Tagaka Anyone?

I have a yahoo photo album from an old address that hasn't been opened for quite awhile. I opened it and there i saw these photos that brings back fun memories with my officemates.

We work half day on saturdays so we go out and hang out in a place at night or until whenever. We had a blast everytime we go out.

There was Sam, Beth and I from the Main while there was Roy, Jenny, Clarissa, Raynan and Roy from the Annex. Sometimes Elmer will hang out with us and so with Ate Vangie.

...and Alex (Raynan's classmate) joined our fun and Danny, Jenny's hubby.

The gang agreed to go out for overnight stay at one of the Talomo Beache. Even the pictures can tell we had so much fun that night and I am missing it.

This is Beth. Sya pinaka kalog sa group, talagang ma-chikka!

...and here we are laughing out loud while playing cards, truth or dare?
kita ipin naming lahat noh? lingawa jud oi!

...ops, all eyes and ears to me. i don't know what i was trying to say here, basta!

Posing pa kami dito pero look at Jenny...kumakain na!

...roy, the thorn among the roses!

...no matter what, there is always a thorn among the roses - raynan with the girls!

...clarissa's Tagaka! Tanduay-gatas-kape!
iba ang may pinagsamahan....TAGAKA!


I don't even remember where Clarissa got her Tagaka recipe, basta she was very proud of her drinks. I remember pa nga she went too far to get some ice para lang we can drink it.

..hmm..the luvi-duvey couple - jen and danny

...we had a blast! until the dawn gising kami. after the drinking session, eating ang playing cards, we hop into the beach, maski bawal maligo kung high tide, hala cge langoy pa!

Roy, Raynan, Beth and I, Clarissa, Jenny and Danny her better half.

...there used to be ate jo with us..she is very nice, i can talk to her nonstop. she has a lot of things to say, very opionated person. she is well loved by the HS students and teachers. i have spent most of my after work hours with her at the gym and at JS foodcourt, talking about stuff. then one day, her and beth had misunderstandings, and then soon the both of us. although, before i left UIC we already had sort of cold off the miscommunications. we talked but not the same it used to be. maybe one day, i will see her or maybe talk to her...i missed her company. she will always be my Ate Jo.


So where else we go out on weekends?

*Jack's Ridge is one place we used to hang out. That place is very romantic especially at night, you can see the scenery overlooking Davao and its city lights! **just ignor the davao memorial next to it :-D

*how about the few times, we gimik at The Venue, Matina Town Square, The Summit Bar of Royal Mandaya Hotel (ops, i remember one time Beth go into this Beer drinking contest and she got second price, wheew! toma girl!), we also went to several Karaoke Bars, there used to be The Zirkle at Victoria Plaza, OMG! that was long, long time ago.

* as for movies, the one in Victoria Plaza, Gaisano Mall and JSGaisano (now Gaisano Citimall), and SM Theatre.

*eating time! how about our favorite Davao Dencias Restaurant, Merco Davao, Mercorner, the Shakey's Pizza, Pizza Hut, Cecil's Snack Inn, and those turo-turo restaurant at Ecoland (gosh, i missed kinilaw, sinugbang panga, pina asim na pasayan), Goldies,

Many things have changed. Roy got married with Cel and is now working for SPC. I got married and relocated to be with my hubby. Clarissa also got married and moved to Tagum to be with her hubby and for a new job. Elmer also is now in Tagum.

Ate Vangie still with UIC but working for grade school campus. She also got married to a nice guy named Chris. Sam is currently Raynan's "bestfriend". I am so glad Sam and Beth got their own house at Elenita Heights.

Those were the days as we usually say but the memories still linger in my mind. As I looked at the photos, I can't help but smile. These people are great, they are nice. They are friends worth keeping for. I may have made new friends but I am keeping the old ones, for some are silver and the other is gold.

The Good Ol' Days

Last night, out of the blue I happened to open my yahoo photo album from an old e-mail address of mine. There I saw photos with some of my good friends/co-workers at UIC in one of our Retreats. I worked there for about 6 years and made good friends and collegues.

The UIC Staff had to do Annual Retreat every summer. It is a way to step aside from everyday concerns - work and toxins we encountered for the whole year, a total relaxation for ourselves and soul. Spiritual upleftment was too good to pass especially the chance to be on a place we've never been before. Its like a retreat and vacation combo.

Each and every retreat we had was memorable, it is a chance to mingle with other non-teaching personnel, discover ourselves by reflecting, and most of all the meals are nourishing. Parang manok na isasabong for the next year kumbaga. At the end of the retreat we get to wander and discover the place.

The first year I was with UIC, we went to Bitannia Retreat House in Lahug, Cebu. We had a blast on that one. There was over 100 NTP personnel and most of us boarded PAL, it was a lot of fun sa airplane pa lang. Although we had a good retreat, the most exciting part was discovering Cebu City.

We went to Forth San Pedro, Magellan Shrine, Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Osmeña Park and wandered around Colon and Magallanes and went to Mactan Island. One time we went to Cebu Plaza which is just a walk distance from the Retreat House and the Waterfront Hotel. Then we shopped at SM Cebu and Ayala Center.

The second year I went with the AB-LA Teachers to Camiguin. We stayed in a resort this time. Jenny and I , did not hesitate to joined the LA teachers. Not because we like them, but because we wanted to discover Camiguin. That place was awesome! As usual the most exciting part was discovering the place.

We went to Ardent Hot Springs and Santo Niño Cold Spring:

The Via Cruzes - Old Volcano Slope and Sunken Cemetery:

The Katibawasan Falls, and the most part the White Island.

(Thanks for the website where I got the pics)

The 3rd year we went to Retreat house very close to Ateneo Grade School here in Davao, I forgot the name. This one wasn't too exciting since it's in Davao but the food was good so, there u go!

On the 4th year, we went to Jusuit Retreat House in Malaybalay, Bukidnon. This time, the Retreat itself was great. We were just like having fun while we are there. Going to Bukidnon was already like a tour. It is mostly a grassland with average elevation of 915 meters.
The scenery of mountains, caves, forest, lakes, rivers, waterfalls and streams is awesome!

Here I am on our Bukidnon Adventure with Ate Vangie (dark pants, Beth (white shirt), Sam (pink shirt) and our grade school nurse (white shirt, black pants)

With Sam and Beth in our room



With NTP after a sumptous breakfast

The 5th year we went to Dominican Retreat House in Davao. Everything was great, the sorrounding was quite and comfortable and warm. I felt like I wasn't in Davao. The place was overlooking the City and the Nuns were so nice to us.

The Retreat program was casual and stimulating while the experience was reflective and spiritual. One of those that I missed about working with UIC.

Columbus Blue Jackets

I have always loved watching hockey game. Last year we didn't get to watch because of problems that the NHL had to go through. Luckily this year they were back on the track.

....and so, JJ and I got the chance to watch the Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Detroit Red Wings the 18th of this month, unluckily they were defeated. In a game there is always a winner and a looser. Maybe next time they get lucky :-)

Rick Nash # 61 was my fave player. He was a native from Branton, Ontario. One of the NHL's top players.

(photo from Nationwide Arena)

I kind of fascinated by Jody Shelley #45. He is a native from Nova Scotia and has played with Halifax team in his first few years as a player. He always gets into fight every single time we watch their game...:-) He was dubbed as the tough-guy! Columbus Blue Jackets signed him for a multi-year contract.

(photo from Nationwide Arena)

Columbus Blue Jackets on Power Play at Nationwide Arena, home of the Columbus Blue Jackets

JJ and I enjoying the game


It's Me after the game :-)

Why Women Cry?

This was forwarded to me via e-mail and thought I'd share...

A little boy asked his mother, "Why are you crying?" "Because I'm a woman," she told him.

"I don't understand," he said. His Mom just hugged him and said, "And you never will."

Later the little boy asked his father, "Why does mother seem to cry for no reason?"

"All women cry for no reason," was all his dad could say.

The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry.

Finally he put in a call to God. When God got on the phone, he asked, "God, why do women cry so easily?"

God said:

"When I made the woman she had to be special.

I made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world, yet gentle enough to give comfort.

I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times comes from her children.

I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up, and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining.

I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances, even when her child has hurt her very badly.

I gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart.

I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly.

And finally, I gave her a tear to shed. This is hers exclusively to use whenever it is needed."

"You see my son," said God, "the beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart - the place where love resides."

If you liked the story you can copy-paste it to your blog and share. Something good will happen - You will boost another woman's self-esteem!

*I would like to acknowledge "Shree" for this wonderful stoy

Happy Birthday Nanang

My Mother turned 67 years old today! Still strong and healthy despite of some sickness that comes and goes. Thank's a lot to the wonders of the internet. I was able to order a flower for her online and sent her a gift certificate from SM department store. My sister jovy sent me a message via chikka as soon as my Mom received the flowers. That was the first flower she ever received, i think :)

I felt good having my Mom surprised on her birthday and thanks to the constant nagging of JJ because I was having second thoughts of buying flowers as they are pretty expensive...but he said, it will diffinitely make her happy on her birthday, besides it will come once a year :)

So here you go....Nanang, you deserve this flower, its very simple yet it comes with love from Tatang, your daughters and respective partners and most especially from your Apo's. Hopefully on your next birthday it will come with bears and balloons. I hope you like it, although Jovy said it really smells good and very classic! Happy Birthday once again!

Happy New Year!

I can't believe how screwed up the phone system this holidays. I have been trying to call my family back home since christmas using my Sarimanok One rechargeable phone card. All it did was ring the phone on the other end but nobody picks up my call. Apparently, it wasn't ringing on their end. Christmas ended and I wasn't able to talk to anyone back home.

After christmas, I tried again...same thing. I don't know which one has the problem. Either the Sarimanok One or the Smart Communications. Which ever has gone wrong, made me pissed off!

JJ bought me a Skype kit which gives me a free 30 minutes call. I tried to use it at exactly, 12 midnight in the Philippines hoping it would work but to my dismay. What is going on? Somebody tell me? Is this how bad the traffic is for the telecommunications? They have to do something.

Naf, of me whining. New year is coming i should look on the positive side.
I just enjoyed myself blogging about Star's improvement. I also submitted a bio and a picture of her at PetsMart.com hopefully they will choose her one of these days as the Smart Pet of the Day.

How do you guys celebrate the New Year? Until now, we had no plans yet. JJ and I were stuck infront of the pc ever since we got up this morning. We were talking about getting a shower and hit the mall or watch the Kingkong and tonight will hit the Sportsbar. Thought I had to make some food for us to share this midnight. The clock is ticking! Any new years resolution for you guys? Let's share one day.
Meanwhile, Johnson's family is wishing all of you a


Cheers!

Santa Was very Nice

Since der was no kids in da house, we da old wans did not wait for the christmas morning to open our gifts! Heheh why wait? Dba?

Santa was so nice to me dis christmas. Few days ago I got gifts from my friend Michelle, some under garments from VS, an additional picture frame for my collection and socks. Yesterday, another friend gave me another picture frame (dey know i collect picture/photo frames), a night gown (i have to wait for spring/summer before I could wear it), and more under garments -huh?? and a pink earrings, thanks Lyn!

Yesterday, I caught JJ wrapping some of his gifts for me so he indeed up not wrapping stuff he bought from the Thinkgeek which is the black shirt with "There's no Place like 127.0.0.1" (127.0.0.1 is the Loopback address of the computer which basically means There's no Place like Home), he also added those silly HTTP under garments (agen?! wth?!) one says: 411 Length Required and the 413 Requested Entity Too Large.

Anyways, as we open gifts Dad was wid us and of course Star. Dad seemed to have fallen inlove with the little critter. Star on the other hand loved him. She liked to nibble with his beard just like jj's goatee. Star's toys were accumulating and by the way she has already learned to go up and down our stairs. I thought her about a week ago. She learned how to go up but she was scared to go down. One day, I taught her how to go down step by step and she learned it pretty quick. Now. climbing up and down the stairs has been one of her exercise routine.

Anyway,I got VS gift card from JJ worth $75. Next, I got a white gold Ruby and Diamond Cross Necklace and the free 14K Necklace with Pearl pendant (he got me a Ruby necklace instead of the earrings), finally, JJ got me one from Brookstone which is the Tempur-Pedic Comfort-step Slippers (i might send it back because small size is still too big for me), Dad on the other hand got me a shirt from Abercrombie & Fitch, a candle from Yankie Candle and a candle burner.

Yay, I'm happy I got most of the stuff from my list and then some. I might still be able to get that sunglasses from Rayban in replacement of the Tempur-Pedic Slipper OR this Bang and Olufsen A8 Headphone from Apple Computer Store as a replacement for my old headphone for my Rio MP3 player. That iPod Nano seems so tempting but JJ just think they are just too popular. Also it only has 2GB or 4GB while mine does have 5GB.

What JJ got from ME? Oh, he was so happy that I got him the Bose Speaker System. Although he kept saying I shouldn't have bought him the expensive one's. But I figured he deserved to get something pricey. If I can send most of my earnings for my family back home, why not for my husband, right? Besides I won't be working all my life. Time will come I'd be staying home if ever we decided to have kids. So I wanted to buy him something from my earnings.

I also got him something that he can use everyday which is the Coffee Mug from Thinkgeek. Star got him the Ethernet Croosover Adapter. Jen ur right! Da wans I did not buy for him, he indeed up buying it for himself. He woke up early this morning to clean da house while I cooked for our food for tonight and then off he left to buy the Remote Control he's been wanting from Bestbuy.

He also got a shirt from Abercrombie and Fitch from Dad.
Basically, he got all he wanted except the new Xbox360! Yesterday, he also bought xbox games worth $80+.

Dad on da other hand, got 2 Performance Fleece Pullovers, a Plasma Mug with Electronic Coasters (its creates this one-of-a-kind lighting effect) and a $100 gift card from Kohls.

How about Star? Momma got her more toys to chew on! Dada got her also a toy from Discovery Channel Store! What a spoiled rotten puppy!

Overall, everyone is going to bed with a big smile on our faces and a tummy full of food.

Merry Xmas everyone!

JJ's Christmas Wish List

Wow, I just got JJ's christmas wish list sent thru e-mail ---> from JJ: ok, here goes: some of this too expensive and some are goofy I would be embarassed if you bought. But use your best judgement. I'll enjoy any of these stuff I think. ---> signed, JJ

These are his wish list:

Phatnoise Digital Car Audio System from Volkswagen.
How much? I don't wanna know 'coz Im pretty sure its beyond my budget.

Logitec Harmony 15-Device Universal Remote with Color LCD and Smart State.

Price: 249.99 with $25 mail-in rebate. His been wanting to get this because I always get confused with all the remote controls we have. I have to pindot a lot of bottons pa before I can watch tv programs or movie using the dvd player or vhs player, hear music or radio. He bought one from Sony before which is about $500, at nagamit lang for a short period. So I'm not sure if I will get this or not? Pero it made a good review naman from the customers. We'll see.

Bose Companion Multimedia Speaker System (3 piece). He was so impressed with this when we went shopping at Prime Outlets a month ago. Pero mind you, bago pa lang tong speaker system nya sa kanyang pc, upgrade agad? How much? $239.99 lang naman!

SwissmemoryThis is Swiss Memory USB
Regular 1GB is $159.99 /
Aluminum 1GB is $159.99.
Gorgeous Swiss Army Knife with Built-in USB flash drive.

Flavia Fusion. Blame the idea to his fren. State of the art technology. Make head turns, kuno!Those who have husbands who love to drink coffee or a tea drinker like me...you might be interested with this. $99.99 lang naman plus Drink Medly which is $29.99

What else is new? Time to upgrade Call of Duty...now Call of Duty 2! I don't think so brother! heheh your butt should be off from sitting infront of the computer...remember doc says loose 20 lbs.? I'd rather get get you and exercise machine, pero baka kalawangin lang...sayang $49.99 ko.

This one. Yakang-yaka ko to! $14 lang naman eh! Emancipation of Mimi CD by Mariah Carey.

Now, for the useless but interesting (to me at least) gadgets. (according to him)


The perfect gift for your 32 year old child! In my case if I will get this for him would be perfect gift for your 33 yrs. old husband. This is an office toy from ThinkGeek - a remote control microblimp costs $129.99

Another toy from ThinkGeek which is Dynaflex Powerball Gyroscope in glowing blue.
Basically the blue LED light starts to glow once the Powerball begins rotating and will glow even brighter as the rpms are increased. Sounds cool for $39.99?

The Universal Chart for $26.99 from ThinkGeek.
This print illustrates in detail the Milky Way in other words this shows a unique look at our Universe.

This is for the SUV daw - a mini torch flashlight for $26.13.With a turn of its head this little flashlight puts out a mighty bright halogen light.

A calendar which features the artwork of twelve Demotivators as well as a plethora of depressing dates, another one from ThinkGeek for $15.99. This 2006 Calendar is simply perfect for gift for person who has everything, but still isn't happy about it.

If a pretty poster and a cute saying are all it takes to motivate you, you probably have a very easy job. The kind robots will be doing soon. This is from ThinkGeek worth $15.99

This might be a good choice, for $12.99 im pretty sure its very usable pang palit2x nya dun sa isang coffee mug nya. Made of stainless steel with famous Caffeine Molecule printed in black on the front. Also from ThinkGeek.

This is Ethernet Crossover Adapter from ThinkGeek for $6.99. You can carry this adapter on your keyring and forget about those stupid numbers. Having this adapter on your keyring quietly shows the world your status as a prepared geek. (really?)

Lastly, he wants this Linux Fish for $4.99 at ThinkGeek. With this he will surely get an awkward stares from clueless passersby when he is driving down the freeway with this chrome plated fish on his vehicle.

Hmmm...notice daming choices? Daming naka lista ha! I'm pretty sure mamayat ang aking bulsa nito. I was trying to weigh which one is the most that he will surely need? Most of these fall into the "want category" but I checked on my lists and they were the same thing...they're not really "needs but just merely wants". I used to tell my nephew back home to use the basic of Economics which is Want vs. Need. Needs are the one's you can't go on without it like shelter, food, clothing, something you have to have. While Want are something you like to have...meaning you can survive without it - not very important in order to live. I have one conversation with JJ one time. I told him my observation about the kids here in America. They get a lot of toys or presents on christmas and birthdays. They get not only 1 or 2 presents but a lot! I said how lucky they are! When I was a kid, I could only count on my fingers the toys that I own and was given as a gift. I remember I only had 1 Ninang who always give me a gift on christmas and birthday, but that was only when I was a kid. She practically stopped giving me gifts when I was a teenage. JJ said yah, I had all kinds of toys when I was a kid. A lot of gifts are not only from my parents but from my relatives, aunts and uncle, family friends. That made him not being able to appreciate the small things or the cheap stuff. Oh well, its christmas time anyway. My motto: Its better to receive than to give! ('.')

My Christmas Wish List

This is a very interesting topic for me. Hmm.. JJ and I have been talking about making a wish list for christmas.

Star was our christmas gift for both of us. She's really been doing well exploring her new home. Potty training still was hit and miss. Infact, JJ just bought us a power washer for our carpet. Thank goodness the carpet is back to its life...even more cleaner and fresher now.

OK so here's my wish list: (edited for jj's convenience)

This is a Soap Genie Automatic Soap and Lotion Dispenser from the Sharperimage. I like this because of the no-drip technology and the musical chime that not only fun for kids but for adults like me. It is also a smart, economical and sanitary way to keep everyone hands cleaner and helps the kitchen and bathrooms free from cross contamination.

I know I don't really need this since I already have one from Ray-ban which is my first christmas gift when I got here in 2003. But this is new Babe he-he-he! Maybe I can upgrade? For your convenience, this is model number 511212. This is UVA, UVB, UVC Protected. Lens material is polycarbonate and the frame material is metal.

I also know I already have a Ruby earrings...SMILES! but when you get this for me it comes with a Pearl Pendant and a 14K yellow gold chain FREE! I can give you the coupon from IDG jeweller. The price range is just right - wink! (coupon is right infront of my pc)

Yup, you can also get me a either Signature Cotton Bra's (preferably in pink color - triangle bra - with or w/o wire) which is on sale today for 2 for $39 or from Victoria's Secret Pink (either color or style will do). You can also get a matching color of underware. And - I have a complimentary card here which is $10 off when you purchase $50 or more. I am going to put the complimentary gift card in one of the red stocking and will not checked on it until after we exchange gifts, BIG SMILE!

How about an Address Label Software? I'm not really sure which one I want but i'm sure you can figure it out. Maybe you can download online or buy me one from Bestbuy.

This is a Return to Tiffany oval tag bracelet made with Sterling silver(white gold is too much to ask). This is a little bit pricey but if you get this for me, I'd be settled with just one christmas gift. Mind you, this is one of the cheapest from Tiffany and Co. Engraving is also an option. If you want, you can match it up with a necklace...he-he-he! I searched it again at Tiffany and Company's and for some reason it won't show up. (it did show up last night) maybe you can call 800-843-3269?

This is a geek shirt thing...heheh you think ur the only geek? you know where is this from!

Ok, that's all for now. I may add if there is anything I remember that I like from Santa.