People of my Year 2014

I know, it's already 9 days late haha! It's better late than Never dba? hehe! 2014 has been a very memorable for me. A LOT has happened to me personally and professionally. In 2014, I was able to make a career move (well not necessarily "career" kasi same position lang...wink!). The most important thing that gave soul to my 2014 were the people who were with me thru the ups and downs of last year. Here are the People of MY 2014:

1. Kuya DJ and Family (Mommy Joy, Nyle and Nathan)

Kuya and his family in their New year family portrait

I live far away from home. Living in Manila will make me crazy without this bunch. My weekend is never complete if i'm not able to go home to QC. Being a new south girl, i really need a home away from home. Whenever i'm with them, i never felt homesick coz i am really at home in their home :D

2. Kumares and Kumpare

This photo was just taken last December at baby Hendrix's christening. 

I've been friends with this bunch for a long time. We shared a lot during night shift in my previous company (may it be food, advice, life experiences, chismis or work related concerns), and i'm so happy to have them. Even if we're not officemates anymore and we don't spend much time together so often, we are still friends and connected to one another. Thanks Guys! Let's spend time together again, soon.

3. Jasminians 2004

Jasminians at our 10th Year celebration held at Aurora Mountain Resort. The photo above is with our HS advisers from first to fourth year.

2014 is a great year for us Jasminians, coz it's our 10th year since we graduated from High School. I for one loved High school so much (especially our school, APMC), since those were my formative years. It was in high school that I was able to discover my strengths and weaknesses as an individual. It was also in HS that i was able to meet friends that are for keeps. You know as well as they say, the friends you meet in High school, will be your friends for life! It is true, for me! I really treasure them! And I am very proud of what we have become after 10 years. Hopefully we'll have another reunion next year guys, I am really looking forward! (fingers crossed).

4. BSN Blockmates

Roel, Nikki, Me, Dee and Friday at Cafe Noriter, Cebu (still the same noisy people haha!)

We had a reunion/lunch date last March. We weren't complete coz some were already busy with work and family. But I am happy coz i was able to spend time with some of them again after 6 years of not seeing each other after graduation. Some are still practicing Nursing (lucky them) but most of us (including me), are now in different fields. College for me was one heck of a roller coaster ride, from studying for exams to out of town RLE duties (plus the NLE review every Sunday). Without a support system (like them) you would really go crazy! I am eternally grateful to God for giving me such wonderful people coz they made my nursing journey easier despite the stress and pressure. If i could turn back time, i would still choose nursing in college so i'll still be able to meet and go through tough times with them. I miss you guys!

5. Eastwood Fambam

Early dinner at Lugang Cafe, SM Aura last April.

For the 3 years that I've spent living in Eastwood, I am so proud to say that i gained a family! Tito Willie , Tita Mai and Cinzana. When I'm with them, I feel that I belong to their family. By heart, I am a Ragaza! I don't see them so often now and I miss them so much! Hope to see you soon guys, di ko pa nabibigay christmas gifts nyo hehehe!

6. Team Heather

Photo taken by Lou at Pansol, Laguna

I never had a dull moment with this team!Leaving them left me heartbroken and even if i already work for a different company, i still want to be with them. I do not like all members of this team (of course, ayoko maging plastic) but mas marami naman akong like pa din. I miss you team! See you very soon :D

7. Bianca Gonzalez-Intal

At Bianca's Paano ba to booksigning at MOA.

My fangirl side is ignited this year! I finally got the chance to meet and greet my girl-crush and life peg! Oh my God! just the thought of it makes me giddy and so kiliiiig! For years i have been following Bianca (ever since that pantene commercial!). I am so happy that finally she has written a book, yun mababasa mo in the flesh (yun mahahawakan and maaamoy pati hahaha!). I always read her blog, esp her fondness over her pamangkins, kasi we're the same (hands on tita din ako). I look forward to more meet and greet with her this year :D

8. Pamangkins Galore!

Top photo (back L to R): Moshe, Kimboy, Bea

(front L to R): Trixie, Benedict, Nikko

Bottom photo (L to R): Nyle, Nathan

Here i am again getting gigil over these kids. Well six of them are now grown ups! I just want to post their yagit picture above hahaha! One is already a Registered Pharmacist (Bea) and 2 of them (Trixie and Benedict) will graduate from High school this year. 2014 is a milestone for us coz we welcomed our 8th baby - Ryndall Nathan. We're all so crazy about our new baby! I know Nathan will grow up to be a respectful and pleasant kid, just like his Kuya's and Ate's. Like my wish for them every year-I wish for them to have good health and always honor their parents. I'll still make sure that they will be better versions of me (just like what i said last year, unli si tita-paulit ulit hahaha!)

9. Sergia "Loloy" Villamero-Tapdasan

Photo with my siblings taken last November at Kuya DJ's awarding ceremony as Most Outstanding Auroranian 2014 (wind effect yun hair ni Manang hahahaha!)

I am forever grateful to God for the gift of family! Most especially to our mom who reared us with love and compassion. She's 73 (in papers she's still 72 hehe!). When people compliment us siblings on something we did, the honor is all for our mom. This year she's been so active in social media and that made her more visible and connected to the people. We love you 'My!

10. Al Di La Tapdasan-Bajuyo

Manang with our lovable and cutest baby Nathan.

My sister never ceases to amaze me. If some people say they are impressed by what I do, the answer is, "wait til you meet my sister." She's just the bravest person in the world! I always say that she's the person I always look up to. 2014 is so memorable for her coz her eldest kid, Bea passed the licensure exam for Pharmacists, and that reflects on how good she is as a single mom! My wish for manang this year is to achieve more and make us more proud of her...

So who gave soul to your 2014?

2014, it's been a great year!

It is the last day of the year. Where did the days go? It seems like it just went in just a snap. A lot has happened in 2014. Here are some of the highlights of my 2014:

In 2014, I've:

...witnessed Sinulog festival after 6 looong years!

...been a tita for the 8th time!

...welcomed my 8th pamangkin, Ryndall Nathan.

...resigned from the company i've been working for 3 years and 3 months.

...started a new venture in a different company.

...transferred from one city to another.

...been able to rest from the night shift---for good!

...had a new serious "crush" (talagang kasali hahaha!)

...gone to Baguio and fell in love with the place all over again!

...organized a reunion with my High School batch twice.

...been able to spend time and bond with my HS friends from morning til night (mix and mixing!)

...been able to spend christmas and new year with my whole family after 3 years!

Whew! It has been a series of roller coaster experiences. Good or bad, I've learned a lot from those (a lot, a LOT!). And i'm more than Grateful to the Lord for the blessings He showered on me and my family. As what the new app on Facebook says, "It has been a Great Year!"

Hello RYNDALL NATHAN GARLITO TAPDASAN!!!

 March 31,2014, another Tapdasan was born into the world.

Little brother to my godson Nyle, baby Nathan has his own face! He has the same sweet smile and body type as Nyle, but his skin is naturally tanned (which will I envy forever hehe).

So happy to have finally meet you Nathan! You are already a light in our lives and I pray you grow up to be a good boy with your Dad, Mom, and Kuya Nyle with you, I'm sure you will. :)

People of my year 2013

The past year was full of ups and downs. A series of bad and good fortune came across the way but I have no regrets in experiencing those. Charged to experience, I guess. And as I walk my way to 2014, I share with you the top 10 people who made a mark on my 2013.

1. Maria Rosalie "Bart" Bartolome

I am forever in awe of this woman's toughness. She's been through a lot, but despite all those bad circumstances that came her way, she made sure that nobody is responsible of your doings but yourself. She is one of the few people who proved to me that long distance relationships do work. Trust and the ability to hold on for your one true love, these are the two main keys to a STRONG relationship.

2. Ragaza Family (My Eastwood Fam-Bam)

A very fun family, no doubt. Tito Willie, Tita Mai and Cinzana. I never had second thoughts in renting their place the very first time I viewed it.  I never mind spending my new year away from my family for I have them, my second family. I am eternally grateful to God for giving me this family, not blood related but there's a certain connection between them and me that no one can explain.

3. Team Kenn

We were together for only 2 months but I love this team. The moment we were introduced to each other, we clicked in just a snap! We are no longer teammates now, but every time we see each other in the office, we find it so easy to have something to make fun of. I miss them, I just wish we'll have another bonding this 2014.

4. Team Heather (Team Perfection)

At first I was very hesitant to be a part of this team because I was afraid that I might feel intimidated with these folks for some are already tenured and top performers in the process. But when I came to know each one of the team, everyday in the office became fun and easier to work on difficult tasks, not to mention the comedic topics we have in the chatroom! First impressions really never last, that's a known fact.

5. Team Bella (Forever Bellables)

I've never been in a team for a long time. Talking about longevity, I've been a Bellable for more than a year, the longest for the record. Bellables have been through a lot of sudden changes and reshuffling (with emphasis on the SUDDEN). We were never ready when TL Bella left us, but when I see each bellable now and the each person we have become, I am proud of them. For sure Bella is much more proud.I miss these guys BIG time.

 6. Pamangkins galore!

Kimboy,Bea,Nikko,Moshe,Trixie,Benedict,Nyle and Baby R (name to be determined). They are my bundle of joy! I became a certified "Tita" at 5 years old. So my relationship with them is so special. I grew up with them, we're like siblings! Because of them I became mature and selfless. I never felt being the youngest in our family, with them I feel like the eldest! And I'll make sure they will become better versions of me.

 

 

7. Nyle Quinzel Garlito Tapdasan

The joy that a baby brings to the family is like no other! For this whole year, Nyle has been my wallpaper on every gadget i have, the content of my stories for all my friends, the topic of discussion within our whole family, and my happy thought ;) And just last October (even if we still see him as a baby), Nyle is expected to be a kuya. My brother, kuya DJ and his wife ate Joy has done a great job with Nyle and now baby R (name to be determined). We now have an addition to our BIG family.

8. Bianca Gonzalez (my girl crush)

Well i don't know her personally of course. I just included her for she's the woman I wanted to be. I admire her for being so free-spirited and laid-back. She never hesitated to invite change in her looks. Bianca is such a beautiful person inside and out. Not to mention her wit and being such a street-smart kind of lady.

9. Al Di La Filomenita Tapdasan-Bajuyo


My one and only sister in the whole world. Manang Al has been through a lot of ups and downs. I witnessed her breakdown and saw her fight for her kids. Such a strong woman indeed! She's the person I always look up to. Not to mention being my number 1 fan! I love you Manang!

10. Sergia Villamero-Tapdasan Ed.D

My Mommy Loloy, of course! 2013 is also a happy year for her. She's so tough that she's so manly as her nickname. Sure our relationship is not that perfect, we fight a lot, yes! But I wouldn't trade her for anything in this world. God knows how much I love you 'My ;)

Thank you to these ten people for being such a blessing in my life. Looking forward to a happy 2014 ahead.

Remarkable Taglines

In this busy world, sometimes we tend not to notice what people are saying. Call me a fun-sucker, I admit I am that kind of person (almost all the time). Until such a time when I started to notice the fun things around me. It was a time of realization for me. It has something to do with destiny. I am, we are all destined to be something or someone. Nobody knows.

"Life is Never Fair" - I heard this from my Kuya when he was driving me to the airport. The world is like the survival of the fittest, and there are times that some other people would go in favor to people whom you know for a fact that is not deserving as you. But life never ends there. Time will come, you'll be given a chance to prove yourself. The world is revolving, you will shine! Soon...

"Don't live your life in regret"- Ate Ara wrote this in one of her farewell card to us when she resigned. You cannot change the past. Good or bad, it's already in the PAST. Just learn to move on, and have fun in the PRESENT (a gift) for the FUTURE is still a mystery.

"Communication is a two-way process" - Bella, my team lead for a year. It is called communication coz it involves not just ONE person. There should be a concensus for both ways or parties. If you want to be respected then respect the others, in that way the process will be two-way and there will be understanding and harmony.

"Do not complicate yourself" - said Jevy, my new seatmate. Whether your working or studying, don't make things so complicated. What you read in an email or test paper in what it is, do not try to overanalyze things, you'll just end up having no peace of mind.

There you have it, hope you learned something from these. There will be more to come. Promise! ;)

25 Facts About Me

A few years ago, I answered a survey in Friendster, 25 Facts About Me. Enjoy reading!

1. when i grow up, i want to be like Bianca Gonzalez.

2. i love watching cartoons, my favorite is phineas and ferb!

3. i can write using my left and right hands.

4. i love saying “char”

5. traveling gives me extreme joy!!!

6. i collect jumpshots.

7. i've never tried any kind of drug and i never intend to.

8. my mom taught me a hand trick and nobody gets it when i teach it to other people.

9. i once got a perfect score on a surprise algebra long test. i have no idea how that happened, i don't really like math.

10. my mom never noticed that she’s pregnant with me until her second trimester.

11. i never liked eating yogurt, that’s a known fact.

12. my kuya calls me “balongging”, and he’s the only one who calls me that.

13. i am overjoint and komang in both my arms.

14. i am fair-skinned and i never get tanned even if i don’t apply sunblock when i go to the beach, shame on me!

15. i had a horrible boy cut back in grade school and people thought i’m a boy.

16. i eat corned beef but don't eat real cooked beef.

17. i think i could be a doctor if it is favorable with the budget.

18. as a kid, i used to love eating rice mixed with lots of toyo and suka.

19. i have gone out at night more in the last six months than i have my whole life.

20. i love being a BISDAK and am proud of it!

21. i am a painfully shy and private person.

22. i still dream of working or studying abroad, if only for a short while.

23. i was once a "bad girl". i would make "takas" almost everyday to see a guy who my family and friends hated.

24. i used to wear stockings way back in college.

25. i am a daddy's girl.

What are the 25 facts that people don't know about you?

Random Lessons Learned (A Blogger Kick-Off)

Every day in our lives we often come across with experiences. Experiences that will be instilled in our minds either long or short term. From these experiences, we tend to learn a lesson or two.
These past few weeks, there are some random lessons I’ve learned from random experiences I come across with.

Every scar has a story. I was concentrating on a TV program when I accidentally palpated my scar on my leg. It’s a dog bite. I was 4 or 5 years old then, when I went to our neighbour and their dog, (rabied unfortunately), was able to escape it’s pen, the Rabied dog chased me and unfortunately, it bit me, neighbours called my mom. I expected Mom to cuddle and hug me but much to my surprise; she scolded me and hit me on the head. I pitied myself for the dog bite was so painful, but I understood why mom did that to me, she kept on calling me prior to that incident and I did not responded to her, karma, I cried hard. Now, every time I see this scar on my leg, I remember the whole incident and how painful the dog bite was. Obedience is the key. Karma is so true, beware!

If it’s not meant to be, it’s NOT meant to be. I have been aspiring to have a normal working-girl life. By normal, it means working day shift. I have nothing against night shift, don’t get me wrong. Any BPO worker like me would share the same sentiment. But the chance of being chosen to work in that time zone seems so elusive, so I decided to let that aspiration go. And just last August, an opportunity was given to me. An opportunity that entails me to show a skill that is naturally in me—-teaching. I was reluctant of taking up education when I was younger, but I never closed my mind that there will come a time that I will be asked to do so. Being a process trainer, it’s not just a chance for me to impart knowledge to trainees but also a way for me to learn a lot from the process itself and the trainees as well. I thank God of giving me this skill. I also thank Mom and Dad for their genes.

Optimism is contagious. My friend, nanay Isay and I went to Mcdonalds for breakfast and our colleague Gian went with us. While having breakfast, we discussed anything and everything under the sun. I was on the verge of being a negatron that time. I find everything so negative and kept on complaining with things. Until Gian discussed something about unemployment. What was it like to be unemployed? Well, I should know, for I have been one prior to being hired in IBM. In my mind, everything had a flash back. Gian’s aura is so positive and stated some events in his life that made him so optimistic. After the breakfast, I come to realize and asked, what happened to me? Why so pessimistic with things Lil? Why don’t you be like Gian? Despite the stress and pressure, he still managed to be composed and so positive. Complaining can lead you no good. Pessimism is something that should not be dwelled upon. Shoo Pessimism!

Every child grows up. For over a year now, my nephew, Nyle had been the apple of everyone’s eyes. I can’t let every weekend pass without seeing him. He has been the wallpaper in any of my gadgets; phones, laptop and even my office pc. Last week I was not able to visit my baby lovey for I was tired and decided to just rest in the condo. Just last Sunday, I visited him in Don Antonio. Nyle has grown to be a very hyperactive and smart boy. He has showed me his new talents and gestures. He calls me “tata”. For a moment, I looked at him and I told him, “you’re a boy na! you’re not a baby anymore”, and kissed him like there’s no tomorrow. I feel ambivalent of Nyle’s developments and milestone. I’m happy that he has grown but at the same time I am sad that I can’t turn back the time when all I can do with him is carry and cuddle him until he could sleep. Children grow up so fast and Nyle is a living example of that. I love you Nyle! Tita Lil is always here to take care of you. Mwah!
Every one of us learned a lot of lessons. May it be randomly or thoughtfully learned. And  there’s still a lot to learn in this lifetime as we age. Guess we’ll only stop the art of learning when our hearts stops beating and our lungs halts sending oxygen to our bodies.
Guess I’ll just end this blog with this quote, “Life is beautiful and we should make the most out of it before it’s too late”…Ciao for now!

Sharing one of my jumpshots, taken in Dampalitan, Quezon province (say Hi to mami tina!). I plan to jump in every place I set my foot in to show that Life is an Amazing Adventure….