy Dos at uminom ng cocktails prepared by the MDO peeps :P I want copies of Mela's pics!! hehe.. Sleep uli at ~2am, then wake up at 630am.

Sunday:
Head off to Crytal Beach Resort for another round of surfing!!! Swim-swim muna till ~10:30 while waiting for our turn. Brunch at the resort's uber bagal kitchen, then surfing uli at 12:30!! Love it!! I think we surfed for ~2hrs, e dapat 1hr/session lang. Anyways, okay lang. Super okay lang!

Late lunch at Dude's Pizza, then go to Canoe's again - this time, for island hopping! We were supposed to go to 2 islands, but we stayed in Capones Island instead. I guess we really enjoyed the beach and "cemetery-making" kaya we didn’t notice the time J

Leave Capones at 5:30, shower at Canoe's, then drive back home. Dinner at Kenny's sa NLEX (yummy yung kiwi smoothie), then then be home by ~11pm.

LESSONS LEARNED
1. Get a tight-fitting rash guard, and wear “heavy duty” swimsuit underneath. I swear, super hassle ng clothes that do not stay put.. lalo na kung laging wipe out, haha.
2. Learn how to prioritize. Punta ng gig ng Friday or next week na lang? 430am ang alis or 9am na lang for Zambales? Surfing or island hopping? So many things to enjoy, so little time. :P
3. Bring a beach bag. It’s hard to keep all the necessities wrapped in a sarong.
4. From Kuya Vergel, the surfing instructor: Mag-gym na kasi!! Hahaha, ang kulit mo Manong!! I’ll make sure you’ll eat your words when we return. Magpupush up na ko!!
5. Ask friends to take pics while you surf. Para naman may cool kang pic pag-uwi :P
6. Magbaon ng Alaxan when you go to work the following day. Magpa-home service na rin ng massage :P

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18)

9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: 10 "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'

13 "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'

14 "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Hillsong Concert!

Yesterday, I went to Araneta Coliseum to watch the Hillsong concert with Just (and her mom), Mariel, Luz and Marissa. It was so much fun!! Though I'm not that familiar with their songs, i thoroughly enjoyed myself. From their lineup, I only know 3-4 songs (hehe)... thank goodness there are projected lyrics :P Check out this video of their song, One Way. It's like being in a rock concert:

I really love what Joel Houston said towards the end of the concert: the excitement and eagerness to praise Him should not be contained in one place. We should spread the word! This is aptly expressed in one of their songs:

Tell the world that Jesus lives
Tell the world that, tell the world that
Tell the world that he died for them
Tell the world that he lives again

^_______^

Word of the Day

AYUS! I learn something new everyday.. wehehe :P

LSS: Girl I Wanna Lay You Down

This song has been playing over and over again in my head these past few days. I have had several Mkna-Makati shuttle rides na ito lang pinapakinggan ko (yes, naka-loop -_-). All the while I was imagining my favorite band (ano kaya yun? :P) performing it in one of their gigs. It's funky, it would be great for his voice, plus it's not like anything I've seen them perform before. Anyways, the song is great in itself. I love *love* Animal Liberation Orchestra's version ^__^

Girl I Wanna Lay You Down

I come over early in the morning
I'm like a heat wave, without warning
And when I touch you I can feel your heart flutter
I'm smooth and creamy like peanut butter

Girl I wanna lay you down
(I said) girl I wanna lay you down

Take it away Zach

I'm gonna flood you, like a love river
Awe baby the post man, is about to deliver
Cook you up some dinner, a little pasta
Listen to some music, a little rasta

I said girl I wanna lay you down, oooohhh
I said girl I wanna lay you down, everybody sing it

Aweee, I said girl I wanna lay you down
(I said) girl I wanna lay you down
Girl I wanna lay you down
Girl I wanna lay you down
Girl I wanna lay you down
Girl I wanna lay you down
Girl I wanna lay you down

Frustrating Fourth

Mike and I are having our fourth anniversary this Sunday. It's the first time we're celebrating an anniv apart: he's in Cebu, I'm here in Manila. The more I think about the distance, the more it gets me down. I'm not really sure how it would go, but I'm thinking of ways to make 27th a blur:

- Be out of the house on Sunday. Maybe I can do back-to-back services then go to ATC

- Get stinking drunk on Saturday, and sleep Sunday away

- DVD marathon on Sunday? nah....

- any suggestions? hehe

Nga pala, I also came across this song on my player. I didn't even know I have this song loaded. Kanina ko lang narinig. *siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiggggggggggghhhhhhhh* :(

Gusto Na Kitang Makita Session Road Parang ang bagal ng takbo ng panahon pag wala ka
Alam kong walang dapat sisihin na ako'y
Nandito at nandiyan ka

Refrain:
Pero dahil malayo ka
Ako'y nalulungkot na

Chorus:
Gusto na kitang makita
(Kita kita sa mata)
Gusto na kitang makasama
(Magsama tayong dalawa)

Pininta mong larawan ko
Ang mga una kong nakikita sa umaga
Pagbangon sa kama siguradong
Ang araw ay may bagong pag-asa

Refrain:
Pero dahil malayo ka
Ako'y nalulungkot na

Chorus:
Gusto na kitang makita
(Kita kita sa mata)
Gusto na kitang makasama
(Magsama tayong dalawa)

Refrain:
Pero dahil malayo ka
Ako'y nalulungkot na

Chorus:
Gusto na kitang makita
(Kita kita sa mata)
Gusto na kitang makasama
(Magsama tayong dalawa)
Gusto na kitang makita
(Kita kita sa mata)
Gusto na kitang makasama
(Magsama tayong dalawa)
Gusto na kitang makita
(Kita kita sa mata)
Gusto na kitang makasama
(Magsama tayong dalawa)

Seriously?!

What the heck?!! You have to be kidding me!! -_________-

God is good

Yes, He really is! :D

I have been very blessed - and it is quite sad that I only realize this when I overcome problems. This past week has been really tough for me, and constantly I would ask Him to help me to just get through the day.

Work-wise, I was bombarded with things I was forced to attend to: an early Monday morning meeting (after the very tiring Pagudpud trip), conference calls I could barely understand, problems composing emails to be sent to higher-ups, back-to-back meetings, countless emails, etc. The pressure was too much, I must admit.

On a personal note, my dog Toffee bit my niece Ainah. She's doing OK, though, of course, she has to get at least 4 shots. *sigh*

The big blow was when Mike told me he has to go back to Cebu. The last time he went there, he said he'll only be there for 3 days (which turned out to be 2 months). This time, he said he'll be away for 4 days. Who knows how that would turn out... :( The thing is, we haven't had much time to talk when he was here in Manila.

Anyways... It's a Friday, and in a few minutes I'll be meeting my friends for dinner. All my tasks for the week are done, Ainah had her first shot, and Mike and I are doing great despite the distance. Point is, why does this week had to pass before I thanked the Lord? I was always praying how I wish things will turn out, but after I get all the help I needed I forget to thank Him. *sorry :(*

I'm really happy I can go to church again tomorrow. More than the gig, more than the shopping, more than anything else - the service tomorrow is something I'm really looking forward to.

Thank You for all the help You've given me this week. Know that I appreciate the strength, guidance and blessings You gave me. From now on I'll always remember Your goodness - even if things do not go my way. I'll keep in mind that Your plans for me will always better than I what I dream for myself. Again, thank You!! ^__^

Awww...

"You are so cute!! And you shall now be called Toffee!"

*happy sigh*

That was my first reaction when I saw my new dog, Toffee. He's a Japanese Spitz, about a month old. He's so adorable!



If you guys know how to take care of dogs (vaccines, food, training), please let me know. I need help!
^_________^

Looking back

Joee told me to never look back when I transfer companies. It's a lot easier said than done, especially when you start missing former officemates who are very close to you. I'll just flush this out of my system before it starts eating me up. Here are the things I really miss:

1. Seatmates. In the new office, you could easily fit 2 more people in between me and the person nearest me. What's up with that? Masyadong maluwag. Before, ikot mo lang chair mo, hello seatmate na. Parang feeling ko wala akong makausap dito.

2. IMs. Speaking of kausap, naka-Meebo lang ako, patago pa. haha. I miss my AIM and the retarded YM.

3. Lunches. Working lunches, lunch sa pantry, lunch sa 12th floor, lunch from Andrei, lunch outs - doesn't matter kung saan, I really miss the people I had these lunches with.

4. Merienda breaks. Feeling sad? Overwhelmed with work? Have been debugging for hours? Mag-12th floor muna. A short trip downstairs, lalo na pag may tiangge, relaxes me a lot.

5. AM Meetings. San ka naman nakakita ng meetings na may games? Pano mo ba namang di mamimiss yun?

6. Knowing everyone. I know I am in such an awkward stage right now: getting to know the people, the processes, the works. I know that this will soon pass. I just miss walking in a room full of people I know.

7. Internet browsing. Salbahe lang ba talaga ako or super bait lang nila? I don't see anyone browsing non-work sites.

8. My long sleeves. This seems weird, pero I miss my formal office wear. Feeling ko kasi super porma ako if I wear those here.

9. Chismis and joke time! 2 lang ang naririnig ko ditong ingay: keyboard and mga on-call. Ano ba? Puro work? Namimiss ko yung bigla na lang may manggugulat sa kin, or a group na yung tawanan dinig ng buong project, or jokes meant for everyone to hear...

10. The people. Syempre. Kung pwede ko lang ilipat ang AM C/S dito, I would. Sama mo na RnR. Hay...

I would like to say I miss the Bank Hours, but no. I love using them up, but earning these hours means hair loss, stress and eyebags.

Anyway.. I'm not complaining. I just started, and I'd like to think things will only get better (and they will). I'm just someone who misses her friends. This new job is an opportunity for me to make new ones, and I'll be damned if I don't make the most out of it.

The weekend that was

There's only one word that would describe this weekend: CRAZY!! It started with Saturday afternoon, when I met with Chris at Robinsons Galleria. When I opened the door of the FX on my way out, it bumped into another taxi, leaving two large black gashes on the other vehicle. I vehemently apologized and rushed inside the mall. Baka habulin pa ko ni manong driver, takot ako :(

When we got to Bagaberde Pasig, things got crazier. Akala ko nung una mga timid yung barkada ni Ai. Konting Smirnoff lang ang ingay na! Haha. Buti na lang Aileen's cool with the tuksuhan. Needless to say, naging pansinin yung table namin. Next thing I know, Joey G. was dancing on top of one of our chairs during the gig, Ai had glazed eyes, and they were shouting the guitarist's name every now and then. After the picture taking with Side A, Joey approached us and chatted a bit. Akalain mo yun? hehe. We asked him kung ano sched nila for Feb, and he wasn't sure yet so he asked for our contact details. I gave him my name, email add and cell#. Katawa, naging highlight ng evening ko yung part na yun instead of yung pic with the guitarists.


Anyways... 3am na ko nakauwi from Baga. I have to wake up at 430am for the Corregidor trip with the P&G peeps and UP students. 6am ang dapat na departure, 630 naman umalis. Tokwa... hahaha. I was pleasantly surprised with the people from the company though, kala ko kasi they were snobs, pero friendly pala sila, hehe. From ~9am to 2pm we were walking under the hot sun. The ruins, museums, cannons and displays are amazing! Creepy, yeah, but great nonetheless.
My favorite part was the lighthouse. Iba talaga ang thrill ng heights :D We also went inside the Malinta tunnel for the lights and sounds show. I would have enjoyed it if I wasn't dead tired. May moments kasi na I thought I would fall asleep during the voice overs - and this was a feat considering how creepy that tunnel was :P
We got back to UP at around 4pm. It was really nice to be back. Liza and I went to SC for the yummy FIC. Nung college ako, P15 per scoop lang yun, ngayon P20 na. Grabe, tanda ko na. Hahaha. I walked from SC to Vinzon's Hall na may reminisce factor pa. Hay...

In summary, here are the things I learned for the past 2 days:
- it's great to meet new people: never be afraid to extend your network. Medyo nahiya ako sa friends ni Ai and sa new people from PnG, pero okay rin to get out of your shell minsan ;)
- a smile goes a long LONG way. The FX driver didn't shout at me, a manong guard at the port told me I was cute kasi lagi akong nakasmile, salesladies were a bit nicer, the P&G peeps were starting conversations, Joey G. chatted with us...
- it's okay to dance like noone's watching - as long as the music's really good ;)
- it pays to be on time
- it's okay to ask for a picture, just make sure to tell them which camera they should look at (right Ai?:P)

The ID Quest

OK, here's the deal: I need IDs para makaopen ng payroll account sa new job ko. Thing is, I don't have IDs. Proper IDs. Ones that are government-issued, like:
- SSS ID
- TIN ID
- Passport
- PRC ID
- Driver's license

I don't have any of those, kainis. I'm never having the PRC one kasi CS grad ako, and I have no plans of going back to school. Driver's license, well... maybe in a few years :) So, yung first 3 ang options ko. Nung January 4, I lined up for ~4 hours sa SSS, and I have to wait at least 30 days before I can even start inquiring kung tapos na yung ID. Yung sa TIN, I have to go back Wednesday next week to see if they have the ID ready. For the Passport, I have to have at least 2 valid IDs before I can even apply. Ano ba, sana sinabi yung ng Teleserv before I went to the DFA, di ba?

Sa Feb 1 na start date ko, and I still don't have the frigging IDs. The only one I have is from the Postal office. Hay, pwede na kaya yun?