Friday, May 30, 2008

Felt Dizzy

Pregnant? mmmm... One of the symptoms of pregnancy is dizziness but am sure I'm not. Thought my fever was over but when I arrived in the office seems the room was spinning and I was sweating cold. The weather is not good these days and my ascorbic acid of 1000mg was not enough to protect me from flu and colds. (I am taking 3000mg daily but I ran out of it today) I want to take a rest from work but responsibilities won't allow me. I have a schedule for orientation today and I must not miss it. The pay (it's pay day today)may wait next week but this task don't so I must be present. Thank God I was able to stood up and did my task inspite of this sickness. I planned to relax tomorrow but I must be in the office to fulfill another pile of tasks. Jaa, ganbarimasu! Read more...

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Tied the Knot, Finally!

Our friend and colleague finally tied the knot to his long time girlfriend who resides in Japan. We were very happy that he finally settled with the woman he loves.The ceremony was filled with joy and excitement. Seeing a friend happy is a fulfillment too in my part.

The management declared a half-day work yesterday paving time for a family occasion. We considered ourselves (the working team) as a family so everybody went to the wedding and showed support.

I was requested to read the bible in the church. Almost everyone who read the invitation thought I am a Bible Bearer at a first glance since my name was listed next to flower girls and coin bearer. It read Bible Bearer, FYI! hahaha. I just laughed giving no offense. It was not a big deal anyway...

I felt the solemnity of the wedding, plus the feeling that my groom-friend had finally set his heart to a woman forever. (heard he was teary-eyed when he fetch his bride in the aisle) Whew! I felt goosebumps the time I saw him kissed her. Everyone of us were very happy indeed. He was such a nice guy and he would be a perfect husband for her. She was lucky. Both of them.

Two days before the wedding, he requested me to render a song in his reception. I was really hesitant because the time was not enough for me to practice. Although I knew a few songs, it was still taboo on my part to perform in an unfamiliar audience and I knew myself that I would be trembling infront performing. I told him to wait for one night if I can find audio for the song 'I Do' of Lea Salonga but I didn't so I didn't text him anymore. Though not a girl scout, I just brought with me some CDs where I can sing one song, as he told me. Truly, I was caught unguarded in the event. I haven't practiced and yet the host called me to sing on the first part of the program and another during dinner time. Whew! I hoped I still have a face to show in the office for that performance hahaha! But anyway, whatever the feedback, the important thing is we enjoyed the night and the celebration. It was indeed a night we will remember. To my friend, Omedetou gozaimashita!
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Monday, May 26, 2008

Tomodachi, Arigatou!

Ei, thanks to my friend VINKOY THE GREAT for feeding me information about blog writing. I have many friends who have earned a lot by just simply putting their thoughts in their sites but I just seemed to not mind them. (writing is tiring you know hehe) This time, I might as well try my luck and squeeze my brain to write and key it on English. hehe. Arigatou tomodachi, vinx! ;) Read more...

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Trapped Again

Today, I am trapped again in the four corners of the office working in this seemingly infinite tasks of thinking and crafting. I have so many things to accomplish this month and yet it seems I have to accomplish it forever. When will this end? My body is weak that it gives up anytime. Hayyy... I want to finish them all and take a relaxing vacation! Otsukaretta.... Read more...

David Cook is the Next American Idol

Yipee! I was jumping with joy when David Cook was proclaimed the next American Idol 7. Seems I was able to foresee what will happen in my last post. The finals was too tough for the two remaining contestants. But honestly, I was worried that David Archuleta might win because the final performance favored him so much. Whew! good thing the votes of the audience and the judges did a very favorable point for my bet DC. I was in the office that time guarding the television from switching channels. My officemates enjoyed how tensed and enthusiastic I was watching that time. Read more...

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Found a New Acquaintance

Tonight, I found a new friend... Well, not a friend actually but soon he may and will be. I am just anxious I will live up to the expectations. He seems to be Zahir to me hehe Read more...

Sunday, May 18, 2008

American Idol Season 7 Final 3


I may sound very odd but last Friday was my first invitation to a Mcdonald's Birthday Party. Must I thank Spain for inviting me? Sure I must. So thanks Kumare! hehehe I have never been to a children's party held @ Mcdonald nor Jollibee ever so I feel being young that time. If Simon Cowell hears me he might say I am gooey.

And speaking of gooey ... In the recent American Idol Season 7, David Cook just won the night! It was a very tough night for the final 3 contenders who all vie for the next Idol of the year. The finalists sang three songs which were selected by the judges, finalists, and producers. David Archuleta's first song was And So It Goes chosen by Paula Abdul, second was a personal choice which was Chris Brown's With You and the last was Longer by Dan Fogelberg. Syesha Mercado, the only lady left performed If I Aint Got You chosen by Randy, followed by Fever a Pussycat Dolls version and last was Hit Me Up by Gia Farrell. David Cook outperformed the two when he sang The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face which was a Simon Cowell choice, Dare You To Move by Switchfoot a personal choice, and I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing.

Mmmm... for a critic, I must say Syesha didn't performed well in the recent competition. The judges were right, we were not able to judge her vocals because she was too preoccupied with the dancing which was too cabaret as what Simon Cowell said. And yeh, she might heat up the guys who saw that performance but vocals wise, I think being eliminated is just worth it. (forgive me if I may sound brusque)


David Archuleta, on the other hand, well... as usual he performed well but not too well to impress me. I just don't think that his vocals fit the song choice especially his, With You. I don't know, but I think the only thing that keeps him in the competition is the way he renders the song with emotions especially his eyes (take note on that) and his charm. Other than Imagine by John Lennon which he sang during the Top 20 night, I didn't hear laudable performance from him anymore. But his voice is powerful so I think he fits well with Josh Groban's songs.

David Cook, I think is suited to be reigned as the next American Idol. (please.. this is just a personal prophecy from a fan) Well, from the first song choice which was Simon's, he already proved that he's got IT! (Paula Abdul always says he has the package.) Honestly, I loved David C's song choice. I was just caught hanging and hungered to hear more of his singing. Paula was right, we were kinda left in the middle of the song. Good thing he belted on the last song, I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing. He really has the vocals. He wowed the audience and received a standing ovation from many. Simon filled the studio with a statement "David Cook won the night".
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Thursday, May 15, 2008

Charles R. Swindoll

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes..

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Monday, May 12, 2008

Coffee Break @ Fagioli


It sometimes pays off when one person gets irritated and out of nowhere just pops out and invite you for a break. Thanks to my aunt who came to our house @ 8pm. We were treated for a coffee break at Fagioli, just to unwind from her emotional outburst.Been constant to this place for a while now since many were inviting me for a cup of coffee and long talk about life. It's accessible to the office too.

Their Cafe Fagiomalt is the best served house coffee but the iced version is not too convincing for me. For an iced coffee I suggest you taste their Tiramisu or the Irish Cream. Hmmm, the oatmeal cake did not satisfy my tastebuds though it fairly tastes good. I like their Pomodor pasta but the Aglio e Olio is still the best.

A coffeeshop should be a place of total relaxation while enjoying every sip of coffee... and Fagioli is just the perfect spot for you. Its main branch is located in General Santos while its first branch in Davao is located in Lanang near Damosa, a few walks away from Microtel Inns & Suites. Visit their 2nd branch in Quirino Avenue.


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Friday, May 09, 2008

Hanoi Damosa Gateway

Dining at a Vietnamese Cuisine Restaurant


From Spanish-themed dining the other day, now we savored Vietnamese. Our lunch was a grip of a taste at Hanoi, the Vietnamese counterpart of Tsuru, located in Damosa Gateway just few walks away from the office. I must say Vietnamese cuisine is better than Japanese's. (that's my personal verdict) The sweetness of food tagged the Vietnamese style of cooking. Though preparation is not ostentatious, the food is superb! We relished on everything served on our table.


For an appetizer, we ordered Goi Xaoi Sang, a green mango salad in sweet sauce. The blend of sweetness and sourness of this appetizer will make you crave for more. You won't have an ill-tasted teaser once you try this. So have a grab of it.





For our main dish, we had Mi Xao Don (crispy noodles with shrimp, pork and vegetables), Uit Kho Gung(braised duck with ginger), Muc Don Thit(squid stuffed with ground pork) and Cha Nuong (ground pork bbq wrapped with lettuce and rice paper). I believe Cha Nuong, ordinarily, is chorizo but the dip makes the taste special. All tasted great but my tongue loved the braised duck most. Its sweet sauce is deeply sipped in the tender meat of the duck. The meal was satisfying.

While we were flipping the menu pages for our dessert, the durian sumanintrigued us so we decided to order some.

The suman was served while I was busy copying and keying the name of the dishes we ordered in my celfone. I thought my friends (Joyce, Norman and Regil) hastily consumed it, liking the taste, but I was wrong. After keying, I saw their suman seemed untouchable. It tasted bitter, they say, so I tried it myself. It was not. Regil told me I don't have a sense of taste but I surely tasted it isn't. The sweetness of the Uit Kho Gung might have affected my taste. I was nibbling it 'til the end of the meal that I did not taste the bitterness of the suman. The crew was very polite to offer them extra coconut milk but they requested for a condensed milk instead.

The dessert is considered the meal climax but for our case, it wasn't. Did the end justify the means? ahmmm for them it might not be, but for me it did, fairly... In the end, we still enjoyed the sumptuous and delicious meal served.

Oops! Did we just eat those?


A buffet is offered in Hanoi at Campus St. every 8th day of the Month @ P430/pax.
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Hola España @ Damosa Gateway




I was hesitant going in this restaurant, worried that I may be spending lots of my bills for a taste of an expensive food. (i'm always bills deficient you know hehe)T'was few months already since this Spanish restau opened and just recently we had the courage to go in, sit, use their spoon, fork, plate, knife, etc. and of course give in to our appetite!


We were never dismayed nor frustrated with what we spent. The food definitely savored and filled our stomachs! Their Arroz Valenciana paired perfectly with that chicken in marinara sauce dish. (i totally forgot its name, forgive me) Their pizzas are great too! We also loved the interiors of the restaurant. The bricked wall added to the authentic Spanish Cuisine dining experience like you were in Spain or in some place. Too bad I wasn't able to check their restroom, or do they have? (recalling) I'll go check it again next time.


We went out with our stomachs too heavy to walk back to the office. It's worthy anyway!


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Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Eagle's Bar Marco Polo Hotel

We just had an adventure at Eagle's Bar in the luxurious Marco Polo Hotel. Oops! my friend says it's not. He may be jumping with joy if it's for excitement but he was worried of the extravagant food he will be paying. (hehe) He didn't even bother to flip the pages of the menu. (hahaha) Thanks to the complimentary card we won last Christmas. We saved a lot (except for Norman of course who spent for the extra ), enjoyed the food and the very good service they had.

We were lucky to have tasted and experienced the food and service of a 5-star hotel. T'was long before our tastebuds savor the hotel's food again. Entering the bar welcomes you with a dim and cozy atmosphere. Their crew attends to you immediately. We sat and waited for our orders while chitchatting.


Finally, the food is prepared and served after 20 minutes. Theirs was mouthwatering and luscious so we barely notice we had consumed everything in less than 20 minutes! (shorter than the food preparation?) No talking, plainly eating. Blame it to the noisy stomachs we have! hahaha


We did not stay long. After consuming the food, we decided to leave the bar. Norman has yet to go somewhere. We almost stand to leave when I told him, 'you ask for the bill'. He laughed out loud remembering we were yet to settle for our bill. He forgot we still have to pay! He paid the excess of the complimentary amount. i'm feeling a bit guilty not able to share with him, relieved too as i will not be slipping folded bills in my wallet hahaha)

I hope I will be able to visit this bar again. I say it's not an extravagant place to relax but a reasonable way of enjoying the food, the drinks, and the stay. Onaka ga ippai desu!


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Thursday, May 01, 2008

I' ve got a BRUISE because of a job interview!


I've got a bruise! Damn those stiletto shoes I wore yesterday! I fell on the jeepney as I about to ride in. Shameless as I was that time, all I said was 'ay nasangit!', sat and acted like nothing happened. All the passengers just looked at me but I didn't mind them. It was when I came home that I realized that the incident was a shame. I just laughed out loud.
The Culprit

Yesterday was I think my worst day. I had a schedule for a membership orientation in the morning in the office and an interview in the afternoon for a maritime job opportunity. I am in my business attire: green striped-blouse, black slacks, and a 3-inches stiletto heels. A couple of people said I looked beautiful. (But the day didn't end that way, *sigh!)

As I have finished working with all the documents in the office and ready to head for an interview at 2pm, many clients approached my table and heeded for my assistance. Won't all these people stop coming?! It seems the time won't let me go to the interview." I became tensed. Conscious of the time. I have to attend to my office responsibilities before I go out and attend to my personal plan that may dictate my future. But how could I escape from the office when people unceasingly seeks me? Whew! Thank God my officemate/friend approached me and offered her help. (and thank God my boss allowed mewith a 1-minute permission before I left hehe) I left the office without a makeup, a combed hair and a fragrance. 'I'll do it in the taxi then', I told myself.


Okay, I was able to leave the office @ 2:30PM so I will be able to catch up for an interview until 4PM. I stepped into the interviewing company @ 2:50PM, approached the staff to inform that I came as I have been told. They measured my height and weight. I sat and wait for my name to be called. As I was waiting, I rolled my eyes on the 4 corners of the room and read what were posted. Minimum height requirement: 5'4". I didn't mind. They might have other positions for my height. They called me again for a height measurement. I waited an hour before I was finally called for an interview not knowing what positions they were hiring. Not surprised, they really were looking for a 5'4" woman to be a Casino Dealer (not my line anyway). I was not depressed nor was I ashamed as I left their office. It's really not a job for me, I whispered.


No taxi in site so I walked and decided to ride a jeepney. As I was waiting, a girl infront of the jeepney I hailed smiled at me. She was a teacher in the company I worked, a recognition from the second look I made. The jeepney stopped and off I went at the back to get in. As I stepped in, my stiletto heels slipped on my slacks and poof! I was nailed down. My right hand and knees dropped on the floor and my left buttock hit the seat. I got up, sat, and paid my fare, like nothing happened. It was a surprising incident/ accident/ clumsiness because I did not feel any shame. All I felt was a little pain on my left buttock. Little by little passengers were gone. I feel a bit relieved. They don't know me anyway so what's the point. hehe


I stopped at BDO to pay for my credit card bill. I was near the teller when they advised that the bank was offline. We waited a few minutes before it went back to normal. I settled my bill and off I went home. I hailed a jeepney and the same thing happened again. I fell down a second time.Am I being punished? For what? Damn those shoes! slacks! interview! If not for the interview I would not be wearing those business attire. I would not be wearing those heels which I have not worn for a couple of months now. (these are a few of my realizations when I got home) But I have not felt shame nor any feeling that moment. And when I was walking home, I almost had an ankle strain because of a stone. Thank God I was able to manage the walk.


I fin'ly got home with an uninjured body, (less the red swollen line on my buttock). But on the second day, it looked like this -------------> I took a picture a to have a memoir of the incident. Just got no luck! :(
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