Christmas Blessing

I love Christmas, and for this year perhaps this would be an extra special. For years, now we`re going to celebrate it with my sister Nene good recovery not only Christmas also her birthday.

It`s difficult for us to be together here in Manila, but it doesn`t matter,  we celebrated the spirit of Christmas and Ate`s birthday with our hearts as one family here in Manila and in Bicol.

Happiest Christmas ever!!!

Gift Giving

Done wrapping all the gifts for kids. Ready for delivery :). In behalf of our Benguet Elementary School, I would like to extend my heartfelt thank you to all my friends who joined me in this gift giving event.

• Benly
• Eman
• Mharie and Danes
• Ms. Rhe
• Anthony
• Angel and Pau

Gifts are big and small, expensive or not, all this are wrapped with love and thoughtfulness. And may this simple gifts brings happiness to your heart and smiles on your face.

Merry Christmas Kiddos :)

Louies 1st Fun Run

He is so excited for this 37th Milo Marathon, but I`m more excited for him. This is his first time to join fun Run, and not 3K but 5K event already.  When I said to him, that I registered him for 5K,  I thought, he was going to complain, but No, he replied with, "really tita, yeheeyyy!", though I don`t know if he has an idea how far 5k is. :)

Early in the race, at 1st Km he was very energetic to run with speed. I told him to just slow down, so that he still have energy up to the finished line, but he is really excited to pass through other runners. Until,  we`re in almost 2 Km mark, then he said, "Tita, I`m tired"... so I said, don`t stop, just walk, then he make this run-walk-run until we passed at 3Km mark, he was really tired. More walks than running this time :)... When  we`re about half kilometer to the finished line, he wants to quit!... I needed to cheer him up and run holding his hand, until we got to the finished line.

I could see how tired he is, I can tell that he is in pain with his muscle in his legs. But I now, how happy and how he enjoy the race. And he wants to do it again... Congratulation Kuya Louies... good job!

Regalo Mo, Kaogmahan Ko

Christmas is really in the air.  They said everyday is Christmas, but during December it more celebrated with festivity. Season of giving and sharing. Through warp gifts, kindness and love.

Our Benguet Elementary  School have launch gift giving activity during their Christmas party with the theme: Regalo Mo, Kaogmahan Ko (Your Gift, My Happiness).  The gifts you`re going to share will be given to the pupils of Benguet Elementary School. This simple gifts will bring big smile and happiness to our young hearts.  One star equals to one pledge for the gifts.

I was really excited for this event and I`m in full support, though I wouldn`t be there present. I know it would be very wonderful day, full of fun and laughter.  Pupils will really enjoy this.  I`m very positive that this would a success. More gifts to come.

I quote

"Never let a man to choose... let him decide for his own.
If you can`t bare it, you can choose your own... 
walkout! and never looked back..."

Annoying EX!!!

What you will do and feel, if you found out that your partner is having a fishy communication with his/her EX?

Payts was sleep because he was drunk when I arrived to their house, and his phone still on his hand. I got the phone out of his and and browse, which not new to both of us, we`re open to it. But this time I read something very wrong, unnamed number and the text message is not usual and casual conversation, and as I checked the number... OMG! it was his EX cellphone number. Oouucchhh! and I really feel threaten.

It takes a minute before I was able to wake him up, he was kind of dizzy when he saw me. I don`t say a word to brought out what I read, because I don`t want to start a fight and both of us may misinterpret both sides. Instead, I asked him what he feels and if he had ate already.

I`m not a very jealous person, unless I had a point and reason to be jealous.  Yes! I was upset with the situation, but more upset to the woman involved. I know her by what common friends say, I meet her twice, she is older than me and Payts. I know how close she is to Payts` family. Reason for me to try hard to understand why she still communicating to them most often.  Although, I could really feel and sense it how she still loves Payts and wants to win him back.

During early months of our relationship, it`s been already an issue, because she texted and called Payts from time to time, most annoying is when it happened when we`re together on our date. I and Payts talked about it already, we both agreed and he do promise he will not entertain her text and calls anymore. Payts change his mobile  number, but sad to say she was able to get it, maybe from friends or other family member.  And I know Payts, really try to ignore her. But since she`s been closed to the family, Payts can`t control it if she and other family member has constant communication. She was able to got invited to visit to their house or attend occasions. Since I`m the newbie to the family circle, I feel most awkward, I don`t want that each of them need to weigh things between me and her, so most of the time, I give way.

And here we are again, how it happened?... I don`t know and I don`t want to know either. All I want is to STOP this fishy thing... if there is any thing going on. I won`t give up what I and Payts have now, we`ve been through a lot to give up that easy. As long as I know and I feel that he loves me I`ll fight for it. I will let that woman understand, that relationship is for two people only, unless she don`t know how to count. If she wants to win him back, she can wait, but as long as Payts still with me, she must know where to put herself. 

Joining the Rebellion

Hunger games: Catching fire day!!! I watched the first movie last year with my brother, and I did really wait for this 2nd movie on the big screen this year. Although I already finished reading the three books, it doesn`t spoiled the thrill.

Added to my excitement is, I`m gonna watch it with HiM, yes!... for the 1st time we`re going to watch movie together.  This is our movie date for being almost two years as honeybees.  But before it happened, lots of talks to convince HiM and make him promise, we`re going  together. Odds really do in my favor :)

Well, I can say, the movie is great, and HiM did like it too.  I really love the character of Katness. Her beauty and braveness.  I was fascinated with their fire dress costume during the parade.  And of course, the very lovely wedding gown, firing and turn to a black dress like a mockingjay. Wow!

The breathtaking war game inside the arena. Who`s the treat and allies?  The unexpected twist happened. The game is not a game, it was planned before it was stared and only Katness didn`t know. Rebellion already spark and she is the mockingjay, the inspiration of hope to everyone.

Other year to wait for the next but I know I`m not alone.

I said...

Jealousy is not so often at vocabulary...
So do not assumed too much about it...

I`m not hypocrite for "Hi" and "Hello"
or to be friends... knowing and seeing someone
still getting hurt. Maybe in due time,

It would be good to STOP for a moment
Than pushing things, thinking to fixed it all.
Then soon you`ll realized you haven`t moved on
but just get used to it.

We can lie to the whole world but not to ourselves!
At one point or another, you closed your eyes with in
mind that you still love him :((

I`m an athlete

I`m an athlete... I know well that,
In every race I need to sprint with all my breath
In curves I have to inclined to take advantage.
In every hurdle I have to jump with accuracy.
And so as life, with challenge and burdens
But there is always a finish line, wherein you can
submit and glorify for you have done best
whatever would be the prize.

Volunteer

Today I take as volunteer in packing of relief goods at one of the DSWD  drop off center. Together with my two college friend, Eman and Cliford. Although, I was already feed by news regarding how much all people willing to help, still, it was over whelming to see those good hearts visible in actual actions.

This is my first time to be a volunteer, I really enjoy counting the sacks of goods being loaded by volunteer individuals and police officers at the container van and be ready to ship and distributed to most affected areas  of typhoon Yolanda. In spite of being under the sun, everyone is having fun, like everybody knows each.

We also help in repacking of goods, where most girls and kids are assigned. True enough, to do a task two is better than one, how much more if 10 times. It was really great feeling inside that I as able to reach out, extend my hand to the victims of typhoon. I really wish and pray that somehow through that they will feel little comfort on what they are going through and give them strength not to give up and keep their faith that they can surpass all this.

They day is a bit tiring. Body pain my last for two or more, but the feeling of being fulfilled is worth more than enough. This is the first, but not the last.

Thank you Eman and Cliford. I know you both also had a great day.

I`m a trainee

I`m excited!... well, somehow I miss to be at the production line. I work inside the production for more than three years, and it`s fun to be part of it.

And today, I`ll be back to the production line, as part of our training is to know or at least have an idea about all the process in the Manufacturing. Since we are R&D it`s good to know what is the process that our product being design will go though. This will help us, to be more keen on things we need to considered during making new design and revisions.

Hope, at the end of our training... I`m a certified production employee :))

Crazy George!

Because today is your birthday. You deserve a treat from me  You`re my most one of a kind crazy girlfriend, which I` truly thankful to God. I can`t call you my best friend, because your more than that. The one who shout at me and laugh loud seeing me stumble on ground, while offering her both hands. The one who will never failed and tired not to cook for me, or even give her own plate when I ambush her to their kitchen because I just want to eat, though I`m not hungry. My conspiracy in every crime I made. Caring for me even in a distance and spoiling me in every way. The one that always called me BOSS.

I love you George, and I miss you terribly here. Wishing you all the best that this world can offer. I`m just halfway of what you have given and shown to me. I hope I could give more in return even in my own little way.

As for today your the Boss! Happy Birthday George. 

Surprise Present

It`s been a week past for my birthday, yet the blessing and surprises are not yet over. My dear associates make post surprise birthday present during hand over meeting this afternoon.

I was late at the conference room, because I was finishing  some notes, I`m hearing them saying Happy b-day every time the doors open. I just thought, they are teasing someone who`s birthday are coming. But, going to the conference room, I was puzzled because they are so quite, and when I open the door, light was off... when some one turn on the lights, everyone sing Happy B-day, I was really surprise, there are cakes on the table, gift, and balloons some associates are holding, others are scattered on the floor. I was so touch almost in tears, but I hold it :)... They really blown my stress and end my Friday with a big smile.

Thank you Dear Associates! I`m speechless.

Birthday Prayer

Dear God,

I offer to this day to you as I celebrate the life that you have given to me.
Years of bountiful blessings, grace of happiness and great people around me.  Thank you for all this gifts in my life.

Nothing I can asked for more, You always give to me everything I need, though sometimes I misunderstood your ways.  I`m sorry for all those messy moments and self pity that I have.  I was wrong and weak then.

Yet again, I will asked for my family, please bless them good health, sound mind and happy heart.  Make us more strong to be united at all times.  Let your love be our inspiration as we go through our lives.

To my friends and acquaintances , I may able to share goodness and kindness to them.  I may build and create happy memories, learning`s and touch their life in my own little way.

I know, with all this You always with me. Thank you

Amen

Gift of Thoughtfulness

I was really overwhelmed receiving e-mail early on the morning yesterday asking a favor not only for others but also including  for myself. Thoughtfulness is pouring on my desk.

Each items has it`s name, and my mission is to deliver it to to the name`s owner... well that was so easy, mission accomplished :) And I can`t take off my smile seeing mine too. Yeeheeyyyyy!!! here it is...

An early birthday gift. I was really blessed and thankful, it was miles away, still, Big Boss remember my special day. It`s great feeling of happiness and hoping I can return the favor somehow. But for now this all I can give, a prayer wishing for good health, keeping him safe always, happiness and more blessing for him in return.

This was a very thoughtful of you... Thank you <3

At Star City

As voted at the survey, the venue for this year company family day is again Star City. Although, there are few members who decided not joined, still nothing gonna stop us to enjoy and have fun. More or less 60 participants, this includes Associates and our family companion and guests.

For me, it`s more extra special because for the first time, my companion is my Mama, blessing that she was here in Manila for this date, and she would be able  to come. Extra especial, it`s been years that Me and Mama go together is a theme park to have fun, enjoy, relax and of course make bonding moments that I would treasure with the rest of my life.

Although, both of us is not a fan of extreme rides, we both love watching others having extreme moments as the rides goes up and down, sloping on the air and  screaming out of their lungs. (hahhah). And since, there is no snow here in the Philippines, I asked her if she wants to experience what winter feels like. Thank you to Snow world at Star City, I was able to give Mama an early white Christmas.

Good things, Payts able to make it too, even he is late for an hour (as always *_*) I was able to go for bump car ride, because I have buddy to wait at the line. Enter at the Mummy house and scared ourselves, Mama, really don`t want to come with us inside horror place (hahaha). Some rides that Payts want to go for are close due to rain. In our last resort, we go for the laser blaster, we asked Mama to join and have laser firing with us, again she said "I`m too old for that".  And Payts really enjoyed the firing, especially when he knew that Blue team wins, he is laughing like a kid (hahah).

We end the day having dinner at MOA. And I`m happy to see that Mama also enjoy the day :)

Work Blues

This past few weeks I feel the challenge at work, not because I don`t like my job because I do love it, but the feeling of not comfortable on some zones. The work ambiance and the aura of each person I work with is really important to me. Even how hectic the schedule are, how hard to complete the project and any other matters, all this things doesn`t cause to much, if you could feel the good vibes around. Things will be lighter and will not consumed and eat me.

I`m fueling my mind and body to do adjustments everyday to cope and to be productive for most. Work blues is not new to anyone that are employed. Most of the time it happened because of changes been made, even how big and small it was. Also because of routinary job everyday.  I know, staying focus is the best weapon to bet this work blues, an I need more mind power and energy to do that.

Changes is for Good

For a couple of weeks for the last two months my relationship is really on the rocks. Things between the two of us really consume me lot. Make it up in few days then here we come again, like cycle that I can`t prevent to happened no matter how I tried

We come to this point of ending the relationship, not even talking what`s really going on. Like, "okey, fine, that`s it I don`t wanna argue". The hell I care too! It`s a damn moment, that I do feel I`m not treated the way I deserved.

For two weeks we never talked, not seeing each other, even no text messages. And, it was just one Sorry that makes us together again and makes us realize how fool we are for making things complicated because of some changes to both of us and not talking it at all. Sometime we`re overshadow by our own emotions and blinded by our pride and insecurities because one has evolved and the other has been down.

We`re happy that we survived to the test of changes. And now we are more open to embrace changes in our life. We may evolved and grow as individual yet together as one.

Birthday List

September here you are.  Happy to welcome you for this year.  Excited for the 27th to come.  It was may birthday,  Advance Happy birthday to me :)

No definite plan for my special day, but here is the list I want to have.

1. Mind board games (Scrabble, chess board, Damath board, etc.)

2. Drawing materials (most especially coloring materials for posters)

3. Globe miniature and Wall thermometers

4. Children Story Books

5. Educational Flash cards

This lists are for the Kids in our elementary school. Last year I started this little advocacy, that I may able to give few materials that the kids can use in school.  That I may able to share happiness and inspiration to those little one yet with big dreams.

Banna Rice Coffee

After our first day tour, Laoag-Pagudpud, we`re back at the hotel early in the afternoon, around 4:00 PM. Instead of taking a nap,  Payting and I decided to have a walk around Laoag City, Central Plaza.

We roam around about an hour, until such time we feel our tummy's craving for food. We came up in this cafe at the back of Museo, Ilocos Norte, the Johnny Moon Cafe.  I feel coffee would be good for the weather is a bit gloomy.

I ordered this Banna Rice coffee, I usually drink rice coffee when I was a kid, and I super like the taste especially the aroma. But, I was kinda surprise when I taste this Banna rice coffee, it`s really good, smooth blend added with little sweet of muscovado sugar, taste perfect and the aroma smells so good.

You must taste this, when you head to Laoag City. Promise you will enjoy this cup of coffee.

Patapat Viaduct

Other post in Ilocos Norte, Patapat Viaduct this was in Pagudpud the northernmost of Luzon.  Patapat viaduct serves to connect Ilocos Norte to Cagayan Valley region. A winding long bridge built at the foot cliff of the mountain and elevated at sea.

Passing through, I was captivated by the magnificent view of the clear blue sea. But stepping out of the van and stand over the bridge, I got a lock jaw for "WOW" extremely breathtaking view looking down at sea.

Bangui Windmill

As I have said, going to North is a dream come true travel. And this Windmill farm at Bangui, Ilocos Norte is the reason I`m too eager to making this trip possible, come what may!

Looking at this wind turbines stretched in single row at the long shoreline of Bangui Bay... I`m speechless! just the other day, I`m just viewing its image online, and here I`m so close, I was able  touch it, more, I really embrace its body. Standing on its foot and looking it up is really a remarkable and incredible feeling to me. Experience of happiness that I can`t really explain.

Kapurpurawan Rock Formations

Other must-see destination at Ilocos Norte is the Kapurpurawan Rock Formations. It is located also at Burgos, about 15-20 mins drive from the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. If your going to walk, it`s about 3Km trek from the drop of highway as Kuya Jessie our driver said. Horseback riding going to the rock formation is also available but I wasn`t able to ask how much it costs.

Seeing the rock formation from a far, I really said "WOW". Getting closer to it, these work of nature it`s really amazing. It was shaded of white color rocks. It was formed by the forces created by winds, water and waves from the ocean that smashing the rocky cost.

The graceful beauty of white rock formation is so pleasing to the eyes adding the vivid scenery of the ocean make it a perfect blend, the place is really breath-taking  and stress reliving. Don`t dare miss it when you travel to North.

Welcome to Laoag City

During our trip to Ilocos, our mainstay  is at Laoag City. And I can say this one of the best city I`ve been with.  The city is very busy all day, yet so peaceful and organized. No traffic, even shopping centers, commercials centers and markets are just a meters apart.  Sir Jan, our travel agent said, no worries for pick packet because the city is equipped with CCTV cameras, so it`s safe to walk and roam around even by night.

Laoag City, welcome the visitors in Central Plaza with their very historical Aurora Park.  Having a 360 degrees turn in a just a minute  at the middle of the park I was mesmerized by the things surrounding at me.  I looked up at the tall Tabacco Monopoly Monument,  Marcos Hall of Justice, Sinking Bell Tower, Provincial Capitol, Oblation statue, other old building structures and at the center a beautiful fountain. With the 360 degrees feels like I already have a heritage tour. Try to do this, when you visit the place :)

The Tabacco Monopoly Monument

Sinking Bell Tower

Marcos Hall of Justice

Provincial Capitol

The beautiful Fountain at my back

Café Bojeador Light House

This is the first drop in our itinerary for our Laoag-Pagudpud tour. Café Bojeador Light House is located at Burgos, Ilocos Norte. Truly, Ilocos was able to preserve old structures that marks on the history of the Filipino people.  From 1892 this light house serve to guide  sailors to their travel to north and it functions for more than 100 years. 1994 it was already declared as National Landmark.

Although we`re not able to go up, because top is already close. The  scenery on the top of  the hill is really calm and beautiful.  Overlooking South China Sea and the very relaxing view of mountain tress at the other side.

I travel to North

Hooray!!! Thanks God I was given the opportunity to pursue this adventure. Because our first trip schedule was cancel due to bad weather, and for the second time, we`re having problem with our travel agency. In spite of all the unwanted negative vibes, I decide to go, whatever may come.

Ms. Rhe and Leo, agreed to come with us also. And we`re also blessed because the day before, Ms. Rhe with the help of kuya Marvin, were able to contact new  travel agency to assist and accommodate us, though weather news is really scaring us to back out with the plan. But, I said, "No way"...

We got a 3 days and 2 nights tour packages that already include hotel accommodation and complete tour at Laoag-Pagudpud-Vigan. Going to Ilocos is no problem, it`s so easy  to commute from Pasay, Partas Bus is 24 hours operation.

Travel time is approximately 9-12 hours, depending on traffic along the way.
We left at Pasay at around 12:00 AM and we arrived at Laoag City 11:30AM.
And the weather is really shinning bright as Ilocos Sur and North welcome us.

This travel is really a dream come true to me.

I was Wrong

Does it really hard to admit when we have flaws and say "I was wrong"?  For me as team leader, accepting my mistakes plays a vital role with my group. Sometimes, we taught that leaders should hide their mistakes and flaws because this was a sign of weakness. This idea is totally wrong. Accepting that you are wrong is not only good but this is a great means for a leader, it boost authority in positive perspective. It build openness and unity to group or organization.

But other than that, being open to the idea of being wrong, you`re not get scared, it will help you to be more  inspired and confident to make things better for the group.

This was a very powerful tools to be an effective leader, embracing humbleness that will connect you to your people.  And it will create a harmonious working environment that would definitely lead to success of each individual and the organization.

Whale Shark and You

Two of a kind individual chained in a key called friendship ^_^. Friendship is a big thing, more than to the word itself. It takes some challenge and responsibility that could define us as a person. Friendship should not have requirements, if it does, it`s not friendship anymore, it maybe business or a competition we can called.

Each of us has it in our life, best friend, good friend or whatever we called it. It play an extra special part on life our life. A relationship that makes us happy, inspired and more often do crazy things.

In years, some we may forgot about the names, but one thing for sure, the memories and stories you made and shared will always be remembered.

Motivation

Monday, start of a week in the in the office. Better to start it with good vibes and it will carry through out the the end of the week. As it said, start well and it will ends well. Business is as usual inside the office, everything is in place and normal. Associates are doing good with each individual work schedule. 

But during our leaders meeting, the mode as has change, as I looked at the chair where Big Boss usually seated during that start of the meeting, and now it`s empty. And it becomes more gloomy as AVP announced it again. I just take a deep breath and have a bitter sweet smile. But the meeting ends well. 

I know I`m going to face changes in my work comfort zone. But things must go on. This is a challenge to cope up. At some point I need to start with the new. But what is good is I have already acquired weapon to win over the inevitable change and more over to achieve for the best.An additional little dose of motivation each day, for sure it would be a perfect blend. 

zig ziglar quoted : 

"People often say that motivation doesn`t last. 

Well, neither does bathing. 

That`s why we recommend it daily"

Short Hair

I`m not really into this short hair idea. Although, gorgeous Ferry joy bragging me with this so many times, either to cut or make it curl. And I think, six years ago the last time I cut my hair this short due to some heartaches... hehehe

But this time, it`s different... I just wake up having a thought of something to change. Then, boom! The idea, what about having new hair style, then I go for it, before I could change my mind. I feel creepy with the first cut but after my hair cut is done, seeing myself at the mirror... hhmmm... not bad. :) and it feels good, a little light for me. And now, I`m merely embracing and loving my new look. ( Ganda ko! )... harharhar

Kindness Heart

To be an instrument by the kindness of other people to share and give what they have is really a great pleasure to me. Especially if its also for those people whom really close to heart too. It feels good that in a way or other I`ve been part of doing goodness to others.

And more surprisingly, you will received thank you e-mail from the donors. Super heartwarming and inspiring    that life is good and beautiful and this because goodness and kindness is everywhere.

I received e-mail just an hour ago :)

Dear Ms. Gerlie,

Thank you very much for your greetings and your kind wordings. I was really surprised and so happy when I read your email. I was also so happy when I saw the picture !

I know our donation is only small one, but it comes from the depth of our hearts, and I hope together with the donation from all other lovely families of Benguet, the children will have a good start into their future.

Please give my warmest regards to all the children and the lovely families of Benguet.

Thank you very much again.

May God bless you all.

I did not show the signature, for it should be kept as anonymous! And I know, I`m the one should be thankful for them for the kindness of heart that they have. Thank you so much, I`m so happy doing this all.

More blessing to everyone!!!

To Big Boss

Dear Mr. Nakashima,

It sad knowing that you`re going back to Japan. And there is nothing we can do about it. It`s part of the plan since the first day you arrived, you just have a years of contract to work with us in FRDP.

We started in same year, 2009, I`m just ahead about two weeks, I think. But I first meet you and you officially introduced to me on our company sportsfest since during your first day I was on training in Alabang. At first, you was really so quite and look so serious on your workstation, and there are days I don`t even hear your voice, make me so shy to approach you for some. I just think, maybe because we`re having communication barriers, Japanese to English and Tagalog. But it does not took me a long time, to appreciate you, that you are really nice and approachable, because you really do your best to communicate with us.

For four years working working with you, me as one of your subordinate I see how you improved yourself in English. How you able to adopt to our environment and to live with our culture. Now, sometimes you are the one correcting my English grammar and spellings. First one to make jokes and laugh loud inside the office and during our hand over meetings. Making fancy faces and using "slang" tagalog words. Too far from the first Mr. Nakashima that I meet :)

In a way or another, you become part of our life. Each of us associates have different stories to tell about you. In your own little way, you make us smile or even burst into laughter. Perhaps, at one point you touch our lives to be better one. As you say... Work Hard :)

Your commitment and dedication to your work is really admirable. I`ve worked for other managers and you are one of the few I really looked up. You earned my respect. You're not perfect, because no one does, but you have it all. You have a great sense of responsibility and accountability, with all the schedule that you have, web meeting, e-mails, phone calls, design and drawings checking, documents and analysis checking, you never failed to be happy and smile everyday and that is something remarkable about you. You`re very low profile Boss, you correct yourself and accept your mistake without hesitation, I salute you for that. With all that have mentions and others that did not, two thumbs up, great job for four years. You already set good standard for your successor to follow. As one of the leaders, I will give Mr. Sekiguchi a fair and equal support that he might be needed. And we will make sure, what you have started will not be put to waste.

Of course, I will not end this letter without saying thank you for everything you shared. Thank you for sharing your knowledge towards our job, you taught us with your best. Thank you for all the pasalubong you brought for us. Thank you for all the treats you have given to us. And personally, I`m lucky and little spoiled of you, thank you for all the matchboxes that I love most and to other gifts you have given to me, maybe small little things for you but I truly appreciate. Remember, it's the thought that counts, and I will treasure it all. But most, thank you for trusting and believing on my capabilities. You treat me not only as one of your employee but as a friend somehow. And that is one thing I will never forget about you.

It`s really good working with you Big Boss and the four years has been great!!! Stay Cool :)

As you back go back to Japan, have a safe trip. We were going to miss you. Definitely, I will miss your clumsiness in walking! you never failed on that :))... I wish you all the best for your next assignments and happiness with your family. May God bless you more. Looking forward to work with you again! Until next time and see you soon.

KUDOS!!! KAMPAY!!!

Respectfully yours,

Gerlie

Happiness

One of my elder sister has a schizophrenia for years, at first it was really hard to accept, I don`t know which is more difficult, having a cancer or being mentally ill. For years, we try everything that can for her to get well, but I think those has not been enough, until such time even she herself don`t want to go for medication. She just want to stay in the house, insulated herself to the world, or perhaps create her own world that she is the only one can understand. She hated other people to come and visit her, even her friends, but the most even us, her own family. She even not recognized us, even Mama who is always there for her everyday. Watching and taking care of her spite of sometimes she got physically hurt.

After Holy week last March, I convinced Mama, that we should try again for Ate Ne. We really need to forced her, she is being tied by my brother and two cousins. It`s been to risky to travel her from Bicol up to here to Manila. We`re are thankful for those people who help us specially in providing ambulance.

First Ate was admitted to the Out- Patient Section for observation. There, she was force to take medicine, and to take good sleep. After four days the Doctor give her clearance for home medication, but give us also second option to take her to a home care, like in Pavilion 6. We choose the second, not because we don`t want to take care of her, but we know it is better if she is in the hand of of some professionals.

After a week of staying in Pavilion 6. This is really an answered prayer for my family. It`s been a longs years we prayed for this to happened that at one point Ate Ne will recognize us. I`m tears when I was able to hug her and she hug me back so tight without resistant. Like the way when were kids. She even ask me why I`m crying while tapping my back. She was asking where is everyone, all my Ates, Kuya, Mama and the kinds. I can`t resist form crying form time to time. Tears of happiness. Little by little Ate Ne is coming back with us, and I know she can make. God is with us along the way, and with His grace and love Ate will be home soon.

Three Ninja`s Roadtrip

I miss doing this, and I claimed myself  to today as leader Blue ninja... hahahha  with the other two red ninja with me is kuya Allan and Mr. Nakashima. Good thing they invited me to come with them. It`s me that really make this trip more fun and amazing! hehehe

Week before we descend, Big Boss asked me about beaches which is good go. My suggestion is either in Quezon or Batangas part. I give him some online sites for him to view and choose where he wants to go. But I highly recommend to him the places in Laiya Batangas, because of long shoreline and white sand. 

Seven o`clock of Saturday we depart in Manila, we expect our travel time would be 3hrs drive. And so lucky, first Big Boss has not yet decide where he wants to go, and  don`t have even the map I remind him to bring, all he say is " Want to see the sea" :))). Second, even Kuya Allan don`t know how to go to Laiya. So, we make some calls for help. Thank you for those people who patiently replied on us about our headings. 

We arrived at Laiya 10:15 already, we start our resort hopping since we don`t have reservation. It was Saturday, expected to be lots guest in every resort. I think we inquired in about eight resorts. And it`s either fully booked, walk-in is not allowed and resort is exclusive for land owners. It was only Virgin Beach resort is available to accommodate us but a little expensive compared with the others. But we decided to settled there instead of looking for another one. 

Because its already 11:00, we don`t avail the day tour package, we just pay for the entrance fee, parasol rate, parking fee and for the food we just go for the Ala cart. But because the resort is having a buffet for the day tour guest we have to wait until 2:00 pm to make our food orders. And the only food that we have is cookies and kitkat chocolate.

I know the red ninjas are already hungry especially Big Boss because he don`t ate breakfast. And the sun is really up and hot to bad to go for a swim. All we can do is to wait at the parasol until 2:00 pm. To forget about our starving stomach, we deviate our attention on playing card, good thing Kuya Allan brought one. We taught Mr. Nakashima to play unggoy-unggoy, lucky 9, and tong-its! Nice play Sir, you learned it that well. 

Until 2 o'clock comes, so ready to eat. For our food, we order carbonara with butter bread, special halo halo, and special turon. The serving of carbonara is almost good for two person for me. The halo-halo is place in tall glass, and the turon is two pieces cut into two making it four. After eating half of my carbonara, I`m already full, I just ate half of halo-halo and turon and I was super full. But the two ninjas with me, they really have big stomach. They almost ate all their food or maybe they are super gutom! hahaha 

We finished our meal around three o`clock and we`re ready for swimming. We go for beach Kayak first for 30 mins I think. I enjoy paddling against small waves, but got scared too every time I was about to fall though I have safety vest also. Kuya Allan knows how to swim, and Mr. Nakashima is really a good swimmer I`m envy them both ;((... But I enjoy the saltwater even I`m just near the seashore. hehehe. Although the sands grain is not fine but it's white. And I had fun burying myself to the sand, and even the two help me too. 

Exactly 6:00 pm we left the resort, our travel is little faster as compared going there because we know already the route. Along the way, Mr. Nakashima ask for dinner maybe he got hungry again after our almost 3 hrs swimming. We looked for some good place along the way, but we didn`t find one, so we decided to drop at Paseo or Nuvali for dinner. Big Boss asked suggestion for a place that serve good and delicious food. First come to my mind is the Pig-out.

Pig out stock of the town and grilled platter

We ordered trio sinigang, sizzling pusit, grilled platter, and sisig rice. And the three of as has the stock of the town for our drinks. All the servings is good for four person and we`re only three, so we`re having food trip again. We enjoyed the food it`s really good and delicious as per Big Boss comment, even the water they serve is really refreshing. 

We go right after we ate, it`s almost 9:30 pm, and this time Mr. Nakashima do driving. Around 10:10pm I`m home. The whole is day is super enjoy. I don`t even feel tired... It`s really amazing whole day! Again thank you for the invitation!...

Super cool ninja road trip :D

I have "The Alchemist"

The first time I saw this book at the bookstore, knowing one of the best seller, translated in different languages, make me wonder what`s the story "the Alchemist" really all about,  that most people from commoners to high profiles buy this book or want to have a copy of it. Makes me considered also to buy one for myself. I love to read novel particularly adventures and fictions. But I don`t have a hobby of buying books, I bought some also but most of the time I just borrow books from my friends that I want to read. I want to own a book that was gift to me because it takes something extra special.

Last Saturday, Eman called that the books I will be needing for the review is ready, so we agreed to met the following day, Sunday afternoon. I was surprised because he just told me that books are just about 4 inches thick all, but what he brought is one big eco bag full of books that would be around 5 kilos or more. As I scanned the books inside, there is one on top put in a separate eco paper bag. I asked him, what is it, because I thought it`s for him, he smile and said... You guess, I bought this a week ago and I know you will like it.! Guessing in my mind I grab it to his hand and as I opened it, I was really surprised,  I have in my hand the book I wanted so much to have a copy of my own.  I just smile back at him and say thank you. I was speechless of his thoughtfulness.

I`m not yet finished reading but no worries I`ll post what is it all about once I`m done :)

Wish I can Drive

I love so much myself in this picture, being seated on the driver`s seat, hands on the steering wheel and feeling like a professional driver, yet make me feel sad, the fact that I don`t really know how to drive. Same thing that I will miss the one who took this picture

I love cars, though I don`t have much knowledge about the specs of each model but seeing those beautiful design, that was really amazing things to me. I have some match box hang on my closets` door. And every time I opened  it and see those little cars makes me smile and wish that one day I could drive even just one of them.

Having my own car is not as much as my dream of having my own house. But I really wish I will know how to drive too. If I will be able to drive soon that would be a big achievement for me. Because it was a great skill to acquire as a woman.

As a Team

As Wikipedia defines Teamwork - work done bu several associates with each doing a part but all subordinating personal prominence the efficiency of the whole.

I`m still in the process of adjustments for my new job responsibility. From the start I know it would not be easy because some of the task are really new to me, particularly in terms of technicality and rules. I have this fear at first, if they ask something and I don`t have any idea with the matter, how I can help my group when technically I`m not totally equip with all the things that I have to handle.

The spirit of teamwork is really present in our group. In less than a month I could tell, my team is great and I love them, as their new leader I could see now and appreciate more their dedication towards work. They really help me to cope up on things that I need to learn. They have the sense of responsibility to do job on their own, asked what things need to be done, and offer help to someone that needs backup.

We`re working on same goal, teaching and helping each other towards zero delays :)... Busy days or not, we don`t forget to laugh together, making things each day more light and easy.