Here are some pictures that I wanted to share with you in this post:

Pinoy Jazz Icon Richard Merk in the house!

Cong. Marcos belting out “Tuloy pa rin ako”

Momblogger Noemi and Leslie Bocobo

Raymond Marasigan and Mark Abaya rocking the boat!

Carlos Celdran, Leslie, and Ricky

Author with Senator Bongbong Marcos… naks!

I had so much fun that evening. Kudos to Senator Marcos for putting together a memorable event. Cheers!

BEFORE – 9 YEARS AGO
This picture was taken 1st year college in Ateneo De Manila University. Back then studio pics were the rage! Hahaha. Mich and I met in English class. We were actually seat mates then and we would often make “kulit” with one another. Eventually I fell in love with this girl and I started courting her. There were a lot of complications then but that really didn’t stop me from pursuing her. In fact, she even busted me once and told me that we should just be friends. Being the stubborn and resilient person that I am, I persevered and finally got her to say yes and become my girlfriend December 8, 2001.

Our relationship was literally a roller coaster ride, going up and down several times. We’d fight about the most usual stuff ever and we’d come to the point of breaking up but we would make up and move forward. Looking back, I can’t help but be thankful to how patient she is because our relationship endured me being an addicted gamer, hehe. Nothing can ruffle a girl’s feather more than a man paying more attention to games than her. Believe me. I know.

After graduation, we both worked and continued to be in our relationship. We faced several major challenges and trials, including an incident where we got held up in an internet cafe and I got shot twice in the chest by a 45. The biggest problem came on our 7th year and we decided to call it quits.

And that’s where the biggest transformation came. Sometime February in 2008 after our break-up, Mich and I attended Sunday service at Victory Christian Fellowship and that’s where we were totally humbled and brought down to tears. Personally I realized that the reason why our relationship was becoming so problematic was because it was built on the wrong foundation. Thankfully we were brought back together after getting support from our friends in Church.

The problem with relationships is that people tend to hold each other accountable to different standards. Since there’s no middle ground, there’s no compromise. If ever there is, people will still hurt and won’t genuinely accept the resolution. However with God in the picture, everything changes.

It’s at that point that I decided that I wanted to marry Mich. I had a lot of problems though that I had to fix before I’d pop the big question. To make a long story short, my 3 main problems were: money, personal health, and spirituality. I went on Rambo training mode to make sure that I’d pass all three. First up was money. I worked triply hard on my career and got promoted several times fast. I put up my own consultancy business and eventually moved companies. Financial security? Check!

Next up was personal health. I went on a rigorous gym and diet routine for several months. I actually enrolled in Fitness First and even got my own personal trainer. Result? 50+ less pounds in a few months. Personal health? Not yet completely there but definitely a big step forward! Check!

Lastly, spirituality. I surrendered my life to God when I got baptized in 2009 as well. Check!

After 9 years, I wanted to close the book on our old lives and start anew. Together with my close friends, I planned one of the most daring proposals ever. I proposed to Mich during Sunday service at Church. Words won’t do justice though to describe what happened. Here’s a video of the entire thing:

For the longest time it was all about me. At the later part of our relationship it was all about her. After 9 years na-gets ko na. It has always been and will always be about God.

AFTER – OCTOBER, 2009
After nine years, I finally got down on my knees, told Mich how much she meant to me and I proposed. Of course I was terribly nervous that she’d say no but then again I knew she loved me enough to save my face since the entire church was watching. NYAHAHAHA. >.<; Anyway, it was definitely the biggest decision I've ever made and there are no regrets whatsoever. I am excited to get married to this woman and I want to spend the rest of my life with her. She's made me a better man and I can't imagine what would life be without her. I'll be eternally grateful to Mich for never giving up on me and for making sure that I get closer to Jesus.

Mich and I are currently preparing for are wedding which is scheduled August 7, 2010. If you want to read more about our relationship, feel free to drop by our Engagement Blog. Please be warned though that the blog is filled with cheese, hahaha

Based on the mechanics of the contest, I’m supposed to give a short caption for the BEFORE/AFTER pictures. I’ve been thinking about this for a while now but I think I finally got it nailed down.

“Finding out what real love is after 7 years.”

And to end this post, let me just share the final requirement for this blog post. Hahaha.

Here’s to hoping that I win that Macbook. Hahaha!

Meeting up and partying with these guys is a good break from the “real world”. In fact at one point you can even consider it an escapist activity. You literally zoom out of the problems that you’re facing at home and at work. All that matters is that you have one night to just unwind, kick back, and relax. Next morning is a different story though as you’ll probably have to crawl out of bed to snap out of the hang over, haha.

Personally I missed the chance to connect with some old friends who didn’t make it to the party. It would have been a good opportunity to bury some age old issues so that everyone can move on. Maybe next year we’ll get a chance. For now let me just wish everyone in my Ateneo High School 2000 batch a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

I wish nothing but the best for my classmates in their work, family, and life. I’m always a phone call away if you guys need anything from me. Mabuhay kayo!

*Pictures from Bim Bim’s camera

To sum everything up, I made this short 3 minute video which I’d like to share with everyone. I’d like to thank all of you for being part of my life (there mere fact that you’re reading this means that we’ve connected in a “virtual” way). 2009 was a blast and I am definitely looking forward to what the Lord has in store for me in 2010!

Our God is truly an awesome God! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone!

The same can be said for quickly getting promoted. If you’re doing your best and you’ve communicated to your superiors properly that you want to get promoted and that you want to grow professionally in the company, then it should be a matter of time before you get your chance. However, there will be instances that there really is no opportunity in your company and you’ll have to wait. If you can afford to wait a bit, then it’s up to you to do so. If not, then you can always consider transferring or applying to other companies.

What’s the worst that can happen if you work hard and smart? You get better. Not so bad right?