Every Month of 2008

January

Crude oil prices surge past US$100 per barrel. Benazir Bhutto is assassinated. 6.5 earthquake hits Greece. Hillary Clinton wins first US primaries held in New Hampshire. Sun Microsystems acquires MySQL AB. Millions are stranded ahead of Chinese New Year. Neil & Moanna tie the knot. Actor Heath Ledger dies of medication overdose. Novak Djokovic wins maiden grand slam at Melbourne as Maria Sharapova bags 3rd distinct major title.


February

New York Giants upset New England Patriots 17-14 in Superbowl XLII. UP Fair stages Loverage 2. Blu-ray replaces HD-DVD. Kosovo declares independence from Serbia. Egypt wins Africa Cup of Nations over Cameroon 1-0. Fidel Castro retires and resigns as Cuban president and is succeeded by his brother Raul. Academy honors No Country For Old Men as best motion picture and the Coen Brothers as best in directing. Leap year day is observed.


March

Forbes names Warren Buffet as world's richest man. Wales achieves Grand Slam by defeating France 29-12 in their Rugby Union RBS Six Nations match. Tibetans claim 80 people killed in the continuing unrest. Manny Pacquiao scores a split decision over Juan Manuel Marquez for the WBC super featherweight crown. Corazon Aquino is diagnosed with colon cancer. Liechtenstein, Norway and South Korea recognize Kosovo as a nation.


April

Protesters confront Olympic torch in Paris. I celebrate my first year anniversary in HP and as an electronics engineer. Trevor Immelman wins The Masters ahead of second-place Tiger Woods. Danica Patrick becomes the first woman to win in IndyCar's 2008 Indy Japan 300. Joe Calzaghe earns a split decision victory over Bernard Hopkins for The Ring light heavyweight belt. HP Labs announces the creation of the memristor - the fourth basic electronic element.


May

George Bush calls for US$700m relief aid for global food crisis. Cyclone Nargis devastates Myanmar. Dmitry Medvedev assumes Russian presidency. Olympic torch reaches peak of Everest. Over 70,000 killed by 7.9 quake in China's Sichuan province. Nel & OJ tie the knot. HP buys EDS for US$13.9b. Bloodiest bank robbery in the Philippines claims 10 lives. David Cook wins Idol. ManU pulls a 1-1 (6-5 p.s.o) victory over Chelsea to grab UEFA trophy.


June

Barack Obama wins Democratic nomination. Ana Ivanovic secures first major as Rafael Nadal earns 4th Roland Garros. Limping Tiger Woods ends season prematurely after US Open triumph. Boston Celtics defeats old rivals Los Angeles Lakers for their 17th NBA ring. UP@100. Typhoon Fengshen leaves 155 dead in the Philippines. Manny Pacquiao KO's David Diaz to become the first Asian 4-division titlist. Spain beats Germany 1-0 in Euro 2008 final.


July

Inquest on the MV Princess of the Stars disaster continues in the Philippines. Venus Williams thrashes sister Serena for her 5th Wimbledon crown while Rafael Nadal dismisses Roger Federer in the longest men's final in The Championship's' history 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (8), 9-7. Pope Benedict XVI celebrates World Youth Day in Sydney. Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela is Miss Universe 2008. Carlos Sastre of Spain wins Tour de France.


August

Magnitude 6.0 tremor once again strikes Sichuan. Conflict in South Ossetia worsens. The Bird's Nest hosts the start of the Summer Olympics on 08-08-08. ARMM holds first electronic voting in the Philippines. Michael Phelps sets 7 world records and bags 8 gold medals in swimming as Usain Bolt goes 3-for-3 in athletics in Beijing. Rafael Nadal supplants Roger Federer as world number 1 tennis player after triumphs in Toronto Masters and the Olympics.


September

Serena Williams wins her 9th slam; Roger Federer salvages year with 5th straight US Open. I celebrate my 24th birthday. Civil war erupts in Bolivia; power-sharing pact in Zimbabwe calms the situations. World remembers 9/11. Russia claims Fed Cup. Sebastian Vettel becomes youngest F1 grand prix winner after topping the Italian GP. Milk scandal further intensifies China's bad year. USA wins Ryder Cup. Mortgage crisis triggers US recession snowball.


October

Dow Jones records biggest intraday drop finishing below the 10,000-point mark. European markets fall steeply while Asian stock exchanges tumble. Nobel Prizes are awarded to the discoverers of papilloma and HIV viruses, among others. Macedonia, Malaysia, Montenegro, Portugal and UAE recognize Kosovo. Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson's mother and brother are murdered. Philadelphia Phillies edges Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 in 2008 World Series.


November

Lewis Hamilton edges Felipe Massa 98 to 97 becoming the youngest F1 Drivers' Champion. Sebastien Loeb wins WRC for fifth consecutive time. Barack Obama is USA's first African-American president. Chrysler, Ford and GM testify before US Congress for bailout package. Peru hosts APEC Summit amidst global financial crisis. Protesters lock up Bangkok airports. Spain wins Davis Cup. Novak Djokovic and Venus Williams prevail in yearend championships.


December

Zimbabwe cholera outbreak claims 425 lives. Micronesia recognizes Kosovo. Manny Pacquiao ends season as Fighter of the Year with 3 victories in 3 weight classes after a lopsided win over Oscar Dela Hoya. Toyota announces first operating loss in 70 years. Israel launches offensive strikes against Palestine in Gaza Strip in the middle of holiday season. Glenn and May tie the knot. CKT01 reunites. Eustaquio Family welcomes 2009 together.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Everywhere

It has been a year since this post.

So let's all wish the world again a very merry holiday season!

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Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon
Geseende Kerfees en 'n gelukkige
Edo bri'cho o rish d'shato brich'to!
Selamat Hari Natal dan Tahun Baru
Seng Dan Fai Lok, Sang Nian Fai Lok
Bon Nadal i feliç any nou!
Glædelig Jul og godt nytår
Hyvää Joulua or Hauskaa Joulua - 0nnellista uutta vuotta
Kala Christougenna Ki'eftihismenos O Kenourios Chronos
Mo'adim Lesimkha. Shanah Tova
Shubh Naya Baras
Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto
Sung Tan Chuk Ha
Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo
Fröhliche Weihnachten und ein glückliches Neues Jahr!

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One way to spread the Christmas spirit around the world is through art - specifically, dancing. I got the link of the video below from my friend Roy. This is from wherethehellismatt.

A Night To Remember

What's a better way to celebrate my birthday (and my ECE Board Exam success which is 5 months overdue already) than to celebrate with my family, relatives, friends, classmates and officemates?

Last night, around 50 individuals who are all close to me gathered in my house to dine, drink, sing the night out, nine days after my real birth date last September 6. From my nuclear and extended family (including my 1-month old nephew Sebastian, son of my Ate Che) to my HP clique (Ria, MarkO and sister Mindy, Warren&Kath, Primo&Odz, AJ, and Kat) to my UP colleagues (Carlo, Liz --> thanks for the hopia Liz, my mom liked it, and Jeff --> thanks for the cake Jeff and Tin) to my high school gang (Jam, Zasha, Gale, Adrian, JC, and bestfriend Arolf) to my cousins and nephews/nieces (Almond&Karen, Beth, Boknoy, Elda, Rica, Kiko, and Ate Leah) to my tropa at home (Motel, Jep, Chester, Loist, Tarapo, Maki, Odong, Kuya Gie, JR, Mhe, Kulot, Emem, Chinnie --> thanks for all the help, and Apple) were there to make that moment a night to remember.

Videoke was the "main event" of the party, and I think everyone has got the chance to sing at least once. There were lots of booze and food, I hope everyone has satiated their taste buds and thirsty throat. I apologize if ever anyone experienced some inconveniences, especially, searching for my place here in Taguig. Next year, I promise a better party and a larger venue for a larger group of friends.

I wish, those who were present last night will still be there on my 24th birthday next year, and those who were not, will be there as well.

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"Mahirap magkaroon ng maraming kaibigan, ngunit walang anumang makatutumbas sa sarap ng pagkakaroon nito." Naks. :)

The Week(NEVER)ends

Thursday:

HP Global Delivery Philippines Center held its quarterly Coffee Talk at the Makati Sports Club last May 24. I got to see my friends who are also working at HP like CL, Marien, Mhyko, Tupe, and others. Also, as a new hire at HP, I am required to join my fellow newbies in a dance presentation/competition where we showcased our hidden talents (or the lack of those).

After the said conference, our team in HP, Logistics and Warehouse Solutions (or Physical Distribution and Advanced Business Applications Programming) had a dinner at Dads/Saisaki/Kamayan in Glorietta. Again, as a new-hire, I experienced being on the hot seat as the "old" ones barged us with questions regarding our personal lives. Haha.

Friday:

One whole day of programming examination in SAP-ABAP.

Saturday:

I went to the office on a Saturday morning to have another practice for the dance the new hires will have to present on the SAP-ADSI Offsite at the Grande Island Resort in Subic, Zambales on the first two days of June. At 3:00pm, I readied myself to yet another weekend happening with my college friends.

Glenn arrived from Canada more than a week ago; to welcome his presence, May and Liz organized a Tagaytay Highlands getaway for the whole Barkadahan. Because of tight budget and busy schedules of most of the 01's, only eight of us showed up. Arpee, Glenn, Marien, and May met at the EEE Building and then went on the road to fetch me at Ortigas and Norman at Ayala (Jim was with Norman but he chose not to join us because of a last minute text message from one of his siblings). Danes and Liz came together to Tagaytay Rotonda where we met them a few minutes past midnight.

We bowled and attempted to swim at the Tagaytay Sports Club, dined and enjoyed (did we?) the live band at Cafe Lupe, had a road trip around the Cavite with Glenn's Land Cruiser's roof open, and then played and chatted and ate and slept all night long at Glenn's pad at Belle View.

Sunday:

As Arpee, Glenn, May, and Marien headed to attend a mass and have an early breakfast, I, Danes, Liz, and Norman indulged into the luxury of staying at Glenn's very comfy place. Preparing for a trip home, we decided to stop over the Hillside Tower where we munched a couple of french fries platters and took several pictures with the picturesque scenery behind us. We passed by Sta. Rosa for a late lunch and then headed straight home at around 4:00pm.

My two cute pamangkins (a niece - Teriz, and a nephew - Wacky) welcomed me home with tight hugs and kisses. They are having a vacation at our house until Teriz's schooling starts in June.

Monday:

Another work week starts... and will never end either.

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To see the Tagaytay images, visit Glenn's MULTIPLY account.

An Unweak Week

(an-an-wik-wik)

The current week is definitely one good week to start the year.

January 13 14 and 15

It was Dyan's birthday last Saturday while it is Jeff's today. What a great idea to jointly celebrate their special day with us in the Barkadahan. Clarwin, Jeff, May and I all skipped our last review session yesterday to meet other "01 and beyond" friends at SM Megamall. Carlo also cut the third class but went to his girlfriend's radio stint at Campus Radio. He told us that they would just go straight to the meeting place after Karlene's shift. The four of us arrived way ahead of everyone so CL suggested that we watch a ballet performance in a program staged at one of the mall's atria - anything just to kill time, although CL and May confessed that they are indeed ballet aficionados.

Around 6pm, one by one, Dyan, Elma, Winston, and Bevan (in chronological order of appearance - haha) started to arrive. I remember the moment we stayed at Seattle's Best^® Megastrip while waiting for them - how one of the shop's crew stared at us noticing we hadn't ordered anything from them. That was when Dyan came and bought the lone proof that we were indeed valuable customers - a LARGE Brownie Javakula^®.

We decided to dine at Sbarro^® as, again, one by one, Norman, Ivan, Carlo & Karlene arrived. Jeff over-estimated our appetite and purchasing skills -> in short - kapal ng mukha pag may nalilibre - joke :), that he commented, "Hindi man lang ako pinagpawisan sa mga orders ninyo!". I noticed Dyan was quiet regarding Jeff's remarks, especially when almost everyone started to ask for additional items. (Haha, peace Dy!). Seriously, I know, no money can match the feelings we had everytime the Barkadahans are together. I know that because after texting Dyan with a thank-you-note, she quickly replied this: "Okay lang yun, LOVE ko naman kayo eh!". Isn't that music to our ears?

CL and May went home early... And as usual, after a choir obligation, Liz, the queen of Barkadahan Gimiks, arrived late... and tired. Few minutes before 10pm, the establishments around us including Sbarro^® were already starting to prepare for closing. We then all agreed to let Liz eat her dinner at St. Francis Square where fastfoods operate 24/7. However, we ended up in Jollibee where closing time is at around 1030pm. In a very stannge chance, Liz ate fast - with less talk on the side. She finished quickly... but sadly, so did our get-together. We parted ways few minutes past 1030pm.

It was a happy day for the happy celebrants and happy friends. Haha!

Here are some of the pictures Norman captured with his digital camera.

The place to be.

Notice the two yellow arm bands? They are from that cute lady in pink stripes.

Hahahaha.

ton, onin, panorms, may, cl, bevie

The two on the far right are our birthday boy and girl.

jeff, elms, ton, onin
Jeff: "No sweat"; Dyan: "I'm sweet"

may, cl, dy, jeff, elms, ton, onin

Notice the empty plates? That's how big are appetites are.

Who's that lady beside me?

Three isn't a crowd, especially with that nice background logo.

Ganda man sa Miga! Ibang-iba sa porbinsya!

The couple in front of me is the Carlo&Kyle duo.

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The 14th of January was also my parents' 34th Wedding Anniversary. Although the family just had a usual day, we cherished that 34 years our parents stood strong for my brother, my sister and me. They are still standing strong for us to ensure that we will not break and fall apart as siblings and as heads of our own family (ako na lang pala walang asawa haha).

Today is also my Aunt Virgie's birthday! Happy birthday Auntie!!!


January 16

Tomorrow is the deadline I set for myself to decide what career move to take for the next few years. Accenture has an offer, HP promised to give me one this week, NEC already deferred ny application for a few months due to lack of trainers, and TrendMicro assured me a slot last week. I think, I should give myself at least one more week. This is a life-changing decision so I better pick the best option. My fingers are crossed...


January 17 18 19 and 20

On the 17th, it will be my nephew's 3rd birthday. His name is Sameer F. Al-Bugami, a son of a Saudi Arabian Air Force pilot and my cousin who is a nurse in KSA. He has never been to KSA; my cousin arrived last Saturday from KSA to organize her son's party on the 20th. Tsibog na naman ito!

On the 18th, it's Jonat's birthday. He is one of my friends outside the "01 and beyond" batch.

On the 19th, it's my Kuya's 33rd birthday! He is the father of my very cute pamangkins Teriz and Wakki.

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Happy Birthday to all of you!!!

BER-days

The Yuletide Season starts today in the Philippines with the first day of the first BER-month September falling on a Friday. It's exactly 115 days before Christmas Day and, ehem, 5 days before my 22nd BIRTHDAY!!! Who would've thought? Haha.

Speaking of BER-days, err, I mean BIRTHDAYS, many of my loved ones and friends (Barkadahan, Berks, LICS, LYC, etc) are celebrating their own birth anniversaries within this season - before 2006 bids farewell. Let's have a quick run down of these beings - you might want to prepare them presents on their special days.

AUGUST
18 - Tatay
30 - Paolo Enrico Encomienda
31 - Norman Edward Valdez

SEPTEMBER
1 - Rica Ana Magbalana
2 - Ryan Joy Mabilin, Arthur Ryan Peña
3 - Mark Anthony Carlos
4 - Mr. Alfred Rivera, Annie Rose Sanoria
6 - Who else? ----> (: ME :)
8 - Anna Katrina Almeda
14 - Baby Krystal
16 - Mark William Despi
17 - Romeliza Ejercito
20 - Leon Marco Ebarle
25 - Marien Dy
29 - Marie Elma Domingo

OCTOBER
5 - Maria Rochelle Diswe
7 - Adrian Menguito
18 - Marco Paolo Florcruz
20 - Elizabeth Sagucio
29 - Winston Sumalia
30 - Juan Feliciano Cuevas
31 - Almond Mendiola, Emiliano Pugoy

NOVEMBER
2 - Kristine Espinosa
4 - Carlos Miguel Castro
5 - Ma. Zasha Alano, Jose Alejandro Angeles
7 - Jim Ruther Nill
13 - Allan "OCHIE" Eviota (Bestfriend1)
17 - Baby Matthew
18 - Romarie Lorenzo
21 - Regina Unsay
22 - Ivy Jhoanna Chua, Arolf John Hubilla (Bestfriend2), John Carlo Lara, Ralph Francis Miranda
23 - Charmaine Diaz
24 - Ate, Maria Filonila Alcaraz, Larisse Gale Garcia, Ann Frances Gondra,
28 - Norilaine Castillo, Ma. Clarissa Contreras, Francis Dave Magbalana

DECEMBER
13 - Neil Michael Axalan, Ron Kelvin Palacol
25 - OUR SAVIOUR
30 - Karlene Denolo, Eugene Opelinia
31 - Joeleth Francisco Al-Bugami, Israel Polintan

Did I miss anyone? I hope I did not. Well, if I did miss any important figure in my life, please notify me immediately so I can update my calendar. Haha.

To all the celebrants/celebrators, HAPPY BIRTHDAY and many more to come! Also, MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR to all (in advance, hehe)!

'Tay

Today is my father's 62nd birthday.

Happy Birthday Tatay!!!
:)