too much partying

This week, had too much partying. Too much that I am now sick and with a really, really bad cough. I guess from late night partying and alcohol-drinking (tequila and vodka sprite) lol.

If you will see me now, I am not at my usual self. I look like a walking zombie coughing wildly with those tired, puffy eyes. As much as I want to leave from work, I can't. Need to finalize end of the year numbers. Plus it is our OPEX budget season. Haaayyyy...so much to do with so little time! I can't even check online for some diet products I plan to give for the husband. You see, like me, he needs to trim down his weight too. With his excessive partying for the past weeks, I am sure he gained few pounds from all those carbo-loaded party food and beer-drinking sessions. Anyway, to share some of our party pictures.

December 15, Bayan's Company Party at The Arena, San Juan

December 16, Bayan Business Christmas Party at Bedroom Bar at Eastwood Libis -- wild,wild party with the Bedroom secrets as party theme sans with the our sleepwear outifts!



December 17 (Wed), Shopping time with hubby. We bought suit from Onesimus.

December 18 (Thu), Department's Christmas Party (BSPS) in Makati --- pictures to follow.

December 19 (Friday), Baby shower and Thanksgiving party from our boss.

boxing match and sale

Off to Podium Mall later. Nope, not to check out their Christmas sale but to watch the super boxing fight of the season. Our company sponsored special screening of Pacquiao-De La Hoya fight as an advance Christmas treat for our valued-clients. With the free screening, popcorn and meal ... I am sure our clients will have a blast.

The husband is excited to join me later. I think this is the only one of the few times he will attend our company affair. Of course the main reason, the boxing match of Pacquiao and de la Hoya. As for me, will just check the event but will not watch the fight. Too much violence, too bloody for my taste. Not my cup of tea! Thus, while the game is on, I'll do what I love most ... shopping! Need to get Christmas gifts for my kris-kringle baby, grocery supply like milk and disposable diaper for my grandmother.

Anyway, I am hopeful that Pacquiao will win the game. Pride and glory of the Filipino people at stake here. Despite non-title match, I am sure both of the boxers can feel the pressure to win. For the whooping prize of $100-M for 12 rounds at the MGM Grande Arena. Really hoping...

letting go of F1 at Shanghai

Yes, you read it right ... I am letting go of my F1 trip to Shanghai, China this coming October 17-19, 2008. Its an all expense trip paid by the company since one of my team member was able to hit the required quota for the 1H 2008. As part of the incentive mechanics, the sales head who wins the F1 quota race, can join the trip too! The trip includes airfare, hotel, F1 tickets, F1 all-access pass on the race for three days and two nights. Awesome package! A non-transferable and non-convertible to cash incentive, and every guy in the office was drooling to get-in ... but not me. I simply let go of the opportunity.

For one, I am allowed to bring somebody with me BUT, I should shoulder the F1 package cost of $1400 (P65K), hubby wanted to join (and dreaming to watch F1)...but the timing is off. He can't leave the office at this particular month. Though he's dying to watch F1, he would rather use the money to buy the watch he's eyeing for months now. Very practical husband, I must say. Thus, it would be lonely to watch the race without hubby :(

Secondly since I am no big fan of F1, it would be a waste for me to watch the race ... I won't appreciate it anyway.

Third, aside from the fact that I am not a F1-fanatic, no big deal for me to visit Shangai. Hmmm.. I can't even think of places to visit in Shanghai! Well, probably factory outlets. lol. Probably if the F1 race at Monaco or Europe area, might join in a heartbeat! hahaha!

Fourth, since I'll be leaving first week of October to HK for five-days ... I'll probably shop to death here and I can't afford to spend anymore in less than two weeks time. Unless the company will give me shopping moolah!! hahaha!

Lastly and the best reason, since the company is into cost savings mode this quarter, I've decided to help by saying NO to the opportunity. Small expense it may seem but I know it will be a big help for Bayan.

So, I simply let go of F1 in Shanghai. Well ... there be a lot of opportunties to come and I know this won't be the last. And despite being a travel-hungry person I know how to rationalize my trips and expenses...hehehe! Probably, next time.

to hongkong or macau ...

still undecided.

Until now, our marketing team still unsure whether the Bayan sales team will push for Macau or Hongkong. Though we have a definite travel date, Sept 12-14 ... we haven't finalize any bookings yet. This is our sales incentive for hitting our quota 1H 2008. Imagine, booking 65 pax at this time (less than a month away) with a pre-determined budget ... kinda tough, don't you think so? Add the fact that we are mostly "pasaway" or really difficult to handle sales team. Some of my colleagues prefer to stay in Macau, while others would like to stay in HK and tour Disneyland. Hmmm....tough decision. I guess the deciding factor would be whatever beneficial or would give big cost-savings for the company. lol. With the all-in package, I just hope they wont forget to include travel medical insurance too! Our company HR requested that we travel by batches. Separate planes and different travel time. This is for security and safety purposes. They won't allow the enitre Bayan Corporate sales team to travel together. Hahaha, I can imagine if we got stranded or something happens to us..the entire sales team will be wiped out!lol.

Personally, I don't have any qualms if we go to HK or Macau. Been here last February with my family thus, I really don't mind. But this time, my upcoming travel will be both business and pleasure. Pleasure because I'll be spending bonding time with my colleagues. We can eat, drink, shop and party 'til wee hours without thinking of kids to take care of. Business, since my HK trip will be extended for two more days to meet up our foreign clients. So if ever we’ll push for HK, I’ll be gone from Sept 12-16. Five days!

Oh not just five days away for my family. Technically, I'll be gone 7 days! Prior leaving for HK (or Macau), I will be attending the annual Asian Carrier Conference at Shangrila Cebu. The conference would last for four-days but I'll be joining for two days only. Enough time for me to catch up with our sales team in Macau (or HK). And if ever, my itinerary goes like this ...

Sept 10-11 Shangrila , Cebu
Sept 12-14 Macau (or HK)
Sept 15-16 HK

Too sad I'll be away from Sam for one week. And Daddy will be gone too! Since hubby works in a telecommunications firm, he will be attending the Cebu conference! He will be gone for four days. No, he will not be joining me ... but he will represent his company. It's gonna be our second year together in a same conference --- on a separate hotel, on a separate travel arrangements, separate client meetings and with different colleagues. Hahaha! Believe me, we really look funny! Sometimes we even meet same clients and when we do exchange our biz cards, we do get the common question ... "how are you related to mike (or jacqui) soriano? " hahaha! Good thing we don't work on a competing telecoms firm...otherwise, it will be very inappropriate for us to be seen together. Hahaha!

So now that I've shared my travel plans ... I am now busy as a bee listing my shopping items too! I told hubby I'll buy my early Christmas present and that is, another bag! I badly need a good and nice black bag for office use. I've outgrown my black bags: Esprit, Lacoste, Nine West and Coach and I think its about time to get something serious. Really serious. Hmmmm...Let's see.

Off to Cebu...again

I am bound for Cebu tomorrow ... again. This time, it will just be an overnight stay.

We have an official function at Waterfront Mactan for our Cebu-based Corporate clients thus we need to be there for courtesy appearance and show our support for our provicial sales team. It will be a fun-filled and exciting night at Waterfront Mactan since Bayan will be hosting casino game for our VIP clients. Awesome prize awaits our lucky clients, MAC Books and Ipods will be given away as "casino" winnings. Hmmmm...truly exciting!

The best part of the trip, food trip galore! Love Cebu's sutukil restaurant at Mactan. This is Cebu's version of Dampa! Fresh seafoods and yummy grilled tuna served here. Also, I look forward visiting Taboan Market. Despite the smelly surroundings, love buying (and haggling) dried pusit, dilis and danggit here! Then of course my trip will not be complete without the famous CnT lechon. Real gastronomic, high cholesterol yummy treat. Hubby will be very much disappointed if I won't bring home CnT lechon hence a must stop here too.

Wanted to try Chi Spa too at Shang Mactan... been couple of years since my last Spa experience here and I am contemplating if I'll treat myself for an ultimate spa treatment. Very, very pricey indulgence! Though not sure if I still have time to indulge... but still hoping.

Anyway, will miss bratinella's futbol camp this Saturday. I'll also miss shoe shopping of hubby and Ico too. It's gonna be boys day out as they claim, Hmmm... I wonder if Daddy can handle Sam (and Ico) for couple of days. Let's wait and see.

Pre-summer outing at Puerto Galera

Almost forgot to post our pre-summer break at Puerto Galera, Mindoro last Feb 29-March 1.

We had fun in the sand ... the place was less crowded when we arrived at Galera. Less sun during our stay, but the weather (and water) was cool. No fear of getting sun-burned.

Our accommodation, Mindorine Oriental has the beachfront view. It was ok..think one of the cleanest resort at Puerto. Food mostly grilled during our stay at Puerto from local restos. Cheap meal at P100 with rice na. Price really affordable compared to Boracay.

We just had few drinks (mindoro sling and vodka sprite) and lots of gambling time... RED DOG card game. I was defeated over P100 only. Not bad considering others shelled-out over P500. Hahaha! (jody, dicky won big time ha!lol.)

the ladies: ruth, beng, moi and colleen

the card game..seryoso na lahat P1.5k at stake!

the big winner ..and the big loser!

Carriers and Partners Sales Team

SPA Ovelroad

SPA OVERLOAD ... had ultimate pampering this week!

We just concluded our two-day Spa Party for our valued-clients at the newly-opened Suriya Spa, Tiendesitas located near Fun Ranch. The place was exclusively booked to us and we were able to serve yummy cocktail food from Bizu. Since we were the party host, we get to treat ourselves for a day of pampering too! (actually days) Had two-hour mind and body massage treatment on the first day ; hour and a half feet treatment with reflexolgy service the next day. Truly a body-rewarding delight!!

I heart Suriya spa so much. As you enter the spa lobby you will be immediately greeted by smiling attendants, relaxing aromatic smell of oils, and minimalist decor. Love their facilities too. A rating of 10+ can be given for their modern and zen-minimalist design of rooms. No common spa room for guests. It's like having a spa treatment exclusively for you...even jacuzzi and beautiful overhead shower enclosures available in each room. Towels and robes are all soft, fluffy and scented. Rooms are spacious and soft-lighted. Mood music soothes you while having your treatment. The place really gives you a serene, calming experience. Highly recommended!

Do check out ... because I heart the place so much ... I am thinking of setting up a spa party here again. What do you think, mommy bloggers? Can we have our next EB exclusively here at Suriya Spa? :)

Pre-Summer Get-away ... Puerto Galera Beach

I am off for another quickie vacation tomorrow. Yes, quickie … since it is just an overnight trip with our sales department.

This time… I am off to White Beach Puerto Galera (cheaper version of Boracay) for a pre-summer get-away.

It’s kinda cloudy now and I hope the sun will not fail us tomorrow at the beach…otherwise, no fun, fun in the sand!

Well, if no sun …. then, I am hoping for great gimik night with tons of laughter, pitchers of mindoro sling and lots of moolah from gambling (hope lady lucky will be with me!).

Promise to be back with lots of pictures from my first summer get-away for 2008!!

Busy But Happy Week ...and our Red Party Celebration

It’s been a very busy week for me here at work. Busy but definitely, very rewarding week! In fact, it is one of my favorite weeks ever for 2007.

Why favorite?!? Received lots of moolah this week! I am so rich! Hahaha! As if madami noh! :)

Just to share some of my week highlights…

November 12, Monday :
Business Consultation Seminar with one of our big ISP client. After hours of service discussions, we ended up having dinner and drinks at Friday’s Timog. Yummy!! Went home super full that night. Haaay, no wonder I gained weight fast noh! :)

November 13, Tuesday :
Got call from hubby that he will be sent to Hawaii early January to attend Pacific Telecommunications Council. Woohoohooo! Sasama ako! I’ll force him to bring me talaga…and if di pwede, I’ll force him to buy me LV bag!! I found out that he will be staying at Hilton Hawaiian Village. I did my research on the internet and found out may LV store doon! Hahaha! Mamili sya.. he’ll bring me or he’ll buy me bags and shoes! Hahaha! (Hello, Speedy 30..lapit na tayo magkita or Hawaii..here I come! hahaha!)

The good news pa…our September sales incentive was credited to my ATM that evening! Woohoohoo! Moolaah! Moolaah!

November 14, Wednesday:
Went to Coregidor Day Tour with one of my top clients, AT&T. My very first trip to Coregidor and I really enjoyed the tour. Went to historic place of Malinta tunnel and learned more on WW II Japanese-American liberation. I never thought I’ll enjoy this trip. Mommy bloggers, do check this out. Highly recommended if you want to learn something about our courageous war history. And of course, quick escape from Manila’s busy life!

After the tiring day, went to The Spa, Jupiter. Ultimate relaxation and pampering of self! Really love sauna and massage. My de-stressing activity! :)

Dinner followed at Prince of Jaipur at Fort Strip. Grabe ha, ang mahal dito! Hahaha! I am not a fan of Indian food talaga, di ako nag-enjoy!

Another good news… mid-month salary was credited to our payroll ATM. Woohohoo! More moolah, moolah, moolah pa!!

November 15, Thursday :

Bayan Red Party Celebration! Grand celebration for meeting our desired number of Bayan Wireless Subscribers (BWL)! Company effort talaga! Ang galing mo, Bayan! Really felt proud and happy that I am part of this momentous event.

And the great news… our half 13th month and 14th month bonus also credited to our ATM that evening! Wooohoohoo! Dami, dami mooolaah talaga!!

And for achieving our BWL target, we were even given additional half month bonus pa TAX FREE!! Woohooohoo!! Moolaah, moolaah again!! Weeeee! Ang yaman namin! Hahaha! :)

November 16, Friday:

After drinking party last night, the company gave us half day off from work pa! Yeheey! I was able to spend additional sleeping and cuddling hours with Sam. I miss this so much!! Then I brought her to school, had little chit chat with Teacher Wendy. Sam's doing well with school. I was told she interacts well with her classmates and very attentive to teacher's instructions. I also found out that she needs ballet outfilt for their arts activity. Hmmmm...Saturday, shopping time for Sammie!

** jody, ay...wala pala kami bonus!! wala!wala! wala! hahahaha!


Just to share... here are some of our Red Party Celebration pictures...

Ang galing mo, Bayan!

Bayan Business... drink 'til you drop!

Hala...Let's celebrate pa! Di naman mukha na talaga kami lasing noh!

Wala lang...Nag trip lang mga ito! Wait, may bonus pa ba dyan sa taas?!?

The Bayan Business Sales Team: pretty in RED!

Mike, Beng, Colleen, Michelle, Jacqui and Jovy

tired from non-stop dancing and drunk from vodka...but still RED-y to party!