Environmentalist in our own way..

I often whine about my work. 

Endless paper works... Phone calls... Follow ups... Ear splitting matrix printer noise... SI... DR... Quotation... Haggling... Trip to divisoria (tho i love it there)...

If worst comes to worst - speaking in English for more than my allotted "5 minutes" time limit :p

Seriously. Being a Purchaser, especially having no one to share my workload with (yes, I'm a one man army. beats me why until this time) can really be excruciating most of the times. Especially now that there are so many requirements to meet not just those needed by the customers but those that are Government mandated as well.

But I do enjoy the challenge that it brings ('cept for those vacation I had to pass because that's how demanding it can get) not to mention the experience and the extra knowledge I get out of it.

One thing I like about my job is not only being responsible in acquiring things the company needed to produce but knowing that I can contribute in protecting the environment by procuring materials that will not harm the environment. (I will spare you the details about ROHS etc).

More that just making profit... its our job to (learn to) take care of our Environment! 

So we share this knowledge to our "partners" (suppliers) by conducting awareness programs so that may be responsible as well.

1st SUPPLIER'S DAY... Yey!

my ever supportive suppliers 

And let me just thank my good friend Daisy for the effort :)

with shelle, daisy and mik

"Advocacy is something to do if you have a will &  sincerity. We're  just lucky enough to add up if its our work  profession.." - Daisy Vivas

Side trip to MACULABO ISLAND

We can't get enough of Calaguas Island!

So there's no way we're gonna leave without visiting at least one more :)

So with "When you're looking like that" (by Westlife - i think) keeps playing in my head and with the decently "normal" waves I was able to close my eyes and decided to take a nap. And yes, despite the scorching heat of the sun I did manage to sleep.

Then I felt the vibration of the boat slows so I assumed that we're near the Island Cath was talking about. And then I was like "no s#!+" ang ganda! Same white sand and Turquoise water. Too bad we waren't to swim here but then it doesn't prevent us prom literally jumping off the boat to explore the Island.

All "antok" flew out of the widow :)

Maculabo Island is one of the Minor Island (still part of the Calaguas Group of Island) a fishing community within Paracale jurisdiction.

I cant resist taking this shot. Reminds me of my childhood days...

There's nothing much to do here than swim or climb the stones - if you're brave enough maybe you could try jumping at the big rocks unto the water. But since we only have limited time we do what we had to do :)

Take pictures!

Love my "Summer" Skin :p

Woohooo!

power of three!

When to photographer becomes the subject :)

Sky Sea Sand - My Calaguas Island Getaway :)

"I dream of blue skies, sun, sand and mountains and the ocean... And I wanted to get lost - maybe never wake up. For its only when I am surrounded by all those wonders that i feel at peace. That finally! I'm on my element..."

sunset, noon and sunrise...

I can't remember how many times I've heard and seen via Google and I quote "amazing" island in Camarines Norte.

Some of my friends have been there last year and they can't seem to get over that place and being a sucker for beautiful places - especially beaches that I am I get really envious  and swore that I will set foot on that Island "balang araw" :) because unfortunately my work schedule don't really allow me to travel even if I beg :).

Feng and Cath (the duo who kept on dragging me somewhere when my schedule permits) said they are planning to go on a Calaguas trip last March 15 which I agreed but then backed out the last minute because as usual work shedule is packed and as usual even a day leave is not allowed :(. 

So I was already sulking and cursing and pacifying myself with a cup of my favorite latte and determined not to open my FB account should there be pictures of the two of them in Calaguas... yes I know being bitter is not a good trait but I was really looking forward to that small treat to at least balance my crappy month at work!

But then God has always been good because it turned out that they we're not able to push trough with the trip (hahaha) and had re schedule it the week after. So I immediately check my calendar for Holiday and there it is CAVITE DAY on March 22 all i have to do is talked to my boss to allow me to swap it on saturday so I dont have to skip work. YEY!

Calaguas... How hard it is to reach you?!

Eight hours of Bus Ride, 30 to 45 minutes tryc ride, Two hours bumpy boat ride. Whew!

Flop or Clap?

LPA (Low Pressure Area) Seriously?

LPA has been reported on the Philippine Sea on Thursday night and by Friday I was ready to burst into tears because of the rain, I mean c'mon I was all packed and ready and really excited to go!

Late for the Bus!

Bus website says that Daet bound bus leaves at 8:45. We, Feng and I were on time but it turned out that the last trip leaves at 6:45. So we had to look for alternative ride because there's no way we're going to wait for the morning schedule.

Overspeeding at 40kph?

After waiting 2 hours for the bus to leave finally were moving. We haven't even passed Calamba Tollway when we were asked to pull over because we were "Overspeeding" we were like Seriously? Hindi nga ako kuntento sa speed ng bus!

Bus pleaaaaase!!!!

Stranded at Sta. Elena...

Bacause the Bus is not Daet bound ergo we had to get off to Sta. Elena and wait for another bus that will take us to Paracale (jump off point) and we practically don't know where we are and its not like we have a choice so we waited... and waited and waited still... I should have known that they were exaggerating when they said that we won't have to wait long. Sure! One and a half hour is not that long.

Standed na nga an saya pa!

Roller Coaster Boat ride!

Thanks to LPA sailing the water added thrill and fun. We went against big waves. And while Cath and Feng hold their breaths, I on the other hand enjoyed the ride :)

Finally... The Island!

Turquoise water, Azure sky, powdery white sand beach that seems to glitter under the heat of the sand. Can I just say wow and that my readers is a CLAP (Happy Dance!)

The Sky

There's more to the island that hitting the water or basking in the sun. On the far end of the Island is a trail where guest can climb on higher grounds to see the island from the top.

For those who is into climbing the trail is like a walk in the park. Perfect place to wait for the sunset :)

While waiting for the Sunset

View of Mahabang Buhanging from the Top

We weren't able to see the sunset thanks to the Clouds :(

The Sea

Super Clear water. I personally like the three toned color of the sea from light blue, deep blue, and turquoise. I can just sit and stare all day.

One can really enjoy swimming and playing with the waves.

The Sand

While Mahabang Buhangin is all white powdery sand. The other side of the island have "pebble" like sand.

There is a slight challenge though, we had to climb and crawl over the rocks (big sharp rocks) to reach the other side. Same water but a little heavy on the corals for my taste but nonetheless we spent all our morning there because we were the only person on that side of the island :)

two textured sand

Since Calaguas is fast becoming a popular weekend get away especially for backpackers and yuppies expect the place to be somewhat slightly crowded. Good thing is that the locals seems to be vigilant in keeping the island clean though I still spotted and stumble some chips wrappers along the shore.

And during our short conversation with one of the owner, it seems like the place will likely be develop sooner rather than later. In fact, one portion of the shore is restricted to even dock the boat because of the on going construction of a resort.

But no worries because not all property owners is considering the idea of converting the whole island into a world class resort. So pitching your tent somewhere is still allowable :)

Team Kaladkarin :)

perfect spot to pitch our tent :)

Finally Calaguas!

"Lil Monster" and "Pachuchay" for Christmas :)

Uber late post... I really been meaning to write but things got a little too much busy so... 

Anyway, I really don't know how long or short this blogs gonna be coz' I'm composing this as I go and of course there's my mood, my books and my need for speed on the wheels blah blah blah... In short "TINATAMAD" lang ako :p

My first entry for the year 2013. (hopefully will not be the last) :)

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To be honest Christmas for' me is not something I super look forward to. Maybe it has something to do with having so many “inaanak” where my bonus is not even enough to cover the expensesJ. Not to mention I don’t get to have a weeklong vacation because I have to work right after Christmas.

But this year I was like literally counting the days comes “BER” month.

Especially when JD my 1^st born pamangkin reminds us every day via any mode of communication and social network site that he’ll be coming home and that he can’t wait to see his “favourite Tita’s” along with the strict reminder that we have his POTCHI (strawberry gummy candy) ready when he gets here. Then there’s Brie our not so newly born niece.

Excited and Dread. Two words that perfectly describe what I feel. Excited because my sister’s whole family will be flying here for Christmas; literally arriving on Christmas day. Ergo, the Dread (bring the pressure on!)

We arrive at the airport as scheduled and we wait… and wait… wait… waaaaaaiiiiit!!!

One thing I love about my first born niece is that he never forgets. We were kind of worried when they migrated that he will be too absorbed in his new environment that he won’t be able to recognize us anymore. But thanks goodness for Internet because we never lost communication, honestly I – we talked to him more that we talk to our Ate.

It"ll sure be one Merry and Super Gulo Christmas :)

Brie's first time to meet Tata Bheng and Tito Randy

JD and Brie with Lola :)

Super FRIEND'ZZ

Friends that I will not trade for "PEACE, LOVE and UNITY" for all mankind :)

14 years and counting…

But the giggles still felt like we were still little girls, the late night “boys lesson 101”, gossip over people especially girls we don’t like – sometimes with our own J…

All the element of the ultimate girl bonding moment except were not “girls” anymore!

I really can’t remember how we all started being friends. Hell! I can’t even remember why I ever got involve with those girls. One moment I my world revolves around my walk man, pen and paper on an empty classroom – the next I was constantly having lunch, dinner and spending all my in between times with them.

Its not that I’m complaining or anything its just felt weird on my part that time because if my old classmates were to have a poll on “ who is the most hate “ my name would probably be on number 2 if not number 1 (haha).

Perfectly imperfect

In life we really don’t get to choose what we really like. We must work hard for them, but having friends like mine don’t need a lot work and effort (diba Jelle?).

Then and Now...

I remember someone telling me one time that we all looked good together that she kind of envy what we have  that ours was like the “perfect friendship”.

Perfect daw oh!

My reply was all caps, violent “HINDI KAYA!”

Because we all have our shares of fights (diba Katie?), ka palstikan (diba Nina?), ka damutan, we bitch about each other a lot, and I’m sure all of us lied with one another at some point (ayoko na mag mention ng name haha!). So no, ours was definitely far from being PERFECT.

Anyway, who wants perfect when I can have the REAL one.

PRO’s and CON’s

PRO’s

• ·         24/7 “Manay Dely” online counseling services
• ·         27/7 on call fashion consultant
• ·         Having Instant event coordinator / cook / maid on special occasions
• ·         Relief center in times of need :)
• ·         Drinking buddies :p 

CON’s

• ·         Kawawa ka pag wala ka lovelife kasi no choice ka making
• ·    Kawawa ka ka uli pag ikaw ang maraming “time” dahil all around PA / Cook ang  magiging role mo :)
• ·         When you mess up esp. on your lovelife they will never let you live it down.
• ·         Brutal truth when you least need it.

Things you should know about:

Manette (Antonette Avila)

• Sobrang likot matulog!!! Mangangati ka dahil kulambo ang kumot nya! :p
• Magaling lang kumain pero tamad at hindi marunong magluto! 

Jelle (Jellamer Olavario)

• Sobrang Clumsy! 
• Evidence: J.S Prom 1998 nahulog sa hagdan ng bahay namin habang nag susuot ng gown! Grad Ball 1999 nadapa sa quadrangle :P
• Against all odds ang peg pag nag mahal :) 

Cehl (Maricel Solamo - Pantig)

• Pinaiyak ang ilang classmate naming na boys J (ang ganda kasi!!)
• Tambay sa billayaran during college days
• The original “Takas” Queen

 sayang hindi nag salita si katie tataya sana kami sa Lotto

Nina (Nina Frances Manalo)

• Sumali sa search for Ms. PSBA. (ang ganda lang??)
• Sobrang kuripot. Need mag pa sked 1 month ahead of time para lang mayaya mo sa mall!

Katie (Katherine Felizardo – Cruzgarcia)

• Nagsasalita pag tulog! :)
• Magulo pa sa magulo.

Van (Vanessa Janneth Velez)

• Best Singer!
• The original writer in the group.

(for more details – “GOOD DETAILS” about them pls. visit Jelle's blog  @ http://iamjelay.blogspot.com/)

Maceng going away surpise visit :)

Soul Sisters

God has indeed blessed me for giving me these people. I could never imagine spending my awkward adolescent up to my present without them.

Our favorite activity - MAKE UP and KIKAY stuff

They helped  me see things in better perspective, made me see the goodness in people at the same time understand why some are not.

We might not see each other as often as we wanted to these days (Cehl is in Australia with hubby and kids, Katie is busy with the family life also, Van is well Van the ever MIA with her daughters and Nina – will have to check her schedule to accommodate us) except for manet and jelle but we still manage to nag (about love  and life) and bug (with favors and errands) each other at times.

“I see seven old ladies giggling over tea 14 years from now…”

Love you girls and yes I know "WE ROCKS!"

Cant really wait for Christmas to come… SEE YOU ALL! :) xoxo

"rearranging priorities"

Confused... Irritated... 

Happy... Excited...

They said that opportunities knocks only once. True. I'm just not sure if I wanted "that" to knock on mine. I know I don't sound practical. In denial even, because I know it will happen sooner or later  and stalling maybe won't work this time (or i will never hear the end of it).

I was like 50% happy to explore the "unknown" and 50% reluctant to leave my comfort zone. I like where I am now. But i know I couldn't argue with that because "practicality" will always win. And its selfish to think only of myself when I have other responsibilities. I also know that I'm being difficult when they only want whats best for me. 

Sure they said its will always be my call but why does it feel like the choice will not be mine to make?( and why does this entry feels like me reasoning out to myself???).

Growing up really sucks sometimes. 

But we all need to do what we have to do.

Mood: Cofused, Excited (sort of), Resigned...

Song: Dare you to move  

Kaladkarin: Puting Buhangin + Borawan +Dampalitan Beach = New Friends

I was bitter for not being able to attend the SFC Icon in Bohol, where almost all of my "Sis" attended because my work wouldn't allow me to take a leave for 3 days...

It didn't help that my ever "sensitive" friends never failed to update me of their happenings (hindi ko alam if gusto lang nila i-share yung experience or talagang nang iingit lang...) from time to time which made me all the more envious because while  I work  my ass off they were somewhere in Loboc River, Chocolate Hills or in a beach!

I was like determine to enjoy myself comes weekend tho i don't know how...

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Feng,  my very good college friend who also lives "three tumbling's" away asked if I wanted to join her with some friends for a whole day get away   - Alas! the answer to my bitterness. And being the KALADKARIN that I am I said GO! :)

They said we were going somewhere in Quezon to Island Hop.

Left home at around 3am - Meet the friends Regie, Ey, Joy & Eric. Alabang bound to meet Husband and wife Cat & Joseph. Arrived at Lucena Grand Terminal around 7 or 8am (I think) then took the bus bound  to Unisan. Then to Aplaya - the jump off point.

Travel time took longer  than I expected - that I  blame the "Bus" going to Unisan ( we didn't know that there's a van that can take us straight to Aplaya) who seems to be going 15kph. Plus the weather seems to be on and off sun and rain.

Rain, rain Go Away!!! We want to enjoy the Beach and Play! 

1st Stop: PUTING BUHANGIN and KWEBANG LAMPAS

Im in love!

Tho I already seen some pictures in Google, Still I never expected I would find a beach as wonderful and as captivating. Surely the pictures didn't do much justice. My worries about  the rain clouds suddenly went out of the window.

Photo by Cath

There were already some tourist when we arrive on the Island. Entrance fee is Php.50.00 (used in maintaining the island according to the Caretaker). There are also cottages available for rent for Php. 500.00.

Kwebang Lampas 

The shore is very clean with its fine white sand. Another thing I really like about this place is the clear - turqoise colored and steady water which is perfect if one would want to really go for a swim. Which I did! :)

*** Sad Fact: Along with the fast rising popularity of the place some tourist can't seem to help but "carve" their memories inside the cave... Hence, the Vandalism :(