Ta-ta, 2013!!!

Woooop wooooop!!! It's exactly 2 hours and 49 minutes before 2013 ends and it feels like whoa. How can this year flew so fast?! Paki-explain. This may sound cliché, but I got through this year as if I was sailing around icebergs. It's not everyday that I wake up with a smile. Nevertheless, I'm beyond glad that this year happened. I won't write my realizations and my "poof it became Koko Krunch!" moment. I won't sum up my 2013 highlights by putting up a collage like everyone else in Instagram. I'm just ending this year with this blogpost. Wala lang. Masabi lang na may last blogpost. Mehehe. Fellas, let's end this year not with a fizzle but with a bang!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! ❤ 

Happy birthday, Ms. Poopy Pants!

It's that time of the year that I could think of nothing but myself, be a complete narcissist and don't care about anything but my happiness. Yea, that's how birthday works for me. Haha, no not entirely. I just want to be happy for the rest of my birthday, that's all. Ano pa't binati ako ng mga tao ng "Happy birthday, Rachel!" kung hindi naman ako magiging masaya. So, might as well tell myself to be happy, in fact, happiness is a choice and yes, I chose to be happy. Anyhoooo babalooo, my pa-tweetums 18 years old phase in life just ended and felt like it flew so fast. Grabe. 

You see, this is a story of a girl...

No, not really. This is an AVP that my friend, Leobhel, made for me for my 18th birffday. Nyehe!

So yea, it's my birthday yaaaaay!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm thankful for...

Last Sunday, my family and I attended worship service in New Life, The Fort (no, I'm still a GCI baby, just observing different churches from time to time). And the pastor asked to jot down all the grace God has showered upon us for the year 2013. But since we won't attend New Life till next month, might as well write those things here. So...

January
Daddy God, thank you for all the graces this January..
* Fresh new start for the year 2013
* Ate Vic is back from her pregnancy
* Church anniversary
* Fun times shooting 'Rotonda'

February
Daddy God, thank you for all the graces this February..
* Baby Frisky
* Blessed with byooripuul and smart thesismates
* Valentine's Day *wink wink*
* Family time despite of busy schedule
* Papsie passed RMP exam
* Jesti and Eunice reunited

March
Daddy God, thank you for all the graces this March..
* Joseph Strada
* Finished 'Rotonda' film
* Made little girlfriends during shooting
* Got to shoot for my UP Film student friend, Steven
* Finished PR campaign
* Little brother's graduation
* PASSED first wave of thesis defense
* Good grades for 3rd yr 2nd sem
* Luntiang Parangal
* Finalist in Quill Awards

April
Daddy God, thank you for all the graces this April..
* Productive jobhunt (for internship)
* Got in at TeamAsia
* Daddy's ASDECS graduation
* Mom and Dad's 19th year
* Made a new girlfriend, Danielle
* Got to be a part of Mangyan mission in Mindoro

May 
Daddy God, thank you for all the graces this May..
* Finished project pitch with Gian
* Got to hire talents for DOH event
* Fun fun times with co-interns and TeamAsia employees

June
Daddy God, thank you for all the graces this June..
* DOH event was a success
* Got featured in Chalk Mag
* Got over indecisiveness over which elective to take up
* Completed my internship
* Left my dormer life

July 
Daddy God, thank you for all the graces this July..
* Made new friends
* Highs and lows of our thesis
* Took the courage to sing for UNIFIED

August
Daddy God, thank you for all the graces this August..
* Got over "Oh no, we're leaving" phase
* Block retreat
* Safe from typhoon
* Final topic for our thesis

September
Daddy God, thank you for all the graces this September..
* Pulled off my detective side and found someone I really needed
* Tired but happy
* Feast of Tabernacles at Baguio
* UNIFIED concert was a success
* Boracay trip
* New set of friends

October
Daddy God, thank you for all the graces this October..
* Finalist for PR Grand Prix
* Passed thesis defense
* Prep for Grand Prix
* Life

November
Daddy God, thank you for all the graces this November..
* Freeloader coz of Grand Prix
* Love-hate relationship with Empire (love weighs more, though)
* Survived Grand Prix
* Exemption from exams and projects

December
Daddy God, thank you for all the graces this December..
* Embraced change (dyed my hair)
* Frisky turned 1
* More time with my parents for my 3-day vacant
* Summer vacay and sembreak that I never had made up for 3-day vacant
* Pampanga for a day
* Break from schoolworks
* People around me that God reflected His grace

It's still the first half of December and I'm pretty sure that He's not yet done in showing off His awesomeness with His unmerited favor and love. The list above is just pfffff.. kulang pa yan. Coz He never ceases to amaze me every single day. I'm forever grateful, my King. Thank You.

Romans 5:1-5

5 1-2 By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that’s not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise. 

3-5 There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!

Baby It's Cold Outside.. Is it?

That's my official xmas jam right thurr! Been playing 'Baby It's Cold Outside' in my head for 2 days now. Brrrr.

Hey Boyfriend!

The title is misleading, I know. Just to put everything on the table, no, I don't have a boyfriend, I'm single, unattached and I'm loving it (sometimes). This entry is for my former co-intern/girlfriend/tagatawasajokesko/my soul in other person's body/Danielle-fie. She's the only girl, no, person I know who documents her daily life using her iPhone and addressing those videos to her future boyfriend. She hasn't had a boyfriend since so, she'll show to her future boyfriend all of her "Hey Boyfriend!" videos when they meet. O di ba. Effort! During my internship, I got to be a part of most of Danielle's "Hey Boyfriend!" videos. And man, I looked so goofy and has no care in the world. Huhu ang panget ng image ko sa boyfriend ni Danielle. But I looked so happy naman, so her boyfriend would think that Danielle's fun to be with since her friend Rachel always look so happily awkweird (awkward + weird). She would start off her video with "Hey, boyfriend! I'm with Chelsy Welsy today and we're..." And there I go showing off my awesomeness! Danielle and I would normally sing our two favorite songs, 'Healing Song' from Tangled and 'Soft Kitty' from TBBT in her videos or dance randomly while in the ladies' room or showing off my weird furr top or just having yosi break (for the boys, I don't smoke). I just thought the idea of keeping videos of yourself and showing it to someone ishpeshol is really cool. In Danielle's case, it makes the anticipation for meeting her boyfriend more exciting! Kasi it would be like, omg finally, boyfriend, you're here! Here's a list of videos I kept all these years for youuuu! Hope you like it! Ummwahh! Haha cute di ba? And I've been watching a lot of vlogmas (vlogs before Christmas) lately and it's fun to watch how youtubers film themselves every minute of everyday. Anyway, all these nostalgic feels made me miss Danielle and her "Hey Boyfriend!" videos. So I watched them again! Teeeheee.

Here are screencaps of "Hey Boyfriend!" videos. :) Didn't post the ones I look eeeengkkk coz y'know, I have a reputation to maintain. Nyehehe

"Hi Danielle's boyfriend!"

Sang Soft Kitty for the first time with Danielle

"Here's nagpapanggap na nagtatrabaho Pierre"

"Huh? Walang intro?"

"..."

Hi Danielle! If you're reading this, just wanna let you know that I miss you so much! And you said it yourself ha, Chelsy Welsy is irreplaceable. Have fun on your 2nd internship! See you real soon! 

Happy 1st birthday, Frisky!

My baby's a year older now!!!! Time panned so fast. Now, I'm a Mom to a one-year old dog. Haaay, they grow up so fast. Anyhooo, I've never had an entry about my baby on this blog, so since this is his birthday, this is for you, lovey!

For starters, I used to hate dogs. More like, I fear dogs. I always find them as a beast that could eat me all up with their sharp dog teeth. I never find them cute or adorable in every way. I've had this fear since a dog bit me on my cousin's birthday party. I was petting him and touching his furry hair and the dog suddenly bit me on my right shoulder, since then, I've had a molten fury with dogs. My Mom and little brother always wanted a dog but since I hate dogs, they can't have what they want (coz I'm the boss haha). Until one night as my dormmates and I are having dinner, Martin, a guy who lives two doors away from our room, showed a photo of his puppies. And I thought aaaaawwwwww cuuuuuutie! They really are cute, and there's this one puppy who looks like Wako-wako. So cute! And I found out that he's selling those puppies, their shih-tzu pups, btw. Then I thought of my Mom wanting to have a dog, so I texted her if she still wants a dog. And of course she said yes. I told Martin that I'd get one of his puppies and he said he'll give it to me the week after. Dun dun dunnnn! I still fear dogs then. 

Friday. February 1. As I was getting prepped for my class, Martin knocked on my door carrying a dog cage. Uh oh. The puppy's here. What to do. He was in a hurry that day so he just dropped the puppy at our room. He told me to carry the puppy, I tried, and its body felt squishy and flimsy. I held him as I sat down on the floor and I just felt love at first sight. He was so cute and so lambing. Oh yea, it's a he. He rested his face on my lap when I put him down. Huhu. I can still remember that moment right there. And I completely forgot that I had to come to class. Was 40 mins. late for my Film App class, but oh well. My parents fetched me and named the puppy FRISKY while we're on the way home. 

I think of you while in class, baby

Since that day, my fear of dogs completely vanished. I'm always excited to come home because I know some cutie's waiting for me. And I never feel unloved whenever I see "cuddle weather" tweets on my thread because I have Frisky to cuddle with. After a long tiring day, the first thing that I do when I got home: I would pick him up, put him on my lap, pet him and sniff him all over. You can really tell that a dog's loves you the same way you love him. By the time Frisky got really sick, I was really really worried. He didn't eat for 4 days and he was puking non-stop. I thought he's going to die that time. I remember calling up my Mom to come home quickly because I thought Frisky's about to die. In class, all I could ever think of was him, if he's home from the vet and got better or he just died. Yea, I'm a pessimist like that. Gladly, he got better after a week and couldn't be happier. 

Haaay Frisky! You brought out the Mommy in me. Just know that I love you so much and you'll always always be my baby no matter how old you get. Now you're in your first year and that's like 7 years in dog years, I know you'll eventually have baby Friskys to another dog. Hmp! Stay malambing to me and masungit to others ha. Haha no. Stop scaring strangers na ha. Big boy ka na, act your age na. I know there's no way you can read this haha, but I just want to show the whole world how much I wuv you, baby ko! Happy happy birthday! Uhmmmmwaaaah!!!

"Frisky, I'm home!"

Sick for 4 days

I'm not in the mood, Mommy

Frisky checking me out on bed

Congratulations, graduates of 2013!

Sea sick

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FRISKY!

It's Way Past My Bedtime

It's late. It's a Saturday. And only few minutes left before December! Yaaaaay! I always feel giddy whenever December's coming. Well, not because it's my birthmonth and I like the attention I'm getting, no, it's not that. I just feel like December's the most fun month among all the months there are. I know a lot of people would agree with me on this. Right? Right? 

I love how the weather's becoming more breezy and Christmas-y. It's a sweater weather, dudes and dudettes! I love seeing christmas lights and lanterns here and there. I remember when I was just a little Rachel, by the time when we still live in San Pedro, my Mom's friend would drive me around Calle Pogi where christmas lights will make you go "Oooooh! Wooooow!!!" I love hearing Christmas carols, only those that are sang beautifully ha. I love seeing puto bumbong and bibingka stalls. I love Christmas sales!!! I love the thought of simbang gabi, even if I'm not a catholic. I love seeing life-sized Santa Claus. I love it when people say "Uy, malapit na birthday mo ah", make me feel awww they remembered my birthday. I love Christmas break! Aaagh I love everything about December.

Me taking a break from pre-debut photoshoot last December

So I went over my 2012 planner and see what I did last December 2012. On December 1st, Saturday, I wrote that I woke up late, didn't do any of my homework and I just ate all day. Well, that was fun. Haha! But the day after that was the day for my last minute preparation for my 18th birthday. It was stressful but fun though. It was on December when I was contemplating on what topic to push through for my thesis. And it was on December when I made up my mind and take Public Relations as my elective for the following year. On December 13th, I wrote, "Sir APR inspired me to take PR as elective". And the highlight of my December was, of course, the day that I went to mushroom farm!! Yay! Fudge no. Haha! Tinatanong pa ba yan? My 18th birthday fartey! Ah yeah! All the stress from gown fitting (coz I'm getting fat), invitation changes, Booty Werrrk rehearsals, and all the party prep paid off! Felt so loved that day. Hihihi!

This 2013, I'll make sure my December will be legend-wait for it-merry! :)

Grand Prix's Grand Prize

"Pagod na ko."

I've been saying that countless times for the last 2 months, no make that 8 months. Been tired since I started my internship on April and I never really got a week vacation for myself. I was still finishing my internship when the classes resumed, so yea it sucks. And my subjects that term demanded most of my time so I rarely had time for myself. Just right before the term ends, a bittersweet news was before me... my team got to be a finalist for PRSP Grand Prix. 

My team and I practically worked our butts off for almost a month working on that campaign proposal and it got a lot of criticisms from a lot of people so we kind of lost our hope in making it to the finals. As we revised the paper, all we want is to just finish it and pass a decent paper to our professor. But on the last day of our PR class, it was beyond our (or at least my) expectation to see our campaign logo on the projection screen. WE MADE IT. Wow, just wow. I was smiling the entire time, but in the back of my mind I thought, "More sleepless nights and stressful days to come. UGGGH." Nonetheless, I'm just so proud of my team that we're able to make it among the 56 entries passed, we're one of the 8 finalists. And what made me more proud is that our batch made a history! Two entries from DLSU-D got in the finals! Holla! Haha yabang. 

Right after the thesis defense and revisions, we immediately went our way to prepping for our presentation for Grand Prix. And that could only mean one thing, no semestral break for us! Oh well, I didn't have summer break this year, I could go through life without savoring my last semestral break. Oh well. We meet almost everyday of the week during sembreak. Go on a meeting, brainstorming, memorize our lines, formulate message maps for Q&A, mock presentation for our mentor and coach, canvass for the perfect white suit, props-making, weird vocal exercises--that's how my sembreak went. Thus, fun and laughter are shared in between those. I must say, it was really fun working with my team. Oh, we call ourselves The Empire, by the way. Why? Dunno either. Oo nga, bakit nga Empire? Anyway, life isn't all beer and skittles. Yes, we may have got into the finals and we may have done fun stuff together, but we also went through a bumpy road. There were intense confrontations, grrrrrr moments, mistreated, misplaced, misunderstood, miss no way it's all good (charr), "I no longer want this" phase, "Rachel, late ka na naman" every meeting, almost quitter, lulubog-lilitaw teammate, "Ang pagiging nega ko ang magtatatag ng Empire" attitude, love life muna bago Grand Prix scenario, OJT muna bago Grand Prix scenario, "May sakit ako, kayo naman", "Hindi susunod ang mga tao dahil gusto mo lang", "Ano, magha-Harry Potter na lang tayo?", "May balak ka bang sagutin ang tawag namin?", and "Paos ka lang, may bronchitis ako." Obviously, we went through a lot! Empire, don't hate me for posting this. Teeeeheeee!

Joining Grand Prix isn't as easy as it looks. I had to deal with a different types of people, go on a 2-hour travel everyday, put that game face on and prove my worth to my teammates. I'm pretty honest that I'm in this half-heartedly, but for my team, I devote all my efforts and time into it. So when the judgment day came, I had no choice to back down. I just said to myself, even if we don't win this, I'll be forever grateful for the experience and friendship that I gained. If we win, that's just a bonus. Before going to stage, one of my teammates said "Empire, let's conquer the stage!" I tried to live up to what he said, I tried to deliver my lines in the best way I could. But as the presentation ended, the winning aura wasn't there. Why so? Well, as you figured, we didn't win. And I was frustrated for some reason, not entirely because we didn't win. I myself couldn't explain it as well. But when I got home and read text messages from my teammates, that's when I realized that hey, we didn't lose, in fact, we're winners ourselves.

"In a way, I had recognized and captured the real essence of victory in you! Love you so much!"

"Winning a competition is nothing compared to the friendship formed, hardships that are overcomed, endless laughter, heartwarming tears, warm hugs, ridiculous fights, inside jokes, sleepless nights, ugly eyebags and a lot lot more that we went through for almost 2 months and a half we've been together in preparation for this competition. For me, winning means not with plaques, prizes, or an iPad mini but with staying together as one team when everything else seems to fail. I love you guys!" 

"I had no idea that you were going to be a part of my dream as it came true. Thank you for conquering the UST's stage with me. Today meant a lot to me, thank you! Love y'all!" 

Victorious face. That's my grand prize right there ↑

I'm gonna gradu... wait for it...

Four years ago, I wanted to

(University of the Philippines), but I ended up studying at De La Salle University-Dasmarinas. Oh well.

Two years ago, 

coz the all of the college stress is getting in my nerves! 

Word!

True story.

Now that I'm down to my last semester, and I'm finally 

everything is just bittersweet. 

I just had to thank

for keeping up with me when all fails to answer my questions.

But after April 16 (Graduation day), I'd ask myself,

Oh what the heck! Elena got through graduation and had Damon as her boyfriend. I'm all good! 

But when all these end, one thing's for sure...

Yea, that's sad. But all of our hardworks paid off!!!

Dudes and dudettes,

Ah yeah!

I'm gonna gradu... wait for it... ate! GRADUATE! I'm gonna graduate!!!

TeamAsia feels

I've been getting a lot of "Sa TeamAsia ka nag-OJT di ba?" lately. Most of them ask what I do as an intern there. Well, most of the time I sing Soft Kitty with Danielle, read blogs, try not to get caught in CCTV, get kilig over Pierre and Jesti's mala-Kathryn Bernardo-Daniel Padilla moment, eat strawberry sundae, sneak to go to bazaar, spend too much time at CR, turn my gossip-radar on, doodle, call McDonald's just to hear Walking On Sunshine, hear Danielle's tales about the COO, drink tea and hide under my desk table. Other than that, I did nothing naman. Bazinga. Syempre hindi. Hello?!

Lo and behold...

Naaah.

This is how I roll...

Naah.

There.

9th day of OJT:

April 18, 2013

The moment I put my bag at my chair, my phone rang and that’s the sound of Sir Gino calling Rachel to come upstairs. So I did. He gave me a “search for this on Youtube” task. I had to search videos that has “led-stage-with-actor-with-video-on-the-background” concept. Sounds easy? But it took me three hours to search for it. Not to mention, my computer can’t access Youtube website, so I had to switch computer with my con-intern, Danielle, to do my task. So there, I sent the links to Sir Gino and just waited for his next instructions.

We had lunch at Kangaroo Jack, since we feel like we’re rich kids today and can afford pricey service charge. Haha! Anyway, by the time break is over, I didn’t go straight back to work because there’s no task given so I had to ask Ms. Jenny for whatever task she wants me to do. As usual, she gave me PMAP database to update. I think I’m already expert at this. Hehe. She gave me 619 contact persons and there’s no way in the world I could finish that the whole afternoon, so I updated/called 121 contact persons. There’s this one contact person named Jacky Chan, I almost laughed when I called, good thing I held back my laugh. To kill some time, I read articles from the internet.

12th day of OJT:

April 23, 2013

        Arrived at the office right on time. First task of this day is to make business analysis and continue to work on the research for direct competitors of TeamAsia, especially in training. But then, something got me distracted. My mouse won’t work anymore! I tried pulling it out form the CPU, but it got worse! I was hesitant to call anyone from IT because I can see that they were all so busy, until I got the courage to call Sir Marvin to fix my mouse. Being his helpful self, he gave me a new (but not so new mouse). Haaay finally! 

Ate lunch at Chowking. After lunch... back to work! I compiled all the details we got and put it in one database. Okay, now I know who are our competitors already. Sir Gino told us that it is necessary who are you competing with. Later this afternoon, we interns are all surprised that Ms. Maris is already leaving TeamAsia. There’s no definite explanation why so we had speculations, but none of those were correct. We didn’t even get to say goodbye to her. We will really miss her. She’s always the one who cracks up jokes and I feel like she’s my Mom at TeamAsia because she really does act one with everyone. That’s just sad.  

14th day of OJT:

April 25, 2013

Sir Gino gave me a task to contact either Nicole Hyala or Chris Tsuper to ask if they can be a host at Pilipinas Go4Health. I tried tweeting Nicole Hyala and after 10 minutes, she immediately replied and ask where and when the event will be. To my dismay, she can’t assure that she’ll be better by that time because she was too pregnant. I told Sir Gino her situation, but he still insisted that maybe she could be better after she deliver the baby. So I DMed Nicole again through Twitter, and she replied that she’s not very sure that she’ll be better by then since it’s her first pregnancy. So I had my second option, I got the cellphone number of Chris Tsuper’s manager, who also happens to be the manager of Nicole Hyala and Papa Dan. I contacted him and talked to his secretary to relay my message. After an hour, the manager told me that rate of Chris Tsuper and I immediately informed my boss about it. 

My other task is to search for a black theatre production. Apparently, there isn’t so many black theatre productions in the Philippines (that’ll meet that standards of my boss). There’s this Roppets Edutainment, a well-known production group in the Philippines, so I asked for the rate and requirements. It took me a while to talk to the contact person because my boss told me that I have to ask for their current projects. Gladly, they really are experienced and have handled many events already. My last task for the day is to search and contact for a dance group that will perform at the event. Made a list and presented it to Sir Gino.  

23th day of OJT:

May 9, 2013

I arrived right on time. Feel nauseous because I didn’t eat breakfast. Huhu. I searched for the top photobooth in the Philippines for Pilipinas Go4Health event, as per Sir Gino’s advice. And again, I’m still struggling in searching for another black theatre production group. At 10am, Sir Gino asked Nico and I to find sponsors for catering services for the Media Launch. M’kaaay! Let’s do this!

I put the list of potential sponsors in the working doc of Pilipinas Go4Health. Now trying to searchfor black theatre videos for Roppets Edutainment and Lights Out, the only black theatre I got, to present to Sir Gino. I swear I tried my best to search for more, but apparently, my best isn’t good enough. Bummer. Huhu, the loss of my internet connection added to my dilemma. Anyway, at 3pm, I created a database for photobooth. I just learned about Baicapture, talk about BONGGA! 

Okay, this is not my usual day. Why? Here’s why... as I create the database for photobooths, I call companies that offer photoboothe services and ask for their contact details, the person in-charge in sponsorship and his email address. After several callouts, I continued in updating my database. To my surprise, a Senior PR Associate left a message in OJT chatbox and asked who contacted Partyshots Photobooth. Well, obviously, I did so I told her my name. She said that the guy from Partyshots Photobooth, called the department up to say that a hang the phone on him which is so untrue! I asked what the designation of the name of person he gave and he said “Pwede na yun.” So I said, “Oh okay, sir! Thank you. Bye!” in my most polite manner, I just don’t get where did that “binagsakan ako” came from. Anyway, the Senior PR Associate said that there was just misunderstanding to the guy who called. Hay.    

28th day of OJT:

May 17, 2013

I was 20 minutes late. Ugh. Blame Manong jeepney driver. First thing I did, made a coffee and read a news article online from Inquirer. I feel old, really. As far as I know, I’m not a coffee person. But since almost all of the employees drink coffee every morning, I tried, haaay I’m succumbed with peer pressure. Now I have a headache. Way to go, coffee! Okay. I called TV stations and radio stations this morning to ask where can we send sponsorship letter to for LCF CSR event. I tell you, it’s not easy calling TV stations because every operator will transfer you to this department and to that department and to this person and that person. Hay, but I managed to get the right contact person. I got the quotation from Buganda drumbeaters, like finally! 

Back to basics, I updated PMAP database again. What’s new? Haha! Oh and Ms. Lien is pissed. Apparently, Danielle gave Ms. Lien the wrong spelling of the name of the contact person. She said that there’s no room for mistakes and that we have to make sure about all the details before transferring to her. We were very apologetic and searched again. I followed up DOH sponsorship again 2 hours before going home.

29th day of OJT:

May 20, 2013

Hah! I woke up at 7am, but Dad drove me to work so I made right on time. Since I haven’t heard from Sir Gino yet, I continued in updating PMAP database from last week. Same old, same old. I followed up the sponsorship letters for Pilipinas Go4Health event. 

After lunch, Sir Gino finally called me up asking me to find a company that provides performers that is in line with getting fit. So I thought of aerobics, but that is already included in the program. Started searching for dance performances. I came up with pole dancing, so I contacted Polecats and asked them to email their quotation to me. The girl who I talked to was really nice and she’s really willing to answer my inquiries. And guess what, humiliating myself is kind of my thing right now. I called Zumba Fitness (well at least I thought I did) and the operator said someone will call me back, so I waited. My phone rang and a woman from the other line was asking what do I want from them, so I explained everything about the event and that I’m thinking of considering them to perform at the event. To my surprise, that’s not Zumba Fitness! That’s the event organizer of Zumba Fitness and she said that she finds it odd that I’m calling them to think that we have the same business line. She also said that in fact, she knows the president of TeamAsia, because Ms. Monette is a patient of her Mom. But then, she was really kind to just laugh it off and I apologized for the mistake I made. Okay, Rachel, again get your info right!!! After that, I searched and called Peak Performance. I talked to the owner herself, Jill Ngo. I was surprised that after 2 minutes of talking to her, she already gave an overview of the bellydancers she’s training and the awards they got internationally. She was really friendly and machika, so I asked her to email me the quotation and she even asked how much our budget is so that she could adjust to it. I e-mailed and texted EBC for capoeira since they have no contact number indicated in their website.  

32th day of OJT:

May 23, 2013

Feeling so pumped today, duuno why. Hehe. Went to buy ice cream with Danielle, since there’s no given task yet. Singing to the tune of Soft Kitty of The Big Bang Theory while updating PMAP database. I searched for UP Street Dance contact number and gave it to Sir Gino. Searched for companies that provide gift certificates. I also made a database for what I searched for raffle partners of Pilipinas Go4Health. 

Sir Gino told me that Gian and I will be working together for our project pitch for Christmas Party. So I showed Gian what I did so far. After that, I did the task that Ms. Lien gave, which is to search for the contact number of ETC. I continued in making callouts for Effective Presentation Skills.

34th day of OJT:

May 27, 2013

Every Monday I update my intern task doc and pass my accomplishment report to Sir Gino. Updated PMAP database. EPS callouts, still no leads. Worked on my Christmas party project pitch with Gian.

 Program design

 Room set-up/floor plan

 Hosts and talents

Gian magnified my ideas, which is so cool! He’s so cool. After that, I continued doing EPS callouts. Finished it all! Huzzah! But then, still no leads. On the contrary, UP finally confirmed! Yay! But still waiting for their reply if Php20,000 is inclusive of VAT. Before going home, Danielle drew a moustache on my pointer finger. So cute!  

 40th day of OJT:

June 5, 2013

Today is Joy’s last day! Boohoo! Drank tea, made a video message for Joy in her camera. Took pictures then went back to work. Researched and updated IOS 2013 database. Made EPS callouts for restaurant. 

At lunch, we had pizza party!!! It’s our treat to our bosses, TA employees and interns from different department. Took photos again and reminisce on our first few days when we were still in awkward stage. Back to work! Did callouts again and updated IOS database. We also got our TeamAsia shirt for the event tomorrow. Yes, tomorrow’s Pilipinas Go4Health event! Finally! 

BAZINGA.

Boracay!!!!!!!

Huzzaaahhh! Boracay on a ber month! Nah, I didn't go there for leisure. AB Com Public Relations students were encouraged to attend the PRSP Congress in Boracay. Since, feeling cool ako, and I've never been to Boracay, I went to Boracay together with my PR major classmates. It's my first time to travel by plane without my parents, so when I got to the airport, I felt so independent. Feeling ko I'm in a business trip as I take my Blackberry out and text my boss na I'm about to leave na. Pero ang totoo, I texted my friend "Dito na ko sa Terminal 3. SAAN KA NAAAA?!" We left Manila passed 5pm and arrived at Kalibo around 7pm. Rode the bus to Caticlan, dropped off to Jetty Port, rode a boat to the island, van ride to the beachfront, and 10 mins. walk to our hotel. Haaaah! We literally traveled by land, air and water! I finally got to lay down on the bed and catch my breath from all the travelling around 10:30pm. And my tummy is filled with nothing but meringue and puto seko that my professor bought from the port. We walked 5256965295kms. just to look for a decent place to eat. My professor told us that when we're in a trip, it's better to eat at least known eateries than buying McDonald's, because we're becoming a better Filipino citizen if we support the local economy. Oh di ba? We ate dinner until 12:30am.

You know how it goes, I was sleeping soundly, tucked in a blanket, opened up my eyes and realized I'm not in my room. I'm in Boracay! My first morning in Boracay!

First morning @ Boracay Island

The kakabangon-lang-smile

As I've said, we went to Boracay for a congress. But I won't be talking much about that in this blogpost. You want me to share how people from the world of PR do their thing and brag how much they want to change the world? No? I thought so, too.

Hi! I'm a student delegate from Dze La Zah 

The people inside "the circle"

Gov. Remulla & COM PR 

PR Congress theme: From Ripples to Waves

Mawawala ba naman ang thumbs-up pose?

After 8 hours, we finally have time for ourselves! Yay! On our second night, we roamed around the beachfront in search for the perfect two-piece for my maarte friend (who I love so much, nonetheless :P), Kzen. Bumped into our guy friends and ate dinner.

Awesome stall with awesome displays!

Gigantic lobster that I wanted for myself and not just for a photo :(

Hello there, fellow turistas!

With the guy who treated Kzen and I for dinner. Tinkyo!

Hungreh hippos

The next day, we had to wake up extra early to plant coconut trees by the shore. It's nice that we left something at Boracay that can eventually help preserve its beauty.

Look at me! I'm planting a tree! I'm saving the world!

Syempre pikchur muna with mayor

Highlight of my 2nd PR Congress: Lourd De Veyra

Double-selfie muna!

And there!

The congress bid ta-ta with a Luau-themed party.

Lourd's prophesying the Word of the Lourd to my professor

She'd rather take a photo of herself than a photo with me :(

Aloha!

Cool shirt, Momma!

The day that we all dread: last day. We made the most out of our last day, though. Went island hopping by land! Puka Shell Beach, banana boat ride, helmet diving, packed our bags, ate sumptuous lunch and left Boracay island. 

Feelin' macho 

Witwiiiw!

Island hopping by land

Sun-kissed skin ;)

Before helmet diving

Helmet diving! Look at it! Had no oxygen hose, no wonder I had a hard time breathing lol

Last meal 

Played Pinoy Henyo while waiting for boarding

And hello, Manila!

Till we meet again, Boracay.