Leaving the Philippine territory

I am blessed. Truly, I am.

I was given a special gift from ate G. to go to Singapore. She had known that I really wanted to go there but for lack of financial resources I usually back out.

Way back in June, ticket was ready and already paid. The date was set in August as there will be a lot of holiday and I can officially apply for the 5-day annual forced leave after having served 1 year in my new job. I will be going together with my cousin, R2.

First week of August I applied for the leave. Obstacle no. 1, my application was put on hold by my immediate supervisor pending approval of our unit head. I could only pray. I was thinking of the cost of my round-trip fare. I could not afford to have it re-booked as it would double the cost. Alas! It was granted approval. God is good.

Prior to the date of my departure I encountered Obstacle no. 2. God provided for means to get me to pack my things and i finished at around 5 am. R2 and I were booked via Cebu. I was relaxed but my cousin was already sharing his experiences when traveling abroad. I thought little of it. What's the big deal anyway, its not like I'm leaving the country leaving a criminal record behind.

Going through the immigration process, I lined up to the elderly officer. I was asked a few questions and I answered them briefly. As a government employee, I was asked for an authority to travel, I handed out the document provided for by our HR, certifying that I have filed for a vacation leave. He asked then about my accommodation, I said I'll be staying with my relative. He asked for my invitation, I said I had none since I lacked time to have it processed and that we didn't think it would be necessary since it will be for a shot time only. I was given a form, that was the time I lost my focus. A lot has been going through my mind. I was then directed to his supervisor. This is it Obstacle no. 3, but then the officer went to the table and said that He is ok with me leaving the country but just would like to have me documented. Since R2 has his invitation, our relativity was established having shared the same surname shown in our passport, they had it copied too as attachment to my file. And still asked for the invite from my cousin, R1. She wrote it through FB, we had it printed out. Oh! I love technology! Anyway, after the ordeal and the stress, I left our "baon" of chips, instant noodles, hopia and cheese sticks.

I love to travel and always envisioned myself in various countries. I don't want to be simply tagged as a tourist. I envy travel bloggers. However, after having experienced all that interrogation, I wonder if my dreams of backpacking will materialize. The immigration is so strict of people going out of the country and more often than not, those that do bad things outside, are the one's who can pass through them. And they are not also strict among foreigners that go in the country. haizt!

One thing is for sure, God is with me :))

Will have another post of my actual stay in the Fine City, this entry is already long :)

April = Summer

oh my. oh my. Its april! It's officially summer. April = Summer.

This summer, I want to be best buds with Mr. Sun. I want to soak up in his company. I want to dip in the cool blue waters of Samal or Glan in Sarangani, with long stretch of fine white sand in my hands, but with budget constraint, the closest place I could be is in Camiguin, that ain't to bad since I haven't been there too.

I want to explore new place and if I couldn't, I want to go to places that I haven't been to in a long time. I've been imprisoned in this city for far too long and for a few days I want to flee.

If only I could see the local stars in Boracay. Or walk in the concrete streets of Vigan, to have the feel of the Spanish era. If only I could see the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid in Cotabato. If only someone would accompany me Siquijor, I hear the beaches are great!

Oh summer! I just want to enjoy your visit. I guess that's not too much to ask.

Happy Birthday, Pop!

My dad turned yet another year today and I could not be more thankful to the Lord that He has continouosly showered his blessings to Pop.

Even if many does not understand the way he does things, I look upon my father because he finds positivity in a lot of things. For someone, who has lately been in a negative sphere, his positive view points are a big help.

My dad does not know how to do household chores, why? I assume its because he has not been trained in his younger years. I guess this was the least of his worries.

To my ever dearest, Pop, Happy Happy Happy birthday!

love you much!

prime heels :D

Today, I pampered my soles to a foot spa. What I loved about the session was that the pampering was up to my knees and not just up to the ankle like what other beauty salon offer. Of course, my legs were pampered in a different way that my soles :)

I also had my toenails polished in a cute way. It is now in a green shade =)

Yesterday, while I was at the mall, I saw this nice pair of shoes. I don't know what is it about it that I bought it without second thought. I've never bought heels that I won't be able to wear on a daily basis or for work, much less a 4-inch heel.
My BFF, D loves to wear high heels and I have never been able to share her enthusiasm. She drools over heels while I drool over flats. Although I know how to appreciate the shoes, the pain of wearing it takes the wits out of me. Oh well, there are always the first time and with 2012? Bring it on!!!

oak

I'm not much of a coffee drinker. I don't even hang out at Starbucks to qualify as a regular. My officemate, Apple got her 2012 planner as a group effort :) She had this extra coupon with 5 stickers on it so I asked for it and she gave it to me. I am very far from completing the rest of it (option 2) until the time we had task force where in one of the visiting officers from our mother company treated everyone to some coffee and frappe and got me additional 15 stickers :) Yahoo! 3 more and the 23 stickers from core drinks will be completed :)

The other day, I watched a movie in the cinema and treated myself to a frappe. I was surprised since the barista gave me 2 stickers for my order. Then I saw that they are on promo, giving away 2 stickers for every order :)

Today, I finally got my card completed and now have my oak 2012 planner :)
An achievement for a minimal cost. hahaha. Less than P300.00 :D

Starbucks double stickers promo will run until Jan 13, 2012.
Collection of stickers has been extended until Jan 20, 2012.
Redemption of planner is until March 2012.

Drastic

I have made a very drastic move with regards to my tresses. Whenever I'm stressed, my hair is the first to experience my cruelty. In my previous job, I cut my hair almost every 2 weeks that I have come close to doing a G.I. Jane...

I don't know what has gone into my head that when I passed by a salon I asked if they do curls.
The left photo is my new year photo taken 01.01.'12 while the photo in right was taken today, 01.08.'12...

My hair now is so frizzy since I committed 2 mistakes after a curl -- first, took a wash in less than 24 hours after the treatment and second, combed the hair (using a wide toothed combed though)


I am now on the hunt of products that would tame my curls or what is left of it. haha.

Taurus for 2012

Taurus

(Apr 21 - May 21)

After some breaks in your career in 2011, the Taurus Horoscope 2012 predicts good fortune and an excellent career growth. You know what your potentials are so plan the year accordingly. You will be authentic in anything that you do. Put in your very best and you will get to see the result through unbelievable rewards.

The peripheral events that will take place will maintain a rhythm. This will help you remain antagonistic and aggressive. The influence of Jupiter offers you a bigger perspective of life. You have plenty of reasons to indulge into meaningful discussions with people around you.

Use your multi-tasking act to the fullest. Some business deals will be signed towards the end of the year leading you to long-term and very successful business relations. Be prepared for huge amount of workload.

Taurus Work Horoscope 2012

You would soar high in 2012 in terms of your career. If you are a writer or involved in any artistic work, you would receive fame and recognition. The amount of work will be heavy. Keep your calm and plan things out even before you start. This will help you accumulate everything evenly. There is a change of job towards the 2nd quarter of the year. You can also get a call from overseas by the last quarter of the year. Those in research work or academics can expect a sudden hike in salary. There will be an overall growth in the professional field starting from the 3rd quarter of the year.

Taurus Love Horoscope 2012

You will be calm and quiet from deep within. Your emotions will be in control of yourself lowering down your interior tensions. Romance is certainly on the cards for the bulls. Those who are in a relationship will have some great time together. A romantic trip is on the card. You will be able to keep a balance between your romantic and realistic self. Those who are single can expect to, finally, meet the dream man or woman. The emotional ground will be stabilized and you can handle emotional outbreaks with ease. Your efforts to resolve differences in a relationship will not go in vain. You would be able to fulfill the desires of your partner when it comes to love and romance. This is a great time for the Taurus couples to spend some private time together.

Taurus Money Horoscope 2012

Money will flow in towards the 2nd half of the year. Business deals will turn out to be fruitful. The 3rd quarter of the year will be more successful than the first two quarters. Things that were cluttered will now be resolved. Your dreams and goals will now be achieved as you experience a lot of financial gain. Be diplomatic while handling your seniors. They might come at great help in one of your ventures. This is the time when you should go for long term business deals. Throughout the year you would be placed well when it comes to finance.

Quick Facts	Taurus
Lucky Numbers	10,14,20,28
Birthstone	Emerald or Agate
Lucky Color	Yellow, Blue
Ruling Planet	Venus
Most compatible with	Virgo, Capricorn, Cancer, Pisces
Special Qualities	Steadfast, Caring, Always Thinking
Weaknesses	You don't speak what you think
Suitable Profession	Banker, Accountant, Engineer, Musician
Energy Signs	Yin
Health Problems	Throat, Neck, Asthma, Dietary Problems
Most Clashes with	Scorpio, Leo, Sagittarius, Aquarius

Taurus Love Horoscope

"There is also a dire possibility of heartbreak. So just keep your fingers crossed and pray for the best."

Taurus Birthday Horoscope

"The second zodiac sign is Taurus. They are also referred as the bull or people with horns. They are stubborn and determined about anything they want in life."

Taurus Weekly Horoscope

"The influence of Mercury on Taurus horoscope this week will bring in a lot of traveling on the cards. "

Taurus Personality Traits

"Patient, Possessive, Jealous, Self-indulgent, Inflexible, Warm Hearted, Loving."

CREDITS here!

Nexus

When D and I went to the big metro in mid November, I happen to take pictures of D and her colleagues at work for the bar operations. Maybe for the lack of other sources, the official publication of the College of Law in MSU-IIT happened to use one of the pictures and made this bee really happy :)

My first amateur shot made public. hahaha. I just had to commemorate it.

1, 2, 3 fire!!!

I am never a fan of firearms. I cringe at the sight of a gun and tremble at the sound of a gun shot. My dad used to own a gun and I remember asking him if I could join him whenever he goes to the firing range. Not once did he allow me. I never even caught sight of him cleaning his gun.

Over the weekend, I went to the firing range with some friends and for the first time, not only did I get to hold a gun but i even got to fire a .45 three times. hahaha!

I don't know if I'll ever get to like guns but it was sure an experience being able to fire it. Maybe one day I'll buy myself a .22 handgun. If I see a cute one. just a thought.

bee in action

charCOOL!

yay! it has arrived! my new pair of suelas :)

This is my second pair.

I actually bought two llanura suelas flats online. I ordered Llanura in Sky Blue size 7 and the Tangerine Yellow in size 7.5 , which was out of stock so I had it replaced with the Charcoal. I ordered in different sizes so that I can be sure which size really fits me, even though the suelas website has sizing guides and i also measured my feet. I got confused still since my first pair was a 7. True enough the sky blue fits but it looks like my feet will at any time explode, if you get my drift. So, instead of shipping it again, I decided to find someone who

would like the pair. Luckily, I did. Within hours, I bid farewell to the almost 3rd pair. No heavy heart for me, I'll buy another pair soon :)

I bought my first pair (manejo dos choco) at wagw.

I've been introduced to suelas by my bff, dee of chuckanddee. Its only now I got the courage (and the money. haha!) to order online since wagw offers limited style and stocks. Its very comfortable and I can't wait to fold it or tuck it in its case when I go travel. whopeee!!!

I hope suelas will show new collection too. Too bad this season, they would not be making the laceless uaap sneaks.

If you want to have a pair of these innovative, space saver, and trendy kind of footwear check out suelas :)

bee's (lucky) concert attendance

I originally had nothing to do for the weekend. I have no plans but to lie in my bed while the TV is on and wouldn't really care if I doze of. I looked at my fingernails and toenails and was totally appalled at the look and decided to treat myself to some mani-pedi. I bought along with me two polishes since I'm sure the parlor doesn't have its shade.

I put off going to the mall since my heart will be broken once again. Color Me Badd and All-4-One, two best group of the 90's are in town. My bff, dee mentioned a month earlier about the gig but it was only two days before the event that I got to confirm it. I was hoping to go there with D but she had some priorities.

Little did I know luck was on my side. Haha! A friend from college texted if I would be watching the concert, I said no. She asked if I would want to watch using her ticket, I jokingly replied, "sure, basta libre!" . Haha! VIP ni, PWA arrangement lang. her text said. I was like, holy cow! for real?

I was at the venue, early. Bwahaha! An elderly couple sat on the seat next to me. I was a bit surprised that they would watch the concert. I wondered to myself, are they even familiar with the songs?

When the group when on stage, I was filled with excitement! I was singing along with them. Color me Bad came in first and after two songs All-4-one performed! I was enjoying myself even more, when soem members would come down from the stage. Kevin of Color me Badd even sat in a vacant seat next to a couple and I was just a few seats away!!!

I was having a blast, not minding the bored faces on the couple next to me. When All-4-one called two ladies from the audience and serenaded them with "As beautiful as you", my heart was melting. I was feeling every word. Maybe its because those two girls were my namesake. both of them were named Mae/May. haha!

Color me Badd sang "The Earth, the sun and the rain" and "I adore Mi amore", which was no. 1 way back in '92.

Both groups came on stage to perform MJ songs, the concert was a tribute to the King of Pop anyway. They sang "Billy Jean", "Thriller", "Man in the Mirror", and more. I could have been dancing on my feet but I noticed that I was surrounded by elderly couples and if I did, I would be alone so I just clapped and sang along.

The group did a little showdown, doing a capella, saying these were the roots of their existence. Color me badd sang "Hush, somebody's calling my name". I know for sure what All-4-one is going sing, I was not wrong. They sang "So much in love". One of my all-time fave song. They also sang, "I swear" with a sign language for the chorus. I will learn that one!

I had a blast. A wonderful time. I should have a camera for moments like this, damn that battery charger went missing. My hands were red from all that clapping. I don't care.

three shots

I'd like to start a new feature on my blog and it will cater to my shot glass collection.

I'm still a newbie on this one. As of now I only have three, and all were given to me.

I wanted to start this collection so that when the time comes that I get to travel around the globe, each glass has a story to tell about the place and the experience I had there. However, as of this writing, the story behind each glass is a remembrance of the person who gave it to me :D

Shot Glass #1 Thailand. From Rhoy. He went to Thailand and as a souvenir, i asked him for this.

Shot Glass #2. Malaysia. From Rhoy. Another one from my dear cousin. heheh... Since he travels more than I do, I am positive that most of my collection will be from him :)

Shot glass #3. Singapore. From Arbing. She was supposed to be my buddy had I pushed through seeking job in Singapore. My pasalubong. She is also a fellow blogger and plurkie :D

I look forward to more of shot glasses in the future.

Shift

This is one long overdue entry. I never intended to be on blogging hiatus but the circumstances decided to place me in this spot. I took another life changing step. I bid farewell to my Jetti family after more than 3 years tenure. It was a hard decision that I had to make. This decision was not because I was not happy about my job or I did have problems with my co-workers, but more of a personal thing that I cannot elaborate. I am unsure of the journey that I am to take but I carry with me the learning and experience I had with Jetti.

This is but a photo collage of the people I've come to know while I was there. A tribute to my Jetti family. Some came and went but still they are remembered. There were the bad times - the tears and the stress (but that's part of work) but more of the good times - laugh, travel, chow time, and bonding. Having a good time with people you work with is important and we seldom get to be in this point.

To my colleagues - thank you for welcoming "the wangkig me" in the family three years ago.

To my bosses - You all will always be remembered as great mentors!

To the Jetti heads - Thank you for the opportunity of work, of growth and of learning.

Lakbay

I was going through my friend's blogs to see what's new and I came upon Doc A's travel log .

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!

Created by Eugene Villar.
I'm due to blog more about the latest things that happened in the previous days, hopefully I'll get the time and resources to do so... hehehe

Happy Mother's Day 2011

As Pinoys celebrate mother's day on the 2nd Sunday of May, I would like to give tribute to all Mothers!!! I admire the strength, the wisdom, the care, the patience and the love you bestow upon your kids and husband.

In Memory of my mom, its been ten years since I last celebrated Mother's Day with you. This song reminds me of you.

Tag: Ten things I love

My new found friend on blogsphere, Tessa of Fashion Facile, tagged me in on this. I don't intend to flood my blog with just any chain but somehow I find this (1) interesting, (2) another instrument to get to know me better and (3) its fun!!!

Weddings are special occasion and since I've passed the age limit for Proms and work does not require formal gatherings, weddings ARE great excuse to play dress-up and be pretty *not to mention valid excuse to go dress, shoes and accessories hunting. lol*

I love night outs because I've been deprived of it for years. My first night out was during my graduation in college. *Believe it!* I am definitely not a night owl but when I do get out and socialize whether with acquaintance, colleagues, or family, it is usually a blast!!!

My outlet. my diary. *'nuff said*

These are my ultimate guilty pleasure. I adore reading. I love music *and even sings along out of tune*. Watching movies is one of my pastime, specially during long weekends.

Need I say more? I wanna travel the world!!! Go places! Experience life. Meet exceptional individuals. Make memories.

I am a techie at heart.

Foodtrip!!! A lot of good things happen with food. The conversations. The gastronomic experience just not the fat. lol*

The girls: A, D, K, L, M, S and of course B. *teehee*

Family is the reason for my existence. I treasure them, near or far. There are those that may not have been in the picture but that does not mean I isolate them *I just couldn't find some photos* So, be it by affinity or consanguinity, it doesn't matter.

Live. Love. Laugh.

So, what are you waiting for? Join us! What are the ten things you love? Do tell.

black is black

I find it interesting that my circle of friends have been blogging about nail polish and all. I usually tint my toenails but seldom for my fingernails. I stay away from black. Yesterday, i unusually colored my toenails and fingernails in black. I don't know if goth style would suit my personality but until I get to find a new nail color then this one stays momentarily.

photo polarized by www.rollip.com

I hope I try out skinfood nail polish, which I learned from Z. :) Check it out here. And the buzz I've mentioned before? See it here and here :)

What's the nail color you are loving?

Bee hooked on PVZ

Ok. Ok. I a self-confessed plants vs. zombies fanatic. I am proud of it, no matter how childish it may seem. But then again, I think I am not the only one. haha! My friend, Khal, shared her PVZ (plants vs. zombies) experience in her blog, mykhaleidoscopeworld. I am inspired to do the same. :)

I have completed the mini games and got the gold throphy! Wheee!!!

Currently, vasebreaker endless is my current addiction. I managed to set a record of 23 streaks. I hope break my own record :)

For the survival mode, I completed them all. Record is set at 25 flags for the endless mode. :)

This are my garden and tree of wisdom. I only have 1 plant each for my night garden and water garden since I sold them to buy the fertilizer in order for my tree of wisdom to grow. It has now a height of 175.

I have come to like many computer games, but I find PVZ to be challenging. Strategy, Alertness and Coordination is the key.