Christmas 2012

Mostly same as last year but there was less excitement in the air. If this day isn't one of the days I could actually dress up, I'd be spending it in front of my laptop or probably my sewing machine and just do something I normally do. We went to church late and was just able to attend the mass during a baptism. Boy, was I surprised! Then lunch was on...the usual menu:

Lumpia, Menudo and Macaroni Salad...

 There was also liempo but it was served later when we started eating outside. And I was able to drink wine again. My brother bought me one of Baguio's strawberry wine. I haven't had it since high school when we went there for a leadership training.

Strawberry wine from Baguio City~ Hmm...

 Because the weather was great, and we want to sit down and eat together, we decided to eat outside. It has a nice feel to it.

My dad, Tita She, & Eldest brother

My baby cousin~ Sooo cute :">

I received less money this year and some of those who usually give me presents didn't give me one this time around.

Gifts~! :D

I got a Baylis & Harding Body wash and lotion, some money, and a cardigan(?) I don't really know what to call it. The notebook and coin purse was something I got during the kris kringle with my college friends.

The day went by & all I could think about was you~ <3 td="td">

GKF Kris Kringle & Surprise Birthday Celebration

Date: December 22, 2012

Venue: Robinson's Ermita Manila & Chicboy Pedro Gil Branch

What I knew of the plan was only a kris kringle within our group. I decided to attend because I always miss out on the group's social activities. I may be eccentric and socially awkward but I want to try my best to interact and create memories with other people.

before we started eating...XD

We first gathered at Robinson's (Rob) to determine whom we will be giving gifts to. Each of us prepared a piece of paper identical to one another and there, we wrote down our wishlist and names. Then we used the fishbowl method to determine the recipient of our gift. I think we had to go at it 5 times before we were able to avoid getting our own names. After that, we split into two groups and went around the mall to shop. I shopped by myself because I ended up getting grouped with the person I got. I had trouble finding the gift my friend wanted and ended up with the first one on the list, colored pencils. I then decided to regroup with the others. I called and they said they don't know where they are. They got LOST. I just strolled around and called them from time to time and when I finally gave up, I looked somewhere where I could sit comfortably. Art's Cream Gallery was the right choice. I got myself a cup of hot earl grey tea and relaxed while waiting for my other companions. When they finally arrived, we wrapped up our gifts and then headed to Chicboy.

Cake~ Cake~ Cake~

 At Chicboy, we had our lunch, a little picture here and there. When we were done with our meals, I was surprised that we have a cake! I thought it was only some sort of tripping but then I saw our names...Mel & Angelica. OMG. They still managed to celebrate my birthday. Although I already had a hint that they were planning something while leaving me out, I hadn't thought they would use this opportunity to execute their plans. How could I have missed it. I honestly thought this was just a Christmas celebration. I know I'm not really a well-spoken person but I'm glad I have these bunch. Thank you Lord for letting them into my life. They're one of the best friends I could ever have.

Us 6~ There are more but they already have plans for today...
I'm still really happy though it doesn't show

 After eating and a little bit of small talk, we headed back to Rob because they still want to shop for presents. Again, we strolled for a bit and before we went back home, we took some shots at the midtown.

Rob's giant Christmas Tree~ Photo by my friend, Olib

It was a really fun day for me. I hope that I will be able to maintain my friendship with them. Hearts for you guys~!!

Letters they made for me for my birthday

BACK IN MANILA~

I finally got the motivation to write here again...I've been catching up on anime shows that I've meet during my one month stay at Bay, Laguna.

It was an awesome experience and to sum it all up here are some events I don't want to forget:

• Seeing a chicken that looks so much like "Nagoya" in Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun
• Eating different veggies like Ginatan na Langka, ang Puso ng Saging
• Learning other terms like Sintunes
• Being pooped on by lizards & birds
• Seeing a very clear night view & the shadow of the moon
• Sleeping using a kulambo
• Picking veggies along the road
• Going to SM Calamba
• Getting excited for fast food and malls
• Riding on a motorcycle
• Celebrating my birthday without electricity
• Making an Christmas lantern using indigenous materials
• Watching local drama series
• Walking around at night not worrying about dangerous people but of supernatural beings
• Getting head lice and purging it out by overusing a prescribed shampoo
• Crossing an irrigation through a simple lumber
• Making Buko Ice Candy out of scratch
• Having girl siblings
• Experience Caroling and get 500 in one house...>:P

When I got back in Manila, we had our graduation pictorial and I got birthday presents too. Again, I'm still backtracking TV Shows, J-dramas, and anime series. So, I'll probably get back into action some time when I've done eveything I missed.