Ending 2012

Christmas has just ended, and I'd like to say my Christmas was okay.

I haven't blogged for the longest time because for the past months, I wasn't really doing well. Some days are happy, some days are sad. 2012 is probably the most complicated year of my life. I end 2012 with mixed emotions; but definitely thankful it has finally come to an end.

Early this year, I graduated college. When I received my diploma last March 24, I said this was gonna be a good year. I went to Korea with my best friend to celebrate our graduation and yet again, I said this was gonna be a good year. A few months after being a total bum, I went to a job interview. My first job interview, and I got the job. Not bad, isn't it? Then again, I said this was gonna be a good year. Just a few weeks after taking the job, I lost the man I love. It was such an excruciating experience, and I felt like I had to pay for all the good things that happened the whole year. After this, I told myself..."damn, this is such a fuckin year." To be honest, there were nights when I was happy he was gone, but there were more days and nights when I wished we never broke up. But for the three months we weren't together, he actually didn't stop texting. Apparently, he didn't stop making me feel loved. Last December 10, we got back together. A lot of people questioned my decision of taking him back after all he's done, but I don't think that's part of their damn business. Since we got back together, I had someone hate me so much. It's okay, I'll get by.

© TINA CEMBRANO

© TINA CEMBRANO

© TINA CEMBRANO

© TINA CEMBRANO

© TINA CEMBRANO

© TINA CEMBRANO

© TINA CEMBRANO

New Year's Eve was, as always, exciting. I posted a few of my favorite fireworks shots. I'm looking forward to a lot of good things this year. I have not made a list of my resolutions cause I have finally accepted the fact that I don't really stick to my resolutions. The only thing I can promise myself is to let go of all the pain and heartaches 2012 has brought to me and live my life the way I should.

Once again, Happy 2013 from me to you. Let there be peace on Earth!

There's always a first

Today, August 15, 2012, is my first time to feel that I am part of the corporate world. I never wanted to be part of it, in fact I wanted to avoid it. But then again, things don't always go as planned. I took the job because I wanted to, not because I feel regretful of waking up at 2PM everyday, doing nothing at home. I wanted to work for this company because I wanted personal growth, I wanted to see how a company works in real life (apart from things I've learned in school which is so different), and most of all, I wanted to see if I could be someone I never thought I would be.

Today's my 5th day at work and today, I attended a meeting. My first "corporate" meeting. It went well; actually better than I expected. I didn't know I would enjoy attending this. I thought I would freak out. I thought I would humiliate myself. -- I thought of the worst things. I was so relieved afterwards because I surprisingly turned out okay. In fact, I am looking forward to more meetings.

I am part of the Sales Department and I am going to make client calls - talk to different people from different companies. I believe I can deliever well, but I need training first. I believe that by next week, I'd have my first call, but I'm grateful that my boss will come with me. She will guide me for two weeks and after that, I'm on my own. Oh. My. Gosh. This is it. This is the moment. I have to work harder and gather more confidence so I'd be able to close a deal. Yeah, I think I can do that.

Well, kudos to my first meeting. They provided free Starbucks and I pretty much expected that.

MACTAN: Shangri-La + Mother's Day

We celebrated mother's day at Cebu. We stayed there for two nights because my mom had work. My dad slept only for a night because he had to attend a homecoming. Therefore, my mom had me and my brother alone for the whole weekend.

Growing up, I can say that I got used to my mom traveling abroad from time to time. If I remember it correctly, I cried every time she left and stopped crying when I was in fourth grade. Maybe her work also became the reason why I grew up closer to my dad and therefore consider myself as a daddy's girl. I never asked myself who I loved more, because I love them both equally. I always prayed for the day when I'll be as close to my mom as I am close to my dad (actually, our family agrees with the psychology that the son would be closer to the mom and the daughter will be closer to the dad). God does listen to prayers. When I reached college, I finally got to be my mother's friend; not only her daughter. She's more like a sister to me already. She knows I smoke, she knows I drink. She knows so much about me right now that I never thought she would. Well, patience is a virtue.

This Cebu trip was definitely a gift of God to us. We stayed at Shangri-La Mactan, Ocean View.

I can't post pictures of my mom due to her work (still can't understand why).

Shangri-La amazes the hell out of me.

Our room (kuya and I)

View from our room. Simply paradise, I must say.

First night, we ordered room service cause I was gonna meet a friend.

College sweetie, Mai at IT Park, Cebu.

Strolled at the beach around 6pm with mom and kuya on the second day

Bonding with mum!

I have nothing negative to say about Shanri-La Mactan!! I love it to the core! Will definitely go back!

Relaxing

With kuya

Enjoying my Banana Smoothie while spending time with my mom on mother's day!

Korea 2012

I don't know how to begin describing how my trip went. Even when I was there, I couldn't explain to myself what I was feeling at the moment. I think one of the reasons why my trip became one of the best trips is Nika. My oh my, you're no boring person, my friend!

In case we haven't mentioned it enough, our first trip abroad was in Bangkok, last 2009. That was my course's thing, but the chairperson allowed her to join because we needed at least one more person to come or else we'll pay more. The Bangkok trip didn't seem like it was a school thing because after attending a Culinary competition for approximately two hours, we already had our free time. Free time means shopping. Just imagine 2-3 days of shopping with your best friend abroad...how would you feel? This year, we went to Korea for no reason (except for the fact that we both just graduated and we always wanted a part two abroad). It all started with one ride to school.

Tina: Nika parang gusto kong pumunta ng Korea. Tara punta tayo!
Nika: Oh my God Tina pupunta kami nila mama sama ka nalang samin!

...and there it was. One random conversation became the real thing. It's not that we think we're so cool; travelling abroad together and stuff. We just really wanted to go.

(I will not post all the photos cause this will be an ass long entry. Instead, I'll post some of my favorites and put the rest in a slideshow)

Koreaaa - slide show

Butuan Trip 2012

To my lolo: Francisco Cembrano, may you rest in peace.

One of the reasons why I cried before, during and after my graduation was because my dad wasn't there to witness me receive my diploma. An unfortunate event, the passing of my loving grandfather occurred. I understand with all my heart that my dad had to go home to BXU immediately, I just couldn't help but be sad that my dad, my favorite guy, my best friend, my old man, wouldn't be there. But, I'm over it now. :)

I was never really close to my lolo, and that's most likely because he was in Butuan and I'm here in Manila. As a child, I remember visiting twice in Butuan. I don't even remember when he visited here in Manila. I'm very happy to say that we visited BXU last Dec 2010. At least for the last time, I got to see my lolo. He is an angel, because if it wasn't for him and my lola, my dad wouldn't be here. I feel sad for all his ten children, but I always knew he missed my grandmother. At least now, I know they're together. :)

My week-long trip in Butuan taught me a little bit of bisaya, and I got to meet a whole lot of the Cembrano and Radaza clan.

December 2010 - The last time I saw my lolo

March 2012 - The first time in I-don't-know-how-many-years I've seen the Cembrano siblings complete!

It Ends Tonight

 

March 24, 2012

4:30PM, about to march my way to the end

God has His own ways of making me feel I am loved and that I deserve to get what I need(want). I honestly never saw myself as someone who would graduate on time; given my study habits and vices. I know that my college experience is not the best. I didn't get the chance to get to the Dean's Lister (but luckily, I was ALMOST THERE on my last semester, if only I had my grade in Math higher); I'm not the president of any org, etc. But I know there are a lot of things to be proud of.

1. General Manager of the Internet Research Center - IRC is a business center in school. It is handled by the Planning and Development Office, but is operated by Entrepreneurship students. I am proud to say that I was its General Manager on my fourth year in college. Obviously, it is the highest position. During my third year in college, I was the Personnel Manager. Therefore I am proud to say that I have become an officer of something big too.
2. Best in Marketing Effort ( Glace ) - Glace was the mini shoe company we started in second year college. To receive an award during our first Galleria experience was too good to be true.
3. SJE Student of the Month - I was awarded Student of the Month twice: once in third year and once on my fourth year. It was an org thing, but then again it was printed on a certificate signed by the Department Chairperson and the Dean so it meant something!
4. Entrepreneurship Debate Society Entrep Team Quarterfinalist - I joined the debate team because my favorite professor sent my name to the head of the Entrep team. I felt so smart because my favorite professor was really hard to please and being recommended in such a thing, oh my. My team (GC and Kyra) only won one debate, but the fact is, we still did. Lol
5. Internet Research Center: Best Performing Business Center - this isn't only because of me, but I am very proud to say that when I was GM, we won the Best Performing award! It was based on sales and they let the lower batches vote. Lovely!

I'm pretty sure those aren't the only achievements I had, but I guess those are the most important since they're the only ones I remember! So, it ends tonight. It ended that night. The 24th of March. Thank you, Lord God.

Milestones

Last September, my grandmother celebrated her 75th birthday at Makati Shang. A few relatives from the States arrived to celebrate her birthday with her and I think that it was really a nice gesture. I was host for the night, along with my brother and my cousin but they didn't really "host" with me. They kept on leaving my side because I don't think they're comfortable with it. I wasn't too, but I wanted to learn/practice hosting. Not that I have plans on having that as career; I just really wanted to see if I could.

My grandmother is the best in the world and I'm not saying that because she is my grandma. I'm saying it because she is the type of grandma you see in movies: the cool one, the one who knows and has everything, your partner in crime and the like. I grew up knowing she'd do everything and give everything to me. I always knew I wasn't her favorite among us three, but I still felt loved. The things I know about my grandma are only 1/8 of her whole amazing personality. During the party, I found out about a lot of things about her that made me more proud of her than I already am.

At 75, my grandmother

• looks 10 years younger than her high school friends who came
• is so much prettier than all her friends/cousins/etc
• as energetic as a 60-yr old woman
• as nice as a young mom
• as sweet as a wife
• as perfect as the sun

I love everything about my grandmother and that night was super duper fun. Here are two photos from the party. I'll probably be posting another entry only for photos since I do not have the official photos yet.

Adios, Galleria

The closing ceremony of our practicum in Galleria was last Oct. 30, 2011. We were asked to wear a Halloween costume, but it's not really my thing. Maybe it's cause I never got to experience Trick or Treat as a child and I think it's waste of money to buy a costume. I stood up for my beliefs and dint dress up as anyone. My friend bought me a cute headband and it served as my costume for the night.

The last day in Galleria was exciting and sad. I was excited to leave Galleria and not stress myself into going there almost every day but not being with my batch mates made me really sad. I had fun the whole month because I got to be with friends every day but losing all the money I spent on food and unnecessary things was not fun. I have one last semester with my batch mates and then I'm entering the real world.

Didn't have my camera with me, too lazy to grab photos and too lazy to upload so here are a few shots.

I Love the Whole Thing

Mitze and Ninai spent their birthdays at my place. Almost everyone came and I believe this is by far the most "innovative" birthday party we have ever celebrated. Ninai came up with these funny gags like giving awards and playing games. We played beer pong, the marshmallow game and paper dance but I don't think we have a decent photo playing. Here are some of the highlights of my night (of their night. Lol)

Yep, I won best dressed along with Nikko!

© Nika Peralta

Post processing: Tina Cembrano

One Year: Naomi Sapo Martinez

September 16, 2010 was the day one of my best friends gave birth to this beautiful angel, Carie Naomi Martinez. A year after, my best friend is still sizzling and my goddaughter is as beautiful as her mother.

March to a Different Beat

Way back College Week at Miriam, I joined an inspirational talk. It's a required activity, but I had the interest on attending. I forgot the speaker's name, but the lessons he taught are still with me. His life story is as amazing as his lessons, and I salute him for being able to stand up tall, accept the tragedy of his life and praise God no matter what.

The most important lesson I've learned from him is to do the big things before doing the small things. It's simple. Just imagine a bowl, a big rock, a small rock and sand. If you put the sand first, you won't be able to fit the rocks. If you put the small rock first, you won't be able to fit the big rock and the sand. And finally, if you put the big rock first, that's the only way you could fit everything. In life, let us put God first. He is the biggest and the greatest of all. When we put Him first, everything else will follow. Have faith.

Xocolat

I've been wanting to blog about this drink for months now but I only had the chance to transfer the photo now so...

This is Hot Xoco from Xocolat (Katipunan). My brother was the first one who ordered this and when his order came, I was just....WOW. I haven't been to all places yet but this hot chocolate is one of the most innovative products I've seen and tried. You should try this too. It costs P145 - not so bad for its taste. It's really great. Two thumbs up!

Time After Time

I've been very busy with lots of things but most of the time, I'm just too lazy to compose a blog. I just changed my theme again so I'm a bit inspired to update. Although this entry might be gibberish, to me, it'd matter.

Last Sunday, we had this Service Learning in Theology. We went to a relocation site (Southville C, Montalban Rizal). I wasn't able to reach my expectations, but I am happy I got to spend time with them.

On Sunday, we'll be going back but that would be the last time. I hope that this Sunday, I'd be able to make more children happy. I want to share more. 

Wake Up Call & Lesson Learned

As a child, you would always be told by your parents to study hard so you could get good grades, go to a good college, get a good job, and finally, a good life. I was never really the type to go home and read my books. I have my very serious moments, but no... It was never really my thing. Final examinations, for example. I don't really take studying for it seriously because I always had this thinking that I will never ever be like those students who have amazingly high grades even if I study hard. There were times I proved myself wrong and actually have the amazing grades I always wanted, so I think it's all because of my laziness. 

I'm taking up Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship and people know that you don't really have to be "book smart" as an Entrepreneur; you have to be street smart. I guess I could fall into that category, since I'm better off with non-academic stuff or anything that can be learned through books. Then again, as an Entrepreneur, I think you shouldn't be, uhm... book dumb? Lol.

In life, we go to school to learn the basics in life - Math, English (grammar, vocabulary, writing), Science, History, and Theology (Christian Faith). These are all important to our lives...but do they really teach us the things that give our hearts peace? -- okay, that sounded a little corny, but, seriously speaking, does it? No, I don't think so. We learn things the hard way.

Let me share something I've experienced just this week.

• Everyone around me knows how capricious I am and every single one of them has told me to stop buying things I don't need and practice saving money. I never really learned how cause every time I have saved a little, I'd just spend again. 
• Life's teaching: My Globe bill (this month) reached ₱13,165 and I think 90% of it is because of internet usage. No no no, I don't use the internet...I used wifi to connect to BB App World but I didn't know that every time the wifi signal gets fucked up, it automatically switches to myGlobe internet. In addition to that, I still believe a cell phone's purpose is to call and text; and buying my BlackBerry was part of my capriciousness cause I had a perfectly good phone.
• Lesson learned: Be content/ed with what you already have and save as much money as you can. It doesn't really mean "hey, stop buying stuff. Save all your money". No one is that stupid not to know when enough is enough.

Having a bill that much from my supposed ₱600 plan is one perfect example of learning things the hard way. Life welcomes us every day to different situations and repeat them so the next time it happens, we'd know what to do.

Guess what? I'm also talking about faith. I always think that every time I'm faced with such problems, God is asking me to come to Him. He's like "making papansin" so that I'd seek Him. But isn't that sad? Do we really have to have problems just so we would turn to Him? I hope you're not guilty of this. I am not, cause I have a deep relationship with Him, but recently, it has been a cold relationship, so I guess He's just inviting me again.

Wake Up Call

I'm finally tired of having financial problems as early as college, so I've decided to work on my capriciousness and laziness. I know I've said this a million times already.......but 13k is just too much. It's time.

Questions

Each and every one of us have our own sets of questions in life. Some question their gender, their friends, their boyfriends, their attitude, their family, their grades, their faith (oh dear God I hope not). I think it's okay to have questions because asking these things make us realize one thing: there is a reason behind everything that is happening.

I've recently heard different situations of boyfriend-girlfriend relationship from different people and I can't help but wonder why most of the time (scratch that. I meant all the time), love is not enough. I had to go to my Multiply to find this quote/passage/saying I blogged cause it really helps us with a few of our questions in love.

"I received a text message a few years ago that scientifically speaking, love fades in approximately several years. The love in a relationship withers but not totally. It still depends on the couple whether they'll stay in love or not. "

So yeah. Scientifically speaking, love is really not enough. There are things that are easy to say but hard to do but I just realized that the things that are "hard" to do are things that are pretty easy, we just don't want to go that way. It's not really hard, we just don't want to. Just like what the older people say: "If you want it, you would do it. If you don't want it, there are reasons". I am not a perfect girlfriend and I know I am a bad girlfriend in some cases, but I think I'll be all good someday. I just need to figure out some things and understand who I am first.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, we could make love be enough to save one relationship. Of course there will be a lot of rocky roads along the way, but you know...asking for God's guidance and having faith in each other are the two things that are essential in one relationship. I don't have the perfect relationship with Chuck, I know. I also know that I do not handle a few things the way I should. Give me a break. We've been together for three years and two months already, but I know our journey has just begun. We have yet to find out a lot of things about each other. With this, I ask for full strength from God to accept that things change. Those problem-free days are gone, but they will never be erased.

Gentlemen, when you've done something wrong to your ladies, try to look up to Usher and apply what you hear. Helps a lot.

I was out doin my dirt

wasn't thinkin bout you gettin hurt,

I was hand in hand in the Beverly Center like man

Not givin a damn who sees me

So gone, so wrong

Actin like I didnt have you sittin at home

Thinkin about me bein the good girl that you are

Bet u probably believe you got a good man;

a man that would never do the things im about to tell you I've done 

Brace yourself, it ain't good

but it would be the worst if you heard this from somebody else

Baby, everything be all good

I don't wanna lose you

but I know what i'm tellin you ain't gonna make you wanna stay;

probaly just wanna run away

I'm mad enough to punch me in my face

I've been livin like an idiot

and I deserve every bit of it, I know

Today is the day that I end 

all the lying and playing and the bullshit girl

I'm sorry

Baby, I'm sorry

but I can no longer walk around 

with this stress on my chest

I confess

But when you look at me, do you see your wife?

Can you picture us lovin' each other for life?

Are you playin' the role, just like the rest

These are the questions that I ask myself

BlogBerry

From now on, every time I'm going to blog about my phone, it's gonna be entitled BlogBerry. Okay, Stradmore people! I know you own the word, I am just borrowing it.

Anyway, I just wanted to update my blog about the BB Social that I couldn't use for a week -- IT'S OKAY NOW!! I am ecstatic. After a week of losing hope, sadness and insecurity.... FINALLY! I had it exchanged last Saturday and didn't leave the shop until it worked. Whew, patience is truly a virtue.

White Water Rafting Pt.1

White Water Rafting is a challenging recreational outdoor activity using an inflatable raft to navigate a river or other bodies of river. This is usually done on white water or different degrees of rough water, in order to thrill raft passengers. The development of this activity as a leisure sport has become popular since the mid-1970s. It is considered an extreme sport, as it can be dangerous.

-Wikipedia

When my mom first mentioned that we were going to Mindanao (Butuan, in particular) to visit my grandfather (dad's dad), I felt really excited because I haven't been there for 12 years. To my surprise, my mom told me that we were heading to Cagayan de Oro too to do an exciting activity: white water rafting. I didn't have an idea at first so I searched for photos on the internet but still, I didn't know what to expect. I am one lucky girl to have finally experienced white water rafting last Dec. 28, 2010. When that special day finally came and I finally saw the course we were about to take, OH MY GOSH. I couldn't wait. The guides told us there were 24 major rapids on the river and a few minor rapids. ~!@#$%^&*()_+ EXCITEMENT ALL THE WAY.

After 4 amazing hours, the activity sadly came to an end. I have exciting photos of the whole thing but I have to wait for my mom because I used her camera. I also used a waterproof disposable camera so I have to have it developed pa and converted and all so this blog entry is just an introduction! :)

Btw, the photo above is taken by me 

and I used my dslr.

There was a 10-minute break for all to eat crackers

or drink liquids.

That is I think halfway of the whole course.