Boys Night Out

For months now, Buboy has been a happy and satisfied listener of Boy’s Night Out, a night-time show of the radio station Magic 89.9 FM. The show is hosted by three male DJs who talk about randomly selected (boys') topic each night. Of course, they also encourage listeners to join in the discussion/kulitan. I admit I also enjoyed listening to them because I get a feel of how boys think and because I love seeing how Buboy react to the discussions. I swear there were times Buboy would burst out with loud laughter or join in the discussion by voicing his opinion or side of the story to me. And I love how Brando Braganza say “sexy time” with his deep sexy voice. There are even times I want to hear Buboy say it to me too… in the same deep sexy voice of course. *kilig*

Listening to the three grown-up boys, tony-tony, slick rick and king dj logan, has been a nightly habit for us. We listen to them as we drive home from the office. Yesterday, Buboy told me that king dj logan left the station (and the show) for another FM station. Everyone was surprised, including the two other hosts of the show. Logan’s absence was noticeably sad (?) as he was the ring leader of the boys. He has the strongest personality and his co-host and listeners alike responds to his jokes and teasing so well. Last night was the first time the show seems dull. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not because tony-tony and slick rick are not competent hosts. They are a couple of intelligent djs but something is missing…

I hope they get a new ring-master to save the show. And I hope they get one soon. I miss “sexy time” already.

-chebong

Flixster

Flixster is a site for movie fans. It’s a fun site where one can read the latest movie news and gossips, learn about new releases, take or create movie quizzes, watch videos, browse or upload pictures of different actors or review movies. That is aside from being a place where one can chat with people with the same interest. Click here to take a peek of the site.

I got invited to flixster by a friend. Honestly, I joined so that I can invite Buboy who is a real fanboy of movies and comics. I wanted him to have a place where he can express his ideas, meet people with the same interest as his and be creative. Buboy joined flixster more than 8 months ago but he didn’t get active until about after 5 months from signing up. And now he’s the one reminding to me visit my account! *sigh*

I really want to write a movie or book review someday so I’m holding on to my flixster account and maybe start by writing comments on the hundreds of movies listed there. But right now, I am content using it to communicate with Buboy (chatting) and in getting to know more about him through the insights he shares in the site. *wink*

-chebong

Resignation... put on hold

Well, I approached my boss, the President, to formally tender my resignation on Friday, May 25. He did not approve my resignation. He instead offered to allow me to go on a long vacation just so I’d stay. I tried to explain that I don’t want to inconvenience the company of my long absence but he insisted that if my only reason is my fertility treatment (which is what I said in my resignation letter), he is willing to accommodate my need to rest by allowing me to go on leave. Frankly, I’d rather resign but that thoughtful gesture from my boss, the President nonetheless, made me feel valued and trusted in the company. It also made it embarrassing for me to push my resignation. I just had to reconsider.

I discussed it with Buboy and he understood my situation. So it was agreed that I’ll be filing my leave for 7 months, 3 months of which (July, December & January), I’ll not report for work and 4 month (August, September, October & November) I’ll report only once a week. The reason for the once a week reporting is because my Nexus assistant will be going on maternity leave around that time.

All our previous plans will push through though. I’ll still have time for them as my work schedule is reduced dramatically anyway. Besides, I have confidence in my two HR staff that they won’t need much intervention from me during my long leave.

I take this as one of God’s blessing. At least I know that there’s still something waiting for me when things don’t go well. Now, not that I know things are not going to be well as I’m willing to work hard on it so just it’ll succeed, but since this is a first time venture into business for me, one can never really be that sure.

I still need to submit to my boss the proposal as to how the HR department will manage without me. That is still what I am working on. Should he not approve my proposal, I guess it’s a sign that I really should go. Let God’s will be done.

-chebong

Resignation coming...

Today I will inform the head of Admin and Finance that I am resigning… and tomorrow I will formally tender my resignation letter to my boss, the President. I have already discussed my resignation to my two staff and I’m touched to see that they were sad about my leaving.

Although it’s still 5 weeks before my resignation takes effect, I can’t help but think about the things that I need and want to do once I’m free. Of course there’s the business that we’re starting, but since we will hire someone to man the booth, Mox and I have time for other activities. And those activities are already waiting for me. Here they are:

- clean our rooms (LP and Pasig) and organize our things
- read books we have that I haven’t read
- write… anything…
- organize our pictures
- start a scrapbook
- learn something new, a craft perhaps
- finish my cross stitch
- renew my driver’s license
- apply for a passport

I know lots of other things will come up. But with this list alone, I know I won’t have time to be bored for awhile. And that is a good thing, right Buboy? :0)

-chebong

How lucky can a girl be?

For several days now I have been reminiscing old times with my girlfriends. Maybe it’s the weather that is making me miss them quite a bit… I have been fondly looking back at nights spent hanging out at UP Diliman, or playing pictionary in Tagaytay, or the indoor deep talks about life and whatnot, or club hopping for bands and music, or planning surprises, or out-of-town gimmicks, or crazy laughing spree, or simply eating out… Moments spent with my girlfriends.

I have lots of girlfriends. There’s a couple from HS, a bunch from college, and dozens from work. And these I got are the best. And I don’t mean because we never disagree or even fight, because we do. There are times my best buddy from HS and I would not speak to each other for months (because we disagreed/fought about something silly) but when one of us needs help or comforting, we’d run like hell to be there. And friends are great with surprises too. My college girlfriends are very good at planning surprises (but not as good in keeping the ideas until the event though) complete with themes and props, you’d think we're professional party planners. And who says those friends you meet at work are not for keeps? I have a lot of friends I met from the many jobs I had, including volunteer work. And though we don’t regularly communicate, whenever we get a chance to get together, we just know that time has not altered our friendship.

Girlfriends since childhood

aellek then and now

halo-halong girlfriends

You know you have great girlfriends when it's no longer embarrassing or scary to let out your bad side in front of them. That’s how my girlfriends and I are. And although regularly keeping in touch may be a bit harder now (with the different lives we’re living) there is a sense of security and comfort that comes with the memories that say our friendship will stay forever, and that whenever I feel down or up or anything in between, my girlfriends will always be there to share my moments.

It’s true what they say, girlfriends are the best. And I’m lucky I’ve never been short of them all my life. And the best part (yup, there's still a best part) is that my girlfriends are also friends with Buboy that I never had a hard time spending time with them with him. How did i get so lucky!!

-chebong

Between a “Rock” and a Hot Place….

On May 1, 2007 for Mox’s bday (advanced celebration), we took her to historic Corregidor where we had a crash course in history while having fun playing print ad models and photographers.

Da Higop Gang Strikes Again!

Corregidor, known as “The Rock”, is a small rocky island in the Philippines strategically located at the entrance of Manila Bay. It was a key bastion of the allies during WWII. Corregidor was the headquarters of the Allied forces and also the seat of the Philippine Commonwealth government during that time. This island fortress stands as a memorial for the courage, valor, and heroism of the Filipino and American soldiers who bravely fought against the invading Japanese forces during World War II.

they say that Corregidor Island is shaped like a stingray... but does'nt it look more like a sperm...err...tadpole?

Our day started at CCP where we boarded a ferry that would take us to Corregidor. We toured the island via “tramvias” (buses made to look like the old trams used in the island during the war) with candid tour guides narrating stories, anecdotes and historical facts along the way. We were shown the geographic sectors of the island which includes Topside, Middleside, Bottomside and Tail end. And visited the island’s landmarks such as the Mile-long Barracks, old Spanish Lighthouse, Pacific War Memorial, Eternal Flame of Freedom,Filipino-American Friendship Park, Filipino Heroes Memorial, Malinta Tunnel (with a 30-minute audio and visual presentation on WWII), and not to mention numerous gun placements and ruins all around the island.

Tramvia Trippin'

We speak softly.... but we carry “BIIIIG” guns!

Paying homage to the brave souls at the Heroes Memorial

Re-enactment of the death march...by the Eternal Flame of Friendship... huh???

"Hi Ho... Hi Ho... It's off to work we go..."

Indiana Jones aint got nuthin on us!!!

The Pacific War Museum... can you guess which ones are on display?

The Lighthouse... The Altar of Heroes... and two “reeeally” weird girls...

Ahhh... the beautiful scenery...too bad these guys are always in the pics...

Although it was sooo hot that day and all the information and facts that we’re getting may be too much to handle at times (as it has been years since we last read our history books), we can’t help but be fascinated and awed by the story being told both by the ruins and the newer memorials built in Corregidor. Truly, this island not only teaches lessons from the past but it also give us a glimpse of the sacrifices and heroism of the Filipino and American soldiers alike.

Fine weather we're having....“nooooot!”

We think every Filipino should include visiting this historical island in their personal to do/to go to list.

3rd Year Anniversary

A week ago Mox asked Buboy how he proposed to me as she has no idea. Well, there weren’t any romantic setting, no ring either. But to me, it was the start of something I know will last forever. Here’s how it goes... After years of fighting, Buboy and I finally broke up on June 10, 2003. It wasn’t a good break-up, by the way, it was a bit messy. By early July of the same year, we were both convinced that we will not be getting back together again. We talked over the phone the night of July 7th and by early morning of the following day, we were both crying, trying to make up. Then he told me “love, ayaw ko ng mawala ka. Mag-sama na tayo”. Of course I said yes. In my mind I was thinking that he is asking that we live together. Months after that, we both transferred jobs and started planning and saving for the wedding.

It may not sound much to others, but for me, that was really the start of our life together. It was then that we realized how much we mean to each other, how we touch each other’s life, how we compliment each other, how much we are willing to do and to give for each other, how lovely life would be with each other, that we belong with each other...

Today we celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary. We have nothing special planned for tonight but we have managed to make almost everyday of our 3 years together special in so many ways that no fine restaurant or big bouquet of flowers or tons of chocolates can sum up those years. And the best thing is that we still have the rest of our lives to make special.

Buboy and I after our wedding ceremony

Buboy and I three years after our wedding

-chebong

KurlyNews

KurlyNews
28 April 2007, 11:43 PM

weng, mox, benny, juvie, chebong & buboy (aka "Da Higop Gang")

Chebong and Buboy recently got back from their yearly White Beach, Puerto Galera jaunt where they spent 3 days and 2 nights kicking up their heels with friends and family. Located in Mindoro Oriental, Philippines, the name “Puerto Galera” literally means “Port of Galleons” originating from the fact that the numerous coastlines of the area have provided traders and sailors shelter from the rough seas for centuries. These days however, Puerto Galera is one of the premier tourist spots in the country famous for its beautiful corals (hence the influx of scuba diving aficionados from all over the world), the white sandy beaches, and of course, the world renowned Filipino Hospitality. Let’s have a chat with the Kurly Couple and get the lowdown on their latest adventure.

You’ve both been to White Beach several times already right? Obviously you haven’t gotten tired of coming back to the place every year, what’s changed from the first time you’ve been there?

Chebong (C): More people seem to be going there now than 3 to 5 years ago. The place is slowly getting crowded.

Buboy (B): Yup! White Beach is getting even more congested with every passing year, I mean some resorts there even have three-storey residences!

(C): And most of the girls (whatever their size is) are wearing 2-piece swimsuits. Too bad for me, I should have done it when I still can.

(B): Aww… that’s not true luv… you can still wear ‘em 2-piece suits for me *wink* *wink*

What do you do to prepare? Meaning, what do you bring with you? How much cash should you have on you for the trip? That kind of stuff….

(C): My friend said I pack like a wife now. Anyway, We packed the usual… undies, sleep wear, night wear (for those late night drinking sprees), swim wear, slippers… but I see to it we pack everything with extras… 2-3 pcs extra undies, 2-3 pcs extra shirts, etc. This year we also brought a toiletry hanging basket for the shampoo, conditioner, soap, feminine wash, lotion, shaver, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc. I made sure we bring our vitamins and other meds for emergency such as biogesic, decolgen, kemil-S, etc. And of course we brought hangers and clothes pins/clips. Food… we always bring at least 5 liters of water. This year we had canned juice and coke, we had dozens of milo, coffee, nesvita and litro juice sachets, we had salted eggs, biscuits and snacks!

(B): Understandably, the rates keep getting higher every year, especially when you go there from Friday to Sunday, the room rates skyrocket by about a thousand bucks! We ended up paying P3000 a night for a room that could fit 6 people, so that would be….P6000 for a 2 night stay. We consider the cost of round-trip bus and ferry rides; lunch & dinner for the 2-day stay…we probably ended up shelling out around P3500 per person in a group of 6. That still leaves you with enough dough for snorkeling, banana boat rides, booze and a few souvenirs!

What’s the most memorable experience you had there?

(C): Buboy and I weren’t married yet when we first went to Galera. It was for my birthday. We had been fighting days before and I was prepared to break up with him there. But instead of breaking up, we made up. And during our first night there, we were laying on the beach, watching the stars, I realized I really love Buboy and I am not going to let go of what we have… Years after, we went there again for our honeymoon. And I remembered the first time we came there… I was glad I didn’t let go…

(B): Aaaawww maaaaannnn!!!! Now, how can I possibly top that kind of an answer…Cmere and lemme give ya a hug! But seriously, what Chebong said was right on the money… and one thing that keeps me coming back to the place must be the fantastic sunsets there. There’s really nothing like seeing that blazing red-orange sun going down on the vast ocean blue…. Really takes your breath away!

Did you do anything new this year?

(C): Yup! We had a banana boat (but I swear it was shaped like a pencil) ride. Though we requested no “taob” because most of us don’t know how to swim and we’re (at least I am) mightily afraid of being thrown in the middle of the sea, even with a life vest on.

(B): We also had special henna tattoos made. These were extra special beeecause…. I designed em’ myself! Yup! Check-em out, we had our names tattooed as ambigrams (they read the same way once you flip em over!). Henna artists on the beach actually do ambigrams themselves but they were really surprised that we made ours without any help.

If you manage to return to White Beach next year, is there anything in particular you would want to try that you haven’t done before?

(C): Yes. I hope to be able to ride the banana boat with “taob” next time and maybe go hiking. We’ve been going there for years and we haven’t seen the tamaraw falls yet… heck, not even a live tamaraw. Maybe next time we can afford to stay there longer, like 5-7 days perhaps.

(B): That would really be awesome… one week of sun and sea… maybe we could even have time to try out jet-skiing this time.


So there you go folks, seems like the kurly couple will definitely be having more adventures in the months to come. Let’s wait and see where they turn up next! Till then…Keep on Kurlin’!!!!!

Beers Anyone?

“Dammit!”

It’s scorching-hot today at the office. It’s the kind of heat that comes at you from all directions, like being wrapped from head to toe in a warm blanket while being cooked in an oven that’s set all the way up to “high”.

“Is the air-conditioning working?” you ask yourself. All it seems to be doing is pumping in the hot air from outside of the room. *Whew* you try to cool down… you drink-in water by the bucket loads, (and yes… its warm. Nothing’s cold enough on a day like this) and drinking really doesn’t help. All you accomplish is to get your bladder filled up faster and piss every fifteen minutes.
Even being in the comfort room is hard labor, by the time you get out; you’re already soaked in sweat and feeling even more thirsty than when you first went in (Damn!... Now you have to go get a drink again!). You go back to your chair. You lay your head back and gently rub your temples… now you’ve got a headache…. “perfect… just perfect” you think to yourself.

You close your eyes and try to think of things to get your mind off the heat. Beers come to mind… ice-cold beers…. now that’s what you really need right now. You see yourself pressing that San-Mig Lite against your cheek, feeling the refreshing cold trickle down your face as the ice melts on the bottle. You take a swig and stretch out…. You’re not in the office anymore…. You’re on the beach, beneath a shady palm tree. Twilight is coming; right about the time when the first cool breeze comes in from the sea. The red-orange sun shimmers against the water. The waves call you out with each gentle crash against the sandy shore. You plunge into the water. You dive, deep… deeper… feeling as much a part of the grand marine life with every stroke and kick you make. You bask in the majesty of the ocean depths for a moment… or a lifetime… you can’t tell the difference anymore… then you go back up, breathing in sweet salty fresh air as you break the surface. You come back to the shore and lie down on the soft sand just in time to see the stars come out one by one on the darkening sky… like small lights being turned on by the gods. You reach for another beer. As you take another icy cold swig, you close your eyes and take in the sounds of the newborn night… the soft breath of the evening air as it breezes across your face… the harmonious chirp-chirping of crickets as they welcome the night in song… the gentle crash of the waves as they end their journey on the sandy beach thump… thump… thump… thump… … the… hey wait a minute, that didn’t sound like any wave I’ve heard before. thump… thump… thump… thump… what is that? Puzzled by this mystery of the night, you open your eyes….

…. right in time to see a man-mountain that you usually call your boss glaring down on your pathetic just-woke-up-face while he’s drumming his fingers on your desk: thump… thump… thump… thump…

“….what the f*ck are you doing? It’s already half past one in the afternoon! Wake the hell up and get your lazy-a$$ back to work!!!!”

“Dammit!”

……………

Chebong and I are going to the beach this friday…. Here’s to a cool weekend of sun, surf and beers!!!!








-Buboy

What??? Vacation's Over????

The Holy Week Holidays are over too soon and I’m back at the office for more work-related nonsense….*sigh*. I guess that’s how it really is, once you get a few days of bumming around… you usually cringe at the idea of going back to the slave pit that we normally call “the Office”.

Well, at least Chebong and I got to enjoy the long weekend with our yearly “Visita Iglesia”. We usually do a round of 14 churches and pray at one Station Of the Cross for each church. It’s not the traditional way to do the visita iglesia but this way we can have a little sight-seeing trip at the same time. It really is pretty cool to visit churches during the Lenten Season.

hmmm... who are those smiling guys out back?

In a related note, one of the churches that we visited was UST. And my first reaction would have to be: UST ROCKS!!!! The place looked GREAT! Being a Thomasian ten-years-gone really hit me when we got inside the campus. It was like being in another country seeing all the improvements that they made to the place. The most eye-catching thing about the place would have to be the upgrading of the grounds around the Main Building and the Library. Chebong and I plan to go back there one evening to see what it looks like at night. Some friends told us that the fountain out back is spectacular in the evenings.

Return to the one and only "oLD SchOOl"!


Kurly couple Kurl up together...aaawwwww...isn't that sweeeeet!



-Buboy