FEB 2012 Happened so Fast at WORK

While at it, I never knew I have been doing A LOT until I've seen the photos at work that I have collected for the past month. I didn't even notice it was the Valentine month haha!:)) So let me share how my February became a packed month at work...

Feb. 1 - Oh we planted mangroves in Putatan, Muntinlupa City...at least for photos ops purposes haha!

the Chief of Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), Sec. Neric Acosta

Feb. 3 - We were invited to the Ibon-Ebon Festival in Candaba, Pampanga, the home of different migratory birds.

 Mayor Jeff Pelayo led the parade that we joined

Feb. 3 - Yeah, all the way from Pampanga, I went to Tanghalang Pasigueno in Pasig City to see David Archuleta's taping of a concert scene in his new teleserye on TV5, "Nandito Ako". Well it's my first time to watch him perform live and it was cool!:)

free tickets from the office

Feb. 8-10 - Our team went to Cebu City for the 33rd PAWD (Philippine Association of Water Districts) Convention at Radisson Blu. I loved our room, the buffet, and the lace cookies that I got! Plus I was able to meet with my Cebu-based friend. However, it was really a stressful 3-day trip because of work. I wished I have enjoyed it  more.

 Mayor Mike Rama of Cebu City plus our boss and some personalities I don't know haha

 the Bollywood-inspired Fellowship night in Cebu International Convention Center

got this from Don Merto's! awesome but expensive haha!

Feb. 22 - Advanced birthday celebration of our Company President/CEO. Of course, I got involved by making some logistics-related arrangements. On his actual birthday, Feb. 24, he was in Baguio, then a lechon was delivered to the office...and since he's away, we took charge of eating it! LOL!

Feb. 23 - We attended the LGU Sports Summit Welcome Dinner at the Rizal Stadium in Manila. There I got to talk to the Head Coach of the Philippine Rugby Team (yes, the VOLCANOES haha). I was introduced to some members of the team who were there. Some of them really looked good. And the next day when we googled them at work, what popped out on the screen were their photos wearing just underwears! haha! So they were those guys who were once in the huge billboard of Bench somewhere along EDSA.:))

those 2 hotties at the center were Jake Letts and I forgot his name!:))

Feb. 27-29 - Had another stressful 3 days at EDSA Shangri-la Hotel for the Water Loss Conference 2012. It was a huge event attended by lots of foreign delegates, plus the President of the Philippines, Noynoy Aquino. We also invited some beauty queens. Good thing I was friends with some of them. On the first day, we invited Czarina Gatbonton, Ms. Philippines-World 2010; on the second day was Angelia Ong, the Face of Binibining Pilipinas 2011, and on the last day was Nicolette Henson, Miss World Philippines 1st Princess 2011 and Binibining Pilipinas 2nd Runner-Up 2010. Among them, I was closest to Angelia 'coz she's really a good friend of mine even before she became a beauty queen. I've been friends with Czarina 'coz of lots of our common friends. It was the first time I met Nicolette but she's really nice and I really enjoyed talking to her.

Czarina (oh please excuse the stressful me haha)

 my soul sister Angelia! also our barkada's bunso:)

 new acquaintance, Nicolette!:)

and this is me for the Gala Night! Lady in Red!:))

See, I survived February! Just imagine how varied those events were. From tree planting under the sun to a sophisticated gala night in a high-end hotel ballroom. My job is stressful yet fun. And btw, I didn't have much photos of me 'coz I've been stressed out almost the entire month and it wouldn't be nice to show that haha!

Well I'm really gonna miss work. It's too bad that I NEED to leave the country with my family, and leave work because of that. However, we'll never know. For sure God already has made plans for me. Whatever those are, it's for the better. We'll never run out of good opportunities. Just be patient and calm.:)

Saying NO to Stress.

Since I'm busy with work, I don't go out as much anymore. But every once in a while, I try to hangout with friends and have fun. This way, I get to relax and do away with stress.

I usually spend my Wednesday night (when I'm not tired) in Blue Onion where a band performs. It was the drummer whom I became friends with from other gigs, then he introduced us to the rest of the band, and one of them was Vince Alaras of South Border. He's got such a nice voice, and I can't deny that I've been a fan of his music way back in the old days. The best Wednesday night I've spent there was last 25th of August. A lot of friends came, plus a couple of Eat Bulaga celebrities were also there for a birthday party. The jammers were really talented.

 the band

 Julia Clarete

 Kimpee De Leon

 Joyski and Pauleen

 Joyski and the band members

 the drunkards lol

and I in smart-casual attire lol

I also enjoy watching movies. It's one of my stress relievers. Just during the long weekend, I watched "One Day" with my bestfriend in Shangrila Mall. I finally got to try Sango, and I must admit, they got good food. And the best part of the day, I was able to buy my very own deck of Monopoly Deal from Hobbes and Landes. haha! Then we went to Distillery Eastwood for a bottle of Fragolino Blanco (but I actually wanted Rosso) and some cheese sticks while playing Monopoly Deal on-on-one. haha!:)) Capped the night with midnight snacks from KFC.

after trying out Sango

 my part 1 birthday gift for her

 say NO to stress haha!

 what a perfect combo!

final pic for the night

And at random days, after office hours, my co-workers and I are lounging at our boss' office, where we play Monopoly Deal and watch TV. We also do a lot of eating after work, almost trying out all the food stores in Katipunan and in Teacher's Village. And our comfort drink: Moonleaf!

It's really perfect to hangout once in a while to take away the stress and the bad vibes.:)

Work-Sports-Travel-Fun-Stress in ONE!

I must admit, I miss my previous job. Yes, it may be really stressful most of the time, but it's actually fun and interesting. However, I had to move to a different direction to find what exactly was I looking for.

My 5-month stay there was actually a rollercoaster ride of emotions. But still, I enjoyed doing my job. It actually contributed a lot to who I am now. I became tougher, I've had a lot of achievements, and I gained new friends. It also opened a lot of doors for me and I am very thankful for such an experience. Working for the MVP Group was such a great experience. Smart Sports got me really exposed to the real world. Working for the country's number one telecommunications company means stress and pressure, but later on, it will mean glory and prestige.

Anyway, handling the Smart Sports brand got me very inclined to Sports more especially Running and Basketball. It also improved my social skills since we're often exposed to the media, the big bosses, the elite, the rich and the famous. Every single day felt like a big show.

Let me share you the events I have attended and/or organized while I was working there...

JULY 2010

• July 5 (UP Bahay ng Alumni) - Attended as a guest at the UP Men's Basketball Team Send-off for the UAAP Games.

the team w/ Vice Pres. Binay and UP Pres. Roman

 UP Alpha Sigma Fraternity donated cash to the team

• July 6 (Meralco Lighthouse) - I took part in the coordination of the UP Alumni Association & Meralco Partnership Agreement (contract signing).

 Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan via Meralco donates to the UP Men's Basketball Team

 The Team w/ MVP, UP Pres. Roman and Meralco Executives

• July 14-18 (PICC) - I served as a part of the secretariat to the 1st MVP Boxing Cup.

 Opening Ceremonies

 

 while a game is going on

• July 31 (SM Mall of Asia Grounds) - I was in-charge of our sponsorship to the PBA Run for a Cause.

 

 the race is about to start

 such a fan pic w/ PBA Star Alvin Patrimonio :p

• July 31 (Ninoy Aquino Stadium) - I went to observe how the National Taekwondo Championship was done.

 a view from the top

AUGUST 2010

•  Aug. 4 (Araneta Coliseum) - Watched TNT vs Alaska and supported our team TNT. It was the first time I've ever watched a PBA game live! The best part was, since it's part of my job, I was given an Overtime Pay. haha!:))

 before the game starts

• Aug. 6 (SM Mall of Asia) -  I took charge in overseeing the on-ground exposure of our brand during the  World Arnis Open event.

 Arnis Demo

• Aug. 13 (Araneta Coliseum) - We watched the PBA Championships wherein Alaska Aces won over San Miguel Beermen. Our team was there to award the Best PBA Photographer and the next day, we're on the Sports Section of the newspapers.:)

 detaching the net from the ring

SMB: the 2nd placers

 

 wow so I am a photogenic LOL!:))

• Aug. 22 (Camarines Sur Watersports Complex) - I was invited to attend the Ironman70.3 Philippines to observe how I could implement my upcoming event which was almost similar to this.

 waiting for the 1st placer at the finish line

• Aug. 24 - We watched Smart Gilas Pilipinas during their training.

 Chris Tiu on the leftmost part

• Aug. 26 (Meralco Theater) - I took part in the coordination of the Meralco Youth and Sports Advocacy Program and the Meralco Bolts Team Launch. The best part was, getting a late dinner treat from Chris Tiu.:)

 

 Meralco Bolts' Head Coach Ryan Gregorio on the left

 With the boys of Smart Gilas (L-R): Japeth Aguilar, Dylan Ababou, and JV Casio

•  Aug. 29 (Market Market) - I attended the PBA Rookie Draft.

 the announcement

SEPTEMBER 2010

• Sept 26 (Camarines Sur Watersports Complex) - I was the over-all project officer for our sponsorship to the First Camsur International Marathon. I stayed at Camsur for 4 days to make sure that everything's well coordinated

Smart's Running Team joined the race

•  Aug. 29 (Gateway Mall) - I attended the PBA Press Corps Awards wherein our team got a recognition for continuously supporting the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Patricia Hizon hosting the event

 OCTOBER 2010 

• Oct. 3 (Araneta Coliseum) - I attended the PBA 36th Season's Opening Ceremonies and supported team Talk N Text in their first game for the season.

 huge standees of players

 focus!

•  Oct. 15 (Cuneta Astrodome) - I watched another game of TNT.

 timeout!

 

• Oct. 20 (Meralco Mini Theater) - We organized the 1st General Assembly for the upcoming MVP Olympics. HR representatives from each MVP group company were present in this event.

 flashing "2" 'coz it's already the 2nd year of the MVP Olympics

 Our team (w/ our boss) even had an after-party at the Chivas Regal event at Republiq

• Oct. 26 (UP Bahay ng Alumni) - I represented my boss in the 2nd International Conference in Science and Mathematics Education's "Assessing Learning: Innovations and Practice" Seminar.

 I was even called onstage to draw winners of our giveaways haha

• Oct. 29 (Smart Tower) - Kids of the company's employees went up and down the building for some Trick or Treat. We got them candies!:)

 i miss being a kid...

 

 

NOVEMBER 2010

 

• Nov. 8 (Meralco Lighthouse) - I was assigned to be the over-all project coordinator of the Send-off Dinner for the PLDT-SMART supported Filipino athletes to the 16th Asian Games.

 the athletes flashing "#1" (trivia: i was somewhere at the back covered by the tall guys LOL)

 Chairman MVP awarding an incentive for the Philippine Taekwondo Poomsae Champions

 

Team Smart Sports

 

•  Nov. 19 (Dads Resto Ortigas) - We attended the birthday party of Mr. Jayjay Vargas.

 w/ Meralco Bolts' Coach Ryan Gregorio and Team Manager Virgil Villavicencio

 w/ Mac Cardona and someone I forgot haha sorry

 the girls w/ Willie Miller

• Nov.29 (PLDT-Ayala to PLDT-Dansalan) - I coordinated the participation of our athletes to the "Lakaran" for the birthday of PLDT Pres. Napoleon L. Nazareno for the benefit of the Operation Smile Foundation. The best part was, being treated to breakfast at Pancake House by Chairman MVP.:)

 Taekwondo Team, Boxing Team, and TNT

 

 

DECEMBER 2010 

• Dec.6 (San Juan Arena) - I was in-charge of our brand's exposure in the Philippine Collegiate Championship League but I was able to attend only its 1st Zonal game in Arellano University and its Finals/Championship game at the San Juan Arena. Ateneo de Manila was the season's champions.

 congrats!

• Dec. 10 (Araneta Coliseum) - We watched TNT's game. It was officially my last day at work and it's kinda sad.

 awww...

•  Dec. 12 (Meralco Multi-Purpose Hall) - I was invited to the Fans' Day and Christmas party of the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters team. It was a night of fun games and good music.:)

 the players

 w/ my friend Joyski, Ryan Reyes and Jared Dillinger

 the girls w/ the team coaches

• Dec. 17 (SMX Convention Center) - I got an invitation to the annual Smart Christmas Party. There were a lot of employees from all over the country. Talk 'N Text and Smart Gilas did a dance number while we moved around to take photos with the people we know.

 last official photo w/ the Smart Sports team :'(

 w/ TNT's coaches and managers

 Chairman MVP shaking hands w/ Mr. Henry Sy (SM Xmas Party at the hall next to ours)

and so we're called "MVP's Angels" haha!:))

 

So that's a wrap of my 5-month stay in the time. It was quite a short time but it really felt like I've been there for a long time because of a lot of events I've attended and worked on and because of the friendship and teamwork I've had with my co-workers. I would really miss the experience. But now, I'm glad that all of those experiences have contributed to what I am now. Much of the strength and confidence I have now were gained through the experiences I've been through in Smart Sports.

 

It's been a rollercoaster ride. But the best part was, I was able to juggle everything -- work, stress, sports, travel, and fun. It was really ALL-IN-ONE!:)