Why we have to say our thanks this year?

Walking blind folded with sheer senses, that was my thing this year. It was really either about fate or faith perhaps?

Some people say that angels have been with us since birth, and some could even claim that they even take human forms just to be with us. You may refer to your family, friends, teachers, or just a perennial stranger. Imagine out of those millions of people, you cross your path with someone who could turn your life so different - great or bad, you could learn from them.

As someone in business, planning should have been consistent with all of my activities but isn't it that we have to be spontaneous as well to whatever opportunities that may arise? Some acts may not be as specific as they should be, right? You may like sweets: eclairs, bonbons, candies, etc. Things come in different forms that you never imagined yourself taking, but you just did since you know it is somehow close to that.

Whether this will be permanent or temporary, we simply cannot deny that we have shared some common paths with a lot of people. We can say that we are happy having them around and hoping they got entertained as well.

Being in schools, make me feel that my hunger for knowledge is more than just for books but also an interaction. In my grad school, it's more intense because you belong to a group who depends on your projects - mini company what my professors are saying. This is bigger step than just the dose of theories which I've been dwelling back in college. My teaching stint to my Alma Mater s also a unique experience. Dealing with students who are almost of my same age and still maintaining the status quo is indeed perplexing as well. I love my the toxicity of my schedule as I juggle with my sales work in hotel. Though it's different from the traditional approach, the experience is a good start and I am not afraid to expose myself further to it.

Being stranded during cyclones was my pride since I got good feedbacks which reflected my leadership skills. I'm not boasting about it but I acknowledge praises when it is due. It helps me to show to other people, especially to younger individuals, future is not afterall deteriorating. You still could see nobility from youngsters who see themselves as solutions to the already heaping dilemma of this country. It's not standing as if you're Superman, instead gathering a group of people who believes in kindness and hardwork. Let's continue to seek for these people to emulate. Let's show them that they are not running for extinction.

Sometimes, I wish same old faces would stay at one place so that when you got back, you no longer need to adjust- is complacency a sin? People do move on with their lives and they also seek for growth, even they thought that they were just retiring! It was a good chance for me to know more people and perhaps getting a more innovative approach on things.

Surprises, more of this stuff, for 2009. I thought I would drop on my knees but with a lot of help and grace from God, I stood firmly on my principles and I believe I became better, wiser, kinder. I owe this to all sorts of things I've been through. yes, uncertainty still fills me for next year but what the heck! I survived the 365 days of 2009, I'm surely could do the same, even better!

I no longer need to enumerate the significant names of people who contributed alot. I know that while you are walking around, you feel as if you are gliding with respect and dignity, because you know that somehow you have helped someone along the way. If ever you have read this blog and do know me, in your heart my words of gratitude is heard...it says thanks to you!

Tiger in, ox out!

I was uncertain on how my year will unfold as the world recession flooded the media. Perhaps even for a strong-willed person like me was truly scared at that time since poverty was exaggerated, darn pessimists! Anyway, 2009 was truly good for a juvenile who believed that 2008 was my year (that was my 888). 2008, I have dared the most critical challenges in my career, 2009 was the start of a wonderful things, 2010...well, I'm crossing my fingers so that's why I have distributed tiger charms to my friends and loved ones too.

Planning was not really something I'm good at, but what is innate is my sheer enthusiasm and curiosity. I became more daring to things or events that I have never imagined doing before such as teaching, sales, and a lot of fun stuff. This is my first time to live independently as well, so I got my share of difficulty too. Personally, I believe that courage and faith were my kits for the year of the ox. I am religious but how come I'm speaking Chinese mythology here? It is simply just fun! the prediction is more of an art to me, rather than principles. I believe that we always to watch out and reading some notion excites me.

For the year of the tiger, I'm still optimistic and I learned that we simply have to become spontaneous in order to let the natural expertise flow. My advise, don't easily get disheartened, it's part of the cycle of unwrapping gifts...you have to tear the beautiful wrapper to discover what's inside. It may seemed hard (some gifts even use seemed-to-be permanent-glues plus thick wrappers) but you will love doing it repeatedly through time. Yes, a cliche that "life is like a box of chocolates, you don't know what you gonna get!" might make you wonder what's in stored for you, that's why you have to keep an open-minded lifestyle and afterall, life is a continuous learning process! Remember to trust your instinct and to have faith in God.

So be brave, pray, and let's become more productive- afterall that is life all about, so have fun!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Yearly we have anticipated this season of cheers and I myself have been so pre-occupied of many agenda that I have to fulfill. I got my seemed-to-be-endless list for the gifts, plus freaking outfits for posh parties and many more. I even hoped to complete the roosters mass but unfortunately I missed the first day (sad). Who else is not excited of gatherings or reunions? I got my own share of activities even, though it's really hard joining the gaps among our schedules.

The celebration started pumping up last December 5, I really took time dressing-up ala-Edward of New moon, of course with a twist of bow tie! It was held at Prince Plaza, then followed by series of getaways with my officemates from IHG- hotels and other restos. Since I'm into grad school, I had my share of joys with my class in DLSU-RCBC last Dec. 15. For both series of parties, I have been gormandizing on gargantuan pizzas either from Niro or El buono (both were sumptuous feasts!). Then a coupls of days, my cellphone rang, it was an invite from my previous employer in MOLPHIL, they got a family party which I dressedd up outlandishly with a blue hair! The day after, was my college friend, Ana's wedding at Edsa Shrine with a reception at Jade's Palace. The theme was gold and red, so festive that is so timely for the Holidays. Good thing I kept my classic Filipino suit then partnered with a nice sort-of-a golden brown pants from GQ, so stunning on me (hahaha). I am happy for her, for I was one of those who keeps on bugging them to tie the knot and look for optimism rather to look on receipts! I remember our escapades on how I've been dragging her to do decisions for her, now she even got fiercer for having a marriage. Soon she'll have her own babies other than her pups. Hooo! Time passes so fast. Finally, I got my most recent party with my other part time job in CEU. I was one of the emcees and the theme was Retro to 70's. i was really looking for a bell bottom but that was nowhere to be found in the mall. Anyway, I re-used my ala-edward outfit and hooded with a better personality as necessary for hosting. The event is quite unusual since the party was held in day time, I thought I was about to melt away! Good thing I survived 'till end in one piece.

Much have been written and said, but one thing is for sure, these celebrations wouldn't be possible with out its real essence and that is Jesus Christ! Yes, I'm looking forward to a lot of parties until early next year and let's not forget nor be hesitant to mention his name during this important occasions. Amidst our crises, God has continually bless us with wonderful gifts and miracles. I have my family, what can I ask for? Personal and country finances, well for practical survival. Peace in our country, sure it's hard to live in chaos and in hate! Perhaps, so much more. So let's keep our prayers running guys, more than the receipts from boutiques!

Merry Christmas, happy New Year, and Happy Birthday Bro!

Have you heard of UN's WHRP?

It was my initial intention to suffice my cravings from Pizza Hut. I love the super supreme pizza then having a volcano of cheese in its crust. Anyway, it's not my sumptuous meal which I wanted to share on this blog but my amazement on how this food chain same to tie up with other international food retail outlets like Taco Bell, A&W, KFC, etc. It was actually my habit to observe my surrounding (especially about social milieu) and I am such a sinner when it comes to curiosity. While I was waiting for my food, I scanned through some promotional catalogs ( I usually do this now since I'm handling advertising for my undergrad class in CEU). From one of its portions, I noticed the ad about the above and it surely arouse my concern since the main beneficiary are some folks in Mindanao.

Some 75,000 primary school children in 428 schools in the Mindanao provinces of Sultan Kudarat and North Cotabato, will receive P35 million from Yum! Brands, the world?s largest restaurant company and parent of Pizza Hut and Taco Bell, through United Nations World Hunger Relief Program (WHRP) Philippines. Awesome!.

This Christmas, amidst crises, let's try to extend our little generosity. The baller only amounts to PhP 100. You can also have either a calendar for PhP 50.00 or a bookmark for PhP 20.00. It's like a service charge from these restos and I believe it won't bother you at all just to help our fellowmen in Mindanao ( at least from this, government corruption cease to exist!) By the way, international pop diva - Christina Aguilera supports this generous and noble program. Since World Hunger Relief launched in 2007, more than 1 million of the company's employees, franchisees and their families have volunteered more than 9 million hours to aid hunger relief efforts in communities worldwide.

The effort has raised US$ 36 million for WFP and other hunger relief organizations and is helping to provide about 160 million meals and save the lives of about four million people in remote areas worldwide.

WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency and the UN's frontline agency for hunger solutions. In 2009, WFP aims to feed 105 million people in 74 countries.

So bon-a-petit and share your blessing this Christmas!

Happy Weekend!

I really wish weekends could be more lengthy since I'll be back to my hectic schedule once more. I really thought I can withstand not teaching my comp even just for a day and instaed become more pre-occupied by various errands but I guess I can't. Viewing my facebook, updating my twitter and multiply completes my day. Even just browsing the updates makes me feel that I'm part of the world especially of my friends from distant places. Last Saurday I enjoyed New Moon, fortunate to reserved it ahead of time at Greenbelt cinema! So Team Jacob or team Edward (just refer in my movie review) Then got a new outfit which I can't wait to show-off tomorrow in my separate work venues (I love this new fashion line that has a dragon signature). I also bought some vain products for myself and from my mom in the Bodyshop and we both love our vanity kits more.

Just this morning I woke up early and hit the church earlier than I usually do so I gott more time playing with my pets - Jaja & Aki. I just found out that Palmolive works well for my shit-zu as well (just don't tell mom). Now I'm back blooging since I have to keep myself awake because I wwanted to watch the presidential aspirants debate in the Kapuso channel and it is scheduled at 1145 pm! As much I as I wanted to get pissed by wee hours of tv schedule I know it's business right? As someone who teached marketing and advertising why should I question especially we know that they have to take all means to earn during this tough times.

Few days earlier, I was checking the poster assignments of my students. I asked them to create a poster that themes environmental awareness and I guess they are not yet conditioned how attractive this subject in terms that they have to do more effort. I know they are aware of my expectations but perhaps they still have no skills to apply their creativity that would make other people appreciate it. Maybe they still lack exposure or are still quite hesitant to expose them and these makes my job as a teacher tough and interesting!

OMG, I am also excited since I am getting lots of Christmas party invites and I even have my own sets of parties to set as well. Anyway, we have to become more wise with our expenditures and let's promote eco-friendly stuff. CEU makati is coming up with its own campaign and I would like to come up with a relevant advertising campaign for it, I'm thinking: Pink is the New Green! What can you say?

Lastly, it's not really my interest to do celebrity gossip but since it has been an international buzz why can't I talk about Manny, Jinkee and Krista issue as well? Definitely Pacman got an overwhelming international attention and as much as he wanted to keep his reputation more in the boxing arena, people can't help to be more multi-faceted. Well that's part of becoming popular that even personal stuffs are digged in by paparazzis, so be careful of what you really wish for. One thing I would like to point out, I know it has been a liberating era for us but I am just hoping would still stick to their delicadeza. Homewreckers are definitely not just immoral but devastating especially to children. Whether Krista or someonelse, being a kerida is definitely gross.

Ok, too much for now and hope to update this more often. Advance Happy Holidays everyone!

Time out!

Just yesterday I was in office continuing my daily routine. Yup it was a Sunday, but I chose to have work on weekends 'coz I find them more systematic to my menagerie time schedule! The insane part, I am supposed to be on leave yesterday so I just took an early off. A day earlier, Saturday, I have finished giving grades to my students for the first semester and I still have at least a week more before the second semester begins. Anyway, if you're probably wondering how am I handling two jobs and still keeping my sanity, the only clue is to have fun and take the pressure off!

I'll tell you my multi-faceted LIFE...

Every morning or at least every TTHS, as I rush with a coffee and a bread on my left arm while a bag on my right, I do teaching in CEU Legaspi-Makati as part time. My class starts at 7 am and ends by 10 am, but on Saturdays I end up 'till 2 pm. Every Tuesdays & Thursdays, I still stay in school until I take my lunch and for a little bonding with the other faculty members and office personnel. Being part of the academic profession is truly fascinating, especially for a youngster like me. I know how teenagers behave since I still want to consider myself as one - I'm just 27 and I always feel young since I'm the youngest brat in my family (hehehe). I usually do other stuff such as activities for my students. Just recently I helped out the Student Affairs Office & Marketing Dept with Job Hunting Seminar. I contacted my friend Mr. Samuel Tse who is already a Sales Manager in Shangri-la Makati (thanks again dude!). By next semester, with the help of other faculty members, we are hoping to have our own business exhibit. I am confident that we can push through with it since I spearheaded an expo all by myself during the first semester. I was totally exhausted then, but what the heck it was indeed a HISTORY! I'm proud of my students and with that I am inspired to become a retailer of our products - I got an endorsement in Mendiola and Makati kiosks already (just needed to raise some funds for now). I also helped out with our community outreach due to the disaster brought by typhoons Ondoy & Pepeng. I have suggested for Makati to become more active with relief operations and I was thankful that our EVP and AVP for SAO have both listened to my plea and approved it. Also by next semester, I was tasked to become a faculty chairman of jobs fair. You might probably be wondering why am I getting these breaks - I could say that I have my organizational stint tested for years. Just run through my pics and you'll know why.

After school, I take some rest in my apartment which is few blocks from my two other residences (offices=home) which is near Dela Rosa Square Mall. It is a simple apartment, humble and practical. I only have books and clothes to adorn my room since I'm planning to perhaps get an official pad soon (naks). By 7 pm, I take my personal manualia and dress up for office. I usually like those with neck ties and jolly colored suits. I took a dinner to my favorite Binalot, or a canteen near my apartment, or even sometimes from the connoisseur in the office lounge. My regular job is in sales and reservations of Intercontinenantal Hotels Group and we have an office in RCBC, which is also a few blocks from my apartment. I'm proud that within 3-6 months I am already seeing the fruits of my daredevil stunts of my career. I hope I could do well in the succeeding rankings to be able to get the most favourable work shift to my bizarre body clock.

Not only having two jobs why people get shocked on my sched, I am currently enrolled in DLSU Graduate School for MBA. My class is every Tuesday night from 6-9:15 pm. I already have completed 21 units within a year and I was even an officer of its Council! By the coming months, I have a new attempt and that's to join the entrepreneurial breeds. I reasoned out after attending the GONEGOSYO fair that how come people who just have guts but no business backgrounds venture to business whereas for I, who is so educated can't even just try even a simple biz???! This is my objective with my MARKMAN concept as a result of the CENTREXPO (for more details of this please visit previous blogs). I know my limited carefree time will be sacrificed but that is why time has numbers right? For it to be managed and rest assured that proper vitamins won't be skipped as I have assured my mom about this.

I know there are still alot of things to do, I'm afraid I might be missing the best part of it sometimes such as talking to my parents, grooming my pets, meeting old and new friends, etc., but I just have to take each moment while they still come, afterall no pressure - just plain fun! I enjoy being with people I meet and would always want to have that jolly tune wherever I go - love the way it is.

Last night, I took a chance to look at the stars - it was amazing!

CEU-USC Task Force

It has been almost two (2) years since the last reunion of the USC alumni last December 2007. It was annually held during USC Christmas Party but after Dr. Manalo's retirement, we haven't had the chance to re-unite. Just as my previous blog revealed, the offices (both SAO & USC) have been affected greatly by Ondoy. I candidly asked an admin whether the university would accept donations from the alumni, he/she said that as long as they are willing (alumni) of course. CEU is a corporation and is very conservative when it comes to donations/sponsorships but the current situation would prove that nobody should stand alone, especially if the efforts are sincere.

The University Student Council was given good opportunities, abundant facilities, and untiring support by the admin during my time or during the days of Dr. M. ( I also would like to think that it continued with its current head, Dr. Olaer). I guess this is a good opportunity for all student leaders to give back. I never imagined that I'll grow up to be where I am now, if not for SAO & USC.

I miss my teams (SY 2001-2002 & SY 2002-2003). I know there were a lot of issues before but whatever our differences were, we were once a USC officer and nothing could change that! I would like to encourage all USC officers to re-unite and this time with a purpose to raise funds for the restoration of SAO & USC offices, kaya natin 'to basta sama-sama.

Come October 11,2009, some USC alumni will have a lunch meeting in Makati to plan projects and initially provide assistance to them. The departments are servicing the students and should therefore need immediate help. The venue is yet to be determined but kindly spread this news and we'll start from there.