CDO-Camiguin-Bukidnon-Davao trip

ENCHANTING CAMIGUIN!
Thanks to the movie I saw as a kid, Camiguin - topbilled by Gelli De Bellen and Jomari Yllana - the place always conjures a mysterious and brooding paradise in my mind. So it was a no brainer when a friend and I headed there for some adventure and a challenge - try to hit as much tourist spot as possible in CDO - camiguin - Bukidnon - Davao route with only Php5,000 in my pocket ( excluding air fare).
Here are the highlights:

BALINGOAN, MISAMIS ORIENTAL

We rode the first bus going to Balingoan, which is the jump off point for Benoni Wharf in Camiguin. Unfortunately, the last ferry had already left and we decided to stay at an inn and take the 5:30 am trip the next morning.

Place We Stayed At: Lola Lumen's Inn for Php100.00. I was ecstatic!! first major saving of the trip!

... resto - their chicken b-b-q is really something, I've lived in Iloilo and Cebu, both famous for seafoods and barbecues and I haven't eaten anything like it. It's almost like lechon, the skin is thin and crispy, like they didn't baste it but it was still uber delicious!!





CAMIGUIN
What hit me the moment we got to Camiguin is how virginal the place is - I mean it's so clean and green! The air was so fresh and cool and it was refreshing to see rare flowers ( I remember these plants when I stayed in a barrio as a kid ) and lemons and pomelo and citrus trees in people's front yards.

Place We Stayed At:....for Php 800.00 with A/C and cable tv - still a cheap deal considering it's right across White Island, you can see the sandbar from the shore and enjoy a really nice sunset from the stone wharf.
Really spectacular experience standing on the stone wharf as the sun is about to set down. Facing the ocean, you gaze out on the horizon and marvel at how tiny but exquisite the sandbar is as it juts down just above the ocean.Below you is a pile of beautiful rocks and you can watch mesmerized as the waves crashes on it. Look behind you and you'll be rewarded by the sight of the sprawling Paras Beach Resort and right behind are the spectacular view of Mt. Hibok-Hibok and the Old Volcano.
1ST DAY
We rented a motorbike with the driver to drive us around the island for Php800.00 and set off on our first day...

OLD VOLCANO WALK WAY - Wow! It's really something to walk uphill on mossy stone steps under a thick canopy of trees, and from time to time the trees would part to give you a glimpse of the ocean down below. Talk about view from the top!

SUNKEN CEMETERY - now this one I was really intrigued to see ever since I've seen it on the movie Ouija, which I very much enjoyed. And it certainly didn't disappoint. You can see the cemetery, or what's left of it from the shore but they're actually renting out boats or bancas (not motorized! cool!) so they could take you unto the cemetery itself. Once there, don't forget to get inside the giant cross and look up. Great photo idea!!


STO.NIÑO COLD SPRING - We had been joking about this part of the tour cos as we were heading there, it started to rain and since there's no hope of the rain stopping anytime soon, we decided to hell with it and get on with the trip. With the heavy downpour and since we're riding a bike, we were soaked and cold BEFORE we even set foot in the cold spring resort. Suffice it to say that we didn't even took a dip there, but looking at the few who braved the rain and the cold water - and theyre renting out BIG tire floaters - should be a cool experience.

KATIBAWASAN FALLS - it's the highest falls I've seen and pool below looks cool too, but we didn't really stayed long there as it was still drizzling. Just a few snaps and my friend even had to get a gabi leaf and use it as an umbrella for his camera. haha quite funny.

ARDENT HOT SPRING - now this one is what I've been looking forward to the most. I love hot baths, in fact, ever since I was a kid til today, except during summer, I would heat up water for my baths. I find it more relaxing and I don't have to rush it which is what happens when the water is cold. By this time, the rain had stopped but the wind is still very cool and refreshing. So it was the perfect way to end our day trip since the hot water will soothe our tired muscles. And true enough, I LOVED IT!!! It was lovely being submerged in hot water with steam all over you, and the pools are also underneath a canopy of trees, with nets above to prevent leaves from falling on water. Sigh!! the only setback was I found it hard to dive or swim underwater since then, the water is quite too hot for comfort. Other than that. Hot springs are definitely one of my faves now, up there with white sand beaches and long winding dirt paths.

** Dined at Luna Italian Pizza place. haha was hoping to partake of seafoods being in an island but my friend thought he'd like some Italian Pasta instead. weird. but I humoured him. Well, it was quite pricey for an island and considering we had a very meager budget but it was all worth it. We ordered the cheapest pizza and the topping looked like nothing but tomato sauce and cheese but it was really delicious since they bake it using a BRICK oven.

2ND DAY

We were hoping for the sun to come up early since we were heading to the white island, and we needed it badly for good pictures. However, it was still quite gloomy and we were tempted to do the sundance to coerce the sun to come out of hiding lolx. But since neither of us dance, we prayed hard instead. And it paid off, before we left the island, there was modest sunshine all round.

What can I say, the sand bar is again, something that I've never seen before and might never see again. It's a real small island jutting out of the water, so small there's no vegetation whatsoever, and the only structures are the floating cottage and the life guard's post. It was really nice swimming with birds above and crystal clear water all around. The only downside with us in the middle of the sea was that the wind was really strong and I would suggest wearing a headband to keep hair off your face. could ruin a really good picture. =)

We left camiguin by noon and headed back to CDO. If you're going to Camiguin, be warned that travel time varies since the bus tends to pick passengers up and what should have been an hour and a half trip could stretch to 3 hrs. Which is what happened on our trip to Bukidnon via Cagayan. It was already night time when we arrived in CDO and from there, we boarded a bus bound for Malaybalay, Bukidnon, a good 2 hrs away.

Travel Time from CDO to Bukidnon: abt 2 hrs
Fare: $100.00 non-aircon
Place we stayed at: Villa Alemania Php400.00 with A/C and cable.

Monastery of Transfiguration -

Travel Time: abt 10mins from the Inn
Fare: Php9.00 via multicab
How to get there: Ask the driver to drop you off at the crossing going to the monastery. Once there, it's a good 15-20 mins walk going to the monatery.
We visited the old Monastery but it was the new one that took our breath away. Remember not to take the short cut as some people there would suggest. opt to walk all the way to the Monastery via the stone-hewed road and you'll be rewarded with spectacular views. The monastery will be visible from the beginning of the trek and it was quite exciting how as it inched closer, you get the feeling that you're nearing your goal, much like how it'd feel walking to the end of the rainbow with the pot of gold waiting at the end, not that I've tried it, lol. It was also really nice how you could snap pictures of the monastery at varying distance until you could get a close up once you're there. The road is winding, tree-lined, and there was even a part where pine trees abound. Once there, prepare to snap away happily, with the mountains providing a very good background to the unique structure.
Drop by the GIFT SHOPPE for the coffee made by the monks, chocolates and religious artifacts.

APO LAKE 

How to get there: Ride a Multicab going to Valencia, Bukidnon:Fare Php29.00 (if i remember right)
Travel Time: about 20-30mins
From there, rent a motorbike, with the driver of course, (it's called habal-habal there). We got ours for Php150.00 only, round trip.
Travel time: about 45mins-1 hr one way

Once there, I was once again giddy with excitement since it's yet another first for me. There's not much lake around where I am and especially not as big as Lake Apo, and surrounded by mountains too. Once there, you can rent a floating cottage/raft for Php50.00. Much more exciting since you'll have to navigate it yourself. I had a blast dipping my feet in the water and had I brought with me a suit, I would have done some swimming. 

Extra bonus: On the way there: you'll see a Banana Plantation for DOLE and AGAIN, spectacular mountain views.
DAVAO:
Travel Time: abt 5.5 hrs from Valencia via a bus
Fare: Php245.00 non-aircon
Place We Stayed At: Ponce Suites: The UNconventional Suites (nice tagline, and you'll see soon enough that it is indeed unconventional)
Wow! and Wow! and Wow!!! The place isn't really posh like some starred hotels but I think compared to some bigger hotels I've stayed in, I'm loving it for its character. It's not really an inn in as much as it is a gallery. There are hundreds of artworks inside: paintings, installations, mixed-media, sketches, photographs, and sculptures outside, all done by Kublai Khan. If the artworks were food, it was such a gastronomic experience for my eyes and my spirit. I felt like a kid at a candy store. We weren't really able to go around Davao since it was only our exit point for Manila but the Inn itself more than made up for us. The inn in itself, for me, is enough reason to visit Davao, for the experience of boarding in an art gallery. And what's more special about it is it doesn't look cluttered, and the artworks were organized according to theme or concept, I really loved it! There's a type of art work there for everyone. What I regret though is not meeting the artist himself, who also resides in the inn. Bummer!!
Trivia: Kublai Khan is the artist behind the big Durian installation you can find outside Davao International Airport.
DURIAN ICE CREAM! Another First!! Right next door to Ponce Suites, right side. If you're in luck, the Durian tree of the neighbor next door will be bearing fruits and you can stare at them while eating your ice cream. Also, they're selling Durian, Marang, and Strawberry (if in season, they're using Baguio berries) Kisses. Yum!
My friend left for Manila ahead of me since his flight was scheduled in the morning ( he'll report for work that day ) and mine was in the afternoon. I had some time to kill and two things left to do: buy pasalubongs and visit my friend Faye.
Since I don't really know my way around Davao, it was a really good thing that I thumbed through Cebu Pacific's travel mag on the way to CDO. A Davao local suggested a place where you can get really good souvenir items, sort of a one-stop-shop, which is exactly what I needed. So I asked around, and after a jeepney ride and some walking, found my way there. got myself really cute purses which looked like they were imported from Thailand, some keychains, naturally, and some sarongs. So one last thing. I had zero idea about how to get to my friend's house in Matina so I took a taxi instead, which was a good thing considering the trip must've took all of 30 mins, but felt like an hour to me since I was getting worried about missing my flight. So anyway, I met up with my friends, some chikka ensued, and enjoyed her baby who's just super cute ( aren't all babies?).
*sigh* I wish I had more time but here's wishing it wasn't going to be my last Mindanao trip. Hopefully, Zamboanga and Dapitan the next time! =)

getting old, and how i don't like it one bit

Below is a copy of a blog I wrote on my first Friendster account in 2006, which I have long since deleted ( have created a 2nd account recently). I have always wanted to transfer all my blogs here kasi nakakalat, and I want this site to be my ONLY online journal. Anyway, as I was reading it, it's been 3 years now and everything still holds true. People have married themselves off except a handful of friends, ok, si Frencel na lng, si Francis, si Sisa, Weng and me. Sila na lng out of my close circle of friends. I turned 28 in May, I wrote this blog when I was 25. Three years and I'm still single. Happily? I'm not even sure myself. Sometimes yes, other times ok lng. Everything's become so confusing. I mean I'm not ready to settle down yet, not emotionally, mentally, and most of all financially. But there's this pressure hanging over my head, people I know are forcing ideas into my head na kelangan I have to think about settling down na, and i think it's UNFAIR. I'm not sure how long I can fend them off but I sure as hell wish if I ever go down that road, it's because I came across the right person, not because it's the right time or that it's time na...

getting old, and how i don't like it one bit 08/28/06

In the middle of watching a movie last night ( 28 Days Later, my 3rd time, nothing to do and i like the movie ), it just occured to me that I am really getting old, not a happy thought yes. I am only 25 yrs old but I'm starting to feel really ancient, in everything: in my views, in my tastes, in my activities. I have always been a bit of an old hag, a bit traditional. I consider myself an old soul, I like old things, old music, the Old World. I revel in stories about knights, jousting, the haunt of the witches.. heck! I even wished i was born during the 17th century. like somehow, something went wrong that resulted in me being born during the 80s instead. But lately, I've been feeling a different kind of deja vu, the kind thats different from that feeling you get when you see something you're sure you've seen before but cannot place where and when. You remember how you regarded your aunts when you were younger, like they were too 80s? Hell, ive been having that feeling again, and the bad news is, its no longer my aunts but me! I am seeing myself in their shoes. And so I was telling a friend when we were out in the mall one day.. " Aren't you feeling like you're too old for a lot of things? This must have been how it was for our aunts. I am way so sure we are looking like how our aunts looked in our eyes a decade ago, at least to today's youngsters. Sure, the puberty phase was awkward, but this is notches more awkward, its an uncomfortable transition, and to what, i dont know. We wanted to look youthful, but we dare not swath ourselves with the latest trends these young people have been wearing. Somehow, it isn't right. Im sure id feel ridiculous, the outrageous belts, the weird length of pants, and even weirder cuts and color and what-have-yous in blouses. And when teens starts to call me "Nang" or "Ate", I automatically think " God! Is it that obvious?" I sure as hell look every year of my age, and it isnt nice at all. I couldnt help but think I should have used a facial moisturizer the day I turned 10, and skin moisturizer.. and sun block, and hair sun block.. It is true then, what they say, prevention is better than cure. ( I should remind myself to tell my future kids that someday ). It is almost tempting to buy those Anew products, or Pond's Early Skin Defense or something. It even makes me pause, seeing that Nivea Age-Defying product ad on TV. But what really makes me panicky, is when people starts to marry around me, one by one... And when conversations of interests becomes whoever their pedia is, or gyne, domestic trouble, cure for kids illnesses etc.. instead of the latest goss on Hilary Duff, or Mischa Barton, or that guy in Prison Break.. More and more often I had to excuse myself from these conversations.. I cannot relate anymore. I am sure this is how it would feel when Im 60, and then people around me starts dying. Hopefully conversations then wouldnt turn to memorial plans, or plot reservation, or if whether they'd prefer to be under or above the ground, or to have an epitaph on their tombstones ( perhaps I should start scouting around for fave sayings or ponder on how i should like to be remembered ), or deciding if they'd go for cremation or traditional burial. That would surely speed up my jourvey to the grave. But, really, when people around me starts to settle down, I feel a sense of panic, like time is running out. Im thinking I have so much to do yet, so much to accomplish. I have not even made a single contribution in this world YET. I hate to think how I'd feel when im 29, or 30, or.. Pls dont take me wrong, i am not afraid of aging per se, of getting wrinkles, of senility.. you know what they say, growing backward. Its just that i feel like there is so little time left. This is when you start to think life is borrowed, and so whatever time we have left, we need to MOVE IT! no time for procrastination now, ive procrastinated enough during my early and late teen years. And so now I also hate Christmas, or New Year, coz it reminds me that another leaf will fall from my Tree of Life. And it doesnt help that all these stress that the working people are under, is like a hand yanking at our TREES, making leaves fall in droves.. Ah.. but aging is like having a time bomb over our heads, and its just a matter of time before it stops ticking. Man, Im not aging gracefully, and i hate it.

To be or not to be..

What a way to start one's work hours. Shortly after arriving at the bus stop, a colleague told me that there' s been an update regarding our offer. I won't go into details since I fear that would somehow be a breach of contract. Although that in itself is laughable. The gist is that we were to commit a fraud, or a half-fraud, if there is such a thing. We were to sell something where the customer would get less than what they actually are paying for. And that we were to hide that fact from the customer. And oh, I think it's also relevant to mention that most of these customers end up not using the service at all. So that's hundred of dollars down the drain. And to commit it at this time of recession, it's murder. And it's also killing me. As Jamie Kennedy said in a similar situation, it's soul-sucking. It's funny considering the company mentioned something about integrity in its mission statement. So much for that.

I vowed to myself that I'd be able to get out of this company unscathed, or with as little dent to my morality as possible. I'm not going to sell my soul for P400+/day. Now, maybe you're thinking what the hell Am I still doing here? Why not quit already? Believe me I'd thought of that a thousand times. And everytime the thought just keeps getting more and more attractive. If only I only have myself to think of, if only I'm not the eldest in the family, if only the economy is not in a dump right now. It just is hard to wade through the piles of "if only" and simply pass my "two weeks notice". But never for a moment think that I never fantasize about it. Ah! but it'll come to pass soon enough, and that'll be the day. In the meantime, I'm as motivated as a slow-frying fish. So to be or not to be... succumb to temptation and be the best sales person there is. Or hold on to the last shred of integrity and not perform up to par.That is the question. And Shakespeare doesn't have anything to do with it. Sadly.

Hundred Island : Summer 2009!

I really thought I won't be going anywhere this summer, so it was a pleasant surprise when my sister told me she and her officemates are going to Pangasinan to spend a few lazy summer days, and that I'm welcome to tag along. Of course, I readily said YES! Beats having to suffer through hot humid days in the apartment. Besides, my entire being is screaming to be submerged in the clean, cool, salty beach.The trip started Friday evening and ended Monday at around 5pm. Three nights and 3 days. The following are the "highlights" of the vacay.

1. Met up sis at 7pm, met up everyone else around 10pm. However, since the van got caught in traffic and we had to convoy with another van ( which appeared/met up with us around 12mn), we left Manila at around, whew! 1 in the morning. Way to start the trip!

2. Arrived in Pangasinan at 8am, grabbed a quick breakfast, left things in the cottage, changed outfit, and travelled for a couple more hours towards our Day 1 activity, spelunking! This isn't my first time so I wasn't really that excited. The differences between now and the first time:

a) I was with my sister.

b) I had my own headlight ( the first time some used flashlights, the guides had their own head light, I was empty handed. Now, I shudder to think what could have become of me had I strayed away from the group in the Twilight Zone).

c) There was water all throughout the 2km cave and some areas are around 15ft deep. With the first cave, only some chambers had water, the rest are dry. The most difficult part on the first one was that we had to swim through murky water to get through a hole underwater which is the only entrance to the next chamber. With the second one, the challenge came early on. The main entrance to the cave was wide but soooo narrow that we practically had to crawl our way in military in. Both were good physical exercises though.

3. Had to do some hiking going to and from the cave. And then we had to go through the 2-hr travel back and were so bushed by the time we get to our cottage that we didn't have the time to do some night swimming or bond over a bonfire. We just had a quick dinner and then zzzzzzz.

Day 2

1. I woke up at 4:30am intending to await the rising of the sun. There's nothing like capturing sun rises at various places in the Philippines and maybe someday make a nice little portfolio with it. 5:am. 5:15am. I became captivated with an elderly couple walking and eventually settling by the shore that before I realized it, I noticed the morning was already too bright for the sun not to have risen yet. Turns out we are on the west side so as I sat engrossed in taking pictures of the couple, I didn't noticed the sun had already risen behind me. Added bummer since I forgot to turn the flash off on my last shot of the couple and the husband caught me doing a pazzo on them. I wonder what sort of pyscho he thought of me then. Oh well.

2. At around 8, everyone carpooled into the 2 vans and went through, again, more than an hour of land travel plus a few minutes on boat to reach our ultimate destination: Hundred Island.

We visited 3 Islands: The Governor's Island ( spectacular view from the top!), Children's Island ( everyone thought it was too crowded so we bypassed it ) and Quezon Island. We decided to stay here, had lunch and took to the water like it's been years since we'd been on a real beach. Which is true by the way. It was just a slice of heaven on earth. Of course it's nothing like Boracay but the water was just as glorious. We were basically swimming amidst 2 islands and the water barely reached my chin, so I felt safe swimming this way and that without the usual fear of going too far. It was practically like a swimming pool, just with cream-colored sands, sandwiched between two islands, and much much wider. Everybody was having so much fun it was like a playground. Though shallow, some people were wearing bright orange life vests and others rented kayaks and paddles around the area.

To be continued:

Welcome back, Eminem!!

So I just made a passing comment last week that it's been awhile since we heard from Eminem ( except the single last Feb which was a collab with 50 Cent and Dr. Dre) and Lo and Behold! when I visited MTV's web site, I found out he has a new single titled We Made You! And, this is actually a song from his new album Relapse which will be released May 19 this year! The song is ok, and of course there were a few celebrity casualties in its wake again. Welcome Back Em! I haven't really indulged in the rap genre since you've been away for like 4 years. It's gotten pretty boring without you! Anyway, I'm eagerly waiting with headphones in hand. I hope the rumours are true that there's almost 20 songs off the album plus a bonus CD with 6 songs. And he's releasing 2 albums this year! Oh! feels like Christmas morning. :)


Note: photo hosted on this site http://www.flickr.com/photos/iphone_wallpaper/3086006332/

on Holy Week and a little bit of gore...

The past Holy Week was supposed to have been spent the same way I'd spent it for the past 27 years: movie marathon, a few days meat-abstinence, a trek to the beach, hang out with friends, sleeping. Except a friend texted and invited me to witness a different way of celebrating Holy Week in Cutud,Pampanga, where some people gets willingly crucified for reasons that are beyond me. I declined the invitation at first, I thought it's barbaric, ridiculous, and I'm not really that hot on watching blood spurt on these people's hands while being nailed on the cross. Besides, this particular friend is a photography enthusiast and when he mentioned that it's been featured on National Geographic (or was it Time magazine?) last year, i knew it's just another great photo op for him. But then I thought, why not break the monotony of my Holy Week and do something different? It might evoke something in me, make me a better Christian. And so, in the end, I relented.

We got there half past 11 and we managed to squirm our way through towards the chicken wire separating the mob from the crosses on the hill. After an hour on the sweltering heat, I was ready to throw the towel in. It wasn't just the heat, I was surrounded by foreigners and locals, with most of the latter under umbrellas and big hats, which baffled me. Personally, I decided against opening my umbrella as it was a good chance to do my own little sacrifice. How insignificant is standing under the midday sun compared to being crucified and drinking vinegar to quench one's thirst??? And then it dawned on me that those people were there for the spectacle, a good percentage anyway, much like my friend, and to some extent, me ( except for the little fact that I wanted that opportunity to stoke my Christianity fire ). But unlike them, for all my morbid fascination on serial killers and police procedural shows and vampires, I really don't have the stomach for real, warm blood. While standing there waiting for the Gladiator-like event to unfold, I was debating with myself if I really wanna be there when the crucifixion begins. And so in the end, I walked away from it all. Chicken!! Not really. I simply found myself a place to witness the event from afar. At least, I wouldn't be close enough to see the pain from their faces when they are nailed to the cross. When the play began, I think I got teary-eyed twice, the second time during the crucifixion. I was thinking," Jesus, why did you have to go through all that. Were we worth it?? Especially taking into account all that's been happening now, are we still worth it??!" Of course, this emoting and deep reverie didn't last long as the people around me were making funny comments. When "Jesus" was being taken down the cross after the crucifixion, he was supposed to play dead and be all limp but maybe because his hands had been tied and nailed for quite a long time, he wasn't able to immediately put his hands down and this guy besides me said

" O, patay ka na ah, ba't nakataas pa yang kamay mo?"

Good thing we're so far that there wasn't a chance of the poor guy hearing it. and then another guy said ( only Jesus was nailed, the 2 guys on his side were simply tied to the cross) after "Jesus" was taken down, :

" O yang dalawa, tumalon na lang kayo, di nma kayo nakapako eh!.."

Laughter all around. And I hated myself coz I found the comments pretty funny too. Oh! I wanted to kick myself. But on the other hand, I don't think the whole thing was a failure for me. At least, for once this year, I was reminded of all the sins I had committed in this life and how unworthy I am of the sacrifice. But it also made ma realize that there's still hope. I still have a life time ahead of me to work on proving myself worthy of it.

ARRrrGhhhG!!!!!

I am so pissed right now. I just received a broadcaster at work ( this is a message that pops-up on your PC broadcasting anything that they want generally known by the agents. Today, it says they are appealing on our generosity and is asking for P20 each as

There, I pulled a Cullen because of this BP-rising news. ( Do vampires' blood pressure ever rise??? lol! )

our contribution for the ongoing Sports Fest. The money will be used to buy uniforms, gatorade? and what have you.. All in the spirit of camaraderie blah blah blah.

Ok, so it's just P20, but I don't feel it's right for the ff reasons:

1) it IS a company event, done basically to help boost employees morale. If the company don't have the resources to finance such a well-meaning activity ( which is a standard in other companies, and also, are commonly being alloted budget by the company), why not just do away with it, instead of having the employees PAY for it. After all, a good percentage of employees won't even be around to witness the event. HEck! I don't even have a friggin idea what/when/where the activities will be. Hmm... What exactly I am paying for? And are we going to be privy to the budget allocation? I don't think so.

2. It isn't like WE asked for it. Since they intended for us to contribute all along, I would have appreciated receiving a broadcaster or a memo that runs along this line :" Hey! It's summer time! Wouldn't it be nice to hold a sports fest or any activity that you may suggest to help beat the heat?! And since it's recession, we would appreciate if we could pool some money to finance the %#@&^% event. "AT LEAST, we would have a say if we even are remotely interested holding such an event instead of just dropping the financial obligation on our blue-trousered laps when the Sports Fest ALREADY started?! A little DEMOCRACY people!!

3. So it's tradition. I don't care if previous employees paid for it for years before me. I don't give a d*amn. As previously mentioned, a lot of employees are on graveyard shifts and would rather sleep during the day than be a spectator in this weather! Why can't they be more creative and come up with an activity that though smaller in scale, would be more practical and something that majority of employees would ACTUALLY participate in ( rather than the ones that hasn't quite gotten over the extra-curricular activities they'd have participated in during their college-hs days?) Like what?! I would love to come up with some specific suggestions, but my job description doesn't really call for that now, does it? If i was looking to lose sleep over stuff like this, event organizing etc. I wouldn't be slaving in this industry as an agent. Otherwise.... I know there are PEOPLE in our company's payroll that are SUPPOSED to take care of these things. I hope they start thinking out-of-the-box soon. If things are so desperate as to make us pay for our own entertainment, then that calls for desperate measures! Why not friggin' have people look for sponsors!!!! They could ask for uniforms to be sponsored by that REAL ESTATE business OUR company is promoting. Instead of opting for the easy way and milk the agents for the dough. AGain, we didnt' f*#$ ask for it! I'm thinking maybe they don't allow commercial endeavours here inside the workplace ( though agents are engaging in small-time trade). But if they do, if there's a small possibility that it can be done, why not negotiate with fast food businesses( shakes, sodas, pizza's etc), put up kiosks here inside during the duration of the activity for a percentage of their sales, that would even make the activity more festive. Or go for ex-deals! Oh God, if there's a will, there's a way... ( of course our canteen with it's "reasonably" priced items would lose a few days revenue ). Just not this, 20 bucks from the employees, that's like donating 25 minutes of our time here. No way Jose... I'm all for team spirit and camaraderie, just not this way.

There's no such thing as free lunch, much less my 25 minutes. There's no effin' way I'm parting with my wrinkled, germ-infested P25 bill. And for the nth time now, I ASK myself: " What the HELL have I gotten myself into?!"

Whew! it feels good to have it outta my chest! Thanks cyberspace, for ALWAYS always accomodating my rants. XoXo!

yAy!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to me!!=) Thank you God for giving me this life 28 years ago today. Please help me NOT to spend a second of it on things that does not matter. Thank you for my family, my friends, the little pleasures in life: music, books, movies, etc. Thank you for everything!


btw, this isn't my birthday cake as we'll not celebrate it til tomorrow. i grabbed this pic at shannon rae's site http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=305334678. Thanks!