Hello, Senior Year!

It's the first time after an entire year that I'm taking up a major class again. It's my last academic term in La Salle to have 12 units, which is already the minimum required number to be eligible for the Dean's List. I am more than determined to make it to the Dean's List this term! I can do this, I know I can!

Speaking of things I can do... Today marked my first Green Media Group recruitment activity as its head. Together with my co-officers, I think we made the first recruitment day a success. I hope that the creases decrease (pun intended) as we go through this week. Here are some quick snapshots of our booth located at the Central Plaza:

Okay, good job, Carlo. Hahaha!

Everyone's baby boy, Juris!

Oh, and there's this new eating place and it's sticking out like an eyesore at a place like Agno. *SARCASTIC* I mean, a place like Agno (don't get me wrong, I love Agno to bits!) doesn't deserve such a fancy-looking food joint like the Castro 810 Cantina:

To the tune of If We Ever Meet Again Jay-Z intro: "What's some fancy joint like you doing in a place like this?" Hahahaha.

And to end this entry with the happiest note EVER, a pleasant surprise from AJ! A box of Panda Chocolate straight from Beijing! Best pasalubong he has given me ever!

Will die for pandas. Will die for chocolates. Combine, and I'm double dead!

Summer Weekend

Yes, the entire summer "vacation" was equal to one weekend. I'm not bitter at all, I had a great two months of summer season; there just wasn't much of a "vacation" per se. (Come to think of it, the way I quote the word vacation makes it sound sarcastic, huh.)

So yesterday, May 28, was almost like two months' worth of vacation. Spent the whole day with Yanee, Sem, Zean, and Zean's sister and two cousins. I'm not close with more than half of the gang but I had a grand time. Everything was so chill. No preemption, pretension, or whatever care in the world. Just fun under the sun. (Okay, stop the cliches. Haha.)

We went to Enchanted Marine Base Beach Resort at Ternate, Cavite. Man, was that a looong drive from Manila! Three to three and a half hours! Left Makati at around 5:45 AM, arrived at Ternate 8:35 AM. Road trip was superb, the beach was really nice, the company was fun and crazy!

Less talk, more photos:

In Zean's car. Still sleepy. Can't wait to get to Cavite, though!A "We're here!" photo with my kumares!Hello, beach! Hello, sea! Finally!"Dolly? Otep?" My Agua Bendita shot. Hahaha.Basking under the sun with Yanee! Tita, mission accomplished? Haha, based on the results, it's quite over accomplished. Sunog! Sunburn, oww! We asked for sun, we got sun. Haha!Lounging and chitchatting under the tree was awesome. That same tree where we all fell asleep under for at least an hour! Power nap under a tree along the shore, for the win!
Love these kumares! To bits!

Will most definitely happen again! ;)

Dad Lives the Dream

Three weeks ago, my family and I went to Nuvali in Sta. Rosa, Laguna for my dad's training for his first 42-kilometer run. After sixteen weeks of training, proper diet, and rigid self-discipline, I think Dad was more than ready for The Bull Runner Dream Marathon. Today, he lived that dream!

Starting at an ungodly hour of 2:00 AM... (sorry, bad lighting!)
...Dad finished all 42 kilometers in 5 hours and 18 minutes! (See that victorious man cross the pink ribbon!) I do think, though, that his mini support system worked wonders. Haha! See photos below.
Nice touch with the art materials for cheering! Anyway, my dad's name is not Jack. We call him such in reference to Jack Bauer of that awesome TV series, 24. Haha. Okay, TMI.
Imagine how many people in this world can complete a full marathon. Need I present statistics? Hah! I'm so proud of my dad!

More photos:Dad poses again at the photo wall, now with The Bull Runner Dream Marathon organizer, The Bull Runner herself, Jaymie Pizarro! Congrats, TBR, for a very successful event! Next year again? :)
And here is Dad with Coach Jim Lafferty. Coach Jim's techniques are way beyond awesome! I've tried incorporating them into my daily timetable, but school, among others, gets in the way. Soon, soon.
Matadors greet the The Bull Runner Dream Marathoners with a medal upon crossing the finish line. Bull Runner, matadors... Hah! Very clever. ;)
Daddy and the (very) few, the loud, and the proud Team Running Jack! Hahaha! We adjusted body clocks, meal times, mindsets. We stood strong amidst millions of yawns at dawn; amidst the heat on that sunny day... Anything for Dad!
(L-R) Drew Arellano, Iya Villania, me, my brother Gabe. (Like, duh, did I really have to have that caption? Hahahaha.)
Me, TBR and TBR Jr. :) To be treasured! Haha! My blog is graced by The Bull Runner's presence. *DANCE* Hahaha.

Since I am yet to run 42K, here's a manipulated photo of the photo wall from today. Haha!
And soon (say, a year? Haha), I will run my own 42K! After I'm done with all the school requirements I'm expected to finish to get that diploma, I can focus my time on training so I can live my dream marathon, too. Perhaps in a year or two? ;)

Swak-to!

I got this quiz from Meryl's entry last night. Just like her results, wow, I'm impressed. It's as if the quiz knows me too well. I don't think I am a few things it showed, but maybe I just don't see it the same way? Hmm. See for yourself:

Your Existing Situation
"Very social and needs a highly social environment with people who depend on him, in order to feel safe. she is a go-getter and can adapt to almost any situation. " [Like, yahhh. Uhm, I'd like to think so, at least.]

Your Stress Sources
"Demands to be noticed by others as an important individual, needs attention and recognition. [Well, not so much. I prefer wallflower-ing but excelling. ;) ] her current situation is leaving her dissatisfied. she feels she needs to make friends with those who hold the same high standards she does. [Standards pala ha.] Wants to stand out as someone at the top of her class and be admired by others. she needs to feel in control which makes it difficult to give of herself to another person. [YES! YES! Control freak, that's what I am! Hmpf.] she feels isolated and alone but refuses to appear weak and continues to be emotionally distant from others in order to keep her attitude of superiority. " [Yes, because I cannot connect with them youngins anymore. And to keep my (I prefer the term) authority, I isolate.]

Your Restrained Characteristics

• Open and emotionally involved in relationships and easily finds satisfaction through sexual activity. [Hohoho-hold it right there, cowboy! Hahaha! Crazy.]
  
• "Current situation makes her feel unable to prove himself, but tries to make the best of things."
• He is being forced to be happiness and pleasure on hold for new due to her limiting circumstances. [Saaad, I know. Responsibilities. Huhu.]
  
• "Is emotionally demanding, especially during intimate moments, which leaves her feeling frustrated because she is unable to find a perfect union." [KABOOM! Pearl Harbor is bombed.]
  
• He is being forced to be happiness and pleasure on hold for new due to her limiting circumstances. [Hello, ayoko ng paulit-ulit.]
  

Your Desired Objective
Seeks to be known for something she has accomplished and uses her social abilities to win people over. Emotional and sensitive and romantic. [Hmm.]

Your Actual Problem
Fears others will try to hold her back from achieving her goals and the things she wants. Puts on the charm and can be manipulative towards others hoping she can get them to do as she wishes and making it easier for her to reach her own goals. [Heeey. I'm selfish sometimes, but not in this way. :( ]

Your Actual Problem #2
"Impressed by unique and one of a kind things, and by people with exceptional personalities. Tries to takes the characteristics she likes in other people and apply it to herself as well as coming across as a unique individual." [Hmm. Who doesn't idolize? :> Haha.]

Half true, half bull. Haha. :)

Day Out With Joe and Tina

What is up with me and lunch-ing lately? In order for me to stop missing my friends, I turn to bonding over food. Haha. First, there was coffee with Yanee, then lunch and gelato with AJ, Aly, Jem, and Raphie, then lunch with Memzie and Kay, then there was lunch, coffee, and karaoke with Yanee, and today, lunch, dessert, coffee, and fro-yo with Joh.

And I'm wondering why I gained 3-5 pounds in a matter of weeks. Hah!

AND MY POINT ENDS HERE. The rest is just word vomit.

What up, Joe? HAHA. Can you guess who Tina is?

So what up with the title? We had our usual post lunch coffee, Joh and I. And I have this way of giving false names to Starbucks baristas cos if I said "Cee" I'd have to spell it out and they'd still get it wrong. Yeah. I'm lazy like that, I don't wanna explain myself. Haha. So I was baptized with "Tina" one fateful Starbucks afternoon, thanks to my good friend Jess. I used that name ever since. Anyway. Joh said "Joh" when she was asked, she even spelled it out. And I said "Tina" duh. So there, wala lang. Haha. Told you it's just word vomit.

Anyway, speaking of vomit. I felt like hurling while in the cab, on my way home. I am yet to figure out what the real problem is but I have three theories:

1. I'm pregnant [Tss, yeah right, haha]
2. It's the bad combination of Conti's Seafood Au Gratin, Russian Potato Salad, Mango Bravo; Starbucks Grande Hazelnut Latte; California Berry Original with Peaches topping frozen yogurt. [I have a strong feeling that THIS is the culprit!]
3. It's yow-know-what. After a looong time, it got too much today, I guess. Haha. [Oops?]

La la la. I'm working tomorrow. We're talking physical work, manual labor! Let's go, LPEP production crew! Do us proud! :>

Election Day, Momentous Day

MOMENTOUS. I can't say that I have waited for this day with excitement for so long because I have been apathetic until last night, as I filled out the Sample Ballot that COMELEC mailed to each registered voter.

On TV at 6:214 AM. I feel so giddy! Not over Atom Araullo! Giddy to vote, dummy! Hahaha!
Dad and Mom locating our assigned cluster precinct room at the La Paz Elementary School.
I feel so grown up! I can finally vote for change, betterment, or whatnot for my country. Or maybe I really should be feeling that way cos I already am grown up. Hahaha. So my parents and I arrive at the voting precinct at 6:45 AM and a woman was already arguing with screaming at a teacher/Board of Election Inspector about not being given any priority. First come, first serve, yes, but if you can't show the tiniest hint of respect, even for yourself, then don't bother. She wouldn't stop, oh my God. Can't blame anyone if I'm clustered with registered informal settlers, right? Anyway, this is me waiting beyond the queue...
I didn't plan on cutting but I didn't have to line up all the way because my precinct made its own system to keep things calm and collected after that incident with the loudmouthed woman; we have service numbers! Haha.
An hour and about 15 minutes later, I can flash you the dirty finger! >:) Hahaha! And a dirty thumb. ;) It's all worth it though. I think I had an awesome first time because I didn't have to wait hours and hours to get through the ridiculous long lines and insane heat. It pays to be early! ;)
It was a great experience! Social classifications, discrimination, and all other boundaries were broken because today, we vote as an ordinary Filipino citizen. Today, I did my part. I love my country, and this is what I can offer. I continue to pray that my one vote can make a change.

Superwoman

Often called the ilaw ng tahanan, I know of the responsibilities that you, and all other mothers, accepted (or sometimes endured), not because they are forced unto you but because you chose to. Out of love, you chose to be MOMMY...

While you're busy with chores that I refuse to or half-heartedly do, you never fail to be this magnet that pulls together all the members of our small family. Even though you're preoccupied with all the mommy stuff that you tirelessly do each day (this includes the instant hugs that I get while you're doing something important that requires no disturbance), I'm glad that unlike other moms that I know of, you have time for fun. But maybe because fun is something done without effort? I know, I know. Just being with the family is fun already! Haha!
Despite being the ilaw ng tahanan and homemaker that you are, I adore you for having the energy, courage, and strength to get by each day. We, the kids (me, Gabe, and Linus, haha!) can be a handful sometimes, yes? But hey, damn, you're goooood. ---> Reference to Desperate Housewives, Season 6, the episode where Susan tracked "Julie" down to the motel. Hahaha.

You have been eye witness to numerous accounts of my procrastination. Academics, GMG, washing dishes. Haha. And I pride myself in that fact that I can work with grace (sometimes without it) under pressure. I'm not a very good multitasker but I manage. Hehe. Sometimes I wonder where I get all that drive... And I realize that you always have my back and I'm inspired to do what you do.

I may not be one now, but someday, I will be a superwoman like you!
To the superwoman that I bow down to, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, MOMMY! I love you! :)

Lucky Me!

Luck was on my side today. Last night, one of my best friends, Yanee, asked if I had anything planned for today. In fact, I did; I was supposed to do org stuff (yes, on a summer vacation day) in the afternoon, but I thought, "Hmm, lunch with one of the Chicas (IMY, Chicas) won't hurt."

So I did squeeze in that lunch date before heading to school. Turns out, I didn't have "squeeze in" anything at all because my engagements were postponed to next week! (Oh dear, that means next week will be busier than expected and planned. But, hakuna matata!)

Awesome bonding day with Yanee! Starbucks Coffee and endless chat plus yow-know-what-I-mean-smug-smug.
But, you wanna know the best part? We're both in a bad state of financial crisis. HAHA. We're peasants. Thanks to the coupons that came with my Starbucks 2010 Planner, we were able to get a great deal. It's a steal, I tell you!
Above: one venti white mocha frappe (P160), one venti mocha frappe (P150), two servings of cinnamon swirl [?] (P55 each)! All that for a grand total of... P270! Haha! We got the first venti at regular price and the one of less or equal value is on the house! In all, we spent so little, even less than a tall-sized frappe! Haha! :)
See? See? Awesome. Haha. Oops, the receipt looks battered and gross. Hahaha. Pardon our excitement. Haha!
And this is our after-birit look. Ngarag much? Hahaha. We spent P108 for 9 songs on the karaoke! Whooo, Aegis songs never fail. Total Eclipse of the Heart is another favorite. La la la. And theeen, we went window shopping for a while. Looking for the best bikini top. By best, I mean cheap (like really cheap, cos I'm a cheapskate like that haha) and okay-enough. I'm no beach bum anyway, so a P200+ bikini top (that's violet!) is A-OK. :) I have photos, but I'd rather not... Hahaha. Next time when I have a smaller tummy. Mwahaha!

Memzie Turns Vente

One of my bestest friends, Memzie, is no longer a teen! Or perhaps... Twen-teen? Haha. I feel so happy that Kay and I get to share a few hours to celebrate Memzie's birthday. All of us missed each other a lot that six hours were spent mostly on chitchat, updates, gossip, and of course, eating! Haha! A Venetto, Sebastian's Ice Cream! Thanks, sis, for the treat! :)

An awesome time is guaranteed when I'm with these two amazing girls! :)