Salamat po!

Today’s plan was to meet up with some friends, go to the Komikon then go for dinner. That pretty much went according to what I wanted, but it went even further. Lots of walking and exploring. I’m positive that with these adventures with these friends, I’ll end up exploring the whole of Metro Manila.

Went to visit an old haunt: Greenhills. It’s changed so much since I last went there, but a small part of it didn’t seem to have changed at all. While walking around I was so surprised to see my high school guy best friend lined up to place his bets on the Lotto. Unable to help myself, I ran over and hugged him. Though I don’t see him often, it’s like we’ve never been apart when we get together.

Had a delicious dinner, and once again linked one friend to another. It was a truly awesome day.

More things to be thankful for:

• Seeing so much talent in one room. I’m inspired to be a better artist, and I hope that everyone —- young and old, newbies and veterans, professionals and hobbyists —- will get their chance to further showcase these talents and be recognized.
• Getting home safe and sound. A woman I admire once said surviving in Manila already gives you the advantage of being able to survive anywhere else. It’s not easy to commute within Metro Manila. I’m glad I can, and I’m glad I’m safe.
• Being with my family. I haven’t spent much time with them this week, but I’m happy to have what I can. My parents are cool, even if they’re not perfect. I pray for their success in their ventures, I pray for their continued good health, I pray for their relationship with each other, as well as towards others. I pray that they successfully overcome whatever challenges they face.
• My grandfather is doing well. I pray he continues to be so, and I feel blessed for each day that passes and he is still doing great.
• Knowing that I am loved. That means so much.

God bless you all.

The biggest thanks I have for today is that the Lord added another year and a day to my existence. I have wonderful friends and family. The opportunities are continuously coming in. I’ve pretty healthy, I’m able to do things that I enjoy and I’m learning.

Today, I’m particularly happy for these things:

• Saw someone I had grievances with in the past. I was quite nervous, but pleasantly surprised to be treated with civilly and politely, no chills or cold shoulder. I appreciated that, and made me rethink my opinion of that person.
• I saw a good friend achieve her dreams. I’ve seen her struggle, and seeing her at this point in her life makes me proud. Congratulations Attorney!
• The cab I rode home in was cut off by a rude driver. The cab driver was trying to edge out the other driver, but I asked him to just let the other guy be because he’s (the cabbie) has a passenger (me). Thankfully he backed off, and I’m home safe and sound.

I turned 30 yesterday. They say it’s a milestone. Me, I’m just grateful to be here still. I resolve to be more active, be more creative, be more thankful and love more.

1. Finally saw my heart’s sisters, Den and Ching after a very long time!
2. Videoke session, with two free songs hehe.
3. Got to visit Muji in Bonifacio High Street.
4. I didn’t get wet (much) when it rained.
5. Met with friends Ryan and Drew.
6. Met a new friend, Yue.
7. Got a new Pinky St, yet unnamed.
8. Finally got to try Hana’s takoyaki (the best in the metro!)
9. Long trip home, but arrived safe and sound
10. Stuck to my P500 budget, which included the payment for the new toy.

1. I was told that I was a cool person by someone I just met.
2. I got to spend time with my two best friends.
3. I got to spend an afternoon with two new friends, stuff ourselves silly and didn’t spend anything over P20 (except for fare).
4. Someone bought the books we were selling online.
5. Enough stash of Oreo in various flavors to make myself sick. :) 
6. Hanging out with my sister, getting new clothes (one was even on sale!)

Today was one of those days where the good and great things just kept on flowing. Quick rundown:

• I got to finish a huge bulk of my work. Only minor updates on Monday!
• Had lunch with the team, and I didn’t have to pay anything except the parking
• Found the third book in Philip Pullman’s “Sally Lockheart” series for only P95!
• Got film (36 shots)
• Found a hardback copy of Nora Roberts’ “Black Hills” for only P99
• Went to my best friend’s house so she could give me her gift from Japan: A yukata!
• Her brother gave me a Professor Layton gashopon
• Arrived home save & dry

Will post photos of my finds and gifts later. Thank you for this most amazing day! :)

That doesn’t mean I’m not thankful :) I say thanks for…

1. A successful family cook-out last week. It was great to eat something that we all prepared, then spent the rest of the night til the wee hours of the morning just talking.

2. Manang Gaya. My parents decided we needed someone to help around the house, to do the cooking and cleaning. It’s great, and a big relief.

3. Books, books and more books.

4. Freebies. Nuff said.

5. Food trip with my co-workers. I’m going broke and fat, but I’m happy.

6. Being able to love someone, and knowing you’re loved back, even if it’s not in the way you want, it’s still love.

7. Cheap earphones that still has great sound.

8. Cheap (meaning affordable) thrills, like a magnetic bookmark and secondhand books.

9. Music.

10. Not getting caught in the rain.

Last week was so full of win (so to speak). I got a chance to meet Neil Gaiman, talk to him for a few minutes and get my book signed. Never mind that he won’t know me from Adam should we meet again. To me, that was a moment (or two) that I won’t ever forget.

Saturday, I went to run some errands and found a book someone was looking for. I sort of act as a book buyer, so when people email me for a book, I try to find it for them. These books are usually secondhand books, so they’re cheaper and often hard to find.

Sunday, I spent the whole day with my family: brother, cousins, aunt & uncles. We went around Chinatown and had a fun food trip. It was a tiring day, but it was so much fun that we plan to do it again.

It made me appreciate my relatives more. It also made me more aware of the treasure hidden beneath the chaotic world that is Manila.

Neil Gaiman used that word over and over last night, and we all loved it. I think it’s apt.

Things I’m grateful for, March 17, 2010.

1. Work was relatively light. I got to finish my tasks early and had a nice chat with my teammate.

2. Traffic wasn’t so bad southbound. I got to where I needed to be in an hour or so.

3. I got to see Neil Gaiman! He’s just so amazing. This alone needs its own post.

4. My little camera got a lot of nice pictures. I’m so happy to have it.

5. I won something in the raffle. Weee!

6. My friends are amazing. One was cheering me on even though she was so far from me, another was willing to go with me even though I knew he would be tired. Thank you my lovely friends.

7. I got home safe and sound, with my hearing still intact.

8. Dinner of cheeseburger & apple pie.

9. YM and SMS. Immortal Text FTW!

10. Internet. Always something to be thankful about.