Link Please!

Me: Wow! I'll start the new template of my blog...
Me in the Mirror: Good! But don't forget to...
Me: There! Clicked and saved!
Me in the Mirror: don't forget to save your widgets... *sigh*
Me: I thought I did that already?
Me in the Mirror: No, you didn't.
Me: Waaaaaaaa!!!!
Me in the Mirror: I told you so!
*me facing the mirror*
Me: you stupid reflection! You should've warned me!
Me in the Mirror: I did. or at least I tried.
Me: f%$#@!

Ok ok. Point taken. I hate all these html stuff. And they hate me as well.

So forgive me, but can you all post your links in this entry by commenting?

I just need to update my links and stuff.

Ayt??????

Thanks a bunch!

(At least now I have a three column blog. hehe, but I can't seem to get my banner pasted on top. hmmm...)

Of losses and new starts: the career saga

Only God can truly see the start and the end of any situation. He is always in the process of preparing you for the next step. From where you are, it may look like the most illogical way to go, but once you take the step, it all becomes clear as to why you are there.

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will
prevail.
- Proverbs 19:21

I’ve heard it happen to some other companies. I’ve seen it happen to people. But it was only recently that I saw it happening to me.

Retrenchment. And it’s not just parts of the pie. The whole pie would have to be eaten. And my elementary knowledge on fractions didn’t even prepare me for this one.

Let me give you a clearer picture on what’s happening. Fact # 1: My company is closing down. Well, at least, to use their term, changing its business model from a pharmaceutical company to a biopharma one, and it’s not just the Philippines. Fact # 2: Everyone will loose their jobs, including me - someone from medical research, separate from sales and marketing. That’s just so un-cool.

But when shit hits the fan, you just have to let it all splatter on your face. You’d puke afterwards. Maybe cry a little and definitely smell like shit, literally. But in the end, like all things, it shall pass (ok, I think I’ll have to end all analogies now).

Tuesday, it was 2:15 in the afternoon, hours before I can get my afternoon tea and have a friend give his gift. I was 15 minutes late due to the hassles of metro color/number coding. As I entered the room for the company “communication’s meeting,” I felt a sudden cloud of emotions envelope me. I felt it from all the people around. I knew the news already, and the room was filled with quiet screams – or at least that’s how I would describe it. Then the speeches from the company officers came. Then the realization – it wasn’t just one department, one product, one line… it was all of us – including me.

The news hit me unexpectedly despite the endless whispers of office gossip mongers (they’ve finally hit the bull’s eye and were actually correct this time around). Though the shock lasted only a few seconds for me, it was seeing how it affected other employees that made the sadness linger for more than it was allowed.

I am young, both in the general workforce and in my current company according to tenure. There has not been much emotional investment, not even the feeling of attachment to the company. The morose feeling didn’t come from self realizations, but more of vicinity observations.

I felt the urge to hug people I hardly know (whose names still escape my memory). Some of them were with the company half their lives (even more). First job for most of them. A deeply rooted comfort zone. Probably godparents of each other’s kids. Possibly established strong friendships within circle. A second family. Mostly breadwinners. Fathers. Mothers. Daughters. Sons.

The gush of emotions came from all these contemplations. I’m normally not affected when things happen (in fact, I have been tagged as “emotionless”) save for this particular event. I shed a tear NOT for myself, but for others who will leave a big part of themselves unexpectedly.

It would be easier for my self as my youth and field of expertise would enable me to find another job easily (or at least I prayed it would be so). But for those who have gone past the age of getting their “senior citizen’s” card, I wager it would be harder.

Though we differ mostly with our “effectivity dates,” most would have their tenure end on the last day of the New Year’s first month. I haven’t had the chance to speak to any of my colleagues, but I do have a few things on my mind.

Since my unfortunate entry in this place called earth, I’ve come to know my God in different fashions. Most would say that God is good, God is kind, God is merciful, God is loving, but I would just have to add what I knew of God…

God is humorous.

He gives gifts in the most unexpected packages. And He loves surprises. He loves giving his servants trials that makes them weak with hopelessness. And when we are all too remorseful for our own good, he lays out his beautiful plans like a shiny treasure in a wooden pirate’s chest. It is when we are weak that His glory is magnified and our thirst to know Him more intensifies. And I won’t even risk to sound much of a cliché, but I’d have to say, doors may close but windows would open somewhere for new things coming.

It’s like a story of a father wanting to take away a gift necklace from his daughter. The daughter, expectedly, refuses to give the gift back. But in her sleep, her father takes away the necklace to be able to replace it with something much more shiny and precious. The kid, realising that the gift is gone, cries in mourning for the lost gift. But when her father shows the new gift, she finally understands that for her to be able to receive the new one, she has to let go of the old one.

To my colleagues, I know most of you worry much of tomorrow, but once you’ve done much of what you can do, do let tomorrow worry for itself. God will provide for his faithful servants. And His plans will be shown to you sooner than you would expect it.

In my years of living, God has shaken His head at my nonchalance on direction and plans that He usually had to forcefully take them away to be able lay out His plans. Maybe He is doing the same thing to you all. He is taking away your comfort zone for you to move in to a bigger plan, a richer opportunity.

A company was lost to its investors, but friends will remain, opportunities will endlessly open for all, blessings will continuously pour.

Take care my unknown colleagues. We will see each other again.

(Before I forget, Merry Christmas!)

I Love You This Much Award

This Christmas season isn't just about having a white Christmas in this snow-less tropical country. It isn't even about the gifts received (though that really is always fun). It is about the love given by God giving out his only son to this wonderful world (at least for Christians).

Thus, the toilet says, Christmas is all about love (cheesy, I know).

The Toilet is currently answering tags that dates back to almost 6 months ago (4 tags since then). But this tag fits just right in this season, so I'm starting with this one.

The Toilet was tagged by Ruthi of Sa Puso at Isip. This would be the Toilet's very first tag-award in all of his blog lifetime. Thus, the toilet leaks with tears from its flush, a bit emotional, I must say. Thus, from all the toilets in this world, The Toilet says "Thank you."

A bit of reminder to all loved ones to be tagged. Just the usual tag rule. Mention the 'tagger' in the post along with his/ her link. Post it in your blog along with SEVEN people you'd want to give the award to. Let the tagged blogger know of the award, and hopefully, he/ she spreads the love in this Christmas season.

And now, the Toilet swirls in excitement as he reserves the toilet throne to the following awardees (in no particular order):

Kuya Joms. One of the first few bloggers the Toilet met. A very special encounter as the Toilet swirled with ease with the meeting. It was like meeting an old toilet friend. The Toilet was able to tell Kuya Joms of the Toilet's family, Father Toilet and Mother Toilet and all the Toilet kids. The trust was weirdly stronger than a twelve inch fecal matter curled before the Toilet can make a vortex. A feat unusual for first time encounters. That and he writes entries almost fit for a literary piece. Eloquent and witty in his writings. That’s why the Toilet loves Kuya Joms.

Me-antoot’s Scribble and Scrabble. Why does the Toilet love her? He has to. Or else she’ll get mad. Hehe. Kidding. Me-ann is the Toilet’s Restroom mate back in college. 4-5 years of seeing each other’s ups and down. She saw the Toilet reek with all the icky stuff toilets couldn’t even imagine having. She also saw the toilet shine after getting an overhaul with Muriatic Acid and a bunch of scotch brite. And after college years, they discover a common ground, Blogging. Love yah Me-ann!

Dyilyan’s Poisoning The Well. Crazy kid. Crazier than the Toilet. One word to sum up all things to describe this kid… ADIK! Hahaha! Seriously, this girl got wit in her blog, and the toilet usually lets out a gargle-sound, laughing out loud to one of her antics. One message to this kid, you’re a babe, no time for bitterness over a lost love, you’ve got the world under your feet. Hahaha! Peace!

Ewik the Wandering Commuter. Cool blogger. The Toilet would usually find himself going to Ewik’s site looking forward to another cool topic he’d come up with. This kid has imagination, and he sees interesting stuff even out of your ordinary day by day routine (love even the picture posts). And I wager, that if the Toilet and Ewik went to the same toilet’ school, It’d be fun to have him as a friend.

Gibbs Cadiz’ theater, travel, movies, books, bloviations. He introduced the Toilet to plays/ theater acts worth watching. And not once have the Toilet regreted the experience. Toilet’s favorite plays (specially the musical ones) were mostly his recommendations. His blog would usually have an effect on the Toilet’s tiled calendar, writing off a block, reserving a play posted in his blog. And off the Toilet goes to one of his connections to get good seats. Hehehe. Well, that and the fact that Gibbs Cadiz is such a pleasant person to hang out with, you wouldn’t know you’re with an Inquirer personality, hehehe. Peace Gibbs.
Klitorika. The first blogger the Toilet met in Cebu. She’s like blogger’s Gabriela Silang ala Pamela Anderson style. Sexy and real. She gave a copy of her book, which Toilet’s girl stole (I mean borrowed) when she read the first entry, she said she can totally relate. Is the second book coming soon Klitorika? Say hi to Mr. Dickory for me! Hehe. Love yah!

Normandb, the Blogger Next Door. Naks. Blogger next door daw. Neighbor? Hehe. He’s the Toilet’s sometime-techie-advisor. Plus when the Toilet needs a good post from the heart, he goes to see kuya Normand’s updates. There was one time when this blogger was obviously in love. Hehe. Peace Normand. The Toilet got inspired with how Kuya Normand plays with his site’s html. The Toilet will probably have a three column blog soon. Hehe.

Dabo’s a time for later. He was one of Toilet’s latest find. First toilet thought that came to mind… “this kid's got substance.” And he really knows how to write. What the Toilet likes about reading his blog is most of his posts came from his heart. And its not just someone’s mediocre diary, its almost literary. Although it can sometimes be too emo for the Toilet’s flushings but hey, that’s still cool.
Jamie’s Wandering Polar Bear. Another new find. Toilet once squirted out “another wanderer?” What’s happening to the world? Everyone seems lost these days. Wandering, wonderbra, commuting, and now… the north pole (or is it the south)? But then the Toilet flushes by the polar bear’s blog, reading. Then suddenly insecurities arose. This bear can write. I thought they just sleep and eat. But hell, long posts or not, Toilet have finished most of them. That’s a milestone achieved considering the Toilet’s short attention span. Hehe.
Jonathan’s Metaphorically Speaking. Amazing person. Intellect and a good heart. That’s a rare combination. Reading his post usually gets the Toilet in a swirl of emotions. At times sad, constantly informed, occasionally laughing, but mostly inspired. He has his realizations on life written up for all to read. But as one reads through, you’d possibly find yourself in those posts as well. The Toilet gets a bit excited on each of this real life educator’s visit. He’s from Thailand (right?), a place where the Toilet would want to wreak havoc and have fun… for vacation that is. So, guess, the Toilet will see you soon Jon!
And lastly, the Toilet’s Crime Partner. She’s a colleague from work. Though she haven’t had the chance to update her blog, the Toilet says, once a blogger, always a blogger. Ups and down. Farts and fresh air. Floating submarines and yellow juices. Through it all, they’ve survived the wrath of the restroom workforce. And though their restroomship is nearing its end, the Toilet admits, it was one heck of a couple of good toilet years. The toilet will miss the crimes committed. They will all be cherished and never be forgotten. Thanks Crime Partner for all. *sniff sniff*


And as usual, the Toilet never really followed the rules, the norms. They say tag 7, I think I had 10. Oh well, the Toilet can actually flush out more than these actually. The Toilet loves a lot, really.

But you all know the Toilet loves you all, right? So let the Toilet just leave ya’ll a special greeting from all the toilets in the world…

Happy Holidays!

Don’t forget to flush!

Tsup tsup. Mwah! Spread the love!

Offline

I received very bad news the other day (which I'll save for a later post). But amidst the sadness I'm currently feeling, yesterday by far became my best day. I've got a very early Christmas gift from kuya Joms. He looked like Santa Claus with all the gifts in his bag. hehe.

I remember expressing such delight at the "item" which I think prompted him to give it as a gift (and of course with me outrightly, kapal face-y and deliberately asking for that "item" when I saw it in his blog. hehe. you just made my day kuya Joms. I'm currently the happiest kid alive.

Below is the video of me opening the gift. I looked like an excited terrorist kid (pardon the bad attempt for a beard/ two-day-old-mustache). And I look red 'cause of the red Seatles Best lighting in Greenbelt. (Darn, I look uugggly here)

I can't seem to embed the video from Youtube. kindly just follow the link. haaaay. I surrender! I'm done with trying to techie savvy, I'm no techie. F*@#@!#.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7Yqyk4UB4g

Note: I'm just trying to test some stuffs with vlogging a bit. Expect to see more of these when I'm done with the new "Toilet Thoughts" design. Your constructive comments would be greatly appreciated. I haven't perfected the end credits yet. hehe.

Size

A day in Cebu:

Me at the printers/ computer shop:

Me: Miga, naa ka pa print? (Miss, do you have print services?)

Girl: naa (We have)

Me: tagpila ka print? (how much for printing?)

Girl: size

Me: short bond lang, tagpila ka print? (only for short bond paper size, how much for a print?)

Girl: size

Me: ha? Tagpila nga? (ha? How much again?)

Girl: size nga (with a smirk)

Then I realize, size….

Me: ahhh size… (as in sais (sa-iz), as in uno… dos… tres…kwatro … singko... sais)

Ang tanga ko talaga, size nga naman. (Stupid me, yeah, sais)

Me: sige po paprint (next time, I won’t try to speak Bisaya anymore, it’s a disaster brewing, really)

Some of my colleages make fun of my “Bisaya” accent, it’s actually a mixture of my Batangueno-Manilenyo trying hard to be bisaya accent. So imagine a batangueno sing song accent in a Bisaya dialect. Yikes. As Happy Slip’s dad would term it… DISASTER.

In anycase, I'm in a "nonsense post" mode till I get to be on a real vacation from work. See yah!

Chateau Verde, UP Diliman

“Where the food and ambiance is an experience”

Name: Chateau Verde
Where: Apacible St., UP Campus, Diliman Quezon City
Contact details: (+632) 928 81 80/ (+632) 927 30 35 (They accept catering services and party planning)
Cuisine: Spanish and Continental Cuisine
Food rate: 8.5 out of 10, this is one of those places where simple food is transformed into an art. I’d have to give them two thumbs up for presentation

Ambiance: I’d say 9.5 of 10. I liked the place. Aside from the garden effect the place gave out, meeting up with Tita Goring Cervantes (The owner of Verde, I assume) is such a feat. She’s such a bubbly woman, chatting with those who dined at her place. And it’s no surprise that she knows most of her patrons. You’d probably hear her tell stories from the eighties. If you find a foreigner, you’d probably expect her to chat a bit of the places she’s been to. It makes you feel at home, with a very gracious host to liven up the day.

Service: I haven’t been at a time when “busy” is an understatement so, I’d say, the service is good, for now. Though some of the waiters were chatting much, but they were easy to call on anyways.

Cost: It’s a restaurant. Not fastfood. So expect prices ranging from simple 150 to 300. Dessert is at 70-150. But still relatively reasonable if not cheap.

Some Recommendations: Mango crepe. Mango crepe. Mango crepe. Ok, try also their grilled chicken, their beef tenderloin, fish. Then mango crepe.

Overall Assessment: A must dine-in place in UP Diliman. And if you’ve studied in UPD and have not graced the serene garden of Chateau Verde, I say shame on you.

Note: I'm still trying to fix my blog. hehe. so I'll just fill in some food post for your tummies, I took pictures of the main dish, but sadly, I couldn't find it in my saved folders, aarrrgghhhh!

Coming soon...

Bigger

Crazier

Hungrier

Cuter (or to some yuckier)

Cheesier

Toilet Thoughts plus +

Because Jepoy is no longer a kid…

Coming soon…

Note: I need someone to help me with a new banner and background. hehe. pleaaassseee. pweety pleaseeee....