The 4am Session

It's just been the usual Saturday and Sunday but I miss my "4am Gang" already. I ended up bugging Teban (the Chinese Cowboy of the group) the entire weekend!

The 4am Gang was conceived last year. One October morning at 4, Aries invited me to "lunch" at the pantry near my station, and introduced me to Steven (who I now fondly call as "Teban") and JP, who were with him for the break. I learned later on that the two were actually friends with Marix and Troy, who are my "neighbors" at the Trainers' area. No wonder why they kept on hanging out there; I would overhear their silly conversations and laugh too. The next thing we know, we're all storming the 4th floor pantry having lunch at 4:00am at our loudest and craziest and corniest, and looking forward to it every single day!

The title came from yours truly, when I proclaimed "This is our 4am session!". We would talk about anything and everything under the sun... or the moon. We like putting each one at the hot seat. We can be a loud brat when we're stressed. Joke time from start to finish. And take a leave at your own risk-- if you're absent, you're the topic. Hehehe!

The pioneers left to right:

Troy
The demure. When everyone else is done laughing, he'd give off a loud one in the middle of a different topic. When he sees anyone getting serious, analytical and/or argumentative, he'd say, "...nakikipagkaibigan lang naman ah!"

Marix
Simpleng humirit pero rock! "Wholesome"daw. Fashionista. Most memorable quotes: "Hindi ako nanglalait. Dine-describe ko lang ang hotdog ng mahirap." and the famous "Kwakeee!!!" (means "butal"; long story) We now get dance steps from her.

Steven
a.k.a. "Teban", "Ben", "Cowboy". When I'm heard shouting "show off!!!", that means I'm talking to him. Marathon addict. Fitness addict. I wanted to hit him with something when he claimed that his tummy's big. His buff bod makes us insecure...not!! And his hugs can kill (literally). When you hear him say "Mals! Mals!"; he's actually calling me imitating his boss' accent. My "Pleeeeaaaaase???" is his weakness. Ahaha!

JP
The Mommy hehe. He's fond of heating our food and cleaning up after we eat. He breaks the ice and cracks the funniest remarks. One of the shweetest in the group. Our favorite quote: "Anong food mo? Akin na!" (approaches the microwave oven)

Of course there's me standing. They all love it when I say, "I'm not stupid! I'm a Lead Trainer!" and of course there's my corny "Pantry joke" that I'll never hear the end of. Hehehe

Omeed (taking the picture)
The latest addition. The "Kups". The Jester. He takes pleasure at making fun of Steven, Troy and JP. He can get away with anything. Our favorite quote: "...ang dami mong kapansanan!"

So yay it's a Monday today! Can't wait for 4am tomorrow, and tomorrow after that, and the next... ;-)

When In Baguio

The date: January18 to 21. My team and I took advantage of the light-load month to take some time off and spend the weekend in Baguio. What better way to spend the Baguio trip?

Pig out!

clockwise from top left: Tomato Pasta from Oh My Gulay, huge BLT from Mile Hi Diner, Cheese Sticks (tinapa flakes and kesong puti) from Cafe by the Ruins, Arrozcaldo from Little John's, Boneless Bangus from Little John's, Basil Bread w/ Herb Cheese from Cafe by the Ruins

Stop and smell the flowers. Take pictures too!

Pose when bored. Go on location even!

Have some mocha at a "sowshal place" like CJH Manor

And of course.... get some beauty sleep!

Drool

Mocha Coffee at Le Chef

The Manor Hotel, Camp John Hay, Baguio City

Could Not Sleep

Ngarrr

Must be because of the much anticipated trip to Baguio tomorrow with my team. We planned it just 2 weeks before -- so therefore, it's going to happen. I'm not big on planning when it comes to trips, y'know. Two weeks should be long enough for me to decide and prepare. The shortest one on record is about 8 hours.

I miss Baguio. My first time there was in 2002 and I've been going yearly eversince; but I missed last year. Chillin' at Camp John Hay (I can stay there the whole trip!), visiting The Manor hotel, horseback riding, and shopping for pasalubong are my favorite to-do's.

I packed just a few stuff to have enough room for pasalubong. I'm bringing just my oversized hobo and a lightly packed duffel bag. But I'm sure, I'll be bringing home way more than that just like all my other Baguio trips.

*Yawn* Can't wait to get on the bus and get some sleep!

I'll see ya on Monday!

2-Second Tips On Life

Read this from funteambuilding.com... I highlighted my favorites. What's yours?

Happiness
Happiness is a choice. We choose to be happy.

Attitude
Attitude is a choice. We choose our reactions.

Self-esteem
I want to be the person my dog thinks I am.
No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
You train others how to treat you by how you treat yourself.

Goals
Goals are dreams... with deadlines.

Courage
Courage is how far you bounce after you hit bottom.
Courage is going from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm.

Integrity
Integrity is being honest when nobody is looking.

Pain
Pain is wisdom in disguise.

Conflict
Clarity always follows conflict.

Commitment
Whatever were your results were your intentions.

Blame
Blame is really "bla - me." It's not my fault!

Procrastination
No decision is a decision.

Love
Love is the ability and willingness to allow those for whom you care to be who they want to be without having to satisfy you.

Forgiveness
Forgiving others is not for them. It is for you.

Alone
It is better to be alone than to wish you were alone.

Life's Challenges
This, too, shall pass.

Health
Health is when your past is no longer screwing up your present.

Need to be Right
It is more important to be kind than to be right.

Frustration
Welcome frustration. It is a gift that says we need to change something.

Extreme Wisdom
Never buy your honey exercise equipment on his/her birthday.

Two Relationship Goals
1. Find someone already happy.
2. Find someone good at loving you.

Intimacy
Intimacy is really "into - me - see."

Changing People
We cannot change people... only our reactions to them.

Lessons in Life
A lesson is repeated until learned.

Love & Hate
We cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects something we love or hate about ourselves.

"T E A M"
Trust Empowers All Members
Taking Excellence Another Mile
Together Effective, Apart Miserable
Total Effort by All Members

Coachable
Listening without judgment, understanding a coach cannot fix you... you are responsible for yourself, and taking one action step everyday to improve yourself.

Garv Quotes

Just suddenly thought about my good friend Garvinne or "Garv" or "Ate Ate" (as I would call her), who used to work in the same office where I am. I just can't get enough of her most memorable witty ones...

"Hindi ako mabait... maganda ako!"

"Wala akong liquid paper eh... hindi kasi ako nagkakamali."

Hahahaha!

Dizizit! Happy New Year!

If you have been an avid follower of my blog, you would know old stories of my "blessing in disguise" experiences. Another one just dropped.

Last week was one of the most stressful week I've ever had in the office. Endless deliverables. My nose stuck on the monitor. Couldn't get off my seat (unless of course it's time for lunch). I was my crankiest self! I needed my stress reliever-- but I didn't find time to sketch; Aries is probably too busy; and the other one is untouchable at work. Sheez! I was even cranky during the 4am Sessions and I had to say excuses. Then I had to switch YM statuses everytime-- something like "Bawal Makulit" or "Bawal mangwestyon ng boss na mainit ang ulo. Nakamamatay".

Then my boss decided that we should chat and grab some brunch at McDonald's on Tuesday morning. As we walk towards the door, just out of the blue I suddenly turned and there he was! Wow, it's the first time that I haven't seen him in a week this year. And I was feeling bad about not being able to say "hi" at that time... But that's not it. I just wanted to mention that. Hehe

So we're having our brunch (and my 14th hour at the office) and talking about activities, initiatives, motivation... the works. Then I signaled that we ought to go because my brain is going comatose. But before I could stand from my seat, he took this brown envelope we claimed from the reception area, and took out two sets of documents... lo and behold!

It says that the "OIC" in my title has been gone since the first day of the year. And that I'll be getting this amount of basic salary and this amount of allowance. And another document listed my job description. Wow! I'm going to get paid!

I'm now officially the Lead Trainer of my account. [insert big grin]

It's just like the previous "offer letter moments" that I've experienced before. They always come in unexpected moments-- when I'm always grouchy! Haha... God certainly has a way to cheer me up hehe ;-)

Happy New Year to me! *cartwheel!!!*

Going Sentimental

Suddenly, the alternative songs in my playlist are getting upstaged by sentimental ones. I stopped listening to senti for a long time; thought it was corny. Now I can't believe I have these in my playlist among others:

Christian Bautista songs
Regine Velasquez - "Sana Nga"
The Company - "Sana Nga (Ikaw Na)"
Basil Valdez - "Tunay Na Ligaya"
Joey Albert - "Million Miles Away"
Michael Crawford - "Only You"
Paolo Nutini songs
Colbie Caillat songs

I must admit though that it feeds the mood and it's relieving... It's definitely not connected with February coming up (don't care; don't know if I will). I think last year's senti sound trip in Bora triggered it. Although something tells me, it's more than that...

I think you made me change moods.

But I'll keep that detail to myself.

The Compliment

[3:52] Neilky: eto minsan lang ako ganito so savor the moment... i lurv that picture of urs na may caption na: with tan lines and jong... again, minsan lang to so pakasasa ka na!
[13:52] Neilky: mwahahaha!!! :P
[13:52] Myls: =))
[13:52] Myls: omg mammy!! COMPLIMENT!!!
[13:52] Myls: \:D/
[13:52] Neilky: kaya nga
[13:52] Myls: oorn, gusto ko din ung pic na yun :D :D :D
[13:52] Neilky: mas madalang pa to sa blue moon!
[13:52] Myls: =))
[13:52] Myls: OORN!!!
[13:52] Neilky: and this only lasts in
[13:52] Neilky: 5
[13:52] Neilky: 4
[13:52] Neilky: 3
[13:52] Myls: *savoring the moment*
[13:53] Neilky: 2
[13:53] Neilky: 1
[13:53] Myls: =))
[13:53] Neilky: DONE!
[13:53] Myls: hahahahahahahaha tae
[13:53] Neilky: so okrayan na ulert!
[13:53] Myls: =))

This is the picture. Panglao, Bohol

Ready... Set... Sketch!

Here's what I really love to do since I was 3-- and I still surprise people with my most treasured hidden talent. I remember the first sketch I did was that of a pig's face and bugs bunny. Later on I sketched farms, landscapes and people. Then I got so fascinated with trees and now, animals. My frustration though is that I never learned how to paint hehe.

But what I really like about it right now is it's so convenient when mental block and stress attacks. I simply stop whatever I'm doing, look for a good picture, grab my sketch pad, a good pencil, and knock myself out... ;-)

Daffy when she was less than a year old.


My first "office project"; Neil wanted to have it and I said "no way!".

One of my favorite animals are raindeers!

And yet another panda. Mother and child this time.

a Westie!

Latest: Tutti!

On Loving

I visited a friend's blog a few seconds ago and submitted this comment:

" i’ve recently succumbed to the fact that it’s a test of faith. question is, is he worth the faith? lucky that guy. i hope he trully appreciates what he’s been getting- and without probably even asking for it.

by Myls January 10, 2008 at 11:07 am "

deep thought... deep sigh...

Yeah.


Now showing on HBO: My Best Friend's Wedding

Party People

January 6, 2006 was gimmick night for us. We were expecting other people to join but they never made it. We didn't care. Armed with Dyosa's old 4 megapix cam, we partied at Masas with a "vase" of Frozen Mango Marguerita and Black Russian. Masaya na kaming 3.

How did the title "Party People" come about?

Dyosa: "kanina kumain kami sa Friday's... eh diba pag ready na ung table nyo, pag tumawag sila (example) 'calling the party of Myls!' ganyan...."
Myls: "o..."
Dyosa: "eeeh ano kaya kung 'Calling the PARTY PEOPLE!!!!!' *ugz ugz ugz ugz* tapos may strobe lights, tapos smoke, tapos bubbles!"
Myls: "hahahahahaha panalo!!!"

So party we did. We went to Temple Bar and danced the night away. Afterwards, we chilled at Starbucks. This is our very first picture together...

January 6, 2007. Another party. We came from a wedding party all made up. So we decided to change outfits and head straight to one of our favorite bars, Bedspace! Party People take 2!

January 6, 2008. Yet another party! And the best one to date! What's with January 6 that we seem to effortlessly end up in parties. And wow... gumaganda kami. Haha! ;-) I loooove this trio!

Happy 2nd Year Party People!!!

Whatta Weekend!

Fresh from the Death by KaSosyalan party of Owen and Rui, celebrating their birthdays (Dec 25 and Jan 2 respectively)... and we had a blast! I had a glass of vodka sprite, three shots of tequila, plenty of white chicken meat, and some TLC (haha)! Thanks Dyosa for sharing the pics :)

Happy Birthday Owen!

Happy Birthday Rui!

And the trigger-happy Neil worked it with Dyosa's cam...

Perfect capture! The Party People with Vinnie.

Sandwiched by Noel and Tata

Mammys!

My every party must-do: capture the movements

Getting busy with my phone cam...

Mmmwah!! Thanks Allan! :)

Reunited with Pao

with Allan and Guia

Just chillin'... with Bambi and Ron

Wow Pare Hebi!

This is one of my favorite bags. But of course-- it's huge and it's yellow! Plus, it's the bag I took with me to Bora.

Here's what's funny. I had a hearty laugh with Troy this morning because my big yellow bag was unusually heavy. Bakit kaya???

Me: "Hahahaha naalala ko lang...."
Troy: "Ang ano?"
Me: "Ang bigat ng bag ko!!!"
Troy: "Bakit naman?"
Me: "Kasi (laughs) may SUHA sa loob!!! Hahahaha!!!!"
Troy: "Hahahahaha!!!! Kaya mo eh! Siguro naman may plastik yung suha mo no?"
Me: "Hahahaha!!!! WALA!!! Wala shang plastik!"
Troy: "Hahahahahaha!!!"

(Did I really have to show off the Olay Total Effects? Uhm... yes haha!)

Happy 2008!

I love 2007! It was good to me. I had a peaceful home. I had more travels- Tagaytay, Mindoro, Bohol, Cebu, and Boracay. More shopping splurges (hehe). More food (duh, given!). More reeducation (undiscovered love for alternative music). I got promoted. I became closer to my friends, and gained new ones.

This year, I'm looking forward to definitely more of that (except maybe the shopping splurge part). Dyosa asked me last night what my plans are for 2008. Two major things: (1) Have more travels; and (2) learn at least one skill. Driving is on top of my list.

I'm excited to see what this year has instore for me! Here's wishing you all a fun new year raining with blessings.

Happy 2008! *toast*

<-- celebrated with this last night. yum!