Delinquent Bloggers

We are.

Since January kicked in, we've both been busy. Well, Joven's mostly busy with work stuff while I am busy with mundane stuff.

So, here's a short recap of the things that happened in the past few days...


Saturday, January 6

Since I've been busy the past week, I decided to pick up my free spa gift certificate from Manila Bulletin Saturday morning. The contact person, Sarah, was nice enough to wait for us since it was already nearing lunch time. We almost got lost, thanks to the taxi driver who brought us to the Manila Times. Haha! Fortunately, Intramuros is small enough for us to find our way.

After, Joven and I plus my mom went to SM San Lazaro to watch Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo. The movie won over Shake Rattle and Roll 8. The movie was surprisingly funny although by the title alone, you'd expect it as mushy. All in all, I enjoyed the film because of Gina Pareño. Hehe.


Sunday, January 7

With nothing better to do, Joven and I went to Tutuban Mall and 168 in Divisoria to shop. I was able to buy 2 blouses and a pair of pants in less than 30 minutes. Since we have time to kill, we went to 168 to see if there are anything we can get our hands on. After going around for almost an hour, we decided to buy DVDs. I bought an 8 animated movies in one CD and 8 action movies in one CD. I got lucky with the first one. The second one was a different story. Audio was terrible! Oh well, that's what we got because we only paid P75 for it. =P

Ang saya mag-Divisoria two weeks after the holidays. Konti lang tao! Hihi!


Monday, January 8

I was running like crazy in the office. I had four meetings with different groups. Kapagod! I missed one meeting because the previous meeting extended for over an hour. Haay. I had to have my boss attend on my behalf. He was nice enough to make notes. Hihi!


Tuesday, January 9

First day of my Spanish class. The teacher was early and the classroom was still half full when my friends and I got in. I kindda enjoyed it... sort of washed the anxieties away. It's actually easier to understand because of my background in French. I just hope it wouldn't be so difficult towards the end and the teacher would remain as nice as he is.


Wednesday, January 10

Big shout out to my sister: Happy Birthday Tita Dap! Hope you had a good one. See you on Saturday!

After work, Joven and I met at the MRT station to have dinner at Kalye Juan @ Tomas Morato. We're to meet SML sans Ryan (Cors, Benj, Beej & Richie) because he has a Baguio thingy. Richie will be leaving for the US next week and it won't be until summer of 2008 we'll get to see him again.

The night ended at Baang coffee (which we were not initially sure if it's Baang or BangBang. Haha!). According to Richie, the coffee's not "Wow!" but it's not bad also. I ordered a Chai Latte which for me was a bit sweet.

Conversation was from "What's new with you?" to "What's new with blah-blah?"

We had to end early because of work the following day.

Ingat Richie! See you soon!

Pics here.


Current

I'm busy reading Gap Creek by Robert Morgan. I got it in Booksale at a very reasonable price. I usually look for books that has the Oprah's Book Club seal because I usually end up liking the book - The Pilot's Wife, What Looks Like Crazy On An Ordinary Day, She's Come Undone and I Know This Much Is True - to name a few. This one, I can't put it down. I'm not finished though but I'm really enjoying every minute of it. Another great find for me. I have yet to devour Icy Sparks, House of Sand and Fog and The Poisonwood Bible. =)

'Tis the Season to be busy... 2

We had a crazy, busy December. Just like last year. But, who's complaining? =D

December 13

FSI Christmas Party

Allan and I ended up hosting the event. Our day started as early as 9AM and ended at 4PM. Parang children's party. Hehe! I was dead tired but had a really great time.

Our intention for hosting the event was to get away from performing that day. Although I also ended up as the choreographer of our dance presentation, it was less stressful for me. After teaching them the steps, that was it for me. =D

We won second place! For the past years, we always had the worst presentation. At least second na ngayon! =D

Dinner at Tokyo Cafe

Together with my office barkada, we had dinner at Tokyo Cafe in MOA. Since Irish, Allan and I had lunch there a few days ago, we thought of bringing the other peeps there. Joven joined us after work. After loads of laughter and kwentuhan, we decided to call it a night. Joven and I went around shopping but were unsuccessful with what we want.


December 16

Last minute errands and more shopping

We started the day with a few errands - meeting his Tita and accompanying my mom for some of her holiday shopping.

As a surprise, we brought her to the appliance center to buy our gift for her. My sister and I (of course with Joven) decided to get her a brand new television. Since our TV broke down a month ago, my mom has been watching her favorite teleseryes in a 14" TV. We got her a 29" TV this time. At least di na nya huhulaan yung tao. Hehe!

Joven and I decided to get our own 29" TV as well. Now we can watch DVDs at the comfort of our bedroom. Nice! That was our big gift for each other. =D


December 17

More Shopping

Joven asked me a life-changing question a few weeks back: "Magic Sing or PS2?" Aaaaaargh! I said I needed to think about it. I ended up asking people around me.

Magic Sing it is! Haha!

We bought ours after dropping off at Nanay's. Shempre, tinest agad! I think it took them four hours to make me stop. Hahaha!


December 19

Lunch at Krua Thai

Our boss treated for us for a sumptuous lunch. The whole group went to Blue Wave and ended up at Krua Thai. Parang last meal, super busog! Minsan lang 'to, kaya dapat i-blog. Haha!

Get-Together with Lalaine from UK

My high school best friends, Con (with hubby, Arjahn), Lalaine and I (with Joven) met at SM San Lazaro. Lalaine went home for the holidays and to try to make arrangements for her wedding on 2008. Dinner was at Congo Grille and, since we cannot get a decent seat at Starbucks, coffee was at Coffee Dream. Laughter and chika non-stop. *Sigh* Miss the simple life of high school.


December 20

Vidoeke at Music Match with Office Barkada

Much awaited! We prepared for it (with matching exchange gifts) for almost a month. Videokes are never the same without these people. They sure know how to have fun. We really had a great time! =D

Unfortunately, we didn't have a camera at hand so we ended up begging for pics instead. =P

Here are the ones from Yax and Dhang.


December 21

Videoke with SML

What?? Videoke again? Haha! You'd think that partying till 1AM will stop us? Nah. I even came to the office before 9AM. Joven was in his office earlier. =D

The night was for SML this time. Richie came home after a year of studies in the US (he'll be back there in January though). We haven't had any videoke session when Richie was away. So what would be best but to welcome him with one. Ryan, Cors, The Bs were also present. It was great to hear Cors singing this time. =)


December 22

Dinner with Frenchies & Japs

There was a Frenchies dinner at Crazy Roll a few weeks back but Joven and I weren't able to join them. That was the time Joven got sick. It was great of them to fix their schedules and have dinner with us again.

Dinner this time was at Burgoo in MOA. Coffee was at Starbucks. Jera brought along her friend from Japan. It was nice how they teach her bad words. Haha!


December 24

Noche Buena

My sisters from Pasig trooped to our place for our annual Noche Buena. Mommie was busy in the kitchen all day. I took the liberty of baking a chocolate cake (which didn't stay long in the fridge. naks!) and fixing the chocolate for the fondue.

My 5-year-old nephew, Jef was soo excited in opening his gifts. He was shrieking and laughing while he was tearing off the gift wrappers. He got his ultimate dream this Christmas: WWE action figures.

I got three bags from my two sisters and mom this Christmas. I wonder why. =P I also got a shirt from Jef. A Coelho and a Micheal V DVD from Joven. Hihi! Aliw! Joven and I got Chritsmas money from my dad which will turn into a love seat one of these days. Thanks thanks everyone!


December 25

Christmas Day!

We woke up mid-morning and were immediately swamped by inaanaks and neighborhood children. After our ninang duties, we went to mass at Lourdes church.

We were expected at Tita Nene's place by lunch time. We asked Jef if he'd come with us, surprisingly he said yes. I guess it was after enticing him with duguan (what he calls dinuguan) - his favorite viand.

When we got there, the elders were already eating lunch while the young girls were upstairs and the young boys were playing PS2. Jef immediately took his place with the boys but I urged him to eat duguan first. I guess the call of PS2 was louder because after three spoonfuls of food, he told me he was already full. He immediately made his way to the group of boys as if he'd known them since he was born.

Of course we were asked the question again, "Wala pa ba?" Ahm, I told them we're trying to get there. Insert *sigh* here.


December 26

MMFF

With nothing better to do, Joven and I, together with my mom, decided to watch a movie. We were weighing our options (nothing much really), and ended up with Ligalig. It was supposed to be rated A by the cinema board, for Joven and I it was quite predictable. There were certain scenes that were unnecessary, some scenes produced a "duh!" from me, some effects were not really that good. Oh well.


December 27

The day was spent with Lalaine, Merc, Cheche, and Tantan. I won't spill the beans. I'm keeping my mouth shut since I signed a contract. =P

We ate lunch at Tokyo Cafe. Yeah, yeah. I recommended the place. I can't help it. If we were on the north side, I would've recommended Crazy Rolls. =P

ArtBag

Joven told me he has a surprise for me when he gets home. Apparently, Leslie (Fol's wife) dropped off our finished album to his office. Of course, with our own ArtBag. Woohoo! Thanks Fol and Leslie!


Whew! That was a busy December indeed. We still have an overnight thingy tomorrow. Kwentos on that on our next blog entry.

BTW, I'm a winner again! I just got it from the mail. Apparently, I'm one of the five lucky poll voters who won gift certificates from Sanctuario Spa. Many thanks to Manila Bulletin's About Weddings and of course to Benz because it was her who e-mailed us about the poll. I've yet to get it though. =P

Olio

Auction Winners!

I joined the annual auction at w@w with the hopes of getting something for Joven. Good thing, Impromptu's sponsoring P1500 worth of M-Pass (movie tickets at Market! Market!, Gateway, GB3 or Glorietta 4). Nice! I bid for it since the beginning. I was surprised when I won! It seems the w@wies were not as aggressive as last year. Hehe!

We picked it up at John & Benz's place together with the desktop calendars they gave us. Yey! It was quite an adventure since Joven and I are not very familiar with the area. At least we still ended up in one piece. =)

Another cool thing, the movie tickets were worth P1600! =D

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Wedding Fever!

Our good friends, Cri-c and Manuel, were married last Saturday. Whoopee!

I was one of the secondary sponsors and was supposed to light their path but ended up binding them together instead. The ceremony was in St. Pancratius Chapel in Paco Park and reception was in Teatrillo in Intramuros.

Iyay, Cri-c's sister prepared an AVP for the couple and asked us to submit a photo and message to the couple. Here's our message to the newlyweds:

"Manuel and Cri-c has always been one of our favorite couples. We've seen their love blossom and mature as the years passed. We know that they would be able to surpass any challenge God will throw their way and emerge from that stronger and better. We wish you good health and happiness always. We love you!

Welcome to married life!"

More pics here.

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In Sickness and In Health

Before going to the wedding, Joven was telling me that he's not feeling right. He said that something in his throat hurts (from drinking too much chocolate - we guessed). He also says he feels like he's coming down with something.

During the night, it seemed that he's not really feeling well. He didn't eat as much as he used to. Tsk! Tsk! I told him to take paracetamol. Before going to sleep, I took his temp - 38.7C. =( During the night, his fever worsened. He was covered with two blankets but he says he's still cold. Not wanting to panic (but panicking already!), I took two small towels, water and alcohol. I put a wet towel in his forehead and used to other one to cool down his extremities. I was watching him sleep and praying the whole time. His face with a pained expression, his arms crossed in front of him and his legs kicking once in a while. Finally, he started to sweat. The fever went down significantly. Thank God! Whew!

We went to the emergency room of the Chinese General Hospital yesterday morning. The doctor told us that his tonsil was swollen - the infection is causing the fever. He was given meds for the next 7 days. This morning, the fever stopped. Sana tuloy tuloy na.

Win(TM)ner!

My tech org, PHISSUG, initiated a challenge a couple of months back. As the interest in the problem increased, the prize became Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition with 25 CALs.

A few weeks ago, the verdict was given. I was the first one who gave the correct solution. =)

I think we need a new, more powerful computer for this one...

Addendum 10/27
Due to insistent public demand (Stephen and Brymac), here's the problem: Using T-SQL, get all possible combinations of values from a set whose sum would equal a certain value. For sample sets and results, check out the challenge.

Winners Again!

Remember this?

Now, we won this!



Unbelievable!

We forgot about the promo we joined after seeing the indie film, "Nasaan si Francis?"

Last week, Joven got a letter from the mail saying he is a potential winner because of a promo he joined through the movie. We remembered the promo but forgot the prize. This afternoon, he claimed it. Apparently, he was one of the two who got the top prize.

N90 is N90. Now, what do we do with another phone? Hehe.

OT: Almost A Wade

Congratulations to the Miami Heat for winning the NBA championship!

Galing talaga ni Dwyane Wade!

He's now tied with Shaq as my favorite basketball player/s. =)

(Image from ESPN, Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)

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Speaking of Wade, he is one of the endorsers of Gatorade, together with Vince Carter, Kevin Garnett and Yao Ming. "Get into the NBA 2" is a local contest sponsored by the sports drink wherein the grand prize is a trip to the US to watch an NBA game live. As consolation prize, 1000 jerseys will be given away.

A week before our wedding, a representative of Gatorade Philippines called me... to inform me that I won a jersey! Immediately, I inquired which jerseys I can choose from, not knowing who the endorsers were. Upon learning that Wade was one of them, I asked that one be reserved for me. *high hopes*

Last Tuesday, June 20, I went to their office (Rapp Collins Philippines). Guess what I saw? Another winner claiming his jersey. It was Wade's. Apparently, that was the last one. *hopeless* =(

That's how my chance of getting one of the hottest selling jerseys in the NBA for free went pfft.

And so, I "settled" for Yao Ming's jersey. I didn't like Garnett's because it was light-colored. As for Carter, I already have his teammate Jason Kidd's jersey.

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The Heat won the championship yesterday because I won't be able to watch any more live games on TV because it was my last day of honeymoon vacation. Thank you Heat!

In another stroke of good luck, I also won the bracketology we had at the office. At the start of the playoffs, we would pick our choices from all the rounds up to the Finals. I love Miami, but I didn't think this would be their year, so I chose Detroit. As for the others, they picked either Detroit or San Antonio. One bravely picked Phoenix, as he did last year as well.

Since none of us had picked Miami or Dallas, it came down to the total points. Four of us had the same point total. The tiebreaker was who could be the closest to guess the final score of the title-clinching game. If there's still no clear winner, the one who guessed closest to the winning margin wins.

My guess: 88-85.

3 points. The final score was 95-92.

I actually wished that the teams stopped scoring when the score was 89-85 with under two minutes to go. Hehe!

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And I thought my luck would continue...


While discussing with Ryan the prospect of a project at Starbucks at Robinson's Place, here's what happened to my Venti Vanilla Frap worth PhP 145:

It wasn't the barista's fault...

The fly somehow found a way into the large hole at the top...

And died on the cold ice.

Sayang pera ko. =(

2bu!

It's finally out! Grab your copy of the Inquirer. ;)

We Won!

Woohoo! Grabe na ito!

Two weeks ago, Inquirer's 2bU! launched a love story contest (2bU! Plays Cupid Promo) in time for Valentines. With nothing better to do, I decided to make a PowerPoint presentation about our love story and e-mailed it to them.

I never really thought about it until yesterday... I received an e-mail from Pam of 2bU! asking me to submit my entry in MSWord format. She added that contest winners will be announced today.

Early this morning, I grabbed our Inquirer and immediately looked at the 2bU! section.

Lo and behold!


We won! Yipee!

According to the paper, this will be our haul:

• Gift certificate from Animaland
• Gift certificate from SM
• Gift certificate from Cheesecake, Etc.
• Gift certificate from Max Brenner
• Gift certificate from Haagen-Dazs
• Gift certificate from Shakey's
• Gift certificate from Bollywood/Cafe Havana
• Gift certificate from Dencio's
• Gift certificate from Solomon Guest House
• Gift certificate from Sakae Sushi
• Gift certificate from Metro Phi Bar
• Gift certificate from Tia Maria's
• Gift certificate from California Nails and Day Spa
• Tickets to Enchanted Kingdom
• Casio watches from Time Depot
• A dress from Karimadon
• Limited Edition 2006 His and Hers Havaianas
• Perfumes from Ralph Lauren and Cacharel
• Make-up and skincare products from Shu Uemura
• Goodie bags from Unilever
• Six-month subscription to PLDT's myDSL
• Poolside barbecue at the Hotel Philippine Plaza
  

Grabe! Gandang birthday and anniversary gift nito! =)

By the way, our entry will be published (Wednesday) next week. Abangan! =)

Joven and the Chocolate Fountain

Last November 25, Dionne and I went to our first (and definitely not last) W@W Christmas Party, with Dulce, and Jon and Yax. The party was to be held at Villa Immaculada, at Intramuros. Along the way, we were already thinking of the food, the Alex Franco cakes, the freebies, the edible underwear, and of course, the chocolate fountain. ;)

As we were among the first to arrive, we had the liberty of choosing our seats. We chose the table nearest the stage as we wanted to "participate" (i.e. win prizes) in our fullest capacity, even if we had to be far from the buffet tables... A fair exchange, I would say. Besides, I was sure that there would be plenty of food for everyone. Did I mention that the chocolate fountain is just beside our table? More incentive to stay where we were. Hehe.

The first game was Dress-Up-The-Mannequin based on a gown design, using only cash register paper, tissue paper, pins, thumb tacks and glue. Jon and I were part of Grooms@Work, the group that won. I originally suggested that our name be "Steel-Headed Steel Pins", but any name would do. We even beat the brides group for this one. Hah!

Another game was the Cinderella, where the brides fell in line for four pairs of shoes. Whoever's foot would fit the shoes would win the pair. Unfortunately, the pair that Dionne fitted was one size larger. It would have been perfect for the... More on this later.

During dinner, our diet was tossed out the window. =P

Surprisingly, I was not able to go back for seconds as I was already full.

During the party, the Top Ten Suppliers of the Year were announced. Among them were Karl and Mimi from Fotogra.Ph (Pre-nups) and Threelogy Digital Videos. Yey!

Congratulations to Veluz Reyes for bagging the Supplier of the Year award. Yeyey!

One of the highlights of the night was courtesy of the owner of the place, Mr. Steve Tamayo. He coolly sang (and danced!) "Totoy Bibo" with his waiters. This definitely brought the house down. =D

When the audience clamored for one more song, he didn't hesitate to continue entertaining us. This time, it was "Nakaka" by the Masculados. I completely forgot that besides being near the stage means being nearer to the prizes, it also meant we were easy prey for "volunteers". At one point during the song, I was asked to join him in the singing. Of course, Dionne was with me. I sang, while she danced... Hanep! ;)

By the end of the party, there were still a lot of prizes left. No more raffles! The brides were simply asked to fall in line as the prizes were given away.

Dionne got her dream prize, a cocktail dress by Cecilio Abad. She got it from Benz because she helped distribute the earrings. She also got a chocolate cake just for standing there. Haha!

I must say that our haul from the EB pales in comparison to what we brought home this time, in no particular order:

• planner from Arnel and Khristy (via exchange gift)
• cloth from North Road
• cocktail dress from Cecilio Abad
• picture frames from Dino Lara Photography
• earrings from Angel's Wink Production
• w@w pocket calendar
• magnetic address book
• wedding ring case from Chu-u-yen Events
• bridal garter from Chu-u-yen Events
• gift certificates from Meza Bar & Resto
• w@w button pin
• beeswax pastilles from Liwanag Candles
• altar bound, 2006 w@w desktop gallery
• wallclock from Ariel Javelosa Photography
• document bag from Wedding Wonders Party Surprises
• ref magnet from C & C Creative Concepts
• picture magnets from Konsepto
• brownies from Alex Franco
• apple walnut cake from Gervy's Amazing Cakes and Great Foods
• christmas tree chocolate from Chocolate Confectioners
• white chocolate from OA Sweets
• something sweet (chocnut-like) from C& C Creative Concepts
• chocolate cake

What a night! Thanks to Benz and John, the suppliers, and the W@W community for a successful party. See you again next year! Or at the next bridal fair. ;)