Mandy's Journey: December 2005

Dinner with UP Friends

I met my Barkada in UP today. We have some "Balik-Bayans" so to speak. Ginger came from the US. She's currently studying a higher level of Architecture. Frank came from Dubai. He' s still an Autocadd Expert. And since we missed these friends, we had to meet and just enjoy each other's company.

We met at Recipe's Restaurant in Greenbelt 3. Food's yummy although not much in terms of quantity. We gave gifts since it's still the Christmas season.

At Recipe's - (Left side) Me, Lily, Eugene, Fwank

(Right side) - Marc, Ginger and Sugar

We wanted dessert so we walked to Bizu and had some cakes and coffee.

Then, it's time to part ways. We know that this isn't our last time to meet...

Dinner With A Very Close Friend

I met a very close friend in Megamall. We decided to have dinner at Sbarro and had some time to chat.

She told me what's happening to her married life recently. I am so shocked on the struggles she's facing. Her life is complicated and I'm too powerless to help her. My heart was broken into pieces. I could just imagine how her heart was shattered. But she's truly a very dear friend and I assured her that I will always be there to support her.

My prayer is that she will be strong in the Lord. We all make mistakes but we can always be victorious because our Lord is ever powerful and can grant us mercy and grace. Plus, God gave His only begotten son to save us.

I was reminded by a song that I heard from one of my Pastor's tapes when I was still a bit younger. I don't remember the title but I do remember most of the lyrics because it truly spoke to me. I know that even if I fall down, my God can make me whole again and take me to the mountain top to enjoy his glory.

Nowhere to run

Nowhere to hide

Taken, Helpless

Broken up inside

Feeling abused

Lost in the confusion

Disguised the shame

Consume the blame

But nothing feels the same

I tried to be strong

But it's hard when your purity is gone

CHORUS

Innocent again

Find me innocent again

And cause me to believe

Find me innocent again

And hold me in your arms

Take me to the mountain top once more

Challenged the rules

Used others as tools

Yearning to find love

I was a stubborn fool

You sought me out

Erased away my doubts

Sufficient grace

And your embrace

Was offered up to me

The pain is so strong

My heart has been broken for so long

CHORUS

Innocent again

Bring me innocence again

And cause me to believe

Bring me innocence again

And hold me in your arms

Take me to the mountain top once more

BRIDGE

All that I am

All that I ever want to be

I'm faced before You now that You are near

Touch me with Your Life and I'll be innocent again

Take me to the mountain top once more

FINAL CHORUS

I'm innocent again

Finally innocent again

You caused me to believe

Finally innocent again

You touched my heart and then

Take me to the mountain top once more

Jesus Flock Christmas Eve

I attended Church (after a long time). Today's Christmas eve. I was happy seeing old friends and Ate's and Kuya's. I saw my pastors that I truly love and continue to honor. I may not have attended regularly due to my work, but my heart and spirit remained focused. Eventhough I'm not perfect, I tried my best to be close to perfection.

With my happiness came a pinch of sadness. Why? Because some people are missing as well - some that are special to me. I heard some news that shocked me and caused me pain - pain because I wasn't there to be a source of support and guidance. I have questions, but I trust God to give me peace of mind and understanding.

I never forget people who made a mark in my life. I will always treasure them until eternity.

Merry Christmas to my Jesus Flock Family!!!

Training Team Christmas Party

At LKG Tower - getting our budget for our Team Building.

Another pose @ LKG

So Full @ Friday's - Elaine, Lois, me and Jhery

Lois & Me - Dessert Queens

The Training Team had its Christmas Party today.

The group started to assemble at RCBC - Hollywood room. We had our Monito-Monita. My baby was Mark. Gosh, it's so hard to find a gift for your boss! That's the reason I suggested the wish list - so that it will be easier for me to buy a gift that he would like. And, his wish is not ordinary as well. I got him a BMW Series 3 Dub City Toy Car. It was expensive but it's worth it! If you can only see the expression on his face. He's like a child receiving a wonderful present!

Then, the Management Team (Mark, Manly, Elaine, Acie, Norvin and me) contributed for our gifts to the trainers. Too bad Manly wasn't there. Anyway, the gift we gave them were Titanium rings. It's actually a Trainer's ring. I hope our trainers liked it.

And of course, if there's a party, there should be food!!! So we went to Glorietta and dined at Friday's. The food was indeed satisfying!!!

Merry Christmas to my Training Team!!!

ICT Christmas Party 2005

It's ICT's Christmas party here at Vegaverde. Early bird or should I say birds would be me and Ralf. The place was nice - with interesting ceiling decorations. I think they have lights that looked like cocoons. It made me feel like I'm in the Aliens movie.

The food was good compared to last year's Christmas party at Metro Walk. But you know what? It would be unfair for me to compare it since I never got the chance to taste last year's food! Since we're early, we got the chance to have a bigger portion.

For the program, basically the ICT Bands who competed previously were given a chance to perform. Of course, this included "JUAN" - ICT's official entry to the Battle of The Bands among other call centers. We had some special dance numbers from the RCBC and UB Management. Also, we were speechless with Nathan Shapiro and John Langford's song number.

One exciting part of the program was the Bring Me contest that Mark and Elaine hosted (with me and Acie as the chuwari-wari-waps). The crowd went wild when we asked them to bring us the Sweetest Couple and the Sexiest Dancer. I can't believe that my Boss had to actually dance in front of a big audience! And by the way, we have videos to prove it!!!

Lastly, we had the traditional raffle. Guess what? I was the 1st person to win a prize!!! I won a Hotel accommodation in Oakwood. Cool huh? The only thing I wished was a man to be included in the package! Hahaha!!!

As the program ended, it's time to dance. However, I had to leave early since I have a class in the afternoon the following day. But I had a great time...

Paul and Carmela's Wedding

Friends of the Couple...

Ria, Me and Prima...

This is it... Today's the Wedding of my beloved "parents" in C3 - Paul Bautista and Carmela Cruz - our Papaps and Mader.

I was so honored to be part of the church ceremony. I read the first reading. I was a bit nervous because I had no practice whatsoever but since I'm kinda use to speaking, I guess I managed it gracefully.

It's so good to see old friends. The CLALLAM Team was so solid and close and this was one event that we had an almost perfect attendance - not to mention that this was one time we are all dressed up.

Paul and Melay's Wedding can be described as a Grand Wedding. From the church to the reception area, you will definitely notice how much preparation was given. The rain didn't prevent the wedding reception from being enjoyed by everyone. Food was truly Yum Yum!!!

I know that they will soon migrate to Canada. I will miss them. But knowing that we have lots of good memories, I know that I can keep them with me forever.

To Paul and Melay, may Happiness be with you all the days of your lives!!! I Love you!!!

3rd Joint Training Staff Meeting

The 3rd Joint Training Staff Meeting was held in RCBC.

As usual, Mark made us do embarrassing things again. We had story-telling with actions for "Uhh - Galele". Just look at the pictures on how the "retarded" in us was released.

Scary Mode

The Tribal Chief...

The Tribal Chief grinning...

The Tribal Chief with his Tribe

After that activity, I prepared something for the team. I printed out a Team Building card for them plus I crocheted ringlets for a symbolic covenant among us. We are to pick a ring with a name and give it to that person. As you give it, you should say either a promise or a word of encouragement to that person.

Here's me crocheting...