Christmas '08

 

Another Christmas gathering in our family. It has been the same as it has been the previous years, relatives would go in our house where we would be celebrate and exchange gifts. Guess its only on Christmas that we could be together.

This year has been a little different though. We had other relatives who celebrated with us this time. Relatives whom I have never seen for years now (Auntie Erlie and her husband, Kuya Revie and his wife). And of course, this time we have Bill(mom's husband)to celebrate with us as well.

My sister, Lexie, sadly is still in Korea. I dont know how she celebrated Christmas there but I know that she misses the way Philippines celebrates this season.

Hope I had more things to say, but I think this is all for now since I had to leave during that time... work on Christmas day really sucks!!!

We Lost One Loved one Today....

I woke up at 3:30 this morning with a text from Bhe. After a few exhange of text messages, I had to get up and try to fix something for breakfast. I was surprised to see a cat trying to get into one of the windows at home. The cat was surprised to see as well and it tried a few futile attempts to get into the window. I went to open the door just to make it easier for the cat to get out. But the cat didnt want to do it the easier way, instead, it still reached for the window. Finally, it was out....

Just when I was on my way back to the kitchen, I saw Leeon... The hamster I bought just a few days before Christmas for my son. It was laying lifeless on the floor. I checked his bed, and I saw that the tissue paper was scattered all over the place. The cat must have tried to play with his breakfast before putting an end to Leeon's life. Poor thing. This was so mean...

I had to wake my son up to let him know. His first question was, "Where did the cat come from?". He is just so fond of closing the windows everytime he goes to bed since he is afraid of things getting into the house while we are sleeping. Must be some of those things he has watched on T.V. After I have answered his questions, I heard his voice crack while giving his childish comments on what had happened. I know he was about to cry...

I left the room to get Leeon's body and put it in a box. Just in case my son wants to bury him. When I got back, I heard my son's sobs. He was crying!!! I had to comfort him... I had to let him know that its ok... That I will buy him a new pair...

With this being said... he stopped crying.... and said he wants to get some sleep again... Whew! That's all that he wants... a new hamster... a new Leeon...


Goodbye Leeon... I hope we made your last days here on earth a memorable one. Don't worry I will try to catch that cat who did this to u... hmph...

Yron - Abi Wedding

After 3 years of being in the relationship, Yron Retuta and Abi Oropeza exchanged their vows last December 13, 2008 in St. Therese Parish Church in U.P. Los Baños. I was included in the briday entourage by accident since my friend Hazel, is having a very sensitive pregnancy and has been advised to be glued in bed. This, by the way, is my third time to be included in the entourage. My first was during one of my student's wedding, where I wore a pink dress; the second was also during the student's where I wore violet dress and I didnt make it to the church on time!!! Pictorial na nun dumating ako, ahehehe!!!



With me were TL James, his mom, Stephen and his kid Nicole, Zac and his girfriend Grace.









I sang "From this Moment" by Shania Twain. This is actually my song to my ex, Ryan Sancha - the father of my kid. I almost got carried away by the song and the thought that, another man fulfilled the promise that every woman desires. I envy Abi. She is indeed very lucky to have Yron as her husband. Very faithful and responsible. How I wish the next time that I will be visiting the church, I would no longer be one of the "abay" but hopefully I will be the one walking in the red carpet.








To Yron and Abi, may you always find the love and happiness in your hearts. Congratulations!

Team Building 3

My team had a final blast for this year. Not to count the upcoming Christmas Party this coming December 23, 2008. We had swimming party again, just like the second team building that we had. But this was different, since I didnt sleep the entire night... and I enjoyed the pool. And then of course, I was with my loved one - Norman.

It was held in C3Y Resort, in Los Baños Laguna last November 28. We all met at the office. We had to rent Norman's van and take TL's car for everyone. We arrived there at 7pm. Upon arriving, everyone had something to do. I remember grabbing the microphone and sang my heart out while everyone was busy preparing dinner. Ahehhe... This was so selfish of me. When I realized that everyone was doing their share, I volunteered to cook Adobo.

We had fun with the games. Not to mention that I have grabbed all, and I mean all the prizes for our binggo. Thats's what you call, beginner's luck!! I hope they wouldn't be killing me for this.

Here are some of the pics by the way. Feel free to comment!

NCSW '08

It was celebrated worldwide - National Customer Service Week (NCSW), and our company didnt hesitate to commend their employees with a week of surprises and contests to make the event memorable to everyone.

Two of the highlights of the celebration were Spirit Day and Decade Day. Spirit Day demands for artistic work that would show the company's core values. Decade Day on the other hand is just to show cooperation as team selects a particular decade to present (from 50's to 90's) and show their creativity as they project the fad during that time. Our team, Team Protege, participated in these contests to showcase their talents and cooperation. Not to mention that they grabbed the grand prize for both contests. Good job team Protege for bringing home the bacon!!

Now let me share our work of art to show how we deserve the prize...

DECADE DAY - 80'S - 30TH GRAMMY AWARDS NIGHT



SPIRIT DAY

Living with Life

Life does not begin at 40, 50 or 60. It can start as early as 20 so long as you know what you are living for. Theoretically speaking, we are made for a certain purpose and we will discover that if we believe and obey. In this materialistic world we try to live by what the world has to offer, may it be essential or not. But who would say that they are happy and content with this worldliness?


Bottom line is, with whatever we have in our luggage right now we should know how to LIVE - live with living. Not just breathing and just wandering... Knowing what you are living for is the key.

Let me share Stacy Orrico's song "There's gotta be more to Life"

There's gotta be more to life...
Than chasing down every temporary high to satisfy me
Cause the more that I'm...
Tripping out thinking there must be more to life
Well it's life, but I'm sure... there's gotta be more
Than wanting more

Wanting more than what life has to offer is a bit selfish but its not wrong to dream and to aspire for greater heights. However, life won't give you all... God won't. Every thing will fall in its place at the right time... So just live life. CARPE DIEM.

My Special Thanks

Hi guys,

This email/lettter has been long overdue and I apologize for the long wait (parang call lang oh...) So much has been going on recently that has caused me to stagnate, however I'm slowly reverting from the growing and cultured me. I know you have expected a lot from me and I know somehow I have disappointed some of you.

First of all (di ko na gagamitin ang first and foremost kase sabi ni TL redundant daw sya!), I would like to thank you guys for the sincere and wholehearted support you've thrown at me during the Wachovia Idol contest. You know very well, that I wouldn't be in that contest that long if not for your contributions and your votes. Special mention to KG, who voluntarily lent me her night gowns which somehow gave me a goodluck on the first night. I remember I was one of the top performers during that time. I also learned that you have continuously bought my tickets and I really thank you soooo much for spending that much. I would like to thank Lance, for the heartwarming email you have sent to everyone to persuade everyone to vote for me. You know how moved I was when I read that email. I hope you felt my gratitiude when I hugged you upon reading that email. I was even moved to tears knowing that you were also concerned as I was. Special thanks to Eds, Raine, Bess, Ness, Raech and Ja, for being part of the crowd during those weeks. Just knowing that a friend was there to support me was enough to boost my confidence and prove that I can be good if not the best. I would also like to commend Hazel and Sherrie for their untiring effort to sell my tickets. This was not part of your job description but being the supportive friends that you are, you have taken some time to extend your help and keep me in the game. Lastly, thanks to TL James for being a part of that show. That despite the "kagagahan" that I did, you didn't leave me in the lurch. You have proven me how professional you are and I thank you for being so patient with me.

I know I disappointed you at one point. I know how freaking worried you were when I didnt show up and was nowhere to be found. That was so inconsiderate of me, I know. I had never thought it would cause you a lot of trouble. And I'm really sorry. I know I am wrong. Somehow, that incident made me feel that the respect that I have worked hard for has created a huge hole that would take some time to become whole again. Though I appreciate that you have understood me. Thanks for accepting my flaws and the human side of me.

This is not the end of the game. I know I have a lot to prove and a lot to show. And I wont give up... Will rock on!!!

My 28th Birthday

My gifts. Very happy cuz I received a lot this year, compared to last year!!! I didnt celebrate my birthday though. I just invited a few friends at home and had dinner and a little drinking, thats all. No special someone greeted me that day. My crushness didnt come over as well since he just got home that afternoon after spending the night away with friends.

I should be thinking seriously though. I have turned 28 and here I am.... Still here... I dont know how would I get my self into something lucrative or sensible. I guess I have not grown up after all... Takes time for me. Or am I just being a mediocre?

The Finals Night

After 7 long and tiring weeks,the very first W-G Idol was finally announced. With soaring votes that no one had expected, Gel Manansala grabbed the title.

Held on August 9, 2008 Alabang

Gel Manansala




The Runners Up are:



C.A. Dee



Marco Mata



Cris Esmeria

Being part of the Wachovia Idol, has been one of the great experiences with this company, along with the other FIRSTS that I had. Truly, I am grateful that somehow I have shared the God-given talent that I have and at least, I was able to do what I've been missing doing. Singing infront of a crowd is something I never thought would be possible for me ever since I got into this industry. But thanks to the GPTW for initiating projects such as this for us to break free from the hassle and stress of taking in calls. I have really enjoyed every week that I would sing my heart out and see the throng of people admiring me for the job well done and the superb performance. I have gained a lot of friends out of this experience. I admire the other semi-finalists who have been such a good sports. That even if they got eliminated already, they still made sure that the friendship is intact. It didnt dishearten them neither showed any bitterness with regards to the results. We are all winners here at our own respect. And I know everyone deserves a prize for the wonderful performace weekly. How I wish, there is more than just " Good Job!!"

Here are some of the shots I had during the night.



With Hershey and Donna



With Ron



With Rein

Rest Day Mode

Ahehehe!!! My favorite day of the week, Tuesday. Finally have the air to breathe... away from calls, irate customers, stess and smoking buddies. I miss the silence. I miss being alone in a place. I miss deep thinking. I miss walking nowhere.

I started my day infront of my computer and now (it's 2:48 pm), I'm still here. I'm trying to get my self abreast with the latest news with my friends. I checked their friendster, multiply, IMEEM etc. I finally had the chance to check my inbox too after almost 3 weeks!!! Our connection from the internet company got sooo busted that I really screamed at the PSR over the phone. Their system sucks!!! If only I have better option,I swear I would have changed my provider.

Anyway, what keeps me busy nowadays is the singing contest at our office. It's no big thing but somehow I like the idea. I get the chance to know more people at work. Plus, I am doing what I have loved since I was a little kid - singing! I miss singing infront of a crowd and getting their ass moving. Singing every night, dressing like a star, wearing heavy make up and being admired for such a great performance. How I miss those days... ahehehe!!!

I wonder if I really have a better chance in this contest though. From 15 contestants, we're down to 9. This Friday would be another elimination round. Would I be among those who'll get eliminated? I'm keeping my fingers crossed... The votes would really help me a lot... So I pray I will get as much. I think I would need to buy tickets for me aheheh...

Let me see if I can write more stuff today... I feel tired already.... My brain cells are burned out...

Devilish...

imikimi - Customize Your World

Wachovia Idol '08

Just want to share my video during our Gala Night. Enjoy!

Another Addition to our Family

Mom recently got married to Mr. William Riley. He just got here on May 8th and they got married on June 5. Proves to show how love can change everything. No if's and but's... What matters most is that they love each other...

Galera '08

The Henna Tattoo that means nothing.... hehehe!!!


With Candy, EJ's colleague. She is actually the main reason why we had to go here. I hope her stay here was worth the time and the effort. I will certainly see you again Candy, hopefully in Cebu.


Just before we hopped the Banana boat. It was really exciting and funny. The driver really took us in the middle of the sea as if he doesnt intend to take us back to Galera. " Manong, wla pa po kmeng plano bumalik sa Batangas!!"



Dare to be daring...


With Anj and Ja. Taken upon arriving the island. ATAT?!!!



The seashore and some of the peeps enjoying the beach.



Mindoro's sling. This got into me... after the 2nd pitcher I had to bid hello to my bed. ahehehe!!! But I surely love it.





In my attempt to escape from the loneliness, I went to Puerto Galera last weekend with friends (Danie, Ej, Edward, Anj, Ja and Candy). I would admit it wasnt enough but somehow it helped me ease the pain a bit.

A Kind Soul trapped in a Wretched Life

I really dont know if I should be happy to hear this comment from a not so close friend of mine. Surely the "kind" is a positive impression... but being trapped into something bad is like being cursed.

Am I really cursed? Is my life really destined to be difficult?

The only thing I could say to be wracked is my lovelife. Aside from that, I can say that I'm still blessed. Despite the fact that I've literally forgotten that I have responsibilities as a Christian. I've backslided more than 4 years ago. I could still remember how I devoted my life and surrendered my life to Him. I was on fire. I even had my own cell group. But everything disappeared in just a flick of a finger. I fell into temptation one time, and there it went. I wasnt able to recover my self. The guilt feeling was overwhelming that I wasnt able to pick my self from what I did.

I dont wanna say that I would never go back... I guess Im not ready yet to turn 180 degrees away from worldliness. I just want to assure my self that by the time that I surrender my life again, there's no more turning back.

Anyway, I am still loved. I'm glad that everyone from my world get in touch with me as soon as they heard what happened to me. Aside from that, Ive got the chance to talk to some people I havent talked to for quite a long time. There was this special man whom I had ignored when I fell inlove with someone before. Funny thing was, while I was busy trying to get someone else's attention, he was there... just there. Loving me in silence. It was only recently that I learned about his real intention and his great love for me. I was kinda surprised that he was able to supress it for 16 looong years!!! It was late to apologize though but I felt his pain. There was a little twinch in my heart. At the back of my mind, I was thinking that I've let go of the person that might have loved me wholeheartedly. "Nakakahinayang!!" I feel sorry for what I did. I was young and insensitive then. Hope he'd know how sorry I am right now for everything.

I deserve a break. Im planning to go to Galera this weekend. A time for me to take a moment in my life and RESET. There must be a lot of things I have been taking for granted and there must be a lesson learned from all these. I have to learn. I have to be wiser. I'm really looking forward to this. I hope this would help me to deliberate on how I want my life to be and what I want to have. Not just grab whatever comes along even though its not a good catch. Argh! That is not a good term.

I hope its not late yet. I hope Im not totally broken inside out. I hope I could still regain my trust and my ability to love. I know its not too late to move on and prove what Im worth. It is difficult but I dont want to sensationalize it. Surely, I want to make a difference this time...

How rare is my Personality

Your Personality is Somewhat Rare (ESFP)

Your personality type is playful, charming, open minded, and energetic. Only about 7% of all people have your personality, including 9% of all women and 5% of all men You are Extroverted, Sensing, Feeling, and Perceiving.

How Rare Is Your Personality?

Check out my Slide Show!

Meet and Greet the President of the Philippines2

meet gma2
Originally uploaded by hybridrey15

March 06, 2008, during our company's Inauguration,Her Excellency was our guest speaker.I was deeply honored to be part of it since I was selected to represent the teammates from our company. Though the picture that I have here does not clearly show the smile on my face, I hope that the sincerity of the author would make you believe that it is indeed one of the most memorable experiences in my life...

that was actually me she was smiling at... too bad the picture was taken from my back

Meet and Greet the President of the Philippines

meet gma
Originally uploaded by hybridrey15

standing next to me was the president. grrrr... the picture was taken at the side.... there were too many photographers and no one caught my smile! : - (

Another Week

Yeah... another week has ended and another week is beginning... counting days and counting weeks.... Why am I counting? What is the counting for? Seriously, I dont know. But I feel like I'm wasting a lot of time doing nothing good or not achieving anything at this point of my life...

But there's one thing new. I have applied for the TLI ( Team Leader Intern ) position in our company. Though I know I have struggles with my leadership skills, I still felt that the exposure and the experience would help me a bit to enhance my potentials. I know that there would be a lot of oppurtunities for me to grab in this new company and I'm just trying to check on it one by one... ahehehe!! nah... of course not, I know I can try... there's no harm in trying, right....

So, just pray for me... and wish me luck...

This is soooo sweet....

Just wanna share this piece. Was written by my dear friend Majid. This is actually the first poem, ever written for me. That's why I'm soooo touched....

Thanks again majid for being a good friend to me. ur so sweet....


JILTEDSUMMER

The reality is I don't care
About what they have to say
How I feel is how I feel
They can't change it anyway

The truth of it all is I like you
And it doesn't matter how they feel
we both know our friendship is real

The honest thing I have to say
Is you are my best best best best friend
And it's times like these that I learn
This friendship could never end.

we're back to the 80's

we're back to the 80's
Originally uploaded by hybridrey15

One of those DRESS UP FRIDAYS. Had to dress up in the 80's fashion to avoid singing Madonna's "Papa don't Preach". ahehehe!!

prom nyt with some of the girls

prom nyt with some of the girls
Originally uploaded by hybridrey15

From left to right: Angel, Raech, Kate, Bess, Hazel, ME, Raine and KG. Who's the fairest of them all?