Catch Up With Good Old Friends

Where did the time go?! We're already halfway through the year!

This entry is supposed to be posted on the last day of June (because I don't have any posts for that month) but LIFE happens. So, I'm just dropping by, trying to keep everything sweet and simple.

It's important to make time with people who have been part of your "old" life. Twelve years ago, I met four wonderful girls in a dormitory in college. We were roommates for three years. And I tell you, three years isn't a short time. Spending days and nights for three years in one room has allowed us to get to know each other - the good, the bad, and some of our quirks...

They are actually one of those people who really know me and my not-so-easy personality. Hehe!

And now, even if we already live in different places, have different careers, different set of friends, it's nice that we still get to see each other. They are actually a breath of fresh air in this busy and stressful life that is adulthood. It's just nice to catch up, reminisce the good old days, and simply talk about anything under the sun.

Oh, and we also did some shopping...because GIRLS!

SM Aura

BGC High Street

3101: A Decade of Friendship

It's hard to find real friends in this world but when you do, the bond that is formed is something that will, definitely, last for years...or even a lifetime. 

And I'm just so thankful I found them! We were roommates in college. We met in 2005 and I'm glad that even though we live in different places now and pursued different career paths, we still make it a point to meet even if it's just once or twice a year.

Last April 18, we had our catching up in Cafe Juanita located in Capitol Drive, Pasig City. I really felt like a grown up because we're not meeting in the mall or in Los Banos anymore, but we're meeting in a famous restaurant in the metro. Cafe Juanita, based on what I've read, has some good reviews going on. So, my curiosity got the best of me and we just have to try it!

It's a restaurant filled with quirky things. When you get inside, there's just so much stuff you felt you're in different era or something.  I've read that those were the things/souvenirs got by the owner from his travels. One reviewer, Christine Aranilla, perfectly describes it this way, "Each and every spot is exploding with something interesting to admire at, eclectic and eccentric; yet, boldly Bohemian, is able to fuse with one another to create a romantic, vibrant ambience! But it's not merely the awesome design and interior! This place serves "ohhh-ssssoooo-delish" food!" via zomato

And the food is definitely so, so good! We ordered Sinigang (Salmon), Bagnet, and Garlic and Pepper Squid. Those three dishes really taste good but my favorite would be the sinigang! I just love the sour taste of the soup and the vegetables (sorry this girl is not a fan of fish though).

(counter clockwise direction: rice, sinigang, bagnet, garlic and pepper squid)

And I have to add that the waiters are so polite. They even volunteered in taking our picture. And being always the last to finish food (yes my friends know that I'm more of a talker and less of an eater), a waiter thought that we're already done, he asked us if he could get the plates, etc. but I told him I'm not done yet, I requested to just let the plates (of my friends) stand there because of a superstitious belief, and I'm glad that he obliged.

So yeah, good place, good food, good friends, what more can you ask for?

To the other roommate, who is currently on the other side of the globe, we miss you!

homemade ice cream at Mad Mark's

We may be all grown ups now but there's still a "kid at heart" in us. We may be eating in a fancy restaurant but at the end of the day, we still want to have an ice cream! Haha! =)

Cheers to a decade of friendship girls!

For our 2014 bonding, see post here.

*all pics are from my cam except for the second to the last image which is from Shayne

P.S. For further information about Cafe Juanita, you can check their Facebook page.

Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated to Cafe Juanita.

Style Crush: Emma Stone

I love her! I mean, who wouldn't love Emma Stone?

These past few days, I've been looking at her red carpet moments and this girl has an amazing sense of style going on. Sophisticated, gorgeous, chic, and playful all rolled into one! And I might add, her hair and make-up paired with each outfit is impeccable as well. And her skin, it's just glowing and beautiful and perfect!

Uhm, it really isn't obvious that I seriously love her... Haha!

Goodbye To You

It was the holy week. I was supposed to go home last Thursday but, unfortunately, the buses were full. I had no choice but to go back. So the whole time, while people were already with their families attending church and processions, I was just stuck in the apartment, having a grand four-day vacation...cleaning my room, washing clothes, and learning to cook (hard boiled egg and tortang talong). 

Anyway, one thing that I enjoyed was being with my labmates on Wednesday night. We had a farewell dinner for one of our colleagues that will be transferring to a new company. Because he did not experience attending JS prom during high school, our first plan was to recreate a JS prom night. But it's kind of expensive to rent gowns so we just wore simple dresses. Oh, we also had those pokemon ears, which I might say, is so cute!

Of course, there's the cake! Farewell. God bless. -from all the girls you loved before. How sweet is that?

 That cake is for that tall guy standing on the right side in green polo shirt and pikachu ears!

Here's a must - a family picture of all the people in Plant Pathology Lab.

After having dinner, some serious and funny goodbye messages, and a "Farewell To You My Friend" serenade (yes, we serenaded him!), we decided to go to another coffee shop. Full stomach deserves a cup of coffee or tea. Hehe! 

He told us he doesn't want the night to end. And I think, each and everyone of us also felt the same way.

To that very neat and organized guy, to that gentleman, to one of the most kindhearted people I've ever met, thank you and I... I mean, we will miss you.

The Legacy of Michael Phelps

Having twenty two medals and finishing his last Olympics victoriously, Michael Phelps is indeed the "Greatest Olympic Athlete of All Time"

Watch the video Memorable moments: The legacy of Michael Phelps and be inspired.

Image source

Blogger favorite: eat.sleep.wear.

This morning while I was browsing the net, I discovered that one of my favorite fashion bloggers replied to my comment. And I think I just have to copy and paste the thread here as a remembrance. Call me sentimental or whatever, but it's just happiness! By the way, if you're into fashion or just want to update yourself about some trends in fashion, I recommend you visit her site, eat.sleep.wear.

Below is the picture of her in the post in which I left a comment.

eat.sleep.wear

SUB group dinner

I should have posted this two weeks ago but I hadn't have time because of the many preparations I did for other parties. This was our group's (Submergence) christmas get together last December 10. It's kind of special because it's also a despedida party, for our boss will be leaving soon. Nah, don't want to be teary eyed. Good thing, all of us were all smiles.


We decided to dress up. Ahem, this only happens to me once in a blue moon. Haha! It felt kind of weird not wearing jeans and shirt but I must admit it felt good wearing a dress.

We had a sumptuous dinner at Cafe d' Asie in Bellevue Hotel. It was a buffet so we just picked whatever food we liked. Since I rarely have vegetables, I chose a lot of veggies. Yes, vegetables are becoming my favorite now! Recently, I realized the importance of living a healthy life. C'mon, more veggies please.



Add to that some red wine! Perfection!=)

Again, I would like to say that I will always be grateful for the opportunity given to me to be able to work with this amazing group of people. I learned a lot from them, from molecular techniques to work ethics. It just feels great waking up, doing the things you love in a place surrounded by brilliant and hardworking people.

Submergence Group, Christmas 2010

I would like to share some other pictures.

This is one of my favorites.

Just an outfit shot.

With my colleagues.

P.S. I'll be going home tomorrow. Hopefully I'll be able to get on a bus and have a comfortable seat. I just hate the hassle of an eight-hour travel without a comfy seat. Blogosphere, see you on 2011!

Cowboys and Well-Wishes

I'll be going home in just a few days! Wow finally! After almost 8 months! But before that, I'll be taking this opportunity to post something while I still have internet connection because for sure I will not be able to do it during christmas vacation. So here it goes. We had our division party last Friday and it was cowboy and barrio themed. Of course, me and my colleagues chose the easier option, which is to dress up like a cowboy, err, cowgirl.

I just wore a simple outfit: brown tank top layered with plaid shirt, jeans, booties (I know this is not a cowboy boots and is better off paired with a dress but I think this will do. Haha, don't want to burden myself in finding some boots), and the most important of all, the signature of a cowboy outfit- the cowboy hat.

Fun, fun, fun!

As what I've said in my previous post about the holidays, I would be attending four christmas parties. Yes four parties! It sounds a lot (well, for me it is) but parties are really everywhere at this time of the year. Last Monday we had our lab christmas party. Everyone was there, from our bosses to our technicians, and they actively participated in the games. It was so much fun! And it's like a break from our usual work days. We just enjoyed the moment.

MBL (Molecular Breeding Lab) Group 2010

3101: Bonding with former roommates

Finally, we've seen each other again (after almost two years). Last Saturday, me and my former roommates in college met in Manila. First stop was Mall of Asia. While waiting for the others, Shayne and I strolled around the mall. There were lots of christmas decors already, which reminded me that christmas is fast approaching. We had fun taking pictures of each other. And I really loved the christmas trees and other decors made of native materials and the colors/themes of red and gold.

Time to get muddy and dirty

This morning, I stumbled upon some pictures of our department's team building activity last September 24 at the Caliraya Recreation Center, Lumban, Laguna. Well, all I can say is this: It was a great experience! Actually, I'm not really into those kind of activities (outdoor games, etc.) but since we were required to take part, I had no choice. Anyhow, it also made me happy because it means a break from work.☺☺☺

We were divided into teams and I was part of the blue team. The activities include cheering competition (yey! we won here), follow the leader (sort of a warm-up exercise), tiger boat race (we also won here), and tug of war. In the afternoon, we did the theme song competition, slide pinoy, and mud slide.

Mud slide was a blast! At first, I was really nervous and I was thinking that there's no way I would try it out. But seeing other people enjoying it and of course, the encouragement of my friends, I realized that since I was already there, why not just try it and enjoy the experience. And so I tried and I conquered! And it was definitely an amazing experience!




Presenting the Mud Slide! This looks easy on the eyes but it's actually different when you're out there.