Getting Updated with Movies

Thanks for the long weekend! I finally got the chance to watch several movies I missed recently.

If Only
Tina and Anne recommended this movie which starred Jennifer Love Hewitt and Paul Nicholls. They told me, though, that I should watch it with my boyfriend around. Uh-oh... "So you're like saying that I couldn't watch it, if a boyfriend is a pre-requisite.", I told them. We all had a good laugh at my reply. Then they told me that the lesson is actually applicable not only to your special someone but to everyone dear to you. Okay...I just had to make that clear. hehe...

Indeed, it's a movie about showing and expressing your love to those important people in your life...while you still can. It's also about second chances and making things right. It's about saying those long unspoken words and expressing what's in your heart NOW, not when they're already gone...not when it's already too late and all you could only utter is "If only..."

You probably guessed it already, this movie is a tearjerker for me. But really it's a nice one. I also love Jennifer's song here, "Love will show you everything".

Herbie
This one is an entertaining movie about Herbie - "the free-wheelin' Volkswagen bug with a mind of its own". Maggie (Lindsay Lohan) got it as a graduation gift from her dad. Herbie unexpectedly got her to join a racing contest and surprisingly, they beat the number one (not to mention, arrogant) racer in town. It's a story about friendship and family as well as taking risks to reach for your dreams.

Cinderella Man
I remembered Pastor Noel mentioned about this movie when I attended a Wednesday service at Bread of Life - Greenbelt last Month. I was quite intrigued and so I was really looking forward to see it. Good thing, my cousin has a copy. (yey!)

This movie is based on a true to life story of the boxing legend, James Braddock (Russell Crowe). It is a very heart-warming and inspiring film (that has brought tears to my eyes). It speaks of the importance of the family, about loving them so unconditionally, doing everything for their sake and being with them no matter how difficult the situation may be. I see James Braddock here as a man of character and integrity - "as a person, a husband, a father and a citizen of his country". I am not fond of boxing but I found myself as if wanting to punch as well everytime he's about to lose at his opponent...even cringe everytime he receives a tough blow as I see him wounded and in pain...but best of all, rejoicing in his victories. Indeed, it's one of the best films I've seen so far. Go watch it if you get the chance.

I still have some movies lined up to watch. Tina has been so generous in lending me copies lately. hehe... Hopefully, I could watch them this coming Friday. Another long weekend, yipee! (",)

My Sassy Girl

I've heard a lot of good feedbacks about this movie even before. But I just didn't have any chance to see it for the longest time. So when my team mates and I went to MCS last month, I decided to buy a dvd copy of it (well yeah, pirated. hehe). And just when I was already excited to go home to watch it, all enthusiasm faded away the moment our DVD player failed to detect the disk. (waaahhh...)

Oh well, I just decided to wait for the movie to be shown in the theaters since I heard they will be showing it this month. And yesterday, I heard it is already being shown at Glorietta 1. (yey!) So I dragged my friend, Tina, to watch it with me after office hours. I'm really glad that she didn't hesitate even if she has already seen it for the nth time. haha! Yup, she's one of those whose been really encouraging me to watch it.

I should say, I haven't seen anything like it. I mean, the love story was really unique. It made me laugh and learn a lot...It has touched and inspired me. I also love the korean version of the song "I Believe". It just sounds so sweet even if I couldn't understand it. Hmmm... I think, just like Tina, I could also watch this movie again and again - even for the nth time. (",)

WIN - Cavite City's 12th Year Anniversary

It was a great time we had with our brothers and sisters in Cavite City last Sunday afternoon. We joined them in their celebration of their 12th year anniversary which was held at Sangley Point Naval Base's Social Hall.

Since we arrived an hour in advance, we took the chance to explore the place and took some pictures.

the moms

the daughters

posing beside the cannon

mga model ng kanyon (hehe...)
The celebration was graced with several presentations from the different ministries. Each of them offering their talents to the Lord as they thank Him for his goodness and faithfulness throughout the years.

the youth ministry grooving to the tune of Hillsong's "Everyday"

the kids singing "heart to change the world"

moms doing an interpretative dance for the King of kings

dads singing a tagalog song about God and country

the talented youth again in a very compelling drama

tambourine dancers in their gracefull moves
Pastor Woodrow from our church in Imus delivered a message that surely touched the heart of those who heard it. It goes well with the theme "Passion for Christ, Compassion for man". The celebration ended with a grand finale number from all the ministries.



And of course, it was eating time after the service. (yey!)

Tita Nancy and Tita Rose with my cute student, Jaz

Papa and Mama
I met a new friend as I was enjoying my dinner. I found her roaming near my seat, busy eating her banana. Meet my little friend, Juliana...

yum, yum... =P
And just when we were about to leave, Lance and Jie tried wearing some of the costumes. Looks like they came from the land of Encantadia. hehehe...

bagay! =D
Overall, it was a wonderful celebration and we give back all the praises and thanksgiving to our Great God! (",)

Outing Collages

Once again, Ritche's very creative wife, Au is kind enough to create these cool collages from our outing pictures. So sweeet of her! :)

Here they are...











I think we'll be expecting more collages after every OCS event in the future. (",)

OCS Town Meeting/R & D Kick-off (Day 2)

Coco Beach, Puerto Galera
15th October 2005

I woke up 10 minutes before my alarm clock rang. It's my dad's birthday! I tried to send him a text message but I had to try severaI times because the signal was quite bad. Thank Goodness, I was able to send it afterwards. =)

Since I was assigned to make arrangements for Island hopping, I had to be at the beach front earlier. Good thing, I already asked the resort coordinator the night before, for a boat that we could rent. She said it will be waiting for us at 8 a.m.

The girls also asked me to wake them up at 6:30. So there, I was the official alarm clock. Hehe… Tina woke up when she heard me fixing my things. It was a beautiful Saturday morning! When I opened the door, I was so fascinated to see such a magnificent view.


view from our room
Still feeling sleepy though, I sat at the hammock and just marveled at the beauty of the surroundings.


at the hammock, still quite sleepy…
Then I walked up to Anne, Lea and Claire’s room. The three of them were still in dreamland even as I was already banging their door. (tsk, tsk…) Good thing, (or maybe not) they’ve left their window unlocked and so I successfully opened it and gave the girls a nice wakeup shout (haha!) They got out of bed, finally.

We all went to the restaurant for breakfast. We all enjoyed the delicious breakfast even more than the meals we had the day before. I had fried rice, bacon, scrambled egges, ham omelette, strawberry jam, croissant, fresh mangoes for dessert and coffee of course.

After my sumptuous breakfast, I approached each table to announce that the boat is already waiting for us. We rented some snorkeling gears before hopping in the boat. The vest was free of charge. All aboard by 8:30. Oh not really all, since some opted to just stay around the resort, while others were still fast asleep in their rooms. Hehehe…

The boat stopped at a good snorkeling spot. It was actually my first time to use the gear so I was feeling uncomfortable. But later on, I got the hang of it and was really glad to be able to gaze upon the beauty of the world under the sea.


snorkeling! That’s me, Royet, Mike and Chris
The “manong” offered to take us around the area with his boat so that we could go to the nicer snorkeling spots. All we had to do was to hold on to the rope attached to the boat’s “katig” (don’t know the English term for that). That’s 100 bucks for an hour.

I really enjoyed the experience. Watching schools of fishes of different kinds, sizes and colors passing by me, seeing blue starfishes and giant clam shells! It was awesome!

30 minutes was up and we rode the boat again. Next stop was at the “Coral Garden”. It’s snorkeling time once again. The manong with the small boat was already waiting to take us around for another 30 minutes.

The Coral Garden had more beautiful corals and fishes compared to the first area we visited. The manong was also kind enough to give us crumbs of rice (for the lack of bread) so that we could feed the fishes.

The fishes started coming towards us by the time we scatter the crumbs under water. It was a beautiful sight! I’ve never seen that many fishes of wonderful colors coming so near me. I really wish I had captured that in camera. Unfortunately, I didn’t find Nemo. =( (clownfishes, I mean. Hehe…)


snorkeling again at the Coral Garden
Time is up for snorkeling. We boarded the boat and went to our final destination – White Beach. It’s time to buy some souvenirs! They sell nice shirts at a relatively cheap price. I brought shirts for my dad, mom, sis and for me as well. We also stopped by a souvenir store and I bought some magnets and keychains for my friends.


shopping at the souvenir store
The boat took us back to Coco Beach at around 11 a.m. We headed straight to our rooms to pack our things and check-out. But we received good news that we could still check out until 2 pm. (yey!)

We proceeded to the restaurant for lunch. I opted for sinigang , chicken adobo, lapu-lapu, fruit salad and cake for dessert. We also ordered some fruit shakes. (The cakes were actually for the birthday celebrants. They just shared it with us. =D)


lunch time!
We decided to visit the hanging bridge right after lunch. It was like a five-minute walk from the restaurant. Again, it’s picture taking time.









Then it was time to try the pool! =)













At 2 p.m., went back to our rooms to pack our things and dress up. We’re just quite sad that we weren’t able to try the kayak and the banana boat. =( There’s just so much to do in so little time. Oh well, maybe in our next outing. =D

Ritche took a photo of us as we were walking our way towards the boat.


last shot before leaving the resort
Since it’s still low tide, we had to ride a smaller boat for transfer to the two bigger boats.


while riding the small boat


waving goodbye to Coco Beach…


In the big boat, while waiting to sail
It was also a smooth sail on our way back to Tabangao Pier. Again, we’re all so thankful for the perfect weather.


our boat (picture taken by Aspi from the other boat)
Hmm… I just had another wonderful experience to add in my “first time” list. I consider this another great blessing that God has given me this year. He’s really sweet! =)

Aside from the fun and enjoyment, we also brought home with us a sense of team spirit, ready to face the challenges that will come ahead. (",)

OCS Town Meeting/R & D Kick-off (Day 1)

Coco Beach, Puerto Galera
14 October 2005, Friday

I managed to arrive in the office at around 5:30 a.m. I was the only person in the room so I decided to work first. haha! Just kidding! I just checked my emails.

After several minutes, some of my officemates started coming. We all went down the lobby at around 6 a.m. I just brought my bag at the bus and went to our building's lobby to wait for the Mc Donalds delivery. I was just in time for the delivery girl. =)

Outside the bus – committee members wearing the OCS apple green shirt

with Anne having Mc Donalds for breakfast
We left Makati at around 7 a.m. Surprisingly, it was quite traffic in South Express way that early in the morning. But still, we managed to arrive at Batangas, Tabangao Pier at a little past 10 a.m.

We boarded the two boats waiting for us and we left the pier in less than 15 minutes. Of course, we immediately put on our life vests the moment we get inside the boat. My apple green shirt blends well with the life vest’s color. hehehe...


in the boat - Dave, Tina, Anne & me

Nicolas and Muriel with Louie on the side
It was a smooth sail going to Coco Beach. I'm so grateful that God has given us a good weather, contrary to the weather forecast we saw at Inq7. Glad that there were no big waves on the way. The weather was really perfect for an outing. It was like a taste of “summer in October” =D


view from the boat front - approaching Coco Beach

After almost an hour of sailing, we already saw the Coco Beach signage. (yey!)

Coco Beach!
We also saw this welcome banner as we went down the boat. cool!


OCS welcome banner
As we enter the restaurant at the beachfront, each of us received our welcome souvenirs (shell necklace) and our welcome drink (fresh buko).


We've just arrived

with my team mates wearing our souvenir necklace


sipping fresh buko juice

the girls - getting ready for lunch
Buffet lunch was served immediately after we've arrived. It was a choice of pasta and bread, vegetable soup, grilled milk fish, baked mussels, grilled chicken and ice cream on pancake for desert.


falling in line at the buffet table

having lunch =)
After lunch, we were given the keys for our rooms as well as the resort's directory map. Tina and I were room mates.

The rooms were located at the elevated part of the resort and so it was quite a tough climb for us since we just got filled from lunch. hehehe...

It was a really nice filipino-inspired room. Here's how it looked inside.


inside our room

feeling the comfy bed
There's also a porch and a hammock outside our room fronting the sea. There's Tina peeping at the door.


porch outside our room
We're given 30 minutes to freshen up a bit since all committee members must be at the function room by 1 p.m. to make the necessary preparations.

With our maps in hand, Tina and I proceeded at the function room after our picture taking session in our room (hehe...) It was located at the second floor of the conference building. I was surprised to see that it was a big function room with several large filipino-inspired paintings around. They look really nice!


committee members busy preparing

Ms. Gem, Tina, Me and Ms. Anne cutting some ribbons for the afternoon games
As we were waiting for the town meeting to start, we thought of taking some shots while mimicking the paintings around. Take a look! =D


happy faces! - Chris, Me, Louie & Arne

Feeling Ati-atihan!- Arne, Thet, Louie & Me

Tina with the igorot dancers

the guys getting ready to listen

The meeting proceeded smoothly, with Nicolas (our Techinical Director) and all the project managers doing each of their presentation.

Nicolas doing his company presentation

Our team lead, Axel presenting the Systems Testing and Validation team
Our HR Manager forgot to assign somebody who will manage the powerpoint presentations,and so Vic and I volunteered. I didn't know they took this shot as I was clicking at the laptop. hmmm...

another stolen shot while navigating at the presentations
After the presentations of each teams, afternoon snacks were served. We all enjoyed the delicious “kakanin” - biko, suman and ginatang mais, served with a choice of coffee, tea or juice.

while taking our afternoon snacks
Then it was all fun under the sun after the town meeting. We all proceeded at the beach front for the teambuilding games. We’re divided into 4 teams – green, yellow, blue and red. I was in the blue team (which happened to be my favorite color – nice!).

The first game was called “quadro-pull”. It’s a different version of “tug-of-war” since all 4 teams will compete at the same time. The Green team won in the first round, which left the Yellow, Red and our team (Blue) to compete for 2nd place.

red, yellow and blue team battling for the second round
The Red team won, which left the Yellow team and us to compete for 3rd place. We’re all exhausted already and my arms were starting to ache. But still, the team spirit is there and so after the 3rd round, our team won! (yipee!)

go blue team, go!
Though exhausted after the tough battle, we still managed to smile at the camera. Hehe…

Tina, Claire, Anne and me (with Patrick at the back)

Company picture taking (proud to be beside bosing. hehe...)
“Water Balloon Fight” was the next game. I was picked as one of the representatives who will enter the perimeter fence. All of us inside were blindfolded and we have to listen at the commands of our team leader to know when to “hit” our opponent. The team with the most number of men standing at the end of the game wins.

I managed to hit two opponents. Unfortunately, one of them was our Technical Manager, Noel. (ooppss..) My officemates told him after the game that I was the one who hit him. He was teasing me that it would cost me my performance appraisal. (uh-oh…hehe…)


water balloon fight!

posing after the “water balloon fight”
Next game was the “group sack race”. Too bad, our team was the last one to finish. Maybe, we ate a lot during merienda that’s why we found it hard to jump fast. Hehe…


jump, jump, jump!
The last game was the “plank race”. It was getting dark already when we did this game. Our team won first place! (yey!)


preparing to race!
Whew! We were all so exhausted after the games but we definitely enjoyed them. Most especially, it was a great opportunity to know more of our colleagues and an effective way to strengthen our relationship with one another.


group picture after the games (kawawa naman si Vic)
We had an hour to clean up and prepare for dinner. At around 7:30, dinner was waiting for us beside the beach. Buffet table was again filled with yummy food. On the side, the waiters were cooking barbeque chicken, pork chop and grilled squid. There were also torches bordering our dinner tables. Cool setup!


falling in line for dinner
I had asparagus soup, grilled tilapia, barbeque chicken, porkchop, grilled squid, java rice and mixed fruits for dessert.


Me and Monica (with Eman at the back) posing while filling our plates

Savouring our dinner (hey! nice effect from the torches)

at our dinner table

Our French Bosses
The Awarding Ceremony for the afternoon games was held immediately after dinner. Each team won cash prizes! =D


Our team won 3rd Place (at least…)
After the awarding, it’s free time for everyone. Since it’s “open-bar”, most of the guys took advantage of the free-flowing drinks.


One down… a lot more bottles to go. Hehe…
It’s nice that they’ve also provided us a television and a Magic Sing! Obviously, that meant a night of singing for us. We enjoyed every song number, good or bad. Hehe…

And so, I thought I could escape a song request but I was wrong. My own team lead asked me to sing “Til they take my heart away” (Tabel would surely like this. Hehe). Several moments passed and they're asking me to sing some Nina or MYMP songs. I was making every excuse. Fortunately there were no such songs in the list. (haha!) But Axel handed me the mic afterwards and asked me to sing "You've got a friend". Oh well, that's a nice song anyway. After that song, I quietly escaped from the crowd. hihi...

I went by the pool side and saw Monica, Aileen and Roselle enjoying their swim. I lay at the bench since I was starting to feel sleepy already. But it was sooo nice to see the bright moon shining and the stars evenly scattered around the evening sky. I felt so peaceful.

As I was on my senti mode (hehe…) the guys and gals started coming.


Aileen, Tina, Me and Anne by the pool side

Louie and Arne joined in
We finally climbed up our rooms at around 1 a.m. Though quite exhausted, it was definitely a great day for all of us!