EVERYDAY: Christmas 2018

December 26, 2018 / venicedelacruz / Leave a comment

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. ❤

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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: DCA CHRISTMAS

January 4, 2018August 15, 2018 / venicedelacruz / Leave a comment

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: CHRISTMAS WITH LOVE

December 27, 2016August 15, 2018 / venicedelacruz / Leave a comment

HA! Finally got to spend time with the Love of My Life! It has been a stressful week. I’ve been so excited to see him and too tired to even stay awake at the same time. I am sorry babe.

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And after our third attempt, he was able to try Marcia Adams!

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We both chose the Amalfi Prawns as our starter.

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My Handsome Date ordered the Aromatic Pork which is very succulent and deserves to be the star of their menu.

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I ordered the Chicken Kebab. – A first for me, to actually pick a Chicken Dish. It was not bad, paired with its dip – I can actually finish the plate. But I was too full already.

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For dessert, the lovely date ordered the Banana Split.

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I ordered the Fried Banana with Chocolate Dip

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My Lovely Date and the person responsible for my happiness.

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From My Constant: Escada Perfume (which I have been thinking of buying for myself for the past months), 2 Bonnes Ventes White Top, Gray Maldita Dress, a very comfy nude flats and an automatic umbrella.

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Thank you so much, Love! They are my new favourite, thanks to you. I love you and Merry, Merry Christmas, Sweetheart!

EVERYDAY: ATENEO CHRISTMAS

December 27, 2016August 15, 2018 / venicedelacruz / Leave a comment

It’s been too long! I sincerely miss everyone! I miss everyone in and out of the school.

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AND, we have a new baby in the family! Carlisle!

I’ll see you all soon at the Christening!

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EVERYDAY: FAMILY CHRISTMAS

December 27, 2016December 27, 2016 / venicedelacruz / Leave a comment

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, indeed! It’s the busiest time, traffic’s worse, wallets are emptied but it’s the happiest, no doubt.

Just like every year, we start the Christmas tradition with my Aunt’s Birthday Celebration. The choice for this year? Mama Lou’s in BF.

The celebrant

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The family with the celebrant.

Some of the pictures from the birthday party.

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We’re always the Christmas Host! Thus, we are all gathered again at our House for our yearly salubong and opening of gifts at Midnight.

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My family.

Second Family – Dad’s Side.

Yearly Selfie Picture with the Gifts.

The whole family on Christmas!

From the Parents: Black Cullottes, Salmon Printed Leggings and Brown Leggings from F21, Brown Dress, Nude Vest, White Top and a White Turtle Neck. (I LOVE THE BROWN DRESS, MA!) Thank youuuuuu. I love all of your gifts! Thank you.

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From Relatives: Black Shorts (probably my new favorite) and White Shirt from Sicio, White Long Sleeves Top from N. Baby and a 6 – set of luggage organizer.

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From Siblings: Black H&M Dress from my sister, A White Top and a Starbucks Planner from my brother. THANK YOU.

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Thank you, Family! Merry Christmas!

EVERYDAY: BOC CHRISTMAS

December 27, 2016August 15, 2018 / venicedelacruz / Leave a comment

It feels good to be able to spend a Christmas get together with my previous officemates. Never in my 5 years in BOC did it cross my mind that I would actually miss it. But my sentimental twin is acting up – and I am quite grateful for this.

A simple get together at Max’s on a busy Monday to start the week.

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The whole group, the old dela costa people.

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Some of the group pictures from the night.

White Long Sleeves Top from my previous boss, 3 kinds of peanut from Ms. Minns, A beauty brush set from Ms. Donns, a kultura pouch from Ms. Gracious, a colourful pouch from Ms. Lei, a navy blue pouch from Virge and a chocolate from Jane.

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Thank you for the gifts, friends!

EVERYDAY: Christmas with the TFs

December 31, 2015August 15, 2018 / venicedelacruz / Leave a comment

Pizza, Cloudnine Cakes, Chicken and Mojos and Alcohol to save our Christmas Hungry Stomachs.

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Okay. So who got who?

Jude got Jaja, Jaja got Jude, I got Ken, Ken got Nic and Nic got me.

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Jaja received a perfume from M & S, Ken a longsleeves polo, I received a Blue Dress from Zalora, Jude received a Polo from Erb & Chet and Nic received a Yoga Mat and shoes from Payless.

My Sleeping Buddy and Perks.

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Merry Christmas from the TFs. 😀

EVERYDAY: My Christmas with Family

December 31, 2015December 31, 2015 / venicedelacruz / Leave a comment

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As you’ve probably noticed, the Annual Christmas Salubong is at our house. 😀 Difference? Robert and Eulah are not here. Jeska and Chris went home after opening the gifts.

My family before the chaos. 😀 Ta Alice was sleeping already.

Chris and Jeska and Ninang Irma with their gifts.

My dad and my Mom with their gifts. My Dad also received a Lazy Boy but until now, it’s not assembled. I hate how my dad’s gift to my mom is just a list of the stores she wants and gets to choose. He doesn’t look prepared and looks last minute. While My Mom prepared for his gift and several others.

Alexis and Ninong Al

Ninang Baby and Ate Ivy with their gifts.

My Brother and I and lastly,

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Ate Nita withe her gifts. Angel and the other 2 Caregivers were with Ta Alice.

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Merry Merry Christmas from my Family to yours! Happy Birthday, Jesus! 😀

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Christmas Gift from Family

Aquablue Bag from Vincci
White Drawstring Bag from My Mom
Black and White Dress from Chris and Jeska (too big)
Uniqlo Jeans from My Mom (which was bought when I was with her)
Juicy Bag from My Mom
A list from my Dad (Topshop, Swatch, F21, Uniqlo, H&M or M&S)

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Christmas Gift from Relatives

Maroon Dress from Ninang Baby
Loreal Foundation from Ninang Baby
Parfois Earrings from Ate Ivy
Drawstring Red and Green Shorts from Ninang Irma and Ninong Al.

Thank you, and Merry Christmas Again!

EVERYDAY: Branch Christmas Party

December 31, 2015August 15, 2018 / venicedelacruz / Leave a comment

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This year, as you’ve guessed, we decided to add a theme: Pajama Party. Which means a more relaxed, lazy, laid back outfit apart from the other two earlier Christmas Party.

For the Kris Kringle, we were, as you know it: Heroes. 😀 There’s Black Widow, Batwoman, Wonderwoman, Mystique, Storm, Poison Ivy. The items are

Something to remind you of childhood – Stationaries
Something that can fit in your pocket – Handkerchief
Something addictive – Choco Baby
Something that you can use for more than a year – Mirror
Something for Private Use – Tootbrush

This year, I’m scarlett, the Black Widow. 😀 and My Wishlist? a BEA Heels – White, Size 7. 😀 and there you goooo! :)) I have it! and I absolutely love it.

My Baby was Batwoman. What did I give?

Something to remind you of childhood – Yakee and Pochi
Something that can fit in your pocket – 3 Pens
Something addictive – Starcbucks Cofee
Something that you can use for more than a year – Towel
Something for Private Use – Feminine Wash

Her Wishlist? White Watch or Lotion. I bought her a White Zalora Watch with two timezones and an additional M & S Blue China Lotion.

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There were some games too. Pinoy Henyo and Charades. But my team lost. We still got Php 20. So much for our effort. 😀 The liebster and I also gathered a total of Php 630 something of coins during the Paagaw.

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I would probably miss this. But I don’t plan on celebrating another Christmas with you, mates as your BMO. If I am to attend, ‘ll just be another house guest. 😀 Fingers Crossed!

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Gifts from Clients that may or may not be included in the picture.

Desk Fan and Php 500.00 from Jbros
Luminarc from Solar Resources
500 GC from Medtest
SBC Journal Book from SBC
Baily Harding M & S from GSDomingo
Biokips Tupperware and Champagne from Searland
Pouch from ADWycoco
Snow Globe from FEspineda
Ritter Sport and Shirt from Polychem
Santi’s Ham from E.I Construction
Blue China M & S from DLC
Basket of Goodies from Carpel Environment
Bag from Sunlife
Umbrellas from First Phil, Commonwealth & Paramount
Calendar from Synergen Pharma
A crate of three wines from ADLavares

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Gift from Officemates

Bath & Body Works Lotion from LBCarlos
Tumbler from DMMarin
Lotion from another MRGrajo
Green Sweatshirt from MDLabuguen
Handwash from SRGalinea
Pouch from MLDebarbo
Rittersport from JSLaxamana
Candy Cane from LDejesus
Pink Scarf from MSMendoza
Pen Holder from RGVergara
Personalized Mug from MRManlapaz

Thank you for all the gifts and Merry Christmas Everyone.

EVERYDAY: Christmas Date with the Lieb.

December 30, 2015August 15, 2018 / venicedelacruz / Leave a comment

We had our Christmas Dinner at Spectrum, Fairmont Hotel. I wouldn’t complain about their food here. But it was far from what I expected based on their price.

It’s a good thing I have something awesome to look at while having dinner . 😀 I love you, babe!

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THOUGH, I am in love with their chocolate barks. 😀 I’m reminded of Chocolate Fire.

The best christmas gift is this person standing next to me.

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I received a Red Luggage, a Yunteng Stick for my SJ, a Diva MAC lipstick and a Foundation. Merry Christmas! Thank you, Babe!

EVERYDAY: CHRISTMAS DATE 2014

December 31, 2014 / venicedelacruz / Leave a comment

The tradition didn’t actually pushed through. We were planning to celebrate our Christmas Dinner Every year at Chef Laudico Guevarra’s. But anyway, We ended up in Top of the Citi in Makati — He wanted an over looking view, which is ironic since we chose a seat inside. Haha.

I know, we look lovely! Plus, it’s been a long time. I miss this guy.

Lechon Kawali with Laing – Php 500 Jude loved his order. It was crispy and would definitely be as good with Binagoongan. Hihi.

Chicken Cordon Bleu in Lemon Butter Sauce Php 750 It was alright. Not whoah. It was beefy – size was good. But the sauce was kind of sour – that which I didn’t like.

We also ordered a 35 South Sauvignon Blanc – White Wine for Php 950 a bottle. Not Bad, eh?

Gifts for the Boyfriend: Navy Blue Slim Pants and Long Sleeves from H&M, Navy Blue Shorts from Uniqlo, Spring Green Short Sleeves Polo from Memo (Not in the picture), Sunnies, Light Blue Sando from F21 for Boracay and 3 cool Iconic Socks. :))

Gifts from the Boyfriend: White Dress from Bershka, Red Dress from Mango, Acrylic Paints on my wishlist and Pink Gym Bag from Puma. 😀

Jude and I wishes you a Merry, Merry Christmas! :)))

EVERYDAY: CHRISTMAS 2014

December 31, 2014August 15, 2018 / venicedelacruz / Leave a comment

So. the Merriest of all Holidays, the Most Costly Expense and the Extremely Fattening December.

The Friday of All Months. CHRISTMAS.

I won’t go into details anymore. Just take a look at our pictures.

It’s our first time to celebrate in tagaytay — at Soto Grande, the newly built vacation house of the aunt. And have you noticed? The family keeps getting bigger. Now with Chris’s Family and Robert. We also played White Elephant.

Back at our house, we each had our own little corner of gifts. :)) We had to open the ones from my sister and chris as they still had to go home at chris’ house. So here goes:

So My sister and chris gave my dad and my brother the shoes that they requested from US. They gave my Mom a thermal coat as she was planning to back to US this coming year and finally, She gave me her old camera phone which is only months old.

I gave my Mom an orange Maxi Dress from H&M as she has been looking non stop for a Maxi Dress, I gave my Dad a Long Sleeves Polo from Memo, My sister’s favorite Perfume, Shorts from Uniqlo for Chris and for my Brother as well.

Thank you, Clients! Merry Christmas!

A very Pretty B&W Dress from the BM, Pepero from BOO, Bath and Body Cologne from the AH, Chocolate from the NAC, Brush from the Teller, Popcorn from the GAB and the candies are from the reliever. Thank you, Officemates!

The Black Dress and the Orange Travel Toiletry Pouch are from Alex, The Lip Gloss is from Steph and Betsy, The Book is from Roumel, The two pony tails are from Jaja, The Foundation is from Kenneth and the Notebook from Panda.

The Red Regatta Wallet is from N. Al and N. Irma, The post its from Ivy, The Face Shop Perfume from Eulah and the GC is from N. Baby.

The Black Dress, Gray Pants and Gucci Perfume are from my parents, The Marks and Spencer Perfume from my Brother and the Camera from my Sister and Brother in Law.

The Dress from Ate Nita, Orange Towel from St. Peter’s Plan Agent, The Book from Chris’s Parents and the Black Bag from Ninong Jobee.

Oh, Loved Ones surely knows the simplest that can make me happy — Chocolates!

Thank you for a Memorable, Christmas! I loved each and every gift. Thank you.

EVERYDAY: CHRISTMAS AT WORK

December 30, 2014August 15, 2018 / venicedelacruz / Leave a comment

Would you have guessed that I have to attend 3 Christmas Parties where I work?

Branch Marketing Officer, Branch Manager and the Branch Operations Officer.
Area Christmas Party – which was held at Ayala, a small get together of all the branches in Makati.

The Second Christmas Party was for the whole Branch Banking Group. It will be attended by all the 123 branches of Bank of Commerce. BIG BLAH. The Makati Area was tasked to wear jeans and a red polo shirt – with the Red Hat – which looked a lot like a Magician’s Hat. Boohoo.
Disclaimer: They always want a pose – left and right much like a pageant pose. No. I’m not in it. I refuse – If I had a choice.

And the Branch Party itself. Our Color Coded Kris Kringle

Ms. Donna gave Rommel his Oven Toaster as he wished.

Rommel gave Jane her Hair Iron.

Jane gave me the 3 lipsticks I requested.

I gave Ms. Lolit her Kanebo Foundation

Ms Lolit gave Lei her MAC Lipstick

And finally, Lei gave Ms. Donns her steamer.

Merry Christmas from DCA Branch,

EVERYDAY: MBA CHRISTMAS’SWIMMING

December 30, 2014August 15, 2018 / venicedelacruz / Leave a comment

There should at least be Work-Life Balance, right? Hence, the stressful Saturday Classes should now be
replaced by Stress-free Christmas Party.

We decided to hold our Christmas Party at Rich’s Condo at Sun Residences.
Initially, we wanted to do a ‘themed’ Party where the food would have choice like — Mediterrenean, Chinese, Japanese or American. Reality? A potluck that went down to a Buttered Shrimp, a take out from Rustans POwerplant of Roasted Chicken and Liempo. That’s it.

First Impressions kind of Introduction.

Migo to Rich – Rich is someone who likes to be the center of attention. ‘Epal’ in Filipino.
He gave Rich an Ateneo Jacket.

Rich to Edward – Edward looks like someone who’s really Intelligent and Bright.
He gave Ed an empty box.

Edward to Migo – Migo seems the quiet and timid one.
He gave Migo a Polo Shirt from Kultura.

Alex to Janna – Janna looks like a Biatch with her poise and the way she carries herself.
She gave me a dress from Forever 21.

Janna to Roumel – Roumel seems the type who’s serious and who only cares about his grades.
I gave him a Stormtrooper Toy Collection from Toys r us.

Roumel to Alex – Alex, together with her friend looks like a High Maintenance Girl.
He gave Alex a Green Dress from Forever 21 – which I picked and bought, BTW.

You want the funnier and heartfelt version? Click this link.

Right after, we decided to swim. Check out our pictures.
Forgive our protruding bellies – like I mentioned above, we had Buttered Shrimp.

We all had fun. Merry Christmas, you guys!
See you Next Year!

EVERYDAY: J1 CHRISTMAS AT CENTERSTAGE

December 29, 2014August 15, 2018 / venicedelacruz / Leave a comment

I’ll bet my life that everyone has experienced Christmas Traffic, right?
And how 31 Days of December is not even close to being enough for Family Reunions and
Get together of friends. 4 Fridays, 4 Saturdays and 4 Sundays seems too short.

So, My Blockmates and I decided to have our yearly Christmas Party on the First Saturday of December.
After my class, I met up with Jude and Nicole at Powerplant and proceeded to
Centerstage Makati in Jupiter Street.

Nicole and I started the earth-shaking singing.

Pam gave Panda a Gift Certificate at Mercury Drug – weird? It’s actually on her wishlist. It’s for her mom as you know, she just got out from a 2 month long hospitalization from St. Luke’s after she had Aneurysm.

Jude gave Pam her wish – a Pink Earphones.

Nicole gave Jude a Powerbank.

Jaja gave Nicole the Cotton On Travel Toiletry Bag.

Kenneth gave me my Loreal Foundation
I gave Kenneth a Cotton On Long Sleeves.

Panda gave Jaja

Afterwhich, I asked them if we can all go see a Beer House – which has been on my Bucket List for quite a long time already.
So we went straight to the nearest pub town of Half Naked Girls. No one is allowed to take a picture so I’ll leave it to your imaginations.