Totally Lost!

I am in a very difficult situation right now. I am confronted with something that could change my life forever. My decision is changing by the moment. And until now, I am too scared to make my choice.

There are times that I want to stay yet there is always this feeling of grabbing the once in a lifetime opportunity.I hope that whatever I choose to do, I will never ever look back with regret. And I hope that God will always be there to enlighten me on which path I should take. To stay or to move forward....

Back!

It has been more than a week since my last blog entry. I'm back at Davao and at my work now! My short but fun-filled VL was more than I expected it to be. I am happy and I feel blessed that once again, I was given the chance to escape from my Davao life even for a short period time..

More exciting stories and pictures to come!

Excited!

I am off to Cebu a few hours from now for a short but meaningful vaction. I am excited to stroll around the metro and just explore the place.

I sure miss IT Park, Ayala Center, Starbucks, Waterfront Lahug, AA's BBQ, CNT Lechon House, Carbon, Colon, Metro Gaisano, OTAP, Guadalupe, USC, Golden Cowrie, Taboan, BTC and the list is endless

But what i am missing most are the people who became my life-long friends!

To Nicey, Theza, Pring, Chi-Chi and Marnz... my short lived Cebu life may not be as enriching and meaningful to me without you guys being part of it! I will be seeing you all soon and we will relive the glory days of our Cebu Escapades!

Make yourself more Beautiful with MYA!

Making one’s self beautiful is a necessity these days. It does not only enhance your self confidence but makes your perspective in life much more optimistic. Being beautiful may mean a lot of things to some people but ultimately, it means taking the finest means of taking care of one’ self. Being beautiful radiates in almost all aspect of one’s life. It makes you more assertive at work, you happen to be more secure in dealing and relating with other people thus, improving your personal and social relations.

Today, cosmetic surgery has been an increasing trend. As I was searching the internet for a research topic for my graduate paper, I stumbled upon this site which is fascinating to browse. The site, http://www.mya.co.uk/ was very informative to me. And since the topic of my research was about breast augmentation and here's an interesting site about breast augmentation uk. I was curious to see what it really is and the benefits of undergoing the procedure. I learned that the procedure does not only appeal to women with smaller breast size but also includes women who want to achieve that sexier, fuller figure particularly to women who recently gave birth or women who suffered dramatic weight losses.

Breast enlargement or breast augmentation is one of the many cosmetic surgeries that MYA offers. It is also one of the most tried and the safest procedure performed by their highly capable surgeons.

So, what happens when one undergoes breast enlargement / augmentation?
The procedure is performed under general anesthetics and with the supervision of a first-rate surgeon. First, an implant is inserted through a discrete incision made in the natural crease of the breast. Then the surgeon makes a pocket under the breast tissue, or chest muscle to put the implant. After which, the patient will have to stay overnight in the hospital for close monitoring.

The operation and the recovery period is much convenient for those who lead a very busy and active lifestyle. The operation will take around an hour and surprisingly, the recovery period will only be a week in which the stitches and dressing will be removed. Patients are then advised to gradually return to their normal physical activities within 4 – 6 weeks. That’s how safe and simple the procedure is at MYA.

Flexibilty and Great Value Combined.

If your looking for flexibility with great value, then MYA is the answer to your need. They offer an initial free consultation to interested individuals. With MYA, there are no extra, unnecessary costs.

The inclusion of the payment for the Breast enlargement procedure starts with a free initial consultation which includes a personal information pack confirming the time and date of your appointment. And your very own patient coordinator who will be the point contact all throughout the procedure. Next, a free consultation with one of the premier specialist cosmetic surgeon is incorporated. Moreover, the pre-operative medical assessments are made to make certain that the patient is fit and healthy to undergo the surgery. MYA makes use only of the finest breast implants from Allergan, which is considered as the leading innovators when it comes to aesthetics.

The medical procedure will be done at one of the UK’s finest cosmetic surgery hospitals and so you are surely guaranteed of quality medical service. And if there is a need to stay overnight, you will have an en suite room with a 24 hour room service menu, satellite TV and breakfast included. In addition, a comprehensive after care policy which includes all post operative assessments with your surgeon and one of MYA’s qualified nurses is included. A 24 hour emergency helpline manned at all times by a network of qualified nurses are ready to assist you 24/7.

Better check their website at http://www.mya.co.uk/ for more interesting information.

the first and the last

It's a saturday night and yet here I am at home. It's quite weird coz Fridays and Saturdays are my usual Chillax nights. I am mentally worn out from the all three grueling Midterm Exams we had earlier the day. It was exhausting not to mention mind draining. All the computations, the variance analysis, down to the to research proposal and the very famous modified True or False were just too much for me.

It was weird taking the midterm exam. It felt like I was transported once again to my college days. I realized that this was all new to me; the unpreparedness to take the exams. Way back in my college days, I'd always come to school prepared and this was the first time I never exerted any effort to study. I hope this is the first and the last!

Perhaps, the lack of time, the work stuff or just the lack of interest to study made me hopeless.. And judging from the faces and comments of my classmates, I am sure that we were all clueless and yes, we have prepared ourselves for the day that the results would be announced. The judgement day! The doomsday!

Anyways, I was suppose to leave for Cebu tomorrow but since I had to report for work on Monday for a Marketing Plan Presentation, I had my tickets rebooked (at a very upsetting price) on a Monday afternoon flight. I will miss the Sinulog festivities, nonetheless, I am excited since a mini reunion of my Cebu buddies will finally happen. I will keep coming back to Cebu and even for a couple of days, I will try to forget about work and school.

Viva Senyor Santo Nino...

2009 Wish List

It has been a tradition for me to make my Wish List every start of the year. For 2009, here’s my to-do list in no particular order.

• To spend more quality time with family at home
• To eat out with the family once a month
• To conscientiously save up and spend less on unnecessary things
• To persist on reading books or e-books
• To learn more about the Photography and its techniques
• To become serious in learning Photoshop
• To try to learn how to drive (less the panic and the absurd confusion of the road signs)
• To be able to travel and visit more undiscovered places/sites.
• It’s time to get serious with blogging and grab more opps
• To attempt to engage in extreme sport(s) or any outdoor activities
• To discover some good places to chow and excellent coffee shops to chillax in Davao city
• Drink plenty of water and fruit juices
• Have massages every now and then and catch up on sleep
• To stay healthy by hitting the gym, do sports and/or eat more veggies and fruits
• To avoid stacking up sweets, chocolates and other goodies in the fridge
• Take vitamins or any health supplements not only for me but for my folks as well
• To unwind; movie nights & good finds for restos or go on food trips
• Reconnect with old chummies
• To organize my closet and make some dramatic changes in my bedroom
• Do a “Major Project” for the house
• To avoid cramming in doing school works
• To participate more in classroom discussions
• To get up early for school and take public transport instead of taxi
• Double check all my submitted paper works and make sure it’s concise to merit good grades
• To have good grades at school
• To say “Thank you” more often
• Say Sorry when there is a need to say so
• Mistakes are inevitable - Learn, Improve and Innovate
• Be less scared of what others may think
• Try some things that may scare me
• Be sensitive yet do not take things to heart seriously
• Smile more and loosen a bit (too serious at times)
• Learn to accept changes and deal with it. Do-away with the what-ifs and could-have beens.
• Move forward!
• Take time to get to know people less the assumptions and the impressions
• In Case of Insecurity Attack (CIA), I will try hard to think positively and brush away negative thoughts/reactions
• Since, I have the internet as a good source of learning, try to read more business related articles, familiarize myself with history or read amazing facts about something or someone
• To become good at what I do specially at work

Prolonging the agony

I went to school a bit late yesterday. I overslept because i was dead tired trying to finish my HRBM paper and read my Business Stat and Research hand outs.

The first day of school (in the year 2009) was like mental torture for me. Our professors gave us Pointers for the next week's Midterm examination. Plus, we have numerous of papers due on the 17th. We were given instructions on what to do on the examination date. I cant' help but scratch my head knowing that I will have all three examininations next week.

This week will surely be a toxic week for me because aside from paperworks and examination, i would still have to finish my Marketing Plan. Hopefully, the schedules i have in mind, would be helpful.

NOTE: Watched movie with some MBA classmates to chillax.

Caught in the Act (Part 2)

After the launching of our work's successful event, we decided to treat ourselves to a sinfully delighful, quick breakfast at BluGre' Coffee Shop. A little pampering after a day's work was the perfect way to celebrate the success of the event that we participated in. After deciding what to eat, we took our spots for the instant photo ops. We were the first and only customers for the day (It was around 7.30 AM on a Sunday) and since, no one was around, we took the liberty of taking snaps.

Feeling too comfortable, we posed for the cam with our signature looks/poses. The picture above was taken by Cha2 and hurrraaaayy!!! since I rarely have the chance to have my picture taken. All in all, the food was superb and the place was the perfect venue for the early morn's glamour session!

Caught in the Act

Paradise Island

I love taking snaps. I find taking pictures relaxing and much enjoyable to do. I enjoy taking snaps of people caught in their candid / wackiest moments. Also, I find it addicting to take people and nature/outdoor shots. Learning how to play around with the picture’s background, lightings and angle shots can be very tricky yet addicting and exciting.

Since becoming a member of the Documentation Committee of our workplace, I have constantly tried to update myself with the latest and the most effective techniques of taking snaps. You have to have an eye for details and learn to anticipate shots that are interesting and unique. Although, there may be less pictures of me (since I am the one taking the pictures), there is much pride and satisfaction when you see the results of the shots you’ve taken and much more satisfying when you were able to capture your subject in its purest essence…That would be the perfect shot!

When there is enough time and money to spare, I hope to take a Crash course in Photography and perhaps become serious with it by purchasing a SLR camera. Hopefully, I’ll get better at this craft and hope to become a certified shutterbug in no time.

(Finally, a picture of me in action! -- Thanks to tinay for the shot)

soon but no later than friday!

I went home at around 7.30PM last night and before I knew it, I fell asleep. My supposedly 30 min. power nap ended up on a full 10 hour sleep. I needed to catch up on some of my MBA readings last night. I mentally took note of what I was supposed to do but then again, some things come unexpectedly.

Tonight, I hope that I would be able to stick to my planned schedule. I need to read my Business Research and Stat. Hand-outs plus make a draft for my HRBM paper due next week. Midterm exams are fast approaching so I hope to browse througd my notes soon but no later than friday!

Cramming.. Cramming but totally worth it!

Making a Difference

Anonymous: Never be afraid to do something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the titanic.

Confucius: To put the world right in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must first cultivate our personal life; we must first set our hearts right.

Robert Frost: Quotes on Making a DifferenceTwo roads diverged in a wood, and I... I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.

Amore

Sophocles: One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life; That word is love.

Leo Buscaglia: Only when we give joyfully, without hesitation or thought of gain, can we truly know what love means.

Malcolm S. Forbes: Presence is more than just being there

Anonymous: Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

Robert Louis Stevenson: So long as we love we serve; So long as we are loved by others, I would almost say that we are indispensable; And no one is useless while they have a friend.

H. Jackson Brown, Jr.: Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye.

Allan K. Chalmers: The grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.

Albert Einstein: When you sit with a nice girl for two hours, you think it's only a minute. But when you sit on a hot stove for a minute, you think it's two hours. That's relativity.

Adventures around the World

There are countless of places that I would like to see. I wish to experience the diverse fusion of the different culture / traditions of the world. So, here are some places/countries and its famous landmarks that I am most intrigued about.

Singapore – It is the smallest nation in Southeast Asia
- I wish to take a picture of myself at the Esplanade and a souvenir shot of the Merlions will complete my trip
- To try their Cable Car rides
- To visit their Botanical Gardens or Theme Parks
- Singapore has been known to have excellent universities. A must see on my trip will be visiting NUS and NTU.
- Orchard Road - Singapore's most well-known and popular tourist draws and known as the ultimate shopping district

Japan – Land of the Rising Sun
- Cherry Blossoms, Mt Fuji and to meet a real-life Geisha
- I just can’t get over MEIJI Fran and other chocolates
- Japanese manga, anime and to bump into ASIMO
- Be at Shibuya Crossing - an example of Tokyo's often crowded streets
- Watch Sumo wrestling which is considered Japan’s National sport and/or learn Kendo “Way of the Sword” and have my very own Shinai

Korea – Land of the Morning Calm
- Incheon International Airport which is said to be one of the best airport in world perks up my curiosity
- K-Pop idols and koreanovelas. To meet and greet the stars.
- Eat authentic korean Kimchi and Bulgogi (roasted marinated meat, usually beef), galbi (marinated grilled short ribs), and samgyeopsal (pork belly) are popular meat entrees. Also, to try an instant noodle snack called ramyeon and buy fish cake, Tteokbokki (rice cake and fish cake with a spicy gochujang sauce)
- To be able to witness a Traditional Korean dance (Jinju geommu) and visit palaces
- To take a picture of Albert HUBO, one of the most advanced humanoid robots in the world

The Last Goodbye Saga

The 30th gave me the answer that I needed. It was something that I needed to have and what astounded me most was that, I was fine. I was amazed on how I carried myself throughout the whole conversation that we had. We spoke of our life-long plans, career paths and experiences, relived our younger days, spoke of our friends and had some good laughs together.

I finally understand now. I know that no matter whom we choose to be with, we will always have something far stronger than anything in this world and that is, real friendship. I realized now that we will always have each others' back… you have me and I have you.

That night, when we said our goodbyes, I was making the hardest yet the most liberating resolution. I was saying goodbye to you and finally, I am letting “me” go of you. I am setting myself free from you in hopes of saving myself.

As I was about to leave, we shook hands as way of saying our goodbyes but when you took my hand and held it so tight, I began to feel frail. You held my hand so tightly and left a red mark on it. You took hold of it as if you were not letting go. I was afraid. I took my hand away before I had no strength to do so. I had to. When I was about to enter the house, you stood there waiting, with your eyes watching me carefully. Without looking at you, I disappeared in the dark and you, you were gone… Life would be easier for the both of us. Happier.

I would not want to think of the “what ifs” and the “could have beens” that night. That is the thing of the past now. I am convinced that I am doing the right thing.
This is the end.... The final chapter that should have been sealed along time ago…. My new beginning…The chance to start anew… My chance of a happy ending....

Wherever it may lead me, I have that string of hope to discover that one true thing that can make me smile over again, the smile that you once brought into my life....