…a brief glance…

Hi All…

Well it’s only a few more days and it’s time for me to head on over to LONDON! OH MY GOSH! How time has flown by so fast. I can’t say I have done all that much, but I have had the pleasure of spending a lot of time with some of my cousins. Who are hillarious. I’m going to miss you Ate Nelle and Ate Sol. I laugh so much when I’m at your house.

This weekend that has just passed we as a whole CLAN (with the exception of Art and Ems)went to Subic. We left very early Saturday morning, like 6am. We visited the Zoo at Subic, and headed over to the houses we rented to pass out. We had three houses for the 35 people who came for the reunion.

We ate a lot and hung around. Karaoke was had…enough said. We headed home around noon, did the whole lunch thing, and the long drive home preceeded by a huge dinner.

In case I haven’t thanked my Posse friends for their voice tape, thank you. It was HILLARIOUS!!!Nice rendition of ‘I Can’ it had me in tears… of laughter mostly. Hehe.

Anyways… I’m at a mall doing this so I best sign off. Hopefully I will be able to log on once more before I go. If not, I’ll catch you guys from the other side.

Take care and Love lots!!!

I had such a long entry and I can’t use it! GRRRRR!!!! If onlymy short term memory was useful huh?

Anyways…I spent most of last week with the Oconer Clan and I had a blast with my cousins and Aunt. They’re soooo funny.

The weekend was spent in Sta Mesa with my other cousins, nieces and nephews. Whom I have to say are the one of teh cutest bunch of kids I have ever met…and no I am not biased at all.

My Mommy and Kuya are finally here and we are now at the Westin Hotel for the duration.

I can’t believe that I have less than two weeks to go. Am I ready? Heck no! At the same time I am getting more and more excited.

Having my Mom and Kuy here make me less homesick, but I still miss everyone so much.

Thank you to the Posse for my voicetape. I have yet to listen to it. I need to see if anyone still has a walkman.

Val, how’s your first week of work?? Hope it’s all good. As for everyone who’s been e-mailing. I have just gotten them and I will reply ASAP. Unfortunately I am accessing e-mail at hotel rates and even though the conversation ain’t that bad for an hourly rate, well, there’s london to think about…hehe!

This weekend we’re going to Suibc with the WHOLE Napiza clan, and I can’t wait to see the rest of the family.

Well I can’t think under pressure so I’m going to go. Hope everyone’s well and hopefully I can post the other entry, which is a lot more informative than this.

Peace out y’all!!! MuWAHHHH!!!

It feels like I have done nothing but eat these last two weeks. The sight or mere mention of food has me nauseous. Breakfast, shortly followed by lunch, shortly followed by SNACK, shortly followed by dinner…and there is always midnight snack somewhere in the midst! Oh my gosh! Words can’t express!

First and foremost…before I forget, and I most probably will! CONGRATULATIONS to VAL, on her very 1st job in S-Y-D-N-E-Y! Congratulations girl, I knew it wouldn’t be long. She’ll be in Circular Quay, working with Captain Cook Cruises. LUCY (Jeswina), you and Val can do lunch now. Since you’re both only a stones throw away from the Rocks. Take her to the Candy Kitchen.

I’m here at Sta Mesa spending time with my nieces and nephews. It’s been fun. EXHAUSTING, but fun. Tomorrow we’re going to Tagaytay for the day, which will be good. I’ll be taking Pics for sure. Will send once I can.

My Mommy and Kuy arrives on Monday! Yay!!! I can’t wait! I miss everyone so much already! Especially my Ats of course! We had our phone fix the other day and I think in the end it made us sadder. Not to mention she HAD to point out that I only had two weeks to go before I go….now how rude was that? Bursting my bubble of denial.

Anyways…I’ve had a mental breakdown and I don’t know what else to write…so with that goodbye all.

Take care…MWAH!!!

You know what’s more frustrating than the never ending rain and on going traffic? Going shopping when you are fully aware that you CANNOT shop! I mean I’ve had to bring my whole life with me in a backpack! Where am I supposed to squeeze in the shopping I so want to do! Oh well…I’m doing well so far. It’s like a 12 step program at the moment…more like 3 steps.

On Sunday I was picked up by my Tita Amor and Kuya Chad. We went to visit one of my many nieces in Alabang, Mikah, who like the other nieces and nephews, are incredibly adorable and cute…and no that is not biased opinion.

From there we hung around the mall, (MALLS MALLS MALLS) watched a movie (AGAIN) and they dropped me off to Quezon City to be with my other cousins. It has been fun. My cousins are home so I get to spend some time with them. Unfortunately I am proving to be a distraction to my cousin Sol who is studying for her MEDICAL BOARD EXAMS. Yesterday we went to…are you ready for this??? THE MALL, and watched a movie. We watched SHREK2 and it was hillarious. It gave the first one a run for its money, but I still love the first one for sentimental reasons. Hehe…

Today my cousins played Badminton, which is really big around here. We were there for like 3 hours. It was pretty fun…and all I did was watch in the sidelines. I also got to meet my Kuya Joel’s girlfriend Noreen, who was extremely nice. After lunch my cousins and I went to Greenhills (another mall) with my Aunt, and I am EXHAUSTED!!! I think I’m over MALLS and SHOPPING. I’m sure it’ll be different when my Mom gets here. Nothing like shopping with Mommy.

On Friday I’ll be heading over to Sta Mesa to spend time with my other cousins. Talk about busy schedule….anyways….I miss everyone!!!

Talk soon…. Take care… Peace out!!! MWAHHHHH!!!!

Today after dinner, my cousins Art, Ems, Ate Meanne, Kuya PeeJay, Jayvee (future cousin in-law) *aherm* and I went to a BAR-ish place around here. It’s like a stone’s throw away. It’s actually a KARAOKE bar…now before you guys start rolling your eyes and laughing, I will remind you San Pablo is not Manile and there is a limited number of places one can really hang out.

Anyways, before I lose all train of thought. It’s called Q5, and Art had been promising to take me there since my arrival, since Ate Meanne, Art and I have a history with Karaoke’s…I so am not going into detail. Tonight we went after dinner and had a blast.

Ate Meanne, Ems and I ended up being dubbed as DoReMi, since we sang together mostly. Certain songs will haunt me forever. It was such a good night. It was just fun to hang out, talk and laugh.

I can’t believe a whole week has passed since I left Philippine/Europe bound. I miss my family and my friends. I don’t remember much in those last days. All I know is that I did a lot of cramming. Trying to squeeze everyone in, making sure I at least saw everyone. Even if it were briefly. All I remember is feeling a lot harassed with last minute things I had to do, worrying about things I may not have done.

It’s hard to believe that was a week ago. How time flies. Soon I’ll be off to London….YIKES…till then I have every intention of making the most of my time here. Spending time with my cousins, especially those who’ve made such an effort to be with me.

Anyways…seeing as it is after 4am…I’m going to attempt SLEEP. Gnight!

After what seems like forever, I am finally online. It feels so weird not to have that constant contact. Better get used to it I guess. I am here in San Pablo, with the Arambulo’s. Having a great time with my 2 year old Godchild Gelo, who gives CHEEKY a whole new meaning.

Yesterday Art, Tita Nette (Aunt), and I went to Alabang and had our very own Movie Marathon. We watched “All my Life” and Harry Potter – The Prisoner of Azkaban. Mut, you’ll like this movie.

Today was spent recuperating and hanging out with Gelo. I’m not sure what the next couple of days entails but I’ll be in Manila early next week to hang out with my other cousins in Quezon City.

I can’t believe that it’s almost been a week since I left. Anyways… more later. Take care everyone! Hugs and Bubbles!

Hi all!!! It’s Sunday 30th May 2004! Day one of this trek shall we call it. Hmmm. I’m not sure when I will be able to BLOG this so I will just keep each entry dated and BLOG the minute I get a chance. Anyways…after a very emotional goodbye at the airport, I boarded the plane puffy eyed and almost inconsolable…that moment I kept saying that I hadn’t reached because I was numb, well let’s just say I reached that point at the airport. Blubbering mess I was, I was.

Arghhhh!!! I miss my broadband! Well Kuya’s broadband. It’s Tuesday (I think), 1st June 2004. I still haven’t been able to log on to check my e-mail and BLOG. Not that I have been writing much. My bad! I hope everyone’s well.

It’s been a good few days. After getting picked up at the airport by the whole Arambulo clan, including my cute inaanak (godchild) Gelo. He’s sooo cute. Anyways, I’m drifting off the point…like I had one…After dinner we headed over to my other Aunt’s house in Quezon City where I saw all my Oconer cousins. My Ate Alma and Kuya Lon were also there with my other gorgeous godchild Angel. At, she’s soooo cute! It’s like looking back at old photos. Lilo! Except she’s tall and skinny.

I digress again. Sunday was spent in the Van. Literally. You gotta love the traffic around here. We were stuck in the car for about a total of 5-6 hours. No exaggeration. At the end we turned back around and headed home. By the time we got home, Gelo, who has been sussing me out since my arrival finally gave in and decided I was a new playmate. So by Sunday night he was following me around. We’ve been playing ever since.

Yesterday I spent most of it with Art. We headed for Manila at 4:30am. In sheer hope that we beat the traffic, unfortunately there was yet another accident blocking the roads. So Finally at 7ish we were having breakfast and McDonalds. In nothing less than my GYM clothes. Most of you would remember what that look would entail. Hey! To my defense we were supposed to go from one house to another where I was to resume my sleep. It’s a good thing I actually changed out of my pyjamas. Not that I really cared, I mean like who was going to see me. After breakfast my cousin Art dropped Ems and I off at hers and Mela’s condo apartment, where we found Mela fast asleep. After exchanging pleasantries, we both passed out again. Late morning Art came to pick me up. We went to Makati Med to drop stuff off and say hi to Tita Rory and Tita Glo. From there we headed for Alabang Town Centre….big big big big mall. We had lunch at Fridays. YUM YUM! Then while Art checked into work for about an hour I went out on a mission to work on Mer’s invite. When that was done Art played hooky for the rest of the day and we watched a movie. We ended up watching “The day after tomorrow”, which was alright. What’s a ride home without a trip to Starbucks and major traffic. It took us more than 2 hours to get home. Which was okay, Art and I had a blast in the car. He made me laugh so hard.

Today we have plans on visiting Duty Free after lunch. From there we’re going to watch ‘All my life’ with Aga Mulach! I’ll tell you all about it Banans! Hopefully the traffic won’t be so bad. Sitting in a car for long periods of time has become somewhat an acquired taste.

Now that I’m here the thought of “Hey I’m not going home after this” is SLOWLY sinking in. I mean WOW. This is where I say my goodbyes. After this trip, I’ll be going to another country, where I know no one. YIKES! However, in saying that, I am still looking forward to it. The adventure it holds.

Oh well. I think that’s it for me for the time being. It’s frustrating to be in front of a PC and not be able to surf, or check my e-mail. Regards to all. Take care! Peace out! Nanu nanu!

PS…Big Hugs and Kisses to my Inaanaks, Miss Cheeky Aleissa and Ashlee Rose! Mwahhhh!!! Ninang misses you!

Well…It’s Thursday night and I am EXHAUSTED…unpacked and EXHAUSTED. As I sit here in front of the PC, continually ripping my CD’s into my IPOD, I am staring at a pile of clothes in which I am striving to fit into my backpack…GOODLUCK!!! Oh well, it shall be an interesting experience.

This whole week has had one theme and that it to tie up loose ends. Which I believe I have done a majority of. (With the exception of one insane thought that Amachi would be pleased to hear I am not going entertain) I still need to make a trip to the NRMA, finalise my resume, and close a bank account. Aside from that all is well. I have said my farewells to many, though I have missed out on a few. Silvana, Shazz, Dave. I never did make it to the city this week.

Monday night I rocked up to my Ats (sis) and Sue’s abode and bugged them for old times sake. I spent my Tuesday with my Ats, where we had FUN choosing NanItch…who has been chosen to be my companion.

Wednesday was spent doing last minute shopping, and blood donating. OUCH! Thank you Ross for keeping me company! You helped keep me brave. I coffeed with the girls one last time. It’ll be weird not going for coffee at Seedy anymore after work. I had dinner with my Amachi, whom I’ll miss very much. You better be using that e-mail address you’ve set up for me. On the way home I picked up Hyl-IS. We borrowed DVD’s and hung out with Lorraine, Mutz, and Ann…with the addition of Nigel who came much later. Today I spent most of it with Val and we had a blast. We lunched, drove to Fairfield (I got us lost), got my hair cut, talked talked talked. Grabe Val, daldal natin noh! After which I dashed over to Chana’s house for dinner, where I got to say goodbye to her Mum. Whom I called Mum from our highschool days to now. When that was finished I picked up Jill and Mutz and headed for Rashays to meet up with Ann, Ross, and Hyles!

In my last days what I will remember most is the quality time I have had with my nearest and dearests. Hanging out with the young girls, Mutz, Jilly, Hylin and Lorraine (if even briefly). Spending one on one time with my Ats, and Stitch. Dinner with Amachi. Car rides home with Ross and the conversations that took place in them. My midnight chat with Nige. Ann’s constant presence. My revealing day with Val, where we got the chance to get to know each other even better. See you in Switzerland Val and Vlad!!!

Tomorrow, as the others come by to bid the last of farewells, it’ll be weird I’m sure. Emotional at the very least. I can’t believe tomorrow’s my last night! Oh my GOSH!!!

Anyways, better start packing…

Okay…at this point, I thought I would be all geared up and ready to go. I mean, I am no longer working. I’ve had my farewell party. I’ve said goodbye to a good portion of my family and friends…and nope…DENIAL!!! I mean you’d think that considering I have been planning this trip in my head for about a decade I would be a little bit more, what’s the word…. ENTHUSED? I mean yes I am excited. Heck this is like an awesome experience ahead of me. I am looking forward to it. I guess it’s the whole idea…it’s not quite sinking in. I’m actually going to be in another country a week from today. HOMESICK like nothing else I’m sure. Still suffering from puffy eyes and hoarse voice from having to say goodbye to my Ats, (whom to anyone that knows me, know that I am completely and devotedly – if there’s such a word…dependent on) My Ats has been there for me every step of the way, through every step of the way. I will be lost without her, but I know as well as she does that this experience is something I need to have. It’s going to be fantastic no matter what. I’m sure this trip will play a huge part in the moulding of the me of what’s ahead. A little older, a lot wiser…well one can only hope!

Even today/tonight, saying goodbye to those I am close to, family and close friends (those that turned up)…it was surreal! It was almost like I was just celebrating a birthday. The best part of it was seeing people I don’t regularly see. Seeing my high school friends is always a treat and after so long, being able to pick up where we left of is always such a blessing. Jade and Chana have been my friends since we were in year eight, and we have been through the tests of time, and whatever sagas have come our way.

Seeing my best bud…thank you Bipo for making the hike all the way here! For your present and all it represented and the sentiment it holds. Know that has a place in my backpack during my travels, as I am sure it will be me great comfort through some lonely times. Only you…. enough said!

After countless shots and drinks, I am surprised to be sitting upright! I’m sure it has a lot to do with the jumping up and down with Tess, Stitch (Sue aka Sooby), and my Ats. Hey T, we have a theme song…. ‘TROUBLE’ ahh gee, that sounds accurate! Next year, watch out UK!!!

To my other friends who were there…thank you! (If you’re reading this!) Your presence, all those there, meant a great deal. I’m going to miss everyone HEAPS!!! Without Win who will boss me around? Hehe! Ann, who else will be predictably late for everything, and be the constant butt of our jokes (in a loving way of course) Mer, red licorice!!!…need I say more? Ahhh, and Ross, who deserves a special mention. My train buddy, lunch buddy, the other half of what’s left of the Parramatta Posse…who else would be willing to share their Nutella sandwich or Chicken Kebab with me *sigh* Awww shucks!

Thank you Foxy Roxy for traveling all this way. Warren and Purds too!

Anyways…that’s all I pretty much remember. I have a big week ahead. Which will definitely be interesting. Hope I’ll get the chance to see everyone. If not, I’ll see you all when I get back! Take care! God Bless! Peace Out!! Nanu Nanu!