HELLO HOLIDAY

Thanks 2012. Esp.sa mga sumalo ng not so good start of the year ko. Aaaw :) 😊😘🎉🙌 #2013 #girl #holiday #newyear #blessed #loves #FrameMagic (taken with Instagram)

Happy holidays! Just like me, I know you guys have been very busy this December, and hopefully it's also the good kind of being busy, you know, the fun way of doing it?

So my almost 2 weeks vacation's coming to an end, it's time to shift to working girl mode once again, and I'm not excited about it, haha. 

Nevertheless, I am more than thankful for this vacay... SULIT!:)

Here is my top 5 reasons why my December Holiday's a bang:

PARTYING:

Of course this is the moment for right and left Christmas parties! Drinking sessions and buffet of food all week long. I was able to attend parties from different set of friends and loved ones, but let me share here the christmas parties of the three companies I have been part of (wasn't able to attend the party of the Advertising agency I worked with).

We have created such good bond and considered each as family, that's why I'm still welcome to gate crash their parties haha!

Last thursday's tagged photos 1 #weegpeeps (taken with Instagram)

Last Thursday's tagged photos 2. With 3 of the most serious people I know. Haha! #weegpeeps #friends (taken with Instagram)

After party with the link and web developers! SEO talks, joking around, and those usual teasing. Was able to see long lost officemates, had 3 bottles of Sanmig Light w/o being tipsy, and went home 4am considering I have a morning shift after, haha! EASTWOOD REPRESENT! 

painting the town red. CBV dancing the night away! #corporateparty #red #holiday #lateupload (taken with Instagram)

ow dj callum!<3 #callumdavid #dj #house #remix (taken with Instagram)

Painted the town red! Lots of employees, lechon (i love it!), and extravagant raffle. They actually gave away 100k pesos for 6 lucky raffle winner... EACH! Plus other monetary prices and GC's. The fireworks are beautiful, and the ala- street party drinking sesh was unexpectedly fun! Got to dance beside Ms. Cory Vidanes, and was so close to DJ Callum David! TIMOG REPRESENT!

tunay na logic Xmas party! Retro70's inspired! 🌸🎉📀 #sinisipagmagedit #party #christmas #retro #seo #ascott #FrameMagic (taken with Instagram)

This is my fave among the three! I got to party and spend the so-called end of the world with these people. The theme is retro 70's, there's a raffle for samsung notebook, lcd TVs and GCs. The highlight of the party is the battle of 11 teams for the 15k price money. I personally like the place - Cafe on the 6th at Ascott Makati. 

There's a wide open space outside the cafe so you can just go out when you want to smoke or feel the fresh air while drinking in one of the gazebos. The food's more than enough, presentable, and taste fair too. Regretting not being able to take 2nd serving of the potato balls w/ bacon bits, and the fresh salad with that perfect dressing though. It's open bar too so you can just go to the bartenders and drink whatever you like. Regretting not being able to take advantage of the free booze too by the way.

team marlon and the Kanorians!:D #friends #loves #bestseoteam #retro #party #vintage #FrameMagic (taken with Instagram)

Lastly, my team won 3rd place! Team Marlon and the Kanorians hell yeah! But you know what makes this party stand out from the rest, aside from it being well organized? It's the people. The camaraderie, the party and rock & roll spirit of the crowd, the cool bosses... damn definitely missin' everyone! MEKETI REPRESENT!

REJOICING:

Christmas is where everyone's celebratory, and where functions, anniversaries, weddings are best spent on.

Beautiful face! Beautiful answer! #missuniverse2012 #JanineTogonon #twitter (taken with Instagram)

I love watching Ms. Universe ever since, it's that inner gay in me, though I am not as diligent as them in terms of memorizing the names of past winners... as in years years past winners. I don't usually appreciate a morena beauty as much as I do with the fair skinned ones, but Janine Tugonon really struck me! I love her eyes, the way she speaks, and her confidence. When my mom saw Ms.USA, she said that her beauty is 'pang-Ms.Universe', and once again, my mom's prediction is correct. Prior to the announcement, I was really shouting, jumping, and hoping for the crown. 

Half of my day was spent complaining for that loss. Homecourt decision, tsk. I don't like her red dress and her keso de bola hairstyle. Bitter? Haha. 

What an irony, they said I lost weight this month! I guess the walkathon challenge is effective after all. Although I think I gained weight again since I didn't deprive myself to food this Holiday week, but it's okay, I feel sexy still, chos! :D

TRAVELLING:

That tail end of a year is also a chance for everyone to put down their work loads and spend the holiday vacations and leaves with their families, partner, or even an alone time for themselves.

Rush hour w/o the traffic!:) yay holidays! 👍 #road #holiday #instadaily #girl #rushhour #roadtrip #instacollage (taken with Instagram)

That glorious moment of having a long drive to south without the traffic. Woohoo! Got to spend an out of town trip with special someones. I really felt distant to stress, toxic people, and just slept and woke up smiling. Bakasyown indeed!

And yeah, got a new pair of glasses again finally. No eye twitching at work anymore!

RECEIVING:

Christmas is also a good time to wish for presents, and all employees hear me on this... BONUSES!

Holiday freebies and gc's :) #companyperks #sodexo #freebies #holiday (taken with Instagram)

A sweet 13th month pay isn't applicable to me though, since my stay in my present and previous company's short. But I appreciate the perks given, plus the better compensation I am getting from the last two companies' enough for me to save money, and have something to spend for the month's celebrations. 

Also happy to have a tablet I can definitely use for my work tasks and meetings, thanks brother! Also got an extra phone I haven't used yet. Thinking of getting an iPhone 5, but would probably disregard that thought in 3, 2... 1. 

Thanks for the other presents too, especially the non-tangible ones. Aaaw!

GIVING:

The last but the most important reason why this season's a bang? It's because you get to share the whole year's blessings with others. Pay it forward.

outreach at golden acres #old #green #charity #corporate (taken with Instagram)

I am very privilege to be part of the charity / outreach Christmas party we spent at Golden Acres. The grandma assigned to me is deaf so I had a hard time communicating with her, but if I have to do it all over again, I will still choose her. I think the difficulty in hearing made me communicate with her in a much deeper level, using the heart. I got to feed her and bring her back to her room, it was special. 

gift buying! Pahabol gifts that is :) #holiday #gifts #happiness #instadaily (taken with Instagram)

gave my xmas gifts for everyone last night. better late than waley :) #gifts #holiday #newyear #blessed #family #happiness (taken with Instagram)

Was also ecstatic when I shopped for gifts, especially those for the whole family! As in the whole residence family, where there are 3 families with 3 different houses sharing the same address. Of course my priority goes to my nieces, and mama. Yup girls first haha. I definitely enjoyed shopping for candy colored shoes and dresses for the kids, and cooking stuff for mother dear. Had fun exploring the home and kitchen depot of the malls, looking for a good buy for the room of my eldest brother and the new pad of the middle. 

With the 3-day shopping installment, I can't remember now how many gifts were wrapped. One thing's for sure though, all money spent is worth it! Just so glad to see the reaction of my family, and the others too.

Mama opening my gift last night :) #mama #holiday #newyear #gift #instadaily #family (taken with Instagram)

Shopping is definitely a lot more rewarding when it's for gift giving. So do try it, and leave something for me =P

Not in the list, because I don't want to limit it for only this year's wonderful reasons, are the people who I spent the holiday with. It's automatic anyway, because non-material things will always be the number one reason to be happy for the most wonderful time of the year! 

WAYS TO DYE

Color coded :D #haircolor #darkblonde #blackhairnext #instadaily #nofilter

Decided to color my hair after getting bored with it, though hair coloring isn't really a new thing for me as I have been doing this for years already. I used to go to the salon for their hair color services, but eventually settled for do-it-yourself hair coloring when I discovered I could ultimately save more money from it.

But of course, you might want to consider what hair coloring type and brand you would want to use at home. I've tried different brands already, and realizing how many colors I've tried on my hair too, I visited my FB Profile Picture album and posted some of the shades I've had already.


Let me share 5 hair coloring type and brands I have tried, and some of which I could recommend to you, whether you have the budget or not. But trust me, just learn or find someone who knows how to dye hair, and you won't have to spend so much anymore.

POWDER HAIR COLOR

Bigen 


This is probably the most prominent name in terms of powder hair color among us Filipinos. Bigen is most popular for those who need to cover their grey hair every so often. Well Bigen after all is more for 100% grey coverage and to enhance natural hair color. The good thing about it is that it doesn't contain ammonia and hydrogen peroxide. Although unlike color cream, powder hair color like Bigen needs water as mixture, which may affect the coloring's consistency if water level's not acquired properly.

I would only suggest this if you want to cover grey areas, or would just need a little retouch for your dark hair. The stain of powder hair dye's a little messy to remove on the skin too when dried. Although from a cheap price of P55, a quick touch-up is fair enough.

how to use: CLICK HERE

BUBBLE HAIR COLOR

Etude House

asked my friend Cara to take a photo of her newly dyed hair from Bubble

This Korean brand is not just famous now because of their cosmetic products, but also for their other type of hair coloring. Unlike the usual way of hair dye here in the Philippines, where we need a brush, clip and patience on sectioning the hair to have it colored, Etude House Bubble Hair Color would just need you to pump those bubbles and massage it to your hair like your ordinary shampoo experience! The color's limited compared to other cream based hair coloring though. I am also not too comfortable with the massage way of doing it since my hair's thick so I'm not sure whether all parts are covered.

It is sold at a good price of P350, it is easier to use, and the conditioner smells goody good too!

how to use: CLICK HERE

CREME HAIR COLOR

Creme hair color is my most preferred and recommended among the three. The creme hair color would also include the oxidizing lotion. It's the white liquid mixed with the cream to give its level of vibrance and lightness. The recommended amount for oxidizer is just 12%, or make it higher to achieve a lighter hair color.

HBC / Hortaleza


This is probably my most used type and brand of hair coloring. One of their warehouse used to be just behind our house so buying products from them became very convenient for me. You can also go to your nearest HBC branches and have their people assist you with the best hair color that suits you. They can show you their wide selection of hair color to choose from.

One box of color creme is affordably just P75-90, while the oxidizing lotion is just P40. Want to hear the best part? Some HBC branches, like the one in Metrowalk, Starmall, Landmark (as per announcement) offer free applications for every P300 purchase of their hair coloring products (including conditioner). I have tried it before and was so happy to have my hair colored by professional in less than a thousand bucks!

Garnier - Nutrisse


The edge of Garnier Nutrisse's line of hair color? It is their fruit oil enriched components! It is enriched with grape seed oil and twice as much avocado oil compared to other brands. Garnier Nutrisse also smells good and like any other good conditioner, expect a soft, shiny hair after color application.

You can color and give your hair a healthy new look for just P320-420, depending on the Garnier Nutrisse Hair color you're interested in.

L'Oreal


I battled between Revlon and L'oreal, and decided to go to the expert for hair care... L'oreal! Don't get me wrong, Revlon is also good in terms of giving us girls a magnificent crowning glory, but L'oreal won me over long lasting hair color effect. The complete package makes it easy to use and, yes very important to me, the mixture's smell doesn't sting. I also like the conditioner included which you can use for a month or two, to maintain the shine and vibrance of the color.

You can try the L'oreal Hair Color from P350- 600, depending on the type, and choose from their wide array of hair shades as well!

how to use: CLICK HERE

There's the henna type of hair color as well like Color Mate Herbal Henna, although I don't know much about it so I'll leave other reviews do the talking for you guys alright?

So there you go! Remember, the effect and sustainability of these hair colors will still depend on your hair type, hair color, and most importantly, how you take care of it after. Colored hair is one step forward to damaged hair, so make sure you know what you're doing if you choose to have a cheaper / do-it-yourself hair coloring experience!

WHEN YOUTUBE TEACHES YOU A LESSON

I was surprised on how a phrase said exaggeratedly and irritatingly can become so popular in less than 24 hours.

You don't believe me do you? So you're saying... AMALAYER?

"Amalayer" started when a girl named Paula Jamie Salvosa was caught on video (and was posted on Youtube) while shouting at a lady guard in the LRT 2 Santolan Station. She was freaking out and repeatedly asking the lady guard if she is making her a liar. The video was taken by a Gregory Llamoso, and became a hit over night. The 'amalayer' hashtag trended worldwide, the lrt incident itself had a number of parodies made, and yes, the girl was probably Googled many times already.

Others say that maybe the lady guard really did something rude to provoke her. I say, it still doesn't matter. Being an educated kolehiyala, as what she is claiming, I think this girl should have been more modest and talked to the lady guard calmly.



But this is not the first time that a video showing someone or caused by someone being rude to an employee became viral.

May of this year, celebrity couple Raymart Santiago and Claudine Barretto, together with 6 others, were caught on video ganging up on the veteran TV host and columnist Ramon Tulfo. The incident happened at the NAIA Terminal 3 where Tulfo and the Santiagos were both patrons of Cebu Pacific Air. Tulfo saw Claudine berating a ground steward over a mishandled luggage, and decided to take a video / photos of it which caused Raymart's enraged. The video in Youtube showed the Santiagos' party hitting Tulfo, Claudine included. It was a shameful video of celebrities without scripts.

Ramon Tulfo, being an advocate of fair justice, as what his show 'Isumbong Mo Kay Tulfo' aims for is just concerned with how the ground personnel was treated. Claudine was said to be shouting at the employee who is almost in tears already. I do understand the frustration of having your luggage/s mishandled, but Ms. Claudine, you are a public personality, your kids are with you at that time, why do you always allow yourself to be seen in your most cheap manner (you guys familiar with her "P.I." video on youtube?).



Also this year of August, a Philip Morris employee named Robert Blair Carabuena was caught on video by TV5 producers manhandling an on-duty MMDA traffic enforcer. The MMDA enforcer named Saturnino Fabros called his attention for ignoring his signal to stop. Carabuena then got off his car and started to verbally and physically assault Fabros. He was really 'maangas' on the video, I'm sorry but that's really the term I would want to use to describe mr. Barney.

Robert Carabuena is an Ateneo graduate and is working in an international company, so sir what particular breeding did you inherit from those? That's the problem of some motorists, especially those with expensive cars and high profile plate numbers, you guys think you're above the law, as if you own the road. The MMDA enforcer was recommended for promotion and was awarded by authority.



All of these videos and stories of employee mistreatment happened just this year. All of which became viral in a span of 24 hours, thanks to Facebook shares, Twitter hashtags, and our opinionated netizens.

But what is with these videos that make it popular and a source of discussion among viewers?

It is because Filipinos by nature love to gossip, love gossip, and love to see something that could be gossiped about. The three 'paparazzis' who took the videos of the mentioned incidents could have just ignored them, but instead they use technology to expose what seems to be a prospect of public interest.

We Filipinos love to 'get involved' in an issue too, 'sawsawero'  as what we call it. We want our witty opinions to be heard. And being a country of smiles, we Filipinos love to ridicule or find something to laugh about on a serious matter.

But too much commentary, jests, and foul words said may cause the subject of ridicule to shame. Cyber bullying to some extent maybe. Just imagine how a 5-minute incident can change your life? How you wish you could turn back time huh?

Respect employees. Honestly I am guilty of being bitchy to our blue collared employees sometimes, but I have my limit. I don't get to the point where a random passerby would be enticed to take a video of me because it became 'entertaining' to watch already. I hate bad service, super hate it, but I make sure that I don't go below the belt.

Paula Salvosa came from an exclusive school, Claudine Barretto came from a prominent family, Robert Carabuena came from a top university. True enough, having the money, the diploma, or even a famous last name, doesn't equate to having good conduct and class. Let's try not to be too proud of ourself, I have always believe on the value of humility. Our guards, personnels, and enforcers are just some of our hard working employees who deal with people everyday and are expected to be patient and understanding to everyone's rants, power tripping, and bitchiness.

We all make mistakes, even Paula, Claudine and Robert should be forgiven too. I am sure they're sorry for mistreating the employees. But the lesson here is, if you don't want to be the stock of laugh, and the most hated person of the week... always look to your left, look to your right, make sure there isn't any camera on record, before throwing your slang rants and uncalled for actions publicly. Or else, be prepared for our concerned paparazzi's ready to expose you on Youtube!

THE FRAY IN MANILA '12

“Everyone knows I’m in over my head, over my head…” - The Fray concert 11/10! BITIN! #thefray #FotoRus (at SMART Araneta Coliseum) (Taken with Instagram)

Isaac and his band from Colorado owned Araneta last Saturday! Thanks The Fray I’ve been waiting for you guys since How To Save A Life!

PS: I heard Swedish House Mafia’s coming this Jan.! The tix are expensive though… Anyone from Ovations who would care to give me some?:)

HALLOWEEN LONG - HAPPY - SAD WEEKEND

late post 1. have to grab photos :P #halloween #costume #blackswan #addamsfamily #jacksparrow #kiss #joker #FrameMagic (Taken with Instagram)

Late post 2. Photo op-ping with Jamie and Aprox :) #mgabatangmakukulit #spongebob #spiderman #santaclause #costume #halloween (Taken with Instagram)

This is by far the most well spent Halloween long weekend: company Halloween party, saw HS long lost buddies, danced to good club music in an actual club haha, overnight out of town trip, movie marathon, and japanese buffet after praise & worship! Because Dec. might be quite busy for me. Now hello Monday :(

Also heard some sad news to coincide with the mourning weekend. A schoolmate from High School, one year ahead of us, died yesterday (Nov.3) because of hit and run along Commonwealth Ave. He was on a motorcycle and accidentally fell off because of a manhole. He was saved by his helmet, yet unfortunately, he was taken over by a rushing jeepney. His ribcage was damaged and eventually affecting his chest.

Another news is the best friend of the sister of one of my dear friend, okay that was confusing! Her on the other hand is a victim of those riding in tandem modus. GO TO HELL! She was hit by a gun while riding a motorcycle too. Her right area, the liver and kidney, was hit by bullets and was badly damaged.

I hate motorcycles, I just think they're one of the worst invention ever made. Most of all, I hate men who earn money by cutting off other people's dreams. F.U.!

Also, the favorite nephew of one of my closest buddy at work died. He's like a bro that I can never take seriously, until he got a call on oct.31 that his nephew's in the ICU already. His nephew has leukemia, and is just 2 years old.

All death news in less than a week. Hai...

Other sad news this weekend was the closing of Charlie's Grill in Sct. Torillo, into which one of the owners texted me the reason and confirmed. Two of my friends on the other hand is setting up a business in Sct. Torillo as well, hmm... I hope it's not on the same exact place?

Speaking of business, sad news again... the project me and 3 others were planning was postponed because one of them backed out. It was quite sad for me because I am already preparing my possible investment for it. It's a business which I'm confident that given the proper timing, planning, and execution, can be succesful. Hopefully we can continue it early next year.

And the most sad part to end October is facing November on my present company. Hmm... but I'd rather not elaborate yet why.

The Halloween long weekend was both HAPPY and SAD. I guess it's really the perfect time to pray and remember those who left us, and be grateful for the life we have. I pray for everyone's safety and I pray for the souls who are now up there with our Creator. EVERY GISING IS A BLESSING INDEED!

NCAA88 BEDA VS. LETRAN FINALS

Late post. I look like a flag, para safe :P Grats beda! Cheers still @kevinlouiealas ;) #ncaafinals  (Take with Instagram)

Remember my first post about this year's NCAA, where I mentioned my hope on seeing two of my favorite teams (San Beda Red Lions and Letran Knights) on the finals? Just imagine my joy when it did happen this season! I was on my way home from work when my friend texted me the good news that Letran Knights won over San Sebastian Stags for the finals spot. Not to offend anyone, but I really don't want to see Baste on the finals.

Compared to the Red Lions though, I am more passionate on cheering for CSJL Knights. It all started with my frustration of studying Advertising there, to unexpectedly gaining friends from the school, to joining their annual Adspeak competition, to working in the events agency a group of Letran alumni built... and to almost dating one. San Beda on the other hand shared some good influences too. Mainly that their building is just across my school, San Beda students and I also shared almost the same memory of the everyday road, food, and "tambay" experience. Because of proximity and connections, I was also able to gain Bedista friends. Let's not include the dating part as it will just remind me of Mendiola immature kilig days, haha! In short, both schools left me with good impressions, but Letran was closer to heart.

The Knights and Red Lions rivalry was tagged as the Green Archers - Blue Eagles of NCAA. Both colleges showcased competitive rankings on the past decades, not just basketball. Their rivalry started way back 1950 when they met for the first time, in the finals. Before this year though, the last time they saw eye to eye in the finals was five years ago, 2007! So again, just imagine how thrilled I was for this year!

I was kind of skeptic towards Letran's victory at first, but realizing the winning moves of Raymond Almazan, Mark Cruz... and of course, my favorite Kevin Alas (scoring an all-time NCAA Final Four high total of 43 points) I became hopeful that they can, or might, get the championship title for this season.

The finals started last October 18 for Game 1, at the MOA Arena - San Beda Red Lions won. Game 2 was held on October 20, this time at the SMART Araneta Coliseum - CSJL Knights won! I was praying on Game 2, calling for a game 3, and was literally slapping the shoulders of my companion on the left. The 3rd Game happened last October 26, again at the Araneta Coliseum... the Lions won. I can't remember the look on my face, just seeing the 67-39 score is depressing. But the best part with my favorite rivals on the finals though, is that I still can get to celebrate the opponent's victory! Haha!

The red crowd was crazy of course. The cheers, the drinks, the 'kantyawan' after, were crazier! Yet I still feel for Kevin Alas. Good job for Mark Cruz too, my childhood crush / your brother Marvin Cruz (former player of UP Fighting Maroons) must have been so proud of you! Going back to Kevin 'Ace' Alas, hehe... I hope to get a picture with you next year, in the finals! Law of attraction, Letran Knights will be in the finals for season 89! Hoping for another Beda-Letran face off! Yes Stags, please keep those horns away from the limelight again.

NOTHING BUT THE BEAT TOUR - MANILA (10.10.12 - MOA ARENA)

nothing but the beat tour #davidguetta #moaarena #alesso #dj #laserstrobe 

So I gave my number to a scalper last night so he could text me once he finds cheaper tix for David Guetta's concert while strolling around MOA... aba nagtext ngayon ng "Goodafternun Pau, sabihan nyo pu ako sa ibang event o concert kung need nyo ulet tiket. san pu kau ngaun? snak tayo... jejeje" - PAU NA NGA, JEJEJE PA... at sosyal - "SNAK" haha!

Good thing Guetta rocked my night! This French house music producer and DJ killed it! Together with Alesso, and all those laser strobes, masterfully made stage design of lights and sounds, this is probably the biggest party scene of the year! I have always liked David Guetta's beat, brings out the fist pumping mood in me. The DJ definitely got us falling in love again!  

Without You - David Guetta  feat. Usher (Nothing But The Beat Tour - Manila)

Without You by Usher feat. David Guetta is actually on my top 10 fave songs of all time. I don't know but since the very first time I heard this song, I knew - I had to hear it live... or at least party with it live with the DJ haha!

SEPTEMBER OUT OF COMFORT ZONE

Miss her sermon 👈& her sumbong👉. Dj's night ule chi?not? haha! Love u both! (Taken with Instagram)

September has been truly good to me. Can't be specific with every blessing that came my way, but I am just hoping for better days ahead. So happy to see old friends as well, haven't got the chance to see them for quite some time.

Another one. Mga mukhang inosente haha! @ninamagyani (Taken with Instagram)

makukulet paren! raffy's bday! (Taken with Instagram)

humabol sa picture while taking a phone call hehe, (Taken with Instagram)

with jec and meloi at En Route #oneofthoseweekend #enroutedistillery #girlfriends (Taken with Instagram)

weeks ago. nakiki-triple bday with hsbc peeps! #centralkalayaan (Taken with Instagram)

I think one or two of those pictures above happened late August, not September, just not sure. I will always appreciate a good drink and definitely great food at the end of a busy week! But the best part with seeing them again, as I don't get to join my old friends that much anymore, is hearing how they have been and unfortunately even hearing the not so good ones. I heard a story of a girl ending a 6-year relationship because of endless cheating while also struggling the pain of being a child out of wedlock. I heard a story of two wives both fighting for their right over their husbands' families. I heard a guy's story of being left by a woman carrying his child. I heard all painful stories... in one month! I just have to include that here coz it was really an eye opener, and I also realized that I need more time to check on my friends once in a while. Sorry for being busy. But man, I have seen so many tears in just a month! Good thing movies like The Mistress don't make me cry anymore!

On a lighter note though, also happy to say that I made it on the top 3 spot for link count and also on the top 3 spot together with 2 others for link quality, all for my first month. I am opening learning opportunities to seo (more than the link building that I used to do) slowly. Actually I just finished some Google Adsense 101 a while ago from the expert, my supervisor, hehe! I would probably update you guys with my plans on pursuing the other aspects of digital marketing, depending on God's plans for me.

my first month was a good start!😊 Yay!:) #seo #top3 (Taken with Instagram)

Right now I am enjoying the busy streets of the South. I have no regrets on choosing to take risks and discover myself more by working in an industry and place that is out of my comfort zone. It was also overwhelming when I got an offer for DotPH, unfortunately I am already employed. Leaving my ad agency in QC was indeed a right decision, thank you September for not making it hard for me.

Sometimes we tend to miss chances because we are afraid to give up what has been easy for us. Sometimes we stick to our comfort zone, not realizing that it can cause us mediocrity. Don't close your door because of fear that something so good won't happen again. Try peaking, and you'll be surprised on what you will discover.

I tend to sleep earlier now, and wake up quite early too. Sometimes I would get drowsy half way of a drinking session, bummer! Haha! I also don't smoke at work anymore, and is slowly becoming an occasional smoker. I don't know what kind of inspiration & motivation hit me, but it is a pretty good hit anyway.

This is not me, this is not my comfort zone, but surprisingly... I kinda like it :)

UAAP CHEERDANCE COMPETITION

Watching the UAAP Cheerdance Competition never fails to bring back teenage memories, perky - cutesy years, and those Salonpas moments after practices. 

UAAP just had their annual cheer dancing competition, this time held for the first time at the MOA Arena. I still prefer it to be in Araneta though, where it's more tight and noisy, MOA Arena's just quite big. I just don't like the place even on concerts, let arena be in Araneta. I miss MOA concert grounds and its cheaper tix! 

The UAAP CDC last Sept.22 trended on Twitter even before the show ended, I believe it even trended on top spot worldwide! From hashtag #SamsungUAAPCheerdanceCompetition2012 to hashtags of the 8 different competing schools, anything related to it, you name it & it's on twitter. This just goes to show how many viewers this once in a year event gathers. 

But what is with this event that makes us (especially girls) glued on TV? I have been watching it since 2001 and I don't think I remembered missing a single competing year. Here's the thing, my school isn't even part of UAAP. Also, I only watched it live once and never accepted free passes anymore bec. I prefer to watch it on TV where I can see the whole routine clearly. Here's another thing, I am not a professional cheerdancer nor trainer, and I would only watch Hellcats for Ashley Tisdale. So, why do we like the UAAP Cheerdance Competition anyway?

PASSION & FRUSTRATION

September would be UAAP's time to showcase their cheers and of course those skillfully mastered routines. This is also a great time for cheerdancers or choreographers to pick up some steps, formations, music and costume ideas which you would probably recognized during Sportsfest. You see yourself doing those same moves because you are and you were a cheerdancer during your students days. 

I have here one of those cheerdancing outfits I wore years ago. Ugh, the poor taste of yesteryears! 

Some would watch it out of frustration though. Those who have always dreamt of wearing a neatly sewn cheerdancing outfit, or of being tossed and flip, or smiling like retards while shouting your school's chant. You would watch and imagine that you are that girl on top of the pyramid, or you would try to do their dance steps but you look hideous so you just continue the daydreaming instead.

CREATIVE AND EYE CANDY

The color identifier of the eight schools played a big part on the competition's creative and eye candy aspect. I chose to use the word eye candy as it best describes the young audience's appeal as well. The costume, music, and / or the over-all theme are the creative factors you are excited to see every year. 

The costumes excites me actually, I like how it affects the synchronization of the squad. The UST Salinggawi dance troupe didn't made it again this year on the top 3, they used to be the biggest competitor every year. Who doesn't know their famous chant: "GO USTE! GO USTE!". I also miss their signature unitards costume, I still believe they started it all, and for me its their winning charm. For me UST (except for this year!) and UP are the best in terms of costume. For the least liked, I would say UE, Ateneo, and Adamson.

The theme is also what makes it interesting. How they would get to incorporate it to their routine without sacrificing cheerdancing technicalities. NU gave us the royalties or Disney-themed performance this year so they wore princess / prince inspired outfits, played Disney songs like A Whole New World, and ended the routine with Beauty and the Beast's Be Our Guest. Maybe they did a great job as they are placed on the top 3 for the first time!

Some of my favorites are UE's motorcycle props from 2003, Matrix inspired routine of UST from 2002, Madonna-theme of UP last year, Ateneo's cowboy theme from 2002, DLSU Military theme from 2005, and FEU's jungle theme this year! UP on the other hand still never fails to surprise us each year. From super short hair, to blonde hair, and now... semi-bald haircut! Man the commitment and sacrifice they do on every woman's crowning glory! Congrats UP for winning this year by the way! Ateneo had a Voltes V mascot at the end of their routine to represent their theme. 

But do you remember UAAP's sponsor before Samsung? Yes it's Nestle's Non-stop where they have to incorporate the Non-stop ice cream to their dance routine! I remembered seeing huge Nonstop ice cream containers made from styrofoam all for sponsor's glory.

STUNTS AND COMMENTARY

Whether you're a cheerdancer or not, the tosses, pyramids, basically the routine itself amazes you. The breath taking moments of tossers, flyers are just some of the highlights of the 'show'. The stunning pyramids that makes you wonder how they can still smile and balance themselves at the same time. I always tend to picture a tape being rewinded every time I would see those girls jumping backwards going to second base of the pyramid, haha! This is a big factor for the judges as of course aside from the creativity, it is still the technicalities of cheering that matters.

UP seems to remain consistent with that, especially this year where they didn't invest on much costume and props, and focused on stunts instead. Some of my unforgettable and favorites stunts are FEU's worm stunt (i don't know what you call it) from 2003, UST's coliseo pyramid from 2009, Ateneo's moon walk on air (2009 I think), UST's inverted pyramid from 2003, UP's headstand that showed the originally inverted UP henna on their stomach (forgot the year), and Adamson's carousel toss from 2006 (that was really great!).

Since twitter's part of our viewing experience as well, the UAAP CDC also became a chance for us girls to be commentators in UAAP for a day. Hell yeah, shut up boys and your insights and comments about basketball coz it's our time to shine, at least for one day! We all suddenly became cheer dancing experts, forecasting the top 3, which most of the time is correct (at least for the top 2). It used to be predictable with UST Salinggawi being consistent on the winning spot, not until UP pep squad backed up their basketball team and FEU being consistent as well on the top 3!

These are just some of the reasons why we love to watch UAAP's cheerdancing competition. But above all this, what really should matter is the essence of school spirit! Whether you're part of the 8 competing schools or not, this one day event every year just reminds us that there should always be room for enjoyment. It's a break between the heart stopping basketball, volleyball, etc. It's where we get to feel young again, where we see beautiful girls wearing colorful outfits, and wow ourselves from those amazing stunts.

It's all about being perky, fun, loud, full of energy, creative, and... still young. We are never too old for this kind of things! GO FIGHT!


(original photo of cheerdancers are not mine)

TEMPORARILY

Almost 4hours stuck in traffic from last night's sudden rain! #flood #manilatraffic #southtonorth #sundo (Taken with Instagram)

  That 4 hours was filled with both quality talks and silence while looking outside the car window pondering on whatever catches my sight, or depending on the music. The day before this, Sunday, was also my day of service at Victory. Attending service makes me excited about Sunday, it's like going to my place of sanity. 

   I related these two incidents because they both left me the thought: "some friends are temporary". I don't know how pastors do it, but sometimes they really hit the innermost silence of the heart. Same with my companion last night, he was just randomly telling a story, but I remembered my own sentiments just the same. 

  See I have lost a friend just recently, caused by reasons I am honestly not sure of. I cannot say I am clueless but a good explanation would be great right? This is just one of an old story's effect... or consequences? The negligence of 'the old story' to change has affected so many already. I am just concerned on how someone's irresponsibility has caused friendships and good times. You cannot get forgiveness or even a slight understanding from people, if you can't even figure out or accept that you did them wrong. I never wanted to write anything about what you did, what transpired, just basically ANYTHING ABOUT YOU, though blogging could have been a good (not great) outlet for me at that time, I chose not to write about it. Why? Because I don't like to invite opinions from those WHO KNEW NOTHING ABOUT IT. About us. But when I saw a friend being caught in the middle, I can't help but turn my thoughts into writing.   

   It just puzzled me so much on why he would choose to end friendship with me, when I know for myself that I understand how hard it is for him to be in the middle. Well at least that is what he is trying to tell me. But the worst part is, talking about friendship as if we were never there for him at all. I didn't get mad, instead felt sad and yeah, hurt of course. For as long as I can remember, I did share some generous time listening to him as he narrates his worries, problems, etc. And for as long as I can remember too, he was one of my first guy friends at work (former one) who assured me of his trust. I'm sorry though if this post would heighten his anger towards me (for whatever reason, I don't know), you chose to end it anyway. But please, don't write anything about friendship, especially if you will intentionally address it to me, coz I would scream to disagree. I would rather have some post like this and be mad at me, than be oblivious with whatever it is I said or done. 

   Like what is mentioned above, "friendship is temporary", but that happens rarely. In the first place, there is no such thing as a 'short term friend'. And if someone would decide to end a friendship out of reasons that maybe I am not worthy to hear, then probably there is really a person worth keeping only for a certain period of time. 

   Friends are not temporary. Friends are not there only for convenience's sake. I wouldn't want to talk about it here, but you speaking about friendship, as if I have given you a bad one, is hurtful. I very seldom need you for my personal life, thinking that you have your own struggle, and on that rare occasion that I did need you... well, never mind. I am confident that I never said or did anything that would cause you to cut social network connections between us, and if I did, I would appreciate you telling it to my face. 

   I wouldn't be your temporary friend, I think I would still be there for you in case you would need a tap on the back. And however 'the old story' has influenced you, or even if he didn't, I would still be open to hear you out. I have so many friends and you are just one of them, but as long as I know that I even chose to understand your predicament to actually deserve this treatment, is unacceptable. 

   Okay I'm done ranting here. Lemme focus with the permanent ones now, cheers!

A MONTH AND CHANGES

hold me down, sweet and low... #sideponytail #blazer #pinklipstick (Taken with Instagram) 

So my August turned out to be quite fast, lots of changes, and yes, twice long weekends - which made the month a lot faster I guess?

Thank God Habagat's torture finally came to an end. Unfortunately our house became one of the flood's resting place during that time. Again thank You for saving my shoes, bags and clothes haha! The flood inside's only below the knee, something to be very grateful for compared to those whose houses were completely washed out. Cleaning it is another story though, HAGGARD! Kudos by the way to MMDA, and social media. Compared to Ondoy, I must say that this time, we had fewer casualties and quicker rescues!

weekend's binahang-bahay-general-cleaning! gbye rainy season,I hope?:) #pagoda (Taken with Instagram)

Also happy to discover a Victory church near our place, but I would still be attending their Greenhills branch if my extra time would allow it. Oops, I crossed out 'extra' because anything for the Lord shouldn't be considered as a 2nd option :)

Jgh. First time to attend Victory's u-belt branch tonight. A lot near than GH, yay! (Taken with Instagram)

Decided to switch career, and I guess this is one of the major changes this month. I still have clients affiliating with my service, and pending tasks to deliver though. Anyway I'm currently quite anxious with the new, but if I would stick to my plan and priorities, I know I can do it. I just hope pavements won't be too harsh on me :)

bye reports, presentations, figures and troubleshooting. bye qc! #2ndtothelastday #hellonewworld (Taken with Instagram)

This month had 2 long weekends, one is for Ramadan and the other one is Nat'l Heroes Day. It was truly the perfect time to release those stress and experience the sweet escape!<3

sunrise.. long drive.. unwind.. till the next long weekend! #timetofacethebusystreets (Taken with Instagram) 

There are other changes that I would rather not post online :) This is just a quick run down on how my August and its changes went.

Let me use this space as well to say THANK YOU and goodbye to DILG secretary Jesse Robredo. You are one of the very few who showcased good governance. It is very unfortunate that we have to lose the best and languish with the worst. I would be very skeptic with the new DILG secretary, as I am disappointed with the new chief justice - Maria Lourdes Sereno. Seriously? I've heard many 'corruption' stories related to her before! Good luck to that Pnoy!

Each month, each week, each day, each minute, until to each milliseconds is accountable to changes. Be brave enough to cope with it, be wise enough to create it.