Secret Santa

It’s that time of the year when it isn’t our birthday, yet, we receive surprise gifts and wonderful presents. Sure, it’s Christmastime!

In the spirit of gift-giving, my officemates and I organized our very first Kris Kringle. We did not plan to make it extravagant. Just simple enough to celebrate the season.

The categories per week were the following, with the gifts I received from my Secret Santa:

Week 1: something that describes your Santa Baby -- a dark chocolate bar (am i bittersweet?)
Week 2: something boxed-up -- a box of Nesvita
Week 3: something random & weird -- a concealer
Week 4: something annoying yet funny -- an eyeliner
Week 5: something Christmassy -- candy cane
Grand: something your Santa Baby likes -- to unwrap on Christmas Day + the gifts I got from
my workmates

Too bad my Secret Santa revealed that I was her Santa Baby the day before the first gift-giving. Supposedly, revelation is done at the end or during the last gift-giving day. I admit, it reduced the amount of excitement, but the enthusiasm never faded away. Each week, I was looking forward to the gifts my “Secret Santa” prepared and wrapped for me.

As a token of appreciation for all the gifts that Secret Santa gave, Santa Baby then returns the generosity of Secret Santa by giving a "thank you gift."

I know that this was our practice long before when we were still studying. But no matter how many times we do it, it is still fun and exciting -- from overthinking who's our Secret Santa, to what gift to buy, to how to wrap it. It's always fun! At the end of the whole gift-giving thingy, we learned that it feels good to give, whether it's small or big, expensive or cheap. It's the thought that matters! Now we know why Santa Claus loves giving presents!

Speaking of him, thanks to the real-life Santa Claus (officemates) for coming early to town! These gifts make me feel like a kiddo guessing what's inside!

Have yourself a merry little Christmas!

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Real-life Halloween

Sorry for my late posting. I know it’s almost end of November yet I would like to share this experience I will never forget. October 30, 2012. It was an awesome day in the office because we threw an event and it was called “Halloween Fair,” in which I dressed up like Russell (from the movie, Up). Sad to admit, but that very day, it ended so awful. I first encountered riding a jeepney with a bad guy. By bad guy, I mean a person with an evil mind and doing things illegally to survive. I was a victim. My bag was stolen from me -- my iphone, wallet, Ids, cards, and other stuff with sentimental value, included. My hands were shaking. I cannot move my feet. I wanted to shout but no voice was coming out. All I knew was to immobilize. I should not make an action to retrieve my bag. I might just put my life in danger.

When I got home, I called the banks to put my cards on hold. Then it dawned on me. I lost almost everything important to me. What’s worst was that I even saw the face of the bad guy. I get goose bumps everytime I remember his appearance. I guess I still have trauma up to this writing!

The thought of them roaming around among us scares me. I feel sad that they exist. I feel bad that they are moving freely outside. I’m afraid that others could be their next victim – it could be you, our friends, family, relatives, or any of us. I may sound unforgiving but I want justice of what he did to me. I hope one day I see him again... behind bars!

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A Little Pain, A Life To Gain

Our company, in partnership with Philippine National Red Cross, conducted a Blood Letting Program onsite. We were able to obtain 24 blood bags, which I am certain, could help save lives.

While my blood was being withdrawn from my system, I spoke with the Red Cross Volunteer and she mentioned that "-ber" months are mostly the time when only a few people share their blood. I hereby knock to your generous heart, to please be with me on this humanitarian and compassionate legacy. Donate your precious blood. Especially now that Christmas is yet to come. This would be the best Christmas present you could ever offer. Remember the saying, "It's better to give than to receive."

Voluntarily, the donor has to submit himself to undergo blood screening. The purpose of this is to determine the blood type, weight, blood pressure, and the donor's medical history & personal lifestyle. It is not true that if you have tattoos or piercings, you can no longer donate your blood. This is a common misconception among the people. If you get inked or had your piercings for more than a year, then you can still donate blood. There is a doctor to assess if you are qualified or not. Usually, the one who is "clean & healthy" passes the screening. The qualified donor will then be asked to lie down and there, a needle will be inserted. Once the bloodbag is filled with 450 ml of blood, a needle will be withdrawn. A successful donor will be instructed to remain still on bed for about 10 minutes before getting up. The whole procedure takes for about 30 minutes.

A donor's card will be given to all successful donors. Should you need blood in the future (knock on wood), you can come to Red Cross and ask for assistance. They will provide you the blood you need until you get well.

I hope this entry touched your heart and I'm looking forward to see more people supporting this drive in donating their blood. Yes, I know we inflict pain. I myself have fear of needles and the idea of being punctured. But what is a little pain, if life is we are saving. As long as I can give, this will be my lifetime advocacy. I hope you too!

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Eyes, Eyes, Baby

This is probably and will be the shortest among my entries. I am going to be precise and brief, since I know all of us were reminded many times to TAKE CARE OF OUR EYES. Unless you want to not see the things around you and be blinded of the beauty of the surroundings.

We need our eyes. And if you love them enough, you will take care of them. Go, pay a visit to your ophthalmologist, EENT, and/or optometrist. Have them checked regularly. As a general rule, consider your eyes as your "baby."

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Thumbs Up in Boracay

Over a week ago, my college friends and I went to Boracay. It was not our first time in that island; we all have been there separately with different groups. The only thing that’s first was I am (or we are) going to the beach with the BrainTrain Group, which later I will explain why we were labelled with that name. To make it more exciting this time, I prepared a list of better things to do, to try, to capture, to taste when we reach our place of holiday. By the end of our short vacation, only a few materialized.

First Day. The first day was one of the most memorable on this trip. WHY? That’s because for once, we felt like a VIP. The pilot waited for us. We were paged several times and immediately after we board, the plane took off. That garnered a non-stop laughs among us.

Second Day. No much activity as we planned. We were offered several times to try this-and-that but we declined because we already experienced most of the activities, like the ATV, zorb, helmet diving, etc. September is considered an off-peak season in the island so the prices are far cheaper than the rate when it is summer. Except we tried Parao to enjoy the beautiful beach of Boracay, the strong winds, the waves, the pristine saltwater splashing on our face, and the magnificent sunset. That was truly enjoyable!

Third Day. Everyone woke up late, but not Lara and myself. We walked by the beach, gazed upon the natural scenery, took our photos, and... let me just say “cook something exciting.” Since we did not let our time to engage with some “fun under the sun” activities, we were nowhere to be found but either in our hotel room, in a restaurant, or in a bar. Sure we were pigging out, drinking alcohol, resting, tweeting, and instagraming. That’s the whole point of our vacation, not to mention, to party every minute of every day.

“Happy Hour” starts at 4pm onwards. This is the time we always took advantage of the drinks which are sold at 50% off or buy 1, take 1. Our favourite was BrainTrain, which is made up of 10 alcoholic drinks combined into one mixture, best served with cherries. This is good to share and I swear, would be impossible if you don’t feel tipsy at all. During that time, at least when we were in Boracay, we were the only group that orders BrainTrain, hence, the bartender branded us as BrainTrain Group.

Darkness started to set in. We got hungry and wanted to eat in an all-you-can-eat buffet. We headed to Astoria and availed of our complimentary dinner. There was another story about this and yes, it was related to what I “cooked” earlier this day. Sorry, but I’d rather not reveal it. To give you a hint, among our group, I bagged the Best Story and Best Director. For Best Actor it was Adrian; Jessan for Best Actress.

It was our last night so might as well enjoy the remaining hours in the island. Party! Party! Dance! Dance! Even on the dance floor I remember the Strawberry Firework dance steps by Mykhel and the “Kasambahay” dance moves by Jean that we practiced in our hotel. No exaggerations, but that night was crazy fun!

Fourth Day. It’s our last and final day in the island. We started to feel nostalgic. But must bring the most of it! We bought some gastronomic delights and pasalubongs. Lounge by the shore, watch the beach, and bask under the sun while drinking the best shake in Boracay. That feeling was priceless! Over all, the experience was a thumbs-up! Just before we leave, we promised that we will still going back and perhaps, drink BrainTrain without sharing. I’m crossing my fingers, come next year, we could go back there all together.

I cannot share the nitsy-bitsy details of this trip. I am sharing only the highlights. As they say, “what happens in Boracay, stays in the island.”

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Pain, Pain, Go Away!

Pain. It is defined as the unpleasant sensation caused by a lot of factors. It comes in many ways -- physical, emotional, spiritual, mental, intellectual, or psychological. No one can ever know as to when/where we will experience it or why do we have to suffer from it. Worst, we can never avoid them. Pain is part of everyone's life. And we know that when we speak of life, we do not know all the answers.

But I am sure, we all hate pain. Well, unless you're a masochist! We do not want to experience toothache, body pains, heartbreaks, sore throat, or traumas, etc. Our day gets ruined when we have it. When in pain, it feels like it is legal to hurt someone. But there are no legitimate reasons for us to do so. Totally unexcused! So while the pain is about to start, find a cure, take your meds, divert your attention, call all the angels and the saints, do anything to relieve your discomfort.

You may also want to sing, "Pain, pain, go away, dont come back on the other days."

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There's Always A First Time

I have nothing much to share about my recent trip to Singapore, except it was a blast. No, it was not my first time there. I've been there with my travel buddies as a side-trip when we flew to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2010. At first I thought, I wouldn't feel the same excitement like the first time I was going there. But as the day draws near to our departure date, the excitement and enthusiasm doubled.

I personally purchased the tickets last November 11, 2011 during Cebu Pacific's seat sale, "Onse Fare." If my counting is correct, that was exactly nine (9) months before our scheduled flight. This means, we have sufficient time to save up so we have enough pocket-money to spend when we get to SG.

A month before we fly, I booked the place where we will be staying in. I did not choose the expensive 5-star hotels and opted just to stay in a cheap hotel, decent enough to accomodate us at night to sleep. Then I designed the itinerary, like what I always do everytime I go on a trip. I did a lot of researches to make sure everyone will enjoy and at the same time, to be able to visit the tourist spots.

Here comes the day of pleasures. As mentioned above, my short stay in SG was a BLAST because of the "firsts" I experienced:

1. First time to ride a cable car with the whole family. Poch and Mom usually turn their backs because they have fears of heights. 

2. First time to try the Luge and the Skyride. I hope we have similar activites in the country.

3. First time to experience a 4D ride. I already watched 4D shows a couple of times but never a ride. 

4. First time my mom celebrated her birthday outside Philippines. She's now... never mind.

5. First time to taste the Singapore ice cream. It tastes good though the flavor I chose was not as yummy as what my mom and brothers ordered. 

6. First time to shop at H&M. I swear I could stay there for like the whole day.

7. First time to watch a Fountain show. It was beautiful! 

8. First time to see the famous Merlion not spewing water into Singapore Bay. Sad but what can we do? It is under construction.

9. First time to get lost in SG but hey, that's part of travelling. 

10. First time to see Marilyn Monroe, Po the Panda, Frankenstein, Betty Boop, Shrek and Fiona -- all of them are "in character." 

11. First time to try Galactica Battleship, both the Human & the Cylon. They were test-driving them when I first visited Universal Studios Singapore.

12. First time to fight with robots through the 4D Transformers Ride. This is one of the best rides!

13. First time to taste Famous Amos cookies & Garrett popcorn. Someone please bring them here so we could more often experience Singapore cookies & Chicago tradition, respectively.

14. First time to dine at No Signboard Seafood. You wouldn't remember your name after eating their dishes. It's like Dampa counterpart.

15. First time to meet Tita Peggy, my mom's bff since I wasn't still brought to life. 

Above all, because it was my first out-of-the-country trip with my family. Blessed to have experienced it in SG. Not all family could travel all together!

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