Cute Printed Backpacks

I'm not really a backpack kind of person but one of the backpack brands that I actually like in terms of quality, price, and design is Jansport.

Since it's "Back to School" season, I tried browsing online for a cute backpack, which I can give to my younger sister as a gift. So I found these Original Jansport Superbreak Backpacks from Zalora and I love the prints! Made me think twice if I'll still give them to my sister haha!

my fave!!!

aztec print

peacock :)

Achievement Unlocked!

Finally, after 2 and a half years (5 semesters) in the postgraduate program, I finally got a master's degree! I have already completed all the requirements in graduate school last October 2013, but it was only on April 26 that we had the graduation ceremonies.

In the first 2 years of studying, I tried my best to balance full time work and school. However, I had to work part-time so I could focus on my review for our comprehensive exam and our final project (something like thesis).

since my family is abroad, I got my friend/classmate, Rona to go up the stage with me

Thank God, I survived! I'm now a Master of Technology Management from the University of the Philippines Technology Management Center (UP TMC), UP Diliman. I'm so thankful to my family for the support, and of course to my professors who have really taught me well. I can't imagine having paid for my own education. It felt so good! It's indeed one of my best investments.

my mentors: UP TMC Director Cruz, Dr. Posadas, Prof. Imbang

Dr. Roger Posadas - Philippine Father of Technology Management

My project adviser, Prof. Glen Imbang

I will surely miss graduate school, most especially my classmates who turned into good friends. Graduate school wouldn't have been the same without them.

batchmates :)

friends :)

my graduate school "barkada"

my closest girl friends in school, Mayette and Rona

Anyway, I really felt that this master's degree added value to me, most especially in the corporate world. It helped me land my current job as a full-time business consultant in one of the top technology companies in the world.

So if you guys are still deciding whether to take up masters (or MBA), don't think twice about it because besides the fact that it appraises your value, it's also very fulfilling personally. And if it's within the career that you wanna pursue, go for it because it is really applicable in the work environment, most especially when it comes to decision-making.

here comes the mandatory photo with the sunflowers

Jule, Leo, Me, and Mai (and I'm the youngest! haha #proud)

Just wanna share my post-graduation meal, which was treat to me by my friend, Irene from Iloilo City and her husband, Alex from London. It's my first time to try Todd English Food Hall at SM Aura, and I would say that it was a great experience! I love the food, the service, and the ambiance.

my fave: Crabonara

I forgot the name but it's a clam pasta and it's yummy!

S'mores :)

choco lava :)

me and Irene

It was really a celebratory weekend for me because my birthday and my graduation happened in two consecutive days!:)

xoxo,

city girl

Giving Joy to the Kids of SSAE Memory Foundation

Two weeks ago, my friends and I had an outreach program for the kids of Samantha Sarah A. Espanol Memory Foundation. This foundation was founded a couple of years ago by the family of Sarah after she died from a car accident in the US. This foundation aims to provide education to the less fortunate kids in Marikina.

On the kids' first day in school, we visited them. We had some games and the prizes were sponsored by our good friend, Cheena Ng Lio, designer/owner of Amour Manila. Also, the food we served were also sponsored by one of Sarah's classmates in high school. The lunch boxes were sponsored by our ramp model friend, Farah Ramos. She's also responsible for putting the outreach program all together. The loot bags we gave away also had shirts in it. We didn't have much time to gather donations, but this one's been carried out well after only a week of preparation. We had fun, most especially because the kids were too cute! Doing such things is really priceless!:)

It's been the tradition of me and my friends to hold outreach programs annually. But this time, we plan do it more often, whenever we can. It really feels good to share our blessings. Thanks to everyone who have contributed/donated and made this charity event possible. We hope that you continue to help us in our next outreach activities.

Lunch by Albergus Catering

I've never been familiar with Albergus Catering until I met a classmate from graduate school who works there, doing R&D. She introduced us to the long list of sumptuous dishes that their company has.

And since she has "special rates" as an employee, we can have Albergus-catered lunch every Saturday in school. We only pay Php 100 each for a set of meals for 12 pax. The menu that we get is usually, "steamed rice + main course (meat & veggies) or 1 main course (meat) and sidedish (veggies) + bottled water + utensils". Trust me, everything just tasted so good!:)

So far, we've already had these dishes:

1. Hainanse Chicken

2. Ox Tail Karekare

3. Chicken Supreme w/ Ham & Cheese

4. Pork Sisig and Open Fresh Lumpia

I just love them all! This Albergus lunch tradition is what I actually look forward to every Saturday. Whenever I think of our yummy lunch, I never get lazy to go to class haha!:))

For more about Albergus Catering, you may check their website:

http://www.alberguscatering.com/

Here are some of our lunch photos in school. Btw, yeah, we eat at the lobby 'coz our lounge is always full haha!

Hainanse Chicken!

Ox Tail KareKare

 yummeh!!!

 Chicken Supreme w/ Ham & Cheese

Pork Sisig and Open Fresh Lumpia

Quick Rundown of March Events (Overdue)

Super late post due to the unexpected turnout of events...

My classmate got married on March 21 but I was too busy with work and other errands so I was only able to make it at the reception at Blue Gardens, Quezon City. Gosh, this year a lot of my friends got engaged so I expect to attend lots of weddings starting the second half of the year. No I won't get alarmed even if I'm still single now haha!:)) Anyway, my friend's wedding was cute. It was inspired by cherry blossoms. In fact, they came up with a photo booth with a cute concept.

Last March 22, we celebrated the World Water Day in Quirino Grandstand by having a parade and forming the world's biggest human water drop formation. Despite the rain, the event had a successful turnout. After that, we proceeded to Manila Ocean Park for a music festival and to witness the Lights and Fountain Show.

And as I have mentioned earlier, there's an unexpected turnout of events. The last 2 weeks of March were never easy for me. I was doing a lot of things in school for final exam, final paper, and business plan. I had to quit my job to accompany my grandma and little cousin to Japan. I was forced to make this decision because the company didn't allow me to be away from work for about 40+ days. This made me extra busy with work since I had to fix my clearance while cleaning up my stuff for turnover plus I was still doing existing and future projects that time. My last day at work was March 27 but I had to take a leave on my last day to finish my final paper for school since my flight's on the 28th. It was a tough decision for me, most especially that I was enjoying my job and the company of my colleagues at work. But as always, things happen for a reason and I was just letting God rule my life.

I was so happy after accomplishing all the requirements in school and I was so touched because my friends an co-workers joined me for a send-off. I felt really loved. I had 4 send-offs: classmates, colleagues at work, TNT friends, and the KSP gang. I was so lucky to have them all.:)

 March 24 - Dinner at Tomato Kick w/ classmates

 March 26 - Karaoke night w/ officemates at Music 22

 March 26 - Drinks w/ TNT friends at Dilinger's Greenbelt

March 27 - Victor's birthday surprise and my last Wintermelon Milk Tea at Moonleaf Don Antonio

And on the 28th of March...we flew to Japan. Will be away from the Philippines for almost 3 months. I knew I truly deserved this.:)