Nicknames (inspired by Lolo's post)

To Lolo: Thanks for the wonderful post. You really made me smile today ^_^

Anyway, just like Lolo, I've been called many names and they are as follows:

Ann - nickname ko sa bahay
Rach (as in /reych/) - my college barkada, Rica baptized me with this one
Rach (as in /rack/) - tawag sakin ng officemates ko (namely Randy and Robert) dahil dehinds nila nagets ang tamang pagbigkas
Chelle (as in /shell/) - a friend in college calls me like this
Chelle (as in /chell/) - tawag sakin dati ni Boss Ruben
Annie Batumbakal or Annie - this one is c/o my mom and pinsan
Pinsan - exclusively for JR Chong (classmate ko ng highschool)
Poohbear/Bear - exclusively for Leejay
Ms. Poohbear - tawag ng mga tga IT nang malaman nila na poohbear ang tawagan namin
Ancient - si lolo ang may kasalanan nito
Rachelle Ann Go - from my officemates kasi kapangalan ko nga... at sakto pa the spelling

So far ito palang naalala ko e... I'll give this some updates if I happen to remember some more.

Meet my other tropa....

They're from my judo class. Ang kukulet nila.... hehehe ^_^...

Ladies in white starting from left: Jessica, Monica and Ria
Guy in blue: Stephen (kuya ni Ria)
Kiddo: Levyn (our Sensei's son)

I won't let you

I won't let you destroy this day... Yep! I perfectly understand but still I won't let you.

Yehey!!!

Saturday's sportsfest was a blast!!! I was able to bring home 2 bronze medals from the 2 events I'm in. ^_^ they were telling me na may cash prize daw pag may medal... sana naman true...

I didn't really feel nervous during the games. I just stayed focused and happy -- because our fellow judokas were present. I thank God that I didn't do anything stupid... hehehe...

After the awarding ceremonies, I got my bags then proceeded to the dojo. Madaming nagtraining that day. They're routine is on a higher degree than what we do during Tuesdays and Thursdays. They carry people -- thrice and in different positions... yung una, para kang sako ng bigas, pangalawa is buhat pangkasal, pangatlo is piggy-back ride. As for me, I've never carried an adult person before... kids, yes. After their training, I tried the piggy-back with Monica.... she's 100 lbs. nakaya ko naman. hehehe... What amazed me is that she could carry me -- e I'm heavier that her. 0_0

I also met the rest of the T-Th peeps. Grabe... They may be young pero don't underestimate because they're strong.... Si Stephen (21) carried Monica (17), Jessica (15) and Ria (13) .. sabay-sabay. I have the picture to prove it. All we did was take goofy pictures of ourselves... After goofing around, I invited them for a dinner treat sponsored by me ^_^ ... Uber hungry na me kasi I didn't get to eat a decent meal during the day... I was afraid that I might throw up out of total excitement kasi... So, punta kami Jollibee. Tagal ng kwentuhan kaya inabot kami ng mga 10:45pm.

It was a happy day indeed.... Sunday came and unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend my barkada's wedding. Ok lang naman daw.

Doodle Mania

Can't get Simply Jesse out of my brain... sheesh...

Tomorrow is our sportsfest... I do hope I won't fall or do anything stupid. God, please, no errors.. I've been practicing a lot and attending the morning training sessions. My events are not the serious type but nevertheless, they're still part of the whole thing. Too bad it had to fall on the 24th -- bear and I won't be able to celebrate our monthsary and watch the Pyro Olympics. I'm looking forward to seeing my fellow judokas... they'll be watching us daw bukas (they're actually planning to jog but unfortunately that won't materialize for them as the whole field will be occupied).

After tomorrow is Cindy's wedding. I'm actually having second thoughts. Why? because I haven't bought a dress and decent shoes yet. WALA PA PALA AKONG GIFT!!! Besides, I think I'll be freaking tired after the sportsfest. But come to think of it, it's the first in the barkada... It's a chance for me to dress up and be pretty. It's also the opportunity for my friends to meet my bear. The ceremony will start at 3pm followed by the reception at the Century Park Hotel at 7pm. We could go home at around 9 siguro para makapahinga.

Sige na nga... I'll buy the dress later and budget pair of stilleto sandals. Hay... gastos nanaman itich... Pero bigla kong naisip, kasi the other day, I was thinking na wala sa budget ko yung purchase ng dress and shoes... then this morning, I was surprised to check my account online, may nacredit na 2K. I don't know what that amount is pero siguro I was given extra cash by G para magamit ko.

I have to stick in my head... after tomorrow, tapos na lahat... konting tiis na lang. hehehe...

Idol Fever

Everyone knows that it's David vs. David... I know the judges are hooting for the Archuleta guy... I personally think D.A. performed better and chose better songs than D.C. (Cook). Although that's the case, I think that D.C. would do better naman in the recording industry -- he doesn't just sing, he's got the talent for composing and arranging music.

Anyway, lately I'm so hooked with Jason Castro. I super go ga-ga on his performance of 'If I Fell' by the Beatles and that of Israel K's "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". His eyes (his eyes!!! OMG) and his hair is a plus plus 0_0... and the way he sings makes me want to fall in love over and over again. I hated his 'I Shot the Sheriff' performance though...

=) *sigh*

Random thoughts

Wala lang... napapasmile ako whenever I think of it...

ichi ni san yon (ich-ni-san-yon)
go roku schichi haichi (go-rok-schich-hach)

*sigh* 0_0

I must be really crazy.

It's Judo time!!!

Judogi (judo uniform)

Mr. Kano Jigoro (founder)



blag!!!



Forgot to post something on my first judo class session... Anyway, here it goes...

The class started 7pm and ended 9pm. The 'dojo' is big and fully 'matted' for everyones safety. In the middle is the picture/portrait of the founder, Kano Jigoro. For beginners class, there were 3 of us. Irma, my officemate and a 12 yr. old girl named Itchel. The advance class was composed of 2 guys and a 15 yr. old girl.

Before the whole thing started, we were taught that all are required to bow to Mr. Kano Jigoro. Then we proceeded with the stretching. Our 'sensei' said that she'll be doing the counting in english because normally, they do it in japanese (good thing Kuya Robert is studying japanese). The routine is quite similar with what we do during limbering (olympics physical training). After the nice stretch, we joined the rest. Part of the routine is to perform the forward roll plenty of times. I was like.... haller!!! I haven't 'forward rolled' since highschool... It took me a while before I was able to courageously roll forward -- over and over again. It didn't stop there... next thing we are to roll backwards.. To be honest, I've never done it backwards.... EVER!!!... It was freaking hard. Yes, my toes could reach the top area of my head but my body couldn't just understand HOW I'M SUPPOSED TO DO IT USING THE AID OF MY RIGHT SHOULDER? Another thing... CARTWHEELS. Sobrang loser ko ata kasi I can't do it. Anyway, after the beginners routine, we were permitted to rest and watch what the warm up of the advance class. OMG! They were like slamming their bodies and allowing themselves to bounce against the mats... then crawling like earthworms sprinkled with salt... then backflips... Sensei said that we'll be able to do that as we get accustomed with everything. 0_0 *sigh*

We were taught how to 'fall' properly. She emphasized that protection of the head is the number one priority. A cast can heal a broken arm but not a broken head/spinal column. 0_0 ... In this exercise, the arms should be the ones to absorb the shock and the head should always be lifted. Okay naman... We just allowed ourselves to fall numerous times -- flat on our backs and sidewards... bearing in mind to always lift our heads and allow our arms to hit the mat as hard as we can.

At the end of the class, she demonstrated stretching with a partner... it reminded me of partners yoga at Fitness First. After which, we bowed to her husband (the person with the highest ranking in the vicinity) and then bowed again to Mr. Founder.

The following day, sensei texted that we should hurry with the basics so that we could catch up with the fun part.... can't wait to get a judogi (judo uniform) para astig.. =)

Weird feeling

I was browsing through the net and saw some pictures of friends... then I realized that I didn't choose their path... I had a different one.

Just wondering, what if I chose to be like them? what if I'm not where I am now? Could I have been happier? Of course I'm not sure... but I'm certain that I'm happy to be where I am now. In the end, kanya-kanya naman yan kung san ka masaya di ba? Enough are the days where I'm expected to be somebody I'm not...

*sigh*

Happy Mothers Day in a not so happy mode

Yesterday was supposed to be a happy one. Usual thing... woke up early to go to Baclaran. Since it's mom's day, I decided to treat her and Tita Vhie for a nice brunch at Aristocrat... We ordered individual meals (bfast combination, chicken bbq and goto w/ fresh lumpia) and for sharing, mixed chopsuey. The meals are quite pricey already for me and I wasn't happy with what I ordered... sana, nagbrunch na lang kami sa Josephines sa Tagaytay.

As we were about to finish our meal, I joked na since it's her day, sasabitan ko siya ng sampaguita. We laughed....

Sa parking lot, true enough, I bought 3 sampaguita necklaces. Then she remarked, sayang sana rose. (ok lang =)). Tapos Tita Vhie just asked me nicely kung magkano yung rose... tapos bigla na lang tumaas ang boses ng nanay ko. Tapos parang naiinis siya sa flower vendor because she was standing at the back of our car. Pero kung titingnan mo, nasa tabi naman and pwede kami umatras.

Haller!!! Sa lahat ng ayaw ko is ganun sa umaga. There's no valid reason for her to raise her voice like that. Besides, the day is supposed to be special. It actually ruined my day. I didn't speak in the car and decided to sleep instead. I didn't bother to join on our usual Tagaytay Sundays. I just stayed at home and watched TV... all afternoon and all evening. This morning, I didn't touch the Mcdo take out for breakfast. I left without saying goodbye.

Ang bad noh? Pero ganun talaga ko pag masama ang loob ko. It doesn't go away agad.

Updates:
As of last night, we're kinda ok naman... although not the usual -- with laughter and all. Hahaha!

Tacloban trip

Meet Garfield... our 'pet' in Tacloban. He's actually inviting you to see the unfinished post dated April 13... just browse it.

It's a long entry and it needs another day for repost.

A Venetto and a whole lot more!!!

I met with my UST tropa last Wednesday for some prewedding updates. Forgot to mention that Cindy and Kelvin will tie-the-knot on May 25. It's an all girl meeting because Glenn, Alex and Rollin didn't show up. Since we're hungry and tired from scrutinizing every shoe store in MOA, Rica suggested that we have dinner at A Venetto. She mentioned that their pasta and pizza are good. Servings are generous so it's favorable for 3 hungry ladies.

We ordered a medium pizza (P375), carbonara with chicken (P250), chefs salad (P???) and cheesy munchers (resembles the round hashbrowns -- the only difference, these have cheese inside ^_^). We waited for 5-10 minutes and voila! The food started to come out one by one. After trying everything, we started to have droopy eyes over the food that's still left -- half pan of pizza (btw, it's 16"), more than half a plate of pasta, salad and a few of those munchers. Grabe!!! So busog. Good thing Kelvin arrived and was delighted to have whatever is left on the table. Since they're about to close already, I summoned the waiter for the bill. As we were about to divide the cost and put out our wallets, Kelvin handed over his BDO card. *Thanks Kelvin!!!) Ending? We were still able to take home 2 slices of pizza... hahaha... Everything for the price of P1300++.

The following day, Leej and I met at MOA for our usual routine -- dinner, walk and then go home. I was actually craving for chicken liver steak and pakbet but unfortunately, the foodcourt was jampacked with peeps. I suddenly thought of A Venetto and after few minutes of walking, we found ourselves at the door of the Italian resto. We ordered Italian sausage parmigiana (P225) and buffalo wings (P140). Ratings (1-10, ten being the highest):

Buffalo wings -- *11* hehehe freshly cooked and I really loved the bbq sauce =)
Pasta -- *10* generous serving ^_^ and the tomato sauce doesn't taste like del monte... the sausage is authentic... yum yum!!!

The leftovers would still suffice for a decent meal for another person... so pinauwi ko na kay Leej yung take out.

Delicious indeed... not a bad substitute for the items I previously craved for.

Tagged by Lolo

Got tagged by Lolo.....
Actually finished the list yesterday but due to a connection error, everything I typed went to tra-la-la land... *sigh*

List 8 random facts about yourself:
1. I bake delicious cookies, brownies and butterscotch bars.
2. I hate people who tell me what to do or how to react on certain stuff I know best. 3. I love it when it rains.
4. I always put my hand over my head whenever I'm near those little remote-controlled flying helicopters.
5. I won't tell you that I want something... so you gotta read between the lines sometimes.
6. I trust guy friends more.
7. I love to visit new places and try out new things....
8. When I don't feel like working, I blog. =)

8 things I'm passionate about
1. my work
2. providing the best for my family
3. my lovelife
4. giving my dogs a weekend grooming session
5. my faith
6. organizing stuff
7. baking
8. making each day count

8 things I say too often
1. really???
2. mamamam
3. bear bear
4. potpot
5. namnam (my term for ice cream)
6. anong bago?
7. ay naku naman!!!
8. kelangan ko ng maraming pera...

8 books I've read recently
1. Rich Dad Poor Dad
2. Eleven Minutes - Paulo Coelho
3. For One More Day - Mitch Albom
4. Nuggets of Wisdom
5. Unleashing the Highest Potential of Your Money
6. Audit reports
7. coming soon... Brida by Paulo Coelho
8. coming soon... Book 7 ni Harry Potter

8 songs I could listen to over and over again, as of the moment
1. The Nearness of YOu
2. The Best of Me
3. Sunshine
4. Buong album ng Phantom of the Opera
5. Chop Suey
6. Toxicity
7. Forevermore (new version)
8. Annie Batumbakal... hahaha

8 things I learned in the past year
1. Not all can be trusted.
2. God's time is the perfect time.
3. Bestseller talaga ang cookies, brownies and butterscotch bars.
4. I can have my own business.
5. God gives us humbling experiences to be stronger and be able to pick up the lost pieces
6. Your family will always be there.
7. There's a better way to handle your Christmas finances.
8. Kaya ko pala.... heheheh...

Would you go out with you? State the reasons why you would, and why you wouldn't, and then come to a conclusion in the end.
Straight na ko sa conclusion... YES!!! kasi I'll even bake you cookies =)

Goodbye Fitness First!!!

Actually, I haven't done it yet but I'm planning to do it within the week. hahahah....

Bye bye Fitness First and hello Judo!!!

My officemate invited me this morning. Beginners classes cost P1,500 for 7 sessions and after which, we could have the proper classes for just P2,000 for the whole year. As compared to FF where I pay P1,997/month, it's cheaper. Venue is at the Rizal Sports Complex. Also, malulugi kasi ako sa FF especially pag nasa travel ako.

I enjoyed being at FF naman and I can say that nasulit ko naman ang facilities and classes (body combat, body attack, body jam, retro dance classes, body balance and yoga). But I've always wanted to try a new sport. I remember 2 years ago, I already inquired for taekwondo classes -- which didn't materialize because can't include it in my busy schedule.

Anyway, I do hope things go pretty well for this one. =)

Relaxation galore!!!

I've been eyeing Rockpoint Spa and Conference Center since last year and finally, I got there. =)

It's located in Maria Makiling Village, Pansol, Calamba. We availed the package that is inclusive of the following:

- Overnight stay at the de luxe room

- w/ set dinner (choice of breaded porkchop or sweet and sour fish)

- w/ set breakfast (american breakfast, choice of ham or chicken sausage)- Use of pool

- 1.5 hours full body detoxification massage at Kalipayan Spa

All these for the price of P2,955 net. We incurred an additional P750 for overstaying for 5 hours. We arrived there 10pm already kasi the line in the bus station is very long.

Accommodation

We stayed in the de luxe room. First impression -- WOW!!!... Spacious room, spacious CR with a corner bathtub (parang jacuzzi!!), 14-inch TV with cable, airconditioned and 2 single beds and best of all, it's near the pool. Not bad!!! I didn't get to see the other rooms though. There's one problem, the water is too hot in the shower or maybe the 'cold' part isn't working.

Food

For dinner, we had breaded porkchop... It's ok naman. The serving is generous and it tastes like the tonkatsu you'll find in tokyo tokyo. For breakfast, we tried both the chicken sausage and the ham. Both are served with a sunny side up egg and 2 slices of bread. They only serve instant coffee in sachets. =( Since we overstayed for 5 hours, we got to try their lunch. We ordered creamy chicken, fish in chili garlic sauce and tortang eggplant. Again, servings are generous and their delicious. Just like real homecooked meals.

Spa

They have this Kalipayan Spa which offers many types of services... from massage to foot spa and facials. Our package included the 1.5 hours full body detox massage. Since the spa opens at 2pm, we had ours specially scheduled at 9am. Our reflexologist is Ms. Eds. She's soooooooo good and it's really sulit because it's head to foot. I really enjoyed the scalp, back and leg massage. Because I'm happy with her service, I wasn't hessitant on giving her a tip. =)

The Pool

There are 3 pools. 2 big, 1 small and incorporated on the other big pool. Water is clean and we're kinda fortunate that there were only a few people swimming (unlike in Monte Vista where it's like 'everybody' is there). I'm proud to say that I could already go to the part of the pool where my foot can't touch the floor. Thanks to Leej, I can do the treading thing. hehehe...

I highly recommend this place. It's clean, it's accessible, facilities and services are great. Check out their website at www.pinoys.ph/rockpoint/rockpointcalamba/ and see the reviews.