Also posted in my blogger account.

My phone battery ran out while I was on my way home last Friday night. I felt a little annoyed, considering I have approximately 30 more minutes of idle travel time before I would reach the calm plains of Punggol where we live. See, my way of killing the travel time is by listening to music or playing games installed in my phone (recent addiction: Plants vs Zombies).

So, with no diversion at hand, I easily got tired of looking at the MRT subway signs and waiting for the familiar voice telling everyone what station is next. I had no choice but to play with my other phone (the one I have my Globe SIM on, the very classic Nokia 6230), which has been with me for more than 4 years now.

A few seconds after playing Prince of Persia (oh yes, they have apps before), I began to click the pad towards the My Folders part of my phone and began reading some of the messages I never thought of deleting.

I have a lot of saved messages actually. People close to me know that I am indeed a sentimental kind of guy, and I save even the simple texts like "I miss you, too", even if that person tells me that as often as she can. That's why I find it very hard to delete some of the kept ones when some new one needs to replace the existing ones due to memory constraints.

I even categorized them into the following: “Ouch”, “Aww”, “Inspiring”, “Hehehe!”, “Bday greetings”, “Strength”, and “Roaming”. A little explanation though on some categories that may not be intuitive in title: The “Aww” messages are some of the messages which I thought were sweet; the “Strength” messages are the ones that I usually read when I am feeling lost; and “Roaming” ones are the messages from service providers welcoming me to their country (I just thought it was nice).

So, I will boldly share some of these cherished messages and I am going to take a leaf out of my dear friend Cee’s great blog and will post my own version of “Inbox Residents”.

On a side note, as I write this one this early Sunday morning, while I was looking for the said entry from Cecilia’s blog to get the link, I reviewed her other entries and couldn’t help but feel nostalgic. With a lot of news back home I am receiving here, the statement that time indeed flies fast presented itself to me in a somewhat tangible manner.

Oh, how times have changed since then. There are days when I remember walking along the streets of Makati or Ortigas at night looking for the next great restaurant find with Joy or just going around Megamall by myself looking for nothing but ending up buying something.

So, here are a few messages I keep. Feeling senti again. It is a combination of quotes and messages. LOL! Guess who. Lol.

---

“An0 ang ga2win m s bgy n nawawala? Hinahanap…Kung d m mhnp? Pinapalitan…Kung nde mo mplitan? Kinakalimutan…Eto ngaun ang tan0ng – ano ang ga2win m s bgy n nwa2la n nde m mhnp, nde mo mpalitan at ayaw m klimutan? Tinatanggap.”
(Category – “Ouch”)

“Alam mo, gs2 ko lng sbhin syo, hwag mo gawin sa ibang tao yng pag sshhh mo, nakakabastos eh, bka mainis syo yng ganunin mo.”
(Category – “Ouch”)“

Why does the phase ‘I love you’ need an answer though all of us know it is not a question?”
(Category – “Ouch”)

“Sobrang thanks sa lahat ng na-share natin, Tago. It’s been one unforgettable trip. It will last a lifetime, just like the friendships we forged in Kalaw.”
(Category – “Aww”)

“Things I’d like to thank you for this past year, Tago:
1) for making me laugh whenever u coin words or make GQ poses.
2) for popping “be still my heart”, “eval”, “badstrips” whenever appropriate
3) for sharing cool song lyrics from your current playlist
4) for introducing me to RENT
5) for amusing dinner conversations
6) for encouraging me in work wen I feel down
7) for everything that makes you one of d coolest person I’ve ever met.
Happy New Year!”
(Category – “Aww”)

“Called in sick and went home. Thanks.”
(Category – “Aww”)

“Thx dn, it wudnt hv bn ds fun wdout ur frenshp.”
(Category – “Aww”)

“Bat snabero ka today? :-)”
(Category – “Aww”)

“Yan din yung nasa taxi ko! I will not cry! Cause you will be back again soon! I rly missed having you around. How easy it is being with you. Huhu!”
(Category – “Aww”)

“I miss you too! Antanda na naten! Hahahah! Thanks Tags! Super mwah!”
(Category – “Aww”)

“Mamiss dn kta,tags:-( nde p lng ngsink in sken. Waah sa txt ngdrama.ikaw un buhay ng bwat gimik ntn.mamiss k0 usapn ntn 2.sery0s0 man 0 un wlang mga kwentng bgay.pro we’ll dfntely see each 0thr again:-) kung nde kme dyan work.magbaksyon kme. Hehe. Ingat ka lagi dun ha. L0ve u too,tags :-*”
(Category – “Strength”)

“The longer the wait, the sweeter the prize. I like that! Hehe.”
(Category – “Strength”)

“Grbe tago! I miss u so much! As in. Sana nga mtwagan kta kesa sa nag aantay ako plgi sa twag m. Kya lng mas mahal ata un sayo. Hay tago grbe miss n kta! Have fun 2m! Tska God bless… I knw ul impress them. Hehe. Kw pa! Nyt nyt!”
(Category – “Strength”)

Acronyms:
<GWPM> = Guy who plays Magic
<FNRMTM> = Friend na Ready Mag-costume sa Tourney ng Magic

Tago: Si <GWPM> punta dyan ng march
Tago: entertain nyo
Tago: haha
Tago: march 14 ata sha dadating dun
Tago: march 14 - 16 ata sha dyan
Tago: may Magic tournament
<FNRMTM>: ano un magic tournament?
Tago: Magikero kasi si <GWPM>, ndi ba nya nakwento?
<FNRMTM>: seryoso?!
<FNRMTM>: hahahaha
Tago: Oo. Sige nga, ano sa tingin mo ung pinakafamous na trick nya?
Tago: Based sa pagkakakilala mo sa kanya...
<FNRMTM>: magic sing
<FNRMTM>: haha di ko alam!!! di ko naman sia naging ka close
Tago: Hahaha.
Tago: Seriously, Magic cards sha.
<FNRMTM>: aba aba
<FNRMTM>: may talent
<FNRMTM>: lagi ba nia sinasabi sa mga tao un?
Tago: Oo naman. Proud nga sha na magaling sha sa Magic cards.
Tago: Sana manalo sha sa tournament. Astig siguro un. Imagine mo ung magic tournament... interesting no?
<FNRMTM>: oo nga kakaiba sige sabihin mo papanoorin ko sia
Tago: O sige, sabihin ko... Pero nakacostume ka ata dapat... kasi may pagkacosplay ung event...

<FNRMTM>: ang taray! lalo ko tuloy gusto pumunta
Tago: Go go, inconceptualize natin ung costume mo... Shempre Magic cards tournament... ano kaya appropriatE?
<FNRMTM>: ako si jack
Tago: Ay, pwedeng pwede yan!
<FNRMTM>: hahahaha
<FNRMTM>: jack female version
Tago: Ndi mo akalain no, nagmamagic cards si <GWPM>.
<FNRMTM>: oo nga e .. mysteryosong lalaki
Tago: Parang ang kanyang magic...
Tago: Mysterious.
Tago: Ayoko na, ndi ko na kaya... hahaha. Magic cards ay laro!!
Tago: hahahaha

Tago shares the convo to <GWPM>
<GWPM>: akalain nyang magic show,  e pagdating makikita nya mga 500+ na geek sa isang lugar
<GWPM>:  hahahahahaha
Tago: Naimagine ko ung moment na pumasok si <FNRMTM> dun sa area, tapos naka costume
Tago: Lahat kayong mga naglalaro, imagine the look! HAHAAH
Tago: hahahah
Tago: Si <FNRMTM>, with a matching entrance na "Abra Cadabra!"
Tago: hahaha
Tago: Imagine the look of the nerds!
Tago: Ayan ha, nagamit ko ung nerds na term kasi un ung ginamit mo
Tago: haha
<GWPM>: inemphasize mo pa talaga yung mga nerds
<GWPM>: baka atakihin sa puso yan 

<Tago>: We must never rest on our laurels.
<Emo guy>: Hindi ko gets..
<Tago>: Anong hindi mo gets?
<Emo guy>: Ung may laurels laurels... Ano to, Adobo?

TO: L, PB
CC: C, P, E, D, G

We weren’t able to talk seriously last night. How could we, we were having fun with the rest of the group! There was just not an opportunity for us to discuss the details of what had happened over the course of my absence.

However, that didn’t mean that we were not the same anymore. In fact, during dinner, our gang was just like before – chaotic, noisy, and carefree. We never cared about how others perceived (or reacted to) our loudness. But I do felt how we missed each other’s company. There were times last night when I would just pause and absorb the scenario – I have lived my life these last 5 months without this, and seeing all of us together again was just the perfect refill. To me it was perfect, albeit the lack of serious stuff we usually talked about.

As we ended the night, while waiting for the taxi home, we just hugged. I told you I love you and the rest were implied. Take good care of yourself, dear sister. You know me, I always support you whatever you decide. We do have parallel paths, and hopefully, we learn from each other still.

And to you, the new one. I tapped you on your shoulder and nodded. What I meant was, take care of her. She’s an amazing person, and she’s my sister.

Good luck and I’m going to kill you both if you don’t keep your SG trip promise next year. :D

Tago

There is this old lady in the office who assists her son in preparing the staff refreshments (tea, coffee, etc) everyday. In their little sari-sari store area on the 2nd floor (I work on the first floor), everyday at around 3PM, I go there to buy a can of drink to walk around and let my eyes rest for a little bit. She's always either busy preparing the drinks that needs to be distributed to the whole building or cleaning the utensils she had just used. On very rare occasions, I catch her sitting quietly in an office chair staring at the clock while listening to the Chinese radio.

She would, with great difficulty, lift a large pot half-filled with water and then pour the contents to the huge saucepan on top of the stove. As she was short, she would dunk the pot's contents to the other without actually seeing how full the pot is. Slowly, she would put the pot down, exhale a sigh, and look at me with great relief, as if what she had done was the most difficult task in the world.

I couldn’t help but feel whenever I see her do that. As my whole work day pretty much is comprised of sitting in front of the computer, trying to concentrate on how to finish the ever piling tasks at hand, these walks to the second floor brings back hope and sanity little by little.

Vowing not to let this happen to my parents, I returned to my cube and continued the rest of the workday half-dreaming of daing na bangus, taho, and Mom’s sinigang that she makes extra sour just for me and reminded myself of the ultimate goal of the Singapore Stretch.

Preview of the new design of Bem and Ahn's multiply site. Coming soon. :D

If I am to ask you this question, what is the first answer that comes to your mind?

What would you do?

Interesting question lang. No need to define a context.
Let's see if any of the answers are universally useful. :D

Finally, I had the time to update my multiply theme.

It's tough to replace to the previous one, as by far, I consider it to be my favorite theme yet, but part of my personal task list is to regularly update my multiply look, I figured it is high time to create a new one.

Inspired a couple of months back when I began to love black and white photographs more, I decided to combine this new love for B&W and my never ending love for Portraiture. I initially previewed the Timeless theme a couple of months back, but I was only able to design it today. :D

As always, we first say goodbye to my previous theme.

This theme was online for more than 7 months. I kept my CSS for this one, as Dens wanted a copy. haha. Click on this link to view my blog entry on my old theme.

And now, I present to you Timeless, the new theme for my multiply site.

The banner is a collection of a few of my favorite black and white portraits I took so far:

1. Alec's photo is from our Block X Shoot last December. His picture ain't B&W in the album, but I find it quite cool if it was in B&W.
2. Same with Alec's, Joy's photo from our Camiguin trip is also originally a colored one, but when I started designing the timeless theme a couple of months back, I found that the photo was better if it was in B&W.
3. Dear friend Jaime's photo is from our company outing in La Luz, Laiya. I absolutely adored this picture of Jaime! One of my most-commented portraits, too. :D
4. The next one is from our very first studio trial last September. I love Yza's photo! I even texted her to let me use the photo for my banner! haha :D Thanks, Yza.
5. The fifth photo is the most recent B&W photo from the collection. It is from my Sentosa day with Chase in Singapore. See you soon, Chase! :D
6. My girl Maita! Ever since college, I loved taking photos of this girl. No wonder, I included this photo from her recent visit in Pinas. See you soon, too! :D
7. And finally, Karl's photo. I also liked this photo of Karl, using my ever useful 50-mm prime lens. Photo is also from our company outing a couple of months ago.

This theme also marks my change from the Aadvark theme to the CityLight theme in Multiply. Been using the previous theme as my template, I figured it is time to change the base theme as well.

Another bashable entry! Lol. :D

<Girl Friend>: napapagod na ako
<Girl Friend>: gusto ko na ng boyfirend
<Girl Friend>: hahaha
Tago: Hahaha
Tago: Adik ka
<Girl Friend>: kasi isipin mo
<Girl Friend>: kung merong taong nagpapakilig sayo
<Girl Friend>: kahit gaano kapagod ka sa work
<Girl Friend>: db?
<Girl Friend>: hahaha
Tago: Sinabi mo pa
Tago: Iboblog ko tong discussion na to
Tago: Hehe
<Girl Friend>: hay buhay
Tago: Hahaha

Adik tong si Girl Friend. She is biting more than she can chew kasi sa pinaggagawa nya recently! :D

Guess who! :D

I had an interesting day with Lizbeth and Paulo during this long weekend. We went food tripping in UP Diliman, then we went biking in QC Circle, and then spent the whole night watching movies at our house.

I know we were supposed to be observing the Holy Week, but it was just an opportunity we couldn’t miss. Let’s just say our friendship bonds needed a little rebuilding.

So there we were, feeling young and energetic as we circled the bike lane inside the QC Circle. While most parts of the loop were congested with stalling bikers who didn’t realize that they were causing such traffic, the rest were pretty much good. The last time I rode a bike was years ago, must be even before I was 20 years old. And it is true what they say, once you know how to ride one, the skill will stay on.

The breeze while riding the bike was just amazing. There is this part in the loop wherein only a few people are going, and the three of us would try our luck doing a no-hands trick but only successful for a few seconds. Paulo even tried to cheat by counting so quickly that he said he was able to do it for 10 seconds, but the truth is, he counted 1 to 10 for 3 seconds only. I was there behind you, Paulo. I heard that! Tsk. Haha.

That, I’d say, is the best 45 minutes I’ve had in weeks. Never mind the bad bike seat that made me have wedgies all throughout the process, and the other annoying bikers who, even though they were constantly  reminded by signs that it was a one-way loop, still chose to defy the currents at the expense of others’ enjoyment (bitter, hehe). I had fun, and determined to buy my own mountain bike really soon (*wink*).

On our way back to Philcoa, we saw the bright full moon peeking through the clouds. It was then I was reminded once again of how nice everything is. That I could still choose to appreciate what I’ve become, even if things are crazy lately. I couldn’t explain why though, but I felt humbled. So, I knew, even if we were having a great time, we were still observing the holy season (excuses! Hehe). I made a mental prayer about the things that are ahead and head off to Tandang Sora to do grocery.

The morning after our movie marathon (which, by the way, we have already drafted the perfect formula for a successful run – see P.S. below), all three of us felt our behinds aching. Very bad bike seats!  

All in all, I had a great time, and would have to say thank you to Liz and Paulo for reliving childhood with me. I want a bike!! Haha :D

Arse still hurts, though.


P.S.
We’ve finally perfected the formula for a good movie marathon:
1. Must be done on a long weekend – not when we’re from work or not when we’re going to work the morning after.2. Must sleep in the morning to have enough energy to stay awake.
3. Ice cream is a must.
4. Add a horror / suspense film in between sappy / light / comedy movies. Kept us awake until 4.30 – Perfect attendance! No one was branded as a “lolo” or “lola” for sleeping early.

Si GG talaga, ang sarap asarin. Hahaha. :D

Peace, GG!

I did not wake up early enough to catch the morning show yesterday (yeah, 02-14), but I had fun listening to the Valentine's special (courtesy of Blue Ritz, of course) post-hearts day. It was fun, C&D let the kids from SPC-Pasig to read the valentine's day messages by listeners. I thought of posting a message the day before in Chico's blog (that is where they got most of the messages), but had no words.

Anyways, here are my favorite messages (so far, I am not yet done listening to the whole show haha).

1. Please play Mr. Brightside for Kingkoling. I believe its always better to be bitter than depressed! It would have still be fun, but you had to hit on my best friends and thinking we wouldn’t find out. (I loved how the 3rd grader delivered this message!!)


2. Dear Keeno,

I’ve read “He’s Not That Into You”. Since then I was a changed woman. You’re just ‘not that’ into me but you’re ‘totally not’ into me. It’s been 5 years and a few dating here and there but my feelings just keep turning back at you. I know that you know. I thought leaving (for almost 2 years now) would make me forget about you. But spending time with you and our friends a few weeks back just ruined everything! I’m not talking about Love here. I can’t love you …because you won’t let me. “You cannot control your emotions but you CAN control your actions” – here I am doing nothing and hoping that you’ll soon find your perfect girl. Maybe by then I could totally go on with my life without you bugging my mind. By the way, I think I love you. I am such a loser.

Kitty

3. This request for valentine’s day may or may not be heard by the person i’m sending it out to… it’s for my best friend who died almost a year ago.

during the recuperation process i became closer to his family… and i only found out recently (from his mom) that he has always been in-love with me, a month or so of knowing each other… and she recalled how he would try and bring up the courage to ask me out on every valentine’s day that passed us, but never got up to doing it of fear that i might turn him down… never did he knew that i was in-love with him too… when i told his mom about it, she cried and handed me 4 letters which he had written for me for every valentine he missed asking me out…

it’s heartbreaking ‘coz in 4 years, we never got the chance to tell each other how we really felt towards each other, but it’s also a relief knowing that he felt the exact same thing that i felt for him… in his last letter, he said how much he wanted to dance with me to Etta James’ “At Last” and that the song basically says it all…

i guess i’m just lucky to really be in-love with my best friend.. but too unfortunate to not have been able to share/express that love with him when he was around…

in memory of him, and the could you please play Etta James’ “At Last”, then maybe Jason Mraz’ “Lucky” for me…

(This was the first one read, and it was Chico who read it. Broke my heart listening to the story).

Okay, enough heartbreaking messages, I particularly liked this one. Well, it is still hearbreaking, but it is nice.

4. I am the mom of the late Gjay Dela Rosa. We had an accident last April 3, 2008 while traveling in the States. I miss my baby boy so much. He is from LSGH like you and he loves your show. It’s been a very very difficult year for our family and we are still having a very hard time coping up with the loss of our Baby Boy. I remember that every valentines day, he makes a card for me and he tells me that he loves me very much. His even tells me that Mom, i love you very much…will you marry me? its so sweet of him coz his concept of love is getting married… oh i really miss him so much and this is our first valentines with out him. thank you very much and more power to your show. Chichi dela rosa.

(C&D didn't play the original request ("The way you look tonight"), but played "Gone Too Soon" by MJ instead.)

Listen to it, all.
Belated Happy Hearts day, everyone. :D
C, sa iyo din. :D

I must have quoted this scene like a thousand times already, but I accidentally saw a friend's blog on romantic movie lines (February, duh) and saw "Love, Actually" in the list (the quote shared was not this one, though). I suddenly remembered this scene again. So, I decided to find this specific scene in YouTube and found it.

Quoting "Love, Actually":

Juliet: They're all of me...
Mark: Yeah, yeah. Yes.
Juliet: But, you never talked to me... You always talked to Peter! You don't like me!
...
Mark: It's a self-preservation thing, you see.

Gotta love that scene. :D

Watch the scene in youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jcgj2luC7A

I was reading Chico Garcia's famous blog and he shared this really nice short film called "Signs" (director: Patrick Hughes) from Schweppes Short Film Festival. I found it very sweet and aww-inducing.

“Where do you find love? If we knew, we would all know where to look. Sometimes all you need is a sign.” (short film's teaser)

The video can be viewed from the festival's website, very high resolution. You just have to change the language to English first then select the "Signs" poster.

http://schhh.com.hr/

Thanks, Chico, for sharing! (as if we're close! haha)

La lang, the film is nice. Loved it.

Joy, I suddenly remembered your text to me last night. haha. :D
Yes, I want one, too.

Random thought. When we were on our way to Laiya last Monday for our company outing, we entered C5 and saw a sign "Carlos P. Garcia Avenue". I didn't know that!

Turns out, C5 or Circumferential Road 5 (Circumferential Road 4 being Highway 54, a.k.a. EDSA), is 4 parts - Katipunan (Loyola Heights portion), Boni Serrano Ave (Libis), E. Rod Ave (Pasig) and C.P. Garcia Ave. (Makati, Taguig).

Something new learned this week. Fun. :D

Last Part of the Race Log Series.

Race Proper
While the teams are racing around the city to accumulate points, Core Group leisurely went to Megamall to buy the prizes for the winning teams. They bought drinks and snacks (for them to eat while waiting for the teams in UST for the bonus points). At around 3.00 PM, the Core Group rode a cab from Megamall to go to UST.

On the way, the core group members were constantly bombarded by the teams with questions regarding the places, etc etc.

The photos of the teams are posted as separate multiply photo albums. Kindly check out the following albums:
Team Field Photos 1
Team Field Photos 2

The Core Group arrived at UST well before 4.00 PM. They waited for the teams who will be able to avail the extra 10 points. Three teams arrived: Team XXXTrail, Team Meralco, and Team Paujero.


Team XXX-Trail in the UST Pit Stop

At 4.20 PM, Core Group decided to tour the school first. CGM1 Joy and CGM2 Joanne wants to visit the school gym, for some unknown reason. PM Tago tagged along, provided that they will join him in his small photosession of the place (complete set to be posted soon).


UST Main Building


UST. haay.


Finally found "Suzzy"


CGM1 Joy and CGM2 Joanne in UST 

After PM Tago took photos of the school, the core group decided to head to the final stop (Sicilian Express in Katipunan) to prepare for the dinner. Hailed a cab from UST, then proceeded to Katipunan.

At around 5.30 PM, Core Group arrived at their destination. PM Tago ordered CGM1 Joy to use her charm to ask the manager of Sicilian Express if they can reserve the whole second floor for later. Manager was shocked by the number of pizzas and pastas the core group is going to order. PM Tago asked Manager, “can?”

“Can,” said the Manager after a short moment of hesitation.

CGM1 Joy and CGM2 Joanne chose the food. 10 pizzas and 10 pastas all in all. Instructed the cashier to start serving the food at 7.00 PM. Core group went upstairs to prepare and to wait for the teams to arrive.

Team Meralco arrived first well before sunset. Because of this, they are awarded with 10 extra points. CGM1 Joy and CGM2 Joanne were in charge of tallying the scores. While waiting for the second team, Team Meralco shared their stories, how they managed to have a good taxi driver that allowed them to visit the stops quicker. Very strategic, Team Meralco was. PM Tago was amazed.


Team Meralco sharing their experience to the Core Group

The sun was still up when Team Paujero arrived. Competitive Team Meralco kept on asking Core Group members on the score of the other team. CGM2 Joanne just said, “che!” Story telling session continued.


Team Paujero post-race. Notice the number of water glasses on the table

Third team to arrive was Team Dens Dens Revo. They were 5 minutes late, so 3 points would have to be deducted from their score. Then Team LPG arrived as the fourth. Everyone was already hungry, so the food was already served. PM Tago texted Team Leader Liz (of Team XXX-Trail) where they are. They were already 20 minutes late.

Team XXX-Trail arrived after 7.30 PM. Six points had to be deducted from their scores. Everyone was already eating.

Post Race Discussion, Awarding
After dinner, the teams were asked to share their experience during the race to the whole group. Everyone laughed at the teams’ stupid moments, crazy taxi driver encounters, and Gladys inappropriately holding a stranger in LRT. PM Tago kept on laughing at their stories. Good thing the whole group had fun.

At around 9.30 PM, after all the sharing, it was time to award the teams. The prize is, of course, Prestige and Bragging Rights (mababawaw lang talaga ang mga Azeus pips hehe), with some snacks as bonus. :D


5th Place, Team Dens Dens Revo with 65 points.
Prize: Dewberry! hehe


4th Place, Team LPG with 85 points (compare score with 3rd placer).
Prize: Dewberry again! hehe


3rd Place, Team Paujero with 86 points (galing!).
Prize: Knick Knacks and Bragging Rights! haha


2nd Place, Team Meralco with 111 points (good job!).
Prize: Hershey's Nuggets and Kit Kat showcase, and Bragging Rights.


Champion, Team XXX-Trail with 122 points (very good job!).
Prize: Chips Ahoy, Melty Kiss, Bragging Rights, Prestige and the title of Champion for 2009!

After the awarding, group photos were taken and it was finally time to close the event.


The Great Birthday Race participants

PM Tago, CGM1 Joy, and CGM2 Joanne pulled it off. Yey! :D

Congratulations to Everyone! :D

January 14, 2009 (PM’s Birthday)
PM was jabbed by office HR Ms. Love re: Meeting in the 29th floor with the accountant. Ok, surprise, surprise! 7 cakes with 24 candles! PM is touched. Then, the ultimate suprise was when CGM1 Joy arrived at the mini-party (this was around 4 PM).

          

PM with one of the Red Ribbon cakes

CGM1 Joy with the flowers

After the celebration, PM returned to his workstation to email the list of teams. Assigned team leaders, and asked them for a team name. Teams chose either an energy source or a car model as their team name.


Team LPG: Lars, Kimps, GG, Robert, Team Leader Japhet


Team Meralco: Jerome, Eka, Paul, Mam Zen, Team Leader Ryan


Team Dens Dens Revo: Team Leader Dens, Toni, Darl, Luisa, Oni


Team Paujero: Crystal, Karl, Team Leader Paulito, April, Jaime


Team XXX-Trail: Jolly Pearl, Farrah, Team Leader Liz, Kel, (Paolo - not in the photo)

January 17, 2009, around 2 PM
Starting point of the race – Ortigas Park in Emerald. While waiting for the others, core group and the early birds took photos. Then the security guard told the group that they need a permit to take photos of the park. So, they did the photoshooting discreetly. Hehe.


The Great Birthday Race Core Group: CGM2 Joanne, PM Tago, CGM1 Joy

During the briefing, PM announces a twist in the game. Bonus 10 points will be given to the teams who will be able to go to the UST Stop and meet the Core Group in a specific time period. The core group will be in the UST stop from 4.00 PM and will leave at exactly 4.20 PM.

With all teams set, the race began.


Teams are all ready to race!


The Race Begins! Team XXX-Trail is serious (that's Paolo btw, yung mukhang bisor hehe)


Teams on their way to Megamall

The list of places and their corresponding points will be posted as a photo album instead of a blog entry. Will post in a bit. Please be patient. :D

Next part: Dinner and Awarding!

June 2008, Andok’s in Boracay Island
Project Manager (PM) Tago and Core Group Member 1 (CGM1) Joy discussed an interesting plan: Amazing Race-themed game to celebrate PM’s 24th birthday. Came up with a plan by thinking of ways to top 2008’s birthday celebration (Pinoy Games in UP). Seems interesting and feasible. Thought about a general overview of the game, etc: Take pictures of tourist spots in Manila and QC area, final stop would be the restaurant where the people will eat dinner. Good plan, but still too early to finalize the details. Plan kept in mind, but would not be discussed until December that year.

   

PM Tago

CGM1 Joy

December 2008, One of those very ordinary days
Plan resurfaces in PM and CGM1’s usual discussions. CGM1 suggests Jan 17 weekend for the event. Since bday of PM is mid-week, PM agreed. Discussion of the details was set to first week of January. Enjoy the holidays first, they said.

First Work Week of January 2009
PM emailed his friends in the office of the general plan. Created an excel file that will act as a sign up sheet for those interested to join. A lot expressed their interest. Whew, PM is relieved. Interested members suggested improvements on the current mechanics. Finally, excitement kicked in.

PM and CGM1 met in Glorietta to list down the places to take photos of and finalized the mechanics.

Mechanics:
1. Teams will be provided with a list of specific places to take photos of. Each place has a point value (1, 3, 5, 7 and 10). The list is long, so it is up to the teams to decided which places to go to, given the time allotted (2.30 PM – 7.00 PM)
2. A travel kit containing the list of places, corresponding points, a ballpen, the rules, and 100 pesos per person for the race will be provided.
3. No restrictions on the transportation to be used except one – teams must not use their own cars.
4. The photograph must include all team members minus 1 (the “photographer”). The photographer role must rotate so that all team members will be present in a photo at least once.
5. Teams must be in the final stop at exactly 7.00 PM. For every 30 minute tardiness, 3 points will be deducted from the team’s points.
6. Teams with the highest point at the end of the race wins the game.

The core group faced one very major problem – location of the final stop / dinner. Considered roof top of Prince David in Katipunan. Not possible – need to be a resident of the condo (Joy is no longer living there, amph). UP grounds again? Too dark. Dinner will be what? Pizza Hut Delivery? Oh no. January 17 day is near, need to come up with a plan very soon.

Second Work Week of 2009 (PM’s Birthday Week and the week of the Race)
PM consults Joanne if she’s interested in becoming a core group member. She asked what will be the responsibilities. Basically, will help PM and CGM1 with the preparations. Even though she said yes to be a participant the week before, she agreed to become CGM2.

She quickly started working and suggested a place for the dinner – Sicilian Express, Petron Gas Station in Katipunan. They have a spacious second floor that could be reserved. In the office, they called the restaurant. Asked if the second floor is available on January 17th in the afternoon. Said they needed a reservation fee. Hmm, CGM2 suggested to just go there on the day itself earlier and reserve on the spot so that there will be no need to pay for the fee. Risky plan, but PM agreed. CGM2 is a savior.

CGM2 Joanne

Next part - team assignments and the beginning of the Great Birthday Race!

Liz shared these videos a while ago. Kulit nung whatever video! :D Very cute. ;D

Cute kid saying "Whatever!"



and this one... "Charlie bit me!" The baby is just adorable.