Remembering my LEAP

It is exactly one year since I went through this 3-month long seminar called LEAP (Leadership Excellence Achievement Program). I'm truly grateful to Ma'am Mimi and Tita Corito for introducing this kind of program to me. I also thank them for their generosity and support.

Sometimes God has a special way of teaching us. And He used LEAP to make me learn and realize a lot of important things about me, about others and about life. I'm truly thankful to all the new friends I've gained and have touched my life significantly. I will always cherish all my experiences that helped to bring out the best in me. Indeed, LEAP has contributed a lot to who I am right now and will continue to influence who I will become in the future.

I can say that LEAP is one event in my life that I shall never forget. I still laugh, smile and sometimes get teary-eyed whenever I reminisce my experiences in LEAP. I just feel great everytime I look at the pictures and read the letters that I got from LEAP.

Let me share some of the many things that I miss and truly cherich in my LEAP journey. (You may click on the image for a larger version. =))






Letters and souvenirs from my LEAP classmates, coaches & facilitators

Everytime I re-read all their letters, I get so encouraged and strengthened. And it seems that I could face any challenge that might come my way. I'm really glad that I was able to touch their lives somehow and I'm so much thankful because they have truly made a difference in my life as well.

Ma'am Mimi gave me this souvenir which I always display in my office desk. Indeed, it is a great reminder to me as I move forward in this life's journey.

To all my classmates, coaches and facilitators of LEAP 23, thank you soooo much and God bless you all! (",)

Sharing on goals, pizza, macaroni and "balut"

I was assigned to lead our Saturday devotion before starting our rehearsals. This is my first time to do this since I joined the Music Ministry. Thanks to the pizza and macaroni salad that we ate before starting. That was enough to give me energy to talk for the next 30 minutes, at least.

I decided to share a topic which I heard when I attended the Wednesday service at Bread of Life (Greenbelt). It was actually the first preaching for the year on the said service. Good thing, I still have my notes (dated January 4).

I started by asking the guys and gals if they usually plan or set goals at the start of the year. I can't believe I received a "no" for an answer from ALL of them. Well at least they're honest enough. I appreciate that. =) So I guess I picked the right topic to share then. It's entitled "Maximizing 2006: How to make the most out of your new year".

I was glad that they all seemed to be interested with the topic as I began to discuss. I was even surprised at myself for talking almost spontaneously. I was just dumbfounded when Carlyn suddenly made a comment as I was enjoying the talk. She said, "Ang sarap naman magsalita ni ate Doths...", out of the blue. I stopped talking and gave her a confusing look and asked, "Huh? Anong ibig sabihin non?" The others also laughed and Carlyn just smiled at me without further explaining. Oh well I just asked, "So, anong lasa?" to tease her. We all laughed even more at that reply. hehehe...

Moving on, I encouraged them to make a list of their Faith Goals for this year and to pray for each item throughout the year. Finally, I told them to look back and see at the end of the year how many checks they'll have in that list. I'm sure they'd be surprised to see their plans taking place and their goals being achieved as God guides and strengthens them to do so.

I was happy to see enlightened faces at the end of our discussion. As Angie led the closing prayer she thanked the Lord for using me to share to the group that very important reminder. She said that it is indeed a very important learning for her, personally.

The rehearsals went well, though we ended a little late than usual since we have some new songs included in the line-up. Pastor Archie and Tita Susan arrived and brought us some "balut". Mark gave me one and said that we should eat it together at the count of three, including the "sisiw". Oh my! I told him I can't do that. But being the "makulit" brother that he is, he kept on insisting. But I just can't and won't eat that poor little thing! Thank Goodness, he finally gave up. =P

As usual, I slept at ate Lucille's house upon Kuya Aries' request. I know she feels sad being alone in the house for the entire week. At least she has someone to talk to even just for the weekend. (",)

What's Your True Color?

Got an invitation from some friends to try this Tickle test called "What's your true color?" I tried it out this afternoon while taking a break from our busy day.

Here's what I got:

Hmmm...I'm speechless. hehehe... Just click HERE if you want to try it too. (",)

"If this world makes you crazy

and you've taken all you can bear

Just call me up cause you know

I'll be there

And I see your true colors

Shining through

I see your true colors

That’s why I love you

So don’t be afraid to let them show

Your true colors, true colors are

Beautiful like a rainbow..."

Rainy Wednesday

Finally! I was able to grab some time and write something here in my blog. Yup, we've been kinda busy since Monday...well, since end of last week, actually. I still have several stuff (mostly pictures) to upload here, like our badminton game and team lunch last week. But I just don't have the luxury of time to do that now. Anyway, I hope things would be much lighter soon.

And yes, it's a rainy Wednesday (just like it's raining work for us. hehehe...). Which justifies why I woke up late this morning and why I doze off to sleep a little after lunch. (Oh my, that's not really a good habit, I know.) Thanks to the tea I drank which perked me up a bit.

I just finished sending our test status report, so I guess I can go now. More testing tasks to think of for tomorrow. But as for now, all I could think of is a bowl of hot yummy soup...and of course, my warm comfy bed. (",)

Start of something new

We had our first All-hands meeting with our new Technical Director this morning. It feels kinda weird not seeing Nicolas in front. But I guess we just really have to get used to it.

Anyway, our new boss, Mr. Dave Allan seems to be nice as well. We don't have a French, but a British for a boss this time. But just like Nicolas, he just wanted to be called by his first name. So Dave, that is. =)

Before Nicolas left last Decemeber, he made sure to give our annual performance evaluation, of course that is with the help of our team leads. Last week my team lead emailed me a copy of my performance evaluation. Surprised, happy and thankful are the words that I guess would describe how I felt as I read the email.

I'd like to share some of the comments written in my performance evaluation, not to brag about it because I know there are a lot others better than me. But just to share how God has been so good to me, especially in guiding me as I do the best I can in this work He has blessed me with.

Dorothy can work autonomously, requiring minimum supervision. Her previous QA experience and good organizational skill had enabled her to easily adapt and understand existing test documentations and develop her own test plans/cases. She had satisfactorily delivered all tasks assigned to her.

She works well with the team and never hesitates to extend some assistance to new team members. Despite her active participation in the Employee Relations Committee undertakings, she manages her time well.

She has resourcefully acquired the necessary information by reviewing existing documents and interviewing/discussing with peers or team leads or managers. She escalated concerns to immediate superior when necessary and continuously explored and suggested ideas to be able to work effectively and efficiently.

Primary Strengths: Can work with minimum supervision, Organized, Fast learner

Ever since I worked, I was never after any awards or recognitions just as long as I know I'm doing what is expected of me. But I must admit, it feels great when your efforts are acknowledged and appreciated. Indeed, God is good! I really thank Him for blessing me with kind superiors and cool team mates. =)

I'm also excited with what is in store for me (and for our team as well) this year. What makes me a little nervous though, are these words in the email as suggestions for improvement: "Develop potential management skills". Oh my...that would be really new for me. But I thank my superiors for their trust and for seeing this kind of potential in me.

Like what I always say, I'm a work in progress. There are still a lot of things for me to experience and learn. But as long as I know that God will always be by my side, I'm willing to go to new places and experience new things. Sounds exciting yet nerve-wracking. But then, that's all part of growing and eventually, becoming the best for God, just as He intended us to be. (",)

Smart Casual Mondays

It all started with a joke after our team's status meeting last Thursday. But I guess all of us are up to the challenge. So you may be asking what exactly am I talking about. Hmm... well, we've all agreed to wear smart casual attire every Monday. There would be a 50 bucks fine for those who would not comply. That would go to our team's fund. =)

Yesterday, most of our officemates were wondering why we're so formal. We just answered that we wanted to start the week right - looking good, feeling good and working really good. (hehe...)

But I wasn't spared from my big brothers' (my own team mates) teasing when I entered the room. I think they're just not used to see me wearing turtlenecks, slacks and strappy sandals. But anyway, thanks for the compliment, guys. =)

With Ritche and Ferdie
Here's the proof of our first Smart Casual Monday. Good thing (or maybe not. hehe...) everyone remembered.

Mukhang kagalang-galang =)

Ayan, lumabas na ang tunay na kulay. hehe! =P

I'm looking forward to the coming Mondays and just wondering who's gonna be the first one to take out 50 bucks from his/her wallet. Hopefully, it wouldn't be me. hehehe... Until next Monday!!! (",)

O.T. on a Saturday and Narnia Happy Meal =)

Yup, I'm here in the office on a Saturday. It's actually my first time to do an overtime work on a weekend here in OCS. =D Surprisingly, I arrived here quite early...and I was the only one here in our room. =(

Since I haven't eaten breakfast yet, I decided to go Mc Donalds (People Support). Last night after watching the Chronicles of Narnia, I already thought of collecting the Narnia figures from Happy Meal. (hehe...) Apparently, I really loved the film just as I've loved the book. Unfortunately, "Aslan" is not available so I got the youngest of the siblings - cute little "Lucy" - along with my pancake meal.

My team mate Cheli is already in the office when I came back. Good thing, we finished the regression testing before lunch. And guess where we had our lunch? Yep. Mc Donalds! (Greenbelt, this time) I ordered 2 Happy Meals but still, there's no "Aslan". So I got "Edmund" - the second to the youngest of the siblings and "Mr. Tumnus" - the faun. =D

I displayed the Narnia figures on my desk together with the colorful dioramas that come with it. My officemates saw them and got curious and fascinated with Narnia. I think they'd also be watching it this weekend.

Hmmm... I'm still wondering on which Mc Donalds branch could I find "Aslan"? I guess that's where I should have my dinner tonight. (hehehe...) Hopefully, I could already go home in a while. (",)

Just taking a breather...

The week welcomed me with a handful of tests to execute. Actually, I'm also excited about it since we will be using the test plans I have prepared for the longest time. (hehe..)

So far, the test plans look effective considering the number of bugs we have found since Monday. Some of the developers are teasing me though, everytime they receive bug notification in their emails. Ooopps... Sorry po, trabaho lang. =)

Not really something to be thankful about, but the server is currently down right now so I can't continue testing. But somehow this gave me a chance to write something here in my blog while I'm gazing at the sunset once again. Wow...It's really beautiful.

Hopefully, it would be more relaxing for us tomorrow. Plus, I'd get to reward myself with a treat at the movie house. Friday night equals Chronicles of Narnia! (yey!!!) I'm really, really excited to see this movie since I've read these 7 books of C.S. Lewis a few years back. But of course, it's the second book that I like best - The Lion, the witch and the wardrobe. =)

Oh well, I'm just hoping the server would be up soon...or else, I'd have to call it a day. (hehe...) Which reminds me, I still have several Korean movie CDs to watch. My good friend, Mich, lent me her favorites (My Little Bride, Windstruck and Ilmare). Hmmm... I think I could get to see one of those tonight. (nice!) (",)

Visions of a Sunset

Our team has been transferred in a new room before the holiday break. I'm just glad to be here. Though it's quite a hassle to be located on a higher floor building, I think being in the 26th floor also has its advantages. Here in our new room, I love the view that I could see from our glass window.

It feels so relaxing to look at the clouds and the sea whenever my eyes are already strained from staring at the computer monitor. I could even see Bataan from here. =) In the afternoon before the day ends, I would always look forward to seeing the sunset.

All of us in the team loves this view. My team mate, Ferdie said that his being sentimental creeps in and it makes him teary-eyed whenever he sees something like this. (haha!) Just take a look at this picture courtesy of my team mate, Ritche. He captured this using his hi-tech camera one afternoon as we were gazing at the beautiful and awesome sunset.

"Visions of a sunset
Just appear when
I close my eyes
Takes me closer to heaven
When the flute starts to fly
And the violin cries

I am free from all sorrow
Like the wind blows from the sky
Takes me closer to heaven
When the flute starts to fly
And the violin cries..."

Just as the sun sets at the end of the day, I'd like to close the week thanking God for His loving presence, His goodness and for all the beautiful things around that He has created for me to see. (",)

"Home" from Dreamsounds

Since I became a part of the Systems Validation team here at OCS, my Fridays are never complete without listening to Wave 89.1's Love Notes. Sounds like a work-related requirement, huh? hehehe... Well, It's my team mate, Ritche's influence. Now, he got Anne and Carrisa hooked as well. =D

This morning, I got a copy of Dreamsounds Collection - a compilation of love songs being played in the said radio program. I was just surprised to hear this song by Brian McKnight. When I searched for the lyrics, I found out that it's a gospel song.

HOME

Thinking back when we first met

I remember what You said

You said You'd never leave me

I let go of Your hand

Built my castle in the sand

But now I'm reachin' out again

And I'm not letting go

Till You

Hold me

Mold me

Sometimes I feel so all alone

See, I gotta find my way back home

So why don't You

Shape me

Make me

Wash me whiter than the snow

I gotta find my way

Back home

Master, upon my knees I pray

I just want to be the clay

Put Your arms around me

Place my life in Your hands Lord,

I know I'm just a man

I know you understand

This time I'm not letting go

Till You

Anoint me

Appoint me

Sometimes I feel so alone

See, I gotta find my way back home

So why don't You

Chastise me

Baptize me

Wash me whiter than the snow

I gotta find my way

'Cause I'm lost and alone

I've been wandering

Long enough to know

Humbly I search for You

And I'm not gonna rest

Till You

Choose me

Use me

Sometimes

I feel so alone

I'm on my way

back home

So why don't You

Direct me

Bless me

Wash me whiter then the snow

I'm on my way

Back home

I never thought Brian McKnight sing songs like this. I actually find it touching. In fact, I wrote some of the lyrics up there in my blog heading. =) If you want to listen to this song, you can download a copy HERE from my Multiply site.

Oh well, Friday is fast approaching. Everything stops at exactly 10 a.m...it's "Dear Joe..." time for our team once again. (",)

Welcome 2006!

Last year has been a great year for me and I really thank the Lord for everything that He's done. I also had a wonderful time during the holidays as I spent it with my family, relatives and friends. Here are some of our holiday pics. =)

Christmas Eve

My cousins from Manila and Bicol joined us for Noche Buena. I was also happy to see my favorite nephew, Kiel. He missed his favorite tita and ninang, too. While waiting for midnight to strike, my cousins and I played "pinoy-henyo" (got it from Eat Bulaga). It was so much fun! Girls won over the guys. yey!


Christmas Day @ Church

It felt great to be singing some Christmas songs as we included them in our Praise and Worship line-up. My dad delivered a short but interesting Christmas message. We had lunch in Church together and later on took the chance to give gifts to one another.



Christmas Day @ Circle Island

My cousin, Bhing, gave us a treat at Circle Island. Didn't took a swim though, since the weather is quite cold. But my cousins surely enjoyed the place. So there, I volunteered to be the official photographer. =)



Christmas Day @ Baywalk

It's been more than a year since I last visited Baywalk. So when Angie asked me to come with them, I gave a resounding 'yes'. As expected, the traffic was quite heavy since there were also a lot of people going there. We parked the car in Luneta and walked from there going to Remedios. But we didn't notice the long walk because the sceneries and the Christmas celebration around kept us busy.



World Pyro Olympics

I had the chance to watch this event even for just a couple of days, though I've been wanting to have a complete attendance for the 5-day contest. I was able to see the fireworks entries of Germany, Korea, Russia and United Kingdom. But I missed Australia's presentation. My friend told me it was really the best. No wonder they won!

Unfortunately, my digicam isn't that hi-tech to capture all the wonderful effects. But I got some of them here. They were all so awesome! I've never seen anything like it before.



Encounter God Retreat

I consider it a great opportunity to be able to attend this retreat. I've realized and learned a lot from it. I was also thankful for my partner, Kaye. I know it wasn't just coincidence that we're assigned to one another. We were both surprised to know that we're of the same age and both involved in the Music Ministry as well as Kid's Sunday School. We had a great time with one another and also learned a lot from each other.

I thank the Lord for meeting me there and refreshing my soul once again. I believe it is also His way of preparing me for this coming year. It was truly a great blessing for me!



New Year Celebration

My cousins, nieces and nephews from Quezon province visited us in the afternoon of New Year's eve. I had fun playing with the kids. =) Again, my cousins from Manila spent New Year with us. Before midnight, we had a street party with our neighbors. At the strike of midnight, we thanked the Lord as we welcomed 2006 with much gladness and enthusiasm!

I'd like to share a quote that I got from the retreat. I find this one so appropriate as we start the year. It says, "It's wonderful to know that our God is not only a God of Second Chances, but He's a God of New Beginnings."

A Blessed 2006 to everyone!!! (",)