Last night, my parents celebrated their 30th year of marriage. I can still remember celebrating their silver wedding anniversary and didn’t realize it was five years ago. Since Mama and Papa always plan their anniversary celebration every year, we decided to do something different this year.
It started two weeks ago, when Achi and I were in the car on our way to Makati. 30 years is a milestone in their marriage, and we knew they wanted some sort of dinner with their closest friends. Being a natural event planner that she is, Achi decided to come up with a guest list of our parents’ closest friends and relatives. After finally agreeing on the budget, location and the souvenirs, she texted everyone to conspire with the surprise.
Two days before the anniversary, our parents were asking us where we wanted to celebrate their 30th. We said we all wanted a simple and intimate dinner, just the 7 of us. When they would suggest that they invite other people, we made it clear that we wanted the occasion exclusively to our family. We thought they found it weird, but didn’t really talk about it much. It was really hard to keep secrets from them since we talk to them everyday during dinner and they kept on trying to plan a celebration.
Yesterday, the day of their anniversary, was the hardest part of the whole surprise. We started the day by leaving the greeting card on their table like we always did. When it’s someone’s birthday, we usually left the gift with the card the night before. And then we would text each other saying thank you and stuff. We didn’t receive a text message from Mama or Papa yesterday. I knew they were making tampo because they didn’t find a gift next to the card, which was very unusual for us.
Around 10AM, their friends started texting us saying that Mama and Papa were asking them to join us for dinner. Naturally, they all pretended to be busy and said they couldn’t make it. My sisters and I were texting the entire day yesterday that I couldn’t focus on work anymore. I was super excited about the party.
During lunch, my mom started to talk to me and Dichi over YM and was asking about dinner. They suggested we eat at Kimono Ken since we’re a small group. I insisted eating at Legend Restaurant because that’s the place we made reservations for. They (especially Papa!) were avoiding that place because they said the place was always full, the dishes were greasy, and all the other excuses. In short: they didn’t want to eat there. I came up with a lame excuse that sort-of worked. Haha. I said that we had to eat somewhere fancy because I was wearing nice clothes. Plus, I was craving for salt and pepper spareribs so we just had to eat at Legend. I wasn’t able to convince her. (Told you my excuses were lame!) Dichi and I pretended to be busy that we couldn’t answer her messages anymore.
Around 3PM, Achi texted me that she was finally able to convince them that we eat at Legend. She even said sorry for ‘backstabbing’ me and saying “E ano naman kung maganda suot niya? Ang arte arte talaga ni Lo. Pati sa damit at pagkain.” Hehehe. (which she later admitted that the remark was half-meant. Hmph!) So we were able to breathe until 5:30.
Mama and Papa went to Landmark in the afternoon to find comfort food. According to them, they were feeling really sad and a bit mad because all their friends were busy that night. They were making more tampo too because we wouldn’t agree on the restaurant that they picked. It was their anniversary, after all. They were still determined on eating at Kimono Ken and called up Achi to tell her that they really wanted Japanese food. Achi agreed. Hay! I had to go home after work and pick them up so it was all up to me to persuade them into eating in Legend.
When I finally got home, Mama wasn’t dressed yet. Papa was clad in a normal shirt and jeans. I had to ask them to change into nicer clothes and use another lame excuse (which I couldn’t remember anymore). It was a good thing my mom always put on makeup when going out, and she used a pearl necklace since it was their Pearl Wedding Anniversary. Then Achi asked me to inform them that Kimono Ken was closed due to a function.
When I told Papa, he didn’t believe it. “Pano magasasara yung Kimono Ken? Hindi naman yon nagsasara.” I asked Achi to call Papa up and think of any excuse just to convince him. They were already a bit mad because everyone was late, and they felt so unimportant. They initially requested for us to leave work early so we could spend more time together, but we all pretended to be uber busy. Hahaha. So Achi called Papa up and said that we could still eat at Kimono Ken but we had to stay outside. Mama said we could just eat at Legend, but Papa still insisted. (Sobrang kulit! Promise!!!) Achi said that Eugenne and Dichi were also on their way to Legend so we had no choice. That’s when he finally agreed.
On our way to Legend, I was seated between Mama and Camille so they saw the screen of my cellphone and can actually read what I was typing. I was only able to send “Get ready. Lapit na kami.” to Achi and Dichi because I was so tensed. We were all quiet inside the car and I could tell they were furious and sad. Nothing was going according to plan.
When we got to the restaurant, all the trouble was worth it. Their reactions were priceless. Achi and Dichi were also able to find a last-minute priest who could conduct the renewal of vows, and that’s what Mama and Papa wanted. Here are some of the pictures.
Mama couldn’t stop crying and Papa said that this party was even better than their silver wedding anniversary. They’re still on Cloud 9 as I write this entry. They kept on saying thank you and couldn’t be happier. The party was a success. They also said that were the luckiest parents in the world. Well guess what? We feel the same way.
To Papa and Mama: Happy 30th Wedding Anniversary. Just like what I said in the card, I hope you stay in love forever. If I’m half as happy as the two of you are after all these years, I’ll be fine. You guys are the best parents in the world. We love you so much!
Just like last year’s entry, it’s time to take a look at how 2009 went. I know that last year was pretty rough for some people. Calamities, problems that never seem to end, plus a lot of celebrity deaths. Before we completely say goodbye to ’09 and welcome 2010 with a bang, here are some of the most special things that took place the entire year.
January
I started the year being super busy preparing for the Webbys, which was scheduled on February. Every second at work was stress (I’m not exaggerating.) and all my workdays were spent with either a frown or a scowl. It was worth it though, because I learned lots of things not only with work, but also about myself.
With matters of the heart, this month was probably the most “perplexing” time of my entire life. I was shocked to 
discover certain things I never ever thought could happen. I learned that I was either oblivious, or just brushed things off knowing that some things just won’t work out.
Luckily, our family friends from the US flew here and we had to take them to Boracay for a weekend. That much needed break gave me time to think and the chance to “digest” everything that was happening. Nakakaloka.
February
The Webby’s was finally done and over with. I couldn’t imagine going through all the stress again and I only want to remember good memories, I only want to look at the nice pictures that would remind me that the event was a success.
I also went on my first formal date this year. (I know, at 22.) Surprisingly, it didn’t feel weird and awkward at all, and I didn’t almost want the day to end. Even my parents and my whole family was surprised to find out about my blooming lovelife and "interviewed" me during dimsum (alone) the following morning! Hahaha.
March
I watched the Eraserheads concert at SM Mall of Asia and I was proud to have survived the venue! Seriously, around 100,000 people watched the concert and the place was super full we couldn’t breathe. If you put your hands up, good luck putting it down without hitting the head of the person in front of you. Hahaha. I made a decision in March that I know I won’t regret for the rest of my life too. Go figure. ;-)
April
I started getting sick at the start of the year due to stress. Things were pretty tense at work that I had no more reason to stay. If it weren’t for the constant headaches and non-stop period (three weeks?), I wouldn’t have gone to the doctor for the checkup. The doctor was right. My body couldn’t handle any of the stress anymore. My family and I then spent the weekend at Makati Shang to take a break. Mid-April, I quit my first job.
May
I finally had my life back. I made major changes in my life including spend more time with my family and friends, starting to get fit through brisk walking in the morning, and visiting the doctor for weekly checkups more often. I went to Batangas with friends which was a blast.
June-July
After the long wait, I was able to find a new job. My workplace is still in Makati, but it was a slightly different field from my first job. It was a fresh start because I prayed for a “peaceful” and “professional” working environment. I also knew I needed a more stable job and I’m so lucky to have been accepted in Neuron Global. Now it’s been 6 months since I started working there and I have absolutely nothing to complain about. In the past 6 months, I’ve learned to cope with new rules, make new work friends, as well as keep the old ones from my first job. Now I wake up in the morning without having to worry about how to face negative energies around me.
Speaking of negative energies, I enrolled myself into a proper yoga class which is bliss. More info here and here.
August
This month was pretty easy for me. I was a bridesmaid for Von and Karla’s wedding. It was also Camille’s 21st birthday and she celebrated the party at home and we invited our closest friends over.
September
The month I turned 23! What can I say about this month? Aside from feeling old, my birthday was spent with people closest to me. This month was probably one of the toughest times for Ondoy victims because almost everyone in Metro Manila was affected by the typhoon. We did our part in helping the victims out and it felt really good.
October
I couldn’t remember a single event that’s worth blogging about that happened this month, even in my planner. Now I’m wondering how that happened. I could remember though that during the last month, we were undergoing a rough patch that I thought we wouldn’t survive. Good thing we did. Thank you Lord!
November
This month was pretty active social life-wise. My high school friends and I attended “Uno Rocks at 50” which was a concert in celebration of the 50 years of my high school Uno High School. It was pretty awesome. The school looks so different now. I watched the Katy Perry concert with Chester and enjoyed the Katy Perry experience. I dropped my iPod in the toilet which got fixed miraculously.
December
I finally got the gift that I’ve been saving up the entire year: the Nintendo Wii with the Wii Fit bundle. (which reminds me that I have to post another entry soon!) We spent Christmas and New Year’s eating, visiting relatives and catching up at Bulacan, Laguna, Yakimix, Makati Shang, a lot of other malls and other people’s houses. I was able to meet up with most of my friends, but it was super fun seeing my CSB barkada again. The last time we saw each other (as in all of us) was still during college. It was a blast.
There. I can’t believe the year’s over. If you had a good year like me, then let’s thank Him for the blessings and pray for a better 2010. If you had a not-so-good year, don’t fret. I’m sure 2010 has tons of good vibes in store for you. Let’s all move on and look forward to the brand new spanking year. 2010 is also the Year of the Tiger which means I’m 24!!! Omg. This year, I won’t make any resolutions and try not to plan every single thing and just let things flow. I learned that the hard way in 2009.
As I close my year-ender entries every year, Cheers to a sparkling 2010 everyone! :-) Let’s all have fun and enjoy every minute of it. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
I can't believe 2009's almost over. I was about to write an entry about how my year went, but I figured it would be nice to share how I spent Christmas before the year-end entry. I had no office parties this year (BOO!) because I moved to a smaller US company and parties aren't celebrated much in the US.
I was able to have dinner with most of my barkada before Christmas and it was really cool. I look forward to December because it's the only time that my friends and I see each other for coffee or to exchange gifts. As for the celebrations with my family, we usually go to Bulacan to visit relatives on my dad's side on Christmas eve, and then Laguna the next day for my mom's relatives.
December 24, 2009
We went to Achi and Eugenne's place to celebrate Chrismas Eve with them, since our parents were super tired from running errands the whole day. Ever since we were young, Christmas eves aren't complete without ham. This is why we went to Achi's place and particularly requested for her to cook ham and exchange gifts at midnight.
December 25, 2009
We spent Christmas at Laguna with the Bandoys. We do this every year too. Years ago, we even had themes and costumes and each family had to perform a song and dance number. Too bad the kids are all grownup now and that everyone's too busy to prepare for a proper Christmas reunion. I like going to the province because of the relaxing atmosphere. We ate lunch at the fishpond and we usually eat using our hands, and then sing the afternoon away with the old school videoke machine.
December 26, 2009
My family and I ate lunch at Yakimix in Macapagal. I've always wondered why this place was packed and we couldn't get reservations even on weekdays. The P499 buffet consisted of different seafoods, pork, beef, chicken, sushi rolls, and a variety of desserts. Like other shabu shabu places, you can choose from the marinated foods and then cook it on your table using the smokeless grill. The food were very tasty, but honestly, I think the place is overrated. I don't think this would be advisable for big groups especially when you all start grilling. After a few minutes, you wouldn't be able to tell which is which; everything tastes the same!
One thing that always gets to me during buffets in the country are the takaw-tingin groups of people who fill their plates with food and not finish it. Seriously, I wish restaurants would implement tighter rules on leftovers. In Yakimix, people were trying to grab all the shrimps even before it reached the buffet table. OA. In the Resorts World buffet too, I remember seeing a table of two persons who had about seven plates on their table. And then finishing only about two plates of food. Sa dami ng mga nagugutom ngayon sa Pilipinas, di nare-realize ng mga tao na 'to na masama ang gluttony. Tsk.
I remember going to one of the most expensive buffets in Vegas and it was a completely different thing. People didn't get as much food, took time to eat, and didn't leave leftovers. I wish it was the same thing in the Philippines. Oh well.
December 26-27, 2009
We spent the night at Makati Shang. Since no one was going to be left at home with Kitch, our parents stayed behind during the first night. We spent the day swimming, going to the gym, and then dinner at Gbelt 5 at night. Before dinner, he surprised me by going to Gbelt 5 and we bought a new pair of Havaianas for me! It's silver and white and this is my favorite pair so far. After saying goodbye, I thought he was on his way home when he called me up saying he was outside the resto we were dining at. I was so shocked that he wanted to join the family for dinner. Hahaha. He walked me back to the hotel and then had coffee with me and my sisters after. Talk about a merry Christmas! ♥
So how'd you spend your Christmas? I hope you had as much fun as I did. This is one of the most memorable Christmases ever.
I got sick with a viral infection that lead to pharyngitis over the weekend and it was torture. I scheduled a couple of dinner parties and a Christmas shopping day with my sister but they all had to get cancelled because I had a fever that soared to 39.6 on Friday night. I skipped work on Thursday night to sleep the entire sickness away, plus I had an important meeting scheduled for Friday. But the next day, my cold got worse and turned into a sore throat.
Since I couldn't talk because my throat hurt so much, and I also couldn't swallow anything solid, I could only watch TV and watch series eppys on my iPod. But most of the time, I spent the day thinking about a lot of things so here are my feverish ramblings. I know they don't make much sense but I tried hard to remember all of them by using my phone's notepad to jot them down.
-I should've started Christmas shopping in November, when all my weekends were still free and malls were not packed. Now I don't have a single gift for anyone yet and it's Christmas in less than two weeks.
-I am SO glad my iPod got fixed. I seriously don't know how I'd survive without it. I have to gift our technician a Christmas gift. But wait, I still haven't bought a gift for anyone!
-Now I know why I can stay in front of my notebook all day but NOT on the TV. There are no good local shows left. I can't stand watching VJ Bianca on Myx for three minutes. Ang arte arte arte magsalita. Well, scratch that. I can watch her because she's pretty but maybe I'll put the TV on mute.
-I tried watching Smallville's latest episode and I couldn't understand a single thing. Probably because the last season I watched was the third. But Erica Durance makes a pretty cool Lois Lane.
-I realized I become more needy when I'm sick. Hahaha. If *you* are reading this, I am so sorry for being such a brat. Thank you for being super patient with me and my feverish mood swings and non-stop text messages. Sorry for being difficult too, even on YM. I promise to make it up to you. :-*
-Which is a better Plants vs Zombies weapon? The Watermelon, the Squash, or the Tall-Nut? Probably the Tall-Nut. Because it blocks all types of zombies, even those that jump on poles. :P
-The instant crab and corn soup mixtures are sooo delicious when you're sick. And it's the only good food I've had since I've been sick. Way better than plain lugaw and bananas.
-I miss caroling during Christmas. It's fun to practice with friends (especially now that Glee is so popular), plus going to houses and bothering people with songs. I wish I could go caroling, if only I wasn't too old for it. Hahaha.
-Sweetest, feverish rambling: Kitchie never left the room the whole t
ime I was sick. She didn't play with her toy, or asked for food. She didn't go downstairs when my sisters or parents came home, she would follow me around with a worried face, and even cry when I would cough hard.
On 2AM of Saturday, she woke me up by licking my nose and my face and that's how I found out I had really high fever. Hay. I would never trade this loyal, adorable, spoiled, and smart poodle for anything else. As we would all say, the dog always "absorbs" and saves us from the sickness every time. :)
So there. I think it's the cold weather that's making everyone sick or susceptible to viruses going around. To enjoy the Yuletide, maintain a high dosage of Vitamin C. Trust me, being sick during Christmas is not fun. Keep safe everyone! Advance Merry Christmas!
It just hit me last night. We're not even friends anymore.
"If anyone asks,
I'll tell them we both just moved on
When people all stare
I'll pretend that I don't hear them talk
Whenever I see you,
I'll swallow my pride
and bite my tongue
Pretend I'm okay with it all
Act like there's nothing wrong.
If anyone asks,
I'll tell them we just grew apart.
Yeah what do I care
If they believe me or not
Whenever I feel
Your memory is breaking my heart
I'll pretend I'm okay with it all
Act like there's nothing wrong."-"Cry," Kelly Clarkson
"Tell me something
When i'm 'bout to lose control
How do you patiently hold my hand
And gently calm me down?
I don't think that you even realize
The joy you make me feel when I'm inside your universe.
You hold me like I'm the one who's precious
I hate to break it to you but its just
The other way around
You can thank your stars all you want but
I'll always be the lucky one."
I got complimentary tickets to the Katy Rocks for Relief concert over at Mall of Asia last night from my sister’s friend who works for MTV. I like Katy Perry’s songs especially “Thinking of You.” I was a bit hesitant about watching the show because I don’t know anyone who might like her enough to go the concert with me, and I didn’t really like her front acts.
I am so glad I went though. I decided to invite my friend Chester
to the concert and it was a good thing he was free that night and actually wanted to come. I was thinking that the ticket was only Gold or Silver seats, but when we got to the entrance, the bouncers ushered us into a the VIP entrance and asked us to place the stickers on our shirts. It was awesome! Seriously, I’ve never watched a concert where I was that close to the stage and can actually watch from the stage and not on the monitor! We were also able to spot a few celebrities watching on the VIP section as well. We didn’t have to endure long lines and didn’t have trouble finding a spot. Every spot on the VIP section was really close.
The front acts were surprisingly okay. When I found out it was going to be some American band called Mae, Jed Madela and Arnel Pineda, I was seriously thinking about coming in late. But when the MTV VJs started the show and the front act started to play, we decided to enjoy the show. Mae sang about 5 songs, and their songs were pretty good. The band reminded me of Dashboard Confessional, and I love DC so it was cool. I don’t like Jed Madela just because. I don’t hate him though. He sang a couple of songs, and he can really belt songs out. Kudos for him for reaching the high notes. I think people can appreciate him more when they see him live.
Next up was Arnel Pineda with another Journey band member. I was in awe upon hearing Arnel sing live. He was gooood! I’m quite familiar with Journey songs like “Open Arms” and a couple others, but I never really paid attention to his singing even in TV shows. Now I know why he won as front man of the band and why he’s so popular in the US. He owns the stage when he performs. Buong buo ang boses. His last song was “Don’t Stop Believing,” and for the Gleeks in us, Chester and I sang out hearts out to the song.
After hours of waiting, it was Katy Perry’s turn! For me, she’s like a mix of Pink and Lady Gaga and Maria Mena, but prettier. She looked stunning in her costume, not like those other super skinny artists. Her enthusiasm and rapport with the audience was what I adored about her. Her spiels were very sincere, explaining that she had no idea Manila was crazy, that people actually sing along to her songs, and that people knew who she was. She was very wacky too, and even got a person (lucky guy!) from the audience whom she gave a sloppy kiss to after singing “Hot and Cold.”
She even asked the audience for the Filipino name of pen*s, shouting “Potontoy” a couple of times. It was really funny. When she started to play the guitar while singing “Thinking of You,” I was starstruck. Her stage design, which had a pink heart filled with lights that change colors once in a while was fab too. There were also inflatables that she used, including a cat which she named “Kitty Purry.” Hahaha.
There are a lot of other great moments in the repertoire, but these are the things on the top of my head. Here’s a video of her last song “I Kissed a Girl,” and also the song that made her really famous here, which I know will be my LSS (last song syndrome) for long. Check her album out too. I have new favorites: “Ur So Gay” and “I’m Still Breathing.” She indeed rocked for relief. ;)
P.S. Two things I learned that night: My Samsung camera sucks. All the pictures are blurry that my w910i actually takes better photos. And, water and electronics DON’T mix. I had to be reminded twice. Goodbye to my iPod and my Nokia 5700. More on that on my next entry.
P.P.S Credits to the pictures taken by Precious (Chester's cam) Hahaha! :D
"As I patiently wait for destiny to meet me halfway and build a bridge to my Cinderella story..."
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