Axel's birthday treat @ Seaside

Saraapppp ng crabs and shrimps! Thanks bosing Axel for the treat! :D Next year po ulit. hehe... (",)

When they finally said, "I do"

through the years...
I remembered sharing happy times with her and her sisters. Playing along the same street in our village, which on that street only two houses exist at that time - their house and ours. Went to the same school and rode the same school bus. Our families attended the same church, her sisters and mine participated in Sunday School. Our families celebrated special occassions together. We shared a lot of things as we were growing up. And though we had to leave the village for several years, the good relationship between our families remained the same through the years. It's been a couple of decades that passed. The young girl I used to know has grown into a beautiful and responsible woman. And what great news to hear that my dear friend, Maricar (Car, as we fondly call her) is finally being married to the man she loves. Early this year, she just asked me to be the emcee for her wedding. She knows I'd be more than willing to do it as I share in rejoicing at the happiest moment of her life.

preparations
Jing (Car's sister), me and my sis took care of the preparation for the wedding reception. Though we thought we have covered everything, still we had to work double time especially when unexpected things came up with just several days left. A week before the wedding, the keyboardist they've talked to a couple of months ago, had to back out for some reason. Same is true with the male singer. And my sister who's supposed to be the program coordinator also informed us that she wouldn't be able to come on the wedding day because of a very important work reason. waaaahh... That left me and Jing with a really big problem to handle.

Good thing, James (our church's bandleader) gave a "yes" when I asked if he could play the keyboards for my friend's wedding. I also asked her sister, Carlyn to render a song for the reception. Jing and I found ourselves with no choice left but to sing as well, in the absence of the male singer. Unlike Jing, it'll be my first time as a wedding singer. Huwhatt?!?! Me?!Wedding singer? I somehow couldn't imagine that (hehe...) I could already feel my heart throbbing loudly even days before the wedding. I'm not sure if I could handle that pressure well. Hmmm...Ok, ok.. anything for my dear friend.

Aside from my emcee/program coordinator/wedding singer role, I also promised to make a flash presentation for the wedding. I could've finished it earlier but I still ended up as a professional crammer. hehe..Well partly it's not my fault since the scanned pics were handed to me just a week before the wedding. But that same week was a really "busy" (as in busy) week for me in the truest sense of the word. I was juggling between my work, school and wedding tasks.

wedding day
June 10 (Saturday) - I realized I was awake for almost 24 hours already. I woke up at 4:30 a.m of Friday and slept at 4:00 a.m. of Saturday. Nice! Looks like I'm more excited than the bride huh? hehe... not really. It's the flash presentation that I had to finish and polish that made me awake until those wee hours of the morning. Not to mention that I'm using my crawling PC at home and not Tabel's laptop which she willing lent me for the week (by the way, thanks Tabel for that!). Anyway, I was able to sleep for a good 4 hours still.

At around 10 a.m. Jaja (who slept over our house) accompanied me to church for the wedding song rehearsal. Yup, Jing and I only practiced on that day. Told you we're professional crammers. hehe... I realized how hard it is to sing when you still lack sleep. But thanks to James who's been very patient with me. We finished right before lunch.

We had to start preparing ourselves a little after lunch. Too bad, my sis wasn't around to do my make-up. huhu... So I had no other choice but to do it on my own. My mom was surprised when she saw me. I thought it was a ghastly surprise. hehe.. but no, she was surprised to see that I somehow know how to put make up on. nice! :)

in the garden
Jing and I went to the resort an hour before the call time just to make sure that everything is already arranged. The garden was even more beautiful with it's apple-green and tangerine motif and colorful fresh flowers all around. At 4:30 pm, the entourage started marching down the isle. I especially love the flower girls with their butterfly wings, and this super cute Bible-bearer. :)



The ceremony proceeded smoothly. As always, my favorite parts are the profession of vows and of course, the kiss. The first one never failed to bring tears to my eyes no matter how short and simple it may seem. The latter surely brought smiles and cheer to everyone's faces.


Then it was time for the most nerve-wracking part of the ceremony for me. I was tempted to ask James to just play the keyboards without me singing. But I had to keep my promise. So there, I sang "Panunumpa" with whatever confidence left in me at that moment. Even if I was trying my best to be as calm as possible, I know I'm still shaking. I somehow became a little relaxed towards the end of the song. And what a relief when the song ended! hehe.. It was quite an experience and until now I still can't believe I did that.


the reception
The reception proceeded smoothly as well, though we had to make some minor changes with the programme. Good thing, the flash presentation setup worked fine. I saw people smiling and giggling at the earlier parts of it, while turning serious and even quite teary-eyed at the latter part. The food was great but just as expected, I wasn't able to take much time eating as I'd like to. I guess that's one disadvantage of being the emcee. On the positive side, I was able to exempt myself from joining the bouquet toss. Of course, who'd stand as the emcee if I join the rest of the single ladies? Though I heard several objections from my friends in the audience. But just the same, I hold the mic so I can do whatever I want. hehe...


The wedding ended with a special "thank-you" message from the lovely couple followed by a fireworks display. Though exhausted, Jhing and I felt a wonderful sense of fulfillment after the event. Nothing could compare to the genuine gladness we saw in the eyes of the couple for their successful wedding celebration that evening. Mama Virgie (as I fondly call their mom) approached us afterwards for a photo, and to express her gratitude as well. "Thank you so much, Doths. This wouldn't be possible without you.", were the words she uttered while holding my hand, almost teary-eyed. She knows I would do anything I could to make my friend's wedding a really memorable one.


never waited in vain
8 years - that's how long it took before Raini and Car could finally utter the words, "I do". But they never regretted the long wait. They know how important it is to be prepared in every aspect before embarking on this new journey in their lives. And surely, their patience had been enormously rewarded.

In our "fast-paced-almost-everything-is-instant world", how many of us even like the idea of waiting? How prompt it is for us to utter, "I want it! Right here, right now!"? Most of the time, we choose to settle with just whatever is available or currently possible. But isn't it an insult to God who wanted to give us His very best at the right place and time, when we grab just the "second, third or fouth" best for the sake of instant gratification?

Sometimes, we mistook God for saying "no", when what He's actually telling us is to "wait". He would surely know when we're already prepared to receive what we have been asking. He might have a different time table but one thing's for sure - He's never early and definitely never late. His timing is always perfect and indeed, He makes all things beautiful in His time.

Waiting doesn't have to be tiring and boring as how we perceive it to be. If we would only realize that the journey of waiting is as sweet as the attainment itself. So, whatever/whoever it is that you're waiting for right now, have faith that at the right moment, God will grant it to you when He sees you're ready. And I'm sure, when that moment comes, you could only say to yourself...

"It's definitely worth the wait." (",)

=)

* back to school =) *

On shifting

6 a.m. - 3 p.m. Yep, that's my current work schedule which officially started today. I'm guessing this will be my sched for the next 2 weeks. Unless they could find a way to get more test resources. But then, that requires a miracle. hehe... :D Yes, my body clock is still adjusting but I think I'm starting to like this kind of work sched. It just feels a little different but I like the fact that I could already go home while the sun's still brightly shining. What a Cool change!(",)

Wednesdays w/ Sir Lem

It almost became automatic for me to report to work early and leave the office before 6pm during Wednesdays for the past 2 months. It's the worship leading class that made me busy during those days. And yes, it made my summer even more worthwhile as well.

The recital was held last week, just before we took our last session. There were quite a number who performed with their instruments (guitar, drums, piano, violin etc.) while those who studied voice rendered several songs. I was so glad to see my former sunday school student, Trisha performing with her guitar on stage. I could tell she would be a great guitarist soon. As for our class, we're not required to perform during the recital. It's voluntary. Good thing, there's one brave soul who volunteered - Vince. The rest of us cheered for him. His voice reminded me of a young Chris Daughtry (of American Idol). Needless to say, we're all so proud of his performance. He surely made Sir Lem proud as well. :)


It's a little sad that this class had to end so soon. I'll surely miss the ever punctual kuya Ronald and Ate Vicky (kahit sila ang pinaka-malayong destinasyon)...the jolly, Ate Armi...the elegant, Ate Carol...the husband-and-wife tandem of Kuya Greg and Ate Sarah...my ka-chickahan, Nez...my kasabay-sa-uwian buddies, Randy and August (actually chaperon ako ng mga kabataang ito at tagahatid sa sakayan since hindi sila familiar sa Ayala. hehe...)...the singer-by-heart, Vince and of course the great (not to mention, makulit) professor, Sir Lem.






I would always be reminded of Sir Lem's outstanding talent and sincere humility. Surely he has already performed in many countries and acclaimed as one of the best Tenor in the country, being a part of the group "3 Tenors and a Soprano" (with Nolyn Cabahug, Ramon Acoymo and Rachelle Gerodias). But inspite of all his credentials and achievements, we saw a humble man with a great passion to serve the Lord by sharing his talents and knowledge in music. I was brimming with gladness when I had the chance to sing with him even for just a while. It was one of my memorable moments in this class.

I must admit, I feel so inconfident at first. That's probably one of the reasons why I enrolled in this class. Sir Lem has truly inspired and encouraged me to serve God with this gift. I will never forget his words that indeed gave me the much needed confidence. The wisdom he imparted will definitely guide me as I continue to tread on this path. And I will take in this journey those memories of our Wednesday sessions with Sir Lem and the rest of the cool worship leaders. (",)

Nakahabol pa sa Summer =)

At last! napost ko na rin itong mga pics from our company summer outing last weekend. yey! I'm also writing in taglish, for a change. hehe...

Here are the photos from our 3 days and 2 nights stay at White Rock Beach Resort in Subic. :) Huling hirit sa tag-init!

The Bus
I was in-charge of checking the attendance in the bus going to Subic. Buti naman wala masyadong pasaway na na-late. hehe... Dahil kulang sa tulog from the previous nights, I slept half of the time on our way to Subic and 3/4 of the time naman pabalik ng Makati. (deprived!)



Stopovers
Lunch time pa expected time of arrival namin sa White Rock so to kill time medyo namasyal muna kami around Subic. First stopover is the Bat Kingdom. Unfortunately, wala kaming nakita kahit anino ng isang paniki. Malamang tulog pa sila. hehehe... So picture-picture na lang kami.

Hindi ko alam yung tawag dun sa place ng next stopover namin. But it reminds me of Luneta's boardwalk. I think yun yung port papuntang Grande Island. Anyway, some of us hindi na bumaba sa bus kase sobrang init. Yung iba, ayun nagpapicture ulit.



The Room
All of us occuppied the rooms on the 4th floor. Walang elevator kaya exercise kami. Okay naman yung rooms. Though mas maganda yung accommodation namin last year sa Coco Beach. Roommates ko sina Tabel and Anne. Kaya lang nung last night namin dun ayaw na nila matulog sa room namin. (Bakit kaya?) Kaya ayun, nakitulog kami sa room nila Axel, Ritche and Ferdie. hehe...



Views
Maganda rin naman pala sa White Rock. Either that or magagaling lang talagang photographers mga officemates namin. hehe... Take a look at these.


Teambuilding and Sportsfest
For the teambuilding, we (Yellow team) won 2nd place sa "Balloon Volleyball" and first place naman sa "Hear Me Out". As in way ahead of the other teams! Thanks to our leader, Jhung. Kaya lang, no bearing naman sa team standing. hehe...

For the continuation ng Sportsfests, we placed 3rd sa "Kayak race", first place sa "Catch the dragon's tail" and first place rin sa "Aim with me". yey!

Eating Time
Food was ok. Though parang mas masarap pa rin ang food sa Coco Beach. hehe...lagi bang i-compare? :D Dinner nung first night at saka yung mga breakfast ang the best!

The pool
Kinareer namin ang night swimming. Parang may soothing effect yung water, sarap! First time ko rin maglaro ng basketball sa pool. Ang saya pala lalo na nung ako yung unang naka-shoot! hehe... kaya lang bigla akong nagka-cramps in the middle of the game, kaya yun stop na ko. Best players are Tabel, Tina and Karen. :D

Conference

Very Informative. Kahit medyo inaantok kami. Facilitated one of the ice breaker games. Helped to perk us up a bit. Ang kulit ni Jhung, Emman and Andrew. hehe...Ang saya rin nung icebreaker from our managing director. Ang daming naghakot ng give-aways. Isa na si Tabel dun. haha...Happy rin po kase our team was awarded with the best presentation. nice! Worth it ang pag-stay ko ng late the previous night sa office para tapusin yung flash presentation. :D

Awarding rin ng Sportsfest. We're so surprised to hear that our team (Yellow!) ranked 2nd in the overall team standing! Wow! We're in the last slot kase before. hehe...nice! Now we're planning where to spend our cash prize. hmmm...:D

Recreation
Billiards, Pingpong, Videoke, Gym are available on the 2nd floor for free! So there's our tambayan during our free time.

Around the resort
Just taking every photo opportunity in every corner of the resort. :D

Integration & Support team
Syempre kelangan may team picture! :P

Banana Boat and Jetski at its best

Ang bait ni bosing nanlibre ng Banana Boat at Jetski! yey! Another entry in my "List of Firsts". Ang kulit ni Tabel sa banana boat, grabe! Feeling ko malalaglag kami kahit hindi kami sadyang ihulog ni manong. hayyy! Also with us are Jhung, Arlene, Anne. Cool experience talaga!

Si Ferdie naman ang ka-jetski ko. First time din pala nya mag drive nun. Buti na lang hindi kami tumalsik. haha! Pinag-drive rin nya ko. Ang saya! Kaya lang hindi namin napansin ang tagal na pala namin nag-iikot. Inabutan ng time. waah! bitin.

Sabado night
Huling hirit na so we took advantage of it. There's a live band to entertain us and "open-bar" for the "drinkers". Sayang hindi ako makikinabang dun. hehe...

Performers of the night:

Axel - gave the opening number, who sang "Bakit ngayon ka lang" with the band's female vocalist. yihee...

Anne - sang her favorite, "I'd still say yes"

Karen - the pretty diva. sang "Through the fire" and "My immortal"

Tina - videoke queen ang batang ito. hehe.. Sang "Bring me to life" and had a duet with Ron singing "Bakit ngayon ka lang"

Mhell and Ed - serenaded us with "Before I let you go" with Axel on lead guitar. naks!

Me - akala ko makakalusot, hindi pala.. hehe... Umiwas sa "Through the fire" kase baka hindi kayanin ng powers ko. Yun pala "Open Arms" ang ipapakanta sa kin. waahh! Thanks pala kay Ferdie for holding the lyrics for me. Hindi ko memorize e (yeah right!)

Dancing all through the night after the jamming session! Marami palang talented (or frustrated) dancers sa OCS. hehe... Somebody handed me a tambourine while everyone's busy groovin'. Naaliw sila sa kin mag tambourine. nyehehe... Hindi ko rin akalain na marunong pala ko. hehe...Thanks for the compliment guys and gals!



Stolen Shots

Hindi pa rin nakalusot sa dumaraming paparazzis. tsk, tsk...

Zoobic Safari
Just before heading off to Makati, we had a tour at Zoobic Safari. The best zoo I've been so far. May tour guide pa kami named Joanna. Very informative ang field trip na ito. hehe... Super cute ng mga tiger cubs! kaya lang hindi pwede hawakan of course kung gusto naming umuwi ng kumpleto ang mga daliri. Hanggang pictures lang kami. We also met Boie -the goat, Nicolas - the moonbear and Tintin - the baboon :P

Some of my officemates volunteered to carry a huge python. Nyaiks! hindi ko yata kaya yon. We met the huge tigers na iba-iba ang character. Pati mga ostrich na elegant pero medyo warfreak. The best part is when we entered the Tiger's zone while riding the enclosed jeepney. May pinahabol pa kaming chicken dun sa Tiger. Naawa kami sa chicken habang nag eenjoy sa pag nguya sina George and Dila (yung mga tigers).

The Committee

Medyo mahirap mag-asikaso ng event na 'to pero worth it naman. Masaya!

Presenting the people behind this event - the Employee Relations Committee! Cheers!

Thanks to Edward, Eric, Ferdie, Gilles, Jason, JR, Jhung, Pielle, Rhom, Ritche, Soc, Thet and Vanie for the wonderful photos. (",)