Let our pictures speak!

My office friends and I spent a 4-day trip at Hong Kong (including a side trip at Macao.) Since our budget was not that much, we opted to stay at City Econo Guest House in Nathan Road near Jordan MTR Station instead of staying in a hotel. Wise decision for me as, most of the time, we are outside the house doing some shopping and visiting some exciting places in HK like DisneyLand (of course), Ngong Ping, The Peak, etc. It's pain in the leg due to long walks and pain in our pockets due to extensive shopping. We usually go out at 8am and go back at past 11pm. So, you can imagine how tiring it was, with most of time, riding the MTR and walking. We even forgot to take our usual merienda and take our dinner super-duper-late at night (when we can no longer walk and want to sleep.) But, don't get me wrong. I enjoyed this trip (I really am!) not only because Hong Kong is a tourist-friendly country, not only because of the delicious Chinese foods, and not only because of beautiful places we visited and not-to-mention shopping galore we enjoyed. But... because of my co-travellers - my office friends. I really enjoyed their company - full of energy and laughter, kodak-holic, shop-a-holic, and game-to-anything as I am (thank you Gals for great company!)     

Ortigas Extension Pasig City after Typhoon Ondoy 

Typhoon "Ondoy" hits Metro Manila, Rizal province, and nearby provinces last September 26, 2009. Last Saturday, thousands of people were stranded in their homes and streets but, even now, many were still trapped in floodwaters or in relocation sites with no food and drinking water.

To get a glimpse of what happened that fateful day, click here.

Everyone is doing their part. Many organizations and individuals practice the spirit of volunteerism and sharing to the victims of the calamity. PGMA declared the affected provinces and cities under the state of calamity, hence, local funds of the government can now be used to help the residents in their areas. Our company tracks the whereabouts of employees and pull its resources to help them wherein 51 employees were greatly affected by the flood. They prioritized helping the employees and also extends help to the government agencies like Red Cross and DSWD to help other victims. Most of us, employees, forego our rice benefit and donate it to the needy. Light of Jesus Family, the community where I belong, also appealed to everyone for help. Its members do their part through different ways and means - spiritual through prayers, physical through manual labor - they were cooking foods and distribute it to the victims (thanks to Trinity Dampa Restaurant), and financial support through donations. How about you? You may not be able to be here (esp. if you are at far away places), rescuing people and giving them food, but you can still help. You may do your part by giving financial assistance...

To DONATE, please click here.   

Thank you and God bless!

My sister, Lolit, and I signed-up for a 4-month fitness experience at Fitness First. At first, our motivation is to be fit and slim for her upcoming wedding then. But, now, I am enjoying my every visit at the gym. For my cardiovascular activities, I spent most of my time at threadmill, rotex, and stationary bicycle. I carry some weighs for my muscular activities. I also join some group exercises like Body Pump, Body Balance (Yoga), etc. I also experience once the 1:1 Personal Training which they offer a programme that will be customized according to ones needs. I also look forward in spending some minutes inside the sauna or having a steam bath. It felt good to my skin. I also love their brewed coffee. I already mastered the right proportion: 2 teaspoon of choco/brown sugar, 3 teaspoon of creamer, plus a cup of brewed coffee (It was great!) I won’t be leaving the gym without taking a sip. After having completed a 3-month visit, I can say that I feel more active, fit, and healthy. It was worth it! 

Motivation is what gets you started, habit is what keeps you going.

 That is the Fitness First slogan which I totally agree. Before, our initial motivation is just to be fitter (with no or a little bulging stomach) for the wedding. But, now, I want to make this a habit especially now that A(H1N1) flu is already pandemic in the country. And, I am thinking now to make this as part of my lifestyle. As I am now spending most of my week-ends outside the house (esp. now that my nephew and niece who stayed in our home in Cavite were now finally settled in U.S.A), I am visiting the gym at every opportunity I have – after Sunday Mass & week-end Worships, before shopping or buying groceries during Saturdays, or before rendering an overtime work.

We usually drop by at Fitness First - Mall of Asia (MOA) during weekdays (once-in-awhile) before going to work which makes Lolit come to work a little late, but makes me go to work a little earlier than before (hehe.) And, we already visited different branches at weekends – Alabang West Gate branch, SM Mega Mall, and The Fort (our homebase.) Leah, my sister in community and gym buddy, and I have a plan to visit the ABS-CBN branch and I once planned to visit the branch in Robinsons Manila. Wala lang... We just love to visit and compare the venue, facilities, and services of each branches.  So far, I found the MOA branch as having the most sophisticated facilities, the The Fort branch as having the most experienced and talented trainers (Hi Sharon!), and the Alabang branch as the most ancient ones (Hehe. Maybe because it is the oldest branch according to Leah.) 

You see? Being fit and well doesn’t mean excessive, tiring, and boring exercises. You have to enjoy every minute of it! And, I did!

The Enneagram

I attended a retreat last week-end with the topic “A Journey to Personal Growth” at Sacred Heart Novitiate in Novaliches, Quezon City. The retreat was organized by my community - Light of Jesus Family. Its main objectives are: a) to examine the dynamics of our own personality; (b) increase self-understanding and in understanding others; and (c) Reflect on one’s life experiences so that we may become more deeply aware of the forces that shape our being and examine God’s purpose in the events of one’s life. In its entirety, I can say that the retreat was successful!

We use the Enneagram Self-Test to determine our dominant traits among the nine (9) personality types, which are: 1) the Perfectionist; (2) the Helper; (3) the Achiever; (4) the Artist; (5) the Observer; (6) the Supporter; (7) the Optimist; ( 8 ) the Leader; and (9) the PeaceMaker. I am one of the Sevens – the Optimist. Before the test, I thought I am one of the Eights or Threes or Ones. Yes, I am in some way a leader, an achiever, and a perfectionist but these were only my secondary traits. After taking the test, it turned out that I am more of Sevens. It’s my dominant trait. To convince you, just take a look at the character traits of Sevens below:

Type 7: The Optimist

The busy, productive type. Sevens are extroverted, optimistic, versatile, and spontaneous. Playful, high-spirited, and practical. They can also misapply their  many talents, becoming over-extended, scattered, and undisciplined. They constantly seek new and exciting experiences, but can become distracted and exhausted by staying on the go. They typically have problems with impatience, and impulsiveness. At their best: they focus their talents on worthwhile goals, becoming appreciative, joyous, and satisfied.

Can't explain further about Enneagram Test. If you are interested, try to google it (I find a lot of information in the net when I once tried to search about it.) About the retreat, all I can say is that: "It is worth taking it!" I especially like the activity that night when we were formed in a group and assigned an "LOJ Counselor" (those whom you speak with when you call at LOJ's Counselling Hotline) for each group. They were great (especially Sis. Evelyn who was assigned to our group.) After hearing our stories and allowing us to outpour "anything" that bothers us, they also prayed over us. There's also a moment of silence for prayers and meditations. In a nutshell, everything seems perfect! I like the experience and the encounter... encountering my true-self (and being open about myself without any mask) which is the first step for personal growth.   

Every month, our HR Department prepare a powerpoint presentation (with embedded music) for birthday celebrants of the month. The presentation shows each celebrant's picture with some sort of "honoring" from his/her closed friend/colleague. For this month of May, the theme is about flower or tropical fruit. That is, "What kind of flower or tropical fruit the May birthday celebrators are?" (sounds corny but sweet!) And, I got this one from Lanie (thanks friend!)  

We've been in Canyon Cove Residential Resort in Nasugbu Batangas last Summer for our Company Outing this year. It was a very nice experience.

Canyon Cove in the Morning

The condotels and amenities were great! The hotel room that was assigned to me and my other two (2) colleagues is very huge for three (3) occupants. There are two queen-size bed, two small-size bed, 2 bathroom/comfort room, and dining area. The pool is also wide and huge (as can be seen in pix below) and located just beside the sea. The place is too huge and can accomodate a lot of guests.

Canyon Cove in the Evening

There are lots of beach activities available in the club: Kayak Sailing, Boat Tripping, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, etc.  But, then, our company's main activities focused on group activities and group games (kayak racing, tug-of-war, beach ball, game relays, etc.) that promotes good camaraderie and team building among employees. Our team, mostly come from our department, gave our best shot in games and cheering  and were very much motivated to win. Alas! We, the mint-green team, landed only in 3rd place. If only the "Jumpshot" capture entry was pushed-through, we have a big chance to become first (hehe. I'll share the pix in next post.) But, despite of this, our two-day stay in the club was still enjoyable and fun!

One secrets in “Unlocking the Secrets of Happiness” is to be grateful about yourself. With that, I write “25 Things that I Like About Myself” in my previous post. And now, another secret is to be grateful about the persons who bless your life. As instructed, I am about to write the 25 persons who bless my life (with short messages on how they become my blessing to honour them. I’m supposed to give the notes to them), but I ended up to 25 groups of people who bless my life (haha! I’m really blessed.) How about you? Take this opportunity to honour the persons who bless your life and be a blessing to them!

1.      My Parents

Thank you, Inang & Tatay, for giving us life and enjoying life. Thank you for all the sacrifices and unconditional love.

2.      My Sisters

Thank you for all the supports and love and for being a role model in my life. Thank you, Ate Mila, for showing a good example; Ditse, for being kind and accommodating; Sanse, for being always strong; Ate Cel, for being warm-hearted and simple; Ate Vi, for all the help and sacrifices; and Let, for being my angel in its true meaning.   

3.      My Teachers, Professors, & Mentors – Ma’am Domingo, Ma’am Jimenez, Ma’am Tolentino, et. al.

Thank you for the gift of knowledge.

4.      My nieces and nephews – Joyce, Euro, Chloe, & Migi

Thank you for being the source of our joy and happiness.

5.      My God-children – a lot to mention

Thank you for the opportunity to experience being the second mother in some ways.

6.      My cousins – esp. Jerry, Ate Christy, Kuya Marlon

Thank you for the good camaraderie and being always there to show your support and concern.

7.      My Aunts & Uncles

Thank you for all the support and walking an extra mile to help us always.

8.      My Closed Relatives – esp. Auntie Rosie and Auntie Unya.

Thank you for the respect and help extended to us esp. in times of need.

9.      My High School Barkada and Friends – Melina, Laida, & Vangie; Noemi, Edwin, Leo, and Tony

Thank you for the memories of friendship and still being there up to now and forever.

10.  My College Barkada – Jaycille, Cecille, Claire, Susan, & Vivian

Thank you for the support and feeling of belongingness esp. at times when I’m new here in Manila.

11.  The VOYZ – Ver, Leo, Alvin, Alex, Dennis, Abel, Wilbur, & Timmy

Thank you for being there... by just being there when we needed your help and company.

12.  My BCS Friends – Cynthia, Susan, Rene, & Ed

Thank you for the gift of friendship. Though, we seldom see each other now, I know that we’re still friends... for keeps!

13.  My UCSI Friends – Aileen & Noel

Thank you for sharing your life to me and opportunity to grow both in our careers and faith.

14.  My IFCA Friends – Aileen, Rose Uy, Manny, Teants

Thank you for the friendship and company. Without you, I could not last a day in Malaysia.

15.  My AIU Friends – Janice, Roland, Elaine, Glo, Erwin

Thank you for the laughter and company during AIU days. Without you, my stay in AIU will really be “non-life” and boring.

16.  My Stradcom Friends – Lanie, Corbi, Arlene, Evee, Yula, & Cherry

Thank you for sharing your time and laughter that somehow helps me to ease boredom and tensions.

17.  My former Community – The Lord’s Flock

Thank you for planting the “seed of faith” in my heart.

18.  My LOJ Community

Thank you for the nourishment and opportunities to serve God thru the community's various ministries.

19.  My LOJ’s Caring Group – Leah, Anna, Velle, & Me-ann

Thank you for sharing God with me.

20.  My LOJ’s Small Group – Lani, Anna, Roy, EJ, & Nemar

Thank you for the opportunity to lead and serve and altogether grow in faith with me.

21.  My Colleagues and Team Mates

Thank you for all the things that we shared together – programs, logic, RSUs, problems and work. Hehe. And, good times tackling those things, of course.

22.  My Ex’es

Thank you for the experience to love.. be hurt... and love again.

23.  Our Neighbours in Cavite

Thank you for being good neighbours and for being accommodating always.

24.  My Blogger Friends – Recel, Juls, Jenny, and YOU

Thank you for all the visits here in my blog that somehow encourages me to go on blogging.

25.  And, last but not the least, my Abba Father

Thank you for EVERYTHING! Without You I can do nothing; but with You I can do everything!

Something to reflect this Lent...

“...sin is really a very complex mystery.

It is essentially an offense against God,

but sin cannot hurt God in His inner being.

God is transcendent and cannot be harmed by the actions of His creatures.

Sin harms and hurts first and foremost the sinner.

And, it is here that God is wounded...”

From: A Stroll in the Garden of the Bible

By Fr. Rudy Horst

It is holiday today. Since today is Monday and next week is Holy Week, this means, a long-time vacation. A long vacation if I’m going to file a leave for Tuesday and Wednesday. Unfortunately, I could not afford to do that due to loads of work that we have. In fact, we rendered an overtime last Saturday. Hence, I am home alone for three days since everybody in the house went home in Nueva Ecija since Saturday.

Actually, I stayed at home only today since I went to work on Saturday. And, I attended the Feast and had a meeting with my Caring Group yesterday. So, I spent my Saturday and Sunday outside the house. But, today is different! I stayed home. I woke up late. I had green tea and bread for breakfast. Had take a bath. Did some washing. Tidy the house. Cooked food for me and our dog - Mortres. Had lunch and wash the dishes afterwards. Take a nap. Encoded prayer petitions. And before I knew it, it’s already late in the afternoon. But, then, it was brown-out! And here I am, alone in the dark.

I cannot sleep early as I take a nap this afternoon. I cannot do anything since a light from candle is not enough for me to read clearly. I had nothing to do... I texted someone. Just a forwarded message. Something amusing and funny. But, he never replied. Alone in the dark. Laying in bed with nothing to do. A perfect timing to talk with God. I whispered a silent prayer. A whisper became louder. I really talked to Him. I poured out all my concerns... my thoughts, my worries, and my hopes. What a beautiful moment with Him. Just me and Him. And, I felt I’m not alone. Now, it dawned on me. Is this a pre-taste of my future state in life? A life of single-blessedness? I’m afraid... I, honestly, kinda like it!