In Love with coffee

If there’s someone who deserves an award for i-never-grow-sawa-of –coffee, that should be me. Or an award for most-number-of-coffee-drank in a day. Definitely, I would grab these awards and that would never be contestable. (Ha-ha) That’s how well I know myself when it comes to the coffee aspect of myself.

I strongly have an emotional attachment with coffee. And I drink coffee not just for the heck of drinking coffee but for some reasons, it brings me back to those precious memories.

Those tender years

When I was like 4 to 5 years old, my parents used to leave me (and my sister also) with our land lady. She became our grand mother-slash-guardian when our parents were at work. In those times, I learned to drink coffee. For some kids, they were never allowed to drink until they’re teenagers. But our ‘grandmother’ had given me the ‘benefit’ to be more advanced than any other kid. She fed me my breakfast with a hot, aromatic coffee along with the hot pandesal. And you know what happens to the pandesal. Ha-ha From this orientation, coffee has been a staple for breakfast.

My academic years

I was reared to be serious about my studies. It wasn’t imposed though, I strive to make my parents proud of me. So in those sunog-kilay years, my constant companion was a cup of hot coffee. College years had been accounted for the most number of cups of coffee I sipped. Just imagine the rigorous examinations, mock boards, of meeting the quota WPA, of not being in the bottom 5 during exam results. Those pressures seemed to be bearable (aside from the inspiration from the family and God, ahem) because of my ever dependable companion, my coffee. At an average, I consumed 5 to 7 cups a day ranging from yummiest flavours of Great Taste, Nescafe, Maxwell, Moreishi and from that of coffee shops. Of cappuccino, frothe’, instant, espresso, mocha java, choco hot fudge, frappe,herbal, 3n1, strong, mild, white, bitter, sweet, bitter-sweet, iced, hot, black. You name it, I have tried everything just to keep me awake and alive. Just it has played a major (I say major again) role in my college life.

Coffee will always be a part of me along with each of my life’s milestones. And I say, until to this very moment, I remain in love with coffee. Always will.

Each day is a big day. Take a sip. Coffee, anyone?

Cheers For Logan

It was almost the end of 2011, December 30 when I squeezed in a quick trip to Davao to meet Irving and his family. I arrived around 4 in the afternoon, managed to buy 2 pairs of shoes at SM and stuffed our empty stomachs with grilled chicken at Toryano’s. We passed by outside JS Gaisano and found this cute, black puppy inside a cage. Apparently, this dog has caught our attention with its tail that wiggles forever. A Labrador whom Irving loves to own all his life. Like true siguristas, we asked about the papers, the puppy’s parents and the vaccination history. Inquiries would never be enough as we cradle the puppy into our arms, played with it for a bit and off we went home. We’d like to get the dog but need to reconsider since buying a dog doesn’t come cheap. So off we went home and with us was the mobile number of the seller. While we were walking, we sort of gigil with the dog and 95% certain we’ll buy the dog. What was holding us back was who will take care of the dog? His parents cannot take the dog home in Parang, his sister can’t take it also on Manila because of schedule issue. So that leaves me and him. While he’s more of a dog lover than me, it would be best if the dog will be with me. So we both decided.

Wait. Didn’t I share I wasn’t a sucker for pets. I just started (trying) to touch dogs (in particular) because of Irving. He has influenced me on his love for dogs. True enough, dogs are lovable, cuddly and fun. But I wasn’t sure then about taking care of a Labrador. I really had apprehensions but I accepted the responsibility. All night we were thinking and rethinking the option of having a dog for real. The thought of having the dog for a much cheaper price compared with the mall prices nagged us all night. The very morning we were much resolved with buying the dog. With his sister in tow, the three of us happily bought the dog. At that moment, the dog was rightly ours and it deserves a name. And he will be called LOGAN (from Wolverine).

Fast Facts:

Name: Logan

Birthday: November 10, 2011

Breed: Labrador

Color: Black

Species: Canine

What could be more exhilarating to welcome a brand new year than welcoming a Lab into your house! Yes, Logan officially became the member of our family in January 1, 2012 and even joined our family reunion.

Here is Logan, 52 days old. Still looking cute and playing with his towel. Labs are known for their outgoing temperament and is very evident with Logan.

Feels really at home as he peacefully sleeps after the long trip from Davao. He heaves a loud sigh while sleeping. But that’s pretty normal for them!

What’s also adorable about Labs are their blue eyes. Yes, I said it right. All labs are born with blue eyes but later turn into brown when they become an adult.

Here’s the milk reward for Logan after getting soaked and cleaned up. I know dogs do not love to get wet but for the love of getting ‘em fresh, need to brace myself for the action-packed ‘ligo’ session. Ha-ha And I want to inculcate that he’ll have a reward after every taking a bath.

Seriously bad smell is a no-no for Logan. So an investment for pet cologne, shampoo , soap and powder won’t hurt. The owner is vain so will the pet. Ha-ha

Picture session while the Vet is attending to another dog. Logan never likes camera. He’s never a cam whore. Unlike me. This I need to train him. If possible, lol.

Logan is a heaven-sent gift. He’s captured our hearts and you can’t help but be attached with him. He’s got a lot to show off and his intelligence needs to be maximized. I am happy he’s with me, my number one stress reliever!

How about you? Have you have any pet? If none, adopt one! It’s fun!

Run For a Cause

What: Night Run

When: July 23, 2011

Why: For Bantay Bata

So you want to get drenched, soaked and shed some calories? Well, I do – we all do.

It all started when friends from our IT group in the company invited us for a Night Run which is sponsored by Sun City Suites. Having no second thoughts on this, my friends and I registered in this run-for-a-cause event. Surprise took me when I heard our Managing Director also registered. I gather he’s a typical exercise junkie but I can’t believe he’s gracing this event too!

It just happened so fast that I wasn’t able to do any preparations at all. Never did any morning walk or night exercise. As in nil, nada. So come this very day, July 23. The whole day, I was just bumming around. Few hours before the run, I slept too hard. When I woke up, my sister jokingly said “Nice warm up huh, sleeping!”. Ha ha You bet. But I was never scared, I could pull it through.

So I got myself ready, took a bath, prepared my outfit and put on my make up. Ha, who says who you wear them when you jog?

We arrived at the Sun City Suites at around 5:30 in the afternoon. The place was swarmed with sports enthusiast and school and working people alike.

Meet my buddy Sheng. We wore the same black shirt with huge prints. Take note, she made me promise to not leave her in the race. She really knows she’s a let-down in the running and walking departments. Ain’t that cool of her? Ha ha

So are you ready guys and gals? My first ever singlet for a Fun Run in number 5204. I think I’ll get lucky later tonight with this number. Hmmm. *Fingers crossed*

People just can’t contain the excitement and anticipation for the run. Joining the young people here is Sir Allan Diola, manager of Central Logistics.

Here’s the whole team of Systems and Financial Analysis with our manager, JP Calio. We surely miss our baby girl, Jla Lagrada. “Can’t join the run, I got an earlier fun walk with my parents!”. Too bad, we could have the perfect attendance. We have here Roni, Sir JP and Ian, all are into sports and well-prepared in the race. And the muse, ehem. Ehem not! haha

Here’s Team Dolefil, goofing around before the run. The coolest way to warm up!

Meet our Managing Director, Simon. He actually was busy talking to someone while we barge in to make a “quiet” photo op. But I guess, it wasn’t as quiet as that. He noticed us, his stalkers. I mean, beautiful stalkers. How lucky could he get?

After all those picture taking and goofing around, the race finally started. We were shouting really after the signal. We did the run. Geez, less than 5 minutes, I was already catching my breath. Tired, yes. Sheng too was complaining. Call us lame, haha. So we did a lot of walk than run. When I regained myself, I wanted to do a slow run but could not leave Sheng and May2. I guess my stamina is better than these two. That left me walk all the way to the finish line. Sheng had the fun of her life meeting people who ran past us. “Hello, see you in Robinsons. Mauna na kayo!” There is this handsome guy whom Sheng smiled to and the guy smiled back. Suddenly, she regained her strength! I could not help stifle a sigh. Ha ha.

Some antics and adventures during the run:

There was a group of kids watching the fun run. Then came a 10-year-old kid along with his family. “Hala, bantay mo maglinog! (Ingat tayo, lilindol na!). Haha I say that’s so cruel of you kids.

People caught us walking like “models” (exaggerated, but close to) and shouted at us, “Day, sakay mo tricycle?”. Gaaah, pakialam nyo!

Man to Sheng: “Day, ako-a na imong singlet ako na lang dagan paingon sa Rob.” Kuya, magregister ka kasi!

Mary Grace (aka May2): Nganong naa man ko dire? Dapat nagbasa na lang ko ug cases, daghan kaau! Kapoy na ko.

Sheng with her iPod on …”Just gonna stand there and watch me burn…” All for the world to hear! Haha

Finish Line Straight Ahead: Woot!

Finally, hitting the Finish Line for 5k! We did it!

Loud and Proud with our cerficates. (Riza, Sheng, me and May2) We didn’t look that tired, right?

Here’s Simon on stage accepting the award given to Dolefil for having the most number of participants. Burger! Burger! True enough, he took some employees out for a celebration (dinner) excluding us. We went ahead of them because we’re craving for pizza already.

I guess I got lucky that night. I won a raffle, 5-2-0-4! Unbelievably fantastic! I brought home 2 umbrellas (NAY!) and P1,000 worth of Gift Certificate from Sueno de Espadrilles. I love the PRIZE! Wedges, here I come!!!

And the tastiest reward, tadaah, PIZZA!!! From Calda, presenting the Quattro Stagione (with Calda, Roma, Hawaiian and Bolognese flavours).

It’s heart-warming that in our little way we have helped kids who need our love and assistance. Kudos to all the runners and the sponsors! After all, it’s not getting recognized for being the fastest runner but it goes all the way for the benefit of so many kids.

God bless all of us!

SFA hits Gen San

Newbies deserve a warm welcome, right? So guys, help me welcome these newbies of 2011 of Systems and Financial Analysis...Starting off with Jla (hired Jan 31), then Ian (hired March), Roni (hired April), Sir JP (our manager, transferred from another department) and me (from another department too!). So that, uhm, makes all of us new to the department.

So a warm welcome will never be complete without a CHOW at Ranchero Grill restaurant.

Starting off with this classic Pinoy recipe, the Sinuglaw.

Nothing will go wrong with a fresh grilled tuna belly with pickled papaya on the side

one of my favorite dishes...sizzling sisig!

And the most special...is...give it up for

Baby Back Ribs!

They just do it so yummy like no other, I swear!

Whose tummy won't get stuffed with these? I bet no one. Haha

Welcome to us guys! Let's break a leg!

He is before all things.

though how much we are lovingly protected by our parents, we are not spared of getting a feel of things that could hurt us or break us. we may not welcome it, yet spiteful tests beset us. we may question ourselves and God. but let us remember that everything shall pass. Most importantly, we have God that will guide us through.

Let me share a wonderful message i got today. God really has ways to speak to us. the message is timely especially in these trying times of my life.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _


I’m casting my cares aside
I’m leaving my past behind
I’m setting my heart and mind on You, Jesus. I’m reaching my hand to Yours
Believing there’s so much more
Knowing that all You have in store for me is good. Today is the day You have made
I will rejoice and be glad in it... And I won’t worry about tomorrow I’m trusting in what You say
Today is the day. I’m putting my fears aside
I’m leaving my doubts behind/I’m giving my hopes and dreams to You, Jesus
I’m reaching my hands to Yours/Believing there’s so much more, Knowing that all You have in store for me is good. I will stand upon Your truth
And all my days I’ll live for You.


Indeed, if we all lift our worries to God, we never have to actually worry. God has set all things for us. We just have to have FAITH in Him.