Christmas reflections...

This year’s Christmas gave me a very important lesson: COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS. For the past few weeks, I’ve been complaining about being very tired, and not having enough time to feel the Christmas spirit. Now I realized how blessed I am. God has been so kind and generous to me. My rakets have been flowing in non-stop. Because of that, I have earned enough money to pay for my car’s monthly amortization for the next 10 months, and my Picanto hasn’t even arrived yet. My family has been very supportive, especially my parents. Mom and Dad were encouraging me to go on, keep on accepting the rakets regardless of the budget and the talent fee. Some paid pretty good. The others so-so. But they just told me to take them, and thank God for every opportunity and every blessing. And so my calendar has been loaded to the brim. And my savings account – very happy. My Hon has been very supportive and understanding. I don’t know how he does it – but he still loves me to bits inspite of my biting moods and my getting angry for no reason at all. I share a bond with my besty that’s indestructible, even if we don’t see each other for months. I have a great pal at work – Mareng Ida, who can make the sun shine even on unbearable days. And even if I’ve been very busy this month, there were still lots of shared moments with my loved ones – laughing, telling stories, and enjoying each other’s company, opening gifts at midnight and making fun of the really stupid presents. :) Yes, I’m so blessed. And I feel so foolish, complaining about really dumb things. This year’s Christmas gave me a knock on the head. Be thankful. Be grateful. Life’s been kind, God is always good. Instead of sulking in the dark whenever it rains, I should just go out with arms stretched out and savor each raindrop. For after it pours, the skies always turn blue, the flowers are brighter, the land refreshed, and things get sweeter and better. Merry Christmas!

Busy Christmas!

I spent my Christmas working this year. I hosted the Smart Kid Sparkling Ice Show at the SM Megamall. It was a two-day event, 25 and 26.

Just when you thought people stayed either at home or in the province during Christmas, I guess that doesn't apply to everyone. Megamall was crowded! And so was the ice skating rink. Which was good for the event. A lot of kids participated, especially in the Princess For A Day contest. They really came in their best Princess costume - shiny gowns, crowns and headdresses and all.

The best part of the event was The Blue Dress ice show presentation. I was the one who wrote the script for that musical play, and I was the narrator too. And the whole production was beautiful, the very graceful skaters brought the whole thing to life. It was lovely!
And even though I missed out on the traditional Christmas family get-together, I don't regret accepting this hosting job. I had fun, and I earned a whole lot of moolah in just two days! :)

Ming Ming is home! :)

Ming Ming is back! I thought our pet stray cat already found a new home, because we didn't see him for about four days. But yesterday, when I came home, Ming Ming was there, strecthed out on his favorite spot, and looking at me with lazy eyes. :) I immediately ran to him with outstrecthed arms and cuddled him. My cat has found his way back home! :)

Missing Christmas...

I'm afraid Christmas would be passing by, and I haven't and still won't be able to savor much of the Holiday spirit. I was looking at my calendar the other day. And I was surprised, almost shocked, when I realized that Christmas was just a couple of days away, a week to be exact. I asked myself - what in heaven's name have I been doing? Well...I've been very busy, loaded with work. I loaded my December with rakets, hostings, VOs, recordings and everything I could get money from. I had a gig everyday. I even have a hosting job on the 25th and 26th, when everyone else is enjoying Christmas day with family and friends, I'll be holding a mic and doing the job that I love but has taken so much of my time. All because I'm saving up for my car. I can't wait for the Picanto to be delivered by January or February next year, and buying the car has given me the drive to save and work even harder, to push my body and my strength to the limit, even getting two to three gigs in a day. But it also made me miss out on all the fun stuff - shopping for the holidays, eating out everyday, all the things you do several days before the big Dec. 25. I don't have gifts yet for my Hon. I haven't bought myself anything new for Christmas (because I'm so scared to spend these days, I just want to save every peso). I'm afraid this year's Christmas will pass, and I wouldnt have enough time to savor it. I miss the Christmases past, Hon and I would complete the 9-day simbang gabi, we would have breakfast with Tito Rey after that, we would go shopping, or skip work and just be intimate the whole day. I'd meet up with my bestfriend, or with Nadine. I'd spend all my 13th month on gifts for my family, and new clothes and shoes for me. Now...I'm so goddamn busy. I'm not complaining, but I just miss Christmas.

Kidney pains and a whole lotta love!

I was rushed to the hospital yesterday, and I spent my entire Sunday (7 hours and 35 minutes to be exact) at the National Kidney Institute with my mom and dad. I had another attack of this mysterious ailment I have. I had this pain last month, and the doctors at St. Luke’s said I might have an infection, but they couldn’t tell exactly because I took the tests just a few days after my period, and the pain subsided so they just asked me to take the tests again next time I have the “attack.” And so it came yesterday, as soon as I woke up at 7am. Mom and Dad took me to the hospital. And although I was writhing in intense pain, I couldn’t help but feel special and loved. My parents stayed with me, and my Dad had his arms around me and rubbing my back because it was so goddamn cold in the emergency room. My mom was holding my hand, and whispering prayers for me. The pain yesterday was worse than the first attack last month. Dad’s doctor, Dr. Purugganan, prescribed medicines for me because he found an infection in my urine test, and I have to get a kidney ultrasound ASAP o see if I have kidney stones. I am worried, and hoping for the best. And although my painful experience yesterday wasn’t something to be happy about, I still won’t forget the hours my parents spent with me, staying beside me, holding me close. I felt how much they loved me. And I loved the feeling! I know most 25-year-olds would rather not be mushy-mushy with their parents, and would rather spend time with friends, away from home. But for me, even if I turn twenty more years older, being with my parents will always be one of life’s most wonderful moments. Deep down, no matter how old I am, I’ll always be their “little girl.” :)

Yawn! Yawn!

Only had two hours of sleep. I hosted the Reyes Haircutters Christmas Party last night at the Party Central along Mo. Ignacia. It would've ended early, if the people came in on time. It was supposed to start at around 7:30. But you know how Filipinos are. The program started at 9. And I was there 4:30pm. But it's okay. Jess The Blade from Klite hosted with me. So while waiting for the party to start, we just sat and ate and chatted. Good thing I recommended him to Tita Bing. At least I had someone to talk to while waiting from 4:30 - 9pm.

As I was getting dressed for the event, I had this funny thought. When I was in high school, I used to be glued to Magic 89.9. Jess was still part of TM, and I used to listen to him and my other fave jocks. And now, after almost 12 years, here I am, working together with Jess. :) I dunno. Just found the thought amusing. :) Who would've thought that the young, naive girl who used to call TM to make requests and bug Gaucho would now be part of the radio broadcasting industry, a jock, now the one at the helm, playing the songs, rubbing elbows and working with people who used to be just her "idols." :) Makes you smile. Life can be surprising, and very kind to you sometimes.

After my show, Hon and I are going to LTO Pasig to get my student license. I already enrolled at A1. I'll be starting my lessons tomorrow morning. If I can finish work early today, Dad and Mom are going with me to Prince Motors to pay for the 10K reservation for the Picanto. I'm so excited about this "adventure"! :) It's going to be a new challenge for me, a pretty good reason to finally get serious about saving my money. :)

Good food, best flavors and Bridget Jones!

For me, good food is one of the best stress relievers. Hon and I had Japanese last Friday. And although Kitaro isn't as good as Saisaki, it's a good place to go if you're craving for delicious yet inexpenisve Japanese chow. My favorite - Tuna Sashimi and Tuna Temaki. Plus a pot of ocha. Delightful! For dessert, we had a cheesecake sampler at Cheesecake Etc. Their desserts are absolutely divine! And of course, the course is never complete without a cup of peppermint tea!

Saturday, Hon and I went to Shangri-La to watch Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason. Before the movie, we had dinner at Cafe Sugarhouse. I LOVED their steak and mushrooms with mashed potatoes. And their blueberry cheesecake - HEAVEN! Speaking of Bridget Jones, I loved it! Just as good as the first. Though reviews would say otherwise. To each his own. I found the flick just as light, frothy and funny as the first. And Colin Firth will always be my favorite guy. :)

Putumayo, videoke and my loving pet cat :)

SATURDAY...
Hosted the Putumayo World Music Launch at the Shangri-La Plaza. It was a new experience for me and Vin because the night was filled with reggae music, and with me being a Wave jock, we're usually exposed only to R&B and all the acoustic chuva. So we enjoyed this new gig, watched 'til the end of the show (I usually leave after I host), and had fun! Most of the people there were reggae lovers, some looked like they were on jutes...hehehe. But it was an OK event. They gave me a Putumayo calendar and t-shirt as token of thanks, and a card signed by people from Galaxy Records and some members of the guest bands. I loved the card. I don't think I've ever received something like that before, it made me smile. They don't have budget for the host, so I'm getting my talent fee from the Wave fund.

After the show, we had dinner at Pasto in El Pueblo. Then we went to Eastwood for dessert. I wanted to have ube cheesecake at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. But the place was crowded so we just settled for Seattle's Best. The blueberry cheesecake was rubbery, the Choco Mint Mocha was lame, but I enjoyed sitting beside my man, sharing smiles with him.

SUNDAY...
Stayed at home. And my siblings and I pounced on our Videoke and sang to our hearts' content. It was really fun! It's great to have your own videoke system at home, complete with the scoring and all. You can sing without having to worry about the hours and the bill. We spent about three to four hours jamming, in our pajamas, unwashed faces and unruly hair. :) Trippin' on Eraserheads, Spice Girls, Natalie Imbruglia, Jewel, Mr. Big and Sharon Cuneta. :) Super fun!


We got dressed afterwards because Dad wanted to go out. Ming-Ming, our pet cat (originally a stray cat who found shelter, love and harmony in our humble abode) was in his usual loving mood. So he purred and rubbed his fur against our legs. He's so adorable! So I took his picture, but as you can see, he wasn't very cooperative. Camera-shy cat. :)

We went to the Kia Center near our place. Dad showed me the Picanto I'm going to buy. Yes, I am buying myself a new car. A brand new Kia Picanto. It's a bit scary. But Dad said I should take it as a challenge. Dad and Mom are lending me the 85K for downpayment, and they're just gonna get it back from my dividends from our AICS Marilao branch. The monthly payment of 8k for the next 4 years will be from my own pocket. Oh my Lord! I've asked myself and Vin this question a thousand times - KAYA KO KAYA? Vin said I can do it. I just have to have rakets every month. I can't afford to have an empty month for the next four years. Wish me luck! Besides, I really need a car. I think that's better than paying 300 bucks to my taxi service everytime I have a gig. Hopefully by January I'll be driving my own car. For the meantime, I have to trek to the nearest A-1 center. :)