Love is Wisdom

Wisdom - Introduction from State Library of New South Wales on Vimeo.

Project 14, 15, 16 and 17 (part 2)

On Family and Friends

Enchanted Kingdom
Thanks to Marga, my fellow graduate, for treating us to Enchanted Kingdom. Though there were only four of us, we were able to enjoy at the same time, face our fears, especially for our baby Louise. Thank God the queues were not long. In the span of 5 hours, we got to ride flying fiesta, rio grande and anchor's away twice and thrice for log jam. Bonding with these girls is love.

Marga, Chinny, Zombie, Louise and Me

Antipolo Overnight
Does living with 2 girls and 1 gay friend appeal to you? I had the chance to experience it with my closest friends in college. Just a little background, our "eccentric group" was formed way back in first year, thanks to our English-Lit class for two semesters. Why eccentric? Well if you try to assess us individually, you'd realize that all four of us have totally different personalities. Even I can't explain the dynamics of our relationship. Nevertheless, Rica loves them so much.

Overnight at St. Gabriel, Avidaland, nightswimming at Loreland and breakfast at Katipunan.
Canyonwoods

I love that place, feels like I'm in a different country. Even if the use of their facilities was very expensive, I still want to go back there. Thanks to the beautiful houses there, I now have a clear picture of my dreamhouse.

Hello boys! ang kukulit niyo talaga.

Project 14, 15, 16, and 17 (part 1)

Hello little-library! I'm really sorry for not updating you for the past few weeks. I've been busy looking for work and at the same time enjoying the company of my family and friends.

ON WORK

Like what I mentioned in my previous post, I was just pressured to look for a job because almost all of my friends are either employed or are looking for work. Not to mention, my family's also pushing me to do the same. And so for the past 6 weeks, I always had at least 2 interview/test. Going to different building was tiring especially because of the heat. I had to bring an extra pair of shoes because of the inconvenience of walking around in heels.

*In one of these companies, I failed their analyst exam. Para akong nag-ACET ulit. hahaha! I didn't want to pursue the other because of the 3-year bond contract. And for the other one, I just tried but have no plans of working there.

Third week of April, I was disheartened already because I still didn't have any callbacks from the companies after finishing the whole application process. What makes it more frustrating is that that the position I'm applying for or being offered is only open to one (except for two companies). I feel so pressured given the fact that you're not the only applicant and you have to outdo at least 15 applicants for that position.
Most of my batchmates have work already and even envy those who really got their dream job. I'm aware of my weakness during interviews and so I tried to be more confident with myself. It really makes sense hat if you do not believe in what you can do, there's no reason for others to believe in you as well. Also trust the Lord that he will bless you, and truly you will be blessed. Everything I have and am, I owe it to the Lord who never fails me. And just last Tuesday I received my first job offer then yesterday my second. Optimistically, waiting for the third offer.*crossed finger*
The dilemma I'm now facing is which will I choose. I've been considering the two offers and tried enumerating the benefits and and disadvantages of both companies. Much as I want to take the second offer, my parents keep on insisting to get the first one. My main concern would have to be the nature of work. I'm really excited with what the second company can offer me but my parents are afraid of taking so much risk because the company is only in it's 3rd year.
It ins't really about me being indecisive when it comes to things but I just don't want to disregard the feelings of those around me.

BIG QUESTION: Will you follow your heart or sacrifice your own happiness* for the happiness of your loved ones?
*still unsure whether it will bring you real happiness.

Will-surely-be-employed-soon ~Rica Gran

Project 13

Desperate

Monday right after our graduation, Drew and I braved the busy streets of Makati in the hope of getting a decent job by knocking at the doors of different companies. I became Drew's navigator since he wanted to apply in different five-star hotels and companies. We started our desperate journey in Intercon Hotel at 9am. Confident we were, we entered the building via main entrance. But after talking to the receptionist, we found ourselves walking towards the back entrance since the HR dept was located there. After an hour, we were able to give out resumes in 4 five-star hotels. At this rate, we thought that we'll be able to visit and give out resumes to a lot of companies. But at 11am, we gave up already. :P

Drew and I at Tower One

Among all the buildings that we visited along Ayala Ave., LKG Tower would have to be the most memorable one. Since we were determined to apply in different companies, we pressed random floors in the elevator. Drew and I would check on every stop whether we like the company on that floor or not. I'm not sure how many stops there were, but it sure was fun poking our heads out of the elevator then after some seconds go inside again.

It did feel a bit nostalgic because I was doing the same routine I had when I was still an intern in one of the largest telecommunications in the country last summer. Even when we applied in Rustan's at Oppen Bldg., memories of BLD youth in my younger years lingered.

Holy Week
Our family had our visita iglesia in different towns of Batangas. The traffic wasn't as bad as I thought it to be, since last year it took us almost 4 hours on the road from Laguna back to Manila. My favorite Church would have to be the one in Taal. And I think I fell in love with Taal already. Such a small and peaceful town, I wanted to stay there for a week or two just to relax and discover the rural life.

unemployed ~Rica Gran

Project 12

Ateneo de Manila University 2010.
Thank you for teaching me a lot of things! You taught me well.

To my wonderful parents, words aren't enough to express my love for you. Thank you for supporting me all the way. I love how you show your affection to me through hugs and kisses. Even if you're alway busy, thank you for making time for us and for being my 24/7, always-on-call support. Forgive me if I disappoint you. But know, I'm also grateful for the times you reprimand and correct my mistakes for you only want the best for me. Thank you for spoiling me (I know, sending a child to Ateneo is no joke.) and I promise to be thrifty when I start earning my own money. Thank you and I'm more than blessed to have you in my life. I love you both!

Graduation dinner at Tatami, Serendra. I never imagined myself liking Japanese food.

Three generations. (gandang Lola according to Drew) Nanay, me and mama.

The great mind behind the name "Rica Gran". I love you , "too-much". Stop drinking, okay?

Farewell, Ateneo ~ Rica Gran

Project 10 and 11

It just dawned on me that I'm ending another chapter of my life soon. So for the past two weeks, all I did was to entertain all emotions and stress in my life. And as I got tired, I am trying to reject and remove from my system those which are not necessary and are of no use in the near future. Though the whole process is no joke, family and friends were always there to support and remind me that I am not alone. Lord, help me. Amen.

A recap of what happened to me for the past two weeks...

Week 10

Two of the dearest persons in my life celebrated their birthdays that week.

Second Year Second Sem. After-Class-Matteo-Up routine
March 8 - Happy Birthday, babe!

Thank you for everything. I hope you liked my gift. hihihi! Gamitin mo yan pag nasa office ka na. Don't worry, things will go well. Hope for the best and I'm always praying for you. I love you and God bless.

PS. Straight na ulit hair mo!

March 10 - Happy Birthday, sister!

You're the best sister ever. Kasi nga naman, nag-iisa ka lang. I'm very proud of you. Finally, may work ka na. Do well and kayang-kaya mo yan. Thank you for always being there for me and for constantly praying for me. I'm praying for you as well. Na pressure na ako magkaroon ng work kasi meron ka na. :P I love you and God bless.

Pasta Party
Thank you Thirdy, Andrei, Angelo, Lloyd, TJ, Franz, Quin, Brian and Janelle for coming. I hope you liked the food I prepared. Solid lang talaga ng charades and pictionary. Next time ulit?

First Time to make Cannelloni.

Sobrang kulit ng boys.

Week 11

Looking for work
Because all of my friends were looking for work that time, I was somehow pressured to do the same. And so I opened accounts in Jobstreet and JobsDB. While browsing through the sites, I realized that there are a lot of job openings in the market. However, the positions being offered do not necessarily suit me. It's either I do not like the job or my educational background does not match the job. Talk about mismatch of job offers and job seekers (structural unemployment).

Anyhow, I'm still considering of taking Accounting for my second course. Yet a lot of people kept on telling me to take MBA instead. To work or to study?

Graduation preparation
Mama gave me a very nice pair of shoes. I needed to buy black shoes for my graduation. Since my last pair of black pump shoes was back in High school (We were required to wear heels for the last 3 months of our Senior year.), I asked Mama if I can get another one.

Aren't they pretty?

Graduation, here I come ~ Rica Gran

Breaking my silence

I never said anything against you, I just kept silent because I have nothing to say. I only did one thing; I deleted you in FB. Not because I wanted to get even, but what you've been doing to me is too much to handle. I'm doing myself a favor and that is sparing myself from hearing all those comments.

And if you think I asked my friends to do things for me, I'm sorry but no. I have no intentions of fighting back nor involve anyone who's not part of the issue. The first and last thing that they did was that one FB conversation. They did not want to start any fight but only wanted to end what you guys have been doing for the past 2 months. Thankfully, it stopped. Yet now I'm hearing a new issue which I am clueless of. Please note that not everything that is happening to you has something to do with me. And I am not the only case you have to consider for everthing that has been happening to you.

My world does not revolve around you so stop accusing me and my friends. They really don't care about you but only care for my own welfare. Which means they stopped already when you guys stopped doing things to me. I'm mad but not to the point of disrespecting any of you. Sorry but I never wished you bad. I only want the best for everyone. But for now, one thing's for sure, I stopped caring so just let me be at peace.