GIRL INTERRUPTED
GIRL INTERRUPTED
12.24.2007
12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (DAYS 10, 11 and 12)
But anyway, I'd like to greet everyone:
A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS
Wishing you all the blessings of Christ: true happiness, love, success, prosperity and peace of mind.
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On the tenth day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me...
ten kids a-smiling!
nine ladies shining!
eight girls I'm-loving!
seven lines a-running!
six scarves a-hanging!
five Pritos rings!
four China trips!
three siblings!
two pamangkins!
and a successful Christmas party!
:)
At least ten kids out of our many CHICKENJOY CLUB babies are smiling!
And I can't tell you how very proud and how deeply happy I am about that. :)
For those yet unfamiliar with the concept, THE CHICKENJOY CLUB started a few years back when a colleague and I were talking and came to the observation that due to its image -- embedded in the spirit of fun childhood, the togetherness of family, a Pinoy taste and lifestyle, etc., the CHICKENJOY has become more than a piece of fried chicken! It's something that could bring joy.
So I've been gathering friends, colleagues, volunteers during Christmas and birthdays to randomly treat a few street kids out for dinner at Jollibee. Donations and gifts included.
And each "run" we've had has been a wonderful experience! We get to GIVE BACK for the many blessings we've received. The kids are fed and cared for -- they suddenly have ATEs and KUYAs. We all have FUN! FUN! FUN! And it makes us appreciate the great gift of LOVE all the more.
Photos of our latest run (December 21 at Jollibee in Katipunan with 16 street children) are posted in this album:
THE CHICKENJOY CLUB (DECEMBER 2008 RUN)
Past runs:
THE CHICKENJOY CLUB
THE CHICKENJOY CLUB (BIRTHDAY RUN)
Next birthday / Christmas ulit!!!
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On the eleventh day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me...
eleven presents waiting!
ten kids a-smiling!
nine ladies shining!
eight girls I'm-loving!
seven lines a-running!
six scarves a-hanging!
five Pritos rings!
four China trips!
three siblings!
two pamangkins!
and a successful Christmas party!
:)
I LOVE PRESENTS!!!
Both giving them (and shopping for them and bargaining for them and wrapping them and putting a card or a letter on them) and receiving them (hopefully lots and lots of them, hehe ).
I've given and received a lot of presents this year -- especially this Christmas, during my birthday celebrations, at special events, and even nice surprises randomly. It's always nice to make someone happy and to have someone give you something from the heart, an effort to make you happy.
Some of the gifts I bought that I am just really happy about (Thankfully, the recipients don't read my Multiply [in this case Blogger since the entry is cross-posted]--they're kids pa lang noh, and those naman who do I've already handed out my present for them so it's ok to disclose):
1. an F1 racer jacket I bought in China for my car-addict favorite pamangkin and inaanak Renzo Miguel
2. a black Spiderman uber cool model for my other boy inaanak Basty
3. and 4. Disney Princess MP3 players (playing my childhood Disney songs: "Someday my Prince will come," "Colors of the Wind," "Part of Your World," and "You'll be in my Heart," among others) for my pretty girl inaanaks Ashley Nicole and Gwen
5. and 6. really "gwapo" polo shirts for my brothers Gil Russell and Gil Richard
7. and 8. skinny jeans and a beautiful pearl bracelet for my sistah
9. Noralen's special yellow smiley cup (with feet! super adorable-looking! and with her name on it!) because she has never returned my yellow cup since she borrowed it several months back... so I'm guessing she'll love one for herself! Hehe... :)
10. facial GCs for my tito "monito" in the family exchange gift
11. (collectively) fab matching bracelets in personalized colors for my gurlfriends (shiny glittered dolphins for the Shungak girls and customized sea memorabilia inspired glass ones for my office friends) (Aside: What can I say? I like wearing pretty things together with my girls! :) )
And then since I started na a terno-terno fashion accessory na iba-ibang design lang trend, I got my "boyfriends" astig leather bracelets...
POST-HOLIDAYS NOTE:
Super katuwa si Basty and Renzo and Gwen. Kids are so appreciative of gifts talaga and it's so worth it to find them something really nice for the smiles you see on their faces.
Basty ripped the package of my gift for him in under 5 seconds and immediately ran off waving his Batman in the air screaming "Batman!!!!!!!!"
Renzo hugged the F1 jacket when he saw it. Then he so cutely asked me, "But how about when I get big? How can I wear this in the race track?" Hahaha... I just told him, "Then I'll buy you a bigger one when you get bigger... As long as you're a good boy."
Gwen immediately used the Disney headphones and started singing along.
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And finally...
On the twelfth day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me...
twelve defining moments!
eleven presents waiting!
ten kids a-smiling!
nine ladies shining!
eight girls I'm-loving!
seven lines a-running!
six scarves a-hanging!
five Pritos rings!
four China trips!
three siblings!
two pamangkins!
and a successful Christmas party!
:)
2007 has been quite a year for me.
Among the big events--what I consider to be "defining moments" from the past twelve months, are:
* a promotion -- YEY!!! (from Account Executive to Senior Account Executive! Senior Sales at 23, I'm really proud of that!)
* a grand series of birthday celebrations
* two more runs of THE CHICKENJOY CLUB (As I've mentioned in previous entries/albums about it, the project is really close to my heart. It is one of the things I'm happy and proud of doing and it's fantastic to see people supporting the cause.)
* several travel opportunities (both domestic and international)
* getting better with my financial management (Well, still a long way to go but at least I've made some progress!)
* a lot of fun fashion experimentation
* fun fun fun gimmicks (clubbing, concerts like Christina's and Beyonce's, out-of-town trips, dinners, drinking sessions, movie dates)
* loads of camwhorage (moments! moments! memories! memories!)
* getting back to my writing
* a successful stint as MEC President
Even though it's a lot of hard work and sometimes feels like a thankless job, I truly enjoyed and learned from the entire experience. All the projects were wonderful. I also had fun with the branding and communication. The leadership and development aspects likewise challenged and taught me a lot.
Thank you so much to the people who have trusted me with the position. And to everyone who helped and supported along the way.
Like I've said in my farewell message to +B ALL PH (our national email group), "it was an honor and a pleasure to serve."
(Good luck to the next batch! Wish you all the best! )
* overall getting to really know myself and be proud of the person I am
'TWAS A FANTASTIC YEAR!!!
Hopefully 2008 will be even better.
Labels: corporate drama, grand ball, love story, magic circle, magic wand, manuscript, miscellaneous, musings, on the side, royal family, scrapbook, she-talk, travelogue
12.20.2007
12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (DAYS 8 and 9)
*** a special double-entry ***
On the eighth day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me...
On the ninth day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me...
I LOVE MY GURLFRIENDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My "12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS" just wouldn't be complete without a citation of the ladies who are always there for me, who I can talk to for hours and hours, whom I pig out with, whom I cheat on diets with, whom I shop with, who I laugh with, who I cry with, who I take loads of pictures with, who share my kilig moments, who support me in my achievements, who pull me out of depressed moments, who give me perspective, who confide in me, who listen to me... who just in general are wonderful, colorful, integral parts of my life!
And because one Christmas day isn't enough to cover them, I dedicate two whole days. They're very much worth it anyway.
THE EIGHT GIRLS I'M-LOVING AND NINE LADIES SHINING:
(in no particular order since they're all uniquely special)
Kristine Joy Quibael - my very bestfriend
I seem to get close to a lot of Kristines (and with this particular K spelling by some weird coincidence!). Just love 'em, especially this one. Loveyeah Best!
Trivia: My fave expression "Loveyeah" actually came from this Kristine.
More Trivia: She's the best person to write my biography if ever. She knows the entire history of my family, my academic life, my work life, my love life, etcetera.
The Wacky and Lovely Ladies of the Shungak Barkada: Maureen Sorreta (Mamau), Kristine Terrible (Tintotz), Melissa Daian "Mitzi" Alojipan (Meechee), Mariel "Blooey" Singson (BlooBloo), Jhoanna "Jing" Espinosa (JingJing), Charity Osdon (Chattie)
College wouldn't have been half as fun and memorable without these girls!
(shout-out to Taskeen btw, we miss you!)
From my Highschool Barkada: Romina Atienza (Mhinamhins) and Cherrie Aro (Chewi Pie) aside from Kristine best
Thank you girls for always being there!
(shout-out to Mei and Carla too! )
Kristine Pante (a.k.a. KSP Gurl)
Lovely inside and out!
Burned my phone line the most... Hehehe...
Catherine Escara (CatCat)
Our friendship started and blossomed very unexpectedly but I'm so happy and I feel so lucky that it did because she is one of the friends I have that I know ALWAYS, ALWAYS has my back.
Shopping sistah!
CatCat, you're a real star! I'm very very happy for you and the good things in your life right now.
Noralen Arcangel (Nors, Norsky, Nors Ganda)
As sturdy, as strong, as enduring, as inspiring as a tree...
My first close friend sa Maersk. Thanks for being there from the beginning of my journey up until now...
I really hope your Prince Charming finds you na. 
He's missing out on a lot not being with you now. I'm a testament to how lovely you have blossomed in terms of appearance, intelligence, and personality. Go Nors!
Melanie Bernardino (Ate Ebong)
IDOL!!!!!!!!!!
Salamat sa pagiging ate (with the carino brutal pagalit at mga payo kapag kailangan) at pagiging kabarkada (very youthful spirit) rolled into one.
Donna Pacheco (Donnakins)
Donna, inspite the risk of sounding cheesy, I'll say it anyway... I really value having someone like you in my life. They say the best way to grow is to surround yourself with people who have a good head on their shoulders. You're definitely that. I'll keep you for life!
Joyce Talag (Joyce T)
The celebration of being a woman!
Joyce, thanks for "heralding" women's rights, women's issues, and gender equality with me. I've learned a lot during our stint with MULIERIS.
Here's to BATHALUMAN for 2008! (Aside: I'm free na. Have already ended my term in Maersk Employee Committee so ready, ready, ready for our little project!)
TFLs (True Friends for Life): Madonna Idica (Mads) and Chriszelle Borja (Chrisz)
I've only gotten to know you this year, super short period of time pa lang... but I feel very comfy and very close to you kaagad.
Mads, thanks for being my kakulitan through all the drama, kilig, fashion moments, and work dilemmas and success.
Chrisz, go lesbo action! Hahaha... Joke! But seriously, loveyeah (platonically of course!)
ADDITIONAL SHOUTOUTS:
MY COLLEGE ROOMIES (especially ate LaC plus Matet, Paula Peechan, Leah loka-loka, Mhava, Sweet, Ate Grace and our Ate Nina and Tita Joyce!), second home talaga!!!
Jayme Santos - my super amazing sister-writer-soulmate!!!
MY MAERSK GURLS: Rome and Lawrence (since gurl ka, kasali ka sa listahan ko! hehehe) and Hedda --- you are all FABULOUS with a capital F!!!
Plus MEC and Sales peeps: Rhona (all the best sa marriage), Mikki (all the best sa marriage rin!), J2 (Go San Miguel! Hehe...)
Cuzins Mickey and Tina from my father's side and Cuzin Hannah from my mother's side - Loveyeah! Mwah! You guys are both family and friend to me!
Labels: corporate drama, love story, magic circle, magic wand, miscellaneous, musings, on the side, royal family, she-talk
12.15.2007
12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (DAY 4)
On the fourth day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me...
four China trips!
three siblings!
two pamangkins!
and a successful Christmas party!
Oh yeah! 2007 has been a fun travelling year for this jet setter! 
I got to visit the Greater China Area four times. That's once every quarter with stops at Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou.
Allow me to relive the memories...
1. March 17-24 Safmarine strategy meetings for multi-trades : Guangzhou
Highlights:
* meeting up with my friend Hiroko-san (We went around the city, ate and drank loads together, shopped shopped shopped!)
* sampling and buying lots of super yummy Chinese tea (from jasmine to green to dragon to lychee)
* going on a ferry boat ride (nice river and lights especially the ones on the bridge)
* getting to watch a cool circus show
* and of course the Safmarine Customer Dinner where I met very important and very interesting people
(Album: @ missprimbutnotproper.multiply.com)
2. April 25-28 SAFARI meetings : Shanghai and Hangzhou
Highlights:
* Goodness, this was the trip where I got drunk... 
Blech!
* My phone died. Really tragic! 
* But my luck changed in Hangzhou... very beautiful province with a beautiful lake... super relaxing time!
* the fabulous show about Hangzhou province
* staying at two nice hotels
* super productive SAFARI meetings
* clubbing with my new friend Eiko-chang together with our bosses Shiva and Peter and other Safmariner friends
(Album: @missprimbutnotproper.multiply.com)
3. August 22-26 Safmarine Annual Sales and Budget Meeting : Beijing
Highlights:
* The Great Wall of course!
* plus The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square and Silk Street and the Beijing Zoo and Beijing Inhouse Aquarium
* getting to try the toxic local drink MAO TAI
* staying at the fabulous St. Regis hotel
* mega bonding (as usual) with Duc and Reggie and Jason and my SEA brothers plus new European friends
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(Album: @missprimbutnotproper.multiply.com)
4. November 15-20 Gurlfriends Vacation : Shanghai and Beijing
Highlights:
* Even though I dug from my own pockets for this one as opposed to the company paying for me for my other trips, this was definitely memorable! Mega bonding with my gurlfriends Kristine, Ate Ebong, Hedda Gurl, Nors, and Romella.
* The Great Wall, an experience with snow! Rode a cable car pa! (different from the first time where I climbed all the way up for one stretch, summer time)
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* getting to ride a camel (YIPEEEE!!!!!!!!! super fun!!!!!)
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* super food trip
* kilig moments and mga kulit boy fans episodes (Kamusta naman? Para kaming artista. Dami nagpa-picture hanggang airport. Hahaha...)
* the amazing night skyline that is THE BUND
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* mega camwhorage
(Album: @missprimbutnotproper.multiply.com)
HERE'S TO HOPEFULLY MORE FUN, FULFILLING, ADVENTURE-FILLED TRIPS FOR 2008!
Labels: corporate drama, love story, magic circle, miscellaneous, on the side, postcard, scrapbook, travelogue
12.13.2007
12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (DAY 1)
On the first day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me...
a successful Christmas party!
I just thought it'd be fun to make a list, my very own 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS. A good chance to acknowledge and feel thankful for the many wonderful blessings in my life.
I chose the Christmas party because it symbolizes:
* my successful, fun, and meaningful stint as MEC President (Thanks to the Maersk management and community for the trust and the support. It was an honor to serve.)
* the celebration of friendship ('twas a really fantastic party!!!)
* good teamwork for Commercial ("So You Think You Can Dance?")
* really fulfilling event organizing
* and of course, the culmination of a year's worth of hard work at Maersk. (For all its ups and downs, the stresses and the good moments, the TEUs and FFEs, changes, a promotion, daily learnings, etc... I'm surprised to have this come out of my mouth but... really thinking about it and weighing things, I'm happy with Maersk.)
Labels: corporate drama, grand ball, magic circle, miscellaneous, musings, on the side
GIRL INTERRUPTED
GIRL INTERRUPTED
Hi! I am Rachelle and this is my online journal.
Hear what I have to say. Look and see inside of me. Enter the mind of a girl, interrupted.
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