The mid-year catch up post

Okay, so technically I'm past the mid-year point, but in my defense, a lot of things happened in the past 7 months, that and coupled by the fact that I have been too lazy to update this blog is the reason for all the delay.

But, can't put this off any longer can I? Mich, Lui, I hope you're happy... you're probably my only two remaining readers, this post is for you. :)

So, where was I on my last post? Right, in Bratislava, welcoming the new year filled with optimism that this will be a better year, Halfway through 2010, and I can say it has been a better year, and I have a feeling it's going to keep getting better. :)

To make this a relatively short post, I summed up my top 10 highlights of the past 7 months (in random order, as my brain is fuzzy on timelines):

1. Traveling to Prague, Czech Republic with Ria
The more famous capital of the separated Czechoslovakia, Prague, is arguably one of the loveliest cities in Europe. Home of the Charles Bridge, the Astronomical Clock, Petrin Tower, Tyn Church and Wenceslas Square. I will probably put up a separate post for this.



2. Traveling to Oswiecim (Auschwitz) and Krakow, Poland with Eisel and Tomas
Auschwitz is the most (in)famous concentration camp during the Holocaust...and I can't even begin to describe how I felt when we walked inside the camp. It was a surreal and emotional experience, and should definitely not be missed. After Auschwitz, we headed to Krakow, the former capital of Poland and the birthplace of Pope John Paul II. This is a beautiful, beautiful city...I daresay I even liked it better than Prague. Another separate post for this will be up in the next few days. :)

3. EBU project goes live!
After almost 3 years of development, design, testing, re-design, bug fixing and support, EBU finally went live. Cheers to everyone involved in the project! I'll definitely miss you guys!

4. I resign from Sungard.
Thank you for the opportunities you gave me, I was very lucky...there were a lot of ups and downs but I am still very grateful for the experience.

4.5. I start working for Hewlett Packard.
To think when I first started working, my friends and I actually 'dreamed' of working for HP. So when the opportunity came, I had to answer. I'm fortunate to be working with such an amazing team! I'm still adjusting, but I know I'm ready for the challenges ahead.

5. The Italians visit Manila.
Tito Enrico and Tita Mildred stayed with us for a few weeks when they visited Manila, their trip was actually extended due to the volcano eruption in Iceland. We took them out to try different cuisines, showed them around, and arranged their trip to Boracay. A few days before they left, we also went to Tagaytay for some relaxing scenery. Oh and of course, Tita Mildred made us some of her delicious tiramisu before leaving,

6. We have the first ever automated National Elections - but my candidate loses.
Cheers to Smartmatic-TIM for the successful, first ever, automated elections! It took just one night for me to find out that Gibo lost... but I can't be completely disappointed that Noynoy won, because for some reason unbeknownst to me, Erap was trailing on second! So, better Noynoy than Erap I guess.

7. Maitz comes home to celebrate her birthday
So, Maitz comes home, like 3 times a year, so every time she is here is an excuse for us to pig out, drink and splurge. This time, we went to Tagaytay and stayed at One Tagaytay Place just to chill. And of course, she brought us some alcohol! This year, it's Patron tequila and Berry Acai vodka. Pic on the right is of the 4 of us in Cyma.

8. Davao with Louie.
Okay, more like spa-hopping and food tripping in Davao rather than actual sightseeing, but who cares? One of the most relaxing trips I have had to date. Stayed at Pearl Farm and Marco Polo, so who can complain? Saw Mt. Apo from afar, met Apple's friend Mapeng who served us our tour guide and translator, braved durian coffee and durian ice cream, visited SM Davao, ate at Jack's Ridge, heard mass at Sto Nino Cathedral, bought 10 kilos of suha and mangosteen and 12 pieces of batik! Next time, we'll definitely go out and see the eagles...promise!

9. US visas renewed.
Hooray! Another 10 years, and Gabby got his too! Ooooh, if only I had unlimited resources, I'd be flying back again this year!

10. RENT!!!
This is my favorite musical, and to see it performed on stage was just amazing. Oh, and I also watched Avenue Q again this year, and Equus just last week. I wonder what play/musical I'll be seeing next? I really hope they stage Wicked some time soon.

But it's not all happy memories. Tatay Alejandro, my dad's dad passed away this year... eternal grant unto him Oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. From the gates of hell, deliver his soul, may he rest in peace, Amen. I personally think this was a blessing in disguise, he was in a lot of pain, and most likely would have been diagnosed with lymphoma. We all accepted that it was for the best, and we're at peace knowing that he's no longer in pain.

And my grandmother (mom's mom), also had a very delicate operation to remove dead flesh from the small of her back, it was due to bedsores and became infected and was putting her life at risk. We were all worried about the operation because she already has a weak heart, and was also diabetic. But my lola's a fighter, despite the excruciating pain she must be feeling, she was able to recover nicely. After 3 weeks in the hospital, she's now back home, and much better than she was the last few months, thank God. I pray that her speedy recovery continues, because it will actually take at least a year for her surgical wound to heal completely.

So I guess that's it for now, I owe at least 2 more posts (for Prague and Krakow). And probably some more to come in the next few months, with a Coron trip on the way this August, then Cebu with Tere on September and Singapore/Cambodia on November, it's going to be another travel-filled year, exactly the way I like it. :)