My 2011

My 2011 has been one hell of a ride. In terms of experiences, this year has a tankful of them. I'll try to recall significant events per month. As my memory nowadays is not that dependable, I would like to thank Facebook Timeline, this blog and my written journal to help me look back.

JANUARY
- Used my first VL by taking Basti to the ER for some allergic reaction.
- Started decluttering by giving away some planners that I have in storage but have not been using. Fortunately, they're the types that does not have actual days on them so you can use them at any year.
- Reconnected with a childhood friend through Facebook. We haven't seen each other in over two decades only to find out that she lives just a couple of houses away from my current home.
- Got my iPhone from Globe! The best phone I've ever had since I became a mobile phone user more than a decade ago.
- Celebrated Basti's 2nd birthday by spending the night at Manila Penn (yes, just the three of us!)

FEBRUARY
- Went to the Hot Air Balloon Festival at Clark with our rpgdlsu friends and the kids! It was our first out-of-town ever since the kids arrived.
- Annual Physical consultations with my numerous doctors - OB, Endo,and Cardio
- Small and short reunion with HS classmates



MARCH
- Suffered a health scare when I temporarily lost vision on my left eye for a few seconds. After a lot of tests, turns out I just have migraine equivalence. Read about my health journey here.
- Bought our ticket for our US trip.

APRIL
- Marvin and Mai's wedding where I was able to wear a size 10 dress! Officially lost 20 pounds!
- Was finally treated for my allergies
- The Sucat-Alabang portion of the Skyway finally opens making the dream of Alabang-Makati in 15 minutes come true. I don't have to wake up too early to avoid the traffic. Downside is bringing a car everyday is out of the question as the toll fees are horrendously expensive!

MAY
- Went to Divisoria to buy our presents for my sister in the US
- Started with Basti's toilet training
- Spent this month basically preparing for our US trip

JUNE
- Our US trip where a summary is posted at the right hand side of my blog. The best part of the trip other than seeing my sister and my Mom, NYC!!! I had to make 4 posts just all about that wonderful city
- Met up with my friend Ching for the last time as she's moving to the US to be with her husband

JULY
- Returned from our US trip which is crashing back to reality
- Yaya started getting sick making me Basti's full-time caregiver. Turns out she's pregnant!

AUGUST
- Started watching Game of Thrones in HBO. Though it's been showing for quite some time, I was not able to watch it until I saw the opening credits. I was instantly hooked that I started reading the book as well
- Started running in the gym and my record was 20 minutes straight on the treadmill

SEPTEMBER
- My SFC friend, Willie's despedida as he's leaving for Canada
- Finally sold my book collection
- Another typhoon hit the Philippines which flooded Bulacan and the storm surges destroyed the seawall at Roxas Blvd. and flooded Sofitel

OCTOBER
- After months of planning, was finally able to meet up with my BFF, Cess. It could've been a longer conversation if I did not have to go back to the office. I missed her so much!
- Steve Jobs passed away
- Started follicle monitoring for our pregnancy attempt only to learn later on that it was not successful
- Basti's trick or treat at his school, my sister in law's office and here at home

NOVEMBER
- Had bicipital tendinitis which I posted about here. Because of that, I tried acupuncture which I posted about here
- Started follicle monitoring again but was unsuccessful again. Gave up for the time being and decided to rest and wait for another time
- Had our block showing for our office Outreach fund raising. At least I know now how to go about it.
- Bazaar season! Went to two bazaars this month
- South N@Wies Christmas party. It was nice to see people who I would correspond with through our Newlywedsatwork egroups

DECEMBER
- Had the most awesome birthday ever! I can't recall being so happy during a birthday for the past 35 years and to think there was no big celebration. I just went to mass, had a pedicure, met up with my sister-in-law to have lunch and watch a movie, went to the bazaar and had dinner with my hubby. Simple yet I enjoyed everything that I did that day. I am truly blessed. God is so good!
- Was hired as part-time faculty at my alma mater, St. Scholastica's College
- Get-togethers with rpgdlsu friends, SFC friends, HS St. Scho friends, SCB and ex-SCB friends and unit Christmas party
- First time I drove to Tanauan, Batangas

There you go. 2011 does not officially end until tomorrow but overall, I could say that it's been a very eventful year. Hope that 2012 will be as good or even better and praying for less drama.

Different Versions of Beyonce's Listen

I'm comparing the different versions of Listen sung by 3 artists--Beyonce, Melanie Amaro and Charice. Who do you think did it better live?

Here's X-Factor USA's Season 1 winner, Melanie Amaro's version:


Here's Oprah and David Foster's ward, Charice's version:


And finally, the original version of the incomparable, Beyonce.


The song is so emotional and a lot of people can relate to it. Whenever I hear it, especially if sung live and the singer hits the notes, I just want to stand up and clap my heart out.

The Meme Proposal

I saw this video from the Weddings@Work FB page. I just want to share it as I found it very sweet, simple and romantic. I was really crying afterwards and even if I watch it again and again, I would still shed tears.

The couple is from Malaysia. The guy is the founder of Nuffnang and the girl is a blogger. I wish the couple all the best.

Typhoon Sendong - Help CDO and Iligan

For a country that has an average of 21 typhoons blowing through it every year, Typhoon Sendong (international name: Washi) caught us unawares...again. With Ondoy still fresh in our minds, it makes you wonder why CDO or Iligan was not as prepared. The blame game is now starting but one reason is that these two cities are not used to storms. Typhoons would normally hit Luzon or some portions of Visayas but definitely not Mindanao. The storm dumped one month's worth of rain in just a days time overflowing rivers which led to the flash floods. The images that are now being posted across the internet makes me cringe.

Global warming is really upon us. We have to adapt and change our mindset of "it won't happen to us" to "I have to be prepared. It might happen to us." Call it paranoia but better be safe than sorry. The weather is changing fast and it's screwing our environment.

I'm glad though that there are no calls on meaningless investigations or resignations yet. First things first. We should help out Cagayan de Oro and Iligan get back on their feet. Christmas is a mere week away and we should try our best to make their Christmas less bleak as possible. Many have lost their possessions and loved ones. We can't replace the lives lost but we are capable of providing comfort and sympathy. If you can't go to the area, then try to share what you have.

I got the list below from Rock Ed Philippines in Facebook. It's quite comprehensive so please, let's help. They need us more than ever.

Cagayan de Oro — DSWD. Volunteers needed at DSWD Cagayan de Oro (Masterson rd, Upper Carmen) to repack and deliver relief goods. Call +63906-615-0095 or tweet @DSWDserve.

Iligan — Iligan Bloggers Society. Meet at Rizal Park at 8AM everyday, until the need subsides. Contact: Erika Cruz 0905-280-2002

Red Cross — Contact Ramil at 0926-902-3726 or 0917-722-1874

DONATE

DSWD
National Resource Operations Center (NROC) Chapel Rd. Pasay City (Back of Air Transportation Office) Contact: Francia Fabian 0918 9302356
Manila - DSWD Field Office NCR: San Rafael St., Legarda, Manila
Alabang - DSWD Field Office IV-A: Alabang-Zapote Road, Alabang, Muntinlupa City 1770 Tel. No.: (02) 807-4140 Fax No.: (02) 807-1518 Contact: Gina Laranan 09108860826
Malate, Manila - DSWD Field Office IV-B: 1680 F. T. Benitez St., Malate Manila Contact: Shiela Tapia (02) 5252445

Rock Ed Iligan — Running a soup kitchen in Iligan now. Donate any amount so they can continue to serve hot meals for homeless families in the neighborhood to BPI Loyola 3080.0073.44. Tweet @rockedradio or @RockEdIligan for help

Red Cross
Via credit card & bank deposit. Visit http://www.redcross.org.ph/donatenow
Via Globe. Text RED < amount > to 2899. You may transfer P5, 25, 50, 100, 300, 500
Via Smart. Text RED < amount > to 4143. Valid donation amounts 10, 25, 50, 100

Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro — Needs donations in CASH, FOOD (noodles, canned goods, etc.), BOTTLED WATER, and CLEAN CLOTHES. Details here: http://www.xu.edu.ph/index.php/other-news/642-bagyong-sendong-relief-operations-in-xavier-university/
Fr. Eric Garcia Velandria S.J.
Coordinator of Sendong Operation,
KKP Office, Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, Corrales Ave.
9000 Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

Cash donations can be deposited at this account:
Account Name: Xavier University
Account Number: 9331-0133-63
BPI MAIN BRANCH

Iligan Bloggers Society — asking for cash donations, canned goods, noodles, bath and laundry soaps, toothpaste, rice, used clothings, slippers. Details here: http://iliganbloggers.com/food/one-for-iligan-help-the-typhoon-sendong-victims/

Donation Paypal ID: singcol.inquisitor@gmail.com
UNION BANK Account: Revilla N. Carbonell-Noel – 109451077611

ILIGAN – BASED DONORS:
St. Michaels’ Cathedral, DXIC Radio Staion, City Hall, Rizal Park, and Calda Pizza Iligan City Branch

LUZON DONORS DROP OFF POINTS:
Makati City: 3553 Durango St., Palanan, Makati City 1235. Contact Migz @ 09065777812 or 09227130006 OR 6-D Cypress Gardens Condo 112 VA Rufino St. Makati City c/o Meikah Delid
Quezon City: Berkeley Residences, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City. Contact Jamie Steffani Mijares @ 09157744244
Manila/Taft Avenue: Madison Square Condominium, Taft Avenue, Manila, Right infront of De La Salle University, Right beside Kenny Rogers . Contact Roden Lim @ 09228446777

ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya — Donations accepted in cash and in kind. Details: http://www.facebook.com/notes/anc-247/heres-how-you-can-help-victims-of-sendong-via-sagip-kapamilya/10150529342939122

GMA Kapuso Foundation — Accepting donations for Sendong victims.
www.kapusofoundation.com.
9284299, 9289351.
Metrobank Peso Savings account: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc. / Account Number: 3-098-51034-7

La Salle Greenhills — Donations will be accepted starting December 19, 2011 (Monday) -- Donations in cash and kind can be received at Gate 2 of La Salle Green Hills at 343 Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City 1550. You may also call any of the following telephone numbers for further inquiries:
Aluimni Office — 721-2729, 722-7750, 725-4720
GS Principal — 721-2482
HS Principal — 721-8914
Buildings and Grounds Office — 721-8904 (Telefax)
La Sallian Mission Office — 726-5851 (Telefax)

La Salle Academy in Iligan City is accepting donations in kind and in cash. Money may be deposited to:
Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) Account No. 0820-016221-030.
Kindly inform Lourdes Melegrito of COSCA the details of your donation at email lourdes.melegrito@dlsu.edu
.ph, Tel. No. 524-4611 local 147 or telefax 523-4143

US-based individuals may help Sendong victims through PhilDev: https://secure3.convio.net/phdev/site/Donation2?df_id=1401&1401.donation=form1&set.SingleDesignee=1881&JServSessionIdr004=z7xs4t1dr3.app332b

Back Home

Returning to St. Scholastica's College as a teacher has never been part of my plans. After taking STRAMA under Prof. Elfren Cruz and earning my MBA degree, I had this sudden urge to teach. Maybe it's because I helped him check term papers and somehow found out that I liked it. I have a professor friend who was looking for part-time faculty early this year and even if I was qualified and the department head was ready to hire me, I had a trip that could not be rescheduled during the start of the term so it did not work out.

Fortunately, I was called back a few weeks ago as one of the faculty had to go on leave and asked me to replace her. So I went back to make a demo lecture and was hired. I returned today to fix my requirements, get some reading materials and have a last minute talk with the leaving professor.

While waiting, I walked around and re-familiarized myself with the surroundings that I called home for 11 years.



The above picture is inside the chapel where we held countless masses and where we even had our First Communion. While I was saying my prayer (and taking this picture), there was a choir that was practicing and I stayed a bit to listen to their beautiful voices. If it wasn't for the overpowering smell of incense (or some chemical), I would've stayed longer but I did not want to pass out so I left and walked around some more.



The college building is fronting the field. We had our field demonstrations on this open piece of land and I could still remember when we were in Grade 3 (or was that Grade 4) where we danced in ruffles while playing the maracas (the name of the song escapes me right now. I hope someone can enlighten me) and I think we had fruits on our heads too.

The building on the left is the newly built St. Cecilia's Hall. I think they tore down the whole building which housed the auditorium where we had our "Linggo ng Wika" celebrations and if I remember it right, Miriam Defensor-Santiago also had a talk there (I think that was when she was running for President. Oh my, I'm old!). The College library is also in that building and I was there earlier to borrow some books for my class. I'm impressed with their library and I'm looking forward to spending some time there.

The middle building is the canteen. I can still remember when we can return Coke bottles for the deposit. And my favorite food back then was cheesepie with ice cream! :) And the arroz caldo too! I can still remember how yummy it smelled.

I'm looking forward to revisit my roots and see what has changed and what has remained the same. I'll be posting more pictures and would probably reminisce more.

My New Alter-Ego, Professor

Thanks to graphicshunt.com for the image.

Starting January 2012, I will have another role added to my current persona. Other then being a wife, mother, daughter (in-law), sister (in-law), niece, grand-daughter, aunt, cousin, subordinate, officemate and friend, I will be a teacher.

I remember when I was in high school, I entertained the thought of being a teacher but for the life of me, I can't recall why I did not consider it as a career option.I just thought about it seriously after earning my MBA degree last year and credit goes to my Strategic Management professor, Mr. Elfren Cruz for sowing the idea into my brain. You see, I helped him check papers of his STRAMA students and helping them sort through pages and pages of theories for the appropriate strategy. I thoroughly enjoyed that exercise and even returned the next term to help him again.

It also helps that according to Strengths-finder, my primary strength is "Learner", meaning I thrive in an environment where I am constantly learning. Where else will I continue to learn but in school and as a teacher at that?

I will be a replacement professor as the current teacher has to go on leave due to her sensitive pregnancy. I was supposed to start last June but since I had to leave for the US, it did not work out. I'm so glad that they called me back to ask for my availability. I might continue this up to next term and hope that this would inspire me to put the zing back in my work.

My students will be third year college students studying for their Bachelors degree in Business Management. Hopefully, I will be able to impart all that I can to them and will make the learning experience as fun as possible.

Wish me luck!

Basti's "Wind, Wind, Sugar Baby"

I first saw him reciting this nursery rhyme a couple of days ago. He kept on repeating the whole verse over and over and over--like an Energizer Bunny. When we met up with my College friends awhile ago, I asked him to recite it and he did--over and over again. :)

My New Favorite Loveteam -- Sarah and Gerald

I seldom watch Filipino movies for the reason I can't find someone to go with me. But yesterday, on my birthday, my sister-in-law invited me to watch Sarah Geronimo and Gerald Anderson's new movie, "Won't Last a Day Without You". I was not able to watch their first movie, "Catch Me, I'm in Love" which was shown last March but that did not deter me from watching their new project.

I didn't have any expectations on the movie except for the news that Gerald and Sarah has good chemistry. True enough, I was so "kilig" while watching the whole movie. Though there were some unbelievable moments, their budding on-screen romance somehow makes up for it. Gerald also can now be considered a viable leading man on his own and it's good that his team-up with Kim Chiu was discontinued. For some reason, it did him good as his team-up with Sarah can be considered a commercial success.

In the movie, Sarah is a DJ who gives love advice over the air and unfortunately, her advice to a listener caused the girl to break up with her boyfriend on air! The boy (that's Gerald, of course) stormed to the radio station to confront the supposedly erring disk jockey. The sparks start to fly from there. It's amusing to see Gerald's character improve from being a chronic playboy to an honest-to-goodness person that can be considered perfect boyfriend material. Of course, that's where the kilig moments happen.

The supporting characters added color to the movie--such as John Lapus as Sarah's co-DJ and Joey de Leon as Sarah's rocker father. Lapus was in his lovable bading best (I still can't get over him in "Here Comes the Bride" where he was "possessed" by the soul of the lolo. Ang guwapo niya bilang isang lalaki ha. Kamukha niya si Jett Pangan. Hehehe). De Leon was also amusing with his quips (e.g. he calls his daughter Sarah, "anaconda"--ang anak niyang maganda) and his rocker eyeliner.) Wish to see him in more movies like this.

Gerald's character, from what I've deduced, is a probinsiano (he uses his Cebuano accent throughout the movie. I found it quite charming) who's trying to take the board exam for nursing (it's kinda confusing as the girlfriend claims he's trying to be a doctor but he's studying for nursing?) but his playboy ways is preventing him from achieving that. Gerald can really bring the kilig especially now with his well-honed body (those abs!!!). I can't remember him being this fit during his PBB days.

Sarah Geronimo was a revelation ever since I saw her first movie with John Lloyd Cruz. I posted about it here. I was wondering whether how she will fare with a different loveteam and I'm happy to say that she does not disappoint.

Overall, I like the movie and it made me look for their first movie which my husband fortunately found for me. Will write another review for that. Oh and watch out for the bloopers during the credits. There's one scene where Gerald was trying to motivate Sarah and he uttered somebody's name which made everyone burst out in laughter.

Because of this, I am now officially a Gerald Anderson fan. How can I join his fan club? Seriously.