Old Friends, New Friends

Two months ago an unexpected sms from an unknown number put a smile on my face. It was from an old friend. A college friend. She got my number from another college friend (now a lawyer, married, with kids) when they bumped into each other in a mall in Bulacan. I never thought I'd hear from her again. It has been 18 years! I remember her to be a very nice person, studious, patient but straightforward. I don't need to say that she's smart because in our school, we all are (hahahaha).

We are hoping to meet and update each other and gossip a lot. Whatever happened to my college friends? My college best buddy is a lawyer, married (to a lawyer as well) and has two kids. Our common friend, last time I heard is working with SSS (Dagupan, Lingayen or Urdaneta?), married, but no idea how many kids she has. Last time I saw her was during my college best buddy's wedding in Dagupan. I am in touch with another friend who is a senior business reporter for a major daily newspaper. She is attending Harvard next school year before tying the knot in NYC the year after. That is, if she doesn't change her mind (again!). Another friend is working with one of the senators (malapit cya sa kusina). I recently met with another, who is based in Dagupan but planning to relocate here in Manila. Still another, hmmmmm, she left a message on my friendster but I don't really know what's happening in her life. And then there's the happily married friend who works in a bank here in Manila. I regret not ever visiting her in Palawan when she was still based there.

Just last week, I received another message from "my partner in crime" and fellow writer. With two photographers in tow, we went to Caramoan for a travel assignment.

She is now in NYC, not sure if she's teaching at NYU or it's her husband who's working/studying there. I will have to ask. hahahaha.

She misses the beach and maybe that's one of the reasons she googled me! We had such a great time in Caramoan, that's in Camarines Sur. We went island hopping, did some rock climbing, she took the challenge of exploring a cave while I frolic in Lahuy Island's Golden Beach (literally the sand is peppered with gold, hence the name).

Long before Survivor French Edition discovered the beauty of Gota, we had explored, had lunch and found solace in that beautiful place. It was just one of our stops. Yeah!

While we were in Naga, we stayed at the White House, courtesy of the governor of course. The White House is where VIPs are billeted. The President stayed there during a visit to the province. We didn't stay in her room though but we nonetheless had a good tour of the House. Might as well post my article here huh!

Anyway, it was nice to reconnect with friends, colleagues and acquaintances. Whether they bring about good, exciting, bad or embarrassing memories, they all contributed to what I am now.

Salamat friends!

Another Goodbye

As most people say, no goodbye is ever easy. I agree. When I received an email from Ringo the other day and learned that they're closing shop, I know that there's no turning back.

A month to go and my profile there is gone for good. I was never fond of the site but it helped me get in touch with friends. Anyway, eventually things must come to an end. For Ringo, the time has come. I've deleted another online profile.

SIGH.

Early Retirement

Am lucky to be enjoying my time at this age. Am on semi retirement. I work homebased, full time, but it's really a breeze. In fact, I have so much time in my hands that I can accommodate freelance assignments. I have technology to thank for that--my laptop, hsdpa phone, pda, desktop, dsl.

Am not saying that I have loads of moolah to support my lifestyle. I don't really have savings but I live a good life. I have a house. I have parents who are both retired and own a farm. More important than that is the support that we give to each other.

If only I can drive, I have a car too. Hahahaha. Money was not a motivation for me to accept a job. As long as am paid a fair amount, am ok with it. I finished a Journalism course. Although it doesn't necessarily follow, I write. I enjoy it. Getting paid for something that I enjoy doing is really a bonus. I've had many free assignments before, mostly for friends. Am fine with that. Although practically speaking, I need to earn to cover the bills. When I earn enough for my internet, cc, water, electricity, mortgage, am good. Shopping is not really something that I miss although I love to shop. I've had my time.

I have the things that I need--clothes, bags, shoes, makeup, lotion, moisturizer (day & night), gadgets, etc etc etc. I didn't have all those during my younger years. But I don't have regrets. My parents have provided a good home. Enough money is good for me. I don't want to be filthy.

I cherish the relationships that I have. Am very comfortable with the people that I choose to be part of my life.

So I have a happy family, great friends, and a very nice bf.

Guess am really lucky.

Thank you. Thank you very much.

I feel good.

Better Days

A friend once remarked that I have good karma and I believe so too. Old friends (meaning people that go waaaaaaaaay back) noticed it too. They even told me that am the only person they know who wouldn't see bad days. But well. that's not exactly true. Not at all. We all go through ups and downs. It's a vicious cycle. No matter how well meaning you are, you will go down once in a while. Murphy's Law.

Recently I hit rock bottom. In some aspects at least. Personal relationships are as good as ever but other aspects hit really low. For a time, I got depressed. For a positive person like myself, depression is like a dormant volcano. A very rare phenomenon, very low probability, but well it CAN happen. And it did happen.

The good thing about it is that I got the groove back. I am lucky again.

Children's Party & Miss Earth 2007

It was fun, watching Miss Earth 2007 live. This year it was held at the UP theatre. I have an outstanding invitation to this international event every year since I met Ryan Samson, my former colleague at Epac or Oneglobal (what's in a name? tax shield? hahahaha). He's the master web designer of Miss Earth and the President of Marketing International Group. Clap! Clap!

So what made me go this time (finally!)? Well, one of the reasons was because the venue was very near my place. I thought this must be the right time to go back and for the right occasion. Whatever.

Anyway, on my way to UP, I didn't realize that there will be re-routing so after a few misses, I arrived at the venue in one piece. I wore basic black pants, my Forever 21 hot pink spaghetti top (got it on sale) and stone-studded heels. Nothing special. I originally thought of wearing a little black dress but I was coming in from a children's party (Happy Birthday to my inaanak Nikki!) so there wasn't much time to change into something stunning from a very casual get-up. Even my makeup was very basic--True Match cream foundation by L'Oreal, Nichido powder and a combination of Vintage Rose Luscious lipstick by Mary Kay and Diandra Supermoist Hydrating lipstick in Plum Passion. I don't even remember wearing blush. Definitely no eyeshadow. :(


From this


To this


That night I was surprised to see Vanz wearing something nice (hahahaha). Peace! I met Emz, Beng and Ryan's officemate. It was great to see former work mates. Little Miss Earth, Tetski (Sarj, ikaw 'to!) was there too and Joni, of course, now a very sikat webmaster (geek!). Beng's bf, Nico, tagged along as well.

After the announcement of the semifinalists, my interest in the pageant plunged. Well, Miss Philippines didn't make it. So I settled for Miss Switzerland. Not because of merit but because I think she wasn't a popular choice. Oh well, I've been mainstream all my working life, why not try something different this time. Of course, she didn't win but nobody expected it in the first place.

We went to Starbucks after and ended the night with a nice cold coffee.

See more pics here:
Celebrities At Miss Earth 2007
Starbucks

Oooops, I Did It Again!

I am having dinner and watching the American Idol when a friend texted to invite me (guess!!!)-- to dinner. It would have been nice to cap a workweek catching up with your social life but I've already set my mind in going to work and having a relaxing weekend after. So I immediately declined.

I have this affliction actually. I get kinda SJish and stick to schedule. This has been going on for as far back as I can remember. I never liked unannounced guests. And though I love parties at home, if you're not invited, please don't come. And I mean it.

Am not being a snob here. I just don't like the intrusion. I can choose who gets in my social circle, right? And anybody is free to do the same. If you ask me to get lost, then I will make your life easy by really getting out of your life. Be careful what you wish for because you may just get it. Hahahahaha.

Once my friend asked me to accompany her to church. But since she didn't "secure" a schedule earlier, I blurted: "Sorry but that is not in my schedule."

Now, she knows better. She would ask early on if I am available for coffee, for shopping, for what-have-you.

But in every rule, there is an exception. If you are treating me to a shopping spree, then "AM AVAILABLE!"

Life is good!