Christmas Parties galore

So far, I’ve attended two Christmas parties over the last two weekends. In my pregnant state, I’m in no mood to really dress up and prep up for these parties. Nevertheless, I still want to at least look human despite the baby bump.

PASAP Christmas Party


We had a Moroccan-inspired party held at Club Ultima in Fuente Osmeña. It’s the traditional PASAP party where incoming officers were inducted as well as the turnover ceremony of the past president to the incoming president. I am still an officer next year as PRO so there will still be the never-ending meetings, demands and commitments. The newbies this year also had their “baptism of fire” through a belly dance presentation. I am still busy as a bee being this year’s assistant treasurer preparing checks and disbursements but I have no qualms doing it. It’s just sometimes; I don’t quite understand the bureaucracy that’s attached to this association. It sucks!

Anyway, some pictures to show...

in my Moroccan self

with some of my favorite Pasers

...so help me God

Xlibris Christmas Party

We received good reviews for this party. Of course, this party was spearheaded by yours truly backed up by the most competent and amazing team ever. We had Latin and Mardi Gras theme and surprisingly, the party was well-attended. In the history of Xlibris, this I say, all modesty thrown out of the window, is the best party that Xlibris ever had (any violent reactions?).


Despite some glitches we encountered along the way and the many battles we fought over budget, we were able to pull it through flawlessly. The party was made successful because of people who were true to their commitment though there were some who disappointed me big time.

People had fun and even dressed up for the occasion. Our percussion band and dj were superb (thanks Danielle for pulling the strings here). Our electronic registration (first in Xlibris) despite the long queue is one of a kind - it pays to be friendly with the IT people eh! The ambiance and physical arrangement was true to its theme. The VTR was a hit - Chris, you da man ay wo-man diay hehe bitaw hurot ako bilib nimu. Food served by Cebu City Marriott Hotel as always is sumptuous and mouth-watering. Raffles were a-plenty courtesy of no less than Jocelyn. We had exceptional emcees (thanks Josh, Clarice and Don). Everything we planned from program down to the last detail were executed with ease (thank you Jon, Sylvette, Judee, AJ, and Jenny).


I couldn’t party like everyone does but I was more than happy to see people dancing and having fun.

the committee

with Cristine & Sylvette

the Admin ladies

with this year's #1 Sales Performer - Dona Gruet

The Little Fan

It was such a bad idea dropping by at Ayala Center after attending PASAP BOT (Board of Trustees) meeting yesterday what more with Alex in tow. The mall was so crowded with teenagers and even adults alike. Why? Because the PBB Big Four were having their mall show. My daughter Alex also wanted to squeeze in her tiny body with the crazy crowd just to see these teen housemates turned celebrities. She was so persistent and was almost at the verge of throwing tantrums because I was trying to pull her away from the crowd. Boy, was she so unstoppable! She had to climb Ayala's huge planters and pushed her way in between people's legs so she could take a glimpse of these teen idols especially her favorite, Beauty.

Guess, I have no choice but to just allow her this first hand experience in being a fan. Sigh! It was just unfortunate that I failed to bring my camera so we have to make use of Magee's camphone. But, from where we're standing, we couldn't really take a picture of them. Instead, we just took pictures of Alex, the five-year-old fan.

Tribute to the Boss(es)

Did you ever know that you're my hero,

and ev'rything I would like to be?

I can fly higher than an eagle,

'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.

~ Bette Midler ~

Call it luck but in my life, I've been really blessed with two amazing lady bosses. They have been very instrumental for whatever I have become now. With that, I will always be thankful to these two women for shaping me into somebody, for pushing me to the limits and for bringing out the best in me. And for all the executives and bosses behind the secretaries and admin professionals... THANK YOU!!!

Here's sharing some photos during last Friday's tribute to our bosses @ City Sports Club...More photos HERE.

secretaries turned executives (except me)...left to right Mam Fili, JPL, moi, Ms. O and Ms. Veradrama ang beauty

ladies in black and blue

newbies

The Slumber Party (PASAP way)

Imagine 36 (plus) secretaries and admin professionals in their pajamies and fluffy slippers crammed in an air-conditioned room filled with throw pillows, mattresses, scented candles, food and drinks. Plus 7 masseuses with hands (and even feet) ready to offer a soothing and relaxing body and foot massage. Plus a casual and very intimate program prepared by the committee. Plus lots of prizes and giveaways.

What do you expect?

A night of never-ending fun, laughter and cam-whoring.

Last night’s Secretaries’ Nite at Park Tower 1 Social Hall was one of the best SEC nite’s I’ve attended so far. In every inch, the Slumber Party also popularly known as Pajama Party was a very unique idea and it was the first for PASAP. It was a well-deserved retreat from the stress in the office and from a difficult boss to some. We simply sprawl there in one of the mattresses and shove chips, pizza and chicken lollies into our hungry mouths. You can hear a little chit-chat on the side and silly jokes being cracked. It was just unfortunate that I had my period and that I was not allowed to have a massage. Whatever the reason for not having a massage when you have your period, I really don’t know. It has something to do with our pores open whatever. But I’m just happy to see most of the ladies getting their massage --- nobody needed it more than them. And the pajamies and slippers were excellent substitute to our corporate suits and stilettos…more of a relief if you would call it.

I was also having fun taking pictures of us and with my fellow PASERs posing like “spa models”. At the end of the night, we declared the “Slumber Queen” and “Social Butterfly” which deservingly went to Mam Edna and Mam Tessie respectively.

Maybe some may not realize it, but despite the usual bickering and the differences, I think we have nurtured a kind of friendship that goes beyond our role as members of one association.

More pictures here.

Hola Espańa

After visiting some pillars of the Philippine Association of Secretaries & Admin Professionals, we treated ourselves to a hearty lunch at Hola Espańa. It was actually my first time to visit the place and I was clueless of what to order. My taste for Spanish or Mexican food is limited to arroz caldo, lengua, estofado, paella, chimichangas or pizza. I just settled for spaghetti carbonara since I was having lbm at that very moment. But the carbonara was a bad idea as I have to run to the restroom just as we were about to leave. I just made some excuses that I was changing sanitary naps since I was in the toilet for so long relieving myself. Well, part of it is true but that's another sordid story that I won't share any further.

The resto is a quaint little place with very Spanish and Mexican interior. The waiters look like bull fighters sans the hat and cape while the waitresses look like flamenco dancers. And they were really very polite. Though I only tried the carbonara and gambas, I bet everything on their menu tastes really good. If you want a taste of Spain and Mexico, check out the place...it's located in Banilad Road going to Ma. Luisa...just a stone's throw away from Gustavian.

Upon stepping out of the place, it's good to hear their crew saying gracias altogether. We cant' help answering back de nada.

Despite the lbm, I've managed to take a few photos of the place.

My Sacrifice

Yesterday, Palm Sunday marks the start of "Semana Santa". For the Roman Catholic, it is the time to commemorate the passion and death of Christ. For others, the week spells VACATION and that includes a trip to the water may it be beach, pool, river or whatever. When I was a kid, I spent my Holy Week with my Lola Claudia. The religious that she is, semana santa for her is a time for sacrifice. I remember joining the way of the cross with her barefoot passing through uncemented and rocky roads of her little town. I had huge blisters and cuts on my feet after. That was for her our sacrifice and she would sermon that it's nothing compared to what Jesus Christ went through on the road to Calvary.

I couldn't remember the last time I did the "Via Crusis". The last three years, our Lent has been spent in Bantayan Island, Cagayan de Oro or home. So, last Saturday along with the scorching heat of the sun and the steep climb up, I joined my fellow PASERs to Tabor Hills for what I call "my little sacrifice". It's the first time I've been there and in fact, I never heard of it not until last Saturday. I was told that the place is a big hit especially during the Lent Season where a lot of people visit the place to do the Station of the Cross.

I don't really consider myself a devout Catholic but I do believe in Him and never miss my Sunday obligation. I joined last Saturday's ordeal because it is my way of being with the Lord. I know sometimes with the fast paced living and with a lot of distractions around me, I often ignore His presence in my life. Tabor Hill is also a perfect place for reflection though the summer heat was really unbearable I almost fainted. Good thing, we have enough supply of food and water.

Before you all hit the beach, climb up Tabor Hill and be aware of God's presence in your midst. Though tired, I actually felt light after.

Let me share to you some of the photos I took of the place.

feeling really tired

The First Party

My first Christmas Party this year turned out to be well, uh...let me just say “a bit of a disaster”. Seems like the forces of nature are against me but in the end I realized a lot of things. So, why did the party turned out to be a disaster?

Let’s start with the preparation...

The Dress

As you know, it’s really difficult for a woman my size to look for a dress. At first, a colleague let me borrow her red gown. It fits me perfectly except that I couldn’t conceal my bulging tummy. So, I tried checking with hubby’s uncle – Dexter Alazas for a ball gown. While trying on some of the gowns in his shop most of which are too small for me, I finally found this blue and gold gown. I was all set and even bought a pair of gold sandals to match the dress. When I tried the dress again the night before the party, I heard a little “crack” sound behind my back. Then my sister told me that there’s this big hole in the butt area. With less time, I decided to just rent a gown at the nearby dress shop. So, I finally don a black gown which everyone at the party really admired but never get to win the Prom Queen award. Oh, I’m not bitter because I didn’t win that award. I was a little bit upset because of...

The Mask

So we were told during our previous meetings that our party theme would be a “masquerade ball”. And me, being the overly into costume and themed parties prepared my mask weeks beforehand. I went through sleepless nights coupled with cuts and burns just making my mask only to find out during the party that it was cancelled. I was the only person in the party bringing my mask. And it wasn’t just the mask that I brought – 5 huge plastic bags with tokens and giveaways. Can you imagine that?

The Camera

Some of you may have noticed from my previous pictures that my camera has gotten some “blue” bug of some sort. So, for this event I borrowed my sister’s digicam to be sure that I have good pictures. Though we have an official photographer, it is still good to have your own cam for immediate uploading of pictures to multiply or friendster. And since I was moving around during the party being in-charged of the raffles and tokens, I didn’t get to use the camera. But I was already planning to have a photo ops right after the party and also have my picture taken beneath Waterfront’s enormous Christmas Tree at the lobby. To my dismay, the camera’s battery ran low when I turned it on. Oh and id I say I almost lost the camera coz it slips out of my purse. Good thing I was quick to discover that it’s gone and hurriedly went back to the venue. I found it under the table where I left some of my things. But I still pose with the cameras of my fellow PASers. Talk about a resourceful cam whore.

The Makeup

I already have a picture of how I will look like the night of the party. I want my hair to be have these little curles at the tip then my make-up would be simple yet elegant. I was planning to do it all by myself since I don't want to spend more on my hair and make-up. So, I was drying up my hair to prepare for the curles. Just as when I plugged in the curling iron, it created a smoke then a small spark. Yeah, it got busted. No choice but to run to the nearest salon for my hair and make-up. This is how I look...what yah think?

The Task

For the past days, I have been working my butt off preparing PASAP’s last event this year – our Christmas Party and at the same Awards Night. Sometimes, I feel really guilty for using company time and resources while doing my job for PASAP as chairperson for Finance and Solicitation Committee. I also find myself running errands wrapping gifts, preparing tokens and raffle items, picking up stuff, soliciting, making calls etcetera. It was overwhelming and I feel really exhausted. I even have to go on leave just so I could allocate time outside of work for PASAP. I am not complaining. It’s just that I didn’t get the help I need. I was trying to be a superwoman but fail as I can only do so much. I allowed myself to be overwhelmed and I didn’t call for SOS.

The Lesson

But I’m glad that the 2007 PASAP year is over and done. I have learned so much from the experience of leading a small group. And I realized that there are still a lot of things that I need to improve and learn. I also learned that in any organization or association as in our case, you can’t erase the fact that there will always be politics and that there will always be difficult people to deal with. I’ve had my share of frustrations and disappointments but I would be a hypocrite if I’ll say that I didn’t have fun. Being involved takes a lot of commitment and passion. For once, I’ve never seen myself this passionate and dedicated with what I’m doing. It may be a tough job but nevertheless it was rewarding and fun-filled. I am still an officer next year but with lesser responsibility this time as Assistant Treasurer and Adviser for Finance Committee mentoring newbies and fresh blood. I just hope I will render the same enthusiasm and commitment to the next year’s administration. And let me just rectify… the party wasn’t really a disaster coz I received a Timex watch for having a perfect attendance all year round and also a cash gift and token for being a chairperson. Added to it are the cans and cans of Virginia Food products I won during the raffle. Not bad afterall...