Look Back

Can't seem to get this song out of my head, even when working on my working papers. It's got that laid-back addictive melody. When Zia performed this in Glorietta, she looked off and awkward, the total opposite in her MV.

Better Late Than Never: 2011 Wrap Up

My blog is gathering cobwebs the more I let it be un-updated. I never had blog-hopped in a long, long time. I stopped writing for a while ever since I started working. It's not that I am too busy, well may be that's a part of it but it is not the most impending reason why I just sort of drifted away from the blogosphere.. it is the lack of having an internet connection.

As soon as we get wired to the net in our place, I promise to update more! A part of me feels guilty whenever I remember my blog lacks posts. Some bloggers feel obligated to update for their readers,well somehow I have that; if ever there really are readers considering the blog once reached a Google page rank of 4. However, what bugs me really is failing to chronicle more what happened in 2011. 2011 is such a big year for me. It brought about a lot of changes in my life and in others.

1. GRADUATION AND FAREWELLS. The thunderous and joyous cheer as we tossed our caps to signal a closed chapter of our lives and the overwhelming hopes as we turn a page of a new one. But along that mixed joy and pride is the bittersweet separation from friends you got attached with over the years. *sigh* I realized, people come and go. You feel really close with someone and suddenly when you run into each other in the mall, it's all awkward. You run out of things to talk about too quickly for comfort. And it's sad. Things will never be the same. BUT it's a relief that there are certain sets of friends that no matter how long and far you spend the year/s apart, there's still that warm, fuzzy feeling whenever you're together. And the good thing is you never have to TALK. Having them there sitting with you with a cup of coffee is already pure joy. That my friends, is my idea of a lasting friendship and companionship, being comfortable with the silence. 
2. MOVING OUT. I FINALLY HAVE A PLACE OF MY OWN. Well technically I don't own it, I rent together with three of my friends since college. You think it's a piece of cake for someone who dreamed of moving out in a big city since but NO. IT WAS NOT A WALK TO THE PARK for me. Yes, in spite of growing up with household help, I did chores. BUT light chores. I know how to do the dishes and clean but I don't cook. Cooking never fell in the area of my expertise and interest, much to the despair of my father. And these chores I talk about only occur once a week during our house help's day off but to have to clean and take care of the house as a shared responsibility is somehow foreign to me. But I will get used to it. I still miss being taken cared of, A LOT but soon I hope things will go pretty smooth. 
3. WORK AND FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE. An 8-5pm job surprisingly came easy. It's just like going to school. In my firm we work in teams, thankfully I was assigned to a cool team. With the initial thought of having to adjust to a new set of people, I became wary of how I act around the office. I try to smile as much as I can coz whenever I keep silent, people always have this impression that I'm a snob. I'm aloof but I'm definitely not snob. In my honest opinion, I am actually friendly although I find it at times I find it difficult to blend in with certain types of persons. There are just those types that don't mesh well with your personality easily. Ergo, I take time to warm up. BUT I DO LIKE WHERE I'M IN right now. In spite of everything, I can say, for now I enjoy and thrive in what I do but  it's just been a couple of months so I think I'll have to make a post of again AFTER the busy season by then I'd have more of a good evaluation of where I'm at now. On the other hand, financial matters are tricky. Before I received my first paycheck, I drained the monthly allowance my father sent me. He really scolded me with that. He was worried. Which is bad because I reckon the more he gets upset of my bold move to be independent, the more chance of seeing him here personally to fetch me and pack my things. SCARY. I won't want that. So I HAD to get a hold of myself. So far so good. I just purchased my first roundtrip tickets home! I feel elated to do that without using my Mom's card! 
4. THE TRAGIC END THAT WAS SENDONG. In defiance to my Mom's orders not to go home, I did. She didn't want me to see our place in a desolate state after Typhoon Sendong. Our home was not spared form his wrath. Sendong submerged our entire first floor and let our car float in the waters overnight. Amidst all that, I am grateful God spared my family's lives. All our properties can be washed away it won't be the end of my world.. but the dreadful thought of losing even one of them would kill a huge part of me. When I received my Mom's message asking for rescue in the middle of the night, I went haywire! I trembled in fear and helplessness as I worried over their safety. I scrambled to call for friends and relatives to ask of their state because at the time both of their phones went dead. It was an unforgettable night for me. It was a long, long night waiting for news. It was awful. I can do nothing but intently pray. Pray for their lives. I never had bargained with GOD. But at that time I did. I remember asking him to take away everything, the house, the documents, the car, even my job, just not them. Not them. I cried in relief when I finally heard my father's voice telling me in a tired voice that they are safe, that the water had begun to subside. He was holding back news of deaths, of destruction. He didn't want me to feel depressed. And I let him. However pictures of the aftermath were all over facebook. Pictures that spoke of deaths, grief, destruction, and hopelessness. In one night he rendered hundreds of people homeless, children orphaned, couples widowed, and parents childless. But it is more of a torture to have lost loved ones and not being able to know what became of them or even see their bodies. What happened to my hometown was unspeakably depressing. However. Filipinos are known for their resilience I know that in time my hometown will be able to overcome this trial. I am fervently hoping for a happier Iligan the next time I come home for a visit. I just know that somehow, someday, the wounds will heal and the scar it leaves will forever etch that dreadful day in everyone's memories and a lesson learned that Mother Nature when angered does not hold back. 

I know, it has been a long entry. This is in attempt to chronicle 2011 as I greet a new year. :) 2012. May we all not depend our fates to a fictional dragon but instead, direct our hearts and hopes in prayer to God, the Master Planner whose plans can never be thwarted and whose plans are always intended for higher purpose. Always remember and keep in mind that no matter how things turn out, things will fall right into place in His own time. We only need to practice one discipline, the patience to wait. 

HAPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! Better late than never! :))

Christmas Carols.

Hearing Christmas carols playing in malls always make me feel giddy with joy and excitement. It has been and will always be my most favorite time of the year. It's not because of gifts..okay so let's say the sound of ripped Christmas wrappers and untying ribbons is part of it but we know it's not that. It's the thought that counts NO MATTER how cliched and corny it sounds, but it all boils down to that. Well at least that is for me. It is a big deal that someone actually cared. It delights me to know that someone queued at a busy counter in the mall secretly smiling and hoping that you'd like that little something he/she bought for you out of his/her limited resources. 

In fact one need not wrap elaborate gifts, somehow a simple, Have a Merry Christmas, can only make one's Christmas complete OR a hug OR a smile OR a laugh OR a simple dinner. Yes, I have a soft spot for small gestures. I'd rather have buckets of these than a sparse supply of grand ones. My parents always remind me to appreciate the smallest things and I'd always be grateful for that insight for the rest of my life coz it keeps me grounded. 

AND speaking of family, it'd be the FIRST EVER CHRISTMAS I'd spend away from home. Merely thinking about it bugs me big time. It saddens me actually. I immerse myself in work to avoid thoughts of home, Dad's home-cooked meals, my baby (who's not much of a baby anymore) brother who incessantly talks about history and robots, my weekend shopping trips with Mom, and a whole lot more. When I signed up for this I told myself I'm ready for this kind of stuff, apparently my mind-setting is an epic fail. My cousin was right, I can never really say until it's there in front of you. 

So all I can do this season is to heave a huge SIGH and hope that my Christmas and New Year's will end up well surrounded by merry friends. I HOPE.

The CPAR Experience

The five-month review was no joke. Day and nights were mostly spent bowed down on our desks solving tons of problems. We saw no end. You know you're exhausted but you just can't say you are. Because the more you think it and say it, the more it tires you out. For any reviewee, that is a big no-no.

We were fortunate though to have been given the opportunity to get in a review school with reviewers who help lighten the load. I must say that in the entire time in CPAR, I never had to drag my feet towards their building. In fact, I looked forward to going to review class NOT because I know I'll be seeing that geek yet muscular guy I've set my eyes on but because I was sure Sir D and the Roque brothers will crack jokes everyone will be talking about for weeks! 

For every BS Accountancy graduate, the dilemma goes with where to review. I've been there. Even made a post about it here. You have to weigh down the pros and cons. And it helps to ask your seniors for honest feedback. However, each review center has their own approach. I cannot say for other but the CPA Review School of the Philippines (CPAR) is more conceptual. Unlike others, handouts given are already exercises. No more lecture manuals, just problems. If you are the type who gets bored reading a handful of these lecture notes and prefer listening to discussions, then CPAR is for you. 

So, WHY GET INTO CPA REVIEW SCHOOL OF THE PHILIPPINES? I'll try to be as objective as I can coz frankly I am quite fond of not only the organization itself but the people who are involved in them.

WHAT I LOVED:

1. CPAR has stable class schedules. They rarely mess up with your study schedules for last-minute make-up classes. You can choose to four sessions: Morning, Afternoon, Evening and Weekend. All four cater to various persons who have different preferences. Working? You can do evenings or weekends. Not a morning person? You can do PM classes. 
2. If you were not able to grasp the latest lecture, you can always retake it on other classes. Class schedules are posted in the bulletin board for your convenience. Others often decide to have flexible classes when they are catching up on topics unfinished. 
3. THE REVIEWERS ROCK! Half the time you spend in class is laughing. Especially when you're under Sir D and the Roque brothers. They crack jokes, ALL the time. At times, I sit in on other classes just to hear the joke I missed or hear it all over again. Yeah, we're FANS. It's not all laughter, believe me, all those clouds hanging by your head since undergrad will all be cleared after each lecture. They make all the confusing and difficult topics seem easy and understandable. I never spent a session in my waterloo subject (P2) without aah-ing coz it would be the first time I finally understand why it was solved that way.
4. All of them especially the review director, Atty. Conrado T. Valix, CPA are very hands on. I have never seen anyone as passionate in his craft as he is. You immediately know and feel he loves what he's doing when you see him in action. And you feel his sincerity when he pats your back and says, 'Kumusta? Okay lang iyan, first preboard pa. Tatawanan mo nalang ang board exam' Like seriously, he was there waiting at the front entrance of the building bidding goodbye and God Bless to all his reviewees before they go to their respective testing center. And don't get me started on his philanthropic deeds, I have tons of stories that will amaze you but perhaps on a separate post.
5. The establishment is near UST church and other churches you can go every afternoon. I'm sure you've heard every reviewee is in touch with his or her spirituality during those trying times.
6. BE inspired everyday. You see the authors of your books in the flesh lecturing. Like, WOW. And it even delights you to know how grounded they are how they each started from scratch and made it big. Whenever they talk, it's all about them, they make sure to remind you that whatever school, place and grade you achieved undergrad, you can make it if you think it and work hard for it.

WHAT I HATED.. if any..

1. Cost of living? The tuition fee might be low compared to others, but the lodging and food drains your allowance.
2. Getting exposed to a lot of hearsays sometimes you don't know what to believe in anymore. But this I can say for sure, whatever they may be, be sure to prioritize the handouts given before checking out others' sources. 
3. You get to mingle with the big U's, but don't let it get into you. Never belittle yourself. Don't get intimidated. 

THE REVIEWERS

We crowded Daddy Valix and Baby Valix. Yes, they are the father and son tandem you see in your Financial Accounting books and reviewers. In spite of their success, they remain grounded. They are two of the few people I know who are truly generous and sensitive to those who are in need. You just know, coz the people who work for them are happy with their work because when you work for bosses who are inspired everyday it rubs off on you and you suddenly do more than what is asked.

Atty. Jack de Vera. I only had a taste of his lecture on preweek coz I was under Sir D for both BL and Tax. Well, he is chatty and friendly. Other reviewers evade pictures but he however invites reviewees to take pictures with him. Yeah, he does. FEELING ARTISTA? Maybe. Sometimes though, he's full of himself but not the type who can get on your nerves. 

That is (L-R) Paul Anthony de Jesus, Thomas Siy and Atty. Lopez. I have a huge, huge crush on... but the one holding the beer won the hearts of most reviewees, he got four of my classmates swoon at the mention of his name. He's mahangin coz he knows he's cute. You know how annoying it is for someone who's cute to KNOW and SAY he's cute?? Yeah, he's that kind of guy. BUT Sir Paul.. tsk. I can only SIGH. I'd leave my friends by the stairs while I half-run  towards him amidst the sea of faces just to say GOOD MORNING while trying to catch my breath. 

 Baby Valix is the epitome of a boy next door. He looks meek, looks nice, smells nice, a gentleman BUT don't let him talk or walk. You'll know what I mean.

 This man is a LEGEN---wait for it---DARY!!! I am such a fan! I love all his lectures I won't miss it for the world. You thought LAW was boring.. but let him discuss and he'll have you laughing your head off. His jokes serve two purposes--to keep you alert and awake and to have you remember stuff. And boy was it effective. His green mnemonics help too! LOL. Basta, you will love SIR D.

I don't have pictures of the others like Sir German, and the Roque Brothers. Bummer. But they too have charms of their own. They too are hilarious especially the Roque brothers. I wish I was able to take pictures of them. Basta, if you get in to CPAR make sure you get seats on ROOM 3. All the best lecturers are lined up for that room. So, CHEERS and GOOD LUCK!

Okay, I DO regret that I shied away from asking for a solo pic with, ehem, Sir Paul. :((  Oh well.Will try on CPAR's testimonial dinner!

Crazy Stupid Love Indeed!

I'll try to be as objective as I can. I may go biased because I am totally and irrevocably head over heels in love with Ryan Gosling. I fell for him since his debut in Hercules. 

Overall? It's definitely not the ultimate romantic comedy. Honestly, I only watched the film coz I thought the story will revolve mainly on Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone's characters. Obviously, I was in the wrong as the first parts of the movie revolved around Cal Weaver's (Steve Carell) self-rediscovery after his estranged wife, Emily Weaver (Julianne Moore) asked for divorce. And his son's obsession for their babysitter!

Getting married is the easy part. Keeping the romance going is the hard part. Too much familiarity kills the thrill, the mystery and magic that attracted the both of you. You stop being exciting and spontaneous ergo, you become a bore. You stop trying to keep the other interested because you take it for granted mistakenly thinking they'll be there at home every night waiting for you with the kids for dinner and giving you a peck on the cheek before you both get off for work the next morning. 

Romance has gone cold. And in the movie, I watched Cal rekindle that fire. He refused to give up, he was resolute on winning his soulmate back and never regretted the day he bought that mint chocolate chip ice cream on her first date when they were merely fifteen. I know I've seen it a thousand times before but who cares? It was so unabashedly sweet I almost cried. 

And there's his son, a hopeless case of a romantic. Believes in true love. Like seriously kid, it's not love, it's infatuation! You're raging hormones the one to blame. What could explain fantasizing over a girl four years your senior. Believe me, when you turn 20? The goddess you thought is simply a humble peasant next to all the girls you get to mingle with in college. 

Funniest line ever, 'seriously? It's like you're photoshopped!' LOL. And I find it really cute and sweet seeing them in bed just talking, cuddling and falling in love. OR maybe it's just Ryan Gosling half-naked.

Will I watch it again? Nah, not anytime soon. If you're in for a lazy day, this could be a good movie to curl up with. 

Thirteen Years

My review days required me to be away from home for nearly five months. On my first week, I cried. And there were those days when I have waves of homesickness. My only consolation was to talk about them everyday especially more on funny stories of my little brother. When they finally came to Manila to fetch me, my little brother is not so little anymore. He's become taller than me by an inch! And he's only thirteen! He's become more handsome. His once smooth forehead already has tiny pimple breakouts. I can't believe this was the baby I carefully held in my arms. Gawd. Okay, I'm getting more mushy. 

We celebrated his thirteenth birthday in Kimono Ken. It's a Japanese restaurant located in SM Mall of Asia. My mother and I are more adventurous when it comes to food but my Dad is not so it took us some time to convince him to try Jap food. Good thing he did when I mentioned ramen coz I know he loved the one we tried in HK's Ocean Park. 

They served this first. They call this Oki Maki, I think. Note to self, take notes. It was cold, sweet and delicious. My entire family enjoyed having it as an appetizer. Even my hard-to-please Dad nodded in approval. 

I did not like this one. I think it had some herb that was too much to my liking. This is also the reason why I am wary of Thai food.

Kimono Ken has arguably the best tasting Chicken Teriyaki I have ever tasted. My brother devoured it in minutes. The one at the left is Beef Teriyaki. Can't say much coz I didn't have any. My brother and Dad ate it all before I had the chance. 

I had Gyudon. And a type of ramen I forgot what. They had big servings. Mine was good for two which explained why I had a hard time finishing it all. I was already so full I feel my stomach would burst any minute and I'm not kidding! Good thing I had a loose printed top on.

When we were about to bill out, Kimono Ken's service crew and floor supervisor (whatever he's called since he's ordering people around) clapped their hands and sang a Japanese song which I presume to be Happy Birthday in Japanese. Like, duh! He was given a free ube ice cream with a tiny candle to blow. My brother was all smiles, he was obviously delighted! And I must say, the service was very satisfactory. They serve fast. They anticipate your needs. And everyone's cheery and friendly. 

Will I revisit? Definitely yes. My Dad liked it. He's the kind of man who sticks to native cuisine and for me to see him eat like this... 

without a word of complaint? Kimono Ken made it clear to Dad that Japanese food is delicious and that prices indicated were reasonable! 

A Major Transition!

It's been months since I've written. It's been months since I have been MIA.

But everything was worth it. All the hard work I put in to earn three letters now attached to my name. A few months back, I thought passing the licensure exam will somehow give me a breather. But no. Two weeks from now, I am breaking away from my comfort zone, HOME. Yes. I am scared. IT ALL HAPPENED IN A BLUR. I initially planned on being idle for two months, wait it out for next year but no. I just got hired. Jeez. 

Regardless of the uncertainties and the challenges that come with living independently, I know somehow I can pull this off because I have someone in my league who is far more powerful than all the elements of the this earth and beyond combined.. I have HIM. I may be a bit scared of my next step but I am taking it anyway. 

In two weeks, I'd say hello to my first busy audit season! 

As for now however, I'm gonna catch up on sleep. It's one luxury I missed out on my review months.