Apr 9, 2008

Cebu Trip

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Finally! Here are my updates on my recent trips.

My trip to Cebu was due to the naming ceremony and delivery of our company’s vessel, which was built in a Japanese shipyard in Cebu. We stayed in Shangri-La Mactan for 3 days, and frankly I must say that it was a good stay there. We had a pre-naming dinner the night before the actually occasion, and I was one of the emcee’s for the night. I was very nervous, as it was a long time ago since I last did this. In the end, it turned out to be ok, and I managed to inject some light remarks that broke the formality of the event. Hahaha, sorry I couldn’t resist. Food was good, I loved the cocktails and the sit-down dinner.

The next day, we had an early start, because the trip to the shipyard was 3 hours. Gash, did my back ache and all. Hehehe. The event was a tearful one for me (us), partly because of the sentimental songs being played while all the officer and crew of the vessel waved their hands to bid us (and their families) goodbye. I mean, who wouldn’t drop a tear or two with this scenery, plus the song “I am sailing” filling your ears.





I also envisioned Enrique wearing the Captain’s suit, bidding me goodbye. Geesh, please I don’t want to experience this, let me just go with the vessel. And of course, I felt a bit sad, because of the thought of possibly leaving the company. More about that later.

That afternoon, we had some free time to swim, so I donned my new swimsuit and headed towards the beach. It was marvelous, swimming together with the fishes. Hahaha.



Boy we really had fun, with one of our officemates snapping pictures of us. Then we headed to the pool area. Water was warm, and it was relaxing after a tiring day. We then had dinner at Tides. Food was really good, though I got disappointed because there were no fresh oysters. Dang. It’s expensive though, as the price is the same as hotel buffet prices back in Manila. I enjoyed the food a lot though, and since it’s “free” I enjoyed it even more. Hehehehe.

I met up with my friends M and B for an after-dinner thing. I ordered just a glass of wine (no desserts, thank you), and resisted to get another one. I’m having another early start the next day, you know. We talked about a lot of stuff, and it was really good that I had time to meet them.

The next day, selected personnel (including myself) went to SOS Villages Cebu to visit the place as well as to give toys to the children who are currently being provided shelter (and livelihood as well) by the organization. The visit was heartwarming (I cried again) because the kids, from the young ones to the tweens, as well as their “mothers,” presented a lot of song and dance numbers and poetry recitals.





The last presentation was the most touching part, because the boys presented what I call the “white gloves” presentation. You know, using and moving their hands to convey messages, to the tune of “The Prayer.” It wouldn’t have been presented best at night, but of course this was not possible at the moment. But boy, was I tearful especially when they have formed “We Love You” and “Thank You.” I am such a cry-baby. Hahaha.

After the visit, we had lunch again at Tides before we packed out bags and left for Manila. Of course, I had another full meal. I totally loved the baked fish with lemon butter sauce. The fish was superb, nicely cooked.







In the airport we had a 30-minute foot massage by the blind, and the one who massaged me was very good… and artistic. His body movements while massaging my feet are like the body movements of a pianist. Hahaha.

The flight turned out to be quite ok, far from what we have experienced when we were en route to Cebu. All of us were really nervous at first, but relaxed a bit when it seemed that the flight was pleasant, with some mild shakes here and there.

My first stop upon reaching home was in Eanna’s room. She looked so serene while sleeping. I kept on kissing her but she didn’t wake up. What a lovely angel I have.

Anyway, that’s what happened in Cebu. Next update would be my Singapore trip. :D

Apr 7, 2008

Missing Eanna

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It's been days since the last time I am with my baby girl (5 days to be exact), and I am sorely missing my little angel. I know, I know, before I left yesterday I got to see, kiss, hug, and play with her, but it was really just a short time. Good thing I'm now on my way back to Manila. I hope she's still awake when I get back, beause I really really want to play with her for even just a short while before she sleeps. You know, see her smile and all.

I'm now here in the boarding area, and fortunately there's free internet access. I immediatley checked out my baby's pictures (my camera pics aren't enough, really), and my longing to be with her grew even stronger. I want to go home now!!! Fast!!! *Sigh*

Anyway, I will be posting entries on my trips. They were fun, but of courseit would've been better if my husband and my angel are both with me. But for now, I guess I'm by myself for a ouple of hours. Eanna, wait for me. I'm coming home real soon... *Sigh*

Apr 2, 2008

Hello Cebu!

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Tomorrow I am off to Cebu for a business trip, and I’m so excited because it will be the first time I would be attending a naming ceremony of a vessel. How cool is that? Harharhar.

Anyway, I am going to the mall later to buy me some bathing suits. Yep, I need one because my last piece (2-piece actually) got worn out. Poor bikini had to go through a lot of stretching to accommodate my pregnant body. Hehe. Anyway, here are the some silhouettes I am opting for this summer.

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(Pics from NeimanMarcus.com)

I know, I know. Gone are the days when I can strut my stuff with a teeny weeny bikini. I still have this fine “linea negra” caused by my pregnancy, and I am quite shy for it to be seen. Well, if you look at it, it kinda points to “down there” hahaha. And yeah, triangle bikinis for me are so 2004. since that time I gained 20 lbs more or less. Don’t get me wrong, people still think I’m still thin, but heck, my belly is still bulging, and I don’t think it would ever go away. But hey, the styles above are nice anyway, right?

I also saw these sandals by Ipanema.

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I’m kinda hesitant to get me one, but if I’m in the mood to shop later, then I would! :P

Gash, I hope I can look as good as this when I travel...

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but... I WISH! :P

Apr 1, 2008

Deal or No Deal

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I had a sleepless night last night. I kept on thinking what developments had transpired yesterday, and up until now my mind is still very confused. You see, yesterday i have received a phone call from another company, asking me to join them. IMMEDIATELY. I was a little rattled because first I wasn't really looking for a new job. It just so happened that my good friend and our principal sponsor needed a replacement (he is moving to another company, and I think another country!) and he has given my name (among others) and contact number to their President. Apparently they got interest in me (my friend has given them my short background), so they called me for some initial talks. The President asked for my CV, and so I sent them mine. After a couple of minutes, he called again and confirmed they want me for the job.

Now I am really confused. I have been in my company for more than 2 years now, and though stressful as it is, I am enjoying my current job. The company is very stable, with a little above average when it comes to compensation and benefits.

The new company on the other hand, though has been in the industry for quite a while, has only started its operations here for 1 year. Position offered is almost the same as my current postion, plus more. Basically they need someone to head their operations here in Manila. from there I would be trained and groomed for further career advancement. Salary-wise, my yearly net income would be the same as my yearly gross income in my current company.

Sounds good, noh?

But of course, I am still a bit hesitant. I enjoy working with my colleagues here. My boss is very supportive and i have learned a lot from him. The company itself is a good company.

I asked Dear Hubby what he thinks, and he gave me his honest answer. He's proud of me, but I should also consider the time I would allot to our family. That it shouldn't rob me of my time with them. Honestly, he said that he is also earning and he can support the family even without me working that much. But it is still up to me, because he doesn't want me to decide on something I don't want. He will fully support me in whatever decision I would make.

I'm in the office right now, getting teary-eyed.

Gash, I don't know what to do.

Mar 31, 2008

Lunch With My Friends

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Last Saturday I had lunch with my friends in Grams Diner Rockwell, as my friend B from Cebu went here to attend his sister's graduation.

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Gash, it really felt good seeing them again after more than a month. I wish we could go out more often, but of course this would depend on our schedule. Hope to see them soon.

Anyway, the food in Gram's Diner was ok, maybe a little pricey for my liking. Well, either that or I'm not too sold with the food.

Oh, due to insistent *public* demand, I brought Eanna with me. She's such a sweetie playing with my friends and all.

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Click on the picture for the complete album...

This is soooo becoming Eanna's website, more than mine. Hahaha.

Lentil Soup

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Last night I was feeling the blues (missing my husband) and felt like eating again after having a full dinner (thanks Barefoot Contessa for making me hungry). I remembered there was some leftover of the lentil soup I made so I got up, took out the soup from the ref, heated it and got some crackers to go with it.

Gash, I devoured that friggin soup. Yep, I am a soup lover, and a hearty soup is my second comfort food of choice, first one is of course sushi.

Here’s the “recipe” I concocted for this little soup of mine. This of course is influenced by what I have watched in Lifestyle Network’s food shows, as well as my frequent orders of lentil soup in Café Med. Doesn’t taste like the real thing (I have limited spices, you know!) but it’s close to the authentic flavor.

Lentil/Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:
Olive oil
Chopped garlic (I love lots of garlic!)
One chopped onion (not really my thing, but just add it anyway)
4 cups water
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1 can of lentils
Cubed potatoes
Cubed carrots
Chopped celery
Cumin
Chili Powder
Cayenne Pepper
Ground black pepper
Bay leaf

Saute garlic and chopped onion. Add water and bring to a boil. Add potatoes, carrots, and celery. Check if the potatoes are soft, then add the lentils. Add the tomato paste, the 3 spices (depends on your taste but I like them spicy hehehe), ground pepper, and bay leaf. Simmer for 15 minutes. Serve with crackers. Crostini preferably, but sky flakes will do. Hahaha.

Lentil Soup

Enjoy!

Mar 27, 2008

Meeting Kyla

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I woke up today very excited because I am going to meet and have a photo-op with someone...

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And so I took a bath so that I could get dressed...

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I tried on different outfits to see what looks best on me...

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Before I finally have a picture with..... KYLA!

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I got shocked however by the number of people that surrounded me... I'm not used to this much attention! Mama prepared me for this special meeting, but she didn't tell me that so many people will be there!

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Kyla's sooo nice! Next time, if the timing is right, I may have a picture with M.R. and D.T., who are rumored to be moving in to our tower sometime soon. Yipee!

Tueday Habit

Some years ago, I got hooked into watching the big TV Hit "Sex and the City." I was so glued to this series that I couldn't wait for the seasons to be aired in local tellies. I got crazy downloading the episodes and watching them in my computer. Gash, those were the days. Ever since it has ended though, there was not much TV series that I pay attention to, save for my old favorites: CSI, CSI Miami, and CSI NY. I also had the evening habit of watching local TV series (now I watch Lobo). These series however are not as light as SATC, my usual Tuesday Evening Habit/

After years of not having one, I finally have a new Tuesday Evening Habit in the form of this...

gg.jpg I LIKE!

Years ago, I have noticed Gossip Girl in bookstores. I was intrigued by the covers and was tempted to buy but didn't. Hehehe. Then I heard that a series was made based on the book (very SATC). Some people have been raving about it, saying it's the next SATC, but I didn't really paid much attention to it. Well, up until one Tuesday evening, I tuned in to FoxCrime and saw that I have already watched the CSI Miami episode being aired. I just kept on surfing the channels and stumbled upon the first credits of Gossip Girl. So I gave it a try and watched it. I LIKE!

Yep, what they said is true, it's very similar to SATC (with the fashionable clothes and all); even the lead girl kindly looked like SJP too!

Anyway, of course for me, nothing still beats SATC but at least it's a break from watching all crime stories and food shows.

Speaking of SATC... gash I can't wait till the movie hits the theaters!