Bora Bora!

And so finally, the outing that took eight years in the making pushed through. The whole Wave 891 family flew to Boracay for a much-deserved weekend vacay. Would you believe that was our very first out-of-town company trip? Anyway, we're just happy we finally went to the beach together - the jocks, the AEs, the technicians, the spinners, the management team. Saya!

With my roommates on our last day in Bora: Wave jocks Jason, Anne, Jada and AEs James and Czar

So even if we were very badly inconvenienced by Z-Air (I will diss some more at the end of this post), and even if we weren't able to parasail and go island hopping, we still had an awesome time. 'Til the next outing! When? Geez...I really don't know.

:)


----------


We came up with a new tagline for the airline that took us to Bora:

"Z-Air. Where your inconvenience is our #1 priority!"

Okay, this is why we are pissed with this God-forsaken airline. Our flight to Boracay was delayed three effin' times! We were there (well, at least majority of my officemates were. I was late. Tee-hee!) two hours before the scheduled 12:20PM flight. What time did we leave Manila? 2:45PM!

!*@*#! (String of profanities here.)

And this is why that delay really ticked us off big time. We were gonna land in Kalibo! There was still that 2-hour ride to the pier before the 20-minute ferry trip to our destination.

!*@*#! (Profanities yet again.)

When we finally got to the hotel, it was dark and drizzling and we were all dead tired. Day 1 in Bora was totally wasted. Boo!

But wait, there's more! They were thoughtful enough to think of feeding the passengers they already pissed off. Lo and behold! The meals were like rations. Three to four measly pieces of pork and a cup of plain rice. We took one look at it and went, "Sinong binaha?"

You think the story ends there? Think again. Going back to Manila, our flight got delayed...AGAIN! Susmaryosep!

Our verdict: The award for Major Loser Airline goes to...(drumroll)...YOU!

In fairness, it was a smooth flight. But then again, that all depends on weather conditions.

On a Southwest Airlines flight from Los Angeles to El Paso, I remember the attendant saying this over his microphone:

"We know you have plenty of choices when flying. Thank you very much for choosing Southwest."

We do have a lot of choices. It should be an honor if the client chooses you. So if you want the zest zapped out of your vacation, you already know what airline to choose.

Bonjour, 2010!

The past year has finally gone. There isn't much to tell about my 2009. I remember a part in the movie Up where Russell says the memories that he remembers the most are the boring ones. Sitting outside the ice cream shop with his dad, counting all the red and blue cars that passed by. The best parts of my 2009 weren't really grand events or milestones or achievements. They were all about simple joys and little things, mostly spent with the man I love. 2008 had been
tumultuous for the two of us. 2009 saw us recovering from past hurts, and healing and growing together. The past year saw us working side by side, doing more things together and spending more time with each other. The result is a love that is stronger than before. I'm glad that we went through very painful experiences in the past because they brought us back together in the end, with an even stronger bond and a more beautiful relationship. After all the stops and starts, I am happy and thankful that I'm standing here with my hand in his. These things may be boring to other people. But they're the ones I remember the most.




I braved cosmetic surgery early last year. Thank you to Dr. Rea Trinidad of Aescultura for a very successful treatment. The surgery was definitely the bravest thing I've ever done. I voluntarily went under the knife. I can still remember how painful it was, but I have absolutely no regrets.

Two years after I was promoted to Assistant Station Manager, I finally got a raise! That was a really big Christmas treat for 2009. It didn't add an extra digit to my pay, but I'm thankful nevertheless. In these trying times, with the recession happening and people losing their jobs here and there, I am in no position to complain.

And of course, 2009 ended with a bang of an adventure - the holiday tour in the US with my family. It was an awesome trip! We went to Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, El Paso and New Mexico.



I was able to link arms with Minnie Mouse, wave with joyful tears at a real Santa
Claus, see wondrous aquatic creatures like otters and jellyfishes and sea horses (the kind you'll never find in our local aquarium), ride the famous Cable Car through the streets of San Francisco, learn about new cultures and cuisines, play with real snow and experience waking
up to a Winter Wonderland! Plus, I got a whole steamed lobster all to myself during one of our lunches in San Fo. How cool is that! :) And all the pictures I've gathered were all rich with new experiences and beautiful sights. Absolutely the best way to end a year that was good to me in a different way. It made me enjoy the little things. It made me feel young again.




Now I'm ready to face 2010. I got a feeling this year's going to be awesome! And I'm starting it with a fresher and more positive outlook, ready to embrace change and usher in all things new and shiny and wonderful! I'm crossing my fingers and saying thank you to God in advance for the many blessings and opportunities to earn and grow. Like Cuba Gooding, Jr. in Jerry Maguire, I spread my arms and say out loud - "show me the money!"

And, this is also the year that I'll be turning into Mrs. Anne Asis-Carilo. Yup, we're tying the knot this year and we're ready to face a new adventure towards forever. We're not doing it the traditional way, and that's what I like about it. Very Sex and the City. Very Carrie-exciting. I'll let you in on the details soon.

I'm giving 2010 a high five. I'm smiling brightly at life, and my heart does a somersault as it grins back. Let this be my time to shine! And it will be.

:)

Hello, San Fo!

Down to the last week of my US holiday. My family and I are here in San Fo, last stop before we fly back on Friday. It's 8am here, and I am loving the city already, even if I haven't gotten to know it just yet. The morning air is a cold 50-degrees-Fahrenheit, or even less. Our hotel is by the bay, and you can hear the seagulls soaring about outside. I guess it's the thought that my vacation is almost over that is making me feel quite sentimental. I'm trying to savor the last few moments of this trip, and I'm glad San Francisco is capping the experience.

This whole Holiday break has been wonderful. New experiences, new places and sights, endless photographing. From sunny (but still very cold) Los Angeles and San Diego in California to the vast deserts and mountains of El Paso and New Mexico. Now we're back in California, in the welcoming arms of another new city. Hello, San Fo!

Christmas and New Year were spent in El Paso, where my family and our close relatives gathered together for turkey and steaks and presents and love. Our Uncle Fred taught us a lot of things and introduced us to real Mexican food and new ways of eating corn and other vegetables. I learned a bit about old American culture, history, western music, traditions and many other things. It's been great, and now I find myself missing El Paso already.

I'll be home in a few days, blessed with more knowledge and experiences to start the new year. It definitely has been a terrific and unforgettable three weeks. Looking forward to coming back to America again next Christmas and explore and learn from other states. But before I say au revoir, let me enjoy my last few days here in San Francisco.

:)

White Christmas

My dreams of a white Christmas have come true. Today we drove up the snow-capped mountains of New Mexico to experience what yuletide carols describe as "winter wonderland." We were all wrapped up like burritos, my family and I. The sun was up and fiercely glaring, but you couln't really feel the heat. The air was biting cold. We hopped into our rented van with Uncle Fred behind the wheel, and drove off to New Mexico. We made a stop at the White Sands Park. Yup, you guessed it right. White sands everywhere - fine and powdery - like the ones you can find in our pristine Philippine beaches. The only difference was this place in New Mexico wasn't a beach. It was the desert. After a quick picnic lunch, we were ready to see some snow. My folks and I have never seen real snow before. So we were all very excited.

We could see the mountains from several miles away, their tops covered with snow. The drive up was truly scenic. We passed by pine trees, tall and majestic, with dustings of snow on the branches. Unfortunately, I couldn't take a good picture because we were moving fast. The best I could do was to take all the view in and etch it on my memory. It was all so beautiful. I felt like we were running through a forest of Christmas trees!

We made a stop at the entrance of the Lincoln National Forest, just before entering the tunnel. There was a cliff overlooking the rocks and the trees down below. Our Uncle Fred held our arms tight as we tried to look down the cliff. We took a couple more photos and off we went higher up the snowy mountain. Our second stop was at a park where people sat on rubber tires and glided down the snowy slopes. The view from there was breathtaking. Pine trees all over, and so much snow! My sisters and I showered each other with snow, and the little flakes felt cool and tingly as they landed on my cheeks and on the bridge of my nose. It was such a wonderful experience.




Plus, we were given a treat! We actually spotted deer! Uncle Fred said he had been up the mountains lots of times before but never saw deer. It was everyone's first time. I guess we brought Uncle Fred some good luck. We stopped by the road and took photos. We weren't allowed to go near them so our cameras had to do that for us.




We would've stayed for hours if only we stood the freezing temperature. But it was more than regular Filipino first-timers could handle. I wanted to make angels, but it was just too cold and I could barely feel my toes. We ran back to the van after a few minutes, to the warm sanctuary of a heater. But we had a lot of fun. A White Christmas experience that I'll never forget, that's for sure.

Awesome Disneyland!

We're spending the holidays in the US, my family and I. The first stop of our US tour was Disneyland in Los Angeles. It's such an incredible place! I can't even begin to explain how magical the whole place is. We spent two days at Disneyland and Disney California. During the first night, we were able to catch the Christmas Parade at Disneyland. It was spectacular! The last character that came out was Santa Claus. As soon as I saw him, I cried and waved happily at him. When Santa said, "Do you believe in the magic of Christmas?" I yelled out an emotional, "Yes!" I felt like I was five again, in a cartoon wonderland, where all wishes and dreams came true. Disneyland is indeed the (2nd) happiest place on earth. The 1st happiest place of course is in the arms of the man who's lovingly and patiently waiting for me to come home.

I'll upload photos soon as I find the time. Merry Christmas!

:)

Dear Pam..

I just wanted to say thank you so much for the colorful scarf. It's one of the very best gifts I got from a friend this year. Now you might say it's just a scarf. But you taught me how to wear one. You carefully thought of the right gift for my trip. That extra effort made all the difference. So, super thanks, Pam.y! I know I wasn't able to spend time with you this week. But I promise to bring home a Mickey for you. Big hug! :)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Christmas is friendship!














































Christmas Dinner / Despidida at Congo Grill Tomas Morato. Jeje, we missed you!


...and being with people that make you feel cared for and special. When surrounded by true friends, it's just like having Christmas everyday!

:)


----------


Simbang Gabi started this morning. With barely two hours of sleep, my beau Alvin and I joined the rest of the BFQC community who were willing to wake up really early for the 4am mass. Alvin wanted us to catch the first four dawn masses before my flight to the US on Saturday. I love doing this tradition with him, so kahit puyat and pagod, go pa rin.

The Youth Choir sang beautifully this morning. There was a Christmas chill in the air. The church pews were all occupied by families, couples and friends. I couldn't help but feel quite sentimental. There was a strong feeling of positivity and togetherness among everyone gathered in the church this morning. I saw it as a manifestation of God's undying and unconditional love for us. After everything we've experienced this year - the recession, the calamities, the crimes, the hardships - here we were, healthy and alive and anticipating Christmas Day with joyful hearts. Because we know that despite the tragedies, God always gives us a reason to keep the faith. Families intact and hearing mass together, friends and neighbors greeting each other with smiles, couples holding hands. I remember glancing up at Alvin, and he smiled at me and planted a kiss on my forehead. The gift of love. The gift of family. God's blessings are overflowing. His presence ubiquitous.

After the mass, we had a picnic breakfast of puto bumbong and bibingka. I had a few minutes to spare before I drive to work for my 6am show, so we stood outside my house, eating with our fingers and sharing hushed laughter. It was the most perfect way to start the day. Makes you look forward to waking up super early again the next day.

Thank you, Lord, for this beautiful life. You are, indeed, so good.

:)

I am his muse...

...and he never fails to make me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world. Every single day.

Photography by Alvin Carilo.

Just got off the telephone after an hour of making kwento with my Tita Monette, my dad’s sister who lives in the US. We’re spending Christmas and New Year with them in the States. That’s why she has been ringing me up non-stop to remind me of the things she wants me to bring, the most important ones are magazines with Piolo Pascual’s photos. She’s in her fifties, and she’s still crushing on stars half her age.

I’m having mixed feelings about my spending the Holidays in the States. Part of me wants to stay here with my beau. We’ve been spending Christmas and New Year together for the past nine years. Walang palya yun! So we’re both feeling quite sad. It won’t be the same if we’re apart.

Another part of me is thrilled, though. We grew up with my dad’s sisters, Tita Monette and Tita Ayette, until they migrated to the US when I was in the fifth grade. So that was the last time we saw each other. I’m finally getting to see them again after 18 years! It’s exciting! Usually we just call them up during December 25 and January 1st. Now we’re actually going to be there with them to open presents or play in the snow!

For those who can’t physically be there with their families during the Holiday season, the best way to still feel their presence is to share warm conversations with them on the phone. I know many people resort to chat, YM or email to send their Yuletide greetings. But personally I believe that nothing beats hearing their voices on the telephone, hearing their laughter and cries of joy. Your PLDT Landline can give you that clear connection with your loved ones abroad. Not just during this festive Christmas season but all year round!

Now if you’re reading this from outside the Philippines, let me give you some good news. If your relatives here don’t have a PLDT landline, you can actually get them one. You can apply for a PLDT landline for your family here in the Philippines through PLDT Online. The good thing about this new feature is that you can get them a line from wherever you are, by just conveniently logging on to the PLDT website and clicking away. Plus, you get a 2$ voucher! It’ll be a really nice Christmas present for your loved ones here in the Philippines. Now they won’t have reasons anymore not to call you!

Check out PLDT Online now and surprise everyone back home with a “rrrring”!

Special thanks to the sponsors!

December is the peak season for hostings and celebrations and looking fabulous! So far, the two big events I've had are the Mossimo Christmas Party, where once again I hosted with my ex-partner Rye (of U92), and Wave 891's Urban Music Awards Jump-Off Party. My beau, Alvin, was the official photographer for both events. I have yet to post his shots. Here are some photos from friends. It's always fun to have a reason to dress up oh-so-glamorously! :)

The best thing about being a radio DJ - you get all the perks for free! Whee! Special thanks to Burgundy Collection for the fab black Audrey Hepburn gown and the hot pink cocktail dress. My pearls were courtesy of Accessorize (and courtesy of my dearest friend, Tita Mags!). And of course, my hair and maekup courtesy of Essensuals Toni & Guy. My makeup artist, Steph, never fails to make me look like a queen. Lots of love to my sponsors, for making my December all glittery and glam!

:)