Serenity in Michigan

How can you ever beat a lovely summer day in Lake Michigan? It's just so lovely! In my recent US trip, I wasn't really able to spend that much time checking the town and the other tourist spots. Oh well, I wouldn't feel bad, after all I was on a business trip here for one of my clients. Anyho, my clients were just so kind enough to drive me around town and have those sumptuous meals. Overall, everything was still worth it!



At the John Collins park, a superb restaurant called Rose's was the place to eat at! Just look at the view outside... breath-taking! My cold mojitos started that wonderful dinner. Funny thing, it felt weird initially having dinner while the sun was still so up at seven in the evening. Here's my eastcost summer!

My most wanted: STARBUCKS City Mugs (Part 3)

After a long time, I'm back to blogging! And here's a bonus treat especially to my fellow Starbucks city mug collectors -- here are the newest mugs in my collection. Enjoy!

===================================================

Shanghai, China
I was surprised when Hannah (colleague at work) learned about my collection and she initially asked me if I wanted to have a mug from Spain since she was visiting. You’d never guess what was my answer… She was going to Barcelona for a visit to her family as far as I can remember. She was not able to find one out there but luckily, in one of the trips of her partner, they were able to manage getting me a city mug from Shanghai! Up until now, I always update Hannah with my collection. She’s always thrilled to hear what new mugs I got.

Jakarta, Indonesia
There’s not much story here… just kidding! But come to think of it, yeah. This is in fact the second mug that Les (i.e. Singapore mug) gave me. By this time, it was just before he decided to move back to Manila for good. He was just on a summer vacation – we went to Boracay, when he got me the mug from Jakarta. I’m still hoping that Starbucks would open in Vietnam anytime soon! I just happen to have so many friends frequenting the country for cryin’ out loud!!!

Tagaytay, Philippines
Being true to form, Claire (who was very instrumental in my Amsterdam mug), texted me when she and her husband were in Tagaytay. I remember planning to drop by Starbucks Tagaytay the last time I was there since I heard some gossips that there’s a mug for the city too. Obviously I didn’t believe it that time… Thanks to Claire and her husband for squeezing a quick purchase of the mug on a husband-wifey date!

Macau, China
If there’s an award for the most number of city mugs contributions amongst all my friends, it will surely go to Tina! In one of her Asian trips, getting me my mug has always been a part of her itinerary! Thanks to Wlad too for tagging her along his trips. I’m also waiting for some European trips you know. I could use some addition to my mugs from there! Hint! Hint!

London, Great Britain
This one’s from Tina too! Wlad got this initially for her I think I couple of years ago. I’ve been making ligaw for this mug to be given to me as a gift but Tina won’t just budge until finally, at the eve of my birthday, he came to my station with the mug on her hand. It was a nice birthday present!

Australia
Marl who initially promised to get me the Jakarta and KL mugs, finally fulfilled his promise. It was a super hectic work schedule in India prior to going to Sydney when Marl got me the mug. He was actually able to save up on his birthday gift for me coz he got back to Manila a few days after my bday! Smart-ass! ;-)

Germany
CJ, my former boss had always known about my collection. The moment he learned about it, he sort of committed to put in his “contributions”. He was meeting up with his family in India during his almost-one-month vacation middle of this year. His brother was coming from Munich and I think he really pushed for the mug. Too bad, the mug wasn’t available yet in Starbucks India.

Sacramento, California
Karen (a colleague from work) and I were at the same work area for a time when I transferred to our office’s main building. I overheard her talking to some friends about her sister coming to the Philippines from California. Of course I didn’t hesitate asking her where she was coming from. The instant I heard Sacramento, I asked her if she could ask her sister to buy a mug for me. Being the sweet and kind Karen like what she has always been (since she was handling my teams as my QA analyst), she said yes. One more thing, she is in Florida right now and boy she is definitely going to look for a mug for me. Her location might not guarantee the merchandise but for sure she would try looking.

Make me not love you anymore

Make me not love you anymore
Take away these feelings I’ve known long before
I’m reachin’ out to you but don’t take my hand
Even if it pains me, I would understand

Let’s forget yesterday’s promise of a bright tomorrow
Some things just can’t be… they’ll just be full of sorrow
I know I can’t have anything more
But my mind tells me not to settle for anything less either

I drown in your ocean of sweetness
I gasp amidst the air of your thoughtfulness
Can you not be there when I call your name?
I’ll pretend I’m just losing in a kid’s foolish game

Can we go back to the days when we were strangers?
In romance and true love, we weren’t believers
Can we simply just live and co-exist?
Not telling each other what have been missed

Rivers on a reversed flow
Melting ice cream in the hands of an Eskimo
Thunderstorm in the Sahara
A beautiful sunset in Japan

What does it have to take
To make me not love you anymore?

Nag-iisa, Wala ka na

Here's a song from Noel Cabangon that I must say, really touched my heart...

papalubog na naman ang ilaw
nagpapaalam na naman ang araw
ang gabi ay muling mamayani
at ang lamig ay hahaplos sa pisngi

ilang araw na ang lumipas
magmula nang ika'y magpaalam
ilang gabi na ang nagdaraan
ang pag-iisa'y tila na 'di na makayanan

ngunit kailangan kong indahin ang lamig ng gabi
ngunit kailangan kong tanggaping wala ka na sa tabi
nag-iisa, wala ka na
wala ka na, nag-iisa

ala-ala'y nagbabalik sa isip
mga larawan ng bawat sandali
pag-ibig nating sinumpaan
‘pinangako sa liwanang ng buwan

ngunit kailangan kong indahin ang lamig ng gabi
ngunit kailangan kong tanggaping wala ka na sa tabi
wala ka na, nag-iisa
nag-iisa, wala ka na

ngunit kailangan ko nang masanay
at tanggapin na lumisan ka na nang tunay
ang lahat lahat ay bubuti ang pag-ibig ay mananatili
lagi’t, lagi hanggang sa walang hanggan.

AUDIO (http://guides.clickthecity.com/clipcast/?v=54)

So many questions ...

Do you know how it feels when all your life you thought you’ve got all things figured out only to know that there could still be this one thing that you are so uncertain of? Scared. Confused. No matter how much thinking you do, it still feels like there’s no answer to your questions. It may even seem like your head’s going to fall of with your brain popping out!

How do you feel numb to your own feelings for the one person who have hurt you so bad?
How do you erase the history you had with someone?
How do you stop hating yourself for doing and saying stupid things that you end up regretting about?
How do you seize your heart from beating too fast when your eyes meet?
How do you not care anymore amidst the thoughtfulness and kind words?
How do you ensure that the things that run inside your head are the ones spoken of truthfully?
How do you accept that it’s no bliss to love someone especially if they don’t love you back?
How do you make yourself smile after the sleepless nights and melancholic mornings?
How do you unplay the tunes that you sang together?
How do you distant yourself from the one person who’s just a stone throw away?
How do you unlove someone especially if you’re the only one loving?
How do you rise again after everything has been said and done?

If I have the answers to these questions, I’m not even sure if I would feel relieved. If things were the ideal, I don’t even know if I would be happy. The fact of the matter is, I don’t exactly know what I would like to happen. I just can’t seem to figure out really what it is that I want. I guess I would just have to have faith that wherever life takes me, I’d come out a strong and better person still believing in the beauty and miracle of true love.

Comments on my Starbucks City Mugs Collection

I'm so overwhelmed and thrilled by the responses I’ve been receiving about my Starbucks City Mugs collection! See, it’s still a work-in-progress really and I have big plans to expand my collection. Right now I don’t have any duplicate mugs yet therefore I’m really not into trading or selling any of them. I kinda love them equally since most of them are from friends who get to travel as well.

I’ll surely keep this blog updated with other photos and info of my collection. In fact I have a few newer mugs which I haven’t taken the photos of, by the way, that I’d like to share to everyone real soon!

Thanks again!

Satisfied Urge ... Indeed

What: Jeff's lunch break (with co-managers)

Where: Brothers Burger - Convergys branch

When: March 29, 2008 (Saturday, between 3-4 AM Mnl)

Jeff: Nath, can you buy me na lang onion rings, I'm not that hungry.

Nath: Okay.

Jeff: Thanks!

Nath: Jeff, there are no onion rings!

Jeff: Ugh. That sucks! I won't eat instead.

Nath: And the gurl behind me also wanted to order onion rings.

*** After 5 minutes ...***

Jeff: Miss, there are no onion rings, really??!!

Miss: Sir, there are no onion rings... I'm sorry.

Jeff: You mean there are no onions at all? Or there are onions but they are just not 'breaded' yet? (A little irritated already)

Miss: Sir, there are no onion rings... I'm sorry.

Jeff: Tell you what, I'll go to your kitchen and check for the onions and slice them myself! (Voice a little louder than the usual)

Miss: (Trying to put a good smile and composure) Sir, I'll ask our chef.

Jeff: So what now?

Miss: Sir, there's onion rings for you now.

Don't I just love getting my onion rings?!?!?! Hehehe ...

Bisita Iglesia 2008

On the second year of our barkada's Holy Week tradition, the Bisita Iglesia 2008 turned out to be another yet wonderful experience for us. Due to scheduling issues, we had to do it on a Black Saturday instead of the "usual" Good Friday. Here are some images...

Manila Cathedral: It was still a classic tourist spot (especially for the Koreans) even on a Holy Week !!! Are they even Catholics? I totally have no idea!

This walk towards the Manila Cathedral in the steets of Intramuros would pass the tourist walks of Italy. I wish the faces of Old Manila would be saved for the next generations. Sighs.

San Agustin Church. The church was closed. Ugh.
(Lod, Marl, Aya, Me, Cathy & Mike)

Malate Church: This is so cute! One "church-ly" way of putting it I guess. Hehehe.

Malate Church: Me, Marl, Aya, Cathy & Mike.

Redemptorist Church: The famous Baclaran church has flat screen TVs all over the place! I guess for song lyrics and all. Cute.

St. James Church: Of course, AAV had a pretty tight security even on Holy Week.

Aya, AD, Cathy, Lod, Marl & Mike

Chapel of the Forgiving Lord: This Paranaque chapel has got to be on top of my list! It's just so beautiful! Oh and by the way, it has an orphanage. I think the whole place was practically built through sponsorships.

Very nice interiors!

Just take a look at that!

This is just a "grand" entrance, literally -- with these huge and intricately designed doors!

The last stop was Presentation of the Child Jesus church in BF homes.

Boracay 2008

Let's talk about nice natural lighting...

Enjoying my pinacolada under the summer heat. Simply lovin' the sun, the sky and the sand!


... still a breath-taking and captivating view of the sunset ...

I tried some skim boarding action right there... it was fun!

Yeah, you could tell ... this must have been Lastikman's skim board!

A Boracay vacation would not be complete without a picture taken near the Groto in Station 1.

There were fewer small boats in the shores of Boracay now... Goodie!

Dizzy from a night-out? Yes... but that didn't stop me from getting a good shot of the sandacastles!

I would have loved trying this for a water sport! Haha!

Lunch at Pearl of the Pacific... ***sighs***

My name means...

What Jeffrey Inandan Means

You are fair, honest, and logical. You are a natural leader, and people respect you.You never give up, and you will succeed... even if it takes you a hundred tries.You are rational enough to see every part of a problem. You are great at giving other people advice. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are loving, compassionate, and ruled by your feelings.You are able to be a foundation for other people... but you still know how to have fun.Sometimes your emotions weigh you down, but you generally feel free from them. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something.You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense.You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You are a free spirit, and you resent anyone who tries to fence you in.You are unpredictable, adventurous, and always a little surprising.You may miss out by not settling down, but you're too busy having fun to care. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are balanced, orderly, and organized. You like your ducks in a row.You are powerful and competent, especially in the workplace.People can see you as stubborn and headstrong. You definitely have a dominant personality.

What's" Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Life is…

Life is waking up in the mornings with your favorite breakfast on the table. It’s that ‘just-about-right’ warmness of the hot coffee you just made. Life is getting that last scoop of peanut butter on your loaf.

Life is not forgetting to take your medications before heading to work. Life is not seeing the cat paw prints on your car’s windshield. Life is passing through traffic lights when they’re all green. Life is a hard rain when your car is too dusty.

Life is at least getting one email that will make you smile amidst the hundreds of mails you go through each day. Life is when a stranger smiles at you and greets you “good morning”. Life is a surprise lunch invite from a dear friend you haven’t seen in a while. Life is finishing up an hour early of the day’s work. Life is listening to your favorite song on the radio three times upon switching from one station to another.

Life is fighting that desire to call your ultimate crush. Life is getting a good mix of mojitos. Life is an hour overseas phonecall from a friend. Life is an updated playlist at the videoke. Life is not falling in line to withdraw cash from the ATM. Life is finding a charger when your cellphone runs out of battery.

Life is putting my thoughts together. Life is getting this read by people.


Life is simple. This is my life. I’d like to continue living it the way I’ve lived it.

My most wanted: STARBUCKS City Mugs (Part 2)

Los Angeles, California
A good friend of mine, Polee sent me this sms one time telling me that he has this surprise -- a Starbucks city mug! My pangungulit finally paid off. He was supposed to go to SanFo and meet up with AD who was on vacation so he could hand over his gift for me. Too bad, I think he got too busy that he was not able to see him. The other plan was just to send it to me via courier but I said it would just be too expensive. A friend from the office flew in to LA for a few days and I graciously asked the favor of getting the mug for me. Unfortunately, Polee was not able to meet her. Finally, his mom paid him a visit and voila, the mug was on its way to the Philippines!

San Francisco, California
Porky had a good laugh when he bought this mug for me. He said why don't I just buy white mugs and have them printed with whatever city or country I want. Hahaha! Anyhow he was able to meet up with AD and handed him my mug as his pasalubong for me.



New York City, New York
Francis (see his blog link on my homepage) initially pledged an NY city mug to me. So I told him specifically what to look for -- the old design. The poor boy circled the entire borough of Manhattan (of course I'm exaggerating!) to look for the classic design but luck was tough. AD only stayed for a couple of days in New York and the mug was still yet to be bought. AD then decided to just buy me the NY mug with the new design.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

AD is one of my "more~than~a~decade" friends who happened to get a US vacation with his folks. His dad had this seminar thing there and of course he had to stay. After all, they checked in at Ritz! The city mug was AD's pasalubong to me. There were a lot of Starbucks stores near the hotel so he didn't have the chance to forget about me.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Dexter, an officemate and a good friend gave me the Toronto city mug. When he learned that one of his co-trainers, Vinnie was going on vacation, he told her to get me the mugs. Thanks to Vinnie, the Vegas mug is just one of the two city mugs she bought for me.

Nagoya, Japan

On his way to the US, AD got stuck in Nagoya airport. Silly him, he texted me and asked if I already have a mug from Japan only to find out that he already bought one for me without even getting my response. This was were he had a photo opp with Che-che Lazaro. hehehe. Connect?

Baguio, Philippines

It was 1999 when I last visited the summer capital of the Philippines. Just recently, we had to go to Baguio for a business trip. On one breezy night, me and my officemates were headed for some coffee. I approached the cashier and saw the mug! And your guess is just right - I immediately grabbed my wallet and paid for it! Another funny thing though, Jean (who gave me the Cebu mug), texted me and asked if I already have the Baguio mug. I read the sms 5 minutes too late boo-hoo. She wanted to give me the mug as a christmas present.

Hawaii, USA

One of my former reps from Cebu, Khaki was scheduled for a short trip to Hawaii for his stateboard exams of sorts. Of course I asked him to get me a mug from Hawaii.

Cancun, Mexico

This was the second mug from Vinnie.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

It was another friend of mine (Marlon) who pledged the KL and Jakarta city mugs to me since he always goes there practically every month! It had to be Dexter who bought me the KL mug when he had a vacation there.

My Gondola Ride

Vaguely you whispered the cries of your soul
Echoing conspicuously what your heart longs for
Nothing seems to make sense, even the wisest wouldn’t take chance
It’s the ambiguity that distinct your passions at a glance
Charmed by the thrills of your pursuit in life
Estranged from my world, I’m now wandering in your bliss

As the journey continues, fondness grows as we go
Living each moment holding your hand in my mind
Astonished, in awe, I try to come back to my senses
Gone these hopeful thoughts, I’m forced to let go
Only time can tell if things will remain my wishful thinking but
Now I know for certain, my fascination belongs to you…

Shining Star

by Get Far

The way you look at me
The way you touch me
The fire in your eyes
Makes me sweat
Makes me shiver inside
There's nothing I can do about it
'Cause nothing seems so true
When I'm beside you
Am I dreaming?
Go here and just hold my hand
Naked, perfect, so beautiful
You turn me up and down
I was spinning round and round
You never get enough, baby don't
You're a shining star

The way you look at me
The way you touch me
The fire in your eyes
Makes me sweat
Makes me shiver inside
There's nothing I can do about it
You're my soul mate, my summer and my faith
Come, fill me up with love
Your kisses are better than wine
There's nothing I want more than you girl

Let's hear it!

All this time

by Sylver Logan

I close my eyes
I don't want to see no more
Because your not in my vision, there's no open door
And you won't let me in and can't quite sink in
Because if only you were happy
What was I thinking?
Ooo... Ooo...

**Chorus**
I had so much of you, I couldn't dream last night
I feel the touch of you, even though you're not by my side
Can't get enough of you, because you made the darkness light
And after All this time
You still possess my mind
And fter All this time
I still want you in my life
After All this time, I still want you in..... my life
Mmmm
Gonna break the walls
Gonna make you love me some more
This may be a game to you baby
Mmmm
But I refuse to ignore
The love you had for me
In the past
Thought it would last
But it came to an end
I'm not the same without you lately
Want to share my dreams with you baby
Ooo... Ooo... Ooo... Ooo...

**Chorus**
I had so much of you, I couldn't dream last night
I feel the touch of you, even though you're not by my side
Can't get enough of you, because you made the darkness light
And after all this time
You still possess my mind
And after all this time
I still want you in... my life****
Oooh... Oooh... Ooooooh!
Oooh... Yeah Yeah Ooh!
I had... So Much!
I had... So Much!
I had... So Much!
I had... So Much!
I said I had... So Much!
I Had... So Much!
Oh!
**Chorus**
I had so much of you, I couldn't dream last night
I feel the touch of you, even though you're not by my side
Can't get enough of you, because you made the darkness light
And after all this time
You still possess my mind
And after all this time
You Still feel so right
And after all this time
I still want you in... my life!
Oooh...
O-oh! O-oh!
In my life
Feels so right!
In my life
Oh
In my life
Still want you in... my life.
Oh
Oh
I had so much...
Couldn't dream last night
Wanna feel your touch...
Even thought you're not by my side
I had so much...
Oh
Couldn't dream last night
feel your touch...
Oh
Even thought you're not by my side
Oh yeah.

Hear it!

Play. Pause. Stop.

Masarap maglaro at makipaglaro
Minsan, kailangan ding magpahinga o kaya’y tumigil nang panandalian
May pagkakataon di naming maski ano pa ang mangyari,
Maski sino pa ang magsabing hindi maaari,
Kailangan ring huminto – dahil lang sa ito ang kagustuhan.

Naalala ko lang… ako nga pala ang tanging may hawak ng sariling manibela ng buhay ko...

The lesser evil

Have you ever feared of committing to someone because you enjoy having a good time errrr fooling around? I'm not sure (smirk) if this brings a different kind of "high" but for sure it brings a little something.

I'd rather have the above instead of fooling around while being committed to someone.

Ergo, I choose the lesser evil haha!

Filler: Four Things About Me

FOUR JOBS I HAVE HAD IN MY LIFE:

1. Telemarketing Officer for Credit Card Acquisitions
2. Customer Service Officer for Credit Card Operations – Billing Disputes and Merchant Sales
3. eRep … supervisor
4. Manager for Service Delivery – Operations (Call center professional! Yes!)

FOUR MOVIES I WOULD WATCH OVER AND OVER:

1. The Little Rascals (1993 version)
2. My Best Friend’s Wedding (walang kokontra!)
3. The Little Rascals (1993 version)
4. The Little Rascals (1993 version)

FOUR PLACES I HAVE LIVED:

1. Quezon/Batangas
2. Taft Avenue / UN Avenue , Manila
3. Cebu City
4. Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati

FOUR TV SHOWS THAT I WATCH:

1. Grey's Anatomy
2. LOST
3. Heroes
3. The Buzz!

FOUR PLACES I HAVE BEEN ON VACATION:

1. Vienna , Austria
2. Prague , Czech Republic
3. Munich , Germany
4. Bohol

FOUR PEOPLE WHO EMAIL ME:

1. Rona
2. AD
3. Marl
4. People @ work of course!

FOUR OF MY FAVOURITE FOODS:

1. North Park Yang Chow Fried Rice
2. Adobo na luto ko
3. Sinigang na super asim na luto ko or ng kapatid ko
4. Isaw (well-done please) sa kanto

FOUR PLACES I WOULD RATHER BE RIGHT NOW:

1. Zurich
2. London
3. New York
4. Amanpulo (hayyyyyyy)

FOUR FRIENDS I THINK WILL RESPOND:

1. Rona (para mag react lang)
2. Paan (pag nag post ako sa blog ko)
3. Lesley
4. Tina (most likely para mag react!)

Two friends... In love... Married!!

My best wishes to very good friends Elaine and Reyan -- you guys rock! I can't believe I've known you guys for over 15 years and for most part, you have been good friends of mine. I really wish you well...

...can't wait to become godfather of your future kids!

The Heroes Personality Test

My Score: Mr. Bennet



I scored 62 Idealism, 41 Nonconformity, 41 Nerdiness

The Heroes Personality Says:

Congratulations, you're Mr. Bennet! You are one mysterious person with mysterious motives. Despite all the mystery, it's clear that you believe what you do is for the greater good, and you are obviously a well-educated person in your field. Your best quality: Dedication to your work/organization/etc. Your worst quality: Keeping too many secrets