Archive for the ‘Life Nga Naman’ Category
Today, my sister Ayette and her husband RG are on their way back to Australia. They’ll be having a stopover via Singapore and leave there tonight for Adelaide. Good thing, I got the chance to talk to her still even before boarding (flight was around 2PM). As I was talking to her, I was reminded of her first trip way back 2005 right after a few weeks of getting married to Kaye. I got a bit teary-eyed talking to her (good thing, walang nahulog na luha hehehe) as I checked on them and RG. Well, their vacation is one of those memorable ones since they got married lang last year. Why’s that?
You see, they really didn’t plan of coming home last December. Originally, my parents were supposed to go there and spend the holidays up to February. That is, if only the “stork” was kind enough to be patient with them at least for 3 months. Sadly, the “stork” was not. And so the plans changed. Anyhow, all is good pa rin because they were able to come home just in time for the Christmas merry making. And what’s more special with this one is because it was the first Christmas with the family as a married couple. It was more fun and happy because she was here, and not alone for the Holidays. Besides, it was also great to have a new “brother” in the person of RG. He had the first taste of the Plata Christmas tradition. Apart from that, they afforded time to stay with us overnight in our Sta. Rosa residence, spend time with Kara, Jeremy and Cassie (oo si Principal) to their heart’s delight! And thenof course, everyone got to relax and have some water fun at the Pool on The Hill in Pansol, Laguna just last weekend. Though Kaye and I, together with the kids, didn’t spend the night because of a prior arrangement, I saw how everyone enjoyed, especially the kulets, with all the splashes and tumbles in the pool, not to mention the videoke, and the XBOX sessions with RG, and my cousins Miah and Paolo. But more importantly, intimate fun moments are rare to happen nowadays since she lives abroad. So that was at least the only chance that everyone again had a blast with all the kulitan and bungisngisan on the pool and even during eating time. Their month-long stay was capped with a dinner despedida last night at Amici in DonBosco Makati. Sayang the kids weren’t around since no one can bring them to Makati for that, but at least Kaye and I were there. We had a simple dinner of some of Amici’s delicous menu (Amici is an Italian restaurant started by people behind the DBTI Printing press). 4 big pizzas, 5 different pasta dishes, and 3 pitchers of various Pepsi products were served and nibbled. We also had different desserts, which ranged from gelatto to the uber sarap Di Lusso ice cream cake!
And so and the last moments of the pichur-pichur and exchanging stories, we parted ways, saying our final goodbyes to everyone, especially to Ateyet and RG. Even when we reached home around past 11, I dialed Papa’s mobile so the kids can say goodbye to their Tita Ninang and Tito RG for the last time.
It’s almost 5pm in my watch (Manila time). Soon they’ll be landing at Singapore for a stopover before their connecting flight to Adelaide. But yeah, it will be a long while again before I see Ateyet again. Nevertheless, it has been fun that they were here. And hoping next time, if not this time soon, me, Kaye and the kids will be the ones to go there naman for whatever the season or ocassion. Besides, am praying that this year, the stork will be patient with them this time around.
Thank Ateyet and RG! Will see you soon again! Ingats!
Now, before anyone thinks I’m creating my own billboard charts of the hottest songs in the country, I’m not. This one is actually a personal selection, the crème de la crème of what I wanted to happen given that my birthday is just around the corner (exactly 3 days from today). Besides, I haven’t posted anything latest nor even visited my blogsite for almost 2 months (my gad, sayang ang bayad sa GoDaddy!) siyet! Hahaha)
Anyways, so what is it with the Ultimate Ten? Well, let’s just say these are the top 10 things I wish to accomplish, either for myself or for my family in the coming year. Since I’ll be entering a new chapter in my life (turning 37 already! Wala sa hitsura noh? Haha) I thought it will serve as a gauge on how far I will achieve things without overdoing it or going over the top. I get that tendency sometimes, resulting to overlooking what else is to be done and just finishing a few. So… as I pledge myself to the stuff I will state here (and with a good financial back-up), I hope to get them all done, or 90% at the most, and not get stuck with some pending “targets” prior to the next birthday next year.
Now for my Ultimate Ten:
1. Creative Advertising books/magazines
Being in graphic design, it helps if you have inspiration (apart from Kaye and the kids) to come up with OTB ideas for my clients. Of course, I am not getting any younger and thinking sometimes is not as sharp as it used to be. So these books or magazines can help give me the craziest or most serious concepts I can cook up. These references are really hard to find, or even worse, expensive if available. But I guess, if I want it, I think I will get one or two given the budget. Sayang lang, there are places I’ve known where there are a few available. Kaya lang they’re either abroad or they have already vacated the place since they don’t sell as hot as FHM.
2. A New Laptop.
Prior to December, Kaye and I were scouting for a new laptop for almost 2 months since my 4-year old Dell Inspiron e1505 has been “electronically dead” from time to time. “Electronically” meaning 90% does not open, 10% springing back to life. I had it repaired once but then, they said it’s going to recur. In short, nagbabadya na s’yang mamaalam. Good thing (pating!) my sister Ayette, who’s in Adelaide, Australia, knew about it and said she’ll send financial aid when I find one. A few weeks after, Ateyet tried to reach me and ask the specs I want for a new laptop. There was an ongoing sale at their place and she thought of getting me the laptop there instead. I gave her the specs Kaye and I wanted, but she got a laptop with much better specs. Kaya heto, wait na lang for December 20, since she’s coming home for the Holidays, and of course, to bring home my new toy! Isn’t it great to have a generous sister?!?
3. Bye-bye Utangs
Hmmm… well, this is really something I don’t think will end, not until 2013, especially with Christmas just around the corner, and other stuff to budget, this might not happen at once. But, at least, am hoping that 70% will possibly be lessened by the 1st half of 2012. Just hope I can control myself and budget more wisely. Anyways, staying positive naman ako that this will happen. Ikanga ng karamihan, lotto lang ang katapat n’yan!
4. Baguio Escape
Been raving about this for so long. Yun lang, we haven’t found the right sked to set it. But definitely, I wanted to go there again real soon, maybe the first 2 months of 2012 is the ideal date to plan it. Venue wise, well, siguro meron na (what do you think Be?) All I have to do is really be ready about it, finances, number of people, etc. Plus the fun thing, it’s going to be the kulets’ first taste of the cold weather of Baguio! If this pushes through, sana they will enjoy it! Well I know they will.
5. “Ako si McQueen!”
So far, I already have 3 versions, one (the original look with Rust-eze) which I already gave to Jeremy as a prize. The others I have are Radiator Springs and Dinoco McQueen. So far, there are still 7 or 8 (I think) versions of McQueen, including the elusive BluRay McQueen! Haay… wish I could complete them all…
6. Raketeer
I used to be a very active mangraraket. Copywriting, singing engagements, designing, account management, kahit ano! After I got busy with work, I laid low for a long time in most. The only one left was my singing invites on weddings. Kaya I am praying again that my wedding gigs will increase, my copywriting connections will be beefed up again, and I will be able to re-establish ties with past clients so I could get projects that would bring extra (big) bucks!!! Besides, I miss doing “rakets”, and the additional bucks for family and personal use.
7. Bonus, Bonus!!!
This one is really inevitable (Or I could be wrong!) Why? In my company now, we usually have these profit sharing come the start of the year. So whatever the company earns (net of expenses) that will be the employee’s share. Like a bonus so to speak. But not all of it will be shared kung hindi close shop kami bigla hahaha!!! It depends on what is written in one’s contract. The lowest given is 1%. For me, it’s… sikret muna! Hehehe!
8. Next Gadget?
Actually, since the time my Olympus camera’s battery got “fat” (sign that it was already defective) 3 years ago, I never got the chance to replace it ever since. I even learned that a digicam not being used for so long will develop moulds on the lens already. So I said to myself, if ever I’ll be getting one, no more digicams. Instead, I’ll definitely get a DSLR. Besides, I can improve my photography skills once I get to have the right tools for business. Afterwhich, I realized, why the hell didn’t I search the net for a battery for the old one? Kaya ayun! I’ll get a battery first for the old one. The DSLR can wait. Hehe!
9. Health mean Swimming
I used to be a good swimmer during my younger days. Yup I used to compete before, but that was ages ago. Now, I seldom swim, my muscles already replaced with flabs, and obviously, I’ve grown fat! Plus the fact that I don’t have much exercise, I have become more exposed to allergens that not a week passes by without me having an allergy attack (when before, I would seldom get allergies.) So this time, I wish to go back to swimming so I can shape up, and live again a healthier lifestyle. Am not getting any younger so better be wise about health. Besides, swimming is regarded as a total cardiovascular workout, it helps your lungs get stronger against respiratory illnesses like asthma. Which reminds me, dapat maturuan ko na rin sina Jeremy and Cassie so their asthma will go away for good, and toughen their lungs as well. Maganda ring channel ang swimming para sa kanilang kakulitan para pagod agad. Hehehe!
10. Australia
And yes! The elusive Australia migration. Ewan ko ba! The fulfillment of our wish to go there seems quite far pa rin. But I know that will still come. Probably when the time comes that Ateyet becomes an official Aussie resident, they can already sponsor me, Kaye and the kids to go there. Ikanga ni Ate, sayang ang opportunity because there’s a much better life waiting for us especially since it is a fact that the government supports families, including migrating foreigners who live in the Land Down Under, SA’N KA PA?!? Kung bakit naman kasi mailap ang mga professions namin dun. Anyways, we can still wait. No worries. Besides, when we leave, there’s no turning back!
So there it is! I guess, there are a lot of things still to consider to accomplish everything. But at the very least, this listing will be my guiding light for the next year. Again thanks for keeping in touch here. I know it’s been a while since my last post. I’ll try to write anew again, maybe one before Christmas and New Year na rin. Well, let’s see. Sana maalala ko hehehe…
Btw, Happy birthday, dear Jon and Lola Pem! Hope both of you will have a blast of fun wherever you may be celebrating our big day! Love and miss you both!
Hay… sa dami ng mga inaasikaso sa trabaho at bahay, di ko namalayan na medyo matagal na rin pala akong di nakakasulat ng bagong post dito sa bloghay ko… naisip ko bigla kung di na ako makakasulat e sayang naman ang pagre-renew ko ng renta sa domain ko. Heniweys, kaya’t heto naisipan kong sumulat ng bago para naman umusad na ako mula sa huli kong post.
Speaking of bago, di ko namalayan na marami rin palang bagong nangyari sa ‘kin. Kaya’t umupo ka muna’t sumandal, magrelaks, at ikukuwento ko ang mga bagong pangyayaring naganap sa ‘kin mula nung ating huling pagsasama. Teka at aking iisiping mabuti ang ititipa ko para wala akong makaligtaan… ehem…
UNA — Bagong Trabaho
Oo tama ang nababasa mo. Pero actually, bagong luma s’yang trabaho. Eto kasi yung dati kong work na kinuha ulit ako at a better price! hehehe! Kaya balik ako ulit sa Cityland Pasong Tamo. At least ngayon mas malapit na ‘ko sa kabihasnan kung saan may mall at maraming building. Mas nakakatipid na ako sa pamasahe at nakakasimba pa ako. Yun nga lang, wala na ‘kong McDo! Hahaha pero okay lang… mas okay nga yun e!!! Besides, may malapit na Jollibee dito! Oha!!!
PANGALAWA – Bagong Bloghay Theme
Well, baka lang maisip n’yo na common yung theme ko na kape. Siguro… pero ayos nga e. Na-deviate lang from my usual na chairs, sofas or benches theme. But mind you, tahi pa rin naman sa kung anong layunin ng bloghay ko — ang makipagkwentuhan ng kung anu-anong siyet o chismax sa buhay. At kapag may kwentuhan, ano pang masarap na kasama… edi kape! Teka, kailan kaya tayo naman pede mag-Coffee EB? Para maiba naman!
PANGATLO — Bagong Pants
from clker.com
Sa tagal ng panahon, medyo limitado ako sa pagbili ng kahit anong gamit ko lalo na sa pang-araw-araw na gamit. Sympre mas pagtutuunan ko ng pansin ang mas importante kaysa sa sarili ko. Pero nung magbigayan ang ilan kong mga maong (nagkanda-punit na sa gamit), lumiit na ang baywang (oo, tumaba ako!) o di kaya’y mabutas ng di-oras ng di ko nalalaman, aba’y talagang wala na ‘kong magagawa at bumili ng mga kapalit. Kaya ayun, dalawa agad ang naibili ko since last week. Galante ba kamo? Di naman. Kailangan lang talaga dahil wala na akong natitirang maong na pamalit. Yung dalawang punit ko ay naremedyohan pero malamang di na magtatagal din. Kaya okay na rin ang pamalit. Isang maong na halos skinny jeans ang dating, at isang tamang tama sa aking katayuan na kulay maong din. Basta isang araw, makikita n’yo rin ‘to.
PANG-APAT — Bagong Trip
from ebay.com
Teka nga… ano nga ‘yun? Ah oo yun! Bago nyo maisip kung sino, bagay ang tinutukoy ko, okie? Ang bago kong trip… ay mangolekta ng mga laruang kinalakihan ko nung bata pa ako. Actually, naumpisahan ko na. Makaraang makapanood nung Transformers: Dark of the Moon nung June, ayun may mga naglabasang diecast versions. Ang una kong nabili ay si Optimus Prime na naka-truck form lang. Natuwa kasi ako sa hitsura nito kaya naisip ko, tutal P100, kolektahin ko kaya? At dun na nga ako nag-umpisa. Sa ngayon, meron na rin akong Bumbolbe at Saydswayp. Iniisip ko pa si Ayronhayd kasi napapangitan ako sa disenyo sa kanya. Pero malay mo.
Apart from Transformers, andyan din ang grupo ng Disney Cars. Ang ganda kaya nung kay Lightning McQueen?!? Pero kasi kay Jeremy yun e. Pero naisip ko rin kolektahin yun kasi marami s’yang bersyon e. May kamahalan lang nga kasi budget ko lang ay P100 din. Huwel, bahala na. Pero gusto ko rin makolekta yun at maitabi kahit yung McQueen lang. Basta, update ko kayo ‘pag meron na. Hehehe! Ang sarap ng feeling bata noh!!!
at…
PANG-LIMA — Bagong Bahay
Hahaha! Etong parteng ‘to ay walang istir!!! Mula sa dating apartment namin na parang 3-storey (kasama attic), nakalipat na kami sa bagong bahay na parehong sabdibisyon pa rin at napakalapit sa mga pangalawang magulang ko (aka parents-in-law). Pero bago ko pa maidetalye lahat, pipigilin ko muna sarili at kailangang mabigyan muna ng permiso ni kumander bago ko makwento lahat. So sa susunod na post na lang kung sakali.
Haayyy… imagine sa dami ngang nangyari na di mo mapapansin kung marami kang ginagawa. Pero ayos lang. At least, may bagong kwento akong nailathala dito at naibahagi. Gaano man kapayak o kagulo ang nasulat ko, naipaalam ko sa inyo na andito pa rin ako para makichika, makausap at makaututang dila kung kinakailangan.
O teka post ko na ‘to para mabasa n’yo na. Besides, kailangan ko pa mag-DL ng ilang movies na atat kong makuha. Free kasi dito sa opisina e!!! O s’ya! Sa susunod ulit ha! Ciao!!!
Last May, I experienced one of the most taxing yet memorable events in my career as an Advertising person. That is, handling my first (and last… whew!) Kiddie Crew Graduation stint! So why was it a stressful and tiring experience? Well, apart from it being a month-long event, with week-long preparations in key cities nationwide including Manila, planning started way back December of last year. So you can really imagine the stakes my company put in, organizing such a tedious annual event.
For everyone’s knowledge, the Kiddie Crew Workshop is an annual event under McDonald’s Philippines that takes place just in time for summer. It’s for kids 6-12 years old and it’s one of those activities that is highly anticipated by children who enjoy trooping to their nearest McDonald’s store. The summer gig for kids starts off with a 5-day workshop, involving arts and craft, fun and games, and the best of all, the in-store training where participants have the chance to become a McDonald’s crew doing counter or drive thru chores, or simply assisting customers with their order. After the 5-day training, a series of Graduations are held in cities like Sta. Rosa for Laguna, Cebu, Davao and last in Manila.
Actually, this was the 2nd KC event I was part of, the first being a behind-the-stage sort of participation, as an instant Voiceover Announcer at the grand show in Manila (without any fees involved ha? Bad trip!), and as writer for the program show script of the provincial leg. What’s different with this year is that I got to manage the whole event from the start to finish. This included coming up with a concept (this year played on the idea of Hogwarts theme), scriptwriting, sourcing of production suppliers, talents like magicians and acrobats and dancers, stage design, fabrication, logistics, collaterals, hotel and travel expenses, coordination meetings, and the list goes on. Good thing, I had very reliable people under my wing, including a highly trained (via experience heheh!) events person, JC Brion. With him and Erika Rodriguez as my wing men, everything turned out to be a very successful show especially in the provincial legs of KC.
I realized that it was enjoyable most of the time, from the video shoot for documentation to the hurried preps in my home city Sta. Rosa where the first provincial leg began. What made things a lot more exciting though hectic, was when we flew for our Cebu and Davao shows. Yep, we held 2 of our major shows down south, and boy, was it a blast! Not because I got to travel, but it was the feeling of satisfaction of seeing what you’ve conceptualized now coming to life. Of course, there were a few bumps and pitfalls along the way. But hey, there was nothing a quick decision could not solve. The good thing, everything went smoothly as planned. With a select accounts and creatives team (JC, Erika and Carol Ildefonso) I brought with me, and an experienced production team headed by my good friend Mark Santos, I was pretty sure the Kiddie Crew graduation in all 3 provincial areas this year were one for the books.
As May came to an end, the last leg of KC also culminated, this time, in Manila at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. Kid participants, as well as their parents were treated to something different. From magicians, slide & Velcro wall inflatables, jugglers, Cosplayers, moving statues, toy bazaars, face painting, a mini science station, celebrities like Jackie Lou Blanco and kid wonder Jillian Ward, and of course, to the treat of seeing Ronald McDonald, Grimace, Birdie and Hamburglar live, everything spelled magic for all. The smiles and the satisfaction of all the kids present kept all of us afloat. With all the hardwork (not to mention leg work) involved, and only a few hours sleep, it was truly rewarding and it made me feel so happy inside. I will always remain grateful for having the chance to manage it with flying colors.
I know won’t be part of next year’s Kiddie Crew anymore. Definitely I’ll be missing a lot of those 2-hour sleep and preparation involved, especially those people whom I’ve met and encountered during rehearsals and show proper. But at least my experience will be cherished in the years to come.
Kiddie Crew, thanks for making me a part of you. ‘Til next time!
At salamat ulit sa inyo!
McDo Marketing: Fidel, Dothy, Cez
Team Ronald: Philip, Rayn, Cris, Gilbert
JC, Erika, Carol, Van, Meann & direk Mark
Logistics: Jeff, Chona & Melvin,
Production: Cha, Ariel, EddieBoy, Ben, Lakay & the Finishing Team
Jon (choreographer)
upon arrival in mactan airport
my stage design for the KC show Cebu
A view of the old Insular office in cebu
the new IL Cebu
the KC team with KC head Fidel Balbieran (seated, middle)
IL Davao at night
the show held at Gaisano Mall Davao
Cosplay moment
Napugutan but still happy! haha!!!
With McD big boss Kenneth Yang & others (haha others!!!)
posing at a Balete Tree at WTC
My CGI team
With Jillian Ward, McD's kid ambassadress
My KC CGI team - JC, Carol & Erika
a fun shoot with the KC participants
Thanks for everything, Kiddie Crew!!!
As I am writing this post, I’m still here at Mactan Airport waiting for my flight to come. You will be surprised because originally, my 8:00PM flight with Air Philippines was cancelled due to “airplane situation” (whatever that is). If that wasn’t enough, my new flight was changed a couple of times as well, starting off with a chance flight with PAL at 8:30 (Air Phil is also owned by PAL), then going back to AirPhil for the 10:40PM flyout. Little did I know, at the last minute, as the personnel prepared my boarding pass, she announced the flight was even moved to 11:40PM. HUUUUUWWWATTT!!! WTF!!!!
It was really weird why these things happened today. As I traced my day (May 14), I also noticed other incidents that ironically turned unusual since it started. First, our rehearsals for today’s Cebu event for McDonald’s Kiddie Crew finished almost 5:30AM where in fact run thrus could have polished around 2AM. The dancers we commissioned threatened of boycotting the event at the last minute because of miscommunication (read: nag-iinarte lang yung manager/choreographer kuno nila at sobrang pinuyat raw ang kanyang alaga). During the event proper, my acrobats failed to show up, hence, my morning show was affected. Partly related to the acrobats, we already made downpayment to them, so technically it was a double blow for me who was directing the whole show. Oh I almost forgot! Didn’t I mention that my special guest arrived ultra delayed because of their flight from Manila? And now, they’re staying at a very posh 5-star hotel because their flight to Manila was inexplicably cancelled?!? Haaaaayyyy…
Honestly, I couldn’t even fathom what the hell went wrong with what transpired today. It was like Friday the 13th happening on a Saturday. Ironically, Friday the 13th was indeed yesterday, but the bad luck came out late. And as a price for that, here I am still typing this blog, still sleepy and still body beaten from all of it, while awaiting my flight home. Really hoping things would be better. Yun lang, after I get my flight home, I still have to travel all the way to Pansol, Laguna to join my family for some overnight relaxation. Oh well, I’ll just think ganun talaga… that when things go wrong, sometimes, hanggang the last minute may humahabol…
Sige na nga lang.
Last weekend, Kaye, Kara and I went to Alabang for a scheduled trip to Wilcon. We did some inspecting of bathroom fixtures for the currently being renovated apartment home Kaye & my family will be transferring into come April (we hope!). We arrived at Festival Mall almost 8:30am and had Kaye and Kara dropped off at Aplaya for a hearty breakfast. Me, I went to Festival’s basement offices to go with the examination for a job I was applying for. Bad trip though, ‘coz Kaye was already asking me to have breakfast with them first before taking the exam but I didn’t, hoping that I could finish the exam quickly. Not only did I didn’t have breakfast, I started the exam after waiting for more than 30mins. and it lasted for more than 2 hours!!! Well, at least that was already done. After the long exam, the HR person told me that I’ll be contacted after a week for the results (do pray that I eventually get it!!!) In a few minutes, I resurfaced from the basement and followed Kaye and Kara at Savemore, who were already doing the grocery after their Aplaya breakfast.
So finishing our grocery errands, we then went to Wilcon and inspected nice bathroom fixtures that will be placed on 2 bathrooms at our future home. Kaye already looked at the Pozzi designs as this was recommended by my father-in-law. They were actually nice, but Kaye love them! So I guess it’s going to be Pozzi at our toiletry (hehehe trying to do some rhyming lang. sorry na!!!). After a trip to “bathroom city”, I sort of visited the shower section to check on overhead showers, which I thought it may be cool to have in the bathroom as well. But of course, that will still depend on what’s priority for installation.
Anyway
s, as we left Wilcon, Kara and I got ourselves some treats as well. Her buying a mocha frappe (which was just a large sized beverage but priced the same as a grande in Starbucks) and me, a mouth-watering double choco brownie, which the three of us shared in the car. Ironically, the brownie got us hungry for lunch so we decided to eat in the nearby westgate area, at Army Navy Burger + Burritto. All of us were first timers kaya sobra happy kami because the food was really good and sulit for the price! Kaye was busog with her burger while Kara got really full with her Starving Sailor Sandwich, a submarine-like sandwich full with pork strips and other delectable additions. I had the 2-pc Fearless Fried Chicken which I also enjoyed since it was riddled with pepper and even adding pepper sauce makes it sarap to the bones. But the only problem I had was their LiberTea because it was too bitter, since I think it was really concocted from actual tea leaves and not powder based. I did finish it though, for the experience. But generally, everything we ordered at Army Navy was good. I will definitely go back there one time, maybe to date Kaye if ever…
Next stop? Well, just across Army Navy was Fruiti Froyo. I didn’t order anymore as I was full already but had a taste of what Kaye got for herself for dessert. But hers was really good too, very relaxing to the palate! I never got to taste Kara’s yogurt treat, but am sure it was also delicious!
After the whole morning stay at Festivall, to our trip to Wilcon along Zapote Road, and our hearty lunch and dessert at Westgate, I suddenly realize one thing — I am missing a lot of possibilities in Alabang. More than the fun, the places and all, I know there’s much more in store for me to experience. That is, if ever I get the chance to get work here the soonest. Plus the fact that being in Alabang brings me closer to Kaye, as well as closer to home. Maybe a lot of things can change for the better if I make it in Alabang (or Australia, whichever is first to come! hehehe) But until then, there’s nothing wrong with dreaming (and praying for it), right?
It was Summer of 2008 when Kaye & I last went to Manila Ocean Park. That was actually our treat to Ate Kara for her 11th birthday. Also, Kaye was 7 months pregnant with Cassie then and Jeremy was barely 1 year old at that time, so he couldn’t enjoy much yet during our first tour. Even MOP was not as complete then. Being the first oceanarium stopover in the country, they had a soft opening at that time so Filipinos could experience what it was like to see the underwater world for the first time. So the comeback trip (aka treat na rin) kinda made everything more exciting now that Cassie, Jeremy and of course Ate Kara looked forward to a more complete MOP last December 11. Well, this birthday treat is more for my kids than for me. You see, we usually have lunch trips at Tagaytay every time I celebrate my birthday. So this time around, I would say it was a lot better! And I was thankful (even at first was hesitant since it’s medyo magastos) because we had a blast that whole afternoon. I even had to purchase additional tickets for everyone, including my folks to watch the Musical Fountain Show that evening. It was priced at P99/person only! What a birthday treat indeed!
Anyways, the day turned out to be a very tiring but worthy birthday celebration for me, because I got to share it with everyone that I cherished, especially with the kids, who appreciated more the fishes and the other underwater animals that they got to see for the first time. I, for one, was so elated that Kaye made me push thru with the trip, and in so doing, made everyone truly happy in the end. Sayang the piglets weren’t able to enjoy much the fish spa. Jeremy was so ticklish that he often took out his legs from the water, and Cassie most of the time, was just splashing, which scared the small fishes away. Aheheh. Well, there’s always a next time.
Ps. I’ll take this portion to thank those who texted me on my big day last December. To my cousins Chop, Miah & Iah, Melanie, Aloy, Grace (who recently got hitched), Ai, Ninang Soli, Lawrence, King (naks special mention), Anne (my close sis in law), and even my daughter Kara, thank you for making it always special every year. Not to mention of course those who greeted via Facebook, thank you so much also for remembering. It has been a wonderful 36 years and everyone has made my life worth living. You are all in my prayers always!
Btw, sorry if this post is 1 month in-the-making. Hehehe! Was savoring the long vacation that’s why.
And now, here are some pics for your viewing pleasure.
The Kulets
- Mama & Cassie with Big Fish
"Daddy, ako naman pindot starfish."
My Pretty Girls with the piranhas
A manta ray (I think!)
Piglets with Mama
Jemjem All smiles with the sharks
My Chikitings in the Tunnel aquarium
Father & son bonding amidst the fishes
Fish spa time!
Go fish... nibble nibble nibble!
See how happy everyone is at the Sea Lion show!
The one the kids, even the yayas, enjoyed watching!
Last weekend, me and my family experienced the first ever cool breeze that swept the alley of our apartment compound. Clearly, Christmas is in the air! Apart from December was just around the corner, the coolness of the night reminded me of my childhood days when the Christmas season comes. That means I can ask for toys I’d like to have! Yeah, yeah, I know a lot of us were fixated to the idea that Santa did exist (of course, he was really a believable person to everyone. ang tumanggi, di ko reregaluhan?!?). Anyhow, there were a lot of stuff I really wanted to have, especially during the holidays. But of course, whatever’s given to me is truly enough, even if these were not the latest toys or the preferred things I wanted. Now that I am a grown-up myself (cue song here “My Grownup Christmas List by Amy Grant), I realized that there’s more than just toys and other stuff to receive. And believe me, these are things that are far more important to others than for me. So when Christmas Eve comes, and I get to see Santa face to face, here are a couple of wishes that I would want to happen, especially for my family.
1. That our precious kids will always be HEALTHY and be free especially from asthma. Ate Kara, Jeremy and Cassie are the best things that ever happened to me and Kaye, so we really hope that they will remain healthy and strong all the time. It’s just weakening to think when they’re sick…
2. That as parents, me and mommy Kaye will have more than enough financial backup for unexpected events especially when the kids get sick or for meds. Actually even for treating the whole family for leisure occasions can also be good. I kinda miss that for quite some time now.
3. in line with this, of course long life to everyone that we love, especially our parents, sisters, and close relatives! (isama na rin kami of course!!!)
4. Win a lotto game, even if the prize is just a measly 50M (compared to the last one di ba). Actually kahit sa Scratch It lang which the prize is an instant 100k, enough for expenses and a little enjoyment on the side. hehehe
5. Better opportunities for me as a professional, preferably Alabang area (para magkalapit na kami ni mommy Kaye) or Laguna area (paging companies in the area. helloo!!!)
6. Additional for number 5 is that me and mommy Kaye can find good work in Australia real soon! Opportunities there are very much acceptable especially for migrating families kaya we hope to make it before September next year. Besides our IELTS will expire by then kaya kelangan na!!!
7. Wii or XBOX 360 not for me but for the kids (hehehe pasimple pa ‘ko! ahahaha!)
8. A dream business that Mommy Kaye and I are wishing for which we intended to keep on a long term basis. Of course, capital na rin to support its startup and maintenance.
9. Plans of travelling again back to places me and mommy Kaye have gone before (Bohol, Boracay, Cebu, Mindoro) so the piglets can also experience it and other places we still dream on going to (Palawan, Subic, Davao, Baguio, Pagudpud, Mt. Province, and list goes on…)
10. A long overdue getaway with mommy Kaye either local trip or abroad, kahit 3-4 days. It’s been a long time since magsolo kaming dalawa e. I know, I know nakakaguilty leaving the kids behind. But may kapalit naman sya — ultra daming pasalubong for them!!!
11. An oven for mommy Kaye which she has been asking for so long! If ever sabay na rito, a nice kitchen as well!!!
12. A clean slate for my credit card and SSS loan. These things also are eating up din my finances. Haaayyy…
13. My own mini theater room, with 20 people sitting capacity
14. To have an joint album with either Jim Brickman or David Foster. Sorry but I am really a piano addict, that’s why I chose them for that. Hehehe of course may duet kami ni mommy Kaye if ever.
15. World peace!!! (Just making sure at least there’s something I’m aspiring for the whole of humanity)
Wow! Really big dreams and requests from the big ol’ Santa! And I know most of these are not possible still even in the near future. But what the heck! There’s nothing wrong in aspiring, especially for this season! It’s the only thing that’s left FREE for everyone!
So… if Santa was here, what’s yours?
This post is made especially Para sa Make a Wish List Raffle ni Salbehe
Maraming pedeng pagkakahulugan ang mga salitang ito. At sa totoo lang, marami din ang kayang maapektuhan ng mga ito, simple man silang gamitin o isipin. Heto at isa-isahin natin…
NAPUPUNO…
Ikanga kay da King FPJ, kapag napuno na ang salop, dapat nang kalusin. Pero higit pa d’yan ang mga kadahilan kung bakit tayo ay napupuno sa mga bawa’t dagok sa buhay natin. Sobrang dami ng kapalpakan, paulit-ulit na pagkakamali, katangahan, kabagalang sumunod sa mga patakaran, kulang sa katinuan, di nag-iisip at tira lang ng tira, at eto pa… kakulitan! Kung iisipin mo, maganda sana ang pagpupuno (hindi tree-planting ha!) kasi nabibigyan ng halaga ang mga taong tumatanggap nito, maging ito’y patungkol sa pagmamahal, pagtulong sa kapwa at kamag-anak, o kahit sa pag-iipon ng tubig sa balde o dram. Kaya lang, ‘kung pagpupunong taliwas sa normal na pamamalakad ang pag-uusapan, d’yan tayo mag-alala. Bakit? Dahil dito mo malalaman kung hanggang sa’n lang kakayanin ng mga taong naaapektuhan natin ang pagtitiis at pagtitiyaga nila, maging ito ma’y sa bahay, sa trabaho, mga kaibigan, kaaway o kakampi man. Nakaka-alarma pero ganito lang talaga minsan ang takbo ng buhay. Ang mga mababait, mga walang imik, risonable, at minsang inaakala mong “cool” lang sa mga kaganapan ay s’yang mas may posibilidad na sumabog na lang sa galit at inis. Pero para sa ‘kin, ang pinaka-aantabayan mo ay ang taong magmamanhid na lang sa ‘yo at di na mag-rereact pa makaraan sa sagad sa butong paulit-ulit na kamalian at kapalpakan na ginagawa sa kanya. ‘Yun ang klase ng pagpupunong di na maaaring maisaayos ng maikling panahon. At kapag nangyari ‘yun, well, si Lord na lang ang may alam kung ano ang mga susunod na kabanata. Suma-total, dalawang bagay ang naidudulot kapag napupuno ang isang tao — magsasawa na lang s’ya at magiging manhid sa mga susunod na kaganapan, o humantong sa mga di kanais-nais na katapusan. In short, patay kang bata ka!
NAUUBOS…
Maraming bagay o pangyayari ang nasasaklaw nito. Pagkain, pera, pananalita, kaibigan, sasakyan sa terminal, grocery, baterya ng cell, load, paninda, pasensiya, pang-unawa, pagmamahal… Kung tutuusin, meron pang iba. Pero sa tingin ko, ito ang kadalasan na nararanasan sa pang-araw-araw natin pamumuhay sa mundong ibabaw. Para sa ‘kin, lahat ng mga nabanggit ko ay posibleng masaid at maaaring makapagpaiba sa ating galaw at diskarte sa buhay. Kadalasan, di lang sa ating sarili ang epekto. Kaakibat ng mga nauubos na bagay-bagay ang s’yang sumisira rin sa pakikitungo natin sa ibang tao, mas lalo pa kung sila ang mga taong may malaking kaugnayan sa buhay mo. Tulad ng pasensiya at pag-unawa sa mga pagkakamali, sa umpisa’y kaya pang palagpasin pero sa katagalan, mawawala na lang s’ya ng kusa dahil di natin kayang punuin muli ang nabawas. Tulad din ng pagmamahal, na dating ubod ng usbong sa tuwa at pag-aalaga ay minsang madagok ng mga pagsubok sa buhay ay maari ding manghina at malugmok ng walang garantiyang uusbong muli. Nakakatakot isipin, pero sa buhay natin nangyayari ‘yan. Ang tanong lang, kakayanin ba natin muling punuan ang bangang nasa napipintong pagkaubos at pagkatuyo? Dapat kayanin kahit ga’no kahirap pa ‘yan. Dahil sa nauubos na bagay o pangyayari ay walang kasiguruhan kung ito’y manunumbalik sa dating sigla at saya nito. ‘Pag ito ang nangyari, isang himala na lang ang maaari mong sanggalang para maibalik ang dati. Hirap no? Oo talagang mahirap… pero dapat kayanin ang lahat ng paraan para maibalik ang dati.
Napupuno… Nauubos… magkaiba man ang pagkahulugan pero magka-ugnay ang sinasalamin sa buhay-buhay. Andito ako ngayon. Minumuni-muni ang mga ‘yan… sana may pagkakataong pang maipuno ang nauubos na magandang simulain sa darating na mga araw. Dahil sa minsang tayo ay nagkamali, habang buhay ang ilalaan natin upang maitama at maibalik ang matiwasay at masaganang buhay na inaasam lagi para sarili at sa mga taong mahalaga sa s’yo.
Kung nais n’yo akong samahan, sige lang. Igagalak ko ang inyong pakikisama.
Bakit ganon?
Isang tanong na laging nabibigkas kapag tayo’y nailalagay sa isang matinding sitwasyon na di natin alam ang kung bakit iyon ang kinalabasan o kinahinatnan. Marahil, marami sa atin ay naipit na, nadamay, naapektuhan o nagsisisi sa isang pangyayari o karanasan na, sa kaguluhan ng ating isip, ay ang naisasabi na lang ay “bakit ganon?”
Nung ikaw ay nagsusumikap na mag-aral, nagsusunog-kilay, nagsasaliksik at nakikilahok sa mga recitation sa klase, at sa dulo ng semestre ay ang nakukuha mong marka ay di man lang sa inaasahan mong grado, di ba ang masasabi mo na lang ay “bakit ganon?”
Nung nag-aaplay ka ng trabaho, pinagbutihan mo ang pananalita sa una, pangalawa at huling interbyu, nagpasiklab sa mga possibleng maging bossing mo, at minsan pa’y mababalitaan mong ikaw na ang napupusuang makuha sa posisyong nakalatag sa harap mo, tapos di ka matatawagan at malalaman mong may nakakuha na ng pwesto mula sa kras mong receptionist, di ba nanggagalaite kang magsabi ng “bakit ganon?!?”
Nung naggagawa ka ng isang proyekto para sa kliyente mo, nakumpleto mo lahat ng materials at mga larawan na kailangan , naisumite sa mga “kinauukulan,” nirebiso, sinumite ulit hanggang sa ma-aprubahan ng lahat ng mga dapat makakita, nabigay ang FA (final artwork) sa kanila ng maaga, tapos makaraan ng ilang araw na pagrerelak ay malalaman mo sa isang tangang miyembro ng grupo na biglang meron pa palang konting babaguhin sa ginawa mo, di ba nakakainis at wala kang magawa. Kaya tatawa ka na lang ng medyo naiinis at sasabihin mo na lang na “Ngek! Bakit ganon? Labo ah!”
Nung minsan kang nagmagandang loob sa isang kamag-anak o kakilala, tumulong ng matiwasay at inakalang maayos ang lahat, tapos mababalitaan mong pagwala na sa iyong harapan ay may tinatagong galit o inis pala sa inasal mo sa kanila, susmaryosep, talaga namang, bakit ganon?
Nung sumubok kang magluto para sa iyong mga kaibigan, kapamilya o ka-irog, naghanda ka ng husto para maimpress sila, sumunod sa bawat hakbang ng gusto mong putaheng lutuin at nakita mong pagkatakam-takam sa paningin at amoy, tapos pagdating sa hainan ay nanibago ang panlasa ng lahat… nakow! d’yahe naman! tapos lalakad patago ulit sa kusina at iisipin “Bakit ganon?!? Tama naman yung nasundan kong procedure sa pagluto nun ah?!?”
Sa mga lalaki…
Nung mamulat ka sa mundo ng pag-ibig, makatipo ng isang babaeng nakikitaan mong maging potensyal na makasama panghabang-buhay, sinuyo-suyo ng sobra sobra, at ramdam mong malaki ang posibilidad na maging kayo sa huli, binigyan ng mga rosas, buwan at kung anu-ano pang pwedeng masungkit para lang makuha ang matamis n’yang “OO,” hatid-sundo kahit bumagyo, minsan pa’y nayayaya sa mga gimik kasama ang ibang mga kaibigan, tapos ‘pag malapit na ang hinihintay mong pagkakataon na kung pwede maging kayo ay biglang mong malalaman na di pa s’ya handang makipagrelasyon, o may asawa na pala s’ya, o di kaya’y di ka lang n’ya tipo at iba ang tinitibok n’ya, o sobrang basted ka lang talaga kasi kulang pa rin eports mo… hay susme!!! naman!!! Bakit ganon?!?
Sa mga babae…
Nung may ma-sight kang gusto mo na talaga namang makalaglag P (bahala na kayo manghula) at pinapangarap mo na s’ya na lang ang para s’yo, kayang magbigay ng ligaya s’yo sa lahat ng pagkakataon, magalang, misteryoso, malinis at swak na swak na ideal man para mapakilala sa iyong mga magulang, tapos malalaman mong magpapari pala s’ya o kabaro n’ya ang mas kanyang inaasam… hay saklap! Bakit naman ganon?!? (mas masaklap kung mas pogi pa sa kanya ang tipo n’ya)
Nung minsan ay maiisip mo na sana mamimiss ka rin ng isang taong inaasahan mong maalala ka n’ya ay s’ya pang di nagpaparamdam s’yo na miss ka n’ya, tapos makikitaan mo ng ibang kagalakan kapag kapiling o kausap ang ibang mga tao, di ba nakakatampo isipin at maramdaman na may mali ba sa sarili mo na ang tanong e “bakit ganon? di ba ako mahalaga rin sa kanya?” (baka siguro kailangan muna mawala ka para ma-realize siguro, di ko rin alam)
Nung madalas na gusto mong manahimik, huwag na lang umalma, o di kaya’y maging matiisin nalang sa mga bagay-bagay na sa tingin mong mali at di dapat gawin, ay s’ya pang pinagmumulan ng kaguluhan, o inis, o pagsisisi, at di pagtitiwala lalo sa yong kakayahan dahil wala kang ginagawa… e ano pa ba naman ang magagawa mo di ba? kaya lang… BAKIT GANON?!? Di ko naman kayo inaano ah!!!
Haayyy… di ko na alam kung bakit talaga ganon ang buhay. Madaya at minsan, walang pakisama. Kakainis lang pero kailangan mo pa rin sabayan. Kaya minsan dapat ride ka na lang.
Kaw, sa tingin mo, bakit ganon?!? Ah ewan! Basta ganon!
Hmph!!!