Meet & Greet... work!

It is one of those very rare moments that I get to schedule a meeting at the first hour of a working day. Thanks to work-from-home (WFH) set-up, I still have a lot of time to prepare after performing my duty in church early morning today. Meeting was scheduled at 8:00 A.M., and I logged in 20 minutes before the schedule. While waiting for the participants, I still got to talk to my St. Edward School Marketing colleague, Ina, to discuss Dr. John's preferences with the layouts that are to be posted in our official social media page. We finished our discussion in more or less ten minutes and just in time, our chairman was requesting to be let in the meeting room already. It was ten minutes before 8 in the morning. Being the meeting host, I let him in the meeting room and a usual smiling face greeted me. "Hi, Jon! How are you? Are you in the office?" sir Gerry asked. You just can't get a bad vibe with that executive smile! "Hi sir, I'm good. How are you? I am at home po," I answered back. "Oh, ang ganda ng wallpaper mo ha! Para kang nasa cafeteria," he said. Yes, I set my background to that google meet coffee shop design and my sleeveless batman shirt didn't look so casual. "Ok na rin pala ang work from home, ano?" sir Gerry added. I wasn't expecting that statement from our chairman, so I just smiled widely. Before pandemic, I was pitching it to my boss when she was asking our team how we can help the company find ways to cost-cut expenses for the entire organization. "Work from home!" I suggested, reasoning out that employees (and their bosses) will be more output-based conscious since they will have the free time to finish the tasks they are assigned to do. And the office need not worry in spending too much for electricity (and water) use, six times a week. Well, I just didn't imagine that it will be realized due to a pandemic.

Early morning interview of PRO-FRIENDS Chairman, Sir Gerry Choa
with Philippine Daily Inquirer Property Editor, Tek Samaniego

So Tek joined us a few minutes after and we started the interview session ahead of schedule. It was a great start of day--- to hear wisdom from your big boss. Wisdom about life, how he runs his business, how he planned ahead of the pandemic, and how we transform lives of the stakeholders. It was beyond that marketing-sounding answers, it was more of life's wisdom and realizations. I'm sure Tek gained a lot from the interview as well, aside from the usual questions she was programmed to write about for their section's anniversary feature.

I am simply thankful for meeting a Gerry Choa in my life. How he envisions things, how he takes care of his assets, how he runs his business, and how he looks after his people. Truly, a man with a big heart, and full of humility.

9 Truths, 1 Lie

In an attempt to keep this blog active once again, I am posting (and leading readers) to this blog my answer to the Facebook post, 10 Jobs.  Here's my version of  the post, and following is my detailed response to each choices:

List 10 jobs. 9 should be jobs you've already done, and one should be a lie.
Which one has not been my legit bread and butter?

1. Hosting - `did hosting for wedding, church programs, but not considered as a job and definitely didn't earn anything from it. So this is the odd one out among the 10 jobs listed.
2. Newspaper delivery - done this to earn an income when I was in Mississauga. One of the most tiring jobs I experienced, we needed to sort everything first and do flier inserts before dispatching them to the houses assigned to us--- even on heavy snowfall!

"katotohanan... magpapalaya sa bayan!"

3. New Accounts Clerk - my 3rd job after college. One of the busiest jobs ever especially when BIR payment deadline comes. I take my lunch break at 5PM!
4. Factory Worker - I was on call for this job, located in Toronto... the job I felt I was very independent at that time. Needed to work from late afternoon to midnight, and catch the last trip of the bus on my way home. Experienced calling an 8PM meal - "lunch". Saw different status in life, mixed nationalities working together. For this particular work experience? No regrets.
5. Sales Coordinator - the job I had before going back to my field of study. Stayed for almost 6 years, carrying the thought that I was doing my job for a good cause: curb the country's population.
6. Warehouse picker/packer - who would have thought? But being with one of my best buddies, working inside the warehouse has been a very pleasant experience. I even learned how to drive a picker machine! Bonus on the job is our client, and a very generous "boss."
7. Real Estate Agent - also in Mississauga, I spent a couple of weeks manning an open house. Earned good cash for a 4-hour shift daily.
8. Radio Reporter - I am honored, until today, to have been trusted to cover the palace for our radio station. My first job after college, one of the many tasks I did to earn a living. Another one is number---
9. News Reader - I read news items for radio for over a year. I was even given a segment for the early news program, where I produced environment-related news and features to air daily.
10. News Producer - ...and writer. My job in GMA News for one full year. Some memorable news stories back then: Japan tsunami (all line-ups erased for this super breaking news), Ping Lacson going out in public (remember the suspense between 24 Oras and TV Patrol on who will be able to interview him first after their respective OBBs), Libya unrest, crocodile Lolong captivity, among others. It was a very good one year experience for me.

Taking A Leap On A Leap Year

God has been good to our newfound business. Slowly, we are gaining good customers through the patience of wifey in promoting our "goods." You may check what's new through this Facebook page, The Bonenica Shop.  But trials decided to stay a bit around us this month, as we lost my father-in-law, Papa Johnny (afternoon of Sunday, Feb. 23rd). Wifey was the only witness when he breathed his last in his room, and all I can do at that moment was to recall how good he was to me since day 1 that I knew him. Sad days for the family but yeah, we needed to be strong and move on altogether.  Day before that, an unfortunate event had to happen. Our car was bumped and the back compartment hood was heavily damaged.  The driver said he lost brakes but we suspect otherwise: that he either fell asleep or that he was texting while driving.  We were on a constant 30 to 40kph speed and nearing to turn right when a sudden bump moved our car further forward.  We insisted to have it on police record so we will be sure that the damage will be repaired at no cost at all on our part, but yeah, the hassle. 

misfortune

Star struck moment this month: Cainta Mayor Kit Nieto was seen dining in a restaurant with his family where we also went. So, as popular as he is even among his non-constituents, we immediately excused ourselves to his family and have a photo taken with him. 

photo with the head of ONE Cainta, Mayor Kit Nieto

Papa Johnny's grandchildren during his burial

Shout out to my cousin, Angelica T. Dela Cruz, and to all leap year babies who are celebrating their real birthday today, February 29th.  Let us all take a big leap these coming days for our dreams to be fulfilled!

Thank you, 2017!

I'm just glad and thankful that before this year ends, better things started pouring in.  Frankly, I can say that I had a not-so-good 2017 start and until the 3rd quarter of this year, some things were still difficult to understand.  But my hope kept its fire burning--- that good things will come to those who patiently wait.  And indeed! God never fails to amaze me with His bountiful blessings in His right timing!  All glory and praises to HIS Name!

One of the best things that happened this year is the birth of our second child, a bouncing baby boy!  This cheerful baby resembles her mom a lot.  Always smiling, always happy.  He's truly a blessing to my family!  And I couldn't thank God more for this gift!

DJ's offering day, Feb. 25, 2017.  Photo with Bro. Benefrido Santiago
& Taytay resident minister, Bro. Jericko De Jesus

I had the chance to go back up to Baguio again this year, through the company of my best church buddies.  We really are supposed to stay in Pangasinan and Baguio was just a side trip.  One of the most memorable times of my 2017--- vacation with good friends!

Baguio boys: MJ, Khel, Mayor Carford, Xian, Narvin
(not in photo: Czyrus & Czarwin)

Mountain of houses has never pleased my sight :(

had a good faith matter discussion with MJ's tito, with Razel

bed sharing

early morning view from your place

...and the smell of the green rice field

never forget the worship services wherever you go!

batis na malinis... there is still hope to preserve nature's beauty!

career-wise, i get to visit Iloilo again for a very touching CSR project / experience.  A community we nurture, together with Gawad Kalinga, gave me a different perspective about "less fortunate" families--- families who live in a community where there is no electricity, and school travel for kids becomes a reason for their frequent class absences.  i, together with two good men, were assigned to document this "reality" but was instructed to avoid producing a pitiful story angle.  seems difficult but that "reality" made our assignment naturally easy to accomplish.  Kids greet you with smiles on their faces whenever they come across you, elders do likewise and acknowledge your presence cheerfully.  NO TRACES OF POVERTY, even if they have lesser than the standard households here in Metro Manila.  Children knows their responsibilities at their young age--- domestic responsibilities even.  Children are eager for education, and the community as a whole has been supportive of this.  Youth organizations established weekly tutorials for the younger ones, and "bayanihan" community services are regular on weekends.  Time well spent each day.  This is how they live without television, computers, laptops, and other gadgets--- simple but fruitful life.  More social interaction and community awareness.  One could wish to live in the community and forget all the complexity that modern living has to offer.

documenting their story w/ Joaquin, Raymond & Issa

Early morning pose with the neighborhood

community service FTW!

the regular Zumba session on weekends led by the Youth organiztion

Another blessing before this year ends, I finally got my long-awaited "movement." It has been three years and many thoughts of giving-up when this has been finally realized. although, the official paper confirming this "movement" hasn't been distributed yet.

For the many, many times I've traveled by plane, this is the first time I got really upset over a local flight.  Yes, i've had numerous and countless delayed flights before but this one topped them all!  I was scheduled for the earliest flight last October 16 to discuss an upcoming company activity in our offices in Iloilo.  I got the earliest possible flight so I can start my rounds early and have ample time to stay there in case needed, before the scheduled flight back to Manila.  Then this happened:  arrived in NAIA Terminal 3 at around 3am.  My boarding time reads 0350.  I checked in and waited for the boarding time.  It was a little past 4am when people began inquiring at the Cebu Pacific desk which at that time was manned by a couple of the airline staff. We were supposed to depart at 0420 and no advisory was yet to be announced.  A few minutes after numerous desk inquiries, announcement said that the flight will be delayed (as we expected) and that we should wait for  the next flight announcement at 7:00AM! Like, huh??? 7:00AM and WAIT for further announcement??  So do we have much choice?  After waiting for another three hours, we approached the airline desk to inquire.  We were told that an announcement will be made in a few minutes.. then the much-awaited information was announced: "...please be informed that your flight will further be delayed.  Please wait for the next flight announcement at 10:00AM"  Another 3 hours???  I've called my boss already to inform this unacceptable situation, but told her i'd be waiting until the next (and hopefully the last) flight status announcement.  I began inquiring on the updates about the situation at Iloilo International Airport, since I began hearing comments  from other passengers that the flight will be cancelled and that they are opting to reroute to Roxas then travel by land to Iloilo instead.  A few days earlier, a Cebu Pacific aircraft overshoot the runway of Iloilo International Airport and was stranded there for days.  Perhaps it would be possible to clear the situation from there rather than waiting for the delayed announcement from the airline?  And besides, I've checked PAL website earlier and they already announced cancelled flights to all of their scheduled Iloilo-bound trips.  Why not do the same, Cebu Pacific?? Whyyy??? So even before 9AM, the airline desk was already being swarmed up by irate passengers.  I've decided to wait and wait until they finally announced, minutes before 10AM, that the flight will be cancelled already.  7 hours of waiting in vain is just... WOW.

no sun has risen yet, i was already waiting near the boarding gate

Cebu Pacific desk getting busy attending to irate passengers
and at the same time inquiring about the flight

1-pc chicken joy-rice, and a bottle of water to ease our disappointment
plus one-way trip voucher to any local flight of destination

my boarding pass stamped with "claimed meals" isa lang naman yung meal na ibinigay :P

I've struggled to find a perfect business to 'supplement' my monthly income.  Things have been uneasy, financially speaking, this year and the blessing that came toward the end of this year should change my financial storyline--- for the better.  But I still need to plan for a long-term (savings) goal.  The numerous buy and sell products have somewhat helped me go through the year.. some of them are the following:

ladies shorts... managed to sell a few pieces  with a very
generous supplier willing to settle on a consignment basis

had one buyer but i had to recall since product wasn't original

good products, but not really the business product i was hoping for.
we still use these at home. really very good products.

the most successful among the products i sold. pagkain pa rin
talaga ang love ng mga Pinoy customers!

in one of the most 'sensationalized' crime stories that happened this year, one story (un)fortunately happened in one of our projects.  so when media reporters have to come and cover the story, I needed to be there.  Other than the bad story that the news covered, it was a pleasant reunion with one former colleague, Chino Gaston, and meeting a new face from the other network, Jasmin Romero.  The latter had the juicier detail of the drama though as it was their network who had the first exclusive coverage of the developing story.

friends by profession: ABS CBN's Jasmin Romero (leftmost)
and GMA's Chino Gaston (middle)

Health-wise, I haven't been a hundred percent healthy this year.  Found out that my triglyceride, uric acid, and bad fats have sky-rocketed after I submitted myself to a doctor's check-up when I felt once that my blood pressure also shoot up.  I was given numerous medicine prescriptions which I had to consume for a month.  Then I have to undergo a series of blood chemistry to monitor its improvement.  In the end (or after three blood chem results) I decided to just restrict myself to a strict diet (and veer away from the daily meds) as the doctor advised anyway:  LESS rice, NO softdrinks, LESS coffee... and some other things i love, i have to give-up--- or at least LIMIT, LIMIT, LIMIT:  peanuts, sweets, PORK (bye, sinigang), BEEF (or any red meat for that matter).  Then FORCE myself to physical activities.  Since I am not a very sporty guy, I decided to take the stairs always when going down, and walk the stretch of Shaw Boulevard after work--- from our office (Puregold Shaw area) to Kalentong, or sometimes up to Starmall.  Yep, it's traffic anyway. I also got a second-hand bicycle courtesy of my ever-reliable dad, and got used to take the stairs of the LRT station going up. Yes, going up!  I also forced myself to drink a lot of water not caring if I go to the restroom more often, and take my daily dosage of buco juice.  After a few weeks of keeping this routine, results are quite pleasant--- I even lost my frequent heartburn!  Now all I have to do is to maintain this discipline unto the coming year.

February 3, 2017

December 19, 2017. pwede na ulet lumamon!

In a few hours, it's going to be a new year.  A couple of things to look forward to for the 1st month of the year:  DJ's 1st birthday; mom's homecoming.  Then, let's take it one at a time.  God is good always, all the time!  As for me and my family, we will serve Him faithfully.

A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR TO ALL!

2016: Page 12 of 366

Today, I am not feeling well.  My sinusitis triggered this morning from either dust or something that smells odd.  I don't know. All I want to do is go home, lie down and take a good rest.  But knowing that I have pending items to finish (write), most likely I will work from home.  And yeah, send email to my boss later tonight.  *sigh*

- - - - - - - - - - - -

I was able to see Treston International College and its campus... well, actually, just its main and second floor lobby.  Was able to have a short chat with Dixie who informed me that I may have to chat with Daphne as well, who had to leave the campus that time for a chore.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Meeting wifey after office in our 2nd favourite mall.  I'm longing for this family time.  Got to go!

2016: Page 4 of 366

Happy birthday, Towtow!

Today has been generally pleasant as we start the first work day of the year.  Traffic is still surprisingly light and people in the office seems to be feeling good. Good vibes, I must say.  We had a small celebration for our colleague, Mich, as she celebrates her birthday today.  She brought us 3 boxes of Papa John's pizza and we gave her a birthday cake in return.  I know, the pizza costed more but what the heck, what mattered was that we were all happy.  The team also had the chance to talk to our interim boss and we found out that I may be considered to relocate to CDO for work.  This thought only sank in my mind at this time, before I finally call it a day.  I have been to CDO only once in my life when former boss Nix & I flied over there to do media rounds.  It was a quick and a busy pure business trip and I haven't appreciated the place yet unlike my love and appreciation with Iloilo.  So now, I was like, wait.. do I really want to be relocated there?  Our boss jokingly asked how old my daughter is and where she is currently studying.  I think he is ready to consider my whole family moving to CDO and assign me a new job function.  Now this reminds me to share this thought with wifey after I publish this post and before we sleep tonight.  The thought of being in a new environment excites me but the fear of getting out of the box somehow creeps in since it will mean settling anew, back to square one for my family.  There would have been no problem if I am still an eligible bachelor but taking two other lives with me in this change somehow makes it more complex.

After work, my office mates & I went to the wake of Papa Rey.  A mini-reunion with former office mates capped the night, having Mabel & Simon's presence as well during our visit.  Before driving home, I drove thru Starbucks to get wifey her green tea frap fix.

At Papa Rey's wake in Marian Memorial Chapel (Marcos Highway) with PCFI officemates

Remembering Good Teammates (RGT)

the SUPER boss knows how TEAMS should be. Happy birthday, sir! :)

(FREE ADVERTORIAL)
by: Jon Magat

"There is no "I" in "TEAM""--- this one-liner has struck me the first time i read it.  I found it in my college choir's rehearsal room board, reminding the young ones on how a team should be.  This I felt in the numerous companies I have previously worked for, and the present is not an exception.  There are people who will remain in your mind and heart, not because of their personal achievements displayed on their job titles, but for the contribution they bring to your professional life.  This eventually affects your personal life as well, and gives a positive impact on how you see things around you.

An all-around guy.
In my 3 years of stay in the real estate industry, I have learned many new things.  Yes, this field is rather new to me, and having supportive bosses made learning a lot easier.  Here I met a boss who is like our projects--- "within reach."  He has a load-full of tasks in his hands but when you see and approach him, he is like our competitor--- "happy to serve!"  He faces the cameras pretty well too and when detractors get so active in pestering us, my boss also gets tireless in facing them bravely, like that investigative show in one network--- "hindi namin kayo tatantanan!"

A boss and a "father."
In spite of his busy schedule, he sees to it he has time for his team mates.  He is that "father" figure (pardon me but it's the essence of the title not the age, haha) of our department, and I know that he extends his time figuring out the things he is not really an expert at, just to give us the assurance that "we are all in this together."

A pro-friend.
He has a great contribution to my real estate career, that I can not deny.  Too bad, I seldom hear his LOLs anymore since he not only transferred department, he transferred to a different building as well.  But I am thankful that he still serves as my rants springboard ('coz everyone dear to me in the office have left me already).

To the jolly boss who is brilliant in all he does, happy birthday, Sir Richard G. Tay, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all the support you have extended me, even if you are not my direct boss any longer. *cheers*

Reminiscing The Good Old Times

Today, I went back to my alma mater.  This time, I was with my two girls.  The real agenda in visiting the old school was to proceed to Radyo Agila for a business matter.  Took my two girls with me while coordinating the live interview of one of our executive officers in the company where I am currently working.

Generally, it was a good experience.  My boss was fascinated with the facilities in Central (To God be the glory) and was impressed with the following of the radio program where he guested.  Tita Lou Medina hosts the weekly program, Gabay Ng OFW International, airing over DZEC 1062kHz, every Saturday at 8 in the evening.  The radio program talks mainly about OFW matters, news around the globe that affects our modern-day heroes, current issues concerning our overseas workers and other interests that OFW families may benefit from.

My two girls, especially my little girl enjoyed her stay inside the studio.  Perhaps a future in the broadcasting industry where her dad used to work?  Let us see! ;)

Looking back, I can just say that time flies real fast.  My little girl is now beginning to take a glimpse of what I used to do, and where I used to go during my younger years.  I feel happy about this.  My two girls seeing my "world" when both of them aren't in my life yet.  I'm sure they appreciate it just as I appreciate our past activities when we were still singles.

throwback... flashback... looking back... however you call it, it always feels good reminiscing the good old times. ;)

First Iloilo Trip for 2015

At the height of the papal visit, I, together with two office mates, were tasked to report to work and get interviews from our stakeholders in Iloilo.  Not that I'm complaining but sometimes, I really am in awe how decisions, sudden at that, come at a very unpopular time.  Anyhoo, I get to offset my two-day official business, and yeah, get to see Iloilo again.

Parc Regency Residences offers the biggest subdivision swimming pool in Pavia, Iloilo.

My new experience for this Iloilo trip is having a bunch-full of selfies along Diversion Road.  I got the chance to walk from our city office to our hotel and the nice view of the bridge along the said road is very inviting for self photography:

"...you're my end and my beginning even when I lose I'm winning 'cause I give you all of me..."

This Iloilo trip is definitely not my last for the year 2015.  I am so looking forward to my birth month as I will be coming back to this province but this time won't be doing business matter.  Family time, yeah!

Another first for this particular Iloilo trip before I end my blog post today, Dinagyang fever:

Parc Regency Residences open House with theme:  Dinagyang Festival

...and that concludes 2014

Just like most of the people in my social media friends list, my 2014 can also be considered not as the best but still one of the most colorful years in my whole life.  After a blog hiatus for a few months, I will try my very best to summarize my 2014 in this year-ender post.

My career took a big share of my roller coaster ride this year.  A new department head came, my immediate boss resigned, our table of organization was changed, the number of "immediate concerns" sky-rocketed and became too exhausting to handle, the team held on  in spite everything.  On the brighter side of things, I got my retro, I am supposed to be promoted (as a manager), and I finally got the salary increase promised 10 months back.  Work-wise, media relations with some major media companies became stronger, establishing a more personal relationship beyond the professional call of duty.  One major project for the year was the partnership with ABS CBN for its very own realiserye, I Do.  I am proud to be a part of this pilot program as main coordinator between our company and ABS CBN's I Do production team.  Met awesome new friends in ABS, and finally got in touch with one of the couple grand winner, Ms. Kring Elenzano, a blogger and also a good friend of my late brother, Coy.

I Do is ABS CBN's realiserye featuring couples ready to wed.  Their stay inside the I Do Village enables them to know each other better and test their compatibility.  Counselors are available to strengthen their relationship and make them understand the roller coaster ride of being a couple.  At the end of the season, one couple will emerge as the grand winner.

Lancaster New City, the flagship project of Property Company of Friends, Inc. is the official home of I Do village Season 1.

Work has also led me to two places I haven't been to in my life.  And the year 2014 has to bring me there.

I am delighted to see Cagayan De Oro for the first time.  The place offers a lot of things to discover, including the popular white rapids where water rafting is common.  Too bad we only have limited time and the visit was only consumed doing official business.

Cebu--- one of the places in my bucket list.  I wasn't able to round the place and was just confined in the hotel and the very nearby places for the work that I need to do during the visit.  There is always a 'next time.'  There will be a next time.

I have grabbed the opportunity to visit Coy's resting place in Cebu.  This is the best time to do it since I do not know when I will be able to come back there again.  His brother, Jet, accompanied me early in the memorial park where Coy's remain was buried.

It feels so tranquil in that place.  Thank you, Jet, for bringing me to your kuya's resting place.   Speaking of business trips, I was also able to take my mom with me in one of my business trips in Iloilo, particularly in the early month of 2014.  Of course I need to pay for her air fare and meals but it was great bringing her there and let her see the beauty of the city.

My mom with me and Arn during one of our business trips in Iloilo.

My boss and I were also able to take some media friends to Iloilo.  We went to common tourist spots and had a good taste of local foods.  This trip is not the usual business trip we do in Iloilo since it was also the first time that we were able to visit these landmarks.

Cafe Lata FTW! (top middle photo)
Netong's Original La Paz Batchoy tastes heavenly! (rightmost, bottom photo)

Work also allowed me to have a series of "selfies" with known personalities:

SELFIES with:  (from leftmost, top clockwise) Jason Gainza, Jing Castaneda, Mon Tulfo, Bianca Gonzales, Sen. Nancy Binay, and Ms. Miriam Quiambao.

Health-wise,  I was diagnosed with kidney stones twice.  First check up was as early as January when I had to undergo a CT stonogram to determine the number and size/s of the stone/s.  I first noticed a stain-colored urine but felt no pain at all, even around the area of my kidneys.  The two young resident doctors who first questioned me about how I felt when I urinate are puzzled why there was no pain felt so they recommended the procedure over just the usual ultrasound.  Early urine tests say that blood is present with the urine which explains the color whenever I discharge liquid.  I was prescribed to take a 3-month medication hoping that the stones, biggest at .05cm, will dissolve.  I turned a 180-degree turn on my diet.  Less salty foods, more water & these three juices:  buco, apple, and cranberry.  The stones temporarily "vanished" but after a few weeks just before my birthday, I needed to undergo a shock wave procedure to dissolve the stones.  It was an unforgettable experience and I just have to thank my wifey and dad for taking care of me after the procedure, when I felt really dizzy.

diet-changing experience. 

On spiritual aspect, a major shift has come this year as my family migrated to a newborn locale extension (which will very soon be an independent locale already) that will bear the name "Centennial."  This year marks the 100th year anniversary of our church, the Iglesia Ni Cristo.  A series of big activities were made not only in the country but overseas as well.  These activities were led by the most popular of all, the Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko (My Countrymen My Brethren).  A milestone event that benefit the victims of typhoon Haiyan, the church-initiated Worldwide Walk earned two world records in just 24 hours.  The activity which was not only held in the Philippines brought one battle cry among the brethren who participated the said event: "we walk so they can stand."

Of course, congregational thanksgiving worship services are always the best, and most anticipated occasions annually.  This time, July thanksgiving is extra-special because of the centennial anniversary.

PNK Thanksgiving: July (left), December (right)

Family bonding is the next best thing after fulfilling church obligations.  This year, I can say that I had a pretty good, quality time with my wifey & little girl.  Little Aya went to formal school for the first time, after a few short pre-nursery courses in summer.  Her school, Divine Angels Montessori of Cainta is presided by celebrity and former child star Camille Prats.  We were able to go boating in Nuvali with church friends, and enter Tagaytay's Sky Ranch for the first time.  Some other first times for us, we dined in 100 Revolving Restaurant.  The place is ideal for one special date, no entrance fee required.  You only have to pay for the food you are going to order.  But make sure you call for reservation especially during peak days and time. Another first, and finally, we were able to dine in Vikings.  There's a branch near our place and the three of us enjoyed our dinner!

Summer Pre-Kindergarten Program graduation, Egyptian during United Nations Program, Buwan ng Wika performance... our school girl enjoys school so much. :)

dinner date at 100 Revolving Restaurant, Vikings on another occasion, and family trip to Nuvali.. all happened in 2014.

I would like to thank all the people who made a difference in our lives this 2014.  May the coming year 2015 bring us more joy, prosperity and contentment in all aspect of our lives.  Most of all, I thank God, our loving Father, for the continuous blessings He pours to me and my family.

Ending this year-ender blog post, thank you to my long-lost friends who I got the chance to meet again this 2014:

top, left to right: with HS classmate Maricel, blogger friend Alex, Glee Club colleague Mitch.
middle, left to right:  with churchmate Homer, blogger pal Flowell, former radio colleague Ener.
bottom, left to right:  with former radio colleague Ka Eric, former DKT colleague Judith, and former SUN colleague Juvy.

Three of the most treasured "selfies" for the year 2014 are the following:

left to right:  with overall choir mentor Ka Fausto; minister/debater Bro. Joe Ventilacion; and choir mentor Bro. Michael 

God has not forsaken me this passing year and for the upcoming year, to Him I entrust my life again and as always.  FAITH, LOVE, HOPE... 2015!