Friday, October 31, 2008

Prepare for the Mother of All Reunions

2010 is just around the corner! All Magdalenean High school Batch '90 alumni are invited to celebrate the homecoming reunion in the grandest fashion. We guarantee it to be a life-altering event everyone will remember for a lifetime. Get to see your teachers, canteen staff (remember Ti Toyang) past flames, puppy loves, crushes, barkadas and fiends!!
As a preview and preparation for the grand event (and also to give early heads-up so the ladies can do accelerated weight loss), we classmates are committed to meet this December to have a Christmas party cum planning session for 2010. Please do come or you'll lose half of your life! It's difficult not to be around because you get to be the topic of discussion by default. (Ang wala, napagtitsismisan, hihi!)
To prove to you how dead crraaaazzzy we are in pushing through with this gig, check out this clip. (Thanks to my son Joshua for his cinematic styling - he's earning a living through this$$) Hope you get to be part of the next clip!!

Sunday, October 26, 2008

The Three Fs

We left Cavite before 7:00 AM to go to Valentino's Resort and Spa. It's a date with my family and our other Intel Involved volunteers' families. It was a day where everyone expected to have fellowship, fun, and a feast. The place was captivating, to say the least. Located in Brgy. Pinagtung-ulan, San Jose, Batangas, this pristine getaway faces the majestic Mount Makulot. The owners intended to leave in an untouched state the contour of the land which added for more visual effect. The pavilion became our fellowship hall where the families convened, ate and where the children played games.

Two pools set on the lowest and farthest part of a resort captivate even the non-swimmer to take a dip and enjoy. (You should see the kids beg their parents to swim some more even though they're already tan!) The cabanas complete the ambiance of elegance and accentuate the "pamper me philosophy".
After swimming for an hour, we explored the hanging bridge in the resort. This bridge connects the pool area to the three guest houses. When I asked Mrs. Tessie Patron, resort proprietress, why there are three guest houses, she told me it's because she has three children.
The invigorating massage in Valentino's Spa made this day much more special. While waiting for my turn to be rubbed in lavender oil by Miss Yolly, I spent the afternoon, with Mrs. Patron as we engaged in meaningful talk. I was inspired by their family's penchant for engaging in several businesses. It also came as a pleasant surprise for me that this resort was originally intended for family use only. They opened it eventually to the public, due to popular demand.
I can only describe the massage as indulgence to the max! All my muscles aches were vanished after the 45-minute session. It makes me want to slumber thereafter.
Interested parties may go to www.valentinoresortandspa.com or call tel nos. (043) 783-0558'; 09184952338/09208025023.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Welcome to the Christian World, Baby Noah

Happy parents Enrico & Espie Carreon shared with their relatives, friends and officemates the joy of welcoming their adorable son Noah into the christian world. Noah, who was born last August 14, 2008, was the center of attraction
. Who could resist his angel-like features?










Noah was baptized in Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol Catholic Church at 10am. Afterwards, the reception was held in David's tea House, Aguinaldo Highway, Dasmarinas City, Cavite. It was a very memorable event attended by over 100 guests. Among the relatives from Cocoy's side who attended the event were Mrs. Carmelita Carreon, Mrs. Pura Gomez (tita), Mr. Noel Carreon with daughter Mikai; Mr. Edilberto Carreon with Veronica and nico and Ms. Chrisel Carreon.



















Among the relatives who attended from Espie's side were Mrs. Rosita manalo, Mr. Jojon manalo, Mrs. Yolanda Armiendo with Liezle and Luis manzano.







Noah is blessed to have responsible godparents in the person of Ricky Pano, Connie Renolayan, Susan Rodriguez, Joy Blancia, Lina Basong, Gerlee Gutierrez, Randy Teodoro, Joel Abundabar, Alex Retulla, Arnold Bautista, and Apol Bacuetes.











The sumptuous menu included rice, shanghai,birthday noodles, chopsuey, pata tim, fried chicken, leche flan, sweet & sour pork. Great food, great place, great people. What a grand way to welcome Noah into the Christian world!















Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Run for Your Life!


It was a morning worth waking up early for. After all, it was for a worthy cause. So, equipped with only 3.5 hours of sleep (still had to work 7pm-12mn the night before), I carpooled to Bonifacio High Street to run my second marathon.




Joining a marathon is not a fad. For me, it is a symbol of my commitment to take care of myself so I can have a long and healthy life. On top of that, I was reunited with the health buffs of Holiday Homes Running Club, and pals Jenesis Tagle & Mike Espino. Dear friend Lorelie Alan had a severe stomach ache so she was not able to make it. (Although she still gets to keep the shirt as a souvenir.)




Together with my running buddies, I went off to conquer the Adidas King of the Road Marathon in Bonifacio Global City. I took on the 5k run together with Jenesis. I was surprised when friends and office mates Ren & Arpi Quiray were there too. Mike's brother, Mel Espino, also joined us- this was his first marathon (virgin runner :-)).

On the other hand, Jen's amiable brother Naser, Mike, and the rest of our friends surpassed the arduous 10k.


Endurance is the name of the game. Beat your own record time and you're victorious!

Even though the certificate does not have my own name written on it (as most marathon certificates do), I still feel proud because I did not quit. Bonus: I saw Rovilson Fernandez (of "Ang-Pinaka Show", QTV 11) and Paolo Abrera ("Hired", QTV11) joined the fun! Such good role-models they were!Our running buddy Jerome looked cool while endorsing the marathon's official energy drink!

Another pleasant surprise was seeing Raf Sanga after the run. Apparently, he joined too. Special thanks to dear friends Mike Espino, Ren and Arpi Quiray for these precious pictures!


However, the fun-filled day did not end after the marathon. Before heading home, we dropped by our friend Liezel's despedida. She's excited because she's bound for Australia that afternoon. Bon voyage, Friend! Discerning our hunger, she prepared a feast of pancit palabok, bread, butter & coffee. (That's approximately 300 calories each!) The meal was followed by 2 karaoke intermission numbers; then we went home. Each aching muscle reminded us of another challenge won.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Sweet Celebration


Slices of chocolate cakes and ice cream cones are indispensable in memorable occasions. These were given as thank you tokens to CV employees for an excellent CPU delivery.



As a symbol of gratitude, no less than the shift managers and manufacturing supervisors handed over the comfort foods. It was like a mini-birthday partylast night!

Here's the mascott (at the right, wearing a hat) delightfully giving away a 250-calorie vanilla drumstick ice cream to a bonafide sweet tooth :-)




Stuffed with Goldilocks and Cornetto drumsticks, all the employees in our shift literally tasted the "sweet taste of success!"It was truly a sweet tooth's paradise! However, much more sweeter than these is the $1,500 prize for hitting the Q3'08 CVAT challenge which will be given on October 25. Less tax, that's around Php40,000! Fantastico!!!




Thanks to the Intel management for all these blessings!
By the way, it's the 10th of the month, remember? So happy pay day to all!


Wednesday, October 8, 2008

iPod Shuffle Craze

I can't blame my son for enjoying the iPod Shuffle his uncle gave him as pasalubong last Monday. I borrowed it to try what this light-weight gadget does. Plug it in your ears and you instantly enter a world of superb sound entertainment. You'll feel every beat, understand all the lyrics. It's so small yet so powerful! It does not require a disc or a cassette tape in it. (It's just the size of my thumb!) It comes in neon colors and has the capacity to store more than 100 songs! You can bring it to aerobics class, enjoy it while in a long or short commute. No wonder the Walkman walked-out with its coming.
Now I understand why the youth is into this iPod Shuffle Craze. It's cool, trendy and a trusty companion for music lovers like me.

Intel Pinoy Singing Idol & Intel Dance-off Contest in CV

The Intel Pinoy Singing Idol & Intel Dance-off Contest in CV was an SRO (standing room only) event! A silent corner in the CV canteen transformed into a performing stage complete with lights and sounds. Eleven contestants unleashed their singing prowess and vocal styles in the Intel Pinoy Singing contest. From pop, to ballad to gospel, all the different genres were showcased. Almost all the departments were represented so each contestant has his/her own cheering team when they sang. On the other hand, the performances of the four groups that joined the Intel Dance-off were just as exciting. All of them were from manufacturing department. The dance hits of hip-hop icon FLO Rida (pronounced "Flo- ray-duh" as per my friend Mike) were the most popular tunes.The audience had fun watching the show which ran for two hours and most of our audience did not mind standing up the whole time! Hosting this show was a truly enjoyable experience. This afternoon's back-to-back Intel Pinoy Singing Idol & Intel Dance-off Contest in Intel Cavite was a blast!

Monday, October 6, 2008

My Passion that is Running

I'm enthralled and oozing with excitement. I'll be running my 2nd marathon on October 11, 2008 Saturday. This time it will be the Adidas King of the Road marathon. Assembly starts at 5:00 am in Bonifacio Global City. I'll be wearing Bib number 9857, blue shirt, medium (whoa! No longer XL). 5 kilometers.
My passion for running started in grade 1 when I ran 100-meter relay dash in St. Benedictine Abbey School, Alabang. My second opportunity came in college when I trained in the track and field varsity team of my university (in Diliman).

When I started working, I have always hoped I can run again, even just for fun. This year, it happened.
Thanks to my running buddy Jenesis Tagle, who registered on my behalf for my first-ever marathon (Milo marathon last August), and this upcoming run. He always made sure my shirt sizes fit. He also took pictures of us after the event. Cool!
Thanks also to my running buddy Michael Espino for allowing me to carpool in these early morning gigs.
Finally, thanks to running buddy & (girl scout) Lorelie Alan for lending me an extra towel when I was dripping wet during the Milo run.
I'm grateful for the moral support the three of them give me.
Adidas is correct. Impossible is nothing. At this point of my life - it is.


Sunday, October 5, 2008

Discipline

Discipline is
... having a gameplan for the day, for the week...for your life.
... preparing your things the night before so you won't be rattled every morning;
... is falling in line to ride a bus or a jeepney.
... coming on time and leaving on time.
... keeping one's commitment even though it may entail much effort or discomfort.
... more precious than cramming, and yet it is free; it readily beats the quick fix people buy in the drugstore.
... is keeping the promises you made to your loved-ones even though they'd understand if you break it.
... is the key in transforming dreams to reality.
... a weapon against poverty.
... a step up in the ladder of success.

Making Room for Roo

My daughter Roo just turned two years old and three months last October 3. I realized that it's time for her to have her own room. I saw the following stuff in Target's website and it caught my attention.
This Dream Castle convertible bed has a storage underneath the mattress. Awake or asleep, she will definitely feel like a princess!



This Dora the Explorer desk will inspire her to read stories and write the alphabet. Caliente!

A dollhouse bookshelf is another dual-purpose toy/furniture. Definitely a mainstay in every girl's room.


This bee-inspired clothes hamper will make clothes organizing fun!
Now, wouldn't it be great if I can order online now and get these shipped within the week?

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Travel Light

It's amazing to observe how astronauts leave planet earth carrying only their bare essentials. They don't load up their space shuttles with jewelry, designer clothes or golf clubs. They travel light. No extra baggage. Despite this, they have a grand time.
Though not all of us will get the chance to go to outer space, we can take a cue from our astronauts in terms of travelling light. We should learn to prioritize. Get rid of the unnecessary activities - things that do not have value-add. Live in day-tight compartments. Do not procrastinate. Face one problem at a time. Do not complicate the simple. Do not carry bitterness and anger in your heart. Stop blaming others for the unfortunate things that happen in your life. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Just learn from them. Learn from others''mistakes. Grow up but don't grow old. Don't stop hoping and dreaming.
Have in life only the essentials. The critical few. You'll enjoy life much better then. In simplicity there is order. In order there is peace. So travel light and enjoy the adventure that is life.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

No Way But Up

There is more to life than just existence. Don't settle for anything less than what life has to offer. Set your sights on things above. There is no way but up. Start believing again that what you envision in your mind and hold dearly in your heart will come true. No ifs, no buts. Cheer up. Right now. Dream again. Outdo yourself again. Win your daily battles. Do not be disheartened by roadblocks or obstacles. instead, learn from them.
There is so much power in each of us to mold our future to what we so desire it to be. However, we unconsciously allow other people or circumstances to drive us when our minds become lazy; instead of thinking creatively, we choose to sulk in purposelessness...assuming that even if we don't proact, things will still turn out for us favorably. Expecting change or improvement to happen when you are not changing anything in your situation is foolish.
We cannot act like victims and let other people run our lives for us. Neither can we remain passive in silent protest when our lives are going on the opposite direction of where we want it to be. We must jump on our vision, cease life's daily opportunities, and rekindle the passion to turn our dreams in to reality.
Let us propel to greater heights, using our faith as our right wing, and our focused actions as our left wing. Resist to live in mediocrity. Every morning is a chance to do one's best, and every night - a time to dream new dreams that will find it's fulfillment in the morning.
Don't wait until you're 40, or 50, or until you've retired, or until your kids grow up and get married;don't wait until you become a millionaire, or until you marry one. Live your best life now. Make it happen!