Hot...hot...hot! ;)

Found something new and interesting to busy myself with...



Pole dancing.

My friends, Nadine and She, talked me into it. And now I'm hooked!

Since I didn't have the slightest idea how pole dancing was, I was in for a big surprise on my first day: PUCHA, ANG HIRAP! Akala ko kasi ganun ganun lang. Hehehe. Hirap pala. You really have to give 100% effort into it - imagine climbing the pole AND trying to look sexy at the same time. Sounds easy? Wait 'til you try it.



So there I was getting bruised while really doing my best to learn the moves. But I was enjoying every minute, especially the last part of the session where we get to do adlib moves on the pole and try to look absolutely seductive. Ooh-la-la! I was thinking, let me practice this on my man! Hehehe.

These are pictures taken on my first day. I had a blast! And yes, I will continue doing this until I'm as good as Kuya Ed, the awesome instructor. :)



Best way to feel sexy is to do something sexy. And pole dancing will really put you in the mood.



Interested? Call MOVEMENT DANCE STUDIO in Wilson St. Greenhills. Pole Dancing classes are scheduled MWSat, 6:30PM. See ya there! :)

Chow finds to check out...

If, like me and my beau, you love trying out new restos and different places to chow, then here are some stops worth discovering (if you haven't yet, that is)...

CAFE BOLA


Bright and beckoning, this charming cafe can be found in Greenbelt 3 or 4. Sorry, I don't really know where the boundaries of GB3 end and GB4 start. Basta it's there, hehehe, beside Bubba Gump (which is also a good place to eat).

The mood is light and happy, with almost everything in orange and yellow, and framed pictures in sepia adding a touch of the good ol' fashioned days. The food is cafe style, affordable and most importantly, delicioso.

Honey and I enjoyed our dinner of...

Pandesal rounds with banana heart and kesong puti dip for starters...


Back ribs in Tanduay sauce for my man and Tuna in Olive Oil Penne for me.


They could work a tad on their desserts though. What we had was okay lang - sabanana pie for me and kesong puti cheesecake for Alvin.

----------

C2 (CLASSIC CUISINE)



Pagkaing pinoy ba kamo? Kung panlasang pinoy ang hanap, dito ang tuloy sa C2 (Classic Cuisine). Picture pa lang, nakakatakam na diba?

One of the favorite places Alvin and I go to for great meals before our movie. It's located at the Cinema Level of the Shangrila. I know there's a particular name for the restaurants on this level, The Ramp or something. I'll do my research and get back to you on that one. But anyway, if you frequent Shang, then you know what I'm talking about. :)


On this particular night, we ordered Pinakbet, and I think Hon got Bicol Express. And I tried their Salabat Soda. Winner!

Thoughts...

Went out with my friends the other night. Me, Nadine, Trina and Momi Shena shared a few drinks and pica at Aruba in Metrowalk 'til the wee hours of the morning. I forgot to bring my cam so no pics... :( We talked about a lot of things that made me think about a lot of things as well.

1. Travel

Momi Shena just came from Europe (how incredibly sosyal!) and shared with us stories of her trip. She was so ecstatic about everything - the endless wondrous sights, the people, the food, the cobblestones! We have plans of going to Europe in 2010. Naunahan na niya kami. Now her stories made us more excited to go. We tried to estimate how much money we need to save in 3 years. Half a million pesos each! Wow! That's a gigantic amount of money. I asked - kaya be natin makaipon ng half a million in 3 years? Nadine and Shena confidently answered - kaya yan!

We came up with Plan B, just in case one of us wouldn't have half a million in 2010. So Shena said - Egypt or New York? I'd love to go to New York and walk the busy streets in a "Devil Wears Prada" look. Ooh lala..to flaunt expensive clothes, a slim figure and a natural tan! But I think it's better to go to Egypt. Magpaka-culture naman daw kami sabi ni Nadine. Onganaman. Anyway, I go wherever my friends go. I know it's going to be fun!

2. OFWs

Momi Shena met a friend of hers somewhere in Europe (i forgot where). And this girl told her about her incredible sacrifices just to stay in the country and earn money. Her entire family is in the Philippines. She earns big time. But she is not happy. Ibang klase daw talaga ang lungkot when you're there, away from the people you love. That's why meron silang ibang asawa when they are out there. Or ibang kina-kasama. Because you can't fight the loneliness. It eats you up alive unless you do something about it. The loneliness will make you yearn for a companion - not to intentionally hurt your real family back home, but just to have someone to hold, to talk to, to distract you from the sadness.

And that srengthens my belief that long distance relationships do not work. You cannot be away from your spouse for a very long time and NOT be incredibly lonely and be tempted to find solace in someone else's arms.

3. Iba talaga ang Pinas!

Momi Shena said that after a week in Europe, she got restless and na-miss na niya ang Pinas. I know that feeling! When I was in Hong Kong three years ago, three days pa lang gusto ko na umuwi. I missed my family. I missed my boyfriend. I missed my friends. I missed my work. I missed my bed! Iba talaga ang Pilipinas. Because this is my HOME. This is where I grew up. This is where my entire life is. Hahanap-hanapin ng systema mo talaga. Unless you already grew up in another country, syempre yun na ang kinalakihan mo. But if you grew up here, and stay in a different country for a long time, grabe pala. Gugustuhin mo talaga umuwi.

Hence the song - Manila, Manila, I keep coming back to Manila...Simply no place like Manila!

4. We don't need to leave!

Many filipinos really feel the need to leave the country to search for greener pastures. And yes, some do find them. But the sacrifice they have to make is tremendous. Malungkot, mahirap, isang kayod isang tuka.

Momi Shena, Nadine and I all agree - we don't need to leave. Because we're lucky. We have god jobs here. We're well compensated. We live comfortable lives. We have enough to pay the bills, and a little extra to indulge.

A far cry from what we were back in college - wala pang pera, mumurahin lang ang mga gamit, sa bulaluhan lang kumakain at share-share pa sa food.

We're happy here. And that is something to be very, very thankful for.

5. The joys of independence

Nadine plans to go live with her mom in Australia (oh dear...I can't remember if it's Australia or Canada...had too much to drink.) But anyway, she's thinking of leaving the country to go live with her mom before it's too late. Syempre dalawa na lang daw sila, so naisip niya na dapat magkasama na lang sila. The only thing that stops her from doing so is her love of freedom. And Momi Shena nods in agreement, and shares her sentiment.

Freedom. Independence. You do whatever you want with yur life. Go home whenever you want. Eat whatever and whenever. Shop like there's no tomorrow without anyone breathing down your neck. The joys of being single, of being free as a bird.

If Nadine decides to go, then she loses all this. If Shena decides to live with her mom in the US, her independence and freedom will be lost. Or curtailed.

Iba talaga pag single. Lalo na sila. They live on their own. I enjoy my freedom too, but not as much as them because I live with my parents. But I'm single. And in a way I am also free as a bird.

And the very thought of losing that independence is terrifying. It's a big sacrifice. It requires serious thinking and consideration. So good luck, Nadine, whatever you decide. Basta we all meet up in 2010 - nasaan man tayo by that time.

--------

Nadine turns 28 on June 10! Happy birthday lola! Cheers to long life, a thriving sex life and endless money for shopping and travel!

Mad about Viktor!

One of the most difficult things in life is finding the perfect pair of jeans. Only a few people in this world are lucky enough to find RTWs that really work for their bods. I was once part of the unlucky majority...but not anymore. Not after I met Viktor.



Viktor Denim Republik. This posh shop is located at The Podium. The main attraction: custom-made jeans. So maybe it's easy to find a tailor who can make jeans for you. But it's Ino's perfect sense of style and his chic and classy designs that make the big difference.



The never-ending selection of fabrics, the stitches, the styles, the colors, the cuts. Viktor is a place of endless possibilites. And absolutely great-fitting jeans. But of course! They're made especially to fit YOU!

So my search for the perfect jeans is finally over. And knowing that my jeans look great on me definitely ups my self-confidence. Boy am I super glad to be a Viktor Citizen!

Check it out!
VIKTOR DENIM REPUBLIK
Level 4, The Podium
09178320408

Inspired!

I read an article on the May issue of Vogue. Something about how the stars get their killer bods. Halle Berry was given the title "Best Body. Period." And Jessica Alba's abs were hailed the tightest. I was absolutely inspired!

I learned from the article that Halle Berry doesn't really kill herself with lengthy workouts at the gym. Just 30 minutes, 5x a week. Jessica Alba does the same thing. Her bod is just great all-over, thanks to 30 minutes of cardio (cross-trainer or treadmill) 5x a week. And the secret to her oh-so-tight abs? Crunches on a balance ball.

So, I have decided to do just that starting next week. I should get at least 30 minutes of cardio 5x a week. If I have time to spare, then I make it an hour, then a little work on the machines. I hope my willpower will be strong enough to keep me on this new resolution. I'm back to boxing, I do spinning at least 2x a week, and my sis Adie and I have started on a badminton routine every weekend. I need a little more strength to hit the gym almost everyday (just like my Honey - go baby!), even for just 30 minutes on the cross-trainer.

And I have decided to post my developments here! :) So that I'll have reason NOT to give up. Please don't expect me to get killer abs like Jessica Alba's. I can't do that. But I can work on my bulges and soft spots. I can't look perfect, but I believe I can make my bod look better than ever. Lord, sana wag ako tamarin! :)

Wish me luck!

Intensity 6 - The Wave Anniversary Celebration

Long overdue, i know. We celebrated Intensity 6 last March. Here are the pics!

Can you wear THIS in Eastwood? I DID!

The girls of Wave 89.1 - Jada, Pam, and moi! :)

With my buddy Jada. Cheers to friendship!

With Jada and Marv. Marv resigned na...aww. :( This guy's so much fun. We'll miss you!

With Graphics Designer Habs and Sales Director James clowing around in the background!

With Habs and James. Station Manager namin yung nanggugulo sa likod. Hehehe... Hey Garz!

With Pam, Chen of Warner Music Phils. and Christian Bautista. Papa Christian looks pagod na here.

A couple of friends smiling for the cam! Yey...nakahabol ang honey ko!

Picture-picture before the show starts. Jada, Gia, Jerome, me!, Garry, Sam (Marv's girlfriend) and Marv. Happy happy!

Pictures courtesy of Ate Vida, who has found greener pastures somewhere else but will always be part of our lives...naks! Many thanks Vida!

The shallow minds of men

We are currently looking for new jocks, not "newbies" but those who already have experience in radio. So this girl was interested. She applied and had a meeting with the management. She's been in radio for quite some time already. I knew her name but I haven't met her. Yesterday I had the chance to finally see the girl behind the famous voice. She was very pleasant, with very good english, a lovely voice and a friendly air around her.

So I asked if we were going to give her a try. The answer was NO. Why? Because she did not have that "x-factor." She wasn't attractive. She was FAT.

AND THIS ANGERS ME SO MUCH! The shallow minds of men!

Let me tell you a story.

Six years ago, when Joe D'Mango hired me, I was an incredibly plain-looking girl who did not turn heads or catch the attention of guys. I was fat. My waistline was 29 - 30. I did not wear jeans because they made me look fat. I wore long skirts that fell around my ankles. I wore cheap clothes that were definitely not fashionable. I did not have enough money to buy expensive perfume, or get a facial. My long hair was dry and not shiny. I couldn't even afford to get my nails done every week, so I did them myself.

I don't believe I was ugly, but I WAS DEFINITELY NOT BEAUTIFUL.

But Joe D'Mango hired me. He saw the potential in me. He heard it in my voice, the way I talked, the smooth sound of my english. I wasn't perfect, but I was worth hiring.

Six years after, I am the Assistant Station Manager, and I have a KBP Golden Dove Award to add to my list of achievements. My waistline is 26. I look a hundred times better than when I first walked in the Wave office. I'm not Angelina Jolie, but I sure as hell can make heads turn now.

My point is: WHAT THE F*CK DOES LOOKS HAVE TO DO WITH IT?

Joe D'Mango gave me a chance six years ago. And within that six years, I was not only able to improve myself professionally, I was able to improve how I look. Looks are superficial. It's goddamn easy to give yourself a physical overhaul. It doesn't happen overnight but you can turn yourself from ugly duckling to beautiful swan. But TALENT and SKILL? When you've got what it takes, that will make you stand out, no matter what size your jeans are.

I am so angered by all these shallow decisions being made by the men around me. I am so disappointed. One of these days I know karma will get them. I know that day will come, when the girl I'm talking about loses weight and turns into a supermodel-slash-superjock, she'll walk past the men who ignored her and make them eat her dust. Oh, I definitely want to be there to see that!

The Boutique Bed & Breakfast

My honey and I discovered heaven here on earth... in Tagaytay to be exact. The Boutique Bed & Breakfast. It's a haven made especially for couples. If your sense of vacation is finding relaxing escape within the walls of your hotel room, then this is the perfect place for you.

Upon check-in, we were greeted with warm smiles and cold glasses of iced tea. And while Alvin was busy paying for the bill, I was led to this little room of wonderful scents - you get to choose your toiletries! I got Milk & Honey shampoo and conditioner, Dry Skin Lotion, two kinds of soap - peppermint and rosemary with oats, and lavender for our room scent.



We were then led to our bedroom on the 2nd level. All rooms are named after different emotions that you feel when you're in-love. I Dream, I Escape, I Surrender, I Lust. We got I Dare.




And this was the very first thing that took my breath away as soon as we opened the door...



The bedroom was so beautiful, it left me speechless.





We were in awe. All I could say to Alvin was, "Honey...ang ganda!" So we took pictures of every possible angle, to show our friends this incredible place we found.



Syempre kami din nag-pose sa cam. :)



Another thing that caught my attention was the personalized welcome note on the desk. Na-touch naman ako because other hotels normally don't do this.



And the wonders of our bedroom doesn't stop there.



We had a wall-mounted LCD TV with superb speakers and subwoofer. Those with IPODs can plug-and-play whatever music they want. As for me and my beau, we were excited about their DVD Library. They had a wide selection of great titles. Absolutely no reason for you to leave your room anymore! Even if you went to Tagaytay for the the "view." Look at ours!



The view from our private terrace. Ganda noh?



Below our room is the hotel's restaurant, The Hawaiian Bar-B-Que. You absolutely MUST try their baby back ribs. Sarap!



That's what we had for dinner, which we enjoyed on our private terrace. Having dinner with the man you love, while gazing at the full moon, its magnificent glow reflected on the lake's silvery ripples. It was lovely and wonderfully romantic.



And at night, before we snuggled under the covers and watched movies 'til the wee hours of the morning, they brought us our evening treat - two steaming cups of native hot chocolate and a plate of churros. Heaven!

And the morning after...



Breakfast in bed.
One of the things that beckoned me to this hotel. Breakfast delievered to your bedroom at any time you wish. And I enjoyed it while gazing at the breath-taking view from outside my window.
Absolutely blissful.

This was our last weekend vacation because Alvin has a new (and horrible!) schedule at work. So we're both glad we spent it at The Boutique. It was worth the travel and every peso we spent.



THE BOUTIQUE BED & BREAKFAST
046-4131885
For those looking for a romantic getaway, I suggest you go here. If your man says it's too expensive, call it quits and look for someone who loves you enough to take you there. It's worth it. And YOU are worth it. :)

These are all the many changes in my life...

Hahaha. Such a cheesy title. But the song is running in my head right now as I write this. I'll be hosting the last batch of the AICS graduation events this month. Bacoor this time. I'm already dressed up for the 1pm affair, and it's only 8am.

**********

I've been promoted! From Creative Director to ASSISTANT STATION MANAGER! 'Stig! I think it's still in the process of sinking into my system. When Sir Joe (Joe D'Mango) announced it to us two weeks ago, it didn't really make a big impact on me. Maybe because I was still trying to absorb it all. Now, I'm starting to feel the pressure. And I know it's going to get even...well, better. Hehe. Trying to look at everything positively. I'm up for the challenge. I'm not that well-equipped, but I'm in and I'll do my very best to not disappoint.

Realization:

Grabe. Ang layo na pala ng narating ko. I started sa Wave as just "someone who pitches in for everyone else" - words from my boss when he introduced me during one of our events. I only had very, very few friends in the station back then. For some reason, most of the girls hated me. Now I'm thinking maybe some of them felt it or something - that someday I was gonna be their boss. I wasn't made to be a subordinate. My dad trained me to be a manager. And so I guess people saw that in me, especially the ones who were in-charge before. I guess that explains it.

Now, at 28, I am their boss, next to Garry who's promoted from Programming Director to Station Manager. Grabe noh? Ang bilis. Sabi nga ni Caress of MCA - "young blood" na ang nagma-manage ng station. I hope it's for the better. I hope that Garry and I - being young and all - will be able to make Wave the station that is envied by all, THE frequency to listen to.

**********

Honey and I celebrated our 7th anniversary this month. Wow... 7 years of being together. No on-and-offs in between. 7 wonderful years of loving and caring and enjoying life side by side.

Love you sweetheart! Cheers to 7 years...and a lifetime of love!

**********

I'm featured on Fliptunes! Check it out! http://www.fliptunes.net

Blessing!

We had a big mother's-side family reunion during the Holy week break. It was so big that there were more unfamiliar faces than familiar ones. But we had a good time. Especially my mom, who haven't seen them for ages.

One of our lolas said to my dad: ang swerte mo naman, ang ganda ng pamilya mo.

That's probably one of the best compliments one can ever receive. You have a beautiful family. And indeed we are. Not just literally. We really do have a great family. And during the holy week break, I realized how just how big a blessing that is, absolutely priceless, and a lifetime of thank-you prayers can never be enough.





Thank you God for showing me how great Your love is through my family.