tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64400546626875480012024-03-05T14:34:29.896+08:00len loves lifeA means of keeping track. Views are my own.lengirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958093147215459457noreply@blogger.comBlogger201125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440054662687548001.post-74010846921493210242023-01-07T20:13:00.010+08:002023-04-06T14:21:30.941+08:00Main Character Kinda Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdcZ3uhJCYhaBapteIrR1qjWv-Mru-r1pj3vwwIwttQYqD4Rq04H6ellpL5VU39-1jnInuz8PYvXqIndZsejbgGxdQj1U88W2EZWkp-9y8-FepMs2c8FcCFvP1jffzEiNDceloHkD1CDaDcEymAnUNj7KPzM1DYBjtUqO7zCRRj6yYM8Yx3Kuiqct/s1080/blog%20photos.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdcZ3uhJCYhaBapteIrR1qjWv-Mru-r1pj3vwwIwttQYqD4Rq04H6ellpL5VU39-1jnInuz8PYvXqIndZsejbgGxdQj1U88W2EZWkp-9y8-FepMs2c8FcCFvP1jffzEiNDceloHkD1CDaDcEymAnUNj7KPzM1DYBjtUqO7zCRRj6yYM8Yx3Kuiqct/w400-h400/blog%20photos.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>2022 will go down as the year I entered my main character era. Lol I hope I am using that expression right. It's just that emotions were intense practically throughout the year, from highs to lows, that it felt like I was indeed the lead in a movie, rather than the chill sidekick. And because of this, I feel the need to blog about it. </p><p>I wish I had the time to blog lengthily about every important moment. Perhaps I will in the future to help me process my emotions, but for now, I'll go with laying down the highlights just so I could document the year that was in all its craziness.</p><p>So here we go:</p><p><b>Sloan got vaccinated for COVID-19. </b>We had been waiting for this moment ever since the vaccine for kids was announced. With the surge of cases in the beginning of the year, Michael and I of course wanted to make sure that Sloan was protected at the very least from severe symptoms, if not the virus itself. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDQP1W8Znq1YDxi8oIV1tyqz3fKawtyW-t0aPXXFtMRLCvgx6UyBQ4ePQo8vDbblBGU2-4kISD_7VeLJt7-r-LYTABVZSyvMHJJBRGwYjSMhqTdv62neTGEJWglxsCb8OmjlAITXpI6JJ6ZsP826oxbAIn_igixhKmmCjU0_Sq9PE3DL9YAOMl1fB/s540/5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="540" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDQP1W8Znq1YDxi8oIV1tyqz3fKawtyW-t0aPXXFtMRLCvgx6UyBQ4ePQo8vDbblBGU2-4kISD_7VeLJt7-r-LYTABVZSyvMHJJBRGwYjSMhqTdv62neTGEJWglxsCb8OmjlAITXpI6JJ6ZsP826oxbAIn_igixhKmmCjU0_Sq9PE3DL9YAOMl1fB/w400-h400/5.png" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>I voted for a presidential candidate I wholeheartedly believe in.</b> While the results did not go my way, I still stand proud of the choice I made.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqJBvVPFndZxdMH2Tc6Djls9dBzdy5ZXZNn3FFib8PTTw4qjhjL7T0PpUtFVsshOM1ohC9PJiNIpSwzLvpPyM8vhuOvWGLs2qirmrxGmiAuiKjOoGufK4wlOoBZbclEN0HD422jmw6lPn20RIeLzxWIh1sPuJu-bw28gHWdVlzMaVYMOULDX3L44n/s540/18.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="540" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqJBvVPFndZxdMH2Tc6Djls9dBzdy5ZXZNn3FFib8PTTw4qjhjL7T0PpUtFVsshOM1ohC9PJiNIpSwzLvpPyM8vhuOvWGLs2qirmrxGmiAuiKjOoGufK4wlOoBZbclEN0HD422jmw6lPn20RIeLzxWIh1sPuJu-bw28gHWdVlzMaVYMOULDX3L44n/w400-h400/18.png" width="400" /></a></p><p><b>In-person events came back. </b>After years of hosting and attending events via Zoom, it was refreshing to engage with people face to face again. Some of the best moments would be our town hall, media conference, and client event, and company Christmas party. On a side note, I think the pandemic has made me discover that I am actually an ambivert rather than an introvert. I value solitude but also need social time to be re-energized, draw ideas, and generally balance things out. Even our return-to-office days once a week can already do so much.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqLJUEn6BFpL2ev4rr6FuhDg6SjDnrFeEh9YgWcxZfFHPI79pdg1wHhaRVutWxJmiaKtljJLwxATxzbwuDkTYhI15u9J8KMBKRGjRyIRR7xC-YYL2pXuFsaqUsicmvwuP2EKi8U0M7u8rPwkhCx-Ql9-2O04t8H-n7xEwvHFP1_XEgNedK9XSkpQ_/s1600/bolder%20hosting.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqLJUEn6BFpL2ev4rr6FuhDg6SjDnrFeEh9YgWcxZfFHPI79pdg1wHhaRVutWxJmiaKtljJLwxATxzbwuDkTYhI15u9J8KMBKRGjRyIRR7xC-YYL2pXuFsaqUsicmvwuP2EKi8U0M7u8rPwkhCx-Ql9-2O04t8H-n7xEwvHFP1_XEgNedK9XSkpQ_/w400-h300/bolder%20hosting.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="818" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3tkqk44ZV1t3iPR19xytMPng6jvwZIHdZc1fUuCmEmEJU_AoMg9Yyl4LWNEHy4FKhnSaI3M8uVPjheCgSutghnLjJTPYtOo1fnrPvfDO8pX1UB1CmvQ2UItpeDSUfbxk2K_xOx6m9DXVGpbwH0dovr1O63WRkFJd9orUkD9e9Oxuae6Z2-5SXEtqU=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhE7sBmrf29oxTFew-X30HZkqwmx0D4AGNsPai4UuQNuStMR9qOUV-yIk1s51cMbBje6eRqh_N_WKFTPTiqv-DxLcALYA42R_nYcTpSMPj3b36Gp6YcrhmaMz_qh8oFcHdZpNJcLAX1c5qSFKs-YhzMi34KFoz1jr9MlHcOy_9bDOZHLxX1NisUNIB4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhE7sBmrf29oxTFew-X30HZkqwmx0D4AGNsPai4UuQNuStMR9qOUV-yIk1s51cMbBje6eRqh_N_WKFTPTiqv-DxLcALYA42R_nYcTpSMPj3b36Gp6YcrhmaMz_qh8oFcHdZpNJcLAX1c5qSFKs-YhzMi34KFoz1jr9MlHcOy_9bDOZHLxX1NisUNIB4=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div></div><p></p><p><b>Sloan graduated from 6th grade and went back to school - literally! </b>After two years of virtual classes and a graduation ceremony via Zoom, it was so nice seeing him don his uniform again and connect with friends in person. Finally, a sense of normalcy for our boy! It was kinda bittersweet for me though because for most of the time that he had to remain indoors, it was just him and me, while Michael reported to the office (he was at the Congress at that time and then later travelled during the campaign period). It felt like an end of an era, but I am happy to have spent that much time with him.</p><p>On a related note, Sloan did get COVID shortly after face-to-face classes started, but thankfully, the symptoms were mild on account of being vaccinated. Luckily too, Michael and I didn't catch it ourselves so we were able to focus on his recovery. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWr7rcplmX6T1bWshBju1CmzAC3D3n6_K4ftRDiSFBXdjmOW-Aqzjbx0F7lMuo9EjZoaE9fI8hCRlF4uQ6OYUVtdBzJb6FKGEuKasSRPilbNa2XHtAZy4-W2CrdCExevIJkmQCWqDFf2FgN7rujSIfp8ZSQxHM9xVCIEm0ZzBqwMFHX6yuNAM-RhX0/s540/15.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="540" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWr7rcplmX6T1bWshBju1CmzAC3D3n6_K4ftRDiSFBXdjmOW-Aqzjbx0F7lMuo9EjZoaE9fI8hCRlF4uQ6OYUVtdBzJb6FKGEuKasSRPilbNa2XHtAZy4-W2CrdCExevIJkmQCWqDFf2FgN7rujSIfp8ZSQxHM9xVCIEm0ZzBqwMFHX6yuNAM-RhX0/w400-h400/15.png" width="400" /></a></p><p><b>I got to fly again for local and international trips.</b> I travelled to Iloilo and Penang, Malaysia for work and then to Bangkok for a short trip with the family. How I've missed this! The Iloilo trip was special being the first flight in three years (the last one was the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNXPO7Tr19g" target="_blank">Japan trip</a> back in 2019!), plus I got to explore a bit too. The Penang trip was to attend the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards where Sun Life scored a double win, so that was definitely cool despite being a really quick trip. But the best one was Bangkok because not only did I have my boys with me, Junj joined us too while Ate and Rocel flew in from Jakarta. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5F8q0iuGDwfliMQ_2cCUzztXXtDOSpg8qDNm9f2-ORoYFohHGNIoBJGkumSEfN155xj3uyQzKPNQGkeofQH5sJytrDDfLxVsQD0Uby7qU5pgOSY8ZDf9KsRLp3C4BCprXJoLqMM6wtpWRby1Ruj-daAE2Zr4QgGGg3nzNgza9Wv6WowHOIZul6AS/s912/apea.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="912" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5F8q0iuGDwfliMQ_2cCUzztXXtDOSpg8qDNm9f2-ORoYFohHGNIoBJGkumSEfN155xj3uyQzKPNQGkeofQH5sJytrDDfLxVsQD0Uby7qU5pgOSY8ZDf9KsRLp3C4BCprXJoLqMM6wtpWRby1Ruj-daAE2Zr4QgGGg3nzNgza9Wv6WowHOIZul6AS/w400-h254/apea.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilzgKUZsXNCaB5yO-GRXJ_l3UkF56JEtVTiL--3JOhreBSW3mtRSBGjLZfqr-WXSIedZlMHnMXdiRRD2XfpTlKQLs7xR4KpJxwwkFambTVl1GXSH_NtHULHLG4rfMFWfZe-El7TMt4xSLSgcpoduCwZsQh6PIjusFbUhLBr3SnGglK2C_wYGQoG1F4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilzgKUZsXNCaB5yO-GRXJ_l3UkF56JEtVTiL--3JOhreBSW3mtRSBGjLZfqr-WXSIedZlMHnMXdiRRD2XfpTlKQLs7xR4KpJxwwkFambTVl1GXSH_NtHULHLG4rfMFWfZe-El7TMt4xSLSgcpoduCwZsQh6PIjusFbUhLBr3SnGglK2C_wYGQoG1F4=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOrZXBGi32fxXsjxR6JrBWLRm5K-aHLPz3bhwdeBzdgvHxjeq8aBPgkll0E_8GDBkLs03_UcQawdjj08KfH3Kk47eUyTODyK55xq30JF3vVRNIuGqoWpeDlEp587c25CQgIaoFqm7WpK9wxxxI7RlaZ12abK3gi3BR7oOmI4i4kxvkxkgDYfTmwOcr" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1014" data-original-width="1800" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOrZXBGi32fxXsjxR6JrBWLRm5K-aHLPz3bhwdeBzdgvHxjeq8aBPgkll0E_8GDBkLs03_UcQawdjj08KfH3Kk47eUyTODyK55xq30JF3vVRNIuGqoWpeDlEp587c25CQgIaoFqm7WpK9wxxxI7RlaZ12abK3gi3BR7oOmI4i4kxvkxkgDYfTmwOcr" width="400" /></a></div></div><p></p><p><b>My cat lady status was cemented.</b> From feeding stray cats to spending part of my bonus to fund their spay-neuter procedure and anti-rabies and vitamin shots, I was a cat lady through and through. On a happy side note, the strays got adopted and so they now have (hopefully happy and forever) homes. All that is, of course, on top of becoming our pet cat Ace's main human. Look at this qt pie!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4K3XYzPl5Kp-xSD1mDDmyk5vzklsbePNmrEWNEpvqX_BX_QJI0kGmb6NswmH-GeXjkm5QSKA_UEquW-u0joUy3hbWc5KzacX5Ck_F_KNtY7R2vMVXTLqpWk_K3Skd7itgdiWcUHugBmY0-fibfCF-jlEU7FfpZpdjIGBSsNBQd9g_RJYLc0nWWDo/s540/9.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="540" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4K3XYzPl5Kp-xSD1mDDmyk5vzklsbePNmrEWNEpvqX_BX_QJI0kGmb6NswmH-GeXjkm5QSKA_UEquW-u0joUy3hbWc5KzacX5Ck_F_KNtY7R2vMVXTLqpWk_K3Skd7itgdiWcUHugBmY0-fibfCF-jlEU7FfpZpdjIGBSsNBQd9g_RJYLc0nWWDo/w400-h400/9.png" width="400" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZvoo26iI8cnbTENLeSw78tskE6L_n7YlJkRWUwviGR4QLzdGLoKn248LnTnqYItfuDe428m8uGMg-z4M_5U0phmD2ksaRJb_J-81DLoDFEZyB07joehtaHKqsjbRKU5cTDomqQ7aIQjwXSv8KTrgp_mV2DJtkFBYj4DTIBYtej1hUBBYG97JWp2w/s540/20.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="540" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZvoo26iI8cnbTENLeSw78tskE6L_n7YlJkRWUwviGR4QLzdGLoKn248LnTnqYItfuDe428m8uGMg-z4M_5U0phmD2ksaRJb_J-81DLoDFEZyB07joehtaHKqsjbRKU5cTDomqQ7aIQjwXSv8KTrgp_mV2DJtkFBYj4DTIBYtej1hUBBYG97JWp2w/w400-h400/20.png" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>Michael and I purchased another property. </b>We had been wanting to put up a business but still had no idea what we wanted to build, so while we're still mulling that, we decided to invest in real estate for now, It's nothing fancy - just a studio unit in a condo in Paranaque which we could either set up as a halfway home or put up for rent.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfGIP9lVZHKmrhsuTGZ3CUtE9V9sf1fb-gaYmbGaACUXi9MYJiILjJV6EyDk19gnuOoWMYTOicB-bzT1WTGRMtRkSnsiGyvQ2QAhoA_2z1xe1Q67JCr-UQm2TH297USUFVdaTX-lr5zkd9_-tIti0qyzRfbYBk-Zresr96Tz9hqjxtG2W4_Q97u87/s540/7.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="540" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfGIP9lVZHKmrhsuTGZ3CUtE9V9sf1fb-gaYmbGaACUXi9MYJiILjJV6EyDk19gnuOoWMYTOicB-bzT1WTGRMtRkSnsiGyvQ2QAhoA_2z1xe1Q67JCr-UQm2TH297USUFVdaTX-lr5zkd9_-tIti0qyzRfbYBk-Zresr96Tz9hqjxtG2W4_Q97u87/w400-h400/7.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the model unit</td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>I got promoted. </b>I am not exactly ambitious when it comes to my career progress. I'm fine with being happy with what I do, being part of a great team, and getting paid fairly - those are already huge asks, so moving up the corporate ladder is not really something I plan around nor manifest. However, I was given the opportunity to advance significantly in my career, and I am definitely grateful. The thought of it sometimes overwhelms me, but Michael is always quick to calm me down and remind me that I can and will deliver.</p><p><b>A book I helped write was published. </b>It took us two years to finish everything, from the interviews to the drafts to the edits. It was worth seeing the final product with our names printed on it. What an honor it is to be entrusted with the story of an amazing entrepreneur and family man.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidEeKdYKqpSHhCSm6ZqIoRzUvqs-K1bJ2bHLuXLF1xcYM7ShOf5MrM02NMqkYY6Odm5fLsFQoP6J9GBwE0k-un4NV_75yXWJSdF-eJCLFOojvEzkvSeOtNs8vp8BYKNry0x7QaYw6RqPxFl7RYjNpSpBEODuaug5iZUDzfS8tOdkAvJTOwQWeAMfh4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidEeKdYKqpSHhCSm6ZqIoRzUvqs-K1bJ2bHLuXLF1xcYM7ShOf5MrM02NMqkYY6Odm5fLsFQoP6J9GBwE0k-un4NV_75yXWJSdF-eJCLFOojvEzkvSeOtNs8vp8BYKNry0x7QaYw6RqPxFl7RYjNpSpBEODuaug5iZUDzfS8tOdkAvJTOwQWeAMfh4=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>Michael turned 50. </b>People find it hard to believe, but yes, the dude is 50 haha! We had a chill celebration at a resto with only about 50 friends and family in attendance. Having worked in radio, print, digital publishing, and politics, and with interests ranging from music to martial arts, Michael's guest list was quite an interesting mix. He's not exactly the social type, but he did his best to catch up with everyone who was there - and had fun while at it! </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVAyJHag4mHcLVRKqkvJmHb-LILkWV_89ZazDyjRyvZkSV3XBaH4wKJwXRCzBKxLT7NYRbT3I2H9PGWQt4EMVtlwh-Wa1dkzzPzIuDoINylpwiB2OIwynzeHmVOgxAdqSMLYMeWjtvB9Rd1Px5c3T2lc-M7Eg-hiFdPdxPJe68ddGUyLv104FNg-0/s1080/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVAyJHag4mHcLVRKqkvJmHb-LILkWV_89ZazDyjRyvZkSV3XBaH4wKJwXRCzBKxLT7NYRbT3I2H9PGWQt4EMVtlwh-Wa1dkzzPzIuDoINylpwiB2OIwynzeHmVOgxAdqSMLYMeWjtvB9Rd1Px5c3T2lc-M7Eg-hiFdPdxPJe68ddGUyLv104FNg-0/w400-h400/3.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0-eNIzqHLxmxDoOa8IuauAlba20x2pUsghb4LkXaF8aFDGzm6xLlCBJhXYiT8cCT0H6DbxXP0_h64xslu4GrSmDBnIbB4kLDpj6aXEQ8YQ_A3wJW2YPn5hxE1bzhA9jUsijLp2ySoGwqglrJVnpJnqafr-GpD446mlJbXUX4RdkPWb95JNssfL5w/s1080/2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0-eNIzqHLxmxDoOa8IuauAlba20x2pUsghb4LkXaF8aFDGzm6xLlCBJhXYiT8cCT0H6DbxXP0_h64xslu4GrSmDBnIbB4kLDpj6aXEQ8YQ_A3wJW2YPn5hxE1bzhA9jUsijLp2ySoGwqglrJVnpJnqafr-GpD446mlJbXUX4RdkPWb95JNssfL5w/w400-h400/2.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRXjt-GyfUUcGeQiAI2bRaa38PEXqGUTNlYr05Y0YlvQfCsGIKwqaSOOWJqoj2nuGMYrZhr9ZMA4PV1Z2eIoy-iUvNXANsPaucZ16ok9CxepW3JsIp5U6hexyFYgIyjuD5VrqZP-Gbwe-ZYFGYNug6nsdBGSLBL57o3gu66aZbUAbrOKspy21CFAn/s1080/1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRXjt-GyfUUcGeQiAI2bRaa38PEXqGUTNlYr05Y0YlvQfCsGIKwqaSOOWJqoj2nuGMYrZhr9ZMA4PV1Z2eIoy-iUvNXANsPaucZ16ok9CxepW3JsIp5U6hexyFYgIyjuD5VrqZP-Gbwe-ZYFGYNug6nsdBGSLBL57o3gu66aZbUAbrOKspy21CFAn/w400-h400/1.png" width="400" /></a> </div><p></p><p><b>Friends and family time: check.</b> This being the year when people were given more freedom to gather, I was able to clock in lots of quality with friends and family. The pandemic has taught me to never, ever take this for granted, and so I made the most of it in 2022, making time for people who matter.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9R1AN9B8dpaOJtq44qBKV7DeGisc8VbjYi2hR6Xr8zzX_NLfGfJB4Ovic2ZBkEEpxbsq0pv79yuDi9sRrkU2plgIxlRLeL1_5VAHSseknzseiRcoqLj9h6GZTOldNjSl2pu0cXQnXSjnXEM5hi1f1SX2f5t-ab_Yd-NkYQ8avdWRPMXEJG-06zUy/s540/17.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="540" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9R1AN9B8dpaOJtq44qBKV7DeGisc8VbjYi2hR6Xr8zzX_NLfGfJB4Ovic2ZBkEEpxbsq0pv79yuDi9sRrkU2plgIxlRLeL1_5VAHSseknzseiRcoqLj9h6GZTOldNjSl2pu0cXQnXSjnXEM5hi1f1SX2f5t-ab_Yd-NkYQ8avdWRPMXEJG-06zUy/w400-h400/17.png" width="400" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGA7k4acFVIF_daeUKtcK5DdodpWVcu-8YyNlIoof3LA1YkaXlFkfh0YwhSqx0yuN4q-mxJSGo4PmEp_CosEl7RvcSH6JNgYhE7D1eFFpQ4d8-Dj_vcxsNzpApfzBK5zUgveVKxt-ctEPSAFCW0T3rG5KL0XCVR-DIszdYWelKoBc-P9XeTfsEjnzf" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="1800" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGA7k4acFVIF_daeUKtcK5DdodpWVcu-8YyNlIoof3LA1YkaXlFkfh0YwhSqx0yuN4q-mxJSGo4PmEp_CosEl7RvcSH6JNgYhE7D1eFFpQ4d8-Dj_vcxsNzpApfzBK5zUgveVKxt-ctEPSAFCW0T3rG5KL0XCVR-DIszdYWelKoBc-P9XeTfsEjnzf" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyi5gquI5QKR1uq5kDfY4b3GKfWxvPGo1lkw_oiw9trbQ0klcxHhYh2XEw2JwEm_WVbnGToOTzqWcA0Xh8quFWW5LSFPzmnW8ZO4khTN5zsyaBItGlzcAEoQAtDWYd6GD_jn3DSRZkBy4qQJ8qNVDwruXWzeLiT3KJqqo2KhsVndtUO61iES9Fwtqq/s1078/Screenshot_20220327-094602_Instagram.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1077" data-original-width="1078" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyi5gquI5QKR1uq5kDfY4b3GKfWxvPGo1lkw_oiw9trbQ0klcxHhYh2XEw2JwEm_WVbnGToOTzqWcA0Xh8quFWW5LSFPzmnW8ZO4khTN5zsyaBItGlzcAEoQAtDWYd6GD_jn3DSRZkBy4qQJ8qNVDwruXWzeLiT3KJqqo2KhsVndtUO61iES9Fwtqq/w400-h400/Screenshot_20220327-094602_Instagram.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2rKY68J57zWK7UU2bQ7UCNULM17eSH85U07faPR2EwdRVyH_8gUL58gMUWs2OLc6rj8qIf6W_6FWYijTHgEaY-xNrsBEmfGY8wJ74c-fRXevt4Eq2Z2vshZ17kQqjzb7bZr-RJq2_pCA-YJlqg99dJHyd1vRlt1zugNs5zlvBr8KaS49QcM1GU6_O" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2rKY68J57zWK7UU2bQ7UCNULM17eSH85U07faPR2EwdRVyH_8gUL58gMUWs2OLc6rj8qIf6W_6FWYijTHgEaY-xNrsBEmfGY8wJ74c-fRXevt4Eq2Z2vshZ17kQqjzb7bZr-RJq2_pCA-YJlqg99dJHyd1vRlt1zugNs5zlvBr8KaS49QcM1GU6_O" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfzLlwzKO-1VRTLO0Ll3Ctq6ccK3_7hoeUW_WsFJYeHuTGyF4NY-Ek0h5zTMUvpuxrBf7JTMYEXS2-8zvfv6ByqWAZSE1YE2mMqHKca1MjX_m4zAtoCTEbOAVuwQfPcLQPR8MvJ_lvBg6fKzy22veay7gSW4etkPozv8DXEjuKpuUUNm39Ncjx1mH/s540/11.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="540" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfzLlwzKO-1VRTLO0Ll3Ctq6ccK3_7hoeUW_WsFJYeHuTGyF4NY-Ek0h5zTMUvpuxrBf7JTMYEXS2-8zvfv6ByqWAZSE1YE2mMqHKca1MjX_m4zAtoCTEbOAVuwQfPcLQPR8MvJ_lvBg6fKzy22veay7gSW4etkPozv8DXEjuKpuUUNm39Ncjx1mH/w400-h400/11.png" width="400" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirzIhaCEVHWd6FpTYT2ZztJsPv7RPjXsbYf_j2gCv42mBckV1E5sks37lCS4p6yXYvLE-XU4xMoGIa-fT2ifCpZyWmNp0IMYUSHXrSJr5BRFnCSN623GlB6OW06nIhGhHsSGrkezOML7NzgJJ3zUQSTg3qByW06DPz0tHLa_wVUL1Z8EjbLoVU3n20" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirzIhaCEVHWd6FpTYT2ZztJsPv7RPjXsbYf_j2gCv42mBckV1E5sks37lCS4p6yXYvLE-XU4xMoGIa-fT2ifCpZyWmNp0IMYUSHXrSJr5BRFnCSN623GlB6OW06nIhGhHsSGrkezOML7NzgJJ3zUQSTg3qByW06DPz0tHLa_wVUL1Z8EjbLoVU3n20=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQi_yPZG1MsSHx6-a4muDl_V_Njc4ImEqHWrytAo0fkGRLPx41VrX1wv2TSAaTt-ZtC2zi0FVYO8imQty7P8P4FINCEX_SKQ4uRRq8gb3GC8fJyF063ejl1ncZhJrxwtdXWNnlTCXtcViMdZrcuHCW8NpFMh9WseqcJHlgentdVtoppUgvenKH9b0/s540/19.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="540" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQi_yPZG1MsSHx6-a4muDl_V_Njc4ImEqHWrytAo0fkGRLPx41VrX1wv2TSAaTt-ZtC2zi0FVYO8imQty7P8P4FINCEX_SKQ4uRRq8gb3GC8fJyF063ejl1ncZhJrxwtdXWNnlTCXtcViMdZrcuHCW8NpFMh9WseqcJHlgentdVtoppUgvenKH9b0/w400-h400/19.png" width="400" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaYt_BcyxSrtV-bTH9wVzPDraFhU_2UxVz8j3cXOAmBzZaUfj0bll9RSLCMPHTR69N9k0w5uUlV2UhF-VgixS051ApDrihfx3hg4j0gnswpJ4FDPXaujn-rMr6kCnP64O-C2nsMGhyg7TGOtEOr8JqnreEvoQLmvPlWIjmUkJ49fCdyET-As6fieO_" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="878" data-original-width="1170" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaYt_BcyxSrtV-bTH9wVzPDraFhU_2UxVz8j3cXOAmBzZaUfj0bll9RSLCMPHTR69N9k0w5uUlV2UhF-VgixS051ApDrihfx3hg4j0gnswpJ4FDPXaujn-rMr6kCnP64O-C2nsMGhyg7TGOtEOr8JqnreEvoQLmvPlWIjmUkJ49fCdyET-As6fieO_=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNGH8I6n-Vc4JUdE99jOQcTCq-_yBsIyGYpjcUnRdJZL7vJ_z2xyHGR0HU5zdmr6CXwQO0pU6rCmqulFPdtDLMNnf_GwcJAYg_McLNLknutP9rvoBhf4T5bWT9BFBH5xYtHhBa5P_jsze2C_UN7-f7P1wiG_BLpNxAGA7DGbBaZy6jwFrzGStIgqO/s540/14.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="540" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNGH8I6n-Vc4JUdE99jOQcTCq-_yBsIyGYpjcUnRdJZL7vJ_z2xyHGR0HU5zdmr6CXwQO0pU6rCmqulFPdtDLMNnf_GwcJAYg_McLNLknutP9rvoBhf4T5bWT9BFBH5xYtHhBa5P_jsze2C_UN7-f7P1wiG_BLpNxAGA7DGbBaZy6jwFrzGStIgqO/w400-h400/14.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>So there. It was quite a mad year and it was not without challenges. However, the highs outweighed the lows and I have many reasons to be thankful. </p><p>2022, you were something else. 2023, let's be fast friends please. Being a main character is quite the rush, but puwede rin namang petiks muna tayo ng konti lol. </p><p>Happy new year, folks!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0TKGD0697kx5PSgV5BC1lk9Gn2hm9pePGSsHMg3zHUwNerV3-vkE2wmI7wu3LOA-DnHbr4C3iVfoQoO_mCO2BIfBojsPXyFkuX9VJkfif3I0X6L4zuFgeeof-eK8-uWSm_UGmwPChCK_c8R8qACM20_MUeTS513KWtO3TxFbDbGAPJ8tmU7ZpTtxF/s540/13.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="540" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0TKGD0697kx5PSgV5BC1lk9Gn2hm9pePGSsHMg3zHUwNerV3-vkE2wmI7wu3LOA-DnHbr4C3iVfoQoO_mCO2BIfBojsPXyFkuX9VJkfif3I0X6L4zuFgeeof-eK8-uWSm_UGmwPChCK_c8R8qACM20_MUeTS513KWtO3TxFbDbGAPJ8tmU7ZpTtxF/w400-h400/13.png" width="400" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>lengirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958093147215459457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440054662687548001.post-12442833315125162832022-12-03T15:26:00.004+08:002022-12-03T15:52:19.930+08:00Remembering Ms. Iquit<p>"I'll pay for everything!"</p><p>Ms. Iquit's voice reverberated in the small restaurant where we having inasal for dinner. We were in Iloilo for a media activity that was going to be held the following day, and we had just found out that the person in charge of the materials needed for the event left the items back in Manila. She was understandably frustrated as she tried to work out a way to solve the issue. The most logical solution was to have someone catch a red-eye to bring the materials over, but budget concerns came up, hence, Ms. Iquit's pronouncement that she will shoulder the expenses herself.</p><p>The whole restaurant turned quiet. Natakot yata sila na pati sila bilhin ni Ms. Iquit haha! But after a short while, everything was sorted out and we - other diners included - were able to finally enjoy our inasal in peace. Ms. Lals and I couldn't help but tease Ms. Iquit about her movie-worthy line, and she just laughed it off, used to our hirits as she was.</p><p>And that's how Ms. Iquit was. She was always down for some laughs and would even be the instigator at times, but when it was time to work, she would always make sure that things were executed to her standards. This was exactly how we successfully achieved and even exceeded our team's targets, and why our brand tops the industry in terms of PR and share-of-voice in every platform.</p><p></p><p>For the past nine years, it has been a delight being a part of her team. She was like a mom to me - and that is a description I do not take lightly. She shared her wisdom but mostly gave me the freedom to fly, allowing me to discover more of what I can do and how far I can go. It was under her guidance that I was able to come up with some of my best work thus far.</p><p>And I will always be grateful. For the lessons, the encouragement, the support, and the generosity, but most of all for the opportunity - the opportunity to be a part of her team, to be a part of Marketeam, and to be a part of Sun Life. This is one of the biggest blessings of my life, and it was all because back in 2013, she decided to take me under her wing.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOhEEWol4qKj4778cZB60mvdmvj98diFiB-T3YJE5avGPpyADIP_pG1g6JpqEY9WCXVHXC0zlju7nzJKQAwYipcmYubYrFChMWXMx1nqQE2CxD_M_w8xvBnhXezCrElDQa59BRgV9CznFcvrVUUIqj3rnseuHTTxhWFwb3uJFncyrJ119v8jkHn-FB" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOhEEWol4qKj4778cZB60mvdmvj98diFiB-T3YJE5avGPpyADIP_pG1g6JpqEY9WCXVHXC0zlju7nzJKQAwYipcmYubYrFChMWXMx1nqQE2CxD_M_w8xvBnhXezCrElDQa59BRgV9CznFcvrVUUIqj3rnseuHTTxhWFwb3uJFncyrJ119v8jkHn-FB=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEju85sN6UNJeGKT7x4GYOEmRPwK3OcmgqwUOkOp9I7rvZ-tP837nNR-d0sNsb_Qnv0DMgnAtcb53exbQlxnHCRO5VrskzlwZPAm5Wp0AV3ygv2o7m3lFHjSBySUCC_fkCeC0EJdEUDjvvoauIyNopisToA1mQzjv8WBPHcqiYs_8C4-OlkQKP43QRcS" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="1242" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEju85sN6UNJeGKT7x4GYOEmRPwK3OcmgqwUOkOp9I7rvZ-tP837nNR-d0sNsb_Qnv0DMgnAtcb53exbQlxnHCRO5VrskzlwZPAm5Wp0AV3ygv2o7m3lFHjSBySUCC_fkCeC0EJdEUDjvvoauIyNopisToA1mQzjv8WBPHcqiYs_8C4-OlkQKP43QRcS=w640-h266" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8NOEvlIJJ9q28O55ZNUPT0yvJlLtKhBdaC0KhjuF1w_vZYNmdH6bb1laOS1bx0F8skldPVQnNXplCpzDu2dxxM7YN1y8Fgu3QHaPSFpLEjjUd0DWsbGCmEg2J4kjGfzrLnCUNGJQZ7K8bIZcbCdacaQ4flvsArwOQonoXi6jFmx37LAZ46s5uNDI8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8NOEvlIJJ9q28O55ZNUPT0yvJlLtKhBdaC0KhjuF1w_vZYNmdH6bb1laOS1bx0F8skldPVQnNXplCpzDu2dxxM7YN1y8Fgu3QHaPSFpLEjjUd0DWsbGCmEg2J4kjGfzrLnCUNGJQZ7K8bIZcbCdacaQ4flvsArwOQonoXi6jFmx37LAZ46s5uNDI8=w597-h640" width="597" /></a></div><p></p><p>And now she's gone.</p><p>Ang hirap pa ring maniwala na wala na sya. I am slowly - very slowly - coming to terms with it, but once in a while, the tears would come as I remember a random memory and then it hits me all over again that I will never see her again, will never get to hear her colorful stories again, will never go on random team lunch dates again. Ang lungkot. Sobra. Our team will miss her so. </p><p>I will miss her so.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLpkbyX_zZu-Q3B-BAYq2sQ1aSXMDwYKW5jXKaw0nd4LRHmvDTLTGQs9ZoSa8NbXQpAf_g82MlC4GZfsp_7JLbarnLzB6Qcz4q8FbgdcSexKO4JJBhP1WTVVkvF3L-cAUQX2XI7x9KetsUj98J2h2ysLac-zDp49lbgStdkarh4VqJS2kPuFqrPqNm" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLpkbyX_zZu-Q3B-BAYq2sQ1aSXMDwYKW5jXKaw0nd4LRHmvDTLTGQs9ZoSa8NbXQpAf_g82MlC4GZfsp_7JLbarnLzB6Qcz4q8FbgdcSexKO4JJBhP1WTVVkvF3L-cAUQX2XI7x9KetsUj98J2h2ysLac-zDp49lbgStdkarh4VqJS2kPuFqrPqNm=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></div><p></p><p>I am grateful that her daughter Denise welcomed visitors during Ms. Iquit's last few days, and that I had the chance to be with her one last time. It was not easy seeing her so frail, but it was a joy getting to share stories again and seeing her react through a smile or a thumbs-up. More than anything, I am glad that I had the chance to thank her for the good she has brought into my life. I will strive to pay it forward every single day. </p><p>We love you, Ms. Iquit.</p>lengirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958093147215459457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440054662687548001.post-56343044980570500172022-07-27T22:50:00.004+08:002022-10-16T16:11:01.870+08:00Catching up with family - in person, finally!<p>Long time, no blog! </p><p>June and July were quite hectic but also special mainly because our Jakarta fam - my sister Lycel and Rocel - was finally able to come for a visit after over a year. They would usually come home twice a year, specifically summer and Christmas, but of course the pandemic has made travel a challenge. This was especially true in 2021, with the Delta and Omicron surges. They deemed it safer to stay put in Indonesia until the situation improved.</p><p>There were a lot of things we wanted to do during their vacation - road trips to the North, a Masungi hike, and a staycation were among those on the list. However, the main priority was dressing up Ate's new crib in Acacia Estates. In line with this, a visit to Ikea was in order. </p><p>There were six of us: me, Ate, our brother Junjer, Michael, Sloan, and Rocel.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQcBIaylSrRlR1OD0ugZVpXUXz3dsx3TFKTm5brYUl5sKSpVu73GAClNt0jozKl0sarsyk00ER01AuXl8Rb3CHdPOB90zRv2CyTYoGFNvy4cWnjY0nPJYwLXRpRXeU75IrYB0ILraiudw5GyN8s66y_tcPW4CPcAx3YIMbZvg9kBUs6dPeSbJHv1Sf" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQcBIaylSrRlR1OD0ugZVpXUXz3dsx3TFKTm5brYUl5sKSpVu73GAClNt0jozKl0sarsyk00ER01AuXl8Rb3CHdPOB90zRv2CyTYoGFNvy4cWnjY0nPJYwLXRpRXeU75IrYB0ILraiudw5GyN8s66y_tcPW4CPcAx3YIMbZvg9kBUs6dPeSbJHv1Sf=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgga65IFOQrl-WOCdCPaBLLBNmp5iP2X5LR6GOhCfnqnSs1M1CYje-Od-kzS8NlBwpOS25ox2wKajQHfwQrNYF648ykHBySZN6QYvSx81MaMm8Bq7Ju6hUZFOA_Z2_c5t6ZNIbBLurIt1YAiA4N2s-_mI1kj3Rvuljlh5zf0D223w0guFZ-1ftlhYRO" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1014" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgga65IFOQrl-WOCdCPaBLLBNmp5iP2X5LR6GOhCfnqnSs1M1CYje-Od-kzS8NlBwpOS25ox2wKajQHfwQrNYF648ykHBySZN6QYvSx81MaMm8Bq7Ju6hUZFOA_Z2_c5t6ZNIbBLurIt1YAiA4N2s-_mI1kj3Rvuljlh5zf0D223w0guFZ-1ftlhYRO=w360-h640" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEithD1dmiEcBPbDYFzGHJKUEQIzUC-bQt58mv4XCmbigRYGsadaLuJNUTeH1X5-WJFscJB-5WJJ6CiRidTzCsZ2AC-Iya8Oo51gKA5Tj5cmD1pXHF9g902r3p_48mVDoxONXCmEHyNX4ENU9-KtnRf_FG9IyyCamYLEfTHUqg9FBeh4tYjmPpBI0pg6" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEithD1dmiEcBPbDYFzGHJKUEQIzUC-bQt58mv4XCmbigRYGsadaLuJNUTeH1X5-WJFscJB-5WJJ6CiRidTzCsZ2AC-Iya8Oo51gKA5Tj5cmD1pXHF9g902r3p_48mVDoxONXCmEHyNX4ENU9-KtnRf_FG9IyyCamYLEfTHUqg9FBeh4tYjmPpBI0pg6=w360-h479" width="360" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">That photo of Sloan and Ate in a "foot spa" cracks me up hahaha!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ikea was huge and we would have stayed longer, but we needed to head to the National Museum of Anthropology. Ate, Rocel, Junj, and I were there to join their event for Pride month, while Michael and Sloan were going to roam around on their own. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At the event, it was great being among fellow LGBTQIA+ members. We were encouraged to wear colorful outfits, and I came in green coordinates with a Pride flag that I got from the #PrideinPink rally back in May (see previous blog). Meanwhile, my sister shopped for colorful headdresses that we could go twinning in. Unfortunately, she left everything at home. Hahahahahaha! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There was a short program some speakers talked about Pride and there was also a game where they gave away prizes. After that, we proceeded with the free tour of the museum. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoQ_XH5V1uoGeZdo4o8fdr6dQzPO9ThInNcjqodWQ18s2EmZvp4qFArzJHVvKjNo3jOKDpI6iyDTe1wXe66WkM6kC28LIlSuzSpoLU0L6BrD3sESkpk9Ch6B575hxs5MyYE-k__fCMotY7YAkR3KCLOWLBWUZyn0M9sR35DEJUhfHBwvKL9-GbecJa" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoQ_XH5V1uoGeZdo4o8fdr6dQzPO9ThInNcjqodWQ18s2EmZvp4qFArzJHVvKjNo3jOKDpI6iyDTe1wXe66WkM6kC28LIlSuzSpoLU0L6BrD3sESkpk9Ch6B575hxs5MyYE-k__fCMotY7YAkR3KCLOWLBWUZyn0M9sR35DEJUhfHBwvKL9-GbecJa=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br />Photo from the National Museum Facebook page :) Ate, Rocel, and I are 2nd, 3rd, and 4th from left, while Junj is in the lower row, first from left.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was also during this vacation when Ate and Rocel finally got to watch a movie again - their first since the pandemic broke out! They tagged along during my work fam's Love and Thunder movie night. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGA0-9FXdNLw2nMemOB5Nvt9yyxsGHlOaCGpIshv5ge261x1p7PvB8UhF2vT-RPxozbCKBfoaBCJQvNm76zMMr85Eqs6iGeWWGmPJlQw1TFh3y-z3eknQ0d_sv75NBaLgh_mijsyAc33JuyIzeXtf0fiuPvBPqDG_bz_MUbrNRjRjUZBS4rADuETOJ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGA0-9FXdNLw2nMemOB5Nvt9yyxsGHlOaCGpIshv5ge261x1p7PvB8UhF2vT-RPxozbCKBfoaBCJQvNm76zMMr85Eqs6iGeWWGmPJlQw1TFh3y-z3eknQ0d_sv75NBaLgh_mijsyAc33JuyIzeXtf0fiuPvBPqDG_bz_MUbrNRjRjUZBS4rADuETOJ" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnl8EXHfL6VXL-yfCa31iGNNcCNQ8oT64W2M50fTDusbGtCb87vr-0zYriOL5ELooL_W4u0PHaQDq0vo-0t52vDEQgElhTHB3uylaFv5FdfLNiricXixhFo72RR4WS6CfiL8LZBfj0TuXt2wFcHLiLrnsYiDOpvDMjnfz2J-MfxolSe6SlsVkNs3sl" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1013" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnl8EXHfL6VXL-yfCa31iGNNcCNQ8oT64W2M50fTDusbGtCb87vr-0zYriOL5ELooL_W4u0PHaQDq0vo-0t52vDEQgElhTHB3uylaFv5FdfLNiricXixhFo72RR4WS6CfiL8LZBfj0TuXt2wFcHLiLrnsYiDOpvDMjnfz2J-MfxolSe6SlsVkNs3sl=w360-h640" width="360" /></a><br /><br /></div>My favorite part of their visit though was how Sloan was able to spend some quality time with them. He was present in all the get-togethers and even spent a few nights at Ate's new place. He definitely enjoyed the amenities in there (the pool, especially!) and felt quite the grown-up being away from his parents. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">They even went on a Mind Museum date! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmWS3xYFAVMfz3-t1px9NaTMLcPioP0ge2H5xjOshvz6DzFWLHO65Es4eDfGn_4-ny5e_SUEuIzL9lAk9BS1U4EiLeeEVqKDgEMGJW5_UkW0r_JGele9Q5hZ5yVbC-eJLkgHlcZiOIeiMv-Fb4EoX_alBhIe6NPs72xCe_MoL87XMbicTikRSxU3da" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="854" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmWS3xYFAVMfz3-t1px9NaTMLcPioP0ge2H5xjOshvz6DzFWLHO65Es4eDfGn_4-ny5e_SUEuIzL9lAk9BS1U4EiLeeEVqKDgEMGJW5_UkW0r_JGele9Q5hZ5yVbC-eJLkgHlcZiOIeiMv-Fb4EoX_alBhIe6NPs72xCe_MoL87XMbicTikRSxU3da=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sloaney looks so serious here, but he had fun! Haha defensive yarnnn :P</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Meanwhile, Michael and I appreciated the unexpected day-off and we did what any parent would have - got a massage and caught up on sleep! Lol.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We had a couple more get-togethers after that, including Junjer's birthday celebration.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhX6Esxs-WVMMfvVwoCJCOEe4QUXo3nhDSzYkpWwQXmExXPrWx_K97ZqVjTn-TZPaHBb3gv92khfiQvqYC2VjATb8JEhKs6nTB0KAAYk8Ecg4b6MgUL3-nmuJ9aQ8eXCiHLlWYVeRL3i_ae-6j5-UjvO2I2K1rvwWzBrx0Umwy9dDW7LFP6QMV33o3g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhX6Esxs-WVMMfvVwoCJCOEe4QUXo3nhDSzYkpWwQXmExXPrWx_K97ZqVjTn-TZPaHBb3gv92khfiQvqYC2VjATb8JEhKs6nTB0KAAYk8Ecg4b6MgUL3-nmuJ9aQ8eXCiHLlWYVeRL3i_ae-6j5-UjvO2I2K1rvwWzBrx0Umwy9dDW7LFP6QMV33o3g=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Look at the banner at the back - Happy lang, walang Birthday hahahaha! I was in charge of putting it together e tinamad na kong tapusin lolol. Mas masayang maki-chismis e :P<br /><br />Ate is now back in Jakarta, with Rocel following soon. Missing all the family time already, but glad to have had this chance to catch up in person. More importantly, looking forward to October when we would be traveling together. I cannot wait!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>lengirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958093147215459457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440054662687548001.post-59028316274993449632022-06-16T07:50:00.001+08:002022-06-16T20:19:57.903+08:00Naniniwala pa rin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4KLutU7S4Lo2gYxpWWnIgpJpUPj-QNJaxEKG1w1jiWU1C99Z7UTqkbdkFos49sLROiyVy_rNKivuGfAAWlerq6ayvaqHLSnWF5iRzltRpb9sYyxeaDmfPsUL7NtBLcLcFY2_hghrhYc7AhV9l-unToNH6GniTrAdmK-_b0xIqnqs1ccSYYcH2wgcq/s1080/viber_image_2022-06-16_07-33-01-860.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4KLutU7S4Lo2gYxpWWnIgpJpUPj-QNJaxEKG1w1jiWU1C99Z7UTqkbdkFos49sLROiyVy_rNKivuGfAAWlerq6ayvaqHLSnWF5iRzltRpb9sYyxeaDmfPsUL7NtBLcLcFY2_hghrhYc7AhV9l-unToNH6GniTrAdmK-_b0xIqnqs1ccSYYcH2wgcq/w640-h360/viber_image_2022-06-16_07-33-01-860.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><i>Photo from the Pride is Pink march to Ayala Ave. on the day of the Leni-Kiko Miting de Avance. Spot me at the right side, with my ubiquitous yellow bag :)</i></div><p>It's been a month after the elections and it still kind of feels unreal how it all turned out. <br /><br />I can still remember shedding a tear after Vice President Leni Robredo declared back in 2021 that she will be running for president. I never really followed her term, having supported Chiz Escudero in the 2016 VP race, but she really stood out during the pandemic with all the programs she initiated. It was amazing how she came through despite the limited budget and being constantly ignored by the administration. And so, to hear her say she was running for the highest position in the land, I finally felt hope amid all the frustration with the current government.</p><p>VP Leni's campaign evolving into a movement was nothing short of amazing. It was inspiring what she has spurred people to do! Various segments came together - volunteering, marching, donating, and fighting disinformation, among others. I supported in ways I can, eager to do my part in ensuring she will be seated as the country's next president. It gave me so much hope.</p><p>On the other end of that hope, however, was frustration, specifically at the rampant dis/misinformation happening and how some people I personally knew were falling for it. While I am very much ready to respect other people's choices, I couldn't believe that they were actually buying into the dishonest narratives being promoted by the other camp and posting inaccurate information themselves. These are people who are not only smart and accomplished, but also have access to the right information. I couldn't wrap my head around it and it was just disheartening.</p><p>Of course, nothing was as devastating as the actual result itself. What's worse is that the slander did not stop. Despite their candidate's victory, his camp went on propagating divisiveness, which is the exact opposite of the supposed unity they were espousing.</p><p>Grabe, ang sakit sa puso. Ang lalim kasi nung emotional investment kaya ang hirap maka-recover. Good thing I had people I can talk to about it, like my sister, my best friend, my workmates, and of course, Michael, who is a veteran of three presidential campaigns. Talking to them allowed me to process the experience and make sense of things.</p><p>With that, I decided that as painful as the results were, I will not let it or anything that the other camp spews ruin this election experience for me. The campaign brought me hope, taught me to care, and reminded me to stand for those who cannot. I voted with the sincerest of intentions, not just for my family but for the greater community. I stand by my choices, and proudly so.</p><p>Kaya naman patuloy pa rin akong maniniwala sa kulay rosas na bukas. I am ready to continue supporting VP Leni through the Angat Buhay Foundation. I am just so thankful that she is ready to continue working for the people, and I am quite confident that all those who voted for her will continue to walk this journey beside her. Tama nga siguro si Doc Jill ng The Broken Marriage Vow (AC Soriano version preferred haha) - papunta pa lang tayo sa exciting part! I am excited to contribute because I know that she will guide with purpose and transparency. So lavarnnn tayo guise! :D<br /></p><p>(Check out my Pride is Pink experience on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_lenloveslife" target="_blank">my IG stories</a>)</p>lengirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958093147215459457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440054662687548001.post-15666590535727750602022-04-10T17:23:00.008+08:002022-04-11T20:36:09.698+08:00A Garden Picnic at Masungi Georeserve<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGS66dg5Zy431EvcLlEmT0e53Gvhtg7m00PE-UEfIes5TeZWckbEB8LscUWKRdS9MN4rKcTQC0SQwfD72ILfcssyReFplZd8UlMJavJ3MKPpwYDHwrFhL5DuR9nGEOF8rDh925TeNdUQanDyTT_De5uNoZD9VLVFL0QIGQNzuy_GqbfX_hfI4MSJ4h/s1920/6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGS66dg5Zy431EvcLlEmT0e53Gvhtg7m00PE-UEfIes5TeZWckbEB8LscUWKRdS9MN4rKcTQC0SQwfD72ILfcssyReFplZd8UlMJavJ3MKPpwYDHwrFhL5DuR9nGEOF8rDh925TeNdUQanDyTT_De5uNoZD9VLVFL0QIGQNzuy_GqbfX_hfI4MSJ4h/w640-h360/6.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Backtracking on events and this time I'll be writing about that time we went to <a href="https://www.masungigeoreserve.com/" target="_blank">Masungi Georeserve</a>.</p><p>Masungi is a conservation area located in the rainforests of Baras, Rizal. Lots of people visit for the trek experiences they offer, which are totally Insta-worthy albeit hard. Those treks have an age requirement though, and Sloan wasn't old enough to join yet.</p><p>Sometime last year, they started offering a <a href="https://www.masungigeoreserve.com/experience/trails/21/Garden%20Picnic" target="_blank">Garden Picnic</a> which was open to kids and was more of a chill experience compared to the treks. The timing was perfect because I had been on the lookout for activities we could outside the home (malls excluded) for a change of scenery which we all needed. I immediately signed up for a slot a couple of days before Christmas.</p><p>Junjer and his friend Darlyn joined us. Ate and Rocel were also supposed to come, but they decided to postpone their flight back to 'Pinas because the quarantine measures kept getting changed and it was hard to finalize plans.</p><p>Once we got there, we were served fresh dalandan juice which we immediately downed. After that, the short and easy hike began with a park ranger named Shiela leading the way. It was pretty cool because she'd share interesting information about the plants and trees they have there, and how those intertwine in our history and culture. Ang saya pa kasi the whole tour was in Filipino! Nakakatuwa.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5RCtAwHrRBA6hd8hEC7CB8E1An7IARGO7CLAYsdGqEemWeEeP77_d4k4vc-57UhGuNM-W_x_8axDbKLHWp0_0X6THZOVoUmCQwslp1-EpFusQVaqBFKag-6T5MCiQzIXhawDtIJrMUpSc2owWXvgheQXG_ahi-B1g366uuJdflN89nlKYaX45SGV/s1920/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5RCtAwHrRBA6hd8hEC7CB8E1An7IARGO7CLAYsdGqEemWeEeP77_d4k4vc-57UhGuNM-W_x_8axDbKLHWp0_0X6THZOVoUmCQwslp1-EpFusQVaqBFKag-6T5MCiQzIXhawDtIJrMUpSc2owWXvgheQXG_ahi-B1g366uuJdflN89nlKYaX45SGV/w640-h360/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiIOlL9KDnHKEpfL-RXt0JpG4FIhKzbvWveqEuTm9HV4TyeOo1AynUfaqHKqyc5axCLRm3R5FjSMs73tHHGahNBzwQKzZ2TdBXKTmij_SEzah1OlAZccqQERTm2bjrEtLay4KL9pIrNAGGnUT5lQ4XPPTeHRKzjTTya2HwH7JngFDV5K9sfbi0Vi3/s1920/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiIOlL9KDnHKEpfL-RXt0JpG4FIhKzbvWveqEuTm9HV4TyeOo1AynUfaqHKqyc5axCLRm3R5FjSMs73tHHGahNBzwQKzZ2TdBXKTmij_SEzah1OlAZccqQERTm2bjrEtLay4KL9pIrNAGGnUT5lQ4XPPTeHRKzjTTya2HwH7JngFDV5K9sfbi0Vi3/w640-h360/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>After about 20 minutes, we were led to our designated picnic spot. The set-up was super boho chic (I hope I am using that correctly lol) and it was by the stream, which was super nice! View pa lang, nakaka-relax na kaagad. We were handed cold towels to freshen up after the hike, and there were also fans, slippers, and alcohol to help us be more comfortable.</p><p>And then food was served: chicken sandwiches, fresh fruits, calamansi juice, infused water, and chips with bagoong aioli that I am still dreaming about until now. For dessert, there was mango ice drop for everyone and it was so yummy too! We devoured everything. </p><p>Syempre, pag busog na, masaraptumunganga na lang diba? Lol. It was so tempting to just lie down and chill after! Between the perfect weather and the sound of the birds' chirping, it was hard not to go into full relaxation mode. However, the place was too pretty to not explore, so we waded in the stream, checked out the rock formations, lay down on the hammocks, and of course took photos in between.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8xlDInbOaTWHbab1NQfGfZmFgU_kDxuL-ZmJOBp5LV-NdAMBeILZ8zSlMz3wrGV1f498EA-atf7aaUUjin2cLYmSpW6Lta1auzVbFDNNtDEk9h_wl91svejQZXk14hz73wJjhnpZoehu_ed7b4TiGPaJJ9mEpJB-FHdw8AfUvHhd3V6Xv_P8mWcu/s1920/7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8xlDInbOaTWHbab1NQfGfZmFgU_kDxuL-ZmJOBp5LV-NdAMBeILZ8zSlMz3wrGV1f498EA-atf7aaUUjin2cLYmSpW6Lta1auzVbFDNNtDEk9h_wl91svejQZXk14hz73wJjhnpZoehu_ed7b4TiGPaJJ9mEpJB-FHdw8AfUvHhd3V6Xv_P8mWcu/w640-h360/7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhGtL7ll140KYS6ocD5L_QV17qD339oZ8n7Umjnq6gu6hcc_GTzPBACr6C6zGrKUf4JXWUb5uyX3X2WDLHSXG2_qmnAoZOkB4cOrGaWWx4bYRFgwVYywJiil9Zn5eIzq_CNdNViG-5vxyfWIaaat7EbWEyCIT_vqGCrJ_hnAmEpjq652iGDQRDqY5/s1920/8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhGtL7ll140KYS6ocD5L_QV17qD339oZ8n7Umjnq6gu6hcc_GTzPBACr6C6zGrKUf4JXWUb5uyX3X2WDLHSXG2_qmnAoZOkB4cOrGaWWx4bYRFgwVYywJiil9Zn5eIzq_CNdNViG-5vxyfWIaaat7EbWEyCIT_vqGCrJ_hnAmEpjq652iGDQRDqY5/w640-h360/8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZAdgOV1On_O281_cmjQqfLsCY1hkcx7Q_tNz4Ps7b8LXqQHAeg7MRI4Ap-56JkTeXqlX6-DXyLoGbapOpMaCsaHf7snUPjkkjFUF7LZ6kioLXJCP_uMZK8UUG0MSSFr2EHl0w0uq3n0Nobi6-5xBuHYnR4HHQwsyRknSo9GPb5K4ZRQ1-yy-Wo9Z/s1920/9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZAdgOV1On_O281_cmjQqfLsCY1hkcx7Q_tNz4Ps7b8LXqQHAeg7MRI4Ap-56JkTeXqlX6-DXyLoGbapOpMaCsaHf7snUPjkkjFUF7LZ6kioLXJCP_uMZK8UUG0MSSFr2EHl0w0uq3n0Nobi6-5xBuHYnR4HHQwsyRknSo9GPb5K4ZRQ1-yy-Wo9Z/w640-h360/9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkGu1pUylaO6_w1ryK7ClcrhG9jUvP1NBdxjvye518coQNxKBLcGIoYoKSeYfeb-OqZbvnwcR7WDdWCDfPUBM6PIiS66cSmPzUXC1TryOVi_1gmXqvezBMY19SqlVl9VtBsLCjtzfNS_ikyRN1otZtB044bj2y3NeJk5A_4E4-TCTLr06aws34yW5/s1920/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkGu1pUylaO6_w1ryK7ClcrhG9jUvP1NBdxjvye518coQNxKBLcGIoYoKSeYfeb-OqZbvnwcR7WDdWCDfPUBM6PIiS66cSmPzUXC1TryOVi_1gmXqvezBMY19SqlVl9VtBsLCjtzfNS_ikyRN1otZtB044bj2y3NeJk5A_4E4-TCTLr06aws34yW5/w640-h360/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLEXNcXUf8jtTd1ICjlnr0lckSim-5nMZQC8ZofJaGU2Oq9FFDq7gAIgq4kQZ6IkQwrNEcwx3XtZR15Gv6M3Cw7iWu2YFhFiGbejQyyk6G96NoVkCTyOJ3zhDCR0FBDVgCpVJXTK90rlBj6WV0p11rOE-OU9ybIzfReaL0ignj8Yjj8DUT9WQ12C8I/s1920/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLEXNcXUf8jtTd1ICjlnr0lckSim-5nMZQC8ZofJaGU2Oq9FFDq7gAIgq4kQZ6IkQwrNEcwx3XtZR15Gv6M3Cw7iWu2YFhFiGbejQyyk6G96NoVkCTyOJ3zhDCR0FBDVgCpVJXTK90rlBj6WV0p11rOE-OU9ybIzfReaL0ignj8Yjj8DUT9WQ12C8I/w640-h360/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>When we went back to our picnic area, the tea-tasting began. I think we tried out about nine different types of tea, all of which were made using the plants found inside Masungi. Dani, The park ranger who led the activity, shared the health benefits of each one and it was a fun experience as well.</p><p>After the tea-tasting, we started packing up as we were going to Pinto Art Museum after. That will be for another backtrack blog, but for now, ending it here with a recommendation to go and check out the Masungi Georeserve Garden Picnic. You won't regret it! :)<span> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pv1LNm_muZ6Lt2SCk2fwk_ueTZohXYVfcjkhAbpOghEmdU_e6O8YLmS4xOx832nfhAuKvMntqvwIgDswB3V5xLs5WlASt6OwMxUJS-ppnmTjSqrO_tezWNnFeRGM5zGmVIFXjaYEv4cJ0-KvF3VmgSdtNFAtJBugWAGSTzN4tlSjKKO0uVtBY6UB/s1920/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pv1LNm_muZ6Lt2SCk2fwk_ueTZohXYVfcjkhAbpOghEmdU_e6O8YLmS4xOx832nfhAuKvMntqvwIgDswB3V5xLs5WlASt6OwMxUJS-ppnmTjSqrO_tezWNnFeRGM5zGmVIFXjaYEv4cJ0-KvF3VmgSdtNFAtJBugWAGSTzN4tlSjKKO0uVtBY6UB/w640-h360/5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Credits to my brother Junjer for the wonderful 2nd, 3rd, and 7th photos! A far cry from my super wholesome shots hehe. Oh, and here's a short vlog - which I hesitated posting because I had a huge zit and was totally unprepared to do spiels so I was just blabbing hahahaha! Pero sayang naman yung effort at sumubok pa kong gumawa ng korning OBB so might as well post lololol. Plus I really did want to document the experience and hopefully encourage more people to try it out too :D</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="352" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IMbTJIcUA2w" width="423" youtube-src-id="IMbTJIcUA2w"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>lengirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958093147215459457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440054662687548001.post-34272688770491830922022-03-28T06:35:00.005+08:002022-03-28T06:37:03.651+08:00Finally back in a movie theater!<p>It's been weeks since we watched it, but I just have to write about Spiderman: No Way Home.</p><p>Michael, Sloan and I were super excited about the movie that we reserved tickets as early as December last year for the January 8, 2022 opening. Unfortunately, towards the end of 2021, COVID-19 cases started to rise because of the Omicron variant which is highly contagious. We didn't want to risk it so we cancelled the tickets. It turned out to be a good decision because later on, alert levels were raised and kids were again prohibited in public establishments.</p><p>The situation improved come February and luckily, No Way Home was still showing in theaters. We immediately booked tickets for a late Friday night screening at the Power Plant Mall in Makati.</p><p>Upon getting there, we had dinner at The Grid and went around a bit before the 8pm screening. We were quite giddy at the mere thought that we were out as a family!</p><p>We then headed to the theater. It was quite surreal being inside one after so long! We weren't exactly watching a lot of movies pre-pandemic, but then we at least knew that we could do so anytime we wanted to. And while movie nights at home are also fun, it's just different watching one inside a cinema.</p><p>Thinking about it now, I think the last movie we watched in a theater was actually Spiderman: Far From Home, so it kinda seems serendipitous that No Way Home would be our comeback movie :D</p><p>Inside the theater, the one-seat-apart rule was in place, and there were cardboard versions of Keanu Reeves and Carrie Ann Moss to remind us of that.</p><p>And then the movie started...</p><p>It was so good!!! It didn't event matter that we had already been spoiled about the appearances of past Spidermans Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield. That did not ruin the experience and we were still able to enjoy every moment of it, more so because the last-full-show crowd was so engaged and reactive. We were all yelling and gasping and clapping in the pivotal scenes. Towards the end, we all applauded. Man, what an ending that was! And what an awesome shared experience after years of isolation huhu. </p><p>Overall, it was the perfect movie-theater comeback for us <3 </p><p>I am just so happy that the pandemic situation is continuously improving and that life is slowly getting back to normal. Hopefully, this is the beginning of the end of the pandemic. Fingers crossed!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZXzDOiZjNPxO1OUwUOOnhjyRLuoPHKdPudZtXvJYIyIaonhBFfFyVHvOsMJ9yBpkSp8n5iuo7MTRG2DBpK8w0QOWOjDZQxbG-Lzhn-05cJ8lQX1AbwRkI-Rb5AdiaUo07OGD4rLuXjHruF8TbHRphSbM6v3Fvy02pyyVXfI7_Jx-UaE7bS3TkF5NN" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="400" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZXzDOiZjNPxO1OUwUOOnhjyRLuoPHKdPudZtXvJYIyIaonhBFfFyVHvOsMJ9yBpkSp8n5iuo7MTRG2DBpK8w0QOWOjDZQxbG-Lzhn-05cJ8lQX1AbwRkI-Rb5AdiaUo07OGD4rLuXjHruF8TbHRphSbM6v3Fvy02pyyVXfI7_Jx-UaE7bS3TkF5NN=w640-h482" width="640" /></a></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoWEcoL9kU59trvPjQUhFt8cbuZFUZEKbp-XdNCYAO_H5rnNYLraXTY8q-P9hu5yTxlcmkPYm-rdtoy0bsAbemP33deojOBdCyt6UXUT1ebbptVPoBBus7sbsomWjvaS9jnIo2JglMz3HkDYgTv4YegswUHagQaLhsJRxBeMscw2mhMYXTif4jl2q/s1800/0-02-06-7eeaf292fc9f4600263784cbf611eaf2977d9f34ffedb0ff10ad01bd0fd2b81f_1c6daaa79358db.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1013" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoWEcoL9kU59trvPjQUhFt8cbuZFUZEKbp-XdNCYAO_H5rnNYLraXTY8q-P9hu5yTxlcmkPYm-rdtoy0bsAbemP33deojOBdCyt6UXUT1ebbptVPoBBus7sbsomWjvaS9jnIo2JglMz3HkDYgTv4YegswUHagQaLhsJRxBeMscw2mhMYXTif4jl2q/w180-h320/0-02-06-7eeaf292fc9f4600263784cbf611eaf2977d9f34ffedb0ff10ad01bd0fd2b81f_1c6daaa79358db.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11dLbekN1s5nYUqojOkCYX7EFsP5Vz-Aw7dqyYFe3_zne2Bzi5np6COAaRSyEABWRD7O2cBeHk_vmsUI9ZgZPLJOx11wTkJiUCk3iDxo_F70Bj5uVHLoQrZdh9h3x1ZbFMINVRmKYKRq_PzPhmWN78_wNF2yyRQqcL9lXb4BJaikABtWMjSGwwUJh/s1800/0-02-06-92bf5a54a2498ba6567030444275029fa1b191abf4533b6de4a242c88c623c24_1c6daaa7919744.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1014" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11dLbekN1s5nYUqojOkCYX7EFsP5Vz-Aw7dqyYFe3_zne2Bzi5np6COAaRSyEABWRD7O2cBeHk_vmsUI9ZgZPLJOx11wTkJiUCk3iDxo_F70Bj5uVHLoQrZdh9h3x1ZbFMINVRmKYKRq_PzPhmWN78_wNF2yyRQqcL9lXb4BJaikABtWMjSGwwUJh/w180-h320/0-02-06-92bf5a54a2498ba6567030444275029fa1b191abf4533b6de4a242c88c623c24_1c6daaa7919744.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIGkCZK3dkB6ZaDdWBcZWlY8bjEk6JnHdPBHtTaLtd3x2oJXZ804jqlJmU5eYJl7h5ErTW2wPyYdepJnWK-pLEEgkcwTOHHZXIbCulySCr4yPs3dJ-1YFqS2M2bXjP1k21EjCNvsGXuYa_lKzqpF8A9TZSwYGfyBo09ecr4su6tA4lcIXMLl5CRlL/s1800/0-02-06-5655b81e7a8c07652cf1ce280fd7d5a775ab6e3daeabe80dab22a08d60daa428_1c6daaa7934770.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1013" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIGkCZK3dkB6ZaDdWBcZWlY8bjEk6JnHdPBHtTaLtd3x2oJXZ804jqlJmU5eYJl7h5ErTW2wPyYdepJnWK-pLEEgkcwTOHHZXIbCulySCr4yPs3dJ-1YFqS2M2bXjP1k21EjCNvsGXuYa_lKzqpF8A9TZSwYGfyBo09ecr4su6tA4lcIXMLl5CRlL/w180-h320/0-02-06-5655b81e7a8c07652cf1ce280fd7d5a775ab6e3daeabe80dab22a08d60daa428_1c6daaa7934770.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p></p>lengirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958093147215459457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440054662687548001.post-43644920960783113942022-02-05T19:52:00.008+08:002022-02-07T05:50:50.582+08:00Putting down roots<p>There aren't a lot of good things that we can associate 2020 with, it being the onset of the pandemic. There was so much uncertainty then, we were all worried about catching the dreaded illness, and we were stuck inside for such long periods.</p><p>One upside of the latter for Michael and me is that we were able to save a bit. Since there wasn't much to do and no place to be, our money remained intact - which also proved the we were indeed misspending haha. I was definitely able to relate to <a href="https://in.pinterest.com/pin/664703226241906231/">this meme</a> when it made its way into my feed lol. </p><p>Eager to not let this financial reawakening pass, we boosted our emergency fund, got health insurance, and Michael invested in a business. The biggest accomplishment though was getting a house up North.</p><p>This is how the plan for the place looks like:</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhITohzxVMNDlnJuG6ybIe0kTh7D1SiTwW7kDFYU5XeicP-MQ04K5e_lv9olxznf6iTarKi0ROLRRHNDkrKeRKF8wwEhrsyurMK-vNhRgs7jmxmIqWCHrGL-HEgZxiArzU7HGlessRWMrAr-ROuaph92im315jAeF4pGtCz2YMjyLIX_B1gPBVVqqwM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1366" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhITohzxVMNDlnJuG6ybIe0kTh7D1SiTwW7kDFYU5XeicP-MQ04K5e_lv9olxznf6iTarKi0ROLRRHNDkrKeRKF8wwEhrsyurMK-vNhRgs7jmxmIqWCHrGL-HEgZxiArzU7HGlessRWMrAr-ROuaph92im315jAeF4pGtCz2YMjyLIX_B1gPBVVqqwM=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>I discovered it through a Facebook ad and we decided to inquire. It was at pre-selling rate so the price was good, plus it's a fraction of what you'd spend for a very small space in the metro. We thought it was a good choice for a retirement home because it's outside Metro Manila yet accessible to hospitals, malls, and an airport. The latter is important to me because I have my sights set on sending Sloan abroad for college. Hindi ko pa sure kung paano ko siya pag-iipunan pero bahala na si Batman haha! </p><p>The property we got was a simple three-bedroom house and lot, which I think is just right for our needs. It's tucked in a quiet area and is within a gated subdivision that has lots of greenways, a clubhouse, pools, and shops. The plan for the entire place looks great, and fingers crossed they will indeed deliver on that. </p><p>Construction has started but there has been some delays due to the lockdowns, but hopefully we'll get to see our unit soon. And should we decide that we'd like to live elsewhere (as I still wish to have a place in the metro as an option), then we could rent it out and it could function as a source of passive income.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3eovB-cl2PaRykG6wgQJwX1yDrDKPT1yDyOf9QJ3gKJRnmpUIimCSAGnR36xlCs832cf2JcxdPni7AP5JU2ksJGcblayJmz3Tph-40jPwAOCMtm66k2A0JhV3RiQT-qJJ-EFFM772Az7jgGxnJd9Ek6rWA4F7q6Zp1XkTcQTYitDa_B_guvFnZ0O6" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="569" data-original-width="854" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3eovB-cl2PaRykG6wgQJwX1yDrDKPT1yDyOf9QJ3gKJRnmpUIimCSAGnR36xlCs832cf2JcxdPni7AP5JU2ksJGcblayJmz3Tph-40jPwAOCMtm66k2A0JhV3RiQT-qJJ-EFFM772Az7jgGxnJd9Ek6rWA4F7q6Zp1XkTcQTYitDa_B_guvFnZ0O6=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHMznWoXbkOp179m1f3F9PP1-DrOEkw0dEc3qvt0cflCkQQgJgv-lcV17O__38yxsRp8Hn-H_nLL0ewJ3VnVsxfDI-u7vj9tLYM0En4FGDRtv7uTB3hkoBODXmjsILo-kNg0aFC4fpbcIzCqCZP8TJ1hi25JaF1nv8nbGWHOtOD42EgJDLBOHeT1qK" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHMznWoXbkOp179m1f3F9PP1-DrOEkw0dEc3qvt0cflCkQQgJgv-lcV17O__38yxsRp8Hn-H_nLL0ewJ3VnVsxfDI-u7vj9tLYM0En4FGDRtv7uTB3hkoBODXmjsILo-kNg0aFC4fpbcIzCqCZP8TJ1hi25JaF1nv8nbGWHOtOD42EgJDLBOHeT1qK=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div>Those are the model units right there, and ours will supposedly look like the one in the middle :) Now we just need to finish with the payment lol. <br /><br />It's going to take much discipline, especially now that we're able to go out a bit more, which means there will be a tendency to spend. Pero kaya yan! Fighting! I'm super excited about putting down roots and am already thinking about how we can dress it up. I also daydream about how Michael and I would be in our golden years - just hoping though the stairs won't be such a struggle for our knees :P<div><div><br /></div></div>lengirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958093147215459457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440054662687548001.post-45100961785206154542022-01-22T16:19:00.000+08:002022-01-22T16:19:28.480+08:00Resolutions update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinN4SiHn-Qs_mASRznglQ98dgn3cZcrCkTPpzFuMtYSM9kulqxV_VFtc-E8ol5G2rcYoZpd9hui3h3Wi0xJ2nOzkGPTE48dEXyUydnU6UcdSOn1aALQIDCiJU91ecKOqJS9UScTbHxuX9zZW-R02Iy5OSph0H7pSsUfHPoYrw0AGIk2BcXaEScmjQb=s1440" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinN4SiHn-Qs_mASRznglQ98dgn3cZcrCkTPpzFuMtYSM9kulqxV_VFtc-E8ol5G2rcYoZpd9hui3h3Wi0xJ2nOzkGPTE48dEXyUydnU6UcdSOn1aALQIDCiJU91ecKOqJS9UScTbHxuX9zZW-R02Iy5OSph0H7pSsUfHPoYrw0AGIk2BcXaEScmjQb=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><p>First, an update on how I did in the <a href="http://lenloveslife.blogspot.com/2021/02/two-resolutions.html" target="_blank">two resolutions</a> I set for myself last year.</p><p>On the goal of not shopping for clothes, it was quite easy during the first part of the year. With the Delta variant causing a new round of lockdowns and my general goal of staying COVID-free, mall trips were limited and there really was no point in shopping. Towards the end of the year however, sticking to the resolution became more of a challenge.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZwX5KVbHk_KIcHk_mp1byMckfkzmxT45AGErEnGp-TJ03h45t0Qifw_RSDIRoyE-mH3QbaJFiEE0waM1gv63721K9RTGv5cArv1Z5YJbR5nR46QHCsfhy4G2xIdIn2vt1VgGJc8r_5D5FMUZlD6FJ0mKGZmkkdAgdEbZZG_27Yb1rJ-wVgqSgvVyi=s1440" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZwX5KVbHk_KIcHk_mp1byMckfkzmxT45AGErEnGp-TJ03h45t0Qifw_RSDIRoyE-mH3QbaJFiEE0waM1gv63721K9RTGv5cArv1Z5YJbR5nR46QHCsfhy4G2xIdIn2vt1VgGJc8r_5D5FMUZlD6FJ0mKGZmkkdAgdEbZZG_27Yb1rJ-wVgqSgvVyi=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></p><p>It started during my birthday. I thought I'd do a bit of shopping. Nothing exorbitant, just a little treat. And then cases started going down and we had a bit more freedom to go out. That got me excited about dressing up and fixing myself up, especially since I've been copped up at home for most of the year. That triggered a bit more shopping! Although, in my defense (lol), it's not like I'd go crazy - there was always this guilt that I was going against my resolution! Still, naging marupok ako don haha.</p><p>All in all, I'd say I was about 70% successful in achieving this goal. Hindi na rin masama :D I was able to beef up my savings and investment, and I am now in a better place financially than I was when I started the year. So yay me!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhg-xnvsZNQXA5s3WNc5CIijqKXIE-M80Z8yIDw2LsYvhvypBfjhxOXnlBu9QQs1L2Vv_EvirN6AU7SI2ujaOzYD6U6qddRBva4PT2Rx20w3L_0ytNxQl7AHGgjM8ZCTMZ7AW3YmRWEc-DKphmrBODlWiNv4XNo9kyvskzCp9a7O-dJJd1iCK2gKsCW=s1440" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhg-xnvsZNQXA5s3WNc5CIijqKXIE-M80Z8yIDw2LsYvhvypBfjhxOXnlBu9QQs1L2Vv_EvirN6AU7SI2ujaOzYD6U6qddRBva4PT2Rx20w3L_0ytNxQl7AHGgjM8ZCTMZ7AW3YmRWEc-DKphmrBODlWiNv4XNo9kyvskzCp9a7O-dJJd1iCK2gKsCW=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></p><p>As for the second resolution, it was a bit harder to track because it's not a goal I can measure. There were bouts of me feeling bad about my weight and all, but I would pull back on it by reminding myself about the more important matter: that I am generally healthy amid a pandemic! I have managed to steer clear of COVID-19 three years in, although there have been other health issue like undergoing a cyst excision last year and then tonsillopharyngitis back in 2020. But overall, good job, body!</p><p>That leads me to my resolution this year: I will be focusing on health. I haven't really mapped this one out just yet, but two goals I can think of are losing weight (pa rin lolol) and improving my scores in the annual physical exam at work. Last year's result indicated high cholesterol and upper normal blood pressure, and I would like to see an improvement on that.</p><p>It's a bit of challenge considering I started 2022 with by having a minor procedure done on my back, and I am not allowed to exercise just yet while the wound is healing. Perhaps I can just use this time to write down specifics of how I will achieve this goal, para naman may direksyon ako and hindi lang basta thoughts and prayers hahaha.</p><p>So there. Wish me luck! And good luck to you too in case you have any resolutions as well. Kung may nagbabasa man nito, that is lol :P</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwIqKY57sB_37y9BZdkL0HADj8dDyCFAWPsG2BGpB2AvQShpipeYmq7looRTYSj6Im18GHdxryzZUNky6qsA0buZ0M2zlay_Vq10-6jB1Yktl4hcnzTEKhdRLz9WwG20RgffoBxGhdfRX5m8nQmPZdWczFSll9b9zOIPZKnguadzb4Np31HAtYFoUt=s1440" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwIqKY57sB_37y9BZdkL0HADj8dDyCFAWPsG2BGpB2AvQShpipeYmq7looRTYSj6Im18GHdxryzZUNky6qsA0buZ0M2zlay_Vq10-6jB1Yktl4hcnzTEKhdRLz9WwG20RgffoBxGhdfRX5m8nQmPZdWczFSll9b9zOIPZKnguadzb4Np31HAtYFoUt=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></p>lengirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958093147215459457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440054662687548001.post-30473243089275784922022-01-12T22:33:00.004+08:002022-01-12T22:48:47.655+08:00Experience the Sun<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsosOK5yhuJeJaHnGcoZlMqXoL2GxIoPHRdmnD9eVjUH-UtHArL1CGkxiiJu3d-npHLwtAroce8dPNrDVHXRLRcpGpnm-Vhr8wInEEcRUpsiT-D2myccP6xHPVLO-a_g3x2fXb8uGf3u4MGOJaTN461DDptIBsRo2ojO6OtWGhoxG-X2Emdum4cRpq=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsosOK5yhuJeJaHnGcoZlMqXoL2GxIoPHRdmnD9eVjUH-UtHArL1CGkxiiJu3d-npHLwtAroce8dPNrDVHXRLRcpGpnm-Vhr8wInEEcRUpsiT-D2myccP6xHPVLO-a_g3x2fXb8uGf3u4MGOJaTN461DDptIBsRo2ojO6OtWGhoxG-X2Emdum4cRpq=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>One of 2021's highlights would definitely be being a part of a regional training program at work called Experience the Sun (ETS). This is funny because I was totally reluctant to be a part of it in the beginning. But I'm getting ahead of the story lol.</p><p>Every year, our leaders pick about five employees to represent the country in ETS, not just to participate but also to compete with teams from six other Asian countries where Sun Life operates. Participants are given a business goal and they have to design, implement, and present a project that would fulfill that goal.</p><p>The challenge is that this training is on top of our usual deliverables. I've had the opportunity to assist past teams in their projects, so I knew how demanding it can be of one's time. I was always like, "Whoa, I wouldn't wanna be you!" </p><p>Joke's on me cause I got picked this year lololol.</p><p>I really wanted to back out. It was tough enough being a part of it, but we were also coming after a back-to-back win for the Philippines, so the pressure was high! I was thinking, "Masaya naman ako sa buhay - okay na siguro ito." Hahahaha! </p><p>At the same time though, I was conscious about how that would reflect on me - to back out after being specifically chosen out of thousands of others. Moreover, I was actually quite curious as to how I would perform when thrown into a a whole new environment than the one I've been in all these years. Maybe it would be good to shake things up a bit, find out what more I can offer? </p><p>Well, ETS definitely delivered on those. I was exposed to aspects of the business I didn't really know much about before. Good thing I had the most awesome teammates - Mike, a Cluster Head in our Sales Department, and Marlo, a Portfolio Analytics Manager in our Investments Department. There were supposed to be four of us, but unfortunately, Tin, who is from our Products team, had to withdraw a few weeks in due to an urgent matter. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNO2PtwqK8QauStRAzxUDPXPHfkZU21Hx5M7vmhs5mURAEVz2_qfdFkE5ZDzPKuzIA-jZjemZsoDGpaOXJ3pHCspaIgbVsJ8O9rbHgfeKnzZpY8KdZrcPJ7cVmGpLO_SqY5timlEtVs65P1zAOQ1clv62qVv8KIfspdyGw8gbTnMwWlO-9JIgwgsn-=s874" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="874" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNO2PtwqK8QauStRAzxUDPXPHfkZU21Hx5M7vmhs5mURAEVz2_qfdFkE5ZDzPKuzIA-jZjemZsoDGpaOXJ3pHCspaIgbVsJ8O9rbHgfeKnzZpY8KdZrcPJ7cVmGpLO_SqY5timlEtVs65P1zAOQ1clv62qVv8KIfspdyGw8gbTnMwWlO-9JIgwgsn-=w640-h362" width="640" /></a></div><p>Mike, Marlo, and I exchanged knowledge and ideas, and always came through for one another as we all struggled to balance ETS with our actual jobs. We were ably assisted by our HR talent partner Chiqui, who kept us in line and was basically the fourth member of our team. For six months, we attended workshops together, met practically every day and sometimes even on weekends over Zoom to refine our idea, consulted with so many colleagues for guidance, implemented our project, and refined it along the way.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEii9soxh-EEa0EJEsffjjWsOJiOkaX1YHZ7wBJXQ8EmZ8dXB-wQ-00ztGaHF-OzHr9_sd1wcvor_tQxmByi-aLeIYpIFM-c90QrHOC5W9mmzf15TVQo_JBvd1KmyxlZvHpi4IowSx09Ay4-HhQ0G-d-fzXF7LYJkXrLywK5J16cqH7YhImD7HScYZHI=s834" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="834" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEii9soxh-EEa0EJEsffjjWsOJiOkaX1YHZ7wBJXQ8EmZ8dXB-wQ-00ztGaHF-OzHr9_sd1wcvor_tQxmByi-aLeIYpIFM-c90QrHOC5W9mmzf15TVQo_JBvd1KmyxlZvHpi4IowSx09Ay4-HhQ0G-d-fzXF7LYJkXrLywK5J16cqH7YhImD7HScYZHI=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></p><p>Our project revolved around proactive contact. I came up with the handle "Power of Proactive," which I'm pretty proud of because of the alliteration plus the cute acronym (POP!) hihi. It was an ambitious undertaking because we were engaging practically every type of stakeholder, and naturally the stress levels were high. We often felt like we were taking one step forward and two steps back. Thankfully though, the pilot test went well! </p><p>Now we just needed to present this project and its results in a way that would wow the panel. </p><p>The final presentation had two parts: one was with the Philippine Leadership Team (PLT) and the other was with the Asia Executive Team (AET). Here, I was able to maximize my creativity and knowledge of copywriting, video editing, streaming and more. Shoutout ko lang yung Canva na gamit na gamit ko for all the design and layout needs! Sobrang sulit ang Canva Pro ko lol. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='413' height='343' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxm9JJb3E-mymzl9bsWnt46JLi6iHrsGjLP17dqFoI460OUqfx8AzQTnh2edCahqwdvvbqTUiPR6O6NI5Qm5g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p>After so many content tweaks, mock presentations, and Q&A practice, we felt like we were finally ready.</p><p>...and we aced our PLT presentation! </p><p>As we prepared for the AET presentation, we also finally got to meet in person. Mike flew in from Iloilo where he's based and we all reported to the office for the first time in months. We set-up our war room in one of large meeting rooms, rehearsed over and over again, and practiced for the Q&A as well.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='410' height='340' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwtrRW3DzfE88jtMS2P9ofofQJ-b5clGJIoSDaUsnfEglqJcSpU9xoaSgsUY18rdihwsG08o1j9Mdtbml40ng' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p>When we were starting out, I wasn't too focused on winning. I just wanted us to come up with a good project, present it, and then bahala na. But at this point, when we've all worked so hard and have given so much of ourselves already, gigil na kong manalo. Hahahaha! It wasn't going to be easy though because our colleagues had amazing projects as well.</p><p>But guess what? We won! WOOHOO! And also, whew! It's finally over!</p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuesE2KHJ3yFu5v4AnfDZghEoHysXQpGJI8SaL9M4Hgt9ABiOMrGwQFTbdD_-f9MEbS8gEJcypV8H9LM-p_Ypo71gtGqHysLoBZUOF9I5IAxfyk8Yw0OMB09T4GV-UaJ36Rq1S7M0bYlz4R3tZQJN8rW1UTCJJWr0K6-BCgsUur8jscXj4YTHEuReJ=s1800"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuesE2KHJ3yFu5v4AnfDZghEoHysXQpGJI8SaL9M4Hgt9ABiOMrGwQFTbdD_-f9MEbS8gEJcypV8H9LM-p_Ypo71gtGqHysLoBZUOF9I5IAxfyk8Yw0OMB09T4GV-UaJ36Rq1S7M0bYlz4R3tZQJN8rW1UTCJJWr0K6-BCgsUur8jscXj4YTHEuReJ=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikgbBuh69AN1jwCMTREwQhUM0WSaTJZ4hFEALnagB0XsRaD36rTAqUDpdewB4Bhb1jm-PycuQkHgZHqYo5bWx1UJpdtUp5md5Io7M1On1hg8ymkvAHLGlml1rU8L2XTMtLjQZfyx8g1X08uBkPZS8UxMu503xQa4fVYS5SEoJxei0dqp6i9tDWMewe=s1800"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikgbBuh69AN1jwCMTREwQhUM0WSaTJZ4hFEALnagB0XsRaD36rTAqUDpdewB4Bhb1jm-PycuQkHgZHqYo5bWx1UJpdtUp5md5Io7M1On1hg8ymkvAHLGlml1rU8L2XTMtLjQZfyx8g1X08uBkPZS8UxMu503xQa4fVYS5SEoJxei0dqp6i9tDWMewe=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoKmz3xJoSg0huK9WaKNni9Re0qW6_bcf621s4TlaYYn5M0ccySRI6CbMH-1heluSkasPNg9xknGKMYGOarQFk7clogGOBsSUI_l7bNU2ykNjMhmdaCh2yoVlOaGpDyUJa1D1ahJVjn4Z9ZJqa5X1Q7r72GUgRpdDxpTU25kwYZtF8JLGJk57GvXge=s1800" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoKmz3xJoSg0huK9WaKNni9Re0qW6_bcf621s4TlaYYn5M0ccySRI6CbMH-1heluSkasPNg9xknGKMYGOarQFk7clogGOBsSUI_l7bNU2ykNjMhmdaCh2yoVlOaGpDyUJa1D1ahJVjn4Z9ZJqa5X1Q7r72GUgRpdDxpTU25kwYZtF8JLGJk57GvXge=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Last photo shows us having dinner courtesy of our Strategy Head Al Cruz, with our CEO, Mr. Benedict Sison, making a cameo. This was at Mamou after our final presentation. The food was so good! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">That sure was quite the thrill. I'm glad that I took it on despite my earlier hesitation. I'm super proud of our project and our team, and grateful for the opportunity and all the help we received along the way. It was also fun getting to know colleagues from different markets, whom I don't have the chance to work with in my usual role. Absolutely one for the books.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, with that, here's to saying yes and giving new things a try every now and then this 2022! It might just lead us to unexpected milestones :)</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1qiFMOzrxbCifKYwpq6ESmG7M4Ac_2UHFzKWDSwHjGlHuLzqIS3YNZF8c7RPGgR8impn9UgvlRUVhR4qPhc2zIU7YJeB2ShpPHi-4xLJ_X12FxyPV2uCZf2Z4_aAC5doOvI7ACl4T-tQR9dcSQp2HQMkgtkNakTdDuCMZO0UApBJZTcsvd3cn2l47=s1800" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1qiFMOzrxbCifKYwpq6ESmG7M4Ac_2UHFzKWDSwHjGlHuLzqIS3YNZF8c7RPGgR8impn9UgvlRUVhR4qPhc2zIU7YJeB2ShpPHi-4xLJ_X12FxyPV2uCZf2Z4_aAC5doOvI7ACl4T-tQR9dcSQp2HQMkgtkNakTdDuCMZO0UApBJZTcsvd3cn2l47=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></p></div>lengirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958093147215459457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440054662687548001.post-40281055157814119282021-09-24T19:45:00.001+08:002021-09-25T15:54:52.302+08:00Another ad for Lucky Me!<p>I have a new ad!</p><p>A few weeks ago, Soundesign reached out and asked me to voice a new version of Lucky Me! Curly Spaghetti. I was super excited about it because <a href="http://lenloveslife.blogspot.com/2017/05/lucky-me-curly-spaghetti.html" target="_blank">I voiced the 2017 version</a>, and to have them tap me again must mean they were happy with how that one turned out right? :D</p><p>Since there are still restrictions for recordings, they asked if I am able to record on my own at home. I do have a mic, but don't have a pro set-up like other VO talents do. Good thing my output passed their standards, plus of course, Soundesign engineers are experts at ensuring that sound comes out great.</p><p>Here's the final product:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="399" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wKu7Fix-RMk" width="480" youtube-src-id="wKu7Fix-RMk"></iframe></div><p>Super fun ad! I'm super psyched about this because Lucky Me! has been a favorite brand ever since my radio days. Also, its been a while since I've gotten a VO job because I don't actively pursue it anymore, plus competition has grown tighter with the VO community growing. It's all good though because the community has greatly moved the industry forward, from prompting studios to come up with contracts to identifying standard rates for different projects.</p><p>Here's hoping the next project won't be too far behind!</p><p><br /></p>lengirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958093147215459457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440054662687548001.post-8383480091540668852021-09-12T19:45:00.005+08:002021-09-12T19:45:52.580+08:00Parenting in the time of a pandemic<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIN_LM4CUrZTLZyX7XrrTibYA8nE3J_zgk2FIn1unznZn3gjcpnc7XSAefOwGJD8PRH8zm83y2sPgZh6A14aCfiqzR5Ajy0ylcrUZkuKD2yFnozwclXuhLzFyw_1lehuB9_EYTZi6h_4/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIN_LM4CUrZTLZyX7XrrTibYA8nE3J_zgk2FIn1unznZn3gjcpnc7XSAefOwGJD8PRH8zm83y2sPgZh6A14aCfiqzR5Ajy0ylcrUZkuKD2yFnozwclXuhLzFyw_1lehuB9_EYTZi6h_4/w300-h400/image.png" width="300" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div>I knocked on Sloan's door and asked him to do a house chore, but he told me that he was still in class.<br /><br /> "But you're listening to music," I pointed out. <div><br /></div><div>"Yeah, I'm listening while answering my exams," he answered. "Bawal ba yon?" </div><div><br /></div><div>I was stumped. It's not allowed in school, but what is the rule in this kind of a set-up? I was going to say that he wouldn't be able to concentrate, but he knows that I listen to music a lot when I am writing so it wasn't a viable route for me to take. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thinking that I might ironically end up disrupting his concentration if we discuss further, I decided to just let him be, trusting that he's got it figured out. I think it worked out for the better, but I guess I'll know for sure when I see his grades lol. </div><div><br /></div><div>Minutes later, I was in a Zoom meeting when approached me and started pointing to his closed mouth. </div><div><br /></div><div>"What's happening?" I asked after ensuring that both my mic and camera were closed.</div><div><br /></div><div>It turns our that his problematic tooth, which we haven't been able to consult the dentist about given ECQ Season 3, split when he bit into the fried chicken. I quickly told my teammates that I was logging off from the meeting as I needed to find a dentist for Sloan.</div><div><br /></div><div>The good news is there are three small clinics in our street. We were able to get a slot in the second one we went to. There, Sloan underwent an extraction not just for the tooth that split, but also for the one beside it which had been loose for a while now.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was over in under 30 minutes and it was quite a relief to have it over with quickly.</div><div><br /></div><div>Haaay. This pandemic nga naman - disrupting parent-child dynamics since 2020.</div><div><br /></div>lengirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958093147215459457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440054662687548001.post-17771951995731233352021-07-24T23:23:00.001+08:002021-07-24T23:38:00.662+08:00Down time<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfvJOJ6OqeS57XG03afCeoN3lqkCiRif_aq-4-hsHfvGN2i6DZ0gUiS7fYSxi7XURUtWNKSrmh_6dsaGkyzyPcYI_4J9vaI5EMxUybVxI5FIfotnxmaMKuPSMSnA6tmkUl5tf3aXd1qo/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="651" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfvJOJ6OqeS57XG03afCeoN3lqkCiRif_aq-4-hsHfvGN2i6DZ0gUiS7fYSxi7XURUtWNKSrmh_6dsaGkyzyPcYI_4J9vaI5EMxUybVxI5FIfotnxmaMKuPSMSnA6tmkUl5tf3aXd1qo/w300-h400/image.png" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It's a Saturday night and I'm having Bailey's and smoked cheese while enjoying the quiet that often only comes when work and chores are done and the boys and I hie off to our preferred spots inside our small house.</div></div><p>These little pockets of me-time are very much welcome because the past few weeks have been crazy. Big projects have been overlapping at work, and I have to get so many things done and manage my team while also participating in a regional competition as part of the Philippine team. I am fulfilled because of the creative output I have been churning out, but I am also exhausted because there is just so much to do and it's hard to keep up sometimes. I even (begrudgingly) discontinued my Japanese classes because I just couldn't keep up with the lessons. It was a tough decision to make because I really wanted to learn, pero syempre kasi ayoko rin namang mabaliw hahahuhu.</p><p>And then of course I also have my chores at home. It's a good thing that Sloan's a bit more mature now - he doesn't need my attention 24/7 and can also help out with some of the chores. It's bittersweet because in as much as it is ideal at this time, it's also a stark reminder that my baby boy is fast growing up.</p><p>Stressful as the past weeks (maybe months even lol) have been, there have been rays of sunshine. First and foremost, I was able to get my first dose of COVID-19 vaccine already! </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DRqfr5aBuW2unjBS10tp9IxmgxsPu0pmcKssyukOhxu3EgNoHIMivGgS5mebriYwNf4S1sEtJZVPTnXtKdTli9Cx-NXB9iPYwhA40IKy-wYq3qACElykJmm6Axk-FTYavsqq92hDuCw/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="633" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DRqfr5aBuW2unjBS10tp9IxmgxsPu0pmcKssyukOhxu3EgNoHIMivGgS5mebriYwNf4S1sEtJZVPTnXtKdTli9Cx-NXB9iPYwhA40IKy-wYq3qACElykJmm6Axk-FTYavsqq92hDuCw/w300-h400/image.png" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>I have been waiting so long for this day and I am super grateful that Sun Life came up with its own vaccination program for employees. I enlisted in the Quezon City LGU program but to this day have yet to be scheduled. I also enlisted at Mike's office but they haven't rolled out the program for dependents just yet. As such, I was so excited to have been part of Batch 1 for Sun Life's rollout. Not only was it awesome being vaccinated, it was also a thrill to see officemates I haven't seen for so long.</p><p>Looking forward to my second dose this August!</p><p>We were also able to go on a quick staycation at EDSA Shangri-La Hotel. We originally planned to go to The Mansion at Clark in Pampanga, but it was quite difficult coordinating with them and we weren't getting some of the answers we needed in our inquiries. Perhaps, they are understaffed at the moment - maybe we can try again next time. But it worked out anyway because the stay at Shang was lovely.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSe5e-So0oeyy7l-slu3BpUCNHgYdy9XCaLtlmO0DEDUT4VNTHdF1RrxpD5jCtjhpsUkFeGcknPlR6ef7vPtSBQBE0gGzd91aenOoZr-Lr2nlvkEQVoG6F7RrHWTcgOlflXL37FbZSWg/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSe5e-So0oeyy7l-slu3BpUCNHgYdy9XCaLtlmO0DEDUT4VNTHdF1RrxpD5jCtjhpsUkFeGcknPlR6ef7vPtSBQBE0gGzd91aenOoZr-Lr2nlvkEQVoG6F7RrHWTcgOlflXL37FbZSWg/w300-h400/image.png" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-Qvh4jds49qtcZ0sWZGXBlTTrkGT8kBGEHW1IX_hVQWnd1cGMoppAdwOke8HxdifsA-MQ3giZOPM80dVyi9kI9uY4zwFzlelj0IyFID_0hTPx76Qig-1DAwhbIOJeIHwnLlHDBFSIiw/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-Qvh4jds49qtcZ0sWZGXBlTTrkGT8kBGEHW1IX_hVQWnd1cGMoppAdwOke8HxdifsA-MQ3giZOPM80dVyi9kI9uY4zwFzlelj0IyFID_0hTPx76Qig-1DAwhbIOJeIHwnLlHDBFSIiw/w300-h400/image.png" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjlKd39FGbBHOatgyqUh4zavvlvNJ5UfZP5xtCQzjutVJDdfdhhndtJg-0BwiGvJI7zKaWXkvR0w11-BE1hHp5RAkxIDwdAR00qxvvChhPEBfKSRv3gQSEI4170eq1qCRRp9URstEJeI/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjlKd39FGbBHOatgyqUh4zavvlvNJ5UfZP5xtCQzjutVJDdfdhhndtJg-0BwiGvJI7zKaWXkvR0w11-BE1hHp5RAkxIDwdAR00qxvvChhPEBfKSRv3gQSEI4170eq1qCRRp9URstEJeI/w300-h400/image.png" width="300" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><span style="text-align: left;">We mostly did this so Sloan could enjoy the pool and have a semblance of a summer vacation before he starts his virtual classes for the next school year. We were able to do just that and I'm happy to share that safety protocols were strictly observed in every area of the hotel.</span><p></p><p>Speaking of safety (lol), I had this minor incident at the pool. I was in the shallow part while Sloan was in the 9ft area and as I was wading, I slipped in the portion that goes into the deeper part. The moment I went under water, I panicked for a split second but got myself together, turned back, and started to swim towards the shallow part. All of a sudden, I felt a hand on my arm pulling me up to the surface. I thought it was Sloan, but it turned out to be the lifeguard rescuing me. </p><p>Apparently, the lifeguard blew his whistle then hurriedly dived into the pool to get me, so there was a whole scene. The guard and a supervisor (I think) also came and talked to Michael as they had to write an incident report. </p><p>I felt a little embarrassed because there were other people in the pool, plus - despite not being a skilled swimmer - I felt like I was in control of the situation. As it turns out though, it looked quite the opposite lolol. Michael, who was seated at the lounge area when the incident happened, said I <i>did</i> look like I was struggling, that he actually got up to come and get me just as the lifeguard blew his whistle. It was perfectly understandable of course - they couldn't and shouldn't risk having someone drown on their watch, and so it was better to act than assume that I was a-okay. So props, EDSA Shang!</p><p>That little incident aside though, everything went well.</p><p></p><blockquote cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@_lenloveslife/video/6984907520787664155" class="tiktok-embed" data-video-id="6984907520787664155" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;"> <section> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@_lenloveslife" target="_blank" title="@_lenloveslife">@_lenloveslife</a> <p>who needs a break 🙋♀️ <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/tiktokph" target="_blank" title="tiktokph">##tiktokph</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/fyp" target="_blank" title="fyp">##fyp</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/microvlog" target="_blank" title="microvlog">##microvlog</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/staycation" target="_blank" title="staycation">##staycation</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/edsashangrila" target="_blank" title="edsashangrila">##edsashangrila</a></p> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/swing-lynn-6805307191386557190" target="_blank" title="♬ swing lynn - ✮❦lovdfilmz❦✮⋆">♬ swing lynn - ✮❦lovdfilmz❦✮⋆</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script><p></p><p>Sloan was so happy he got a semblance of life as it was pre-pandemic. He even marvelled at how the overnight stay actually felt like a one-week vacation. </p><p>I'm glad we got to do this, especially since kids are again not allowed to go outdoors. Even so, I am already planning our next activities so that we can be on push-button mode once possible (and after we ensure that it is safe where we're going, of course). We will definitely make the most of it.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYx2d1r7NWSNak6NAGgSDWuId9_vFe39Xd80gobhPPbdwjXQEh8MayunU4_2br6SyUrnk4wVafQwpdBhyndWCcUN296sZFfHkJi77X2TW8xMdeg4c8jlQM3t5m2iWugiwRfb3iDo8wXk/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYx2d1r7NWSNak6NAGgSDWuId9_vFe39Xd80gobhPPbdwjXQEh8MayunU4_2br6SyUrnk4wVafQwpdBhyndWCcUN296sZFfHkJi77X2TW8xMdeg4c8jlQM3t5m2iWugiwRfb3iDo8wXk/w300-h400/image.png" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p>lengirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958093147215459457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440054662687548001.post-60304226877624325772021-05-22T17:15:00.004+08:002021-05-22T21:51:44.053+08:00Bogchi... Chippy!<p>And now for something totally random...</p><p>I was watching old TV commercials on Youtube to see what we can show on The Tita Playlist tonight, when I thought about searching for the ones I did back in college. Not that I was the bida or anything lol. I was just a mere extra in the two I did and I didn't exactly get screen time. </p><p>It was a raket I did when I was in second year college and paid very little, but I was cash-strapped that time and any additional money was definitely welcome. So when my cousin's wife, Ate Joan, asked me if I wanted in on it, I immediately said yes.</p><p>One of TVCs I was an extra in was Chippy, specifically the Bogchi ad which starred The Eraserheads. It was of course exciting because they were my favorite in high school! Seeing them up close during the shoot had me starry-eyed, never mind that we didn't really get a chance to talk to them or anything during the two-day shoot.</p><p>Here's the TVC - try and see if you can catch me!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="337" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/onws7xJQnjs" width="406" youtube-src-id="onws7xJQnjs"></iframe></div><p style="text-align: left;">Well, did you?! Lololol! Low resolution aside, it's pretty much impossible because there was never a shot of me actually facing the camera, kaya sasabihin ko na lang lol. That's me at the leftmost side of the frame, in a green top:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThuy1Ni8eMdy6Oeb4XaTU62Z2QU899YRf0w3LShoiep7keJxK0hTut9HE1PHKulfI4yn-Ioe4R9hrUFGwE9lHXpUAW2limZhrp6iijFU1LWxroRxewNDO6QAoHDA1CNofHRZVauiXk7Q/s601/Screen+Shot+2021-05-22+at+5.00.15+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="601" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThuy1Ni8eMdy6Oeb4XaTU62Z2QU899YRf0w3LShoiep7keJxK0hTut9HE1PHKulfI4yn-Ioe4R9hrUFGwE9lHXpUAW2limZhrp6iijFU1LWxroRxewNDO6QAoHDA1CNofHRZVauiXk7Q/w640-h288/Screen+Shot+2021-05-22+at+5.00.15+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNhOmsYKf_-Lz4gPr3UomjuvIHH3FUvPU8-uUgLp-oLRgDJWGQlnqfAIb4wAPXd2Gt2iN-76sJcGhY2vw_PLb8noT7IPR-uGo86sNDxipvvIin281oXWUDmlRLGk0-QerYi7xAKQcrIs/s598/Screen+Shot+2021-05-22+at+4.58.51+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="598" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNhOmsYKf_-Lz4gPr3UomjuvIHH3FUvPU8-uUgLp-oLRgDJWGQlnqfAIb4wAPXd2Gt2iN-76sJcGhY2vw_PLb8noT7IPR-uGo86sNDxipvvIin281oXWUDmlRLGk0-QerYi7xAKQcrIs/w640-h288/Screen+Shot+2021-05-22+at+4.58.51+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>Not that you can tell, right? Well, you just have to take my word for it lol. I still remember my outfit: an apple green sheer top with huge flower prints and white bootleg pants which I wore with chunky heels that perfectly matched the TVC's retro/psychedelic theme. Yeah, party party! Hahahaha!</p><p>Kung tutuusin, swerte pa ngang nahagip ako ng camera dyan. In the other one I did, a Lux Shampoo ad starring Donna Cruz, we were all just silhouettes lol. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="337" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C2BBY79Y6g4" width="406" youtube-src-id="C2BBY79Y6g4"></iframe></div><p style="text-align: left;">Right?! Lol. It's so funny because all of us extras were dressed to the nines and were all made up to look like we were worthy of being invited to Donna's special birthday celebration; yet, none of us were actually seen onscreen, not even his supposed leading man. Of course, the purpose of having warm bodies in the shoot made sense to me later on when I joined ABS-CBN and saw more of what went on behind the scenes, and more so when I became a part of Sun Life's marketing team.</p><p style="text-align: left;">It's pretty cool remembering this experience. Those were difficult times because of financial issues, but it taught me lessons on handling money plus it gives me a cool story to tell my future grandkids. "Mga apo, see that girl shakin' it right there? That's your lola, kids! Am I groovy or what?" Haha. </p><p style="text-align: left;">So that's it for my random kwento for the day. Until the next one :P</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p>lengirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958093147215459457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440054662687548001.post-66239560646537565302021-05-16T07:56:00.003+08:002021-09-12T20:06:31.922+08:00Persisting<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Trying to look at the brighter side of things can sometimes be a challenge in this environment. I recognize the privileges we are able to enjoy amid the current situation, but there are days when the wave of stagnation hits. It's been over a year since we last experienced living normal lives, and so far, the end of this pandemic is still nowhere in sight.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>I am persisting as best as I can. One way is by trying to get exercise back into my routine. I went on a break after my surgery back in February and it has been a struggle trying to bring my drive back. </div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">...until my work friends Reyna and Carla invited me to join the The Conqueror Virtual Challenges, specifically the <a href="https://www.theconqueror.events/fuji/">Mt. Fuji Challenge</a>. It's a virtual challenge that follows a 76km route to Mt. Fuji in Japan, and you advance along the map as you complete your daily exercise.</div><div><br /></div><div>At first, I was worried about completing it. Work load has been pretty crazy lately that, often, I'd like to just relax and not do anything when I have free time. Plus, I've never signed up for any fitness-related challenge before and I was worried I won't be able to finish. </div><div><br /></div><div>At the same time though, I was also curious to know how I would do. So I signed up. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZxpYIVDH78OxZnifuD9I0H9AQDrjslLkL7UwNKxIr_lptZQzpcrmGUqhpIzkbyWeBCGGrZtyidqJSVfY78nzRWBoQyaE9lifGlJEEh_1M461m4uA606SFl4YeL0Ha8hZzdV8XVqexb8/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="760" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZxpYIVDH78OxZnifuD9I0H9AQDrjslLkL7UwNKxIr_lptZQzpcrmGUqhpIzkbyWeBCGGrZtyidqJSVfY78nzRWBoQyaE9lifGlJEEh_1M461m4uA606SFl4YeL0Ha8hZzdV8XVqexb8/w400-h316/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As it turns out, the challenge is very engaging! I get such a high entering my steps for the day on the app, and seeing the counter advance. I also get to see a street view of where I am in the route, and who else is in the area - well, their pins at least haha. Part of my nightly ritual is taking a virtual stroll through the app and imagining I am in Japan. They also have a Facebook community where people share how they are doing with the challenge they picked, and it's amazing how there are people of different ages and fitness levels - super inspiring!</div><div><br /></div><div>Right now, I am about 60% done, and I am super excited to get my medal because the Mt. Fuji one is super pretty. I'm thinking about signing up for another Conqueror challenge, but let's see.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have also started a <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@_lenloveslife?" target="_blank">Tiktok account</a>! </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Parang kelan lang, ayaw kong mag-tiktok ("Ang tanda ko na para dyan..."). At present, it's actually my favorite creative exercise. for one, there are so many talented content creators in there! From dancers to singers to fitness enthusiasts to cooks to yoyo masters and more. super inspiring! Also, it's a fun challenge matching context with the sounds and effects available and writing a copy that suits it, for a material that should last only a few seconds.</span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Interestingly, my past two posts have garnered hundreds of views versus past numbers, and that pushes me to identify the kind of content that works (not to mention improve my acting hahaha). It hasn't translated to a lot of follows though and maybe i'll get there, but it is fun as it is. Pero shemps, if may TikTok ka, beke nemen.... :P</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, on the Sloan side, there are two significant updates. First, he now has his own bed! </div><div><br /></div><div>In April, he said he wanted to start sleeping in the other room again on his own, never mind if there's onyl a sofa bed in there. We let him be and thought he'd go back to co-sleeping in just a matter of days, but save for a night here and there, he's pretty much marked his territory.</div><div><br /></div><div>With that, we decided to get him his own bed already. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwDo766dx3rosbrJS6Ge_ZU_JaVdiDgd66up3Mff9Hgg_i_oBZzTuQCbbj1wbJwaxw_jq8HD5ODf9coColT8bfjJ3FupqN3V39ahnWb604jAMKsjOuRLa0DHOWtInSJYzN__N9npylAk/s1080/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwDo766dx3rosbrJS6Ge_ZU_JaVdiDgd66up3Mff9Hgg_i_oBZzTuQCbbj1wbJwaxw_jq8HD5ODf9coColT8bfjJ3FupqN3V39ahnWb604jAMKsjOuRLa0DHOWtInSJYzN__N9npylAk/w400-h400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This was super symbolic for me because it's his first bed (well, aside from his crib lol) and it's like, whoa, he's his own person now! He has a bed and all! Haha. He' taller than me already at 10 years old, but it's still hard to believe sometimes how much he's grown! Bahala siya, baby ko pa rin siya lolol.</div><div><br /></div><div>The other update is that he's getting a kitten soon! He has been asking us for a pet, specifically a dog, but unfortunately dogs are not allowed in our building. It so happened that the cat owned by one of the building staff recently gave birth, and one of the kittens was reserved for him. </div><div><br /></div><div>The kitten still feeds from his mom so we couldn't get him yet, but Sloan brings him up when he can so he can get familiar with our house. It's fun seeing him try and take care of a pet. He even gave Michael some money from his savings to buy a bed for the kitten! One time, I saw the kitten napping comfortably on his bed, tapos kinumutan pa niya! </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOmQkiF891c5ClB9jCLUepFRQ8IMEfjcNVndnaQV4cjC2_ctkr2QvKwQM63pb9awb1VRysDNfJ4kuiEeaZxvb9AklHg3miSNe_U3e1XtnAYiZy__v2cTkFYfiDkAKucd2UMamHgdzx_M/s1080/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOmQkiF891c5ClB9jCLUepFRQ8IMEfjcNVndnaQV4cjC2_ctkr2QvKwQM63pb9awb1VRysDNfJ4kuiEeaZxvb9AklHg3miSNe_U3e1XtnAYiZy__v2cTkFYfiDkAKucd2UMamHgdzx_M/w400-h400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Katuwa hehe. I loved having a pet when I was younger and not only was it fun, but it also taught me a lot of lessons about caring and being responsible for another being. I'm hopinh it will be the same experience for him.</div><div><br /></div><div>So that's all for now. I sure hope the upcoming updates will be much more cheerful on the pandemic side of things. Like, I dunno, finally being vaccinated? Fingers crossed. Until then, let's keep on persisting, shall we? </div><div><br /></div>lengirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958093147215459457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440054662687548001.post-51843095776190768462021-03-13T17:02:00.013+08:002021-03-24T07:35:44.607+08:00Saturday morning in UP<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WwEy9-e8YbqY7yZb-PsQReRqjrwUjwRYNJ6UQHRI5XcCpWHkL-FUov7ne4LMGHi9Ir7czMdNFeIwRVhhABjrz8lIg-pQoD5_2_6LN-YlToZWRQ0puZG-aGk3ALW0wQBO2ma3NV1hCrI/s1280/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WwEy9-e8YbqY7yZb-PsQReRqjrwUjwRYNJ6UQHRI5XcCpWHkL-FUov7ne4LMGHi9Ir7czMdNFeIwRVhhABjrz8lIg-pQoD5_2_6LN-YlToZWRQ0puZG-aGk3ALW0wQBO2ma3NV1hCrI/w640-h360/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Throughout this pandemic, Michael and I have been on the lookout for places where we can bring Sloan so he can catch some sun and go running about. He loves playing outdoors so the quarantine has been hard on him because he's not allowed in our usual weekend haunts. While he can play in our street and he and Michael go out for walks, he can't go that far and his movements are limited. </p><p>Sigh. If only this pandemic is being handled properly by those in charge...</p><p>Anyways. Some weeks ago, we learned that UP was once again open to visitors. We weren't too sure if kids were allowed but we thought we'd try anyway. We woke up early one Saturday and put on our sporty outfits.</p><p>There was a crowd when we got there, but there was still enough space for social distancing. Seeing people always has me torn - on one hand, I'm all, "Oh no, there are people here!" because of course you want to stay safe; but then, on the other hand, I'm also like, "Hiiiii, guys!" because I am starving for some socialization and a sense of normalcy hahuhu.</p><p>After parking, we started to walk, taking some photos along the way because whoa we're outdoors! Every time we'd wander off to the grassy areas, security personnel would usher us back onto the street - I guess they want people to stick to the path so it would be easier for them to monitor. It was still nice though.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My favorite part coming across a Toym Imao art on desaparecidos at the Palma Hall. It spurred some conversation about social issues with Sloan. I love that he seemed genuinely interested and even asked questions. I couldn't help but judge the people giggling and taking photos with the art as background - I hope that they also try to understand the message behind the art. </div><p>Michael and Sloan proceeded to jog, while I waked because I am not fond of running. I caught up with them when they they slowed down, then Michael proceeded to finish the route while Sloan walked with me.</p><p>In the Sunken Garden area, we were asked to go a different way because it turned out that kids were not allowed there. I am not too familiar with the streets of UP so we asked for directions and went on our way. The route back to where we were parked was longer, and as we walked, we saw families parked on the side streets, hanging out with younger kids in tow in whatever grassy area was available.</p><p>I could totally relate. I'm sure that like Michael and me, other parents just want their kids to be able to enjoy the outdoors again somehow. Not everyone lives in a spacious home complete with a garden where they can catch some rays, much less in gated subdivision where going out to jog or play is doable. After a year in indoors, cabin fever is more palpable than ever. </p><p>After a while, Sloan and I finally found our way back to the parking area, where Michael was already waiting for us. We drove home, took a bath, and spent the rest of Sunday chilling at home. Bitin pa, pero for now, that would have to do, especially now that UP was once again closed due to the rising number of cases in Quezon City.</p><p>Here's hoping we all get the vaccine soon and it would be somehow safer for people to go out, get some sun, and be around other people again.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="372" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MCz-fw1ddZM" width="447" youtube-src-id="MCz-fw1ddZM"></iframe></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>lengirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958093147215459457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440054662687548001.post-56798303119981532762021-02-15T18:22:00.003+08:002021-02-17T13:35:38.895+08:00A good day<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ZOsP_84SBWKo-0TWXkeuj-UQp2EQ5gagwrOstt1Ug7JaARzKlS-I7Ersm8xREERhStkO8_aophMims4C81i3MiVZFggoidhhmSlJP_K8NdcIzNmbBBvYdEjhtl_vfmYxO0uTI_cbNdA/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ZOsP_84SBWKo-0TWXkeuj-UQp2EQ5gagwrOstt1Ug7JaARzKlS-I7Ersm8xREERhStkO8_aophMims4C81i3MiVZFggoidhhmSlJP_K8NdcIzNmbBBvYdEjhtl_vfmYxO0uTI_cbNdA/w360-h640/image.png" width="360" /></a></div><p></p><p>Today was a big day for me.</p><p>I was scheduled for a follow-up consult with my doctor after last Monday's excision biopsy. This is my third time to undergo such a procedure, but of course, it's never easy waiting on the results because you never when you might be in for some bad news that starts with a capital C. In an effort to keep myself calm, I focused on recovery, finished two chapters of the biography side gig I'm working on, and planned my day out.</p><p>The latter involved going to the bank for some account concerns, getting Sloan's and my passport at the DFA Office in Megamall, and going to The Medical City for my biopsy results and check-up. It's rare that I can get to step out of the house, so I wanted to squeeze in as many errands as I can.</p><p>The bank visit was a breeze so was the ride to Megamall. Unfortunately, things got a bit sour when I got to the mall. Security personnel were asking mall-goers to sign up to the Mandaluyong contact-tracing app called Manda Track, which suspiciously has the current mayor's initials highlighted (ugh). The app asks for some sensitive details that I wasn't comfortable sharing, so I approached the guy in charge to ask about it. He told me that signing up to the app was the local government's mandate and SM was just following orders. I countered that they should have asked how data would be handled as a way of also protecting their customers. </p><p>While I did not yell, I was a bit cross. I could have handled the situation better. After all, he was just doing as he was told and it was not his fault that their management did not properly train them to handle queries. I don't know, I guess my distrust of many people in the government led me to be wary about how my data will be handled, especially with the elections coming up. Apart from that, my nerves were also on the edge due to my impending hospital visit. </p><p>Sigh. </p><p>I ended up signing up anyway because I had no choice.</p><p>There was no line at DFA so getting our passports was quick and easy. After that, I went around the mall a bit but quickly lost interest knowing that I wasn't going to buy anything, committed as I was to my no-clothes-shopping resolution. In fairness naman sa 'kin, wala talaga akong binili na kahit ano lol. Nag-lunch na lang ako.</p><p>Then... moment of truth at the hospital. First stop: Ambulatory Care for the biopsy result. I didn't realize that I was holding my breath in as I waited for the envelope to be handed to me, until I pulled out the paper and out came a long sigh of relief as I saw the result. Benign! I was giddy and teary-eyed, but I kept the good news to myself in the meantime. I wanted my doctor's confirmation first before updating friends and family.</p><p>It didn't take long before I got it. I was all smiles as my doctor explained the results to me. She asked a few questions, checked my wound's healing, and set the date for our next meeting. With that, I finally sent out messages, booked a ride, and went home.</p><p>Overall, it was a good day. I'll take the win. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="362" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uKB1birUvCM" width="434" youtube-src-id="uKB1birUvCM"></iframe></div>lengirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958093147215459457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440054662687548001.post-27889313677558471142021-02-13T14:21:00.000+08:002021-02-13T14:21:05.766+08:00Subok lang naman<p>A few weeks ago, the UP Linguistics Department announced on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/uplinguisticsextrams" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> that they will be holding language classes as a fundraising for their students and alumni. Among the languages available were Bahasa Indonesia/Malaysia, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. I have always wanted to learn a third language so this piqued my interest. Inggit kasi ako sa ate ko who is fluent in Bahasa Indonesia haha. Every time I visit her in Bali or Jakarta, it never ceases to amaze me how she can nonchalantly converse with the locals.</p><p>Apart from the chance to learn a new language, the more important part was that that I can extend some help while at it. I immediately signed up for the Japanese classes and made a humble donation.</p><p>Our first class was this morning and... ang hirap hahaha! </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4Z2L1xUtKLVVuiNUeiUjKuGZwtWutjAA0cl3yi7Ib4cydiA6a7jsGRVwWcB936jAKKC7qnAk2BXPU_kHQaP-4fiD_SwiwJBlkvG-eDhGTkMNmbwKX9GrBSabcCvvoc_z01A_jwXTktk/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4Z2L1xUtKLVVuiNUeiUjKuGZwtWutjAA0cl3yi7Ib4cydiA6a7jsGRVwWcB936jAKKC7qnAk2BXPU_kHQaP-4fiD_SwiwJBlkvG-eDhGTkMNmbwKX9GrBSabcCvvoc_z01A_jwXTktk/w640-h480/image.png" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>First, we each introduced ourselves with a guide that the teacher provided on screen. This part was easy kasi may kodigo lol. There were 14 of us in class, and it was cool how our ages and profession varied. There was a 14-year old student, a 25 year-old researcher, a 45-year old doctor, and a 41-year old Corp Comm Manager (me!) among others.</p><p>The initial lesson was Hiaragana, a component of the Japanese writing system. This means we were not only minding the pronunciation, we also had to practice writing the characters. Hindi ko inexpect! I thought it would be more of speaking, where the Japanese words would be spelled out using the English Alphabet. There was even a recitation, where the teacher would ask us to read the words in Hiragana and pronounce them. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDsNv05GvCpb-iqSHZN2IEjVqzxvxqhq_rC7I0x007f3JBj-rBip9WO15iWmn2pmMPqgPDwT93mD0EWgQFPf70mbeQfLW5AkxF2s6g9RiUyx9nSCGJxKG2P4qHABSD_btu6KeAnmRqX-Y/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDsNv05GvCpb-iqSHZN2IEjVqzxvxqhq_rC7I0x007f3JBj-rBip9WO15iWmn2pmMPqgPDwT93mD0EWgQFPf70mbeQfLW5AkxF2s6g9RiUyx9nSCGJxKG2P4qHABSD_btu6KeAnmRqX-Y/w640-h480/image.png" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Nandiyan na rin lang, so fight na lol. I was called thrice and I was thankfully able to answer. Our teacher, a lovely young lady who works as a translator, also then gave us assignments, one of which is to write the lyrics of our favorite Japanese song in Hiragana.</p><p>Utada Hikaru na ito :D</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="390" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-9DxpPiE458" width="469" youtube-src-id="-9DxpPiE458"></iframe></div><p>Hopefully, sa susunod, hindi lang "It's automatic!" ang lyrics na kaya kong kantahin dito lololol.</p><p>We have four more two-hour sessions to go. Subok lang naman. If this goes well, I am hoping to enrol in UP's full course on Basic Japanese this summer. Malalaman natin kung matutuloy yan four weeks from now ;) </p><p> </p>lengirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958093147215459457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440054662687548001.post-77644012263285136732021-02-09T12:10:00.002+08:002022-01-22T16:20:26.014+08:00Two resolutions<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-UfH9WB-PykmgYdcZeR_WyKtl5Pp4ZfIFIbnLn2-tD7XQXeqiAhUTjAw0naG_rQLSx05f4i3m_DeYQ-yb9Fh_F7Gu22kEvoDt1oJVaVzBPJGMaoWyQLZECPVjZ8SrRksPgN2R6e-DSI/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-UfH9WB-PykmgYdcZeR_WyKtl5Pp4ZfIFIbnLn2-tD7XQXeqiAhUTjAw0naG_rQLSx05f4i3m_DeYQ-yb9Fh_F7Gu22kEvoDt1oJVaVzBPJGMaoWyQLZECPVjZ8SrRksPgN2R6e-DSI/w400-h400/image.png" width="400" /></a></div></div></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: left;">For year 2021, I made made two resolutions for myself. One has to do with health and the other with wealth. </span>It's only been a month and a half, but I'm quite proud of how I'm faring so far. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have successfully avoided shopping for clothes, despite having been to the mall a number of times. Even the items I have added to card have remained un-purchased. It's been super tempting, but at the same time, it's quite empowering to know that I can actually hold off on shopping lol. Hopefully I manage to be consistent with this.</div><div><br /></div><div>As for the second resolution... well, this was honestly a little more challenging. For one, I've gotten used to complaining how hard it is to lose weight, how I would look better in clothes if looked a certain way, and all that. I wanted to change this mindset because I think my body has handled a lot of challenges and I have to give it the credit it deserves. </div><div><br /></div><div>And then of course 2021 opened with the news that I had to undergo breast cyst excision once again. When the doctor told me about it, I couldn't help but get frustrated with my body. I make an effort to exercise and while I could do with bigger servings of vegetables, my diet is generally okay. So why couldn't my body just chill?</div><div><br /></div><div>Syempre, wala namang sagot sa tanong na ito lol. I actually tried to bargain with my doctor, asking if we can hold off on the procedure and just continue monitoring, but she advised against it. And so, yesterday, we finally went through with it.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9jDWX8hdSrF79fD5kfCxrK2IkZjry5u5BgyqWDSyuPmJ1ygD4NUQSAWeexVvpEZ1D2tJmhOu0AgYM8naiFQsNOpIbS0DvYhXTQfji1YjUNoagHcfYpHGXmYrtJy3_75T1I8VHB3kf7o/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9jDWX8hdSrF79fD5kfCxrK2IkZjry5u5BgyqWDSyuPmJ1ygD4NUQSAWeexVvpEZ1D2tJmhOu0AgYM8naiFQsNOpIbS0DvYhXTQfji1YjUNoagHcfYpHGXmYrtJy3_75T1I8VHB3kf7o/w400-h400/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Michael accompanied me to the hospital while his parents and nephew stayed at our place to watch Sloan. We had a quick breakfast then he saw me off at the hospital's surgery wing. The procedure took only about 45 minutes and I was awake the whole time. While there was no pain thanks to local anesthesia, I could feel all the tugging and pulling going on. It all went well, thankfully. Good job, body! <3</div><div><br /></div><div>And, as always when I have to do anything hospital-related, I was grateful that I did not have to shell out money for it. Everything was covered by our Sun Life's HMO package, along with my Philhealth. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Oh, speaking of which - after the surgery, I had to wait a while because apparently, the Philhealth documents were taking a while. When I told Michael about it, here's what he had to say: </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGojPDVinpo7Y_xWatbAUSqxbJ3lj6ZodepPWpCzZQB_dIqHvYlbBenb4PngeOQzSXJpTVbVqIyzWpqNj2FDzTI0xxXnui_TkITDO2OKjptJv846N-B09Cklx0UcnQzImkbP_A_qgqW3M/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="1072" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGojPDVinpo7Y_xWatbAUSqxbJ3lj6ZodepPWpCzZQB_dIqHvYlbBenb4PngeOQzSXJpTVbVqIyzWpqNj2FDzTI0xxXnui_TkITDO2OKjptJv846N-B09Cklx0UcnQzImkbP_A_qgqW3M/w400-h333/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Lololol.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am now resting at home while waiting for the wound to heal. The biopsy results will be available in a matter of days, and hopefully it will be benign, as were the ones excised previously. In the meantime, I shall enjoy this wee bit of downtime.</div></span><span style="text-align: left;"><div> </div></span>lengirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958093147215459457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440054662687548001.post-38399522035777867112021-02-04T21:28:00.003+08:002021-02-05T07:52:04.839+08:00Like a human being againI miss people.<div><br /></div><div>When social distancing became a thing, I brushed it off thinking there weren't a lot of people I really wanted to hang out with anyway. Also, we could connect through chats and video calls, and that should be enough for me.</div><div><br /></div><div>It worked out in the beginning. I enjoyed attending various virtual events, like Ila's very wholesome baby shower...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl89fM07R47Db_tVvbQZKXIt4nZeipCer07P35Uluq4vU9dggGkikPoRwdLGrPI8Wete2oH18h2UVflslr0Z9I08ywoof8q_dADBApyK63wosuPNQbuUawy9eBvukxCVCOB7aZ1N8jxtM/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="1354" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl89fM07R47Db_tVvbQZKXIt4nZeipCer07P35Uluq4vU9dggGkikPoRwdLGrPI8Wete2oH18h2UVflslr0Z9I08ywoof8q_dADBApyK63wosuPNQbuUawy9eBvukxCVCOB7aZ1N8jxtM/w640-h374/image.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Mara's adventure-themed bridal shower...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eqeFTMd_WueH3LQv82UgynZ77I3JR56VrZRhGGqE7I5tpjk18gPwLC8QLRGb_aFfKsUEnQYHFwBAf5WqoAGUF2_azTcpztY7VzyxSSdB2sBEVlLZmdSWK_Cuk62V5NTCv7pHwgeDv3k/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="1118" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eqeFTMd_WueH3LQv82UgynZ77I3JR56VrZRhGGqE7I5tpjk18gPwLC8QLRGb_aFfKsUEnQYHFwBAf5WqoAGUF2_azTcpztY7VzyxSSdB2sBEVlLZmdSWK_Cuk62V5NTCv7pHwgeDv3k/w640-h374/image.png" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">and my former boss Ms. Mylene's 80s-themed retirement party (huhu).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI6mk_irFuz1ACSkdO4ChuWSTdhkqLHpjDPfgu9aDyyrcj0d_UmyufQSKQ8j_MAb8zPN4uD7nKQRq1pHYXRT3lCEen2ONO7H4MV5Gv_X54aU_WRtODhM0s9cXJiMa5ARpmgl2fq4ddizQ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="946" data-original-width="1646" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI6mk_irFuz1ACSkdO4ChuWSTdhkqLHpjDPfgu9aDyyrcj0d_UmyufQSKQ8j_MAb8zPN4uD7nKQRq1pHYXRT3lCEen2ONO7H4MV5Gv_X54aU_WRtODhM0s9cXJiMa5ARpmgl2fq4ddizQ/w640-h368/image.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>That's me at the top row, second from right. I am wearing a loud printed shirt in black and neon green - a last-minute costume sourced from Michael's closet! Alam mong 80s person talaga siya lololol.</div><div><br /></div><div>I digress.</div><div><br /></div><div>After months of nothing but virtual ganaps, I started to miss being around friends and family in person. Grateful as I am for how technology keeps us connected, it's still much better to be exchanging stories, laughing out loud, and bouncing off ideas face to face. </div><div><br /></div><div>Good thing my sister Lycel and Rocel were able to come home for the holidays, so we were able to bond a bit along with Junjer.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3dYWdVUBuHV4h1oYMqeiWecLSwPtj3e7LZPRHImJfCG9MwtTww_LT-rd71I9sfdLi_df9qgw5IjdfryeBOMi88WUuYBr4RojAWU5Vt7_-Mix2S1PIp3BXg15m-wjgmfev0VAEbr2Thc/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3dYWdVUBuHV4h1oYMqeiWecLSwPtj3e7LZPRHImJfCG9MwtTww_LT-rd71I9sfdLi_df9qgw5IjdfryeBOMi88WUuYBr4RojAWU5Vt7_-Mix2S1PIp3BXg15m-wjgmfev0VAEbr2Thc/w640-h480/image.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>After the holidays, it was back to my routine. I continue to work from home (thank you, Sun Life!) and stay with Sloan while Michael goes to work Monday to Thursday. We have had no helper since the lockdown began so I am rarely able to go out. It's all good, though there are some days when I do not step out of the house at all, not even the veranda. I was starting to feel blah.</div><div><br /></div><div>This was why I was overjoyed when my friend Telly agreed to dinner and a few drinks. We met up at Rue Bourbon in Morato. It was super awesome to be out at night for the first time since the lockdown! Of course, we observed safety protocols. We met up early to avoid the crowd and stayed at the farthest corner of the al fresco dining area so we would be outdoors and also as far from other people as possible. Actually, siya nga mismo malayo sa'kin because the tables were huge for just two people lol.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8ufDPPvpvMd2Ehip-GcKKyWZFxlJGao-p816a5i0V7OuRGUTPIJ5ztcPQ0dUHsoy4HOzCd7waC5iber91y_uRxgXmi92YNqyM_u5Vo2XoNRvHNZ2ppMqCYcdtgJUS3rCbaAUjig6TeM/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="828" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8ufDPPvpvMd2Ehip-GcKKyWZFxlJGao-p816a5i0V7OuRGUTPIJ5ztcPQ0dUHsoy4HOzCd7waC5iber91y_uRxgXmi92YNqyM_u5Vo2XoNRvHNZ2ppMqCYcdtgJUS3rCbaAUjig6TeM/w640-h480/image.png" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>The next Friday, I met up with my best friend Annej at The Block to shop for prizes for our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group/thetitaplaylist" target="_blank">The Tita Playlist</a> contests. The mall was not too crowded, which was surprising but also a relief. After hitting ome stores, we had a late lunch and some drinks at Chili's, and ended up staying a bit longer than we planned. I suppose this should have been expected, given how the last time we were actually out together was way back November 2019! </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnHacciLxEtM7nQGA6AECjuqTQFwolPozf1sCLuVf8gYLIsA-IUZGG0N_msT1bpyi2L0ohBCmhvFNILpQoQ01vFXcYgpmOcR0FO_YmoOInJDuViMxbxGfaqbuIB5-qOH9breXcy2TOcjI/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="878" data-original-width="1440" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnHacciLxEtM7nQGA6AECjuqTQFwolPozf1sCLuVf8gYLIsA-IUZGG0N_msT1bpyi2L0ohBCmhvFNILpQoQ01vFXcYgpmOcR0FO_YmoOInJDuViMxbxGfaqbuIB5-qOH9breXcy2TOcjI/w640-h390/image.png" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Photo taken just after she took out a giant tub of Clorox wipes and wiped the table clean hahaha! I laughed hard seeing it, but at the same time, was also thankful to be meeting with people overly cautious about safety.</div><div><br /></div><div>It will probably be a while before I'd be out to meet with friends again, but I'm glad I did it. I have been feeling like a robot with my routine, but thanks to these in-person interactions, I actually feel like a human being again.</div><div><br /></div>lengirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958093147215459457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440054662687548001.post-91208392777850081932021-01-31T12:24:00.006+08:002021-02-04T21:28:42.042+08:00Why hello there, 2021<p> So. A new year.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="390" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0xRQ4Tgdyco" width="470" youtube-src-id="0xRQ4Tgdyco"></iframe></div><p>I was one of those eager to get 2020 over with, given all the challenges that came with it. While I recognize that I generally had it good given the circumstances, it was just so frustrating to see the pandemic being handled so terribly by those in charge, who are seemingly clueless yet at the same time proud of their imaginary progress. Like, what progress?! I cannot help but be envious whenever I see news about Taiwan, Vietnam, and New Zealand where life is practically back to normal. </p><p>With the vaccine coming (fingers crossed) soon, my hopes are high that the situation will improve. My one wish is that my son would be able to have a bit more freedom and enjoy outdoors the again as he used to. The situation is taking a toll on him but he's been such a good sport through it all. For one, he's not a big fan of virtual classes but he's being very patient with it. He has also developed a new skill: playing the guitar - much to Michael's delight. I have to admit it's pretty cool how he can now play some songs, and how he likes bands like Radiohead, Nirvana, and Red Hot Chilli Peppers, which are from our generation. He's been putting our CD player to good use, listening to the albums from Michael's collection.</p><p>Sloan's growing up so fast. He's now 10, as tall as me, and with the same shoe size as Michael. The changes are not just physical - he's also acting a bit more mature now. When he learned that I will be undergoing a procedure a week from now and that he might be sent to Laguna as I may not be able to attend to him, he said, "I can cook naman, Daddy. I can make pancit canton. I can cook eggs, hotdogs, and pasta."</p><p>Aww <3</p><p>Speaking of the procedure, a back story...</p><p style="text-align: center;">
</p><center> </center><p></p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CFkzbMpnJGj/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CFkzbMpnJGj/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0px;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0px auto 12px; width: 50px;"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0px;"></div> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0px; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); transform: translateY(16px); width: 0px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; transform: translateY(-4px); width: 16px;"></div> <div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); height: 0px; text-align: right; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px); width: 0px;"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; text-align: right; width: 224px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: justify; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CFkzbMpnJGj/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by len arboleda (@_lenloveslife)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p> </p><div><br /></div><div>Now back to the present.</div><div><br /></div><div>The cyst that my doctor has been monitoring has grown, and she said it would be best to take it out. I tried haggling for an extended monitoring period since I wasn't really looking forward to another procedure - my third to be specific. However, no dice. And since the cyst is near a bone, it cannot be taken out through mammotome and would have to be done through excision. <p>I didn't expect to be starting out the year by going under the knife. I am thankful though to have the resources I need (HMO, mainly) to address this health concern.</p><p>I will probably write about that later on, because I've made it a goal to try and write more personal stuff this year. Let's see how long how I can stick to it. Wish me luck. And good luck with sticking to your own resolutions as well. Happy new year, you.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>lengirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958093147215459457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440054662687548001.post-8491361380831679582020-05-01T11:44:00.002+08:002020-05-02T08:16:23.783+08:00For BRO<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRzTIM8nO8vzoFPlD9B3UNZ9JkE2teLnB7kv5YE0k6svusbgfDP1VQcG8IDfcjMgAYtz6yTlhPGotojmrVt4BGNnLZM78xK23wmaNee34QQDP52Xx40PvSJsd_uvLj6U4FZNYy4J8WwUU/s1600/bro+profile+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRzTIM8nO8vzoFPlD9B3UNZ9JkE2teLnB7kv5YE0k6svusbgfDP1VQcG8IDfcjMgAYtz6yTlhPGotojmrVt4BGNnLZM78xK23wmaNee34QQDP52Xx40PvSJsd_uvLj6U4FZNYy4J8WwUU/s1600/bro+profile+2.jpg" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Minsan sa buhay, kailangan mo lang ng taong magbibigay sa’yo ng pagkakataon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">That was what Mr. Bong Osorio gave me – a shot at a new career, at a time when I was feeling lost. I felt like I no longer belonged in radio, but having devoted my life thus far to being a DJ at ABS-CBN, </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I didn’t </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">really </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">know </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">where to go or what else I can do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sir Bong was the ABS-CBN Corporate Communications Chief at that time. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He was one of my professors in UST</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">, and so I thought, why not reach out to him. I knew he wouldn’t really remember me as I was not such a standout student, pero wala namang mawawala kung susubukan ko. </span></div>
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To my delight, he gave my scrawny resume a look and actually replied to my email. Following the usual hiring process, on the first working day of January 2011, I reported to his department as his Internal Communications Officer. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I was awful. My writing was weak and I was basically a headless chicken trying to learn as much as I could as fast as I could. But BRO (his Execom nickname, by which we called him), along with Sir Kane Choa, didn’t give up on me. He gently guided me and taught me, and at one point even defended me when somebody tried to get me in trouble. I started to get my groove and properly contribute to the team.<o:p></o:p></div>
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BRO and I also bonded over our love for dancing. After office hours, he and I would go to Fitness First and attend the Retro class together. It always amazed me how he was so down-to-earth. He was this way towards our whole team, and was basically a second father to all of us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A little over two years in, I resigned to pursue other dreams. Still, BRO and I kept in touch, and would happily take selfies whenever we saw each other in the Anvil Awards, PR Congress, or the Quill Awards.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Like all of the others he mentored, I was devastated when I learned about his medical issue late last year, but I kept my hopes high. Telly and I visited him a few days after his procedure, and we were glad to see him in good spirits. He even shimmied in bed when Telly said he should get well soon so we can dance again. Just before 2019 ended, Telly, Myan, Cetty, RK, baby Tala, and I visited him again in his condo. Just like old times, we chatted for a long time - which surprised his caregiver, who said that that was the longest visit he has accommodated thus far.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We had been wanting to visit again, but COVID-19 happened and we didn’t want to risk it, knowing that BRO was vulnerable. Still, I kept in touch with him through Messenger. I’d send him random messages without expecting a reply, knowing he couldn’t function as well as before. It would always delight me when he’d message me back, reassuring me that he’s doing well. I always took the chance to tell him that I love him and that he is always in my thoughts. I’m glad I did because it would be so awful if I never got to say it before <a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/30/20/abs-cbn-mourns-the-passing-of-advertising-and-pr-leader-ramon-osorio" target="_blank">he left for heaven</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It pains me that I cannot visit his wake, pay my respects, and help send him off. But what's really heartbreaking is the thought that I will never get to see him again. Sobrang napakalungkot. </div>
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BRO is one of the reasons why I am thriving today. Because he gave me a chance and he believed in me, I was able to make something of myself again. The amazing part is that I am but one of the many he helped shine. Take a peek at his Facebook wall and you will see an outpouring of gratitude. That’s the kind of man he was. He was a great teacher, leader, mentor, friend, and father-figure.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And I will miss him so, so much.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I love you, BRO. Maraming, maraming salamat po sa lahat. Rest in paradise. <o:p></o:p></div>
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lengirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958093147215459457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440054662687548001.post-12876394917143742212019-09-28T19:56:00.001+08:002021-02-09T12:10:45.128+08:00So I turned 40...Why, hello old blog!<br />
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Wow, it's been two years since my last entry. Life has been hectic and I haven't really had the time nor patience to just write about random stuff (though I had been <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7KMJfubRsILTzLAe0CP3Ag?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">vlogging about travels</a>, mostly for Sloan's memory bank; and Instagramming every now and then). However, I just had to document my 40th birthday celebration because Michael pulled off a fantastic surprise!<br />
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Let me start from the beginning. Way back January, I had been considering so many plans for my 40th birthday. It is a milestone event, after all. I thought about throwing a big party (with my favorite DJ Marlon spinning 90s tunes), mounting a Zumba class for friends with the Zamora brothers as instructors (for the perfect <i>tita</i>-ness and throwback combo haha), visiting the Home for the Golden Gays (#yestosogie), or going on a trip with the family (except I've already gone on two international trips and had to save lol).<br />
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In the end, none of it materialized. Michael and I decided we'd just have a steak dinner as a birthday <i>salubong;</i> then, on the day itself, we'll just chill and have dinner with Sloan after his tutor time. I would've wanted to have my older sister, Ate Lycel, to be with us as well, but she wouldn't be able to come home from Jakarta until October.<br />
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A few days before my birthday though, a relative in Cavite posted on Facebook that Ate had just been by for a visit. I laughed and told Michael that it looks like my sister was going to surprise me on my birthday, but was busted because of that post. Ate ended up coming clean, calling me to say that she and Rocel were indeed in town. I said they should join us on my birthday dinner.<br />
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So the <i>salubong</i> pushed through. Michael and I had a lovely meal at Wolfgang, where the steak was fantastic, as was the key lime pie which had us singing praises. It was nice spending some quiet time together, just enjoying a nice meal and talking about life stuff.<br />
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On my actual birthday, Michael was suddenly called in for a quick meeting somewhere in Morato. I didn't mind as I felt I could use some alone time anyway. I went to the mall for a bit, came home and worked a little, then waited for Sloan to get back from the tutor so we could all meet up for dinner. </div>
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I have to admit that I had been getting hints that something was up, mostly because of Michael's wingman - Sloaney himself! For instance, when he got back from the tutor, he mentioned going to Tomato Kick to meet with Michael - which made me wonder since he was already in school when Michael told me the location of his meeting.<br />
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But while I knew something was up, I couldn't quite figure out what. A party would have been my last guess, owing to Michael being basically allergic to planning an event outside of work lol. I mean, I couldn't even get him to plan anything for a regular weekend!<br />
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Just as Sloan and I were about to leave, Michael pushed back the time, saying his meeting wasn't done yet. Then he pushed it back again. And again. My sister had arrived by then, together with Rocel, Bryan, and my brother Junjer. We met up at the nearby Starbucks and chatted while waiting for Michael. All this time, Sloan kept texting his dad and sneaking out to call him lololol.<br />
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I was already starting to get sleepy (hahaha ang lola, but my friends will not be surprised for sure) when Michael finally advised that we could already come by and pick him up at Tomato Kick. He asked that I go up the venue and bail him out so he'd have an excuse to leave. Fine, I said.<br />
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When we got to the area, Sloan and I went up together while the others looked for a place to park. Sloan started acting shifty again, seemingly avoiding the door, that I got confused and thought the entrance wasn't where I remembered it to be lololol. I finally got his hand and pulled him to the entrance, where a staff opened the door and we were welcomed by A ROOMFUL OF MY FRIENDS DANCING TO "DYING INSIDE" BY TIMMY THOMAS.<br />
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I MEAN!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />
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I shrieked. I laughed. I teared up a little. I was confused and happy and emotional all at the same time hahaha! I was so thrilled to see everyone, including DJ Marlon who was spinning! I have long wanted to throw a party kahit walang occasion just so I could have him spin - so big deal <i>na</i> present <i>siya</i> hahaha.<br />
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They sang "Happy Birthday" then led me to a 90s-themed cake baked by actress Nikki Valdez (na nakaka-throwback din haha). It was courtesy of my good friend Khaps, who at that moment was on her way to Iceland with hubby Dan for their belated honeymoon. I was sad to have missed them at the party, but happy to have had my family...<br />
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My best friend Annej and her hubby Vin...<br />
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My college friends...<br />
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My radio batchmate from 101.9 For Life! Jack Melo...<br />
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And my ABS-CBN Corp Comm family!<br />
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Michael said he had wanted to invite more people, like my Sun Life family, but sadly, the venue wasn't big enough to accommodate everyone. No worries, we'll party together next time :P</div>
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We spent the night eating, drinking, catching up, and enjoying the best 90s music from DJ Marlon. It was so chill but it WAS SO MUCH FUN! Having many of my friends in one venue also made me realize that most of them were actually introverts - which makes their presence even more special!<br />
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Side story about the venue: Tomato Kick has been a constant figure in our lives. When it was just the two of us, Michael and I would hang out in the original Maginhawa branch where we'd talk til the wee hours then go home drunk. Their Malingap branch was where we'd sometimes stop by for a quick dinner after work and before going home to Sloan. And now, their Morato branch would also be embedded in our memories hahaha.<br />
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After a while, the guests started to say goodbye. It was a Wednesday night after all, and there was work the following day. Even Michael and Sloan went home ahead of us so the kid could go to bed already. I rode home with Annej and Vin, but not before she and I danced and sang along to Marlon's closing song: Borderline by Madonna! SO. FREAKING. AWESOME.<br />
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I couldn't have had a better party. Fantastic location, great music, and the best company! I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE MICHAEL PLANNED IT, AND PULLED IT OFF!<br />
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The thing is, Michael is not the type to do things like this. Sure he surprises me every now and then, like giving me a nice gift or doing an errand without being asked (lol), but all those are just between us. Organizing a party just isn't something up his alley. Yet he managed to do it!<br />
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Well, he did have some help from his 8-year old wingman Sloaney. Look at some of their exchanges lololol:<br />
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He also got some help from Annej, who invited friends. And, as it turned out, Ate's and Rocel's surprise appearance getting busted worked for the better, because they were able to throw off my suspicions and help get me to the venue.<br />
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Michael later told me, "Since I used to do this for work (organizing events for politicians), I was pretty sure I could easily pull it off. It was so stressful though! Hindi ko 'to gagawin para sa iba ha, kaya alam mo nang special ka talaga." YUN NAMAN lolololol.<br />
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But yes, it all did make me feel special. I'm actually still on a high and keep looking at pictures and watching videos! Heck, I actually blogged again because of it haha.<br />
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I always get the blues whenever my birthday comes around - I worry about getting older, I wonder if all the things I devoted my energy to had been worth it, and I panic about how I am running out of time to do all the things I still want to do. However, that night, I loosened up and just had fun. I actually <i>celebrated</i> my birthday. So much so that I am actually looking forward to this new chapter.<br />
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Well, I guess the cliche has a point. Maybe life really does begin at...<br />
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...you know how it goes. Cheers!lengirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958093147215459457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440054662687548001.post-31465924359765795192017-10-21T17:01:00.004+08:002021-02-09T12:11:00.832+08:00Sloan is seven!Seven! Sloan is seven years old! Man, time sure flew by quickly. I can't believe my baby is now this big - like literally, he's up to my chin already lol. And in the weeks leading up to his birthday, he marked a lot of milestones - he started bathing by himself, he lost a baby tooth for the first time, he learned how to ride a bike, and, well, he got chicken pox haha. It's been a treat watching him grow and thrive, but at the same time, I find myself wanting to go back to those days he was a still a tiny baby that I could carry in my arms.<br />
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Huhuhu.<br />
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Okay, enough with the mushy, sentimental stuff lol. I've always envisioned throwing a big birthday bash for Sloan's 7th birthday. We don't really do big parties and usually just have a day out with family on special occasions, but since it was a milestone birthday, not to mention I got quite, uhm, inspired (lol) by all the big parties I see people throw, I thought we could veer away from the usual. Sloan, however, wasn't up to it.<br />
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All he wanted was that we bring food and a cake for his classmates in school, and to go to the trampoline park with his playmates and his cousins. I egged him to invite more people for the latter, but he was worried people won't know each other and he might not be able to attend to everyone. Hahaha! My sweet kid!<br />
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One other thing he asked for was this True Heroes military plane, which he saw at the toy store. Of course, Michael and I had already planned on giving him that, but we gave no hint whatsoever, and instead emphasized the value of patience. Haha! As such, he was extremely ecstatic when he finally got it! See his reaction for yourself in this vlog about Sloan's two-part birthday bash:<br />
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lengirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958093147215459457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440054662687548001.post-63459225171892629942017-09-12T19:50:00.005+08:002021-02-09T12:18:39.136+08:00Vlog: Coastal cleanup volunteer activity"Legit na coastal cleanup, 'to." That was what Sun Life Foundation's Kristin Millete had to say after catching sight of the shore at the Las Pinas-Paranaque Critical Habitat and Ecosystem Area, which was the venue of the volunteer activity that morning. I cannot help but agree with, because the amount of trash we saw was quite overwhelming. Our mission was to conduct a coastal cleanup, but it was easy to see that while we can collect a good amount of trash between us volunteers and within the allocated time of one hour, it was simply impossible to clean everything up in one go.<br />
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It was disheartening to see the view. The place is actually beautiful, but the trash just ruins everything. I imagine these come from those who live in shanties on the water, those who hang out by the breakwaters, or those in the nearby shopping and entertainment complex who carelessly dispose their trash, and the waters sweep it to the shore. Like they say, "basurang itinapon mo, babalik din sa'yo." For a while there, I wondered if I did the right thing bringing Sloan with us - I didn't realize that the trash situation was this bad.<br />
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The volunteers were divided into three groups and were assigned a particular type of trash to collect. This way, we would also be segregating in one go. After a brief orientation from the WWF team, we were off.<br />
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Michael, Sloan, and I were part of the team assigned to collect rubber, metal, styro, and glass. I must say I was in awe of just how many shoes and slippers we were able to collect. Sloan was quite the trooper, eagerly spotting things in the mounds of trash - you'd think it was some sort of a treasure hunt where he gets a prize at the end lol. Seriously though, I am proud of the kid. Mike and I did our best to explain to him the importance of what we were doing, and while it's probably a little hard for him to grasp the whole concept right now, I'd like to think we're planting seeds.<br />
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At the end of the hour-long cleanup, the three of us were able to collect two sacks full of the assigned trash categories. In total, the activity yielded 16 sacks. Not much, but still better than no effort at all, right?<br />
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Here's a vlog of how that morning went:<br />
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<br />lengirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958093147215459457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440054662687548001.post-75441056922310931182017-09-02T20:23:00.003+08:002021-02-09T12:11:35.086+08:00Hong Kong Day 2: Scares, strolls, science, and shoppingDay 2 in Hong Kong started off with a scare, as Michael and I were woken up by a shivering Sloan. The boy was fast asleep, but his body was shaking non-stop that it freaked me out! We checked to see if he had fever, but he didn't - thankfully. We turned off the air-con and covered him with a blanket, and the shivering stopped after a while. After waiting for a bit to see if the shivering would recur, and convinced that all was well, we finally went back to sleep.<br />
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...only to be woken up just a few minutes later by Sloan, who was all too excited to get on with the holiday activities. Lokong bata, walang kamalay-malay kung pa'no kami na-stress sa kanya! Lol. That prompted an early start to our day and had us looking for a breakfast place.<br />
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We ended up at Cafe de Coral, where we joined the early risers of Hong Kong in welcoming the day with a serving of eggs, bacon, and bread.</div>
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The Kowloon Park was nearby so we hauled off our un-showered selves there after finishing our meal. I loved this park the first time I went there and was all too happy to have my boys with me on my second visit. It's a huge park that offered a lot of attractions, and we took our time going around. We watched as senior folks went about their tai chi exercises, some of them even wielding swords; we observed the birds in the aviary; we hung out at the playground; and checked out the Avenue of Comic Stars as well (we didn't know any of the characters but they were cute and that's enough lol).<br />
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We walked back to the hotel after that. I've to say I'm extremely proud of how Sloan was so game for all the walking. Anyway. We showered, rested a bit, and - since we worked up an appetite after walking around and since breakfast was way too early - had an early lunch at a restaurant that served local dishes.<br />
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Our next stop for the day was the Hong Kong Science Museum. It was quite near our hotel so we just walked going there - yey tipid sa pamasahe hehe.<br />
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The museum was fun with all its interactive exhibits that entertained Sloan, who hopped from one attraction to another. But it wasn't just Sloan who was entertained - Mike and I also tried things out ourselves.<br />
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We took the train to Causeway Bay after that and I headed straight to Ikea. Mike and Sloan gave me some time alone to go shopping for curtains and storage boxes, while they played house in the store's bedroom gallery. This store was smaller than Ikea's usual size, but it's still enough to keep you busy for hours on end. I would've stayed longer but I knew Sloan would get bored after a while, plus more people were starting to arrive.<br />
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To reward Sloan for being patient, we crossed the street to Windsor House and took him to the Toys R Us store there. He took his time choosing, as we told him to make sure it's something he really likes and will play with. In the end, he chose a Lego set.<br />
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We headed back to Hotel Benito after that, and the boy immediately got busy with his new toy while Mike went off to get us dinner from Yoshinoya and McDonald's, and we wolfed down everything in the comforts of our room.</div>
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I set off to take a walk around Kowloon for a bit of me-time after that. I couldn't help but get quite sentimental as I walked the streets I first explored years ago, when I was at a crossroads and Mike and I were basically still getting to know each other. So much has happened since, all for the better. It's quite sappy I know, but I felt all sorts of grateful for everything. I made a quick stop at 7-11 to buy Sloan the chocolates I promised, then, with a smile on face, walked back to the hotel where my boys were waiting.<br />
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(Hong Kong vlog is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKoRgyA5XLc&t=96s" target="_blank">here</a>.)</div>
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lengirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958093147215459457noreply@blogger.com0