How do you deal with this?

What and how does it feel to be working for an inconsistent boss? Actions and words don’t match. Always finds fault in what you do and feels that he’s always right.  Asks for suggestions but shoots point blank your suggestion at your face. Egocentric. Self-proclaimed that he’s a pro-active leader but in reality he resists change. Feels he has a strong connection with people but in fact has so many strained relationship with colleagues (even with his family). Feels connected with his staff but staff feels zero sincerity. Flares up on petty things. Easily rattled. Can’t go to a meeting on his own, needs a staff all the time! Can’t relay correctly to his staff what the higher up wants. Too “PRANING”. Afraid to ask a question to the big boss. Makes you think and develop too many options when in fact only one option is needed and practical. Revises your write up by just making the active sentence into a passive sentence (goodness, the thought is there already, form over substance). Here’s the worst: Always wants to be perfect when reporting to the big boss, so at times, he gives your report to the higher ups with his name on it as the author. And mind you, you already have this feeling that you’re even better than him in terms of all attributes (physical, mental, family and social life, etc.). The thing is you’re the staff, he’s the manager.

How do you deal with this?

 

My AMOR and AMORITO

Cloyd and CJ

 

At 10 months, 1 week and 3 days . . .

CJ knows how to walk.  Well, not as in totally walk.  The first two to three steps, he’s okay.  After that he slowly tumbles trying to balance himself.  It’s happiness for a rookie mom like me.  It makes my heart leap with joy and at the same time with  fear, because he might hurt himself in the process. 

Mommy, let's walk!

Cloyd and I had apprehensions of actually buying a walker for CJ.  I said the yaya or his Lolo Ninoy would probably do a good job teaching him how to walk in the mornings, holding his arms with full support, making sure he’s not gonna tumble.  Not until Cloyd and I did it one weekend morning.  It got me so tired and got Cloyd’s back hurting the whole day.  It will not definitely work for the yaya and the grandpa.  No strength could match CJ’s urge to walk and loiter around.  Aside from being a big and heavy baby, his legs move fast in whatever direction he mobilizes himself.  Haaay! The walker which we bought a month ago is definitely a relief.  

 I could just imagine! CJ will already be walking when he turns one.  That’ll be fun in his party.  At least, that means we need not hold or carry him the entire time. He’ll be able to enjoy more his party.

 Hmm… Now, it makes me realize.  I think CJ is ready for Little Gym classes. 

 

Ondoy

It’s been all over the newspapers and television.  What happened to Philippines ’ NCR (national capital region) last weekend was so unanticipated.  We all actually have our own story/ies to tell.

 Yes, we probably all know there’s a storm coming, but never did we expect that it would bring so much rain that eventually led to flash floods and super heavy traffic that ultimately caught a lot of people stranded, major cities flooded, and worst, thousands of people homeless and helpless, several lives lost and a multitude of properties devastated.  Cainta, Marikina and Pasig areas were said to be hardly hit by Bagyong Ondoy.  In some areas, the floods haven’t even subsided up to now (4 days has passed).  Some are yet to be rescued.  A lot of relief operations are on-going but still is not enough.

 We are thankful that our place was not affected.  The rain waters flooded our street but that’s just about it.  Water level soon went down as the rains stopped earlier in the evening.  Otherwise, it could have been a different story.  We are indeed blessed that we’re safe and prayers truly work wonders.  I don’t know what I would do if I’m the one there, knowing fully well I have a son less than a year old.  Just thinking of him getting soaked in the rain and experiencing a horrible flood scene, I’m already “Praning”.  What more if I’m there!  But we can’t help but feel bad at the same time when we turned on our TV and saw what was happening.  We have relatives and friends too in the affected areas and we can’t help but worry for them too.   

 My personal learnings:  1. We could never ever hold on to material things.  It wouldn’t even matter when you’re in a life and death situation. But we need not fret when we’ve lost it all.  We’ll be able to earn and save up for it again.  Although rebuilding is as hard as it gets, life still goes on!  2. We all have to be vigilant and prepared for whatever life may bring.  We’ll never know what’s in store for us tomorrow.  We just have to embrace it, be it beautiful or horrible.  At least we’re alive and have the capacity to make life better.  And at the end of the day, we all have a merciful ‘God’ who knows why.

 

CJ

CJ will be 10 months old this coming September 20.  And in a few more weeks, he’ll be celebrating his 1^st birthday.  How fast time flies.  It was just like yesterday that I gave birth to a lovely baby boy.  Now, he has grown to be a very big and adorable boy!  Many say that CJ is big for his age.  It’s in the genes I suppose.  =)

 CJ knows how to stare at the camera.  When you say “picture-picture”, he looks at the camera and stares for seconds till he sees the flash.  He utters words and sings along with me when I sing the ABC or I have two hands.  He has a loud voice like Cloyd.  He shouts when he’s bored or when he’s excited.  He’s favorite toy other than his usual toys is his daddy’s cellphone.  When he cries, just show him Cloyd’s phone and he stops.  He’s quite cranky lately though.  He often throws tantrums and that’s probably because he’s still uncomfortable with his growing teeth.  He actually has 5 teeth now.  There are 3 on his upper and 2 on his lower.  He initially crawls backwards but now he has learned to do the forward thing.  He can stand on his own in his crib.  He reaches for things outside it and whatever he reaches, he puts in his mouth.  He loves things that make sounds.  He likes to crumple paper and plastic bags.  He still can’t walk though.  He has yet to learn and we have to be more patient.  

My little boy

 I so heart CJ’s smile.  I heart even his frowns and loud cries.  I heart everything about him!  I’m his mom, how can I not!  I’m just sad that he likes his daddy more than me, his mom.  Sometimes when I get him from Cloyd, he would turn his back.  If I insist, he cries.  Huhuhu.  Mommy pains!!!  But I’m hopeful that we’ll get over this stage, SOON!!!

"laugh then cry"

 

Baguio Escapade

We were supposed to celebrate Papa’s birthday at a certain resort in Batangas during the long weekend but since we were predominantly crestfallen by reviews at tripadvisor.com, we were pressed to change plans.  We had to look for a hotel in Baguio the last minute.  What even made it harder was that I have to book for 2 to 3 rooms because our headcount is 10.  Baguio was the original plan months ago but due to conflict of schedules and my concerns regarding traveling with a 9-month old baby, the family thought of just celebrating it somewhere near.  We planned to go somewhere wherein travel would be just 2 to 3 hours, max. 

 Anyway, I called The Manor at Camp John Hay on Thursday evening but the hotel was said to be running full.  I was quite upset.  I guess we’ll just have to settle with the hideous hotel I initially called and reserved.  I tried my luck Friday morning, called The Manor again and hooray! I have room reservations.  They opened slots for the weekend at ‘The Suites’.  It’s the building right beside The Manor.  It’s they’re soft launch although as informed by the reservations clerk, there are still works being done but just minimal.  I said I will be traveling with a baby and she assured me that it’s fit for occupancy.  Only the room finishings are being done and that works are only done from 9 am to 6 pm.  I suppose the Baguio trip was truly for us.  I was happy with the rate that I got too.  The Manor and The Suites are offering irresistible rates till September 30.  They’re 50% off since it’s their off peak season.  After that, they’ll be back to their usual rates.

 My nephews have actually packed their swimming gears.  They were ready for an excursion to blue waters.  Due to the change in plans, they had to unload their swimming trunks and pack their sweaters and jackets instead.  It was my brother’s first time to go to Baguio too.  Praise the heavens! We were asking him to kiss the ground since it’s his first time to set foot on the soils of the Philippines’ City of Pines! He’s been to other places outside the country but he hasn’t conquered Baguio for that matter.  I’m just wondering why Mama and Papa weren’t able to bring him to Baguio when we were kids, to think that when going to Ilocos, we could pass by Baguio.  J  I remember that I was only able to go there because my aunt Mely tagged me along when I was 7 years old.

 Anyway, we left home a quarter before 6am.  No traffic or whatsoever since we took the SCTex.  We had breakfast at Jollibee Luisita and arrived at Baguio 1pm.  It was just raining when we got there.  As initially said, we stayed at The Suites in Camp John Hay.  What the clerk said is true.  There are still a few works.  It’s not fully operational but the lobby and the ground and 3^rd floor rooms are fully made.  It’s run by the same management of The Manor.  We still got the same comfort though, and it’s like we had the place all to ourselves.  The rooms are new and fully equipped.  Only few guests are checked-in while The Manor is running full and so crowded.  We park our cars just at the hotel’s big and wide drive-way, so our come and go in between was a breeze.  The only difference is, The Suites has no garden, no piano bar and no restaurant yet.  We often eat outside anyway, either in the city (SM or Session Rd.) or at the commissary, so it wasn’t really something that we actually needed.  Besides, we wanted a quiet get away since we were with kids and a baby.  So somehow without these amenities, it was more of an advantage. 

 We had late lunch at Dencio’s and went back to the hotel to rest.  It was still raining when we decided to go see the city (around 5pm).  We really don’t know our way around Baguio so we often stop and ask the people around for directions.  We went to Baguio Cathedral and we were in time for the anticipated mass.  We had dinner at SM then went back to the hotel.  My CJ has to rest.  We actually all have to rest as we all traveled for hours.  We decided to call it a night.  And since it’s said to be always raining in the afternoons at Baguio, we planned to start early the following day.   

 Tourist spots visited the following day were:  Botanical Garden, the Lourdes Grotto (whose long and steep stairs shocked Dongee, my youngest nephew.  “Aakyatin natin yan, Tita?”), Burnham Park (the kids went boat riding even on its murky water), Mines View Park, Good Shepherd (bought ube and strawberry jam, yum yum), Wright Park and The Mansion. 

Baguio

 We were also able to visit some friends of Mama and Papa who were staying too for the weekend at EGI Albergo di Ferroca, a newly built condominium near Wright Park and The Mansion. 

 Much as I like my brother and the kids to see the Philippine Military (PMA) School, we had not much time.  The heavens were crying again and it was quite foggy too at 3pm.  I also can sense that CJ was so sleepy and tired so I said maybe next time. 

 On our third and last day, we had breakfast at the Manor, had our picture taking at the lush garden, and did some last minute shopping at the commissary while the kids went horse back riding.  CJ slept soundly while we all got ready to leave.  I love his look resting calmly in our bed.  No cares, no worries.  It’s a happy moment for a first-time mom like me. We freshened up and breathed the fresh air of Baguio, left the place thanking God for the lovely experience we all had.  This trip is indeed an addition to my life’s simple joys. 

 On the way home, we had late lunch at Isdaan at Gerona, Tarlac.  It’s one of Barrio Fiesta’s chains of restaurants.  We were all hungry when we got there as the travel down from Baguio gave us all a dizzy-woozy-head.  Plus+ we would want to beat traffic at the expressway knowing that a lot of Manileno’s went out of town.  Food was great at Isdaan.  We ordered this so-called “bilao” which has liempo, chicken and fried crunchy fish and pork.  We had additional order of their famous “tinupig na chicken” and pakbet.  Yummy!  It was a feast for both the adults and kids.  We did visit their ‘Tacsyapo wall’ too.  We literally broke plates and mugs!  

 That’s our Baguio escapade.  It was tiring but it was all well worth the fun and family bonding.  It’s a good thing that my will power won over my apprehensions to do this trip given that CJ is just 9-months old.   And mind you, we didn’t tag along any yaya.  CJ was so manageable.  Good thing was that everyone in the family (including the kids) is so willing to carry him at times when Cloyd and I can’t.  I think he’s ready for an out-of-the-country trip.  Yehey!

 

Treggings

In one of my window shopping – lunch sprees, a certain item caught my attention.  I was able to spot this nice affordable/reasonably priced/within-my-means leggings.  What I’m so happy about is that it wasn’t the usual leggings that I normally find in my favorite shops.  It wasn’t the typical color black leggings.  It was in denim color!!!  Casual and fashionable!!!  I was too happy to try it since it was within my budget.  Too bad, it was 1 size smaller.  I had to request the sales clerk to find me my size in their other branches.  I had it a week after and I’m happy with the fit!  Well, it figures! 

  Anyway, later did I know that it was called “treggings”.  Short for trouser – leggings.  I searched Promod’s website and the description goes like this: 

 

Promod treggings

FAUX BRUT DENIM TREGGINGS:

new mock denim treggings with medium rise elasticated waist, top stitching and turn-up ankles, in as soft and stretchy mock denim fabric for a body conscious look; a versatile fashion item. 

It was definitely a good buy.  Promod is located at Greenbelt 5, SM Megamall and Trinoma.

 

Goodbye, Woman of Yellow Character!

Corazon Cojuangco Aquino left her family and the Filipino nation mourning last Saturday, August 1. It was truly a sad day. Even the heavens were crying. It practically rained the whole day. It was the day that she finally joined her Creator and her beloved husband, Ninoy, after a battle with colon cancer for over a year.

All tributes to her for the past 3 days were very endearing and the way her children (may I special mention Kris Aquino) speak so well of her just meant that she truly was good to them, a role model. Being an icon of democracy, Cory Aquino brought hope to the Filipino people that indeed the Philippines can be great again. She has her shares of “kapalpakan” in the government, but hey who doesn’t? That color yellow very much represents her character: jovial, positive, uplifting, prayerful & beseeching.

Cory doing the "LABAN" sign

Tita Cory, the very essence of being a person with moral fiber is in you. May you rest in peace and may our country’s leaders uphold what you fought for and ensue the legacy you left for our dear Philippines. Farewell.

 

The Obsession

A couple of years back, my aunt gave me a replica of a Louis Vuitton bag.  It was a “pasalubong” from Hongkong.  Back then, I wasn’t too conscious if the bag was a counterfeit or not.  As long as it serves its purpose and it is fashionable, it was not a problem.  It’s just like having a pirated DVD.  As long as it is a clear copy, to me it’s as good as the original.  In most cases, I would never watch the same DVD once I’ve watched it. 

Anyhow, back to the bag.  As mentioned, it was no problem if the bag was a fake.  Maybe because when I was 5 to 10 years younger, owning an original LV bag wasn’t in my list!!!  As far as I’m concerned, it did not exist in my vocabulary.  Maybe because I was not too brand conscious.  Well, maybe I am, but only for the ‘affordable’ brands like Lacoste, RL or Nine West.  Then came my liking for Coach, DKNY and Kate Spade.  Some of which, came in the form of a gift from Mama and Ninang while the others were bought at factory outlets when we were on trip to the States.  I thought it wound end there considering their costs were a few thousand bucks.  IT DID NOT!  My desire for another bag (even if I already have a couple of designer bags) just evolved!  I can be seen surfing the Louis Vuitton website! 

I wanted a Speedy 30 or a Neverfull MM.  And when given the chance to ask my mom’s friend coming from the United Kingdom to buy for us an original LV bag in an LV store at England, the gates of happiness opened!!!  I had to ask permission from the hubby!!!  It was like actually asking for funds, literally (which I’ve pre-committed, take note).  He initially said, ‘NO’.  He said I already have a collection of bags sleeping in their boxes, gathering dust.  It’s just eating up space in his closet because mine is already full.   He even said that even if I change bags every day for a month, with the plentiful I have, I won’t repeat a bag!  If only he can sell them, he will!  

Admittedly, yes I don’t need another bag.  But with my super “kakulitan”, I finally made him say yes!  Woohoo!!! He was giving-in into my whim and I on the other hand was already having second thoughts on pushing thru with the purchase since it’s a major cash outlay.  But just like any major expenditure, we had lots of things to take into consideration: the monthly bills, baby expenses, savings, etc.  And so, after a biased analysis, hubby just turned a blind-eye.  How can he not?  He’s a witness to my sleepless nights since the day I gave the full specs of the LV bag that I like.   As he said it himself, “I’m obsessed!” Hahaha.

Well, he’s not saying that we can already super afford it, but somehow he understands my “caprice” to just let the resources flow for us to be able to afford it.  One line of reasoning he told was that I’ve spent more than a decade working day in and day out, and in one way or another, I deserve to splurge a little on my obsession/whim/caprice!  I like this part of our argument although the splurging was not a little, it was a lot!  To me it seems a fortune! Exaggerated!!!).  Well I guess he was just into defending the purchase of his Nikon D90 just this year too, hahaha.  We’re quits!  But as my husband has warned me, it probably may be the first and the last!  And that it would be his gift to me for the next 2 years worth of occasions.  Well take note, there was a word “probably”.  Hehehe! 

Sleepless nights no more, the bag I ordered has arrived.  I’m as happy as a clam!  I can only “clap, clap, clap”.  Yipee! And what a better way to do it, my mom ordered one for her  too!!! Meaning, I could borrow.  Double happiness!

 

Almost four months ago . . .

Stage 2 of the Sky Way construction at the South Luzon Express Way began during the 3^rd week of March.  That’s almost 4 months ago.  It caused terrible traffic during the first few weeks of construction.  Going to the office and traveling back home after a hard day’s work were a nightmare.  We had to start earlier than our usual time leaving the house and we had to contend with the bumper to bumper vehicles on the expressway!  Thank goodness, “counter flow” was invented.  We probably would never arrive at our Makati office on time if not for those precious counterflows that we took.  It’s just sometimes we always have to keep our fingers crossed that the counterflow opens before we even get to the opening!  Otherwise, we go thru the experience of roving the horrendous Alabang to Bicutan stretch!  And imagine, that’s just going to work and that we’re just half way thru.  The other half is this:  the normal 1 hour ride going home has been doubled and for me it was truly a waste of precious time!  It meant lesser time being with CJ all the more.  Hahaha.  How about on weekends?  We don’t try passing thru SLEX, at all!!!  We’d rather take the Coastal route.  And besides we usually stay at home on weekends.  If it’s not that important, our cars our parked Saturday and Sunday at the garage!

We have to thank God the construction’s progress is steady fast.  A lot of posts have been built and it seems workers have been working round the clock!  Compared to the construction of Sky Way’s 1^st stage way back the 1990s, I guess Stage 2 will be done sooner!  More visible are the equipments, construction people and pre-fabricated steels and thrushes.  They are beyond doubt so quick.  I suppose we can attribute it to the enhanced superior technology nowadays.

At present, there’s still traffic but it’s more manageable.  There are still traffic jams but before was super worse.  Probably, the ease was brought about by the fast progress in the construction and probably also because of the notion that people are more acclimatized to traffic already!  Everyone seems to be expecting it. 

Noteworthy though that the flow from Alabang to Calamba is so much better now.  My brother said his travel from Alabang to Sta. Rosa is so smooth.  It only takes him 15 minutes to arrive at home.  Now, isn’t that wonderful?

I wonder if Sky Way Stage 2 is completed how fast could traffic flow from Makati to home?  Haaaay, I’m sure it’ll be a breeze!!!  What’s not a breeze is the pricey toll fees that may be imposed!  Well, I can only hope that it’s not gonna be that unreasonably steep.  =)