When I Grow Up…

When I grow up, I want to be like two of my friends from high school. They are SOOOOOO SEXY already! They lost so much weight these past 6 years. Wish I could do the same.

Tricia wasn’t fat before, though she used to be chubby.

Look at her now:

HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT: “Fall in love with the wrong person.” –Tricia V.

OMG I WANT HER BODY! I AM OFFICIALLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR MR. WRONG! Hahaha

  Enzo was reallllllllyyyyyyyy fat back in High School!

But right now, Enzo is soooo fit and sexxxxxxehhhh!

My gosh!!! HOW DID THEY DO IT REALLY?!?! Why can’t I do it msyelf?!?!?!

I’ve even gotten BIGGER compared to my size 6 years ago! HUHU. I FAILLLLL.

But I am not losing hope. I CAN STILL DO THIS! Operation TELAI PAYATOT coming up soon – just as soon as I finish the chocolate I’m munching on right now. WAAAAAA.

 

okthxbye

 

P.S.

Can you actually imagine me “SLIM”??? Because for the love of me, I can’t! When people used to tell me to lose weight already, I always tell them:

“Hellowwwww. Mataba nga ako pero maganda, mabait, madiskarte, di naman ako bobo, at kung anu-ano pa. Eh pano pag pumayat ako? Ano na? PERFECT NA AKO NIYAN! Napaka-unfair naman para inyong lahat.”

So yes. Narcissism at its best. Haha.

Behind The Teacher’s Desk

Tonight, I was lucky enough to feel how it is “behind the teacher’s desk.”

Earlier today, my former Marketing professor, Mr. Anthony Aguelo, called me up to ask me to be a part of the panel for his Mktg310 classes for tonight. I was hesitant at first because really, what do I know about being a panelist? I just graduated last year and I still don’t have that much background in the field. But I eventually gave in so after work, I found myself sitting in one of my old armchairs in school – this time not a student, but as a guest of my former professors. I paneled along with one of my favorite teachers in college, Mrs. Lynith Marte. YES. I LOVE MRS. MARTE. NO SARCASM HERE. I REALLY LEARNED A LOT FROM HER. MAGIS! (I had a chat with her tonight and I’d like to say more but that’s for another post really)

What was weird about it was that I was schoolmates in high school with one of the presenters. She’s a really close friend of my PBF, and though we don’t really talk, we do know each other by affinity. And for the second group I paneled for tonight, one of the presenters was a “friend” of mine from waaaay back as we were playmates when we were kids, we were carpool-mates, and most of all, his house is just a house away from mine. Also, one of the students from the second class who came to observe the first group was a childhood friend of mine from the province – our dads works in the same company, and our families often see each other. HOW CRAZY IS THAT?!

While I was only supposed to panel for Sir Anton, I found myself going with him and a couple other teachers to the “final presentation” of 2 groups from Mrs. Marte’s class. For their retailing final grade, the have to do an actual promotional event for their chosen product/service. HOW AWESOME IS THAT?! I was bummed coz we didn’t have it back then – Mrs. Marte made us do a paper instead. That was the end of her comprehensive exams, and the beginning of her innovative final presentations. So going back, the first two groups held their “exams” at a bar in Jacinto Ext. YAY FOR FREE DINNER! The food was really great, and desserts from Anniepie!

I hope these students realize how  lucky they are to have experienced this kind of practical learning. I’m sure I’d have loved it during my time.

As a panelist, I’ve learned a lot. I used to think that it was only us students who learn from the comments and guidance of our mentors, but it’s really a two-way learning. From this experience, I’ve come to appreciate the role of my teachers more, and the roles of a student. My experiences in college are still fresh, and while doing the deliberation and all the interactions I had with the students and teachers alike, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s really not easy for teachers to fail the students – but if they don’t deserving a passing mark, then what choice is there left for the teachers. Honestly, I love how objective and technical Mrs. Marte approaches things. On the other hand, I also love how Sir Anton mothers (for the lack of a better word) his students and encourage then. Today, I sat beside two different sides of a coin and it’s a very informative place to be.

So yeah, cheers to MAGIS, and cheers to AWESOME TEACHERS! I met two other professors tonight, Ma’am Rhea (who I heard is a terror prof) and Ma’am Michelle (who, I learned only on our way home, is a teacher of my brother Karl.) And even more awesome, they invited me for another “defense” this weekend. CHEERS!

 

okthxbye

 

P.S.

I’ve also learned how much we’ve done right (and wrong) during our time as students. We as in me and my groupmates of course. Having been trained under the terrorizing hands of Mrs. Marte, and the “fly-little-bird-fly” technique of Mr. Aguelo, really takes its toll. There is really no excuse to mediocrity. And yeah, BEING CHARMING is a great weapon. *bow*

Season of Lent

I didn’t realize it is Lent season already. (Uh, yeah, guilty of not attending mass for some time now.) So given that, and probably my guilty conscience, I will give up a few things until Easter Sunday, at least.

Starting today, I will be giving up rice, junk food (yes, that includes my forever favorite Marty’s Vegetarian Chicharon), and soft drinks (ala Frank). I’m having second thoughts about rice though because we’ll be going to the beach this Sunday (without Lady! ) and we’ll be feasting! But FASTING is FASTING. Should I give up Twitter or Plurk as well? WAAAAA. Should I? Isn’t “letting go” of my obsessions/addictions part of the essence of fasting? I think I will. YES. I WILL. (Karma freeze right now).

BREAKING NEWS: I will be giving up Plurk for the whole Lent Season (that means for a whole month and a half, until Easter Sunday on the first week of April). Thank goodness Karma freeze only takes 0.5 points now instead of the 1 whole point before! And I will be giving up Twitter during weekdays! Facebook is out of the question as I already deactivated my personal account last week. And Tumblr as well, I won’t be using it already. Will continue blogging though!

And oh, I just remembered, NO PORK on Friday’s! (thinks about the chicharon pig fest from last night – no more of that!). And definitely NO MORE SHOPPING! I’m going to put my foot down on that. My shopping craze should be put to a stop. I vowed a few night ago that I won’t be buying the gazillion high heels that I want until I get a job that includes my own desk and sitting behind it for 8 hours.

 

okthxbye

Wake Up Call

"Others are going to start doing the things you talk about doing. The right time to start, is right now."

Talk about a slap in the face. I’ve decided to just get up there and get things going. It’s time that I find my new place in this world.

I have to stop thinking like Meredith Grey:

"I just need something to happen, I need a sign that things are going to change. I need a reason to go on. I need some hope! And in the absence of hope, I need to stay in bed and feel like I’m going to die today."

Like what they always say:

Keywords are HOPE and PREPARE.

"Do you remember what you told me once? That every passing minute is another chance to turn it all around." (Vanilla Sky)

What a quote-filled morning. Off to get my butt out here and start working!

To end things, I share: “It’s the busy people who make things happen.” (Manching, 2009) Flashback to college, smiles at memory, and exclaims INDEED..

A Date With My Loves

I set up a date with Bryan and RB for last night. (04.30.09)

We decided to go to Al’s Diner
to grab some burger and milkshake for dinner.

For the first time in a loooong time,
RB was 30 minutes early
for our 6PM.
So, how does it feel to wait?

Shopaholic

Me and my sister caught the shopping bug yesterday. Thank God our mom tagged along with us – she financed our binging! Weee! 

So we tried on a few things and bought a couple of mini-dresses and gladiator sandals.

[Above] On Telai: Green and Brown Mini-Dress (Mags) and Brown Havaianas.

I ended up buying this dress.

[Above] On Telai: Green and Black See-Through Checkered Mini-Dress (Mags) and Brown Havaianas. My mom was checking out the dress with me.

On Telai: Striped Cardigan (People Are People), Green Tank Top (Old Navy), Denim Shorts (Old Navy) and Brown Havaianas. 

Someday soon, I’ll be able to buy this cardigan!

On Telai: Neon Green and Brown Mini-Dress (Mags) and Brown Havaianas

On Kim: Pink Mini-Dress (Mags)

The dress was cute on Kim but mom didn’t like because the neckline doesn’t suit Kim’s figure yet (Read: No boobs! LOL)

AND SO I ENDED UP BUYING:

I love love the Athena Gladiator Sandals (although they are sooooo last season! LOL)

Athena Gladiator Sandals

Note: Forgive the wasted faces on these pictures. LMAO. 8D

Happy New Year

The 1st Day of 2009 would definitely go down the books as a day full of surprises for my family.

 

New Year’s Eve at my Grandma’s Dining Room

For the first time in many years, we celebrated the new year at my grandma’s house in San Francisco. We had a highly enjoyable Media Noche, and as expected, a chaotic living room full of over-energized children. Unfortunately, my Tito Jerry’s Family was still unable to make it for the New Year’s Eve dinner but the rest of us were there. 

Also, because of my ka-artehan, the girls wore dresses. My Tita even took the time to don a gorgeous purple gown (purple being the color of 2009). At first, my sister and cousin were totally against the dresses. But I stood my ground and wore the Black and White Polka Dot Summer Dress my grandma gave me the past summer. In the end, it was my sister who came to me and told me she’d borrow the dress I’d told her to try on. My cousins were also convinced, and so came most of us (except my mom and Tita Jen) in dresses. 

 

<3

 

Queens of the Night

But then the day had to end on a devastating note. That night, my grandfather (Jarabelo Side) died of Renal Failure (Sepsis). 4 Days passed by in a blur. For the first time, all of the cousins were around, but we never got to take a picture with Lolo still around. We had to be complete when he already died. The irony of it all… Now we would never be complete after losing our patriarch. 

 

Luis Jacinto Jarabelo (April 18, 1935 – January 1, 2009)

 

The Spouse and Descendants of Luis J. Jarabelo

Despite the grief over my lolo’s demise, we had some good moments during the wake and burial. We took lots of pictures (Click HERE for the link to my albums) and lots of videos. Here are some of my favorites:

Gelo’s “I love you Lolo!”

Selling Tutay

Lupang Hinirang Remix

Hopefully, 2009 would take a turn in a better direction after this.

Death in the Family

OBITUARIES:

Luis Jacinto Jarabelo

Born: 18 April 1935
Died: 01 January 2009 (73 yrs old) 

 

Last night, January 1, 2009, at about 8:30pm, my grandfather died from Renal Failure.

He was a tough man, but a very sweet grandfather. I’ll miss him. But I know he is in a better place.

What a way to start the new year. Way to go 2009!

Love Life

Though there are a lot of things for me to think about, I’ve never been this content happy about life. 

2008 was is an amazing year for me. It seems as if a lot of things that mattered to make me who I am today happened this year. 

JANUARY 

• I got selected to be one of the school’s representative for AmCham BOP 2008
• I was voted as the class’ over-all-coordinator for the 1st Agui-Po Awards
• Frank started the 20′s trend for the year.

FEBRUARY

• I think this was election season for the school. I worked so hard to help Karla bag the BM Division Rep for SY 08-09. 
• I was voted as the club president for AMARC for SY 08-09
• I was busy busy busy supervising a lot of the preparations for Agui-Po
• Joined the 4th MBMYC and the AdDU delegation swept the championship for most of the contests. Me and my partner, Lloyd, won 1st place for the on-the-spot case analysis.

MARCH

• One of my closest friends, Omay, graduated Magna Cum Laude! I am so proud!
• I was the number 1 pick to represent Davao for the 6th AmCham BOP in Makati
• The Agui-Po Awards was a total success. It boosted my confidence and my skills a lot.
• Bonded with my Marketing Batchmates for the 1st time.
• Had my 1st (and only) 100 grade on my transcript for Public Relations Class

APRIL

• Helped organized the division enrollment (for the first time!)
• Had one of the most mind-blowing experiences at the 6th AmCham BOP. I met a lot of great people and I also learned a lot of things! It was totally an out-of-this world and one-in-a-million opportunity that I have been blessed with!  which reminds me, i miss my amcham-mates!:(
• Attended my first summer classes ever!:) Practicum 1 and 2!
• Had my first job experience with my internship with Security Bank Cards

MAY

• Had my first press releases on national and local newspapers, and even the internet
• Had my first official hosting stint for the concluding Fine Dining activity for our Prac1 class
• Gained a lot of new friends.  (Read: Kerwin, Kim, etc.)
• Became the BM SEC’s 1st ever Enrollment Committee Head (without my knowledge or consent)

JUNE – OCTOBER

• 1st sem came as a blur. Had my first enrollment to organize and survive. 
• Challenged to get better grades to graduate as cum laude
• President duties
• College duties
• Academic duties
• Mentoring
• Adapting
• 1st merged BM Clubs’ activities
• Advertising Greats: Music Video/Ad Expo
• Blurry blurry blurry things. So much had been done!
• 1st Large-crowd hosting: Entrep Forum
• got wasted on the beach from too much booze and dancing

NOVEMBER

• who knew life could play such cruel jokes? family problems arose. 
• my dad had to transfer somewhere far. 
• we all contemplated moving houses. 
• i almost transferred to a dorm. 
• i realized a lot of my plans had not worked out. and regretting them time and time again.
• my grades were less than satisfactory for the 1st sem
• i’m feeling more and more detached from my college peers
• death threats. kidnam threats. security guards.

DECEMBER

• my calm month.
• turned 20. ended my teen years with a “bang” LOL
• withrew from the rest of the world
• learned to accept life’s difficulties.
• learning to be strong.
• lost 20lbs!

See? What a year this turned out for me.  

A Prayer:

Thank you Lord for giving me a chance to witness your amazing goodness. Thank you for keeping my family safe and healthy all year round. Thank you for giving me all the blessings that you have given me. Thank you for holding on to me despite my shaky faith. Thank you for sharing with me your love. Thank you for making me feel the love of family and of friends all through the year. May you continue to keep my family and friends safe and healthy and happy and blessed for the incoming year. I love you, Lord. Amen.

Murphy's Law

“Things that can go wrong will go wrong.”

Guess what? This week has been the bomb for me.

First of all, my laptop went berserk and won’t allow me to surf the web. (not to mention that the ENTER key stopped functioning a couple of weeks ago)

Secondly, I lost my uber-important cellphone with all my uber-important contact numbers.  So hello new phone for me (which isn’t a good thing, btw).

Thirdly, I sucked at my Taxation quiz yesterday. I should have learned but I hadn’t.

But I just kept thinking that there is something in there for me. Thing won’t go bad without a reason, right? I’m still trying to figure out what lessons I should learn from the experiences I have this week. Wish I would know these reasons soon right?

Anyway, I won’t be able to upload more ebooks within the holidays because I’m planning to have my laptop reformatted. Grrr.