I will be starting a new work on Monday. Well actually, it's not really new. Hmmm...
Three years ago, I was chosen to be the Reports Analyst of an international travel account where I used to be a customer service representative. Being in charge of client reports and employee incentive computation, that was really a tedious and stressful work for me. Really. I even had to be confined due to acute bronchitis after a few stressful months. A year after, an opportunity came and I was promoted as Real-Time Analyst (RTA) and was transferred to a different department. The RTA job was less stressful and I even got to be in the morning shift for a couple of months.
Another blessing came this month, when the managers of the same travel account asked me if I'd want to be, once again, their Reports Analyst, for of course a rate that's higher than what I currently have. Whew!
It was somewhat a tough decision, because I'm really enjoying the team and the responsibilities that I have. It's like, waking up, going to work, enjoying the work, doing my responsibilities, then go home and enjoy my life. Sarap di ba?!! I never get to think of anything about work outside office. I didn't have to worry about anything I may have left undone or any issues unresolved, because that's how great my teammates are! And the best perk of my current position: being in the morning shift! It's a bit early shift, though, because I have to be in the office at 5am. But since I'm out at 2:00 PM, I'm still able to do some errands, like going to the bank or do some groceries and still have time for my family. I should be asleep at around 9:00 PM and get up at 3am, but I really don't mind that! Masarap ang buhay ko!
But I still took the offer and signed up for the job though I know that I'd have to sacrifice especially my almost-normal time and somehow my health. But hey, not everyone gets offered a job for a higher pay. Others really apply for it and work for it. Others get rejected and they try again and still get rejected. Most employees, especially in a Call Center environment, get stuck in a position for a long time, no matter how hardworking they are. And I'm really blessed that for my almost four years in the company, I was offered different opportunities with different working environment every year. I am blessed that my managers recognize my potential, and they really value the output of my work.
More importantly, this came just right on time when I knew I needed extra income. Who doesn't need money? And it's the perfect timing, just when we decided to save up and settle down two years from now.
Oh Lord, thank You for the blessing, and thank You for the challenge. I know I'm on to a stronger and better me.
Now, am I ready? YES I AM!
$$*kaching! kaching! kaching!*$$
Lovely Adelcy! ♥
2012 introduced itself to us in two grand ways: the birthday of our dear Amiel Mateo (01-02-2012), and Ate Adel's 54-day stay in the hospital when she suffered a stroke due to post-eclampsia when she gave birth to Amiel.
That was really the toughest time for our family. Kuya Maic, my second brother and Ate Adel's husband, was currently in the other side of the world, finishing his contract as a seafarer when these events happened. It was the toughest for him, because he had no idea what's happening, and we didn't know how to break it to him. When Ate was in coma and Kuya was still on board, we asked him to send us his voice messages that we can let Ate listen to, so she would feel his presence. I remember crying on my desk as I listened to Kuya's voice, trying his very best to be strong for Ate.
It was during the most challenging times that we felt the Lord's love. We were blessed abundantly. Kuya was allowed to come home and stayed with us for a few months. People prayed for us and helped us with our needs, whether in cash or in the medical equipment we needed. And just when Kuya was about to give up because Ate is still in coma, finally, after 3 weeks, she woke up. And two days before Ate Adel's birthday, on February 24, we are home.
She is still going through sessions of Physical and Occupational Therapy four days a week. And she just had her OT session this afternoon when I visited her. Her therapists would always give positive feedback about her progress, and they said her goal is to be able to walk again by December (because we have lots of gala, reunions and parties lined up). When I entered her room earlier, I just couldn't help but admire her, how strong and joyful she is, and still as lovely as ever. She has gained weight, and her skin tells she's in the pink of health. In fairness, the new hairdo ala-Demi Moore looked great on her!
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| Ate Adel, pic taken in Festival mall last Sunday |
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| Amiel Mateo (boy po sya!) now 8 months old. Looks a lot like mommy! |
Thank You, Lord for all the miracles You have shown us! You are truly a Great God! ♥
731 days of love. ♥
September 24, 2012, 1:15 AM. We are exactly two years together!
Well, we welcomed the day with our friends, slept at around 3am, got up at noon just in time for lunch. Pretty lazy day at first as we had to wait for Lyeo to come home from work (because he brings the motorbike with him). So at around 4:00 PM, we put on our motor gears: rubber shoes, black jacket, backpacks, Lloyd's hand gloves, arm sleeves, and our helmets and started hitting the road at 4:20 PM. Destination: Tagaytay City! ♥
Our route itself was exciting as we are trying on a new one. We took the Timbao road which is just near Carmona Estates. The road leads to Laguna technopark where I got a view of Amkor's plant 4 (hurray!). Unfortunately, since we don't have a Nuvali sticker, we were not allowed to pass through Nuvali gate so we had to re-route via Greenfield and drove along with the shuttle buses for employees working in the Technopark.
Our journey was easy and breezy and I really thank God for the perfect weather. There was no traffic and no hassle at all. And we knew we're near our destination as we already felt the cool Tagaytay breeze passing through our helmets and touching our faces. Finally, at 5:35 PM, we checked in at Keni Po hotel.
We fell in love with the place at once! Well, I first checked out some hotels in tripadvisor to find some cozy yet affordable places to stay in Tagaytay, and this hotel has really captured my interest. It's just along Tagaytay-Calamba road, right beside one of my favorite churches, Ina ng Laging Saklolo Parish Church. The room we had was just small and simple, but really comfortable. (unfortunately though, we don't have much pictures since we're not fond of taking pictures of ourselves. boo!) A sliding door leads you to a veranda, and our room is facing right the parking lot of the church (weeee!). The room also has its own mini-bar where it serves bottled water, soda, beer and snacks, which you may get anytime and just pay later when you check out. We really loved the place that we will surely come back here every after 3 months. :) Anyway, more pics on their blogsite: http://keniporooms.blogspot.com/
We then felt our tummies grumbling at around 7pm and decided to drive along Tagaytay and find a place to dine. Where to? We have no idea! But we simply enjoyed our stroll, with still the cold breeze kissing our faces, and we were led to Carlo's Pizza. It's just in the same compound as Starbucks and Teriyaki Boy. We first thought of dining at Teriyaki Boy or Yellow Cab, but I insisted that we don't since we can also find these restos in Manila. We gotta try something new! So yes, we gave Carlo's pizza a shot!
Carlo's Pizza is an Italian restaurant which also offers a good view of the Taal Lake. Unfortunately though, since it's already dark, we can no longer see the lake. But the cool breeze from the lake and relaxing ambiance in the resto made the night romantic. :) Service was good and the waiters were attentive. Now for the food choices, since Lloyd and I are both salad lovers, Caesar Salad won't be missed in our choices. I had a dish of Spaghetti Bolonese while Lloyd had a two-pc chicken combo, one of which was Italian-glazed and one was crispy fried. Finally, since we are dining in a pizza place, why not try their pizza! Hence we had their Pizza Verona (it has garlic, mozarella and cheddar cheese) which was delightfully tasteful and was made even more special when you put on some Caramba Chili Verde which of course is a chili sauce but still brings out the pizza's natural taste even more. hhmmm yumyum!
We capped off the night by dropping by Starbucks to have coffee for desert, for some more kwentuhan, planning, discussing about some more stuffs, and just simply laughed around. That's where Lloyd is best at, making me laugh and making my heart equally happy and joyful. :)
The next morning, we hit the road once again at around 11am, dropping by the pineapple stalls for pasalubong for his and my home. Stress-free travel! Thank you Lord. ♥ and if there's one most special thing about this trip, that is I know that I could always live like this and I could always enjoy these simple roadtrips with my sweetest blessing. There'll be more roads to take, and even foods to eat, and I'm sure I'll enjoy every piece of every moment. Being on our second year, maybe we were already past through that very cheesy stage. Because right now, we're just busy - and excited - of working and planning and building for our future, together. ♥
Well, we welcomed the day with our friends, slept at around 3am, got up at noon just in time for lunch. Pretty lazy day at first as we had to wait for Lyeo to come home from work (because he brings the motorbike with him). So at around 4:00 PM, we put on our motor gears: rubber shoes, black jacket, backpacks, Lloyd's hand gloves, arm sleeves, and our helmets and started hitting the road at 4:20 PM. Destination: Tagaytay City! ♥
Our route itself was exciting as we are trying on a new one. We took the Timbao road which is just near Carmona Estates. The road leads to Laguna technopark where I got a view of Amkor's plant 4 (hurray!). Unfortunately, since we don't have a Nuvali sticker, we were not allowed to pass through Nuvali gate so we had to re-route via Greenfield and drove along with the shuttle buses for employees working in the Technopark.
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| We traveled this route for 1 hour 15mins with our motorbike |
Our journey was easy and breezy and I really thank God for the perfect weather. There was no traffic and no hassle at all. And we knew we're near our destination as we already felt the cool Tagaytay breeze passing through our helmets and touching our faces. Finally, at 5:35 PM, we checked in at Keni Po hotel.
 |
| photo from wandering gene |
We then felt our tummies grumbling at around 7pm and decided to drive along Tagaytay and find a place to dine. Where to? We have no idea! But we simply enjoyed our stroll, with still the cold breeze kissing our faces, and we were led to Carlo's Pizza. It's just in the same compound as Starbucks and Teriyaki Boy. We first thought of dining at Teriyaki Boy or Yellow Cab, but I insisted that we don't since we can also find these restos in Manila. We gotta try something new! So yes, we gave Carlo's pizza a shot!
Carlo's Pizza is an Italian restaurant which also offers a good view of the Taal Lake. Unfortunately though, since it's already dark, we can no longer see the lake. But the cool breeze from the lake and relaxing ambiance in the resto made the night romantic. :) Service was good and the waiters were attentive. Now for the food choices, since Lloyd and I are both salad lovers, Caesar Salad won't be missed in our choices. I had a dish of Spaghetti Bolonese while Lloyd had a two-pc chicken combo, one of which was Italian-glazed and one was crispy fried. Finally, since we are dining in a pizza place, why not try their pizza! Hence we had their Pizza Verona (it has garlic, mozarella and cheddar cheese) which was delightfully tasteful and was made even more special when you put on some Caramba Chili Verde which of course is a chili sauce but still brings out the pizza's natural taste even more. hhmmm yumyum!
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| Affordable Italian dining experience |
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| Pizza Verona! |
We capped off the night by dropping by Starbucks to have coffee for desert, for some more kwentuhan, planning, discussing about some more stuffs, and just simply laughed around. That's where Lloyd is best at, making me laugh and making my heart equally happy and joyful. :)
The next morning, we hit the road once again at around 11am, dropping by the pineapple stalls for pasalubong for his and my home. Stress-free travel! Thank you Lord. ♥ and if there's one most special thing about this trip, that is I know that I could always live like this and I could always enjoy these simple roadtrips with my sweetest blessing. There'll be more roads to take, and even foods to eat, and I'm sure I'll enjoy every piece of every moment. Being on our second year, maybe we were already past through that very cheesy stage. Because right now, we're just busy - and excited - of working and planning and building for our future, together. ♥
Pizza, Pasta, Pichi-Pichi, Pochero, Pareng Jack!
Saturday, Sept 22
Long weekend commenced with a Shawarma food trip at the bus stop where Lloyd met me after work. Their shawarma was more affordable and less "smelly" but more tasteful compared to the one we usually buy in Festival mall's food court. This, to date, was the 3rd shawarma i've ever had. EVER! :)
When we got home, Papa welcomed me with "O, cheerdance na!" So I dropped everything and turned on the tube to catch UP Pep Squad while Lloyd thought of what to order for our dinner. I literally dropped everything. Haha. Yey for UP! :) So anyway, we ordered Amber's Spaghetti bilao, 20pcs BBQ stick and the all-time favorite Amber's Pichi-pichi! Mama also cooked my favorite pochero to complete the meal. Oh, did I mention that today's a double celebration for Mama and Lloyd's birthday? Mama turned 58 on September 21 and Lloyd turned 27 on September 23. Fun, right? :)
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| pochero, BBQ, pichi-pichi, and spaghetti (with biiig hoootdogs!) yum! |
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| ate chin-chin saying grace |
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| raawwwrrr!!! |
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| the boys' bestfriend: PARENG JACK |
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| and the night's highlight: Online inuman session with cousins in Bulacan. :) |
Sunday, Sept 23
Goodmorning Lloydieee!!! weeee...haappeee birthdaaay! :) We just had but a simple lunch in the Carmona home, then went to church with his family. This was my first time to hear mass with his family. During the mass, I really prayed that he and Nanay and Tatay will always be healthy and strong. There were just a lot to be thankful during the mass - his life, our relationship, our relationship with our families, and our own family that we will build someday. God is the sweetest!
After mass, we headed straight to Shakey's Biñan for his birthday dinner with Nanay, Tatay, tito, tita, Lyeo (his brother) and Mich (Lyeo's gg). :)
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| the fam! |
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| Thanks sissy Mich for the cake! |
The day was capped off by his friends' own version of "Lloyd's day!" (i.e., lloyd+JC+jessie+a few more friends+fun fun fun). Nevertheless, thank You Lord for this one special weekend. But lo, our weekend is just ain't over yet!
...to be continued... ♥ ☺♥☺♥
Something's cooking...
Hmmm.
Lloydie and Fafa Ray behind the lens.
Mars on publicity.
Me on concept/artistic side.
Four bright minds.
Hmmm... why not?! :)
Game? :D
Lloydie and Fafa Ray behind the lens.
Mars on publicity.
Me on concept/artistic side.
Four bright minds.
Hmmm... why not?! :)
Game? :D
10 things I must start doing
- Keep a close watch on my health. Maintain a good weight, rehydrate, rejuvenate, be healthy inside and out. :)
- Learn how to cook. Papa have spoiled me too much that he didn't let me cook for almost two years. I don't know if it's just damage control. (marunong naman ako kahit pa'no)
- Save, save, save! As Lloyd recalls the article he has read before, "the secret to being rich is to not buying the unnecessary things." yes sir! :)
- And as I learn to save, I must also master the art of stretching the budget.
- Start a business for mama and papa, or at least something they could get busy with at the same time getting income from it.
- Imagine my dream wedding! yeahboi!
- Plan the timeline for preparation. Gantt Chart mode ON. Magplano ng maaga para iwas haggardo versoza. :)
- Get into a driving lesson. <insert music here> GUSTO KONG MATUTONG MAG-DRIVE! yeah, i must learn, because we gotta do a lot of errands soon!
- Get my identity documents handy.
- Enjoy being Ms. Pelagio as I can, while I can. =D
High School Musical. :)
I knew there's something special with today's date.
recall...
recall...
recall...
It made me reminisce back to my highschool days.
The first person who sat in front of me on my first day high.
The girl whom I shared the same passion with Music.
We joined the Glee Club together and even join singing contests together. :p
We would stay out until around 8pm, when our class ends at 4:40pm, because of rehearsals and church engagements.
We even tried to form a band, together with our girl classmates, and tried to play "So Young" here at our place..
"yeah...yeah....yeaaaahh yeah yeaaaah, we are soooo yoooung!"
We shared each others crushes, and everytime this certain guy passes, she would sing
"'cause you bring out the best in me, like no one else would do, that's why I'm by your side, that's why I love you..." :)
We would have lunch together, and will sing songs at the canteen.
Together with our classmates we would do the then-famous Coke jingle
"ito ang beat sabay-sabay, ito ang beat bawal sablay, pabilis ng pabilis..."
Or sometimes get our creative juices working and do our own version of songs...
"Jikaw Zamang Qan Tangakong Wahalin..." ('remix' kuno of Panunumpa)
High School was a sweet memory, and it was made sweeter by this wonderful lady.
I'm truly proud of what she has achieved now.
I know how strong she is, and I know she will always be strong, in anything, in everything.
Happy birthday, Joan! :)
recall...
recall...
recall...
It made me reminisce back to my highschool days.
The first person who sat in front of me on my first day high.
The girl whom I shared the same passion with Music.
We joined the Glee Club together and even join singing contests together. :p
We would stay out until around 8pm, when our class ends at 4:40pm, because of rehearsals and church engagements.
We even tried to form a band, together with our girl classmates, and tried to play "So Young" here at our place..
"yeah...yeah....yeaaaahh yeah yeaaaah, we are soooo yoooung!"
We shared each others crushes, and everytime this certain guy passes, she would sing
"'cause you bring out the best in me, like no one else would do, that's why I'm by your side, that's why I love you..." :)
We would have lunch together, and will sing songs at the canteen.
Together with our classmates we would do the then-famous Coke jingle
"ito ang beat sabay-sabay, ito ang beat bawal sablay, pabilis ng pabilis..."
Or sometimes get our creative juices working and do our own version of songs...
"Jikaw Zamang Qan Tangakong Wahalin..." ('remix' kuno of Panunumpa)
High School was a sweet memory, and it was made sweeter by this wonderful lady.
I'm truly proud of what she has achieved now.
I know how strong she is, and I know she will always be strong, in anything, in everything.
Happy birthday, Joan! :)
Something for the boys
Now here's something naman for the brothers. Don't want to be in the Friend Zone? Here are some tips:
LIGAW KIT FOR SFC BROTHERS
Basic Checklist of Courtship for SFC Brothers
You are ready to court a sister if:
- God is your no. 1 priority
- You love your family dearly
- You are emotionally healthy/ready to get hurt
- You are financially healthy /will be able to provide
- You are a servant
- You are committed
- You are willing to guard your and the sister's heart as you discern your future together in this courtship stage.
- You will keep this relationship pure and pleasing to God at all cost.
- You are willing to sacrifice your own interests and comforts for the sake of another.
In discerning for a sister:
- Be careful with your actions and words especially when you are not sure yet. Do not mislead the sister.
- Why this person? What are your motives in pursuing her?
- Do you know her well enough as a sister, friend, and co-worker in God's vineyard?
- What do you like about her? Are these what God wants you to look for in a future partner?
- Am I ready to discern this person to be my future spouse? Do I see this person as someone who can possibly be my partner in building a Christian family?
In courting a sister:
- Discern for God's time for you to enter a relationship
- It goes with your packaging. If she's beautiful in your eyes, be handsome in her eyes.
- Let the sister know that you are pursuing her, how you feel and what your intentions are. No mind games.
- Court your future wife, not just your future girlfriend.
- Respect the privacy and purity of the sister.
- Court in the sister's home, not in streets.
- It is not in the amount of the gifts, it is in the presentation.
- Be consistent in courtship, don't give false hope to the sister.
- Reveal yourself to her, so she'll love the real you.
- Allow the sister to entertain other brothers if she doesn't have a commitment with you yet. Be a sport.
- Don't expect anything in return. Just be happy that she's allowing you to court her. Just love her anyway.
- Get guidance from someone who has moral authority.
If she's a gift from God
- She must be something special.
- You don't have to force God, He will freely give her to you in time.
- Pursue her. Others might get her, or she'll just slip away.
Ligaw Kit for Sisters
I got this almost exactly 2 years ago, September 4, 2010, during the SFC Regional Conference in Rizal province. This actually just came right on time when I needed it. It was when I was actually discerning for Lloyd (yeeeees nemen! :p) and this has really helped me pray for him and for my heart. Well, where did this take us now? :p
Something really worth sharing.
LIGAW KIT FOR SISTERS
Basic Checklist during Courtship for SFC Sisters
You are ready to allow a brother to court you if:
It's been almost two years, and I'm just thankful for everything that has happened since the day this kit introduced itself to me. :p
Something really worth sharing.
LIGAW KIT FOR SISTERS
Basic Checklist during Courtship for SFC Sisters
You are ready to allow a brother to court you if:
- God is your no. 1 priority
- You love your family dearly
- You are emotionally healthy/can be honest with your brother/suitor/ready to get hurt
- You are financially healthy/good steward of resources
- You are a servant
- You are committed
- You are a winner
- You are willing to guard your and the brother's heart as you discern your future together in this courtship stage
- You will keep this relationship pure and pleasing to God at all cost.
- You are willing to sacrifice your own interests and comforts for the sake of another.
In discerning for a suitor:
- If you are confused whether a brother is courting you or not, ask. Unless the brother states his intentions, do not assume. Ask what his intentions are. If he can't say, then don't entertain him as a suitor.
- Why this person? What are my motives in considering him?
- Do I know him well enough as a brother, friend and co-worker in God's vineyard?
- What do I like about this person? Are these what God wants me to look for in a future partner?
- Am I ready to discern this person to be my future spouse? Do I see this person as someone who can possibly be my partner in building a Christian family?
During courtship:
- Discern if the brother suitor is the one prepared by God for you. Discern if he can be your future husband, not just a boyfriend.
- Be honest with him, tell him where he stands. Treat the brother with respect and don't ignore him. Through discernment, if he is not for you, have the courage to say no and tell him right away. Don't leave him hanging.
- Be courted at home, not in the streets.
- Be mindful in receiving gifts from the brother suitor. Don't give false expectations by accepting extravagant and extra special gifts.
- Reveal yourself to him, so he'll love the real you.
- You can still entertain other suitors if there are any as long as you've not committed to a brother suitor.
- Get guidance from someone who has moral authority.
- If you must turn him down, do so with respect and love for him as your brother.
If he's a gift from God:
- He must be someone special
- You don't have to force God, He will freely give him to you in His time.
- Allow him to pursue you. He might be the one and might slip away.
Grateful
Welcome me! Weeee!
So my goal is, to make everything I write glorify and gratify my Creator. :)
So help me, Papa God. + =)
When I learned that Multiply is shutting down its file hosting services, I went crazy about recovering and migrating my stuffs there, mostly about the blogs and the pictures I have posted about 5 years ago. And so, I reviewed my blogs, which were posted during my college/YFC days, and they were mostly about my missions, trips, some were announcement to YFC Laguna people, and some were, sadly, about rants.
Yeah, the social media has given people all the right to rant.
"had a bad day! urrghhh!"
"had a bad day! urrghhh!"
"traffic! bad trip late na ako!"
"fare increase! #@$%^"
These are familiar lines in twitter and facebook. Although people still share about good things, like taking a picture of the delicious dish before munching into it, maybe a little more gratefulness to the One who gave it all, maybe there'll be less rants, less negative, and everyone will greet the day with positive vibes and high spirit. :)
and so, let me share with you this inspiring song which always brightens my day, written by two good friends/brothers/mentors/young men:
Grateful
By Jueren Nabua/Alvin Morada
You've given me this brand new day
to serve and follow You
You took my tears and made me smile
You lifted me up
You gave me all the reasons Lord
to see things as gift from You
I go out and testify and shout to the world
I will lift Your name on high
I'll forever worship You
I will serve You with all of my heart
'Cause You are my God
I'll forever be grateful
When trouble comes my way
You were there to stay
and everything will be alright
and now I know is true
that this love is You
And I will live each day and say...
I will lift Your name on high
I'll forever worship You
I will serve You with all of my heart
'Cause You are my God
I'll forever be grateful
So my goal is, to make everything I write glorify and gratify my Creator. :)
So help me, Papa God. + =)
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