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
12.17.2007
12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (DAY 6)
six scarves a-hanging!
five Pritos rings!
four China trips!
three siblings!
two pamangkins!
and a successful Christmas party!
Time to celebrate another thing that makes me happy: FASHION!
(Yeah, I just had to write that in pink! Haha...)
Fa-syon is the ultimate expression of mood, creativity, personality, and of course good taste.
Dressing well means you know how to put yourself together, like a painting in this museum of a world!
Now I've always had a penchant for the unconventional. Ergo one-of-a-kind jewellery, funky twists to classic styles, colors and designs the ho-hum boring types would never dare to wear, and of course fun fun fun accessories! Aside from hats (which always depict a look!) and brooches (adds an instant sparkle to clean sophisticated pieces), I've discovered a love for scarves. I probably have more than a dozen bought from different countries, with varied designs but here are my six ultimate favorites, a sort of representation of my style:
ONE: multi-colored with butterflies
* extra long that it could actually be used as a sarong, made of rich silk, bought from Chatuchak Market, Thailand
Butterflies in all their color and beauty, what more can I say?
TWO: Go LV!
* bought from China (can't remember which city though, I think Guangzhou)
beige and brown very classy scarf with LV print
I love this one because it's so Hollywood. I feel like a Marilyn or a Renee wearing one. Best worn with big black glasses and a big bag. 
THREE: animal print
* bought from Shanghai, China along with so many other scarves
RARRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!
Whether it's leopard, cheetah, tiger or whatsoever animal you have there... just a little bit is enough to put a "fierce" factor into any outfit!
No to real fur / animal killing though!
FOUR: white floral crochet
* bought from Thailand, a specialty shop
Simple is also pretty. This one is very simple in color and design but I like the artistry -- great handiwork! All the beading and patches were hand sewn. Talk about matiyaga!
FIVE: sheer blue scarf
* bought from Market! Market! mall in the Philippines (one of my fave malls, so close to our house!) at a real bargain!
I love this one because we used it for our Aladdin number in the 2006 MAERSKquerade Christmas party! The moment I saw it, I knew it would add a flair to our dance number and thus bought lots of them for all the girls and it was a fashion statement (added grace to the dance movements and complemented our outfits!)
SIX: ultimate silk scarf
* bought from a famous shop in Silk Street, China
A bit expensive but being 100% handwoven silk with a pretty pretty pattern, it's my ultimate silk scarf.
ASIDE FROM ENJOYING FOOD THIS HOLIDAYS, HAVE A FASHIONABLE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!
Labels: magic wand, miscellaneous, musings, on the side, postcard, scrapbook, travelogue
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 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (DAY 3)
three siblings!
two pamangkins!
and a successful Christmas party!
Psychologists are correct: four kids in the family allow for a very balanced disposition for each child. Not to mention the chaotic fun for that family unit!
And we're a good 2 girls - 2 boys : girl-boy-girl-boy pattern only 1-2 years apart from each other at that!
Ang galing talaga ng parents namin! Hehehe...
Ladies and gentlemen, meet my siblings:
GIL RUSSELL
ever dependable
richest of us all (and thus, "The Bank of Gil")
super complimentary to my outgoing personality with his quietness na deep (being very smart and kind and patient when you come to know his character)
our lovable Shrek
RUFFA GAYLA
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my favorite sister (by default! hehehe... no, seriously, by choice as well if I ever had a choice...)
my kasabayan in kakikayan, pagka-shopaholic, kakulitan, kalambingan, katarayan, pagka-loka-loka and all that
I tell you, sisterly bond is one of the best things in life. No matter what you go through, whomever you meet, wherever life may lead you... you can always go to someone who can understand you and accept you and care for you.
GIL RICHARD
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presenting Barangay Napindan's SK Chairman!!!
our baby bunso
Sabi nila at first, "the black sheep" of the family. But I disagree! He has his own thing, he can hold himself sa tapatan naming apat... Streetsmarts, social skills, and charm afterall are equally important as with excelling in school.
mega madiskarte
kilabot ng mga bading (hehehe!), crushie ng bayan
MVP in basketball and online games
THE SAN PEDRO KIDS
in order from right to left / top to bottom:
Rachelle Grace, Gil Russell, Ruffa Gayla, Gil Richard
NOW AM I NOT ONE OF THE LUCKIEST GIRLS ALIVE TO HAVE NOT ONE, NOT TWO, BUT THREE WONDERFUL SIBLINGS? I THINK I AM.
Labels: miscellaneous, musings, on the side, royal family, scrapbook
12.14.2007
12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (DAY 2)
On the second day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me...
two pamangkins!
and a successful Christmas party!
Allow me to expound... two super duper cute, impressively smart, mega malambing, siguradong-gwapo-paglaki, totally-addicted-sa-cars, very makulit, absolutely adorable pamangkins!!!
The R and R that bring me so much joy. Ate Rachelle with Renzo Miguel and Raidon Theodore.
I sure would like to have kids as wonderful as Rai and Ren when the right time comes. Though for now, I'm happy to be their ate tita.
Labels: miscellaneous, musings, on the side, royal family, scrapbook
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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