PERSONAL

THOUGHTS: ’18 Year End Post

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In 2018, I turned 27. 10 years ago, I thought by this age, I already have a very successful restaurant or that I’m already at the top of the corporate ladder and won an YMMA award. There are things I’ve dreamed of owning at this age such as my own house, my own car, a very fat bank account which can last a luxurious life for 5 years.

In 2018, I traveled to one of my bucket list places; New York. It’s surreal to look back on it. It’s only my second time in US and though I would have wanted to explore new countries, I am grateful to tick this one off. 😀 I also got to spend time with relatives. I know my mom has been itching to visit her siblings and I know how happy she was to spend time with them.  We were also introduced to one of our cousins there: Brandon.

In 2018, Our family got bigger. My sister finally gave birth to Elle, my goddaughter and she is beautiful and special. I cannot believe how much my sister grew and matured just by being a mother. It’s exciting to see her blossom like that for her child. I finally met Kyle, the son of one of my closest cousin. My cousin Marc also found out that he will be having a kid. ❤ My cousin Derek also was blessed with a new Rodriguez Baby Girl. Lastly, my cousin Alexis also welcomed a baby girl Zoey.

In 2018, I found out I have lumps. I guess it’s teaching me not to ignore APEs. I found out I have 4 and 3 in my breasts and several lumps in my uterus which needs to be monitored. But thankfully, nothing that we need to worry about in the near future.

In 2018, I graduated and earned the three letters, MBA. My journey in earning the degree has been filled with tears, coffee, tons of pressure and grit. I’m glad that’s over but I’ll be missing everything about it too.

In 2018, I got engaged. I still can’t understand how I feel about it. It’s all sort of mixed emotions. I’m beyond happy and excited to start living our married life. I want to skip the wedding preparations and the wedding and jump off to living and facing everyday with the love of my life. But I feel extremely sad to be leaving my family too.  I didn’t know I would miss everything so bad. I cannot believe I will not be spending everyday with them.

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There’s a lot of things that didn’t go as I planned it to be or how I imagined it to be. But I’d like to think that this is what God has planned for me and I know that he knows what’s best, even if it’s not what I prayed for. I’d like to think that this is where I’m supposed to be.

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In 2019, I plan to save more. Not just for the wedding but I’ll try to avoid a lot of mini expenses such as going for 3in1 cofee or 711 french vanilla than Starbucks or opting to walk (cause it will do me good) or FX than booking a Grab or just simply pausing before buying anything new.

In 2019, I plan to stick to basics. In relation to saving more, I plan to only buy clothes that are basics. I’m planning to stick with White, Black, Gray, Brown and all its shades of family.

In 2019, I plan to stick to my weight goal, 97. The ideal goal for my height is 107 – 140 but since I don’t have an active lifestyle, I’d like to keep it to 97. Also, I plan to make it a habit to do a 5 minute of anything workout before taking a bath every morning.

In 2019, I plan to read more books. I’m glad I surpassed my 2018 goal of 20 books. ❤ My goal for this coming year year is to stick to 20 since I’ll be super busy. BUT, I’ll spice it up by following a reading challenge this time.

In 2019, I plan to be more grateful, appreciative and understanding. Things may not work out but I hope to see the good small things that I am blessed with.

 

I’d like to say all of my plans but it might bite me back in the ass if I promise to do something I know I’m not committed to, so I’ll stick with what I’ve written here. I have faith that this coming year will bring more blessings and positive changes and transformation in my life and the people that I love.

Regardless of what happened this year, it’s been pretty amazing and I’m looking forward to 2019 with an open heart and mind. And here’s to praying for a better version of Janna. ❤

P.S. I look awful when blowing something. I just realized. 😀

EVERYDAY: I’m Engaged! <3

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Last October 27, 2018, my life changed.

 

Last October 27, we flew to Coron.

Last October 27, we went to Sophia’s Garden Resort.

Last October 27, I ate bagnet for lunch.

Last October 27, I took some pictures and selfies.

Last October 27, we climbed 700+ steps to the peak of Mt. Tapyas.

Last October 27, I laughed with my friends, held Jude’s hands and whispered, ‘ayoko na. pagod na ko’ on the way to the top while sweating like a pig.

Last October 27, Jude patiently and continuously wiped all my sweat and fixed my hair.

Last October 27, we went back to the resort in a van.

Last October 27, It was a normal day and I was happy lady then.

Until I wasn’t.

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Perfect by Ed Sheeran was playing when we arrived at the resort. I was singing ” just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own. and in your eyes you’re holding mine”. As I was singing the lyrics, I can hear familiar voices playing in the background while we were on a path with lighted hearts! ❤ ❤ ❤

And then I realized, it was a video of the people who are close and dear to me telling me to ‘SAY YES, JANNA’. ❤

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Then there’s this perfect gazebo, a ‘MARRY ME’ plastered right smack in the middle of all our memories, full of our pictures, full of our time together, full of laughter, fights, pain and an overwhelming love for each other. ❤

My Jude thought about everything. He printed about 300 pictures, displayed it mixed with the fairy lights, roses and heart shaped candles. He even shipped everything from Manila and hired a videographer for the perfect proposal SDE. Perfect is an understatement.

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He told me things I cannot even remember. He probably told me he loved me. 😀 I honestly cannot remember. I spaced out. I was speechless, stunned and overwhelmed.

He got down on one knee, asked me to be his wife and there’s no other word in the universe I’d reply with than a big fat, screaming YES. ❤

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This is scary. This is exciting. This is beautiful.

I know how sacred and precious marriage is. We both are not perfect. We have flaws, we fight, we change but there are also moments that you teach me what unconditional love is. It will be messy at times but there will be perfect moments too. And I’m willing to share each and every moment with you.

You are my silver lining.

You are my Derek. You are my Ross. You are my Ted. You are my Jack.

You are everything good in life. You are my greatest blessing.

You are everything dear to me. You are my best friend.

I love you.

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Last October 27, I said my easiest ‘YES’.

Last October 27, I said yes to the man of my dreams.

Last October 27, I said yes to a lifetime with my person.

Last October 27, I got engaged.

Last October 27, I’m not only a happy lady but I became my happiest.

Last October 27, my heart is full and whole.

❤ ❤ ❤

 

P.S. Watch the SDE Proposal here

 

EVERYDAY: Christmas 2018

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It’s that glorious time of the year when we see relatives we don’t even know existed, non stop meal preparations, scavenger hunt for the perfect gift for our loved ones, glamming up for three four five reunions, house decorations and who will ever miss out on binge drinking? What could possibly be a more perfect excuse?

As you may have notice on my yearly post regarding Christmas – we always celebrate the birthday of my aunt. This time, at Acaci at Acacia Hotel in Alabang. 

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Okay, so I don’t know why the picture is a little bit distorted. :/ Anyway, food was good. I love how bright, sunny the ambiance is. Standouts for me would be the lava cake and the buttered garlic shrimp of course.<3 And, this is the first time wine was included in the one round set of drinks. – Grabbed! 🙂

This year is quite different. We didn’t have the salubong in our house. It’s a bit sad that we weren’t able to do our tradition knowing it will be my last undivided holiday. But what can I do? there were 2 situations that we are experiencing at the moment: we didn’t have help and all of us in the family are sick and my brother just got out of the hospital the day before Christmas. My sister, her husband and their new baby was also advised to stay at home.

BUT! Gift giving and family pictures is a must of course.

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So it’s just us four. ❤

 

And since everyone was not quite feeling well, and the parents are sleepy already, we opened the gifts at 11pm. Haha. 😀

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Thank you officemates. ❤ Booty Band from Ms. Rose as our exchange gift, ‘hello eco bag from Ms. Rose too, utensils from our GM, Bath Origins hand sanitizer from Rhina, Blue Pouch from Loreen, Room and Linen Spray from Marfori, Purple Scarf from Olive, Peach Scarf from Shaun, Personalized Keychain from Arrian, Cord Organizer from Wendy, Pink Eco Bag from Erika, Notepad from Liz, Pen & Bookmark from Cross, Mermaid Pen from Aileen, Mug from Veron, Glass with Chocolates from Jamie, Puto from Cathie and Lengua from Neli. Thanks, guys!

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Thank you, former officemates! ❤ Gray Top from Ms. Grace and Hubby, Lip Gloss and Brush from Lei, Notebook from Ms. Donns, Keychain from Virge and Lip Tint from Ms. Lolit.

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Gray Sweater from Ninong Al and Ninang Irma, H&M Dress and Sunnies lipstick from Ninang Baby and 3 books from Ate Ivy. ❤ love them all!

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Thank you Roxy for the earrings & salted caramel crunch, Ninong Jobee for the perfume, Pillowcase from Tita Achu and Echo assorted items from Alex and Good! ❤

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My mom knows my style so well. ❤ in clothes! Hihihi. ❤ Thank you for the matching white vest and shorts, ma! and personalized pouch. I cannot never have too many personalized items. ❤

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Thank you, siblings! I can really use them. ❤ Corduroy Pants from my brother, and highwaisted shorts from my sister and hubby! ❤

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Rattan bag also from my Mom! ❤ now, all I have to do is to plan a beach getaway!!

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Thank you, J1 loves! ❤ Uniqlo white top from our exchange gift, CMG pouch from Nicole, China blue lotion from Jaja and Marc, reusable bottle and pouch from Pam and Crinkles from Panda. Thanks, guys! ❤

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Last but not the least, my aid in keeping my now unruly hair most of the time, Babyliss hair iron from my love. ❤ ❤ ❤ Thank you, babe!

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My handsome date during our traditional christmas buffet at Cafe 1228 at New World Hotel. ❤ ❤ ❤ This will be the last time we will be spending Christmas early! I love you so much.

J1’s Christmas get together at Locavore and a very tita moment followed at Plantation Bar. ❤ :/

Lunchies Christmas thing at Happy Garden Cafe. ❤

Christmas Dinner with my previous officemates at Conti’s. ❤

I sometimes wish we could all go back to when we were all complete. Everyone was enjoying each other’s company with my sister, undivided holiday too. With Ate Eulah here in the Philippines, with both my grandmas alive and ‘ta alice. :/ 😦

But all negative emotions aside, thank you thank you thank you for all the gifts. 🙂

See you all next year for a more memorable Christmas! ❤

EVERYDAY: ATENEO JOURNEY ENDS

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I finished my MBA in 4 years and 4 months. It took me 5 years and 4 months to finally walk up the stage, get a good hand shake from the dean and receive my diploma.

I was never alone in this journey. I’ll forever be grateful for the never ending encouragement of my family who has supported me financially, bringing me to school every Saturday class, for fetching me during weekday classes at night, accompanying me to watch tv when I need someone to keep me awake, for being understanding when I have to bring my laptop everywhere and for every small thing that I needed for the past four years.

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It wasn’t just my family but a very special person close to me also helped me in every possible way. He went with me through every coffee shop study session, lent me his laptop when mine died, quizzed me with my lessons, listened to me when I rant about my group mates, brought me food when I had to study, read my decks and gave me honest critic, heard my spiel for every report, comforting me when I’m done and encouraging me to continue my strama when I was on my last straw.

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Going up the stage will also not be possible without the guidance and teachings of my strama professor, Dr. Leveric Ng who has inspired me to do better than expected, for giving his time and dedication to improve our papers and ultimately being the coolest genius there is in school. To my panel, Dr. Fong and to Sir Palo who gave me valuable insights to improve my paper, thank you. To all my other professors who passed their knowledge and life’s experiences in every course, thank you. To all the AGSB staff from the photocopy area, cafeteria staff, guards, registrar, cashier and to my favorite potato corner lady, you made my stay worthwhile.

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To all the group mates, classmates and batch mates that turned into families, I will never forget the pain, pressure and sacrifice we all went through. We all did it! ❤

This has been a culmination of hardwork, patience, determination and the will to make my parents and Jude proud. Thank you for this amazing journey and experience, Ateneo. It’s time to make you proud. ❤  MAGIS!

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EVERYDAY: JUDE’s 28th

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My favorite person in the entire universe celebrates his birthday in October. ❤

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Nothing better to do than to drown ourselves with food. Right? We ate at Flavors, Holiday Inn for brunch. ❤

Food was impeccable! There’s a lot of variety & service was excellent too. ❤ I was actually looking for the tempura station or a waffle / pancake and pasta station, there was none. But I was satisfied with what was on display anyway. 😀

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My love enjoyed the buffet as well. ❤ It’s one of those buffets I’ll come back for.

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And this could possibly be my favorite chill wine ever, Arbor Mist. It’s so light that I can actually, honestly enjoy every fuckin sip. ❤

And as if we aren’t fat enough, we dive in to some good pork & beef at Nice2meetU with my other family! ❤

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Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday, Sweetheart. I love you so much. ❤ ❤ ❤

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Please spend it always with me. I’m planning to make it special every year. I love you.

EVERYDAY: ALEX’s BRIDAL SHOWER

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If you don’t believe in the power of tinder, look at what I’ve been preparing for! It’s for the bestfriend who met her lifetime partner in the app! It’s such a stressful but happy times. ❤ I won’t bore you with so much hullaballoo.

What are the things that we considered:

  1. Attendees (how large is the group? Should we only invite people who are invited to the wedding? Do we do it per group or we make it as one?)
  2. Venue – you get to trim down your choices based on the number of participants. (are they willing to go far? is it within the city? can we do it overnight?)
  3. Activity / Program (Do you want to do it the wild, a spa party, slumber party? a high end lunch / dinner wine reunion?)
  4. Food (a fancy smorgasbord of sandwiches? wine and cheese? pasta or american pizza and pasta?)

THE ATTENDEES – The bride wants 1 party with all of her friends, invited or not to the wedding. We may have encountered several issues such as budget differences from several groups (childhood, relatives, HS, College)

 

THE VENUE – Thor Room, Victoria Court Panorama, Pasig City. It accommodates 15 – 25 pax. They have a sound system or a karaoke if you want.

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THE ACTIVITY –  We have prepared several games such as:

  1. Pin the Dick – I drew a macho guy with a target on the penis area. I also drew cartoon dicks which will be handled by everyone and pin them to the macho guy blind folded. 😀
  2. Who knows the bride well? – As the Maid of Honor, I asked her 20 questions which will be asked to the whole group with only two options. Participants who will choose the wrong one will do a shot.
  3. Strip Dance – We hired 2 strippers who did a number on us for about 20 minutes and they both agreed to play along with the games that we have prepared.
  4. Eggplant Condom – Each guests will hold an eggplant and place them one by one inside the legs near the groin of the stripper. Place condoms at the tip and wear the condom using one’s mouth like a blowjob.
  5. Body Sticker – I printed out lip stickers, a very small one & placed 20 of them in the most private parts of the stripper. We picked 2 volunteers to find the stickers blindfolded.
  6. How well does the bride know the groom? – The other Maid of Honor asked the groom several dirty questions. If the bride answers it correctly, all of the guests will have to drink. Otherwise, the bride strips.

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THE FOOD – Victoria Court has a package already for food. We got them at Php 5,000 for 20 pax. There’s a corkage for bringing in alcohol but I was able to negotiate it for free. I think as long as your coordinator is aware of the food / drinks you will be bringing in.

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It was fun. We all had fun. ❤ Meet the participants: 😀

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And ofcourse, our lovely bride, the queen of the night:

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Love you, fart. ❤ ❤ ❤ :*

 

 

EVERYDAY: BRIDAL SHOWER for ANA

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THEME: Boho Inspired

VENUE: J. Cuppacakes in SM Jazz Mall

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We printed out name plates for each guests that are carefully seated on top of their plates with floral designs (perfect for the theme) and with the couple’s hashtag. Floral crowns are also placed together with the name plates. ❤

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We made a photobooth frame from illustration board and decorated it with floral designs too with Kiss the Miss Goodbye printed out too.

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We also made a sash for the bride to be. ❤

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Ana’s surprise face. I may not be able to show you the video — but she cried! Mission accomplished!

And just some of the food that we ordered. ❤

Some games from  our shower: What’s in your bag, Pin the Bra and some Icing on your face.

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Late Lunch for the Bride to be.

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Ana and her table of goodies.

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Some group photos. ❤

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EVERYDAY: DCA CHRISTMAS

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It’s becoming a yearly tradition yet we were not prepared! Scouted for the venue on the spot. Good thing we found a table for us at… Fridays! 🙂

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Attendees: Ms. Lolit, Ms. Grace, Ms. Donna, Ms. Minnie, Ms. Sonia, Leigh, Jane, Myself and the significant other. ❤

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And for supper, I ordered the Black Calamari Pasta. ❤ We also tried exchanging gifts and three things, like every year. We had to bring Php 500 worth of any gift.

I received a black wallet from XOXO and I gave a Zara Perfume. We also won a bag of cheetos from the Three things which the boyfriend ate on his own. 😦

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Until our next Christmas, Loves. ❤

EVERYDAY: 60th of Baby

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It was indeed a surprise. 🙂 I think this is the first time I actually witnessed a ‘supposed to be’ a suprise party come to life and actually bring tears! Good job for the liars in the family. 😀

Venue: Azumi Botique Hotel

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The celebrant and her gifts.

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Birthday Celebrant and her current officemates

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The Birthday Celebrants and her Long Time Friends

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The Celebrant and Relatives

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The Celebrant and the young ones. 🙂

GAMES: Guess the Song, Get to know Baby

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And lastly, blowing of the candles….

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Happy Birthday, Nang! We ❤ you!