I went to the office yesterday not expecting anything fancy for the day.  I got to the office and went straight to my desk.  Turned on the computer and started working! I read my email messages, took phone calls of clients, drafted my KRAs for the year, followed-up statuses of my clients’ websites with our production team, delegated some tasks to my staff and the list goes on.

Then an email came in my Inbox with the subject “Thank you Ma’am Russ.”  I immediately read my mail and was so struck after reading it!  I felt flattered and happy that unknowingly, a simple phone call to a colleague would mean so much to her!  I came in the right place at the right time!  Actually, I just congratulated her for being one of our Real Changed Leaders for 2010.  I nominated and voted for her because I’ve worked with her and seen her excellent performance.

My phone call somehow turned things around for her.  Apparently, things have been difficult for her for the past months. But after our phone conversation, she realized that she should give herself another shot.  She knew that at least there are people who trust her and believe in her.

She thanked me and told me that what I did meant a lot to her!  And this made me so flattered and glad!  It always feels great to know that you’ve been of help to someone especially when you least expect it.  That somehow, I’ve been an angel even just for a short period of time and I’ll continue doing so as long as the opportunity is there!

Image Source: http://goodtidingsint.com/BrokenWings/2/angel13.jpg

Whoa! A year has passed by so fast!  2009 is near its end and I’m now welcoming 2010 with arms wide open!

So how did my 2009 go?  All I can say is - it was one of the most challenging yet most fulfilling and happiest year of my life!!!  I’ve surpassed all struggles and trials and I’ve experienced a lot of both good and bad things that made me stronger and more confident now than ever.  I have a lot to be thankful to our dear Lord too!  So much blessings have come my way both in my career and personal life.

I can feel that the Year of the Tiger will be more grandiose as seen in my Chinese Horoscope (hehehe)!  I’m actually excited for its coming!  I just leave it all up to God!  I know that He’ll continue to direct me and my family to the right and best paths of our lives.  I’ve seen and experienced how He has done wonders in my life.  After all the rain, it’s now time for the sun to shine brightly.

By the way, here’s the link if you’d like to check out your 2010 fortune too: http://www.fengshuiweb.co.uk/advice/chineseanimalpredictions2010.htm

So to everyone, may you have a Blessed and Prosperous 2010!

Typhoon Ondoy struck so many lives and families last Saturday. Until now, some of our countrymen are still grieving and seeking help in their distressed situation. My family was not spared. My parents’ house in Bricktown, Paranaque got flooded too! When I went there yesterday, my knees got weak and my heart broke! I’ve lived there for 22 years, grew up in that place and had lots of good memories. And yesterday, everything fell apart! Most of the possessions that my parents’ have acquired through the years went down the drain. We may not comprehend why these things are happening right now? But I’m sure that God has a plan and a purpose for this. As my parents’ say, there’s always sunshine after the rain! We may be feeling down right now but we know that we’ll rise up through all these challenges with the help and love of our Lord.

I can still say that we’re lucky and we’re blessed because all our family members are safe. Nothing really bad happened to each one of us. Those personal properties can be replaced but not a person’s life. For this, we are very grateful!

I pray for all the Filipino people and families who’ve been hit by Ondoy. May the good Lord help them and give them strength in this time of sorrow. May they soon find solace and refuge.

Let us keep on praying.

I felt some sort of sadness when I saw this picture again. This was taken last January 22, 2007 during the launch of Pinoy ME, a group of leaders from the business, academic, and social development sectors that was convened by Former President Corazon C. Aquino in 2006 to bolster microfinance and microentrepreneurship in the Philippines. I’m not really a fan but I do admire her for her extraordinary love for our country.

To Mrs. Cory Aquino, thank you for being one of the strong pillars of the Filipino people. You’ve shown great determination, courage and faith in the Lord. You’ve dedicated your life, your family to the service of your countrymen and because of this; you’ve touched and uplifted so many lives. May your legacy live on. And may the democracy you’ve fought and stood for remain alive and burning in the hearts and minds of every citizen of this country.

Rest in peace Mrs. Aquino…

Anyway, I’ll try to blog every so often.  I hope I can revive this soon….

The Lost Eden is the very first engineered educational and recreational park with over 2,000 varieties of plants and over 2 million pets and pet products. This park is located at Sucat, Paranaque, near Manila Memorial Park. I guess they’re still expanding as you can see some construction going on.

Among its attractions are the Honey House Gallery, Dog Mansion, Huge Japanese Koi Pond, Wildlife Rescue Center, Patented Trellises, Vegi-Map of the Philippines, Butterfly Garden, Mechanical Park, Dino Fossils, Miniature Mayon Volcano and Taal Lake and more.

The place is very good for field trips. Kids will really enjoy while learning. My two kulit bulilits were very delighted with what they saw in the park.

So, if you’re looking for a new place to go to, try this interesting park.

Oh! By the way! They have a place there where you can hold kiddie parties too!

For inquiries, you may call 8263535 locals 133 and 137 or email biosucat@bioresearch.com.ph.

Click here for some pics. Sorry for the low quality. Am not a professional photographer! Hehehe…

My officemates/friends finally tied the knot last November 8! I’ve been waiting for this for a looooonnngg time already and I’m just so glad that they’ve decided to settle down. They really looked good and happy together. They looked like a prince and princess during their wedding. It was a very nice wedding! From the church to the reception, everything went on smoothly. And did I say that the food was great?! My hubby Alex, had his fair share of the california makis!

I can’t explain the happiness that I felt when I saw them tie the knot. I was touched too and honestly, I felt special because they assigned Alex and I to be a part of the offertory. Oh! By the way, it was also a privilege to choreograph their first dance!

When Tine was walking down the aisle, she had tears of joy. I remembered my very special wedding day too about 8 years ago…. I guess, walking down the aisle is the most unexplainable experience during a wedding. Back then, tears fell down my eyes too! I remembered having mixed emotions. While walking down the aisle and seeing my better half waiting for me near the altar, I felt so happy, lucky, fulfilled, blessed, special and not to mention, feeling so beautiful and so loved! That finally, I’ll be marrying the only man I’ve ever loved.

To Ali and Tine, congratulations again! With God in the center of your marriage, I’m sure that everything will be ok. Just keep the love flowing and the fire burning! And now that I’ve witnessed your union, I’m now looking forward to the coming of “little ali or little tine.”

Click here to view more pics!

YIPEEEEE!!!!  Finally, I got my 2009 Belle De Jour Power Planner!  I’m getting ready for next year you know.  For a woman like me, who’s got lots of meetings, client calls and a very long To-Do list (both work and personal), I cannot live without a planner!  This is how I manage my time and schedule effectively.   It also serves as a reminder about so many things.  I loved my 2008 planner that’s why when I learned that the BDJ Team already launched their 2009 planner, I immediately ordered online!

It’s a very unique planner for gals!  The 2009 power planner is more packed and loaded with cool stuff!  It includes a  goal page, dream board, vacation planner, health checklist, menstrual tracker, birthday list, christmas gift list, expense tracker and lots and lots of discount coupons from renowned stores and establishments like Le Donne, Chocolate, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Freeway, Havaianas, Cupcakes by Sonia, For Me, and more!

All I can say is, I’m a Certified BDJ Girl!  Want one?  Go to www.belledejourpowerplanner.com and order yours now!