Monday, February 26, 2007

Weekend get-away @ Puerto Galera (Part 1)

Here is one place I would always love to go to - White Beach, Puerto Galera, Mindoro. I swear, I'll never get tired of coming back there. We initially planned to have this trip 2 weeks ago, but thanks to Kimmie she had to cancel a day before the scheduled trip. This is one of those cases wherein its better if you plan things the last minute and then all will go well as expected.
Its just too bad that I went there without my 2 dudes, so its basically an all-girls escapade from work and family, more so for me, because I'm the only mom amongst the 3 of us. I have to call at home and ask how CJ was doing every 4 hours! Yes, I really felt so guilty :( but no regrets because I certainly need to get-away, relax and "think things over." Hmm...

So, what can I say about Puerto Galera? Travel, food, accommodation, bars and of course the beach is really worth your Php1,500.00 for a two-day-one-night stay, not to mention the irresistible souvenirs they offer.

Here's our itinerary during the whole trip, with some take-away tips if you plan to see the place for yourself:

Day 1: Saturday
(February 24, 2007)

0710H - Meeting time with Mitch @ McDonalds, Sucat. It was supposed to be at 0630H, but then again, what can I do? My 1 1/2 hrs. of packing and other preparations for this trip was just not enough! Good thing, Mitch was in high spirits so she didn't pull my hair!

0730H - Picked up Kimmie @ McDonalds Greenbelt, Makati with her take-out breakfast for us!! (sausage mcmuffins, love 'em!)

0815H - Buendia LRT Taft Station. Boarded van going to Batangas Pier (Php15
0.00). I'm telling you, you won't have a hard time finding the bus/van going to Batangas pier, because dispatchers will be all over you once you get out of your car! You can also ride from Tritran at Quezon City and also at Alabang. So long as its heading to Batangas Pier.

0830-1030H - Travel time from Buendia, Makati to Batangas Port. I
swear, it was a two-hour ride with the two loudest friends I have. They just never get tired of talking, LOL and chit-chatting!

1030-1100H- Bought round trip boat tickets (Php340.00) and Terminal Fee (Php10.00). There are scheduled trips every 30 minutes which you can choose from the different ferryboats but we opted for the MB Commandos 7 because the next trip was scheduled at 11am, and this one is going directly to the White Beach unlike the others that heads straight to the Sabang Beach (about 15mins tricycle ride going to the White Beach). Same case also with the bus terminal, as soon as you get out of the van/bus, these guys will be swarming you like bees and telling you to
choose their boat!

1130H-1300H - Travel time from Batangas Port to White Beach, Puerto Galera. The 1 1/2 hour boat ride wasn't that fun as I hoped it would be, thanks to the Korean family we were with during that trip. Argh! Anyway, people will approach you as you get down the boat and offer you places where you can stay. (That is if you haven't made any reservations yet.)

1320H - After much haggling for a place to stay in(yes, you really need to be good at haggling, otherwise...) we were able to find a good one. Very nice bungalow type with 1 bed, good for three persons, 1 electric fan and 1 bathroom. This one cost us Php1,200.00 and I was able to convince owner to give us an extra electric fan. (Not bad, huh?) We didn't choose an air conditioned room because I find it very impractical since we will be out of the room most of the time. After unpacking our stuff, change to our swimsuits, picture takings, off we went for lunch.

1530H - Swimming and sunbathing time!! yipeeeee!!!


(To be continued..)

Thursday, February 22, 2007

A Woman Over 30

My friend, Aileen, sent this very interesting email to me, so I thought of sharing this to all you venusians 30 years and over.... and for those who are turning 30, and for those who are scared of moving into their 30's...AND for guys who are scared of girls over 30!!!! I certainly believed this article. Funny, especially the red lipstick thingy!

This was written by a MAN named, Andy Rooney from CBS 60 Minutes.

As I grow in age, I value women who are over 30 most of all. Here are just a few reasons why: A woman over 30 will never wake you in the middle of the night to ask, "What are you thinking?" She doesn't care what you think.

If a woman over 30 doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't sit around whining about it. She does something she wants to do. And, it's usually something more interesting.

A woman over 30 knows herself well enough to be assured in who she is, what she is, what she wants and from whom. Few women past the age of 30 give a damn wh! at you might think about her or what she's doing.

Women over 30 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you, if they think they can get away with it.

Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what it's like to be unappreciated.

A woman over 30 has the self-assurance to introduce you to her women friends. A younger woman with a man will often ignore even her best friend because she doesn't trust the guy with other women.

Women over 30 couldn't care less if you're attracted to her friends because she knows her friends won't betray her. Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to a woman over 30. They always know.

A woman over 30 looks good wearing bright red lipstick. This is not true of younger women.

Women over 30 have more tricks up their sleeve in bed. Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over 30 is far sexier than her younger counterpart.

Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right off if you are a jerk if you are acting like one! You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her.

Yes, we praise women over 30 for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed hot woman of 30+, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22-year-old waitress.

Ladies, I apologize. For all those men who say, "Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free". Here's an update for you. Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage, why? Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire Pig, just to get a little sausage.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

How to win back an unhappy customer?

I just want to share the cool experience we had last week when we dined in at Bubba Gump (Greenbelt, Makati). Aside from their awesome and sooooooooo yummylicious menu, I can't help but be pleased with the way they treat their customers! PJ and I have been their regular customers for the past months, so we know already more or less how the food are served, how good they present it, and how fast their service is (or atleast most of the time, depends on the time of the day). Anyhow, our last visit was quite memorable. I got disappointed because the main course that we ordered didn't arrived on time...I had to follow it up to check if they were able to get our order considering we were almost done with the other food that we ordered and PJ has to run for an appointment. I had to mention that it was quite unusual because we use to order that a lot so we have an idea of how long it takes for it to be cooked/prepared. So, one of the crews or probably the manager, immediately approached us and said that it was in the order list but for some reasons the person-in-charge in the kitchen missed to take note of it. She was very apologetic, and I just bluntly said, it's ok but we prefer to cancel it. In the end, it was too late to cancel since the order was already prepared a few minutes later. Not that we didn't have the choice, but it was quite rude if we still insist. And who am I to make a big deal out of it, when they have sincerely apologized.

Here's the catch! We decided ofcourse to just have it packed so we can take it home (aside from the fact that we were really full, also to be consistent that we are really running out of time) The manager approached us again with a complimentary cup of sinful ice cream together with that she gave us a gift certificate which we can avail on our next visit! Cool, huh? PJ had to go already so I was left with the ice cream. It was just too bad that I'm not an ice cream lover, more so if it's strawberry flavored! I didn't want to hurt their feelings and I don't want them to think that I'm being rude, so I had to finish atleast half of that cup! Burp!

I realized that it was a good strategy that they did there! They have resolved the issue with a-not-so-irate customer, by sincerely apologizing and accepting that it was a mistake on their end. To make it up for a customer, they give them complimentary food, which is the usual approach already done by a lot of restaurants. But for them, aside from that, they made sure that after that not-so-good experience you had with them, they give you a GC which can be availed on the next visit as their way of making you return and try again their food and service! So, as a customer you'll be thrilled that after everything, you were still fortunate that you got a GC from them and you would already consider using it by going back to that restaurant. In the end, chances are you'll come back and be their customer again!

I've had several experiences before when I got so pissed off for a bad service but this one certainly was a different story. Not that I'm being biased, I've worked also as a crew and as a marketing relations officer @ McDonalds for about 3 years during my college, so I know when someone is really not doing his job. Hmmm....I'm also aware how people from the kitchen gets even to a customer when they make life harder for them! It happens everywhere, right?


Monday, February 19, 2007

Appreciating employers who appreciate

I'm soooooooo glad I'm back to blogging again... Last week had been very exhausting for me, but in the end it turned out to be very rewarding. I was able to finish and submit the survey report that I've been working on for the past 2 weeks! I'm happy to finally get it out of my system!

Anyway, one of the things I like working with my present employer is that they definitely know how to acknowledge your hard work because the following day, I got a note on my desk from my boss congratulating me for a very nice work I did on my report. Well, it's not perfect but atleast she did make an effort to acknowledge me.

It's a sad reality that not all superiors are like that..I once worked for a CEO of a company before for more than a year, did my very best to please him, worked till midnights, served him, pampered him...(haha! don't get it wrong please) only to find out after 2 months from the time I left the company that he already forgot my name! Can you imagine that? It's no wonder no one stayed there longer than 3 years. I guess that really happens! These people sometimes forget that employees are also their customers.

I can't help but compare my employer now to the previous ones I had before. You can't just diminish the importance of recognition and appreciation as an integral component of keeping your employees. It's really important for an employee to feel that he is being recognized for his contributions to the company, be it a simple task or a major one. It doesn't have to be all the time but as often as you can. A simple, "Thank you," "thanks,"or "Good job!" will do because it will reciprocate in a thousand ways. So, don't underestimate the power of saying thanks! On my part, the more often I get to be recognized and appreciated for the things I do and for the things I was able to accomplish, the more I exert effort to improve my work, not to mention it empowers my loyalty to the company. On the other hand, dealing with criticism depends on how you deal with it. That's another post! :-)

Oh, this also means more work for me! argh!


Monday, February 12, 2007

On Frustrations

Here are my top frustrations to remind me that life is a continuous struggle...

1.) Learning how to drive
After having my student license for almost a year now, I still feel frustrated that until now, I can't drive in the busy city roads and highways. Having a very strict instructor in PJ, did make me feel confident in a way, because I know that not only am I (slowly) learning how to drive but I am actually learning how to do it right. Thanks to my ever-trying-hard to be patient instructor and always-the-driver Sharkey! He's one helluva disciplined driver and mentor! Need proof? Go ahead and check this one, and this one out!

I actually lost my momentum when I caused a scratch at the side and at rear end of our car...on two different occasions! After that, I guess the fear of causing the same damage or probably even worse got so much into me, that I would rather sit and buckle up my seatbelt on the passenger's seat.

Goal: I'm giving myself two-months' time before I hit the one year anniversary from my getting the student license. I know I can do it, I just have to believe in myself and I just have to listen and follow what my instructor asks me to do - yes, the vain in me likes to do things my way...

2.) Losing weight
I can't remember the last time that I felt so light and so healthy inside. Yes, it's more than a year now since I have given birth to our wonderful CJ...I don't know what has gotten into me because I never became as big as I am now when I was still pregnant. I feel so bloated...but good food everywhere is just so hard too resist! Especially when you have someone who always tags you along to these "you-can't-say-no" restaurants!

Goal: PJ and I are considering going to the gym...just have to look for somewhere good and reasonably priced! (Oh no, another add-on to our list of expenses!) In the meantime, I'll avoid the sinful cabinet in our office and the tempting fridge contents in the house! Enough of those Chinese slimming pills! Hello sweat and muscle pains!


(To be continued to make you feel frustrated... =P)

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Dada/Daddy : Baby's First Word??!!??

I never knew that Dada/Daddy is "usually" babies' first word till my friend, Kim, mentioned it to me a couple of weeks ago. Well, who would have thought that Dada comes clearer first before Mama? Can somebody please explain this to me? 'Coz I still find it weird! =) Oh well, at least now I understand... I still remember that day when we got home from work, and my son, CJ, just never stop babbling "Dada." It was really a touching moment for all of us, especially to PJ. We ended up recording it and begging him not to stop until he got tired and start his usual snoring at nights! LOL!
Well, as a consolation for me, being the mom, he can actually say Mommy/Mama, only in a different way... It's my family who really enjoys it everytime they ask him to say, "Mommy/Mama." Why? Maybe because I've grown so big, that he actually pronounce Mommy as "Ba-bye!" You would actually think he said it as "Baboy" (Tagalog word for pig!!) Great, isn't it? Don't get it wrong.. I'm really close with my son, that we tend to forget his dad's existence especially when he's busy with his laptop. I guess I'll just have to buy Kim's explanation why he can't still say Mama clearly.
Anyway, we're still enjoying his toddler years! And the fact that he's starting to babble a lot is a sure sign that he's right on track and very much healthy. He sure is getting bigger each day, and I just can't get enough of him...Motherhood is really an overwhelming experience, not everyone gets to be a mom...and not every mom gets to be called "baboy" by her own toddler!!

Sunday Reflections | February 11, 2007

More than just saying something about my life here, I'd like to share God's Word to all the readers of my blog. Today is His special day of the week after all!
____________________________________________________________________________________

The Beatitudes

“Blessed are you who are poor,
for the kingdom of God is yours.
Blessed are you who are now hungry,
for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who are now weeping,
for you will laugh.
Blessed are you when people hate you,
and when they exclude and insult you,
and denounce your name as evil
on account of the Son of Man.
Rejoice and leap for joy on that day!
Behold, your reward will be great in heaven.
For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way.
But woe to you who are rich,
for you have received your consolation.
Woe to you who are filled now,
for you will be hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now,
for you will grieve and weep.
Woe to you when all speak well of you,
for their ancestors treated the false
prophets in this way.”
___________________________________________________________________________________

Reflections from Proclaiming Faith:

Does Jesus mean that we should all be poor, hungry, sad, and rejected? What Jesus is saying is: these people have nothing and no one but God. Of course God cares about them! That is why they are blest! And we are most like God when we care, too!

Jesus is telling us (who are not poor, hungry, sad, or rejected) that we must be careful. Our riches, our full stomachs, our pleasant lives, and our efforts to be popular with others may well keep us from trusting in God. We must make great efforts to understand that the good things in our lives come from God and are meant to be shared.

Do we hoard our riches and not share our things? Do we eat or drink more than we need, or waste food, or not share food with people who are hungry? What is our church and charity budget vs. our budget for fun, vacations, entertainment, and the latest toys, cars, shoes, or clothes? Do we learn about the sadness and evil of the world and try to help, or do we do our best to ignore the problems in our world? "It's not my responsibility. That's somebody else's problem." How do we treat the most rejected in our society‹the mentally ill, the homeless, the addicted? Again, do we ignore them, or do we try to help them?

Jesus has taken his stand with the poor, the hungry, the sad, and the rejected. He has called them blest. Where do we stand?

New Version For Bloggers

Just wanna share that I absolutely find the new version of Blogger very user friendly and easier to navigate!

After getting back to my old habit of blogging, the enhanced version made it more interesting for me to keep up my own blogsite! It really is a lot easier to set-up and you can just play around with the drag-and-drop template layout.

So, for the people behind the Blogger site...Well done guys! Keep it up! You have indeed won another promoter in me!

Saturday, February 10, 2007

A Dose of 4 Things Meme

4 things meme....
From PJ

Four places I have worked:
1. Total Information Management Corp.
2. First Guarantee Life Assurance Inc.
3. Intertek Testing Services
4. McDonalds Group of Companies

Four movies I would watch over and over:
1. Top Gun
2. My Best Friend's Wedding
3. The Notebook
4. Moulin Rouge

Four of my favorite TV shows:
1. The Oprah Winfrey Show
2. ABS-CBN News
3. Charmed
4. MTV / Myx

Four places I have been on vacation:
1. Puerto Galera
2. Boracay Island
3. Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
4. Baguio

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Filipino Cuisine: Sinigang
2. Filipino Cuisine: Sisig
3. Shawarma
4. Sushi / Sashimi

Four things I like to do in my spare time:
1. Spend time with my family
2. Read
3. Sports
4. Eat

Four people I tag (tag as many as you like, it's okay) - To be posted soon!
1.
2.
3.
4.

Friday, February 9, 2007

My nth Blog

I can't recall how many times I have attempted to start blogging again. This is like my nth time in a month's time!

Thanks to Sharkey for his being too persistent that I go back to this kind of stuff.

Let's find out if I'll be able to keep it going here...Goodluck to me!