OF FIRST TIMES AND BEYOND
(In memory of my 27th birthday)
Photo taken by Justine Balanag
February 13 2011
After so many failed planned vacation leaves, it was only this year that I was able to maximize the days I intended for my celebration. It all started last Sunday before Valentine’s Day when I got my free cake and boxes of assorted polvoron (my favorite) from Goldilocks and was able to gather my family and some relatives in Marikina. It was just a simple, yet meaningful celebration, because there’s nothing compared to the sound of children’s laughter whenever they see a candle blown on a birthday cake. As I described my birthday album on my facebook account, I found it funny because it took 3rounds before I was able to blow my own birthday candle. The first was done by my brother’s son – Nash Gabrielle, followed by my half sister – Althea Faye. And since that was the very first candle I have to blow after so many years of not having one, I forgot to make a wish. I don’t even remember when I should make a wish – before or after I blow the candle? Haha.
February 22-25 2011
Four days, three nights stay in Coron, Palawan
When I found out that there’s a promo fare to Coron and was scheduled for February, I immediately agreed to come along. I told myself to give it a shot and see what fate presents to me on that day. I realized that it was my very first out of town trip (by plane) with some of my high school friends – Justine and Denisse, together with Alfie (Denisse’s boyfriend) and two of our new found friends, Tia and Candy. I’ll tell more specific adventures we had on my later post. So just stand by.
Anyway, another first for me was eating on the boat while traveling from one island to another. Oh, when I say we “ate”, it’s not the normal chips and crackers thing you have whenever you’re in the middle of the ocean. They were actual meals cooked by the boatmen, fresh from the sea (huge Crabs, Fish, Pusit – just to name a few). They cook really well and the food is so yummy!
Another first was when my sunglasses broke on our 2nd day, when we were on our way to Calauit Island: Safari. Just imagine how many hours we were walking on that huge acres of land to see each animal (following the tour guide like we were on an elementary fieldtrip or something), under the freaking heat of the sun without sunglasses on. To be honest, though, I kept on asking myself that time (in the back of my mind), “Can I just sit and watch the National Geographic Channel instead of walking with you guys?” Had they reserved an alternative truck for tourists, if what they originally have gets malfunctioned, we would have all been fine gazing through the field not minding the heat. Tsk, tsk, booooo! I love the giraffes, horses and zebras, though. 
Anyway, lesson learned: I won’t buy a ninety-nine pesos worth of sunglasses any longer so it won’t break after a day of use. Crap!
It was my first time to wear a real 2-piece bikini (despite my big figure). And it was not a two-piece outfit like shorts and a top, which I always wear before, when I have a nice figure to flaunt. How ironic.
It was a first when I get to eat on my own pace without having someone rush me to finish my food; and live somewhat like a real survivor in an isolated island when we stayed overnight in Castaway – wherein your only companion is the sound of the waves, and the cool breeze on your face. Electricity’s off during the day, and only a generator helps you get through the night. The only difference is, they served our food. We didn’t need to hunt to get something to eat. It’s like living in a paradise – without a special someone beside you *sigh* hehe.
Visiting 8 islands in one day (on exactly my birth day, the 24th) was another first. Snorkeling, swimming, trekking – name it, we did it. You can just imagine how exhausted we were at the end of the day. But we didn’t mind. We still managed to get a tricycle to drive us to Maquinit Hot Springs and give our tired bodies, a much needed break.
Our 4th morning was just a preparation to our flight back to Manila, so there’s nothing much that happened. Denisse just pointed a cute tree, though, while we’re inside the van going to the airport. It was alone in the middle of the field and it was a very pretty tree like what I see on children’s books when I was a kid, or a movie-like scene in need of a great nature’s background. It was amazing. Do you remember this phrase: “Living in a greener pasture?” The feeling was like that, only in the literal sense, because you are surrounded by green trees
Finally, it was a first having to trek 6 times, on different locations, when all we wanted was just to swim and snorkel. Mind you, we even trekked inside NAIA when all their escalators didn’t work when we arrived. Crazy, but super fun! 
Thank you, Lord, for keeping us all safe on this blessed trip; thank you for introducing us to thoughtful and hospitable people of Coron; thank you for creating such wonderful and amazing islands; and thank you for allowing these people (Justine, Denisse, Alfie, Tia and Candy) to share their time and part of their lives with me as I celebrate another year of blissful existence. Thank you too, for all of you who extended warm greetings and wishes.
I can’t wait to see what’s in store for me, next year
For now, I’ll continue living each day and each passing hour in God’s grace.
To You…
…Who I considered my ‘first love’, who stayed with me for a year and four months, and made me the kind of person I am right now;
…Who I met and dated years back and made me feel so appreciated and liked;
…Who came back after all these years, making me realize how important I am to you;
…Who showed and taught me how to love again, even for a month;
…Who I thought was just a stranger, and eventually became a good friend;
…Who I never knew will be my mentor, who believed in me and to what I can offer, who inspires me and makes me move forward; as long as I know you’re there to guide me, I know I will never go wrong and that I will achieve whatever it is I dream of;
…Who thought I was just another girl whom you can play with; you made me realize that I can no longer stand the type of person you have become and that I have matured to search for another;
…Who still loves me despite of the circumstances we’ve been through, and made me aware of how you feel;
…Who don’t appreciate a single thing I do; you made me realize that I have so much patience stored in me
…Who I loved all this time, despite of the pain I feel whenever I don’t hear from you; you made me realize that I can just love, even without expecting anything in return
…Who loves me (whoever and wherever you are); you let me stay alive and happy longing for that day I will get to know you and spend the rest of my life with you.
To all the guys I met and been with all these years, and also to everyone of you — before this day and year ends, I just really want to say THANK YOU for coming in my life, for adding colors to my world and for joining me in this God-filled journey.
I know people come and go and leave footprints in our hearts. I’m just hoping that you will never forget, that once in your life, I walked through and touched your heart in the best way I know how.
May this new year give all of you more blessings and much love to give and receive!
Happy New Year everyone! ^_^
Inspiring Emails
These attached presentations were emailed to me in the office. I just want to share them and inspire you too
What I’ve Learned
It’s Thanksgiving day tomorrow. Not much of calls are coming in. I just want to share another nice email forwarded to me in the office
That you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them.
I’ve learned
that no matter how much I care, some people just don’t care back.
I’ve learned
that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.
I’ve learned
that it’s not what you have in your life but who you have in your life
that counts.
I’ve learned
that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes. After that, you’d better know something.
I’ve learned
that it’s not what happens to people that’s important. It’s what they do about it.
I’ve learned
that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
I’ve learned
that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I’ve learned
that either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I’ve learned
that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place.
I’ve learned
that learning to forgive takes practice.
I’ve learned
that money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I’ve learned
that sometimes when I’m angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn’t give me the right to be cruel.
I’ve learned
that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
I’ve learned
that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you’ve had and what you’ve learned from them and less to do with how many years you’ve lived.
I’ve learned
that you should never tell a child their dreams are unlikely or outlandish. Few things are more humiliating, and what a tragedy it would be if they believed you.
I’ve learned
that no matter how good a friend is, they’re going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I’ve learned
that it isn’t always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I’ve learned
that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn’t stop for your grief.
I’ve learned
that just because two people argue, it doesn’t mean they don’t love each other and just because they don’t argue, it doesn’t mean they do.
I’ve learned
that sometimes you have to put the individual ahead of their actions.
I’ve learned
that you shouldn’t be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.
I’ve learned
that no matter how you try to protect your children, they will eventually get hurt and you will hurt in the process.
I’ve learned
that there are many ways of falling and staying in love.
I’ve learned
that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don’t even know you.
I’ve learned
that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.
I’ve learned
that writing, as well as talking, can ease emotional pains.
I’ve learned
I’ve learned
that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon.
Posted via web from Unfold Me
Sharing the ABC’s
I received this email from a team mate during the time I was thinking so deep and alone on my station. This indeed made my day – when I realized all I had to do was just to bring back my faith and to ask for more guidance from Him. Read on and I hope you get to share this to everyone you know, just like I did. Bless you!
THIS IS ONE OF THE NICEST AND MOST BEAUTIFUL USES OF THE ALPHABET THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN. I HOPE YOU ENJOY IT AS MUCH AS I DID. HAVE A GOOD DAY! Whoever came up with this one must have had some divine guidance
lthough things are not perfect
ecause of trial or pain
ontinue in thanksgiving
o not begin to blame
ven when the times are hard
ierce winds are bound to blow
od is forever able
old on to what you know
magine life without His love
oy would cease to be
eep thanking Him for all the things
ove imparts to thee
ove out of “Camp Complaining”
o weapon that is known
n earth can yield the power
raise can do alone
uit looking at the future
edeem the time at hand
tart every day with worship
o “thank” is a command
ntil we see Him coming
ictorious in the sky
e’ll run the race with gratitude
alting God most high
es, therell be good times & yes some will be bad, but…
ion waits in glory…where none are ever sad!
Posted via web from Unfold Me
When is too much, Too Much?
Ever felt like you’ve done enough to achieve what you’re trying to reach? Finding out in the end that you’ve done more than what you should have done and so you failed? Sounds complicated? It is. Hehe :p
Let me explain myself given the following scenarios.
1st scenario:
I work in one of United States’ famous bank’s call center, located here in the Philippines and been in this company for about 2years, 4months and 19days now. Have worked with different types of people, and have received thousands of calls already from people around America and beyond complaining about their current status for their mortgage (being affected by this Global Financial Crisis).They’ve explained that they did everything they could to keep up with their mortgage payments, and yet still feels like nobody could help them avoid being in default.
As a Customer Contact Professional, we are expected to understand (and yes,we do. Believe me. We’re also affected by GFC you know) and also make them understand that We are definitely there to reach out and help them with the quickest,smartest and professional way possible. And yet what we get in return is either a customer who’s so mad that we can’t even explain what we need to do because the caller won’t just let us speak; or a customer who’s so demanding that they would just not understand that a certain issue could indeed take time to be resolved. Sometimes, if not most of the time, our callers do not just want to understand that We on the other line is also wishing that their problem could be resolved in just one snap of a finger. But it’s just NOT that easy.
Now where does my title fit in this first scene?
It’s when expecting too much action from others ASAP may lead to too much anxiety and worry that an existing problem won’t be resolved.
2nd scenario:
I encountered a new agent (“newbie” is what we usually call them) from the month of april til late last week of this month. What’s with the timeframe? She finally gave up and resigned. This is what happened: I don’t really know the whole and exact story, but what i do know is that she has this problem dealing with her immediate superior since she became a part of our company and since the time that she was in what we call our “Learning Center”.
It was like all her efforts were not recognized and even a simple encouragement from her superior that she can make it through was not given. That is as far as her performance at work was at stake. I remember her telling me that this was the very first time she became REALLY stressed not because of the account she was with, but with the kind of treatment she got from her superior. It was like whenever she asks for assistance,she will not get a response as what a superior should say to a newbie; or like she will not get a response at all. Eventhough all she wanted was someone to guide her and respect her despite the fact that she’s older than I am and of the rest of her team mates, but also get some respect from her superior, as what a Father could be to his child no matter the amount of gap they may have.
Nobody knows until now the reason behind such treatment though.
But where does my title fit on this scenario then?
It’s with the question of when is too much approach to a “newbie” considered Too Much just to let her learn from her mistakes alone and be strong and matured enough to accept the challenges our work has to offer? or when is too much of a superior’s action becomes Too Much that an employee would feel such burden? Is it when after all expectations from both parties were delivered and yet one couldn’t comply with what was agreed, or is it when as much as someone feels his position is worth enough to lead and demand, would make it good enough for an employee to stay?
Now tell me, it is complicated isn’t it? Maybe you’ll have the answer. Help me understand.
Simple life observations
For the past 25 years of me living in this world, there came a point when all I ever thought about was the changes that lead me to these observations:
…that people will care in the early stage of a relationship,then once a thing or two happened even for just one day/hour (i.e. misunderstanding), the amount of caring will subside
…that guys who are still on the playing field will never stop chasing girls and let them fall; and hurt girls’ feelings in the process, while searching for the right girl to come along
…that no matter how much you care for a person, you will never get the same amount back — worst, won’t be cared at all
…that the one thing you ever wish, will be the last thing you’ll expect to have because you know that once you have it, it will definitely change your life
…that guys who just fall out of love with their girl, will consider dating her again but wishes to have her girl friends come along so he could check on another prospect
…that it’s much better to live a single life enjoying the things you love to do, than be coupled up and realize sooner or later that the person you’re with will either still love and allow you to do the things you love doing, or realize that she/he can’t keep up with your active/laid back lifestyle
…that you can really count your TRUE friends on your fingertips
…that not all leaders help change the society or a group of individuals. sometimes they are the main reason why a problem exists
…that sometimes it is not enough to help out with our parents’ responsibilities. That after sacrificing much of our own happiness just to make all ends meet, in the end, it is still their children who will suffer the consequence of unexpected family breakouts
…that even if i finished listing down my observations here, for sure there’s more to come from this day forward ^.^
Guess I just have to post this for the time being. ^_^
Beware of a “Friend”
I was surprised to find out that a very good friend of mine didn’t make it to work this day. Thinking that he just got sick after the holiday, I did not expect that something worse happened.
.122808.
9:00pm
He was scheduled to have a drinking session with two friends in his apartment. The other didn’t make it, but Jhune Castro did. Everything went out well for a couple of hours, not until my friend suddenly fell asleep.
.122908.
6am
My friend woke up with a very unusual feeling – worst than a hangover; and found his cellphone and wallet with two (2) ATM’s amounting to P20,000.00 missing. He sure kept his wallet on a secured place in his house but the thief still found it. The guard-on-duty also confirmed that Jhune Castro left the village at 12:30am.
oOo
That act was indeed well planned. With his supposed-to-be “other friend” joining them, and not showing up, plus a possible drug put into my friend’s drink to knock him off to sleep, plus his ATMs getting wiped out in just a span of two (2) hours without invalid password attempts; were enough proof of a well-kept plan.
Lesson learned: Beware of the people you or your family members invite inside your house. They might appear to be a very good “friend”. You might end up getting robbed – worst killed, inside your own territory.
See the face behind the man who pretended to be a “good friend”:
Whoever knows this bastard’s where-abouts, feel free to respond here or PM me.
We’ll appreciate your help to have this person get into prison so he won’t take advantage of anybody as a “friend” ever again.
Goodbye Ratatouille
o716o8
ratatouille just came out of nowhere…
it just ran on my feet as soon as i got up from my sister’s bed, and it stared at me when i immediately climbed up a chair!
i was so terrified….but i found it sooooo cute!
it’s of pure white color and healthy enough to be taken cared of =)
but we need to throw it away…we’re afraid it’ll multiply… =D
so long ratatouille!
Driver ka ba talaga???
grrr!!!!
i was forced to ride a cab a while ago to avoid being late. it was then that i only realized that the more u cram/have a bad start of the day,mas sunod2x un kamalasan mo…hayyy…
eniwei, the driver let me in and let me tell him where i’m going..little did i know na di niya alam papuntang ayala mula marikina at naliligaw na nga raw siya…at sinabi lang naman niya un nung nkasakay nako at nangangalahati na kami ng marikina!!!badtrip diba?
as much as i would like to go down and switch cabs, nanghihinayang ako sa metro na babayaran ko sa knya.mejo malaki2x na rin un…tska hassle kung bababa pako…kaya i had no choice but to give him the directions.
nakakainis pa nun, pag wala akong sinabing direction, tanong siya ng tanong kung liliko ba o hindi…di ba niya maintindihan na hanggat wala akong sinasabi,diretso lang?! argggghhhh!!!
the cab’s running fast enough though so i’m confident that i’ll still be on time. problem was, di ko na napansin nung nsa buting na kami, sa sobra niyang bilis, dumere-deretso kami ng The Fort!huwwaaaahhhhh!!
okay na sana e, bumanat pa ung driver, “tsk! di mo naman kasi sinabi eh! di ko pa man din kabisado banda rito. tsk!”(yadda…yadda..yadda…ang dami niyang side comments!!! sarap basagin ng mukha!!!grrr!!)
hahaha…sobrang inis ko, sabi ko lang “driver ka ba talaga? ngayon ka lang ba nagdrive?!parang wala kang alam na lugar na puntahan…”
nakuuuuu!!!nanggigigil na talaga ako!!waaahhh!!! haha
hayyy..we finally got to ayala… sabi ko ibaba na niya ako sa tapat ng Philamlife…bumanat nanaman ang lolo mo, “pakidagdagan lang, lugi eh..ang layo pala ng pupuntahan mo.kung alam ko lang, di na kita sinakay kanina.”
nagpinting nnaman tenga ko…binayaran ko sakto ng metro (ay, may sobra palang tatlong piso.ako pa nagbigay ng tip sa kundoktor sa mrkina eh), bago bumaba sinabi ko “kung di mo kasi alam, huwag ka magsakay!” tas balibag ng pinto.hahaha
- THE END -
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