Day 263, Dec 27, 2011

Cheers!

This is from Gina's 'Golden' party held at the CAB cafe in Pasig. We all attended and did a birthday countdown - she has the party the evening before and we all waited for the midnight countdown.

As midnight came close, the guests thinned out - it seems that we were the only people left in the Cafe, as we were enjoying great food, mojitos (my mix), great sounds (from Mon's iPod), great company and we were even itroduced to some great port (chocolate flavored dessert wine).

This picture shows us toasting Gina at the stroke of Midnight. So technically, this picture was shot at the 27th of December (as opposed to the 26th).

Day 262, Dec 26, 2011

Christmas Ham:

How many people wake up the day after Christmas, and enjoy Christmas leftovers? I suspect that if we take a poll, there would be overwhelming numbers answering 'yes' to this?

I enjoyed breakfast - which was basically the remnants of our Christmas ham, with scrambled eggs and bread slices. For some reason, this simple staple was a more than welcome meal after all those days of having really rich dishes.

Today is also the day I need to renew my resolve to have some exercise. After all, I'm sure I gained some weight with the past days meals. Ah well... such is the Christmas season... and it isn't over yet.

Day 261, Dec 25, 2011

Merry Christmas!

What does this usually mean? In one aspect, it means rich food - ones we will regret taking after... and lots of booze - at least, for those of us who imbibe (and I do)... but ones that need to be taken in moderation - specially when one plans to drive around after.

It means giving gifts - you know... the ones you had to go over-budget to get? It means receiving gifts that you appreciate - or quietly contemplate recycling and giving to others. It means reunions with people you like - or with those you hardly know. It means horrendous traffic leading up to the 25th, as the last minute shopping frenzy peaks.

Christmas is represented by all these.

And yet,

Christmas is about Goodwill... and not just to your loved ones. Its about seeing the smiles of children as they open gifts... not to mention the anticipation of their trying to wait for Midnight (at least, for the families that practice gift opening at 12 midnight - like mine). Christmas is about seeing Christmas decors beautify the neighborhood, the malls, your home.

Most of all, its about remembering the birth of Jesus Christ and the messages connected to it, such as Hope, Charity, Love and Forgiveness. Regardless of the inconsistencies - be it historical or biblical, the message remains.

Peace on Earth... Goodwill to all.

Day 260, Dec 24, 2011

Reunions:

Yup... 'tis the season once more. When I get to rub elbows with relatives I've hardly seen, talked to and for some even recognize. But at least, this reunion is a happy one - as opposed to, say, meeting up in someone's funeral.

Its a time for us to play catch-up, of sorts... and find out what's been happening to some of my cousins' lives, and I only lament the fact that we'll most likely see each other New Years' (and maybe not even) or next Christmas. So why is this the trend? I don't know... I guess my life's been so isolated from theirs that I hardly find reason to link up with them in non-special occasions. I try to find occasions to join my dad, or  be with my mom's family as well - but these occasions don't just show up entirely. In fact, I doubt I'm in their radar when talks and plans of 'family' trips come to mind. 

I could blame my mom for isolating us... I could also consider distance as a factor in making me bump into them less often... but the fact remains that I've grown and set a life independent of this or that tribe. Sometimes, I feel the loss of possible wisdom said tribe could have given me - just sometimes. After all, moping about it won't get me anywhere. So I just continue on - and be thankful for these brief glimpses about them in FB... and of reunions like this. Meanwhile, I can also consider the possible aggravation that such close proximity could have given me too, and think that my mom had her reasons... and distance? Well, that is less of a hindrance now.

Who knows? Maybe next year will give me more opportunities to be closer to these tribes.

Day 259, Dec 23, 2011

Our Technical Assistants:

Whenever we've a class, there are preparatory steps that need to be done, such things like room reservations, equipment working fine, food and drinks and other logistical items - including the needed flip chart paper and markers... well these people are the ones who do it.

Should they do things right, then all we need ot so is just walk into teh training room, conduct our stuff and leave the rest to them - either to dispose of... or keep until the next time.

I stumbled into their Christmas party preparations, and agreed to take some pictures and post in F.B. That way, they'll have some sort of reminder before the party.

Day 258, Dec 22, 2011

Testing's energizers:

This is the Application Testing Class that Tess and I are handling, and what this picture captures is the enthusiasm that the participants go through whenever we make them go through the group charades.

My picture's view is at the side of the groups (there are two of them) as they try to act out the titles of movies - relatively old Filipino movies at that - all courtesy of Tess' efforts.

This happens to be the last Application Testing School conduct for 2011 as well, and a countdown to our vacation before 2012 brings us back to work. In Tess' case, it is her last working day for 2011... as for me, I still have until the end of this week before my vacation starts.

Day 257, Dec 21, 2011

Christmas party:

This is our - and when I say our, I mean my and my colleagues, second Christmas party with Phoenix One. As Christmas parties go, this one was okay. It had food, games - in a manner of speaking, raffles, and beer... which I and two other friends (Jingo and Brian) appreciated until the midnight hour.

For the most part, our relationship with Phoenix One has had a lot of bumps - but they have likewise given us a lot of leeway too. There is also the trust they show, and on our end we do not abuse said trust. Its a unique working relationship - one that has lasted for two years - and looks to be ready to start with a third year. Here's hoping it becomes an even better working relationship for everyone concerned... otherwise, here's hoping we get better deals. I hate sounding like a mercenary - but in essence, that is what I am in another name... a freelance... a consultant... and my main concern is to have enough to save for not just my needs - but for my family's as well.

In the meantime, Christmas parties like this bring us closer to the larger PhoenixOne 'family' - and I for one am glad to have that feeling of belonging... specially in the Christmas season. By the way, the ham and spaghetti give-away was very useful and I do hope, well appreciated. You see,  I gave them to a more deserving family. Through Barbie's company - JJMP, we already have our share of ham and other necessary item. So... time to share our blessings.

Day 256, Dec 20, 2011

Cinnamon delights:

These great tasting treats were one of several items brought home by Bernice after enjoying an overnight birthday party - out of town (in Batangas). One thing that Bernice and I discussed, as part of my allowing her to go with her classmates, was to bring home pasalubong.

But pasalubong aside, how did I consider allowing Bernice to go out of town with her classmates? For starters, it has to be an exercise in trust. I trust her classmates - and her. I needed to show this to Bernice. I hope that she appreciates it... and not just for her enjoyment either. I want her to appreciate my openness. Barbie always complains that her dad never allowed her to go out with friends at such an age... but should I follow such a strict approach, would I be making Bernice rebel and just do the same when Barbie and I are not looking?

Then again, would my allowing her make her become more free spirited anyway? Its a fine line I tread. I just hope that trust will beget trust, and that Bernice will not give me cause for feeling disappointed.

Day 255, Dec 19, 2011

Mixer of my dreams:

Way back in High School, I started having a strong liking to music... mostly pop and dance music. You see, I was not the most popular guy in school and social circles - but by being knowledgeable in, and with party music I hoped for some kind of equalizer.

In some instance, that worked - and more so with my friend/classmate of like interest, H.B. who happened to have the equipment that could allow us to practice our hobby - which was being the party D.J. No surprise then that I found myself getting to know how to use these equipment, as the one in this picture shows (a multi-channeled mixer worthy of any studio), granted... our toys back then were - when compared to this, toys indeed.

This particular piece of equipment was lying around in the pantry area of the Global1 Accenture site, and I could not help but admire it - at least, enough to grab my camera and try to experiment with ways to capture it - after all, I was, at this point, mixing two passions of mine - music mixing and photography. As you can see, I opted for a macro shot to emphasize the size of this mixer.

I hope to some day get to use such an equipment in a studio. Hmmm... is it too late to consider myself a music producer?

Day 254, Dec 18, 2011

Decorated Tree:

For the record, the tree was fully decorated a few days ago - however, being as hectic the days are, I've not had time to post the picture I took of our tree - until now.

As usual, Barbie did all the decorating - as is her traditional responsibility - I take care of setting up the tree and lights, while she is responsible for the decors all around our home... except for a few highlights done by me, here and there.

Personally, I'm glad she rose to the challenge of decorating the tree this year, as she had voiced out the fact that she was no where near looking forward to the Christmas celebration this year - with her dad recently passed away.

Guess my decision to buy a new and taller tree - complete with a new set of lights rubbed off on her... making her want ot decorate the tree again. I'm glad my idea worked too. SO there you have it, our new tree - proud as can be. Sometimes, we take how our tree looks for granted - until we see others... friends and family alike, with their tree. Not to belittle their efforts, mind you... but for me, I would like to show the importance of Christmas by putting effort on making sure our tree is well built, lighted and spruced up. After all, it does me proud to hear neighbors comment on how lovely our tree looks. It is the centerpiece to our place's Christmas celebration.

For this picture, I wanted to emphasize the decors as against the lights - and besides, I believe I already showed the tree lighted. This was to prove the tree was decorated as well, hence tree lights off - room lights on.

Day 253, Dec 17, 2011

Christmas Bacardi:

As tradition dictates, a number of friends and I... mostly colleagues (or past colleagues) gather at Naira's place to enjoy each other's company; to share experiences; renew acquaintances; eat; have our white elephant exchange gifts and (of course) enjoy our red mojitos (as seen in this picture).

From afar, this looks like Kool Aid, or maybe even cranberry juice - but its actually got Bacardi, Seven-up and some grenadine for coloring... to finish the Christmas look, I garnish the drink with some crushed mint leaves - as tradition dictates for the Mojitos mixture. So yeah... despite its seemingly harmless look, this is one potent drink (or at least, as potent as Jingo or I allow).

This evening was all me at the mixing though, so if anyone felt giddy, dizzy or drunk, that would be because of me and my Mojitos mix.

Still, this evening's get together was wonderful - we even had a new joiner by way of Ariel. We... that is, Naira, Mon, Jingo, Fiel, Marie, Gina, Marimel, Mike and I naturally missed some absent friends - and hope to see them in a hopefully successfully planned Bacardi night... one that I will start rolling the ball for, after the holidays.

Day 252, Dec 16, 2011

Guiltless:

This is what the cake's name connotes, and as I partake of my cake slice, I often wonder - how many more of these slices can I enjoy, before guilt finally checks in?

Why say this? Its obvious that this cake - a staple from the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, is one great tasting cake, and had I been less health conscious, I could easily consume half the cake - and that's being conservative.

Of course I don't really indulge too much in this - after all, if one has this in too much frequency, it will lose its allure and become a mundane item. So I just partake of this once a month (at its most frequent turn), and reconsider the same question whenever I take my first bite. Today was another dessert binge with Gina and Jinky in McKinley's Piazza - and yes, this likewise happened during lunch break.

For this picture, I tried a close focused macro shot... I liked seeing pictures that could focus on the details, and often wondered how they do it. Well, its nice to know, I can come up with such pics as well. Believe it or not, I also have Bernice to thank for this idea - as macro shots seem to be her favorite kinds... those and black and whites too.

Day 251, Dec 15, 2011

Just Desserts:

Once in a while, like today for instance, I go to Sol Gelatto to avail of some gelatto (Italian-inspired, really creamy ice cream).

It may be a bit pricey - thus my not enjoying it on a daily basis (aside from the calorie content each scoop must contain) - but when I do feel like enjoying them, I march to this store - order a scoop... or more precisely, order a scoop with my espresso fix (a.k.a. an afoggato) and have my well deserved dessert. Now, I normally enjoy this with Fiel's company - but today, with Fiel in another location, I went with Gina, Jinky and Ditas (someone who preceded me in I/ACT). This came about after having a not so satisfying lunch, so we decided to have some great dessert as we still had time with our lunch break. 

After all, we just wanted to have some self-congratulatory feel good food prior to continuing our respective training in Accenture's McKinley site.

Day 250, Dec 14, 2011

Gifted quartet:

It was amazing to watch these kids perform for us this evening. The event was the 40th day of dad's passing, and we were gathered to commemorate it with family and friends.

Bern, the eldest of Barbie's siblings, has a friend who brought his family along to be with us. Nothing different about that... I mean, there were a good number of guests there as well. I also arrived a bit late, as I had to come from work. Later, the kids brought out their instruments... as the picture shows, three of them had flutes and one used the violin. Suddenly, the evening of chatting was transformed into a mini concierto... one that I appreciated quite well. Makes me wonder why we didn't bother making Bryce or Bernice learn a musical instrument while they were younger.

Oh well... nothing really lost by their not learning... and I guess, Barbie and I were really never musically inclined to pursue such a goal.

Day 249, Dec 13, 2011

Testing - day 2:

Day two of Application Testing School in Eastwood, and the afternoon normally starts with Tess' group charades energizer. That's why there are two people sitting down and a lot of them standing at the far end of the room (including me hamming it up a bit at the rear - at Tess' suggestion... yes, she took this shot).

As I was saying, this is the second day to the two day course, and the energizer is normally used to remove any sleepiness lingering in the students - after the hiatus that is lunchtime. Once this is done, I normally take the afternoon lectures, so naturally, I'm also getting ready to facilitate.

Day 248, Dec 12, 2011

Breakfast at Eastwood:

My training conduct brings me to Eastwood mall - specifically, the Global One office of Accenture and this was one time I did not have to bring Barbie, nor Bryce to their respective places (J&J office or DLSU), so from my bringing Bernice to O.B. Montessori, Greenhills, I got to  drive straight to Eastwood.

Naturally, I arrived early, and decided to have breakfast first... and I gravitated to Starbucks... not because I was collecting stickers for the planner (look closely at what my Star Trek book is resting on - that's my recently acquired Starbucks planner), but for the coffee, food and a bit of ambiance. I also wanted to observe the Eastwood morning crowd - though I guess, I would have seen more had I gone to McDonalds, which is located in a less hidden area of Eastwood. Anyway, I did say ambiance right? So yeah, I wanted some quiet time while enjoying my breakfast. After all, when lecture time comes, there'll be more than enough noise.

Day 247, Dec 11, 2011

Eclipse:

For a moment, I thought I would not be able to see this. Today's weather was continuous rain, and with that came rain clouds - thick ones, since it was nearly raining the entire day.

Still, I tried looking outside when the rain subsided - though with a half resigned manner of expectation. Instead I saw relatively clear skies and a moon in the process of regaining its light - but while that was not yet the case, we had a blood red moon (as this picture shows).

That said, I don't know if other cultures practice moon worship - and if so, what is the meaning of an eclipse? Who knows. One thing for sure, it will not be connected to creatures out of Stephanie Mayer's novels. Nope... we live in a more mundane plane of existence.

So, how was the taking of this picture? Tiring comes to mind. I was literally trying to find the perfect spot for taking the picture, while setting up the tripod, but it isn't that easy at all. I had no stool to sit, my tripod could not do a full 90 degree look up - sheesh.

Day 246, Dec 10, 2011

Pampering:

Yup... the picture shows Mommy in the end stages of her manicure, as her hands are being blow-dried, so the nails would dry faster.

Prior to that, she also had her toe nails done (about the same time I was also having my toe nails done - which is just your usual cleaning and cutting).

The place is one we (meaning Barbie, Bernice and I) frequent whenever we go to Greenhills - though I do frequent it less often than the two. Needless to say, these people do good work - otherwise, I wouldn't return to them (though there was once a time I did not want to go here due to the fact that when I was having my toe nails, the manicurist accidentally wounded my toe. Ah well... I gave them another chance, and they didn't disappoint. Meanwhile, as seen here, Mommy is enjoying the experience.

Day 245, Dec 09, 2011

Reflections:

Normally I'd consider a picture like this as an epic failure with respect to having the image clearly captured. On the other hand, I noticed how the different reflections on the glass somehow conveyed a different dimension to the picture.

Consider for example, the lighted menu showing on the upper portion of the picture... they represent the farthest portion from the reflection's viewpoint.  Then there's the blurred image of the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf which represents the glass that I am shooting through. Finally, there is the scene outside - beyond the glass... that of the orange painted post lady waiting for a ride, and beyond her, the street, as represented by the wet pavement terminating in the painted gutter.

All these images get together to present a cacophony of images. Thus presenting a unique image. Of course my main intent was to try and capture the lady... but that was impossible to do in a cleaned environment (sans Photoshop usage) because of the bright lights within the coffee shop. Still, its nice to know that even by accident, I capture a relatively 'failed' picture - but still find some depth and dimension. Interesting.

Day 244, Dec 08, 2011

Family:

Christmas is often connected (and rightly so) with the birth of Jesus Christ - but I think there is something not being emphasized that is of great importance too... that of the family.

Yes we always see the nativity scene portrayed in many instances - and of course, this also connects Jesus... but let's not forget his parents (or surrogates) in this instance... Joseph for starters, and most especially Mary.

Today's date is likewise significant for Mary as it is the commemoration of the Immaculate Conception... a purely Catholic practice, if historical references are to be believed. Hence my taking this close-up of the Holy Family decor (not the first time I've done this either)... I wanted to somehow remember this day appropriately enough as one connected to Mary, mother of us all... and perfectly pure vessel for Christ. See? I am still a believer.

Day 243, Dec 07, 2011

Small things:

These decors help highlight the season of Christmas, and basically help put some 'spirit' or 'atmosphere' in the room - of course, they're not the only decors in the living room area, but they do add those little reminders when you state at the library - and who wouldn't want to stare at my library?

These figurines have been around for several years now and I sometimes get surprised with how I use them. Just a few years ago, I would put them together to form a mini diorama of Christmas related activities in the imaginary North pole... be it around the phone or elsewhere at any convenient table top. This year, though, since we have a toddler guest over the weekends (Jude Brent), I had to make sure these figurines are not within the kid's reach, hence their positioning at the top shelf of the library shelves. Who would have thought that it would look great against the backdrop of graphic novels?

Day 242, Dec 06, 2011

Doggies:

Got this picture of my two dogs - Buffy and Bubbles. It seems like the stairs has become their favorite hang out - this seems to be an established preference as opposed to an instinctive reactionary level. Fact is, this picture would be considered just normal - one that can be taken in any day... but ofr the Christmas stockings by the stairs.

So what do these two do by the stairs? Simple... its all about over-watch. After all, the stairs afford them the view from above - covering the front door, living area, dining table and kitchen. Hence its the perfect vantage point within the apartment. 

So, no one can go in or out without their knowing - and should the movement come from strangers, well... lets just say that things can become real noisy as these two sort out friends from foes.

Even as I look at this picture, I am reminded that I still need to shop around for Christmas gifts. Christmas is just around the corner... yet I'm still too busy to do this. Oh well... better luck next time (for me).

Day 241, Dec 05, 2011

Serious reading:

Yup, that's me enjoying some down time in my training - courtesy of Jinky my partner. And as I found myself with a lot of time on my hands, I opted to read a graphic compilation that I had bought yesterday - namely the Spider-man Red Sonja team-up.

Surprisingly, the story was relatively good - characterization was consistent and though the premise is somewhat a stretch, it did form as basis a really old Marvel Team-up story by Claremont and Byrne... imagine that.

Suffice it to say, I finished the book before lunchtime. Here's a picture of me looking serious while reading said graphic compilation. Yes, I got the hardbound copy.

Day 240, Dec 04, 2011

Gateway tree:

The Gateway in Cubao happens to be a place I rarely go to these days, and given that reality, when I was asked by Barbie to go to Gateway so she could do a work-related task, I did not mind the fact... even if the entire day was mostly rain-filled.

Good thing too, because this meant that there were not too many people in the streets nor at the mall - so the usual X-mas shopping crowds were not there. This allowed me to find parking (slightly challenging) and while Barbie was completing a reservation in Max's, Bernice and I were simply looking around in the mall's Fully Booked branch where I looked around for something interesting.

What I found out was simply too good to pass up. Simply put, I realized that the bookstore had a 20% discount for most of the books - prompting me to buy two books (one for Bernice) and two compilations. After the bookstore - which was just our way of passing time while waiting for Barbie, we went looking around a bit - and I then took a picture of the mall's multi-storied tree (as can be seen in the picture), which was apparently the mall's decor highlight. We then enjoyed some ice cream from Dairy Queen, before heading back home.

Day 239, Dec 03, 2011

Benj's rooftop!

This evening's Bacardi night was different because we held it five stories up (technically speaking) on Benj's roof deck. Yup - we were finally invited to 'Casa Esse' (loosely translated as the 'S' house - 'S' of course for Santillan), to spend an evening with Benj in his 'humble' domain.

It had great a great view of his neighborhood and we could clearly see the Makati skyline in the distance... heck, we could also see Mandaluyong and even Sta. Mesa - making me realize that we're not far from each other's places... assuming we could fly. It was basically just the seven of us... and Benj's kids treated us to a mini concierto with great food. Don't know about everyone else, but I hope to repeat the experience soon.

Thanks again to the Santillans for having us over.

Day 238, Dec 02, 2011

Greenhills:

One of the advantages (if you can call it that) of not having any training today was the fact that I was able to do some non-work activities with Barbie, Ben and mommy. At first, I was a bit reluctant to go to Greenhills, as I was already imagining the hardships of finding parking and other hassles accompanied with Greenhills, afternoons and Christmas shopping - but lucky for me I did because it seemed that there was not too many people and ample parking too.

Another reason I went was to meet with Bernice, class adviser for our rescheduled PTA meeting (a meeting I rescheduled, I might add) and get some much needed massage, as my limbs were really aching - and get a massage Ben and I did... from the friendly neighborhood blind masseurs whom I've not seen in a while. Boy did I really need that.

It was after that we all met in Starbucks, then as we waited for Bernice (we were to fetch her in Promenade), I opted to go look at Fully Booked... and ended up spending again.

Day 237, Dec 01, 2011

Batch X-mas party:

Every first Thursday of December, the batch 78 bastards (what we call ourselves) get together - taking a break from all their busy schedules to meet up, drink and catch up with each other.

Tonight was no exception, as we all drove our way to TJ's in Q.C. (a bit out of the way from our usual stomping grounds), and braving the Christmas traffic wasn't an easy feat either. That's why H.B. (person located at the rightmost of this picture) and I decided to leave a little early so we could get there with time to spare - and we did. T.J.'s was a nice place - two stories and well lit, good a place as any to hold the get together we had.

As most reunions are... we did meet old friends (Ricky Smith and Charlie Ysmeal - left and middle of the picture respectively, among others) and just enjoyed each other's company with some brown bottles (beer) or for the more discriminating palette, some really good scotch, plus pulutan. The food was acceptable if not somewhat limited in its variety, but I guess we were really there for the camaraderie. Overall, it was a good night and our next get together will be next year - at the La Salle Greenhills' annual homecoming event in February.