From our home to your home

A Blessed Christmas 

and a 

Prosperous New Year!

Let's remember to share our blessings, be it our love or our time or material things because whatever "goodness" little or small we give, better things always find their way to us. "

A Brand New Beginning

This was our department Christmas Party. Aside from the foodies, the highlight was of course our simple gift giving. To add color to the exchange gift each was tasked to say a few words on two things: 1) your wish for yourself; 2) your wish for P&GA.

I have observed that several of the staff touched on "peace", "harmony" and "intrigues".Honestly, I never expected that these were the thoughts that linger in our group. I had a different state of mind that moment evidenced by my different wish. I said, "my wish is for P&GA to be a strong group in the Company where employees would recognize our importance and not just as "utusan". Parang ang layo ko sa mga sinabi nila (kamot sa ulo!). So I was really surprised that at the back of the happy faces of these young and free spirited people, there were silent wishes  like those playing in their minds. 

While doing my routine walk this afternoon, I decided to "rewind" what transpired during that "party". I tried to challenge my own thoughts about it. Like, why I gave a different wish from them or why I was not "in sync" with their wishes for the department..I would admit that I could feel that some of them were "obviously" not comfortable with me due to issues that took place some years ago. 

As I began my reflection, I realized that probably the reason why I said a different piece was because I was already way past through those issues. I was healed. I may not have totally  buried into oblivion the hatred, betrayal, aches, bitterness, failed friendship etc. but definitely I have managed to rise above it. I suffered the consequences, I learned the lessons but along the way I also received the blessings of forgiveness, the grace of letting go and the courage of starting again.I was also the recipient of unconditional love of my family and my true friends. It was indeed a major journey, hard but comforting, long but inspiring. 

I would never wish on anyone to undergo what I went through, but I will never regret that it became part of my life. It brought a lot of changes and realizations. it screened out my circle of friends; it reorganized my life, my values, my choices. In other words, it gave me a more examined life. 

I would like to say sorry if i became part of the "discomfort" in this department. I am glad that they are open to start a new beginning.

There are reasons why conflicts happen. But I am glad there are people who are willing to welcome peace. Although, it doesn't happen overnight and harmony doesn't fall from heavens, its already a blessing that we were able to tip the starting point.

With your open minds and hearts I am confident that P&GA personnel would be able to hurdle successfully other challenges in this Company.  

Merry Christmas! Good Luck to us all.

look at this!

I know and I have a very strong feeling that this is a gift carefully chosen. 

Maraming salamat  Marlo!

I will surely use this.

Inside is a little surpise. A passage from Aleph book

"The world is being created and destroyed in this very moment. Whoever you met will reappear, whoever you lost will return. Don't betray the grace that was bestowed on you. Understand what is going on inside you and you will understand what is going on inside everyone else".

time off from work

after three years, I was able to attend a seminar in Manila. I had an agenda already aside from being able to have a break from Ilijan. I wanted to have lunch/dinner with my long long time friend Annie. And also I wanted to check on Jalels and cheer her up coz she was sick for almost two weeks.

I stayed two nights in the hotel. my first time to avail of this privilege. I'm scared to stay in a hotel alone esp.if its high rise.

my number 1 in the list to pack?

always with this.

No. 2 : Chocolates.

My other agenda was running. I miss the gym. day and night. night and day.

just what i wanted every morning. coffee and papers and quiet time.

and the bonus?

from Annie. Saya!

Sweet Surprise from across the miles

Last week, my brother sent a package through courier. Inside was "padala" from Canada by my HS classmate and close close friend until now. in HS we were not in the same barkada. she was with the "mabait"  and i was with the "ma gimik". but time changed and we became mag kumare, "magkapitbahay" in Laguna etc. Now she is in Canada, starting to live the life that she wanted with her whole family. 

So touched evelyn kiding. :) hugs...hugs... hugs...
You really know my weakness... :)

the two eyeliner pencils and the make up remover are kept in the cabinet for the meantime.

Take Care girl!

Every year happiness

every year this is highly anticipated by the three. kahit paulit ulit sa Palms Country Club, they don't mind. In my case, I love going back there again and again and again. if only for their sumptuous foods.varied. pasta, roast turkey, lots of sweets, meat dishes, pizza, salads...
sorry, i didn't take photos. it's me. i lack the guts.

i could see that the stage decorations cost a lot. and the party itself looks expensive (really!)

we have been attending this party since 2007 and until now it continues to excites us.

before Ala Kim became popular (via PGT), he became a guest magician in this party years ago. Anjo volunteered to be one of his "talents" on stage. Ala kim kept on calling Anjo "Annika". :) Anjo never had the chance to correct Ala Kim but it stuck in her mind since then.
This year to our suprise, Tito Shy (the most expensive event host, they say) also called Anjo  "Annika". And Anjo was like, "Mama?! Annika again?"
Coincidence? Mystical? Who is Annika, by the way? But this time, Anjo was able to correct Tito Shy. :)

Last year, D won a golden chest of Godiva chocolates.
This year, he was again lucky to bring home this basket of goodies. aw!

we were early birds, so we caught this bear. :) and brought it home.
"Ma, it's is not bear. its gingerbread man!". 

kids souvenirs are from Animaland.

"Mama, JR is here" (JR is my officemate's dog who stayed with us overnight. my kids loved him to bits too)

These animals (from animaland) need to be stuffed. They come with their own birth certificate too.

Kids didn't pay attention to the foods, only when they got home they suddenly felt hungry. At least they got lots of stuff from the booths. :) 

Till next year!

Little Joys

Last Saturday, my aunt (a nun) asked me to accompany her to S&R. She showed me her membership card (hehehe). It was a gift, according to her. She wont shop because nuns don't have money.  She said she just wanted to see the Alabang branch because she is currently based in Cebu. So off we went. Merrily.

I grabbed the chance to buy Christmas giveaways for the teachers ( a tradition my kids would always look forward during Christmas season), for our neighbors and some for my officemates. It's only once a year and it shouldn't matter at all to be thoughtful to those who have been nice to us. 

I'm posting three samples that I am giving away.

officemate's kid.

good that this is gender"less". can be given to anyone.

obviously for female.I love the warmth of the packaging. I am too old school, I know.

I have also ordered cupcakes from an officemate for my other giveaways in the office. her cupcakes come in lovely packaging.

It slipped my mind to take photos of the giveaways for the teachers and our neighbors. I will next time.

I am relieved that I have accomplished more than 50% of my Christmas tradition. Thank you for this opportunity to give back even in a very simple way.Thank you also for giving me the resources to continue our tradition.