I Hope To See You Again, Joyerz...

Joy and Nicole

Saying goodbye is one of the hardest things to do. Be it for a lover, a family, a friend. It's really not easy. Especially when it's you who's leaving.

I'm not talking about me leaving. I wish I could if I have the opportunity. This article is about my friend, Joy Qua, who's actually on her way to Singapore.

Joy is one of the nicest person I've ever met. She's my colleague at work. She's the kindest, wittiest and always have the positive attitude which is contagious. Whenever I feel sad and weary, she's always there to cheer me up. She definitely lives up to her name, giving JOY to anyone. She's always there to listen and give kind words and advices. She's a real friend. It's seldom that I meet someone like her. Everybody in the team loves her. She's the mediator. She's a gem!

She surprised us with the news last week. When she told me about it on Facebook, I didn't believe her at first. All of us in the team didn't see it coming until the day she broke the news. I was a bit sad because it would mean I wouldn't see her everyday at work anymore. It just wouldn't be the same atmosphere at work without her. I'm happy for her though because that's what she really wanted. For her to be able to give a better life for her baby girl and for herself too. I know it's hard for her especially that she's leaving her daughter, Nicole and the rest of her family behind. All we could do is say a prayer for her and give our best wishes on her next journey in life.

Even though we bid goodbye, our friendship doesn't end there for sure.There are social networking sites online anyway which will help us communicate with each other.

I'm glad to have fun memories with Joy and the gang!!:D

I said goodbye to family and friends a lot of times already. So I know how it feels for Joy leaving everyone behind.

Goodbye is actually not the end of one's journey. It's a beginning of another endeavor. It's just scary in the beginning because you're going out of your comfort zone. It's trying another path in life, facing another adventure. I know Joy is going to make it abroad. It's just this path that we have to take sometimes to see if we're going to succeed or not. We won't have regrets in the end because at least we tried.

For my dear friend, Joy (I fondly call her Joyerz :D), I know it's going to be another fun ride! Take care dear friend and may God bless you as He always do.

I hope to see you soon!

Planning For A Treat...

My brother and his wife have been here in Manila for about 2 months now yet I haven't really toured them in some nice places here. It's not that I don't have the time, it's because I always run short of budget most times. Yeah! Talking about having a lot of expenses recently.

Since my room mate moved out, I pretty much used up my budget in buying stuffs for my room. I also bought a plane ticket for my brother so he can go home to the province to take care of some of his documents at school. Not to mention the bills to pay. Phew!

The good news is I am getting my incentives at work this coming month. At last I would be able to treat them out somewhere and finally buy something for them. I would be able to buy new shirts for my brother and his baby boy from the men's clothing section at the mall! And of course, have some bonding moments with my sister-in-law. I have been wanting to do that ever since they arrived here in Manila.

I want to have fun with them while they're here. I'm not trying too hard to be a nice sister, aren't I? :D

Commemorating Iglesia Ni Cristo Day...

Yesterday, was Iglesia Ni Cristo Day. All of us, members of the Church (INC) around the world, commemorated our 96th founding anniversary (July 27, 2010). We celebrated the event with Grand Evangelical Missions (GEM) and Bible expositions in different locales and centers worldwide.

Our locale held the GEM at Cuneta Astrodome. We brought along some visitors with us to listen to the words of God. As for me, I went with my sister-in-law, Joy, who decided to learn the Church's doctrines. She'll start the lessons on Monday! I'm really happy about her decision!

The Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) was formally established on July 27, 1914 through the leadership of Brother Felix Y. Manalo. He was succeeded by Brother Erano G. Manalo and now Bother Eduardo V. Manalo who is continuing the unselfish and dedicated leadership and administration of the Church.

Happy 96th Anniversary to all brethren around the world!

Updates And Green Shopping...

Today is my rest day! I had enough sleep and I'm so happy about it! I was planning to render overtime at work today but decided otherwise. I'm going to do my household and blogging chores today. My room is not at all messy but just needed a little cleaning. Oh! I forgot to tell you all that my room mate, Joanna, already left the apartment to take care of her Grandma who had a stroke. She resigned from work to prioritize her family. I miss my room mate but I have to carry on! :D

I have enough space in my room now but my brother, Florante and his wife might move in. So I'm probably won't be alone anymore by next week. That is if they won't change their minds about moving in with me.

Anyways, later on is time for me to buy some groceries at a mall nearby. It's green shopping day today since the mall will be using paper bags for groceries. No plastic bags on Wednesdays. It's the malls small contribution to greener environment. I better bring my own bag, though, for my groceries. I'm having a hard time with the paper bags actually. :D

Marmi's Birthday Bash...

My colleagues and I headed to Cavite, which is an hour ride from Makati, after work last Tuesday. We went there to have some fun and basically to celebrate a wonderful colleague's birthday - Marmi. She's a sweet lady and she's everybody's friend.

We have planned for it for weeks. We couldn't make up our minds with what gift to give her. It would have been better if it's personalized gifts. Since everyone was busy, we ended up buying the gift from the mall.

We decided to celebrate the birthday bash at Marmi's sister's house in Cavite.

I cooked spaghetti for the group! One of our friends, Ate Carylle, made sinigang for dinner. Everyone helped, of course! I just loved the team work! :D

The boys and some of the girls drank beer. I wasn't feeling well so I didn't join the drinking session with them. There was karaoke but since I was sick with cold and dry cough, I wasn't able to sing. Too bad, isn't it? :D

Everybody's hungry now, Alleeeyyyyy!!!!

I had fun spending the night with my friends. I was glad to have met Marmi who's such a nice person and I'm glad I was able to somehow make her happy on her natal day.

Marmi and yours truly

We love you Mamita! May God continue to bless you! Thank you for the friendship! May all your wishes come true, dear friend!

The birthday girl got her gifts...

and she's got a kiss too! LOL!

Movie Treat: The Last Airbender

I enjoyed a movie treat yesterday at SM Mall Of Asia's Director's Club. It wasn't on 3D but I enjoyed the complimentary recliner seats and the free drinks and pop corn! I was lucky that my friend Lowela invited me to join their team to watch the movie The Last Airbender for free! Thanks much Welalou and Team Chang!!!

The movie is a story of a boy named Aang (Noah Ringer) who's destined to be the Avatar and the last of his kind. He has the power to control all four elements: Air, Water, Earth and Fire.

After a century of disappearance, he came back and learned that the Fire Nation dominated over all the other elements and eradicated his kind - the Air Nomads.

With the help of his friends Katara and Sokka who are siblings from the Water Tribe, he continued the quest to master "Waterbending" and fulfill his destiny to restore peace to the world.

I haven't watched the animated television series Avatar: The Last Airbender. Not a fan of it actually. But I like the movie! It is the first of the planned trilogy, that's why the movie ends up introducing the next enemy of the Avatar, The Fire Nation's princess. We are yet to know her on the upcoming saga!

Here's the trailer of the movie!

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

I watched the Twilight Saga: Eclipse yesterday with friends at Greenbelt 3, Makati. I have read the Twilight series last year and actually became a fan of Stephenie Meyer's since then. I got my last book: Breaking Dawn as a birthday gift from my cousin Michelle last year.

I love the movie! It's action-packed! New-born vampires against the Collins and their unexpected team-up with the were-wolves to save Bella. Victoria, who never tired to take revenge for her lost love, was the one behind the army of new-born vampires.

Bella and Edward's love intensifies yet it appears that Bella also love the HOT were-wolf, Jacob. Yeah right! Bella's torn between unusual lovers! Makes us girls envy her! Grrr!

Well, girls, Jacob is most of the time shirtless here. Haha! Made the movie all the more enjoyable for me! Looking at his sexy bod make me think about testosterone booster reviews I read. Do you think he takes something for that gorgeous muscles??? Anyway, he's got this line for Edward when they were inside the tent, in the midst of the storm wherein Bella was shivering miserably, "I'm way HOTTER than you are!". That's his way of telling Edward that Bella needs his 109 degree body heat to keep her warm. :D I also think he meant that literally! LOL! I really love this scene even when I was just reading the book.

The movie also showcased Rosalie and Jasper's story of their becoming vampires. Lea and Seth Clearwater's appearance as part of the "pack" were a big help in fighting the new-born vampires. And the most awaited, Edward's proposal to Bella.

I left the movie house smiling and really feeling contented with the movie. I am now all the more excited on watching the last series: Breaking Dawn!

For those who haven't watched the movie yet, here's the trailer:

Considering Law School???

When I was a kid, I was asked what I want to be when I grow up. I said I want to be a lawyer! :D
I was a dreamer back then. I bet all of us were asked the same question when we we're kiddos. Yet only a few get to pursue their dreams. As for me, my dream changed when I was growing up. It became simpler and less complicated, I guess. I end up being a call center agent.

My cousins Michelle and Lainy also have the same dream, actually. They also wanted to be lawyers. In fact, Michelle went to law school and spent just one semester then decided not to continue. Lainy just didn't enroll. Both of them are intelligent and could've ended up being great lawyers.

If I only have the "brains" and the perseverance, I might also have enrolled in law school. Then maybe go abroad and pursue that career overseas where I'd be better compensated. Or maybe try to pursue the course abroad by taking the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). There are lsat prep courses available online anyway to get one's self ready for the test. It's way better than going to school for the classes. You can do it even in the comforts of your home. That's virtual learning at its best.

Am I considering law school? :D Let me think thoroughly about it!

Typhoon Basyang

Typhoon Basyang (Conson) hit Manila last night. I was glad it was my rest day that I didn't have to go to work while the wind was blowing too strong last night. There was no electricity. I didn't have a candle to lit up last night so everything was a peach black. All I could hear was the strong wind and the noisy chimes hanging next door to my room. The roof which I think was being ripped off by the storm kept banging. I couldn't sleep not only because of the noises I was hearing but also because I worried about my friends who have to go to work and my brother with his wife who now live upstairs to my apartment. I was alone in my room and decided not to go out to check on them. We just communicated through text messages. I'm glad that the storm ended without flooding the whole Manila. There wasn't too much rain actually. But the wind was so strong that it ruined some electric posts which led us to not having electricity for hours.

I went to work at 7am this morning to render over time. The wind wasn't too strong anymore and I came to work safe. I still haven't watched the news on TV yet since it was only after I came home from church at 9pm did the electricity went back.

I'm glad that the storm has ended. Typhoon Basyang has finally left the country.

Stress-Free, Acne-Free! :D

I have mentioned so many times on my previous posts that the acne breakout on my face have healed. People at work noticed the changes too. I get a lot of smiles lately and sometimes a lot of questions as to what acne solutions I have used for my face. I just told them that I used what my dermatologist prescribed and followed the advices like drinking lots of water and get enough sleep. I'm quite pleased with the comments and really glad that the annoying acne have gone with the wind. LOL! Although it left scars on my face, it's easier to get rid of the scars since it doesn't hurt anymore.

I'd still continue to follow my doctor's advice especially in not getting my self get stressed out. You know how hard it is to deal with pressure at work and sometimes problems get in the way. I'll make sure now to not allow them to get into my nerve. I'll try my best to be stress-free as much as possible. Stress-free life is an acne-free life! :D

Hoping The Best For My Bro's Family

My brother Florante and his wife moved here in Manila for about 2 months now. They went here with hopes of finding an agency which will help them get a job abroad. They are both registered nurses. Since nurses here in the Philippines are not paid well, they really would want to work overseas to get a better pay.

They have a cuddly son, Brandon, who was left in the care of Joy's mom in the province. The couple want a better life for their son and really would want to start their family without asking financial help from their parents. They also have to be financially prepared since Brandon has skin asthma and has very sensitive skin. They are afraid that if Brandon wouldn't be properly taken care of, he will end up having eczema. They were both thankful that Joy's mom is there to take very good care of their baby.

The family...

Florante and Joy are still seeking for better employment abroad. I can see that both of them are having tough time trying to get a good agency to help them. I'm hoping the best for them. Meanwhile, I'm glad to be spending a lot of time with them here in Manila.

On Holiday Economics

President Noynoy Aquino frowns on holiday economics. Does this mean that we're saying goodbye to extended weekends?

Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed this Republic Act 9492 which is known as “An Act Rationalizing the Celebration of National Holidays". That's moving of the celebration of holidays to the nearest Mondays to encourage tourism in the Philippines.

A lot of people rejoiced to this. Especially those who doesn't have to work on holidays (that doesn't include call center agents like me and people who works in the malls :D). Students and teachers and government employees like this RA for sure since they have to spend longer weekends with their family and friends.

According to Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, “There is no stand there yet.”

They are yet to review the holiday economics. He said that PNoy is just not happy about June 12 (The Philippine Independence Day) being moved on a different day because for him, it's a sacred day.

Call center agents like me are actually looking forward to holidays since we get to enjoy double pays. No holidays for us unless our rest days fall on a holiday. But if we're asked to render overtimes during our rest days, we would more likely to report to work since we will be able to get higher pay for just a day.

But if we talk about nationalism, it's better that we celebrate holidays on the day that it's supposed to be celebrated. That's my stand. Yeah, I'm a bit nationalistic.

Well, I hope they could come up with a good decision for the betterment of our nation.

What about you? Do you like the holiday economics? Or would you rather celebrate holidays on the exact same days?

Sexy Bod - Not Out Of Reach...

I really want to be thinner and sexier. Who doesn't? I bet every woman wants to be sexy. That's the reason why most of us try a lot of things. Like dieting, which unfortunately, we fail to continue. And then we think of another way of trying to lose weight. So we plan to go to the gym but we just don't have the time. So we get stressed out with our jobs and to some who have little babies to feed and a husband to tend to, we just can't give ourselves time to burn the fats on those annoying bellies!

The good news is there's apidexin which will help us get the body that we so want to have! Losing weight can be faster and easier these days. By just taking the right supplements which is backed by scientific studies and is packed with natural ingredients, getting sexy is not anymore out of reach! :D

Will Get Enrolled In A Gym Soon...

I changed my mind about buying an expensive camera this year. I decided that if ever I have the money, I'll get myself enrolled in a gym. Yeah! I am going to make myself healthy and fit and fabulous! It's either going to the gym or take effective slimming pills. Either way, I just want to have a healthy life once again. With my job, I tend to just sit for almost 8hours. Without exercise and having unhealthy lifestyle, I really haven't taken good care of myself. Besides, my cousin, Michelle is going to get married this December. I still have enough time to make myself look good for her wedding day. :D

Got Wounded By My Laundry! :(

I hand-washed my laundry this morning and this is what I got!

Phew! I should've brought it to the laundry shop! I just don't trust the laundry shop, that's why I chose to do the laundry myself. Now I have to endure the pain each time I wash my hands. The pain is really excruciating! My brother told me to use a pair of gloves next time. Yeah, maybe next time brother dear! :D

Learning From Experience

I have been so lazy when it comes to updating my blog lately. Whenever I open my blog and about to update it, I find myself getting sleepy. Most of the time I end up dozing off in front of my laptop. I really have been procrastinating.

I have one good reason to procrastinate, though. I have been making sure to get enough sleep to help me get rid of the acne breakout. As advised by my dermatologist, I give myself 6-8 hours of sleep lately. That helped me become stress-free! :D

I still take the meds and apply the facial products that my doctor prescribed. I just can't wait to be acne-free again. By then, I'm going to make sure to take care of my skin. Use the right products for my skin type. Maybe try the product from http://www.nightcreams.org. I have learned to do some research about the products before applying them to my face. It's better to be safe this time. I'm learning from experience, don't I? :D

No More Acne Breakout

My acne breakout had ceased, finally! I think the treatment really works. Other than the oral medication I'm taking three times daily, which is like acnepril, enough sleep and drinking lots of water helped in eradicating the annoying pimples. I don't stress myself out in rendering over times at work. Most days, I prefer not doing extra hours at work just for me to get enough sleep. And it helps! I am actually enjoying a stress-free life! :D

Once the acne completely heals, I'd be thinking of ways to eliminate the acne scars. Phew! This acne left me financially drained. :( It won't matter anyway. As long as I won't get depressed with the way I look. I want my pretty face back. :D