Surprise! =P

Mimosa Golf and Country Club - Clark Field Angeles, Pampanga
25th September, 2005 (Sunday)

It was Bevs, Gerent and me giving a sweet surprise to our friends last Sunday afternoon. We're all so glad to see our friends graduating from their LEAP course. And we wanted to be there to see them in this very special moment.

Actually, I wasn't expecting myself to be there since I had activities already scheduled for the weekend. Surprisingly, for some reason my schedule got changed and I just found myself travelling all the way to Pampanga. Yey! :)

Mimosa is one beautiful place. It's a lot more beautiful than where we held our LEAP graduation (sounds jealous huh? hehehe...). But it's still a wonderful, unforgettable experience for me and Mommy Weng, just the same.


Needless to say, Tabel was sooo surprised to see me there for her "embrazzo" (even Ma'am Mimi was surprised. hehehe...) Though I was wishing Mommy Weng was also there. But I'm sure she will be glad to know that Tabel graduated LEAP successfully and that she has learned a lot from the experience. =)

Here are some pics...

Me, Bevs and Gerent

Me & Tabel (sayang hindi kita naka-skirt sya. hehehe...)

My LEAPmates Bevs, Tita Liz and Gerent

With Mark - LEAP's outside coach and our officemate(haha! maki-officemate ba ko?)
Again, Congratulations to you Tabel and to all the LEAP 25 graduates!!! Continue to soar and reach higher! (",)

I'd still say, Yes!

It all started with a request from our senior pastor a month ago.

Last Sunday of August, I was informed I'm going to do it on the last Sunday of this month. My reaction, "What?!?! Please no...not yet. Maybe next year I'd be ready."

After much convincing and encouragements, I finally answered, "Yes". But still, I don't think I am ready for it. My answer was a total leap of faith.

A month for me to prepare. Listened to a bunch of praise and worship songs. Listed several of them. Prayed for God's choice (I had to be careful not just to choose my personal favorites.). Narrowed my list to 5 songs. Submitted them to James on the 3rd week of this month. Thank God, he has no violent reactions whatsoever (hehehe...)

Just a week left. I already feel butterflies in my stomach everytime I'd think about it. Saturday was practice day. I'm so thankful to James & Bob (my musical arrangers) and to my sister, Elaine (my coach/morale booster..hehe). They've been really so patient and supportive of me. Thanks also to Mark for agreeing to do the solemn songs, though it's his first time, too. At least I won't be alone in this. hehe...

Last Sunday was the big day. The butterflies in my stomach just got doubled and I felt my heart seem to jump right out of its place. Though I was so nervous, I tried to be calm and to just trust God. I know it's not about the talent or my own strength. It's about giving my full confidence in Him who has called me. And to do the work not just for the sake of getting it over and done with. But to do it with all of my heart, soul and mind as I give my best to Him.

"Thanks bros. and sis! I couldn’t have done it without your love and undying support!”
Indeed in my weakness, God is strong. I thank Him for making my first experience to lead in worship truly successful. I know the same is true even for Mark. I was just a little sad that my parents were not there to see me because my dad was scheduled to preach at GMA Cavite.

But it just warms my heart to see our senior pastor approach me right after the service and say, “Praise God, praise God for you!” as he firmly shook my hand. He even added, “I like your choice of songs”. Wow! I was so glad to hear that. It’s only now that I realized how hard it is to think of a line-up! Hehehe…

If you’re curious what those are, they’re two beautiful praise songs (Mark took care of the other 3 solemn songs). I mentioned that I was careful not to choose my personal favorites but these were really the songs that God impressed in my heart to sing:

First one is, “I want to know You more”. Chorus goes, “I want to know You, I want to hear Your voice, I want to know You more... I want to touch You, I want to see Your face, I want to know You more…” This one is like a personal prayer. Nice upbeat tune, too. (Special thanks to Arman and his brother, I now have an mp3 of this song. Yey!)

The second is, Lakewood’s “Sweeter”. I really love this part of the song, “Everyday with You Lord, is sweeter than the day before…Every morning I will worship, Every evening I’ll adore…Cause everyday with You is sweeter, sweeter than the day before…” A really sweet song, that is! I still don't have an mp3, though. If anyone can send it to me, I'd really be so much grateful!

I also received hugs from the moms in our church saying how happy they were to see me leading the worship. While my fellow music ministers joined together in teasing me “Si Doths ulit sa Sunday!” (hahaha! Give me a break, guys!)

It’s really an overwhelming experience! But whatever praises I received, I give and offer all those back to the One who truly deserves it – to my God, Creator and King. I know I still have to learn a lot when it comes to worship leading. But if He’d ask me to sing for Him again, I’d definitely still say, “Yes!” (“,)

Starstudded Sunday

Last Sunday, I was fascinated to see an array of stars:

Star #1

I left Church at 12nn right after the service. I’ll be meeting Tabel at 1:30 pm in Robinson’s Pioneer to get some stuff and then head to the Sebastian’s residence to celebrate Jin’s birthday.

Since there was no shuttle going to Alabang, I took the jeepney headed to Southmall. When I got there, I decided to pass by the food court first hoping to take a quick bite. But even just near the entrance, there were already a lot of people crowding.

It wasn’t that hard for me to figure out why. It’s SOP staging their show there. On stage were the Starstruck artists promoting their movie (“Lovestruck”).


Right after them was a performance by Jay-r, Malik and Kyla. I also heard Jonalyn Viray (Pinoy Pop Superstar champion) as she sang “Run to You”. Great voice!

I figured it would be too hard for me to brave the crowd going to the foodcourt. Besides, it was almost 1 pm. So I decided to just head straight to Alabang.

Star #2

It was almost 2 pm when we arrived at the Sebastian’s. We were welcomed by Daddy Joey, Juwan, Jaira, Daddy Joey's dad, Mommy Weng’s mom, her sister and of course the birthday boy himself, Jin! Mama Sands, Leo and Karl were already there. Too bad, we missed Mommy Weng’s call. If only we have arrived earlier. (Uh-oh…my fault! Hehe…)

It was so nice to see Jin really enjoying his special day. He had the biggest smile seeing the chocolate cake, ice cream and the balloons! Of course, he was as entertaining and accommodating of his visitors as usual. He even sat on my lap and when I asked him to sing, he serenaded me with the chorus part of the song “Perfect”.

What a smart and talented kid! I’m sure he will not only be the “star of the day”, being the birthday celebrant. I can see a bright future ahead of him. Who knows? We’ll just be surprised one day to see him in the big screen, not only here but in the US! =D

When I came in the office yesterday morning, I got this offline message from Mommy Weng:

"you have always been great with children and i am blessed because you're sharing your love and caring ways to my kids. thanks for being a very thoughtful tita. thanks for making jin's birthday special. kumuha ka na ba ng passport? hehehe i'll be preparing for our grand reunion here in new jersey next year. so better prepare yourself na din. it'll be a cold christmas for you next year. love you doths. miss you. see you next year."

I was speechless…and teary-eyed. (yep, even that early in the morning. Hehe..)

Thanks, Mommy Weng. I really hope to see you all there!

Star #3

We left the Sebastian’s residence before 3 pm. Tabel headed to OCCI while I was thinking of passing by Megamall. But then I thought of attending the service at CCF (St. Francis Square).

I just took the chance since I didn’t know their services schedules. I saw from the signage that it was at 3 pm. I glanced at my watch. It was 5 minutes past 3. I ran upstairs going to the 4th floor where the service is being held. The pastor talked about prayerfullness as seen in the life of Daniel (text reference is Daniel chapter 10). It was an important reminder for me.

I still decided to pass by Megamall right after the service. When I entered Mega A bldg., I saw lots of people crowding again. Then I heard a familiar voice singing, “Because of You”. It was Gary V.! He was promoting his new album “Pure Heart”. Wow! I made the right decision to pass by there. hehe…

I squeezed my way through the crowd and so I reached quite near the stage. Though I still had to tiptoe, at least I got a good view of Gary. Hehe… Too bad I don’t have a camera with me. =(

It’s really different when he sings the song. It’s just pouring out of his heart. He serenaded us with the song, “Ikaw Lamang” (theme song of the movie Dubai…sweet!).

The people started cheering when he began to sing “How did you know”. If you think the song is sweet, I tell you it’s different when he’s the one singing it. And It’s even better when you’re there seeing and hearing him perform it live. Wow! I was wishing the song wouldn’t end. Hehe…

He ended the show with a pure-energy performance of “Shout for Joy” (new version, first time I heard it). Again, it’s different now that I see him dancing live. (Ang galing talaga, promise! =D) I felt like coming up the stage and immitating his every move. Haha! (It was like an extended Praise & Worship from church) I really enjoyed every bit of his performance.

It was already past 6 pm. I went home. Still singing. (“,)

Saturday Morning Breakfast - As promised =)

[YM Message Archive - Friday]
Apaul: GUSTO KO NG TUYO!!!!!!!!!
Doths: grabe.. ang tagal mo na nagke-crave ng tuyo ah!
Apaul: hay ala kong mkita eh
Doths: kahit don sa filipino resto?
Apaul: california un eh
Apaul: and for sure di sila magseserve ng tuyo no
Doths: ahhh.. okay hehehe.. uwi ka na lang dito
Apaul: gusto ko ng TUYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Doths: ikakain na lang kita. hehehe...
Apaul: pdalahan mo kaya ko
Doths: nyeee..
Apaul: lol
Apaul: gutom natuloy ako
Doths: hehehe
Apaul: ikain mo ko ng tuyo this weekend
Doths: oo ba! yun lang pala e. =D
Apaul: promise ?
Apaul: sinangag and tuyo then egg
Doths: wow.....nagugutom ako ngayon!!! kainis ka...=P
Doths: oo, sige breakfast namin bukas yan
Apaul: picturan mo rmihan ng garlic
Doths: ngyek.. lalo ka lang maiinggit non
Apaul: ok lng
Apaul: il make sure this week by hook or by crook hahanap ako ng tuyo
Doths: hehehe.. grabe talagang desperado ka na ah
Apaul: super
Doths: sige pipicturan ko na lang for you

So here Apaul, just as I promised - your tuyo and fried rice (cooked in butter and mixed in some eggs). I also found a couple of salted eggs (“itlog na maalat”) as I was rummaging the kitchen. I’m not sure if you like it but I just thought it would be nice to have some as well. I like that with tomatoes. Here are the pics. Enjoy! =)




I had a yummy breakfast! Thanks! =)
By the way, I only ate a couple of dried fish, half of the salted egg (and tomatoes) and half of the fried rice. I imagined you eating the rest. Hehehe…

I don’t know how but I hope those pictures somehow satisfied your craving. (“,)

A Looooong Day…

Early bird… no worm =(

Yesterday, I was in the office from 8 am until 8 pm. I really intended to come in early since I’m expecting to test the applet for generic roaming. Unfortunately, it wasn’t available until 4 pm. Talk about idle time.

I just spent the entire morning reading some documents from our intranet and reviewing the test scenarios I created for stress testing. During lunch, my team mates and I went to MCS. We ate at Kimchi and had the badminton collages printed (those I’ve posted here last thursday). On our way back, we got stuck in traffic because of the flood. (tsk, tsk…)

Extra-curricular =)

Still feeling so unproductive. Thet asked me to post the pictures on our bulletin board. Yey! At least I have something to do while waiting for the applet. She handed me a folder, scissors and tape. Actually, Thet told me to just simply tape the pictures on the folder, as it is. But I imagined that would look too plain.

Since I have plenty of time to spend, I decided to put a little art on it. Had to be resourceful, though, since there was not much material available. I found some brochures, cut some images from it and placed them as background. Got some styro from CPU boxes, cut little pieces and taped them at the back of some pics to make them appear embossed. When I showed the finished product to them, they were surprised! Hehehe… I’m just glad they liked how it turned out.

Work finally! =D

At last! The applet became available for beta testing as I was taking my afternoon break. Hmmm…I already expected to go home quite late. Of course, I was right. Hehehe… Thank God, 8 pm was still relatively early for an OT to end. But still, I missed the service at COP. =(


Movie Marathon :-O

At home, I was still not feeling sleepy at around 10:30. I remembered my dad handed me VCDs of Legally Blonde 1 and 2 last Wednesday. I was surprised when he gave it to me and was even wondering where he got those. Apparently, he just borrowed them together with some action/suspense films.

I watched part 1 though I’ve already seen it before. But still, I enjoyed seeing it for the second time. Then for continuity’s sake (yeah right), I also decided to watch part 2. hehehe… The truth is, I haven’t seen it yet so I was just curious if it’s as good as the first.

As I was watching, I realized I have somehow a touch of Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) when it comes to colors. I looked around my room and here’s what I saw…

Even the bathroom was not spared. Hehe…

I think you know what I mean. =D

I’m just glad the movie has some valuable lessons to leave to its audience. Things like…
Believing and trusting yourself, even if some people around you don’t. Standing up for what is right. Caring for animals (like Bruiser…so cute!) Determination. Respect. Trust. Friendship. Love.
And maybe I could add … Pink is pretty! ;-D (yeah, i know that's not a moral lesson. hehe...)

With no more VCD movies to watch, I finally felt sleepy. (hehe…) Hit the sack at 1:30 a.m. – Saturday. (“,)

Badminton Pics Collages =)

I received an email from my team mate Ritche sending me these nice collages from our last Friday's badminton. His wife, Aura created these in Photoshop. Very creative and Really cool!!! (",)

More Family Day Pics

Got some more family day pics from Bob (taken from Michelle's camera). I'd like to share some of them here. :)

The Girls (Carlyn, okay ka lang?! Excited na magswimming. hehe...)

The Girls ulit (Angie, okay ka lang rin?! hehe...)

The Guys (Malayo ang tingin...)

Lunch with Lola =)

Lunch ulit (Talagang tumabi sa mga pagkain. hehe!)

Moms and Daughters (ako lang ang hindi naka-uniform ah =P)

Relay! My team won! yey! =D

Videoke time!

Ang kulit talaga ni Angie..Hindi makapag concentrate si Ate Lucille. hehe..

Night Swimming...grabee! lamig...brrr...
That's it! Until our next Family Day! (",)

Another Sparks’ Novel

I just finished reading Nicholas Sparks’, The Wedding. I had to remind myself, though, not to read the last few chapters while riding the shuttle. The last time I did that, I got so embarrassed because I just can’t keep the tears from falling. I’m afraid the person right next to me noticed me crying at that time. (It’s Mr. Sparks’ fault!). Now I laugh at myself everytime I remember that. But who cares? I think it’s good to laugh at yourself sometimes. Hehe…=P


Surprisingly, I didn’t shed a tear as I read about the story of Wilson and Jane (the main characters of this novel). In fact, I was smiling and even laughing out loud at some parts. But overall, their story surely touched my heart and has somehow got me thinking. I’d like to recommend this to every married couple. As for those like me, I’m sure you’ll appreciate and learn from this as well.

As I closed the book, I sighed and wished I could be in Jane’s shoes (especially in the last 4 chapters... *dreamy eyes*…hey! Wake up, Doths! Haha…). But I don’t want to elaborate on the reason why. It’s still best to read and find out. (*winks)

By the way, I just thought you might be interested to know that this novel is somehow a continuation of The Notebook. (“,)

@ the Zone

This morning I...

...woke up at 5. Left the house by 6. Arrived at Amorsolo, Makati at 7:15. Walked from Makati Cinema Square all the way to "The Zone" Badminton court. Got there at around 7:30.

...was 30 minutes late. But it's okay, no need for me to warm-up. The looong walk should be enough. hehe :)

...was glad to see everyone came (based on Ferdie's player's list last night).

...had fun playing with my OCS officemates (with a special guest from Enterworks - Tabel. hehe...But we really miss Mommy Weng. huhuhu...). It's my first time to play badminton with most of the OCS guys and gals. I'm looking forward to more of like this in the coming Fridays. =)

...got some pictures from our games, courtesy of my team mate Ritche.


Axel and Joey

Aileen and Roselle

Ariel and Fang

the Girls

Me and Tabel

Thet and Ritche

Me and Tabel vs. Thet and Ritche

Tina and Monica

Us again =)

the Guys

Noel and Axel

Noel and Thet vs. Sir Ariel and meeh!

all smiles!

...got in the office at around 10 am. SIMplicate server is still not available so I wasn't able to proceed with my testing tasks. Started to feel sooo sleepy since there's still no work for me to do.

...was asked by Louie to help him with the beta test for Generic Roaming. At least I have something to do for the day.

In the afternoon I...

...felt all the more sleepy after lunch.

...asked Louie for some explanation. He started talking about all these hexadecimal bytes I need to check, polling/timer mechanisms, Logical counter, PLMNsel, IMSI, LOCI etc, etc...(huwwhhatt???) It's just not registering, not now...I'm sorry. Maybe coffee would help somehow. (*sigh)

Sleepy...(nakunan ni paparazzi Ritche! hehe...)

Phone Testing (or texting? haha!)

Ako na naman?! (Hay naku...walang magawa si Ritche...tsk, tsk!)
...still attempted to read and understand the requirements specs. Got something, somehow.

...decided to bring all these documents home so I could go over them over the weekend. Hopefully I could write some test scenarios as well and just continue with the rest of it on Monday.

Now I...

...just want to end this week with a thankful heart.

happy!=D
...have to end this blog entry and go home. (hehe...)

Have a great weekend everyone!!! (",)

Family Day

Circle Island Resort– Sunday, September 04, 2005

Our Church celebrated “Family Day” last Sunday, thank God for the fine weather. We occupied a nice pavilion at the second floor, allowing us to have a great view of almost the entire resort.

The service was held there at the resort. It’s supposed to start at 10 am. But we had to let everyone get settled first so Pastor Archie decided to start at around 10:30. I was there early since we need to make another run-through of the Praise & Worship. While waiting for the service to start, I got fascinated watching the setup of two birthday parties. The place was actually a nice venue for almost any occasion.

Me and Carlyn while waiting for the Service to start

Nice colors!

Birthday party!
Carlyn led the Praise and Worship, while Mark Genesis and I are the backups. We lined-up purely Tagalog songs. It was an awesome time praising God! Pastor Archie prepared just a short preaching. He talked about “Fellowshipping with one another”. He said that we should spend quality time with the brethren just like how the people in the New Testament did. It’s the best way to strengthen our relationship with God and with our brothers and sisters.

Pastor Archie
It was lunchtime right after the service. All kinds of viands occupied the center tables. It was a real feast!

Chow time!
My dad grilled some “bangus” (milkfish) while I prepared baked mussels (as requested by the guys and gals). It was another reason why I had to wake up early. Good thing, I took a picture of them at home right after cooking. Otherwise, they would just be a memory of the past. They were gone in no time at all! I got only 4 pieces from the 2 kilos I prepared. Hehehe… But that’s okay, just to see them enjoying their meal is more than enough reward for me. =)




The kids were so excited to try the pool even if it’s drizzling. They quickly changed to their swimming attires a little after they finished lunch. I went to the poolside to take a picture of them. When they saw me, they sooo wanted me to swim with them. I had to explain that I still have to help in the games preparation. I promised to join them after.

Kids havin' fun
When I went back to the pavilion, the games are about to start. The first one is the “apple-eating” game participated by the moms and dads, assisted by the young people. It was fun and sweet! (as sweet as the apples. Hehehe…) The young couple, Kuya Aries and Ate Lucille emerged as winners! They received mugs and pillows as prizes.






The next game is for the young guys, “banana-eating” this time. The goal is to finish eating as much as 3 bananas without using their hands. How to peel them really depends on their strategy. Water is ready just in case they choke. Hehehe…James and Mark Genesis led the race, but Mark proved to be an expert on this game. He got a pink kid’s soccer ball as a reward. Cool! =P




The last game is for the whole family – relay! They forced me to join this time. I was making an excuse to take pictures but they dragged me to the first group. Okay fine, so I joined. We had to wear this huge shirt then cross the chairs, do 3 monkey-squats, turn-around twice, burst a balloon, cross the chairs again, then pass the shirt to the next player (whew!) It was a nice game and all the more fun because my team won! Yey! No pictures, though. My sister got so hooked watching that she forgot she’s supposed to take pictures. Nice!

It was swimming time for the rest of the afternoon. Though it was raining, the water was warm and soothing. Just as I promised my students, I joined them in the kid’s pool. When they saw me dipping in the water, I heard numerous little voices calling “Teacher Dorothy!” around me. The kids started to swim towards me and crowd around as though they’ve seen a celebrity. Haha! Those kids are really sweet. We all had fun playing in the pool.


After a while, I joined my fellow music ministers in the 5-ft pool. It was actually more of chatting than swimming (hehehe…) While I was seated beside the 6-ft pool, somebody pushed me! Thank you very much, I don’t know how to swim. I screamed (I didn’t notice how loud) but luckily I didn’t swallow water. (*sigh) Maybe it’s fast reflexes or just adrenaline that made me got a hold on the pool’s edge quickly. Thank goodness! I really thought I was going to drown. (whew!) Guess who pushed me? My dad! I punched him on his thigh by the time I got out of the water. Haha! I guess he’s that desperate to make me learn to swim.




More eating, chatting, swimming and picture taking around the resort until 5 pm.

Sisters =)

Me and Dad

Me and Mom

Papa and Mama

Honeymooners? (hehe...)
We also tried the videoke. But I think it’s not a good idea because the rain poured all the more. Hehehe…We’re supposed to stay only upto 5 pm at the pavilion, but the guys and gals didn’t want the fun to end yet. So we decided to just rent a small cottage where we could place our things and extend up until 8 pm.




It was a night swimming on a rainy evening. Just imagine how cold it was. (brrr…) When I couldn’t bear the cold anymore, I left them in the pool and decided to take a shower already. It was all the more cold by the time I got out of the pool. I was literally chilling and was hugging myself as I walk towards the shower room.

We had another hour of chat right after everyone had taken a shower. It seemed we didn’t want to part. But we finally called it a night at 9 pm.

Overall, it was a great day spent with my own family and with my Church family. How blessed I am to have them as family! And I just want to thank God for everything! (“,)