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Three Blissful Years

I just celebrated my third year as an Ateneo employee last October 20, 2011. I was apparently shocked when the computer started to play a 'Happy Anniversary' song when I logged out during lunch break. I was that surprised because I was convinced that my anniversary was October 22, which was a Saturday, and then later on, I found out that I was two days late based on the HRIS.

Three years. Three long years. I've never thought that I would last that long in ONE particular job. Just to give you context, I had my first job a month after graduation in a local company where I worked as an HR staff. I was in charge of recruitment and manpower planning. It was some sort of a dream come true since I was really all geared up for HR work. Eventually, after 3 months, I decided to quit my job, not because I don't LOVE my job, it's just that there are some practices in the company which are against my own personal values. I did not regret my decision to leave the company, it was even more of a relief since I no longer have the dilemma of choosing what I WANT to do and what MUST I do.

Later on, upon deep discernment, I decided to try my luck in Manila. I was lucky to land a job in BPI but I decided to leave after the probationary period. Why? I had issues with my boss then. It was more of a struggle for me. I wanted to have that experience, that work experience where I will learn to love what I am doing even if it would mean deviating from my field. I had that inclination to experience work as it is and eventually, for me to establish and be clear with what I want in life but my experience in BPI was not even in par with my expectation. Perhaps, it was more of the disdain that I felt towards my boss with how he treats me at work. It's as if I was never human at all. Sheesh, even PROBINSYANAS have feelings too.

After my bad experience with BPI, I finally landed in IBM. I worked as a Customer Representative. The job was painstaking, not to mention that you have to adjust your lifestyle due to the work schedule. Nevertheless, I loved my job and everything about IBM. I had the chance to work with a super nice boss and a hardworking team. What made the work easier is the supportive people around me. Up until now, we're good friends, we're still communicating and I am really looking forward to meet them soon *fingers crossed*. However, the job was not meant for me. After spending a year in IBM, I forced to resign due to health reasons. My body was giving up on me. It goes with the saying 'the body is weak but the spirit is willing'. My parents asked me to return to my hometown and I did. That was the time when ADNU had a vacancy, the Ignatian Formation Center needed an Administrative Assistant and I applied. And I am still making my own history ;)

Three years. It was during these three years in ADNU that I learned how special the Ateneo community is. If there is really one thgaing that I am proud of ADNU, it's the community. From helping a sick member to extending support in Basketball games, the ADNU community is really one of a kind. Whenever there are instances that we are to sing the REGNUM DEI, I feel really proud inside not only because of the song but how the essence of the song transcends in the community. Also, in these three long years, I am thankful that I have friends who really stood by me through thick and thin, through mood swings and kabaduyan, who understood and accepted every inch of my imperfection. I mean this, without them, I may never be celebrating my three years in ADNU. I have many things to thank for in my three years, maybe I need to have a separate blog for that. Yes, I think so. So, to you, may you be blessed with three wonderful years and counting in your career, relationship or whatever it is that you are engaged in. Enjoy life and live according to the purpose of your creation.

Good Old Fellow

Ever since I was a kid, my family has always been fond of dogs. I literally grew up admiring them, with how they respond to my uncle’s soft touches at the bottom of their jaw, how they would either sit still or would run around the house when they are bathed and how they can feel if you’re having a bad day and suddenly, you’d just find them sitting beside, as if they’re sharing your pain.

I have seen a number of dogs in our house. I saw them grew from puppies to big bullies and I can clearly remember how each of them were taken away from us. But this time, it’s quite different. From all the dogs that we had, this dog was really special. I knew right from the moment that I saw her, she is one dog that will change our lives forever.

It was 6:30am, Saturday, October 29, 2005 when I heard a tiny barking sound at the house. I knew that I was not dreaming, it had to be real, it has to be a puppy. We were expecting Papa to arrive that day, he came all the way from Laguna to bring mamaold to the airport who was bound for London then. When I heard the sound again, I immediately rose from bed and went downstairs. When I reached the stairs, a tiny puppy was staring at me, she was sitting at the center of our sala and was barking hard at me. I said to the puppy “Aba, ang tapang tapang mo ah, ang liit liit mo lang ah” and as if she understood me, she barked even loudly. I called my mom and asked where the puppy came from, she said papa brought it home from Laguna. The puppy was placed in a box with a tiny hole while they were traveling from Laguna to Bicol and mama mentioned that papa didn’t get enough sleep because he has to check on the puppy from time to time. From that day on, our lives changed.

My family decided to call her ‘Bunso’ but mamaold suggested to call her ‘Spotty’ because of her tiny black spot on the back. Spotty was not an ordinary dog. There was days when she would amaze the entire family. There was one instance when it was raining hard and her abode was already transferred to mamaold’s place when in the middle of night, I heard a puppy crying outside. I had to call my mom to let her listen to the sound, I was convincing her that it was Spotty. My mama was trying to explain to me that it would be too impossible for Spotty to reach the door because it would be too dark for her to find her way to our house and she can’t possibly recall how to get to our house. When the crying didn’t stop, I had to open the door to see what’s making the sound and there, I saw her, dripping and chilling under the cold rain. I immediately embraced her and dried her fur and we decided to let her stay in the house overnight.

For 7 years, Spotty never failed to amaze us. She’s not the rowdy type of dog, she’s more poised and smart. Whenever we would spend Christmas and New Year together, Spotty would always have a special spot at the house where she can watch TV and eat at the same time. Spotty knows how to behave inside the house. Whenever papa would bathe her, she would always go to each of our rooms to check if everyone is there. She would sniff the bedsheets, the computer chairs and would even put her paws in mama’s lap whenever she’s too busy with her uniform deadlines to notice her.

Up until this time, I could not believe that she’s gone. She passed away this morning, pregnant. Mama said she was not able to endure the pain during birth labor that’s why she died. We did not expect that. We were too excited for her, for her babies, for a bigger puppy family.

I could not believe that she was suddenly taken away from us. I know that for some this might be crazy but we really treated her as part of the family. The dog became part of us. We will definitely miss her. Her kaartehan with food, her sweetness and the joy she brings us everytime. By the way, she loves Asado Pandesal from Graceland, she never eats leftovers, she’s given Tiki-tiki for her vitamins and cheese-flavored crackers for her snacks.

Maybe, if there is a puppy heaven, I think she’s up there looking down at us, still trying to protect. She has been a good dog. She has never hurt anyone. She was our source of happiness especially to my parents. Nevertheless, I am glad. I’m glad that God gave us a dog like her because if not for her, our family would not be this close. Thank you, Spotty. I will miss you old fellow… a lot.

Debosyon

The image of the Divino Rostro (a picture of Jesus' face) is usually processed before the Holy image of INA is transferred from the Penafrancia Shrine to the Cathedral. The image was believed to be miraculous and  that early devotees even witnessed the image sweating blood. I was very privilege to have an opportunity to witness how the Bicolanos revere the holy image. It was the first time for me to stay for the entire duration of the procession. I felt it in my heart that I had to wait for INA to pass by and I did not regret it. Every rainfall, every struggle trying to protect the newly bought camera of my brother and every tiring muscle that's driving me to just stay home and watch the procession was really worth it. Never in my life have I witnessed such beauty, such devotion and the love of the Bicolanos to the Divino Rostro and our Lady of Penafrancia.

Love at First Sight

I can't really remember how I came across Tin Roque's site but I can clearly recall how my eyes feasted on her remarkable layouts and of course, her collection. I was new with online selling then and I was looking for the perfect layout. Maybe it was because of sheer luck or perhaps divine intervention brought me to her site. All I know is that, instantly, it was love at first sight.

What really makes Posh and Pretty Shop unique is the seller behind it. Tin Roque, at first glance, may look intimidating but when you get the chance to know her better, you'll definitely fall in love with her. She is very sweet and one of the nicest person that I came across with. Even her kindness radiates in every collection of Posh and Pretty. Every collection reflects the labor, the time and the insurmountable effort of Tin to make the collection perfect for every girl. Undoubtedly, every collection is really worth the wait.
Tin also has this innate aura to inspire other girls to look and feel great about themselves despite of who they are and where they came from. It seems very natural for people to be drawn to her. Even I, myself, could not believe that I am friends with her. Maybe because we have a lot of similarities, from being a blue-blooded Atenean to having an almost similar love story.  What I really admire about Tin is her passion in her work, from the super gorgeous layouts to the unique collections, and her dedication being a full-time mom. I know I will become a mom someday and should that day come, I want to be just like her.

Honestly, if I had not known Posh and Pretty Shop, I would not even have my own online shop. P&P is my shop's inspiration, that I should not just be contented with the profits but more of making people feel good about themselves, making them more confident and making them believe that they can do wonders, because P&P did that to me. P&P may just be an online shop but the experience with P&P's seller is just one of a kind.

"Whoever said that looking good need not to be expensive might just take his words back because every penny counts with Posh and Pretty Shop."
Posted below are layout designs of my personal multiply site and my online shop, Pink Chamomile's Closet. Want a layout like this? Please feel free to contact Tin Roque of Posh and Pretty Shop.