To continue with my year-end recap:


JULY

• 08 - Mom and I traveled to Bolinao (Pangasinan) with Uncle Pete and his family. They wanted to put up a party before they migrate to the US as well as offer prayers to late grandpa, so they decided to do the party. We arrived around 10 in the evening.
• 09 - Uncle Pete went back to Manila to pick up his friends Mike and Mona, so all of us went to the fish cages to spend the day. Come sunset time, we took a dip at a nearby "island shore."
• 10 - All of us (together with the visitors) went to the beach house rented for the day. It was a fun day at the beach - I snorkeled, "swam" with the fishes, and burned my skin. Late afternoon, we checked two caves.
• 11 - Before going back to the island, I visited the St. James Church. When we reached Aunt Rosa's house, the prayers for grandpa started. Visited his grave, then went to Aunt Jo's house for some chit-chats.
• 12 - Got home around lunch time only to find out our PC has a virus. Worked for the invitations for tomorrow's parties.
• 13 - Attended my nephew's baptism in which I am a godmother then went to Sangkalan Grill for the reception, which is also the despedida party for Uncle Pete and his family. All raved about the invitations I created.
• 26 - Just a day after brother came home from La Union, we all went to Gateway Mall to eat in Italianni's. We used the 2,000 pesos gift certificate sister and I got from the bloggers' event.

AUGUST

• 03 - Went to Burger King E. Rodriguez Sr. branch with mom and brother for the BK bloggers' treat then heard mass at Christ the King Parish. In the afternoon, I attended the orientation for Singles for Christ.
• 09 - Met up with the members of Litratong Pinoy. We did a heritage tour around Intramuros, Manila then finished the tour in Rizal Park.
• 16 - Got accepted for the 2008 WordCamp Philippines. The family had a late lunch at Max's Restaurant
• 23 - Attended the QC Na! Kulinarya, Talento, Atbp. event in Gateway Mall with brother and sister. Brother won a gift pack, sister won an apron (but I was the one given the prize because I was the one who yelled the answer), and I won a Taco Bell burrito. Had photo ops with chefs Him Uy-de Baron and Pixie Sevilla-Santos.

SEPTEMBER

• 06 - Attended 2008 WordCamp Philippines in De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde (Taft Ave., Manila). Met co-scrapper Mabelle at the event and had a photo op with Matt Mullenweg, the man behind Wordpress blogs.
• 07 - Took photos of the first week of Bar Exams, also in Taft.
• 13 - Had a lunch date with Vince - he treated me to lunch in Sbarro (Trinoma branch), watched "The Gravedancers" at the cinema, and before we parted ways, he bought a dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts for me to take home. Mom celebrated her 59th birthday with a Lord's day here in our house.
• 25 - Went shoe shopping in Isettan then sister and I went to the grounds of Araneta Coliseum to see the happenings for the UAAP Games. We were wearing green and all people thought we were from De La Salle University.
• 27 - Back to Taft Avenue to check the last week of the Bar Exams.

OCTOBER

• 05 - CLP Baptism.
  
• 07 - Sister and I went to the Lung Center Weekend Market to buy foods and footwear as well as meet with my scrapbooking friend Joyleen to get the plastic storages I bought from her.
• 09 - Received the blouse I won from Laarni's blog contest. I gave the blouse to my sister because she was the main reason why I joined the contest.
• 12 - Back to the Lung Center Weekend Market with sister where I bought some footwear.
• 22 - Trip to La Union. Since I cannot visit dad's grave for the All Saints and Souls days, I decided to visit his grave this last week of October.
• 23 - Visited Balaoan Church and Ma-Cho Temple (both in La Union)
• 24 - Visited daddy's grave in the morning then went to the surf site to check out day one of Surf Break 3. Too bad I was alone.
• 26 - Last talk of the CLP then met up with high school friends. Had dinner at Kenny Rogers' Roasters then had chit-chats at Storyland.
• 31 - Mom, sis, and bro traveled to La Union and I start preparing for my trip with K.

NOVEMBER

• 02 - Met up with K at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Checked in Las Palmas Resort in Malate (Manila) then checked the sunset at the Manila Bay. K also booked flights to Tagbilaran (Bohol) and back to Manila from Dumaguete (Negros Oriental).
  
• 03 - Visited La Loma Cemetery and Rizal Park. Night time K and I went to the bus terminal where we took the 9PM trip to Vigan (Ilocos Sur).
• 04 - Stayed at the Cordillera Inn in Vigan, went to Bantay Church, Fr. Burgos' House, and Baluarte. Ate dinner at Cafe Leona.
• 05 - Visited Crisologo Museum and Mira Hills then took the 9:30PM bus trip back to Manila.
• 06 - Straight from the bus terminal, K and I went to the airport (terminal 3 of NAIA) where we took the flight to Tagbilaran. Checked in at Dumaluan Resort in Panglao Island.
• 07 - Tour around nearby Bohol tourist spots. Slipped on a steep mound of soil at the Carmen Peak of Chocolate Hills, but had an awesome time nonetheless.
• 08 - Transferred from Dumaluan Beach Resort to Paragayo Resort, still in Panglao Island.
• 09 - Boarded Ocean Jet ferry boat from Tagbilaran to Dumaguete. Roamed around the city.
• 10 - Visited Silliman University and checked out the Wildlife preservation parade which started at the Freedom Park.
• 11 - Took the 9AM flight back to Manila.
• 15 - Attended Precios Meciel's baptism as well as Hero Miel's 3rd birthday. The baptism was held in Sacred Heart Parish (Kamuning, Quezon City), which hold a dear place in my heart because I was baptized there, too.
• 16 - After attending a CLP Baptism in another unit, close SFC friends dropped by the house for some chit chats.
• 21 - First fellowship of my SFC Household. Ate dinner at Yellow Cab Pizza and watched the band Delara played.
• 23 - Attended the SFC Sportsfest in Marikina Sports Complex.
• 26 - Andre booked our flights for the SFC Icon which will take place in Cebu City (Cebu). Thanks!
• 28 - First prayer meeting at Teacher Rhona's place.

DECEMBER

• 06 - Checked the flea market at Robinson's Novaliches with mom and sister. Bought the study table which my mom paid 65%.
• 07 - Practice at Dorris' house for the Christmas Party presentation.
• 12 - Practice at Ela's house from 7PM - 2AM of the next day.
• 13 - SFC Christmas Party at the Brittany Poolside. Our team won the presentation. Yey!
• 14 - From the party, we went to Ela's house for a round of drinks and talks.
• 18 - Celebrated sister's 20th birthday at Jay-J's SM Fairview.
• 20 - Attended the Manila Toys and Gifts show with sister at the Megatrade 2 of SM Megamall. Met with fellow shutterbugs "XWhiteshadowZ" and "N70" then sister and I went to St. Francis Square. Got to buy a DVD of Hanson's "Underneath Acoustic Live."
• 21 - Movie marathon with SFC friends here in our house.
• 24 - 25 - Celebrated Christmas day with a wacky, fun photo shoot.
• 26 - Met up with a friend at Gateway Mall.
• 31 - Preparations for New Year's Day.

It has been indeed one of the best years of my life. I hope next year will be much greater. Happy New Year, everyone! It's going to be a rainy New Year's Day... a first for me as far as I can remember.

*** Jenn ***

A whole lot of people are writing their versions of how the year 2008 was for them, and I see no reason why I can't do just the same. At first I didn't really intent to do such thing, but I got to read Colleen's recap, and it ignited a little flame in me to do the same. This'll be a very long post, read at your own risk. =)

JANUARY

• 01 - Having been able to lose a little weight brought about by my paranoia of dying from a heart attack, I was able to greet year 2008 wearing a halter top. I never really cared if I looked big or if the wind was cool, I just wanted to sport an outfit that screams "I lost weight." =)
• 09 - It was the first time we celebrated daddy's birthday "without" him. It still feels a little weird that he's no longer around.
• 16 - Ended relationship with Doc. Reasons included cultural differences and some personal matters I rather not tell. He and I still consider each other online buddies, though.
  
• 27 - The family went to check out the Weekend Market in Lung Center of the Philippines then went to Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Recreation Center to check out the animals. It was a great bonding moment for us family.
• 28 - I received 100USD from Uncle Pete because he thought I needed some cash to open a bank account that I needed for Pay Pal. Big thanks!
  
• 31 - Formally announced the break - up. Just so there's a closure. =)

FEBRUARY

• 08 - Met up with scrapbooking friends to discuss the charity event a US-based friend is organizing. We had dinner at Tia Maria's (SM Megamall) and in the meeting, we got to tackle some things about how the flow of the event will be.
• 09 - I tried my luck on an International scrapbooking contest but didn't win. =(
• 14 - Met online friend K through Multiply. It was a start of a very great friendship.
  
• 18 - Another meeting for the scrapbook charity event, this time we met at Candy's house. After the meeting, we went over Mitch's scrapbooking store (Visual Creations) to see new products. I didn't buy anything this time, because the Colorbox Inkpad Lee gave and the mini-album Candy gave was already enough for me.
• 19 - After a whole lot of confusion, I finally was able to get my EON Card at Unionbank.
  
• 25 - Met up with Lindy to discuss the things needed for the scrapbook event. We first met at the Kulinarya Experience in Robinson's Place Manila to eat lunch then we went to her sister's condo unit to do an inventory of the scrapbook materials for sale and auction at the event. Prior to the meeting, we checked two scrapbook stores - Memory Lane Store and Lasting Impressions then after the inventory, we checked another scrapbook store (Rekindled Moments) before going home.

MARCH

• 02 - Had a very big fight with mom. It wasn't the usual mother-daughter argument, as both of us were very mad and angry. After brother cut in, we settled down, said sorry and as if nothing happened. It was a big fight, yes, but it was also the end of the invisible gap between mom and I. I saw it as a good blessing in disguise because after that, my mom and I have been very close to each other.
• 04 - Sister and I took the 12mn bus going to Baguio City. We arrived in the city at 5:30 in the morning and roamed around the city as well as check the strawberry farm in La Trinidad. At 4PM we took the bus going to La Union where we met with mom and brother.
• 05 - Dad's first death anniversary. Together with Aunt Julie, Aunt Lorie, and her daughters cousin Mai and Tere, we light candles for dad and had lunch at the cemetery. Come afternoon, brother and I went with Aunt Lorie so we could see the corn and tobacco farms.
• 06 - Mom didn't want to go to Vigan City, so it was just us three siblings who went there. Although it wasn't my first time there, It was my first time to go up the belfry of Bantay Church. We took the 9:30PM bus trip back to Manila, but brother got off in La Union where he was based now.
• 08 - The scrapbooking event I volunteered to be a part of happened on this day. I handled the registration with the help of Lee's niece. I got to win a prize on the raffle and buy some materials at a discounted prize. It was a succesful event and all of us were happy.
• 13 - A happy yet sad day for us. Happy because our cats Paborito and Teddy celebrated their first birthday, yet sad because our neighbor and good friend tita Cora died.
• 15 - Applied for SMART Bro Internet.
• 17 - Met up with my very good friend Ahdz. She treated me to dinner and gave me her Christmas gift - a silver ring that looked like a wedding ring. Still, I am thankful. Our broadband Internet connection is now installed. Yey for faster Internet!
  
• 19 - Plans of a holiday with K here in the Philippines started.
• 21 - Opened two blogs: Shutter Happy Moments - which is my photo blog and Le Kulitszie Familie - the family blog.
• 24 - Received a gift of pro account in Flickr courtesy of K. Thanks!
• 29 - Villa Escudero (San Pablo, Laguna) trip with mom and her office mates. It was my first time there and I am so thankful I got to see the place. If not for this trip, I seriously have no idea if I can see this place.

APRIL

• 03 - Withdrew my first fund from Pay Pal.
• 04 - Brother treated us for snacks at Tokyo Tokyo then the family had dinner at Kenny Rogers' Roasters. A very great bonding moment with the family.
• 06 - Went to Sta. Ignacia, Tarlac with scrapbooking friends Lee and Candy. We delivered the cash donations to the Carmelite Nuns from the scrapbook event as well as the handmade cards they could use for soliciting more donations for the building of their chapel. After the turnover, we went to eat a late lunch at C' Italian Dining in Angeles, Pampanga.
• 14 - Bought my first item out of my earnings from blogging. I bought a memory card for my cell phone but it was defective.
• 16 - Met up with my co-Hanson fan and pal Rhodz. She and I had a conflict years back, but maturity has developed and now we are friends. I met her by the fountain of the Peninsula Manila Hotel in Makati City, but before meeting her, sister and I took some photos at Gateway Mall in Cubao as well as at Greenbelt Park in Makati.
• 17 - Won Marix's scrap RAK.
• 18 - Night swimming at Dreamland Resort (Camarin, Caloocan City) with mom's office mates. Although I have my shorts on, it was the first time that I wore a swimsuit without a shirt over.
• 19 - Had the memory card changed. Sister and I ate at The Old Spaghetti House in Ali Mall.
• 21 - Bought a blog domain with the help of Laarni.
• 26 - Summer outing with the neighbors at Stonebridge Resort (Sta. Maria, Bulacan).
• 28 - Attended cousin Nharlyn's wedding.
• 29 - Went with neighbors at the airport to welcome Cindy and Czarina home from Singapore. Afterwards we went to Manila Zoo then I met up with mom for dinner. The cell phone memory card is still defective, and I think my cell phone has the problem, so decided to do without the memory card anymore.

MAY

• 01 - Was over at Ahdz's house to attend their fiesta.
• 04 - Brother and Aunt Julie informed me about the roadtrip to Ifugao later this month.
• 09 - Picked-up the new digital camera we ordered from Picture City. Yey for a new toy! Received Marix's package containing lots of scrapbook materials.
  
• 13 - My 28th birthday. Had lunch with mom and sis at Pizza Hut, watched "IronMan" on cinema (I love you, Robert Downey, Jr.!) and cooked spaghetti and spring rolls for dinner.
  
• 17 - Went to La Union. Happy to arrive at 6PM because a strong typhoon hit the town around 8PM.
• 19 - Celebrated Aunt Julie's birthday with a festive lunch and a sunset watching over at Paratong Beach.
• 20 - It has been my Aunt Julie's thing to visit Manaoag Church (Pangasinan) on her birthday, yet there was a typhoon so we went there on this date instead. Aside from the church, we also visited the Rosary Park.
• 22 - Church hopping with brother. Visted the Agoo Cathedral as well as Bauang Church (both in La Union).
• 23 - 24 - Start of the roadtrip with Aunt and her former high school classmates. Greeted the morning with the view of Banaue Rice Terraces (Ifugao). After eating breakfast, it was back on the road going to the province of Cagayan. Visited the Callao Caves in Penablanca, the Tugegarao Cathedral, then called it a night at Tuao.
• 25 - Heard mass in Piat Church (Cagayan) then back to the road trip. Ate lunch at a waiting shed in Pagudpud, posed for pictures from the viewdeck of the Windmills in Bangui, then shot pictures of the onion and garlic for sale in Pinili (all in Ilocos Norte). Bought empanadas and took pictures of the market in Vigan (Ilocos Sur) then it was a long road back home.
• 26 - Visited daddy's grave then checked out the sunset in San Juan, La Union.
• 27 - Visited St. William's Cathedral in San Fernando, La Union.
• 28 - left La Union with kuya. We visited Sta. Maria Church in Ilocos Sur then it's Vigan City for us again! Visited Fr. Burgos' house and the Vigan Cathedral. Left Vigan at 8:30PM and it's back home for me.

JUNE

• 02 - Tried doing a photo shoot in Farmers' Market. Was able to take some shots, but still shy to take pictures.
• 08 - Went to the Weekend Market in Lung Center to do shoot some flowers.
• 14 - Welcome Home party for Uncle Pete in our house.
  
• 15 - Celebrated Fathers' Day with Uncle Pete and his family in Manila Ocean Park, then went to Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church. Attended Carlos Celdran's tour around the San Agustin Church museum.
  
• 17 - Bloggers' Event at Italianni's in Bonifacio High Street (Taguig). After the great meal, sister and I posed for pictures around the area and in Serendra One Place.
• 28 - Attended the Yummy Weekend in Salcedo Village Weekend Market (Makati) then dropped by the free art gallery on the other half of the park where I had a picture with the great artist, Robert Alejandro.
• 29 - Back to the Lung Center Weekend Market for sister and I.
  

Part two will be written later.. I need to eat brunch first. =)

*** Jenn ***

I was in my Friendster page when I saw a bulletin telling that my close Singles for Christ friends will be coming over in our house to have a movie marathon. I was surprised, but happy at the same time because they chose to be here in our house. I am loving my SFC friends more and more - I love the fact that they want us to have bonding moments at least once a week if we can.

I took care of the place and the food, they took care of the movies to watch. We started with "Last Holiday" starred by Queen Latifah and LL Cool J, but nearing the end of the movie, the disc started lagging and hanging. Arnel said that the disc has been in his closet for a long time already, so maybe it was the cause why we can't finish it. It was a good movie to say the least - as it teaches audiences to live life the way you want it (as long as you don't step on someone else's foot). It's a great movie about living out your passion. Too bad this movie wasn't shown here in the Philippines.

Ecko asked if we could try watching his disc, "City of God." It was a very serious movie about the slums of Brazil, and it was just so disappointing that even his disc was lagging! His disc was just a copy, so I guess the disc wasn't working anymore.

Finally, we just decided to watch "If Only" starred by Jennifer Love Hewitt. I have heard great reviews about this movie, to the point that a local station did an adaptation of it (through a soap opera), but I have never really watched the movie. Ecko really wanted me to watch it, and indeed, it was one of best movies I have seen. It was just very simple - but very powerful. The message of the story? Seize every moment with your love one.. it might be the last time you'd see them. That scene where the Ian told Sam how she taught her to love was a tearjerker. I was controlling my eyes not to cry! Favorite line of the movie? "I don't want to be adored. I want to be loved."

Not only was the movie about seizing moments and showing appreciation, it was also a testament that we really cannot control fate. Sure we can choose our own paths, but the consequences are bound to happen no matter how we prevent it, especially death. Typically, people say, "If only he didn't go there he should still be alive." I don't think otherwise. I think when a person has reached his expiration, the reasons will only be reasons. Even if that person stayed at home, if it's his time to die, he will die. But still, we choose our own course, and in life we really come at a crossroad and we really have to choose well so we won't regret.

It was a great time being with them. I hope we could do movie marathons again, and I hope next time it would be a marathon.

*** Jenn ***

A surprising yet expected invitation came to us when my good friend and neighbor Charmy talked to mom in becoming a godmother for her upcoming wedding. It was surprising because we never really realized that they will decide to tie the knot this year as Charmy's mom died just last March, yet we were also expecting it because she and her now husband Jay has been together for nearly two years and marriage is certainly the only thing we expect for them to go.

We received the invitation just three days before their wedding. It was just a very simple civil wedding, for they are still saving up for the church wedding maybe next year. Charmy just wanted for them to get married before the year ends, so they just opted for the civil wedding for it is quite practical, too.

I wasn't able to talk with Charmy that much before, during, and after the wedding, but in a few times that I got to ask questions, she said that days before her mom died, she expressed wanting them (Charmy and Jay) to get married, and Charmy was just living out a mother's request. Typically, Filipino beliefs don't allow getting married within the same year a family member died, but I guess making a mom's wish come true is more important than a superstitious belief. I can see that the two of them are soulmates - they have really weathered the storms, and I for one, am very happy that they are now united. Taking all the stories Charmy was able to share to me about the course of their relationship, it wasn't at all smooth. Now, they are two bodies with one soul, and should a storm comes their way, for sure they can handle it together.

Seeing her get married, hold hands, and kiss made me jealous a little bit. Charmy is a year younger than I am and she was now able to find her Mr. Right. I wonder when my time will be? I remember what my scrapbook buddy Nina told me once, "The universe is working to your advantage." Maybe I am not really giving my heart a priority for I am just waiting for Mr. Right to come. Maybe I need to do something about it. What to do? I still don't know. All I know is that as much as I am happy seeing a friend get married and be happy, I am also jealous at her good fate. I know my time will come, I just hope it comes soon. =)

To Charmy and Jay, may you be filled with lots of happiness and love. All of us are looking forward to your future babies!

*** Jenn ***

ps - I would also like to say my warmest "best wishes" to my co-Hanson fan and friend Laarni. She and her now husband Ed got married yesterday. I wasn't invited to the wedding, but Anne told it was a fairy-themed wedding. I can't wait for the pictures!

I was very surprised to read a comment in one of my posts that this blog has received an award. Super big thanks to Pining for this award. It was such a touching gesture to pass on an award like this.


Things about the award:

You must be a true Christmas lover to receive this award. The person to whom you give the award must also be in love with Christmas. You must link back to the person who gave you the award. You must list 5 things that you love about Christmas. If you can’t limit it to 5 things, then keep going till you run out of space! Pass the award along to as many people as you like. That can be 1 or 50. It’s up to you! But, you must pass it on to at least one person in order to keep the Christmas cheer going! Let your recipients know that you have tagged them by leaving them a comment.

Hmm... five things I love about Christmas?
1 - The feeling of everyone loving each other.
2 - The spirit of gift giving, especially to the less fortunate ones.
3 - Houses, establishments, and streets decorated with lights!
4 - Having reasons to pig out and be merry!
5 - Movie marathons!

I know it's late, but it is still the Christmas season, so I am passing the award to:
Peach, Diane, Lee, Mirage, and Teacher Julie. Happy holidays to all!

*** Jenn ***

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

The place was rented until midnight, and because we still have more than an hour, most of us decided to stay and continue the party into the pool. Brother said he will take a dip, so might as well take a dip myself, after all, a pool party is not a pool party if I don't get to experience the pool part of it.

One of the things I love being in this community is the fact that not only are people very friendly, once that a camera is set to take a picture, people gather up to pose for a picture as if all of us have known each other for years! Ela didn't bring any extra clothes, so we asked if she could take pictures instead. She was very happy to oblige, so to Ella, thanks for the pictures!

Speaking of pictures, here are just a few from the pool after-party:

Nino and I. Honestly, I don't know who the guy is, it was the first time I saw him, and I didn't exchange conversations with him. What happened was, I was posing for pictures when he came - so he can be included in the picture, too, and he was shouting to the others to pose for pictures, but seems all were busy, so it became just him and I in the picture.

One of the group pictures I love - it shows the closeness between all of us, that even if we are all not really close enough, God's love is the one thing that brings us closer together.

My brother and I - shot by Ecko. After this pose, we decided to go out of the pool because Ella already expressed that she wanted to go home already, and since we live in the same subdivision, might as well travel back home with her. There were delays, however, when Mae talked to Ela, then afterward the others asked if we could wait for them so we can go home together.

Just one of the few shots before calling it a night... or day. It was past 12mn, yet we were still there because we were waiting for others. Grace, was draining her camera's batteries, so she just take pictures after pictures, and I asked if brother could take pictures, too, so I can have some copies of my own if I cannot get copies from Grace. There were two cameras taking pictures side by side, hence people look at different directions. =)

Overall, the party was great. It was a great bonding moment with friends, as well as getting acquainted with new people. I just hope people with cameras on that day would also share their pictures, as I also want to have copies of their pictures, especially those taken from Rowell's camera. He had a waterproof camera, and I was able to have my very first underwater shot, yet I cannot share it yet because I still haven't talked to him to get the copies. Rowell, if you can read this, please give me a copy of the pictures. Thanks a lot!

At around 12:30AM, we all left the place. Some had their own vehicles, while some - including us just walked from the place to the main highway where we took the jeep home. Close friends still wanted to have more bonding moments, and Ela graciously offered her place, so off we went to Ela's. While walking, I tried playing with the camera, hoping to get a light manipulation shot from the vehicles' as well as the post lights, but my digital camera can freeze images, so I used my cell phone. The top image was from the digital camera, the one below was from my cell phone.

We stayed in Ela's house until 6AM where we talked about first impressions, books, movies, as well as personal insights. Getting to talk to them on a more personal level helped me understand them and appreciate them more. I just love them a lot, and I am just so thankful that I am surrounded with people like them.

*** Jenn ***