Highlights of my 2011

Time to look back and get a little emotional. Get ready to witness an amazing year that was and an ever faithful God.  Here are my Top ten for 2011:

First Wedding Planning

When Kuya Nono and Ate Joei asked me to help in their wedding, I did not hesitate at all. I've always wanted to be a wedding planner. And to have the opportunity to experience it for the first time is very memorable for me. It was challenging and I learned a lot from the experience. I even took note of my mistakes for future use. 

That day, I just knew that it was God's grace that helped me get through the whole thing. With a little sleep I had, I managed to smile at everybody even if I was too busy thinking of a lot of things. Not to mention, it was a week full exams for me. I had to manage my time well. I thank God for the strength and the overflowing joy.

Graduation 

Studying in UP used to be a dream. Only a dream until God made it happen. Four years had been fast and yet remarkable in every way.  From being the girl who wore baggy pants and tshirt and wandered in every college building with a giant UP map, I (believe) I have grown into a woman with lesser biases and greater  awareness of the reality. And yeah, I got rid of the baggy pants and the giant map too.

Four years. I had been waiting for this to happen. And now that it had come to pass, I have never been this fulfilled. Marching in the Ampitheater and graduating on time were clearly proofs of God's faithfulness in my life.

On that day, I have never been more assured of the great things that are up ahead. God isn't finished yet- with this I am certain. I know that UP was just a phase and that God is going to use me for His greater glory.

Negros Tour

After conquering the Mambukal Hanging Bridge.

"Good grief!" I was supposed to say my lines  but I was too  ecstatic.

After graduation, I took two months to rest and to unwind. One of the most unforgettable things I did was being part of a Negros Tour Travel show. And believe it or not, I was one of the hosts. (Thanks to my bestfriend Kim, who dragged me into this. She was the scriptwriter. Haha)

We went on a roadtrip to the different municipalities in five days. We took photos and clips in each of the scenic spots. And I also delivered some lines in some places. Since I was new in this hosting thing, we had more than one takes. I'm thankful that they were patient with me. I really enjoyed the entire experience. I don't get this kind of opportunity a lot. I'm grateful to have been part of this awesome experience! 

IGNITE

QC youth: UP, Mirriam, Ateneo.
 I had to jump from the balcony to get to them and have this photo taken.
Photo by: Mico Manalaysay

Bacolod Youth.
I was with them the whole time of the event. Thankful and excited that the number of the youth has been growing!
Photo by: Winny Jarloyan

Before my transition to being "single" (as some are used to call it), I attended the yearly nationwide campus event of Lifebox. I have been going to this event for almost four years now. And I always get a different experience each time. But they are all awesome and wonderful experiences.

Seeing all the younger ones jump and dance for God got me so excited for the different campuses nationwide. I was so excited for UP and the schools in Bacolod. I believe God intended this year to be the start of the harvest season.

My heart will always be for the campus. And even if my new season tells me to move on for now, I know  that that won't be the last Ignite I'll attend.

Work in HP

This I can say is the top one highlight of my year.

I've been working for HP for four months now. Since it's my first job, a lot of things were new to me. It took awhile for me to adjust but things turned out so well.

Read up to know more about God's faithfulness.

http://darzndoodles.blogspot.com/2011/09/this-is-blog-i-posted-in-my-other.html

SIT Delivery Team

To my Manager Tetet,

I appreciate you for being accommodating and kind even on the first time we met. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. I will always take note of your awesome advises.

To my TL Kabby,

I'm grateful for all the help and efforts you did for the team. Thank you for always checking on us and squeezing us in your busy sched. Thank you for being so patient with me. I really appreciate you.

Teammates,

You are bullies in your own unique ways. Lol But I have learned to embrace your awesomeness. Thank you for sharing your life with me. I'm excited for more projects and teambuilding activities with you.

Best team ever. Need I say more? Haha

I'm blessed to belong to this awesome team! I always have fun during our pandesal bonding moments and birthday preps. I'm now looking forward to our jogging plans!

New House and Housemates

When I came back from Bacolod, I had to look for a house to stay while I look for work. It was so timely when I texted Ate Steph. She offered me the house she stays in at Taguig. I was supposed to stay for a month while I look for a job. Little did I know that I'll be staying in that house for good. When I got the job in HP, it was a blessing. And another blessing is that the house I live in is very near my office in Mckinley.

There used to be seven of us in the house. They've been very supportive from the very first day I started looking for work until I took the offer with HP. They never fail to cheer me up whenever I'm down. I'm grateful to have housemates who are like sisters to me. 

LG with Ate Rachel Romero

I forgot how exactly this group name came about. I think it was Fioning. All I remember was that the whole thing started during one random conversations that we, ladies had. 

This year was indeed a year of transitions. Though I have accepted the fact that change is quite inevitable,  I was challenged to face them all. It's a good thing that I have friends who went through the same thing and whom I can share similar sentiments with. And we are blessed to have Ate Rache who graciously agreed to be our small group leader. 

Ate Rache, thank you for generously sharing your wisdom to us. I have learned a lot from you. I have never stopped admiring you ever since the day we met. THANK YOU! :)

Fioning/Lee Ann/Jaynel/Nitu/Beryl,

Thank you ladies for sticking around with me. I always enjoy our time together. May we continue to embrace this season with joy! I'm REALLY excited for all of us this 2012! :)

The awesome people in my life

My awesome parents who have been very supportive and loving. When I started working, I realized how much hard work my parents put up for me to finish college. I will always be grateful. I love you both.

My gorgeous sister who always checks on me whenever she misses me. She brings so much joy in our home. Thank you sis for being patient with me. <3

Bacolod ladies. Thank you for always making me feel at home whenever I'm with you.  More memories  in 2012!
one of our dates. Sodam, 2011 

QC ladies(Nitu, Aubrey, Steph, Fioning, Jaynel, Lee Ann, Yandel, Sarai, Lorie, Tin M. and Doms. Some are not in the picture).
You've been a great part of my college life. Thanks for sticking around even if we are far from each other.  We will never ran out of things to talk about. And I will never get tired of spending time with you.
my birthday celeb. Panciteria, March 2011

Ate Han and Ate Glee. You have witnessed all the changes in my life. And through it all, I'm thankful that you have always been there for me.
 strat planning youth. Bascon Cafe, April 2011

LG with Gavs. This year, I have seen how God can write a beautiful love story. Thanks Gavs for inspiring us.  Looking forward to next year. This group will always be special to me.
Tim's wedding proposal to Gavs. Starbucks, 

Eva. You always know what to say and how to say it. Thank you for always being there to give me reasons to smile.
Appreciation night. Eastwood, December 2010

Nomer. Once a Kuya, always a Kuya. I miss you Kuya! :)
Appreciation night, December 2011

Babes. Thank you for boldly telling me what I need to know.  I appreciate you!
I want to spend more time with you in 2012.  :)

New Found Friends in HP. I forgot the name of our room. hehe Thank you for helping me adjust in HP.  I will never forget our bonding time in that sleepover. :)
My first ever offsite. Balai Isabel Batangas, August 2011.

KK girls. With all the changes that has happened, we remained in tact. Thank you for keeping touch even in our busy scheds. More dates next year.
most recent date after six months of not seeing each other. Rockwell, December 2011

Bacolod Victory Men. I always enjoy your company. I hope to have more time with you in 2012.
Summer Getaway. Sipalay last summer, 2011.

Miga. 2011 won't be awesome without you. I miss you.

With Lorie, Jaynel, Nitu, Lee Ann. <3

Lory. I will always be grateful that our paths crossed. I always love having you around.
 Panciteria, March 2011 

Ligid2 ladies (Angela, Ng Pherm, Tzu and Traz) You have seen me in my best and just this year, in my worst- during my "gapalamuypoy" days. Haha Thank you for always being there whenever I need you. Thanks to Sun cellular. We can talk for hours. Haha Thanks for being patient though I know I keep on saying the same things all the time. 2012 will be different. But you ladies will always remain in my heart. Naks! P.S. this should all remind us to get a picture asap. Haha How old school!

Aubrey. You have been an inspiration to me even when we were in UP.  Thank you for always encouraging me.
Ignite, May 2011 

Kimpoi. You will always be the best roommate! I will write you a letter. SOON! <3

Kalai ladies (Seth, Cadiz, Pat, Pim, Elaine) You are one of my highlights in my last year in UP. You are one of God's greatest blessings to me. Thank you for sharing your life with me. :)

The Great Barkada.  (Many are not in the picture.) Through good times and bad times. We will always have each other.
JayJ's Cuisine, December 2011 

GOD

2011 is a year filled with His surprises. With all the uncertainties I faced, I have learned to be secured in His arms. I have learned to completely put my trust in God, no longer in myself nor in people. When all else fails, He won't. He will surely come through. :')

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, 

who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

The LORD will guide you always; 
   he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land 
   and will strengthen your frame. 
You will be like a well-watered garden, 
   like a spring whose waters never fail.

Isaiah 58:11

In the year 2012, I can't wait to fall in love with God more and more. 

I'm ready to embrace 2012!

May it be awesome for all of us!

Darz 

Love is consistent

Let me not to the marriage of true minds

Admit impediments. Love is not love

Which alters when it alteration finds,

Or bends with the remover to remove:

O no! it is an ever-fixed mark

That looks on tempests and is never shaken;

It is the star to every wandering bark,

Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.

Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks

Within his bending sickle's compass come:

Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,

But bears it out even to the edge of doom.

If this be error and upon me proved,

I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

-William Shakespeare, Sonnet 116

Tips On Getting An NBI Clearance

This is a blog I posted in my other account-which I will no longer use. I will transfer in this site some blogs I prefer to keep from that other site.

Written last July 24, 2011.

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After 9 hours of waiting, sitting and yawning, I finally got my NBI clearance yesterday. HOORAY for that!

After going through such tiresome and agonizing experience, there’s this drive in me that wants to share what I learned from it so that others won’t experience what I had experienced.

Since the system encountered a problem, everyone has to apply for a new NBI clearance. Getting a renewal is no longer entertained by the office. So everyone is back to square one.

Though it’s quite comforting and ideal to think that malls can be a good place to get the clearance (since some Robinsons malls are now availabe for service), these malls have cut offs. The one in Galleria gives only 500 slots a day. When I got to the mall at around 8am, the slots have been all taken. According to the guard, people start lining up as early as the mall closes at night. Yes, seriously. What I did was to get to the nearest office I can go to. A friend told me that the one in UN Ave doesn’t have limited slots. And that they really finish all the applicants even until 11 in the evening.

So here are some added tips:

1. Be early at the office. Wherever you choose to get your NBI clearance, it pays to be early. Early birds do reap their rewards of getting home early.
2. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. It’s advisable to wear a tshirt because you might sweat a lot. And wear flats because you will be standing for most of the time just waiting.
3. Beware. Don’t believe the ladies outside of the office who are selling sedula (worth of 20 pesos). They will convince you that you will need it but you won’t. It’s not required and they’re selling the sedula for a high mark up price!
4. Be friendly to your seatmate. You will most likely be with him or her for the next few hours. You got nothing to lose if you give her a smile and a warm hello. I got to know three new friends that day. Happiness!
5. No room for mistakes. Make sure that you write legibly on the form that will be given to you. It is important that the information written is encoded correctly. If wrong infos will be found in your printed clearance, you’ll have to repeat the process and line up again the next day. Also, site the reason why you need the NBI clearance correctly. It’s either for travel abroad or for job employment.
6. Show ‘em the money. Prepare an amount of 115 pesos to be paid for getting the clearance.
7. Juan dela cruz? When your name is common, it will take time to be released (two working days at most). But when your name is unique like mine, you can immediately get it for printing.
8. Bring the following:
   • Two valid IDs (passport, school ID, etc)
   • Pen – You will need this because you will fill up a form.
   • Water – I was able to finish my 1 liter water.
   • Food- Eat heavy breakfast so that you will just need to bring snacks to keep you going all throughout the day. Bring biscuits or energy food. You will most likely spend lunch time there. (P.S. Someone gave me a skyflakes while lining up. Did I look hungry? Haha)
   • Fan – It will be crowded and you will need ventilation.
   • Something to read (a book or magazine) or you can use your phone or iphone/ipod/ipad to help you ease the waiting.
   • Umbrella – You will be asked to line up most of the time. Some places are not covered. To protect your from both heat of the sun and the rain, secure an umbrella.

The process takes 8 or more hours not because it’s tedious. Actually, I want to salute the people at the NBI office because they were very helpful, quick and systematic. I’m not saying that the whole thing is perfect. But the main reason why it’s taking that long is because of the number of people who are applying.

When the line gets shorter and when my line was asked to go down for the encoding, my energy came back. I was excited to finally finish the process. Talk about learning to be patient again and again.

The waiting seemed worth it when I finally got my NBI clearance.

For other questions, you can check out the official site of NBI. http://www.nbi.gov.ph/

The Search Is Over

This is a blog I posted in my other account-which I will no longer use. I will transfer in this site some blogs I prefer to keep from that other site.

Written last July 21, 2011.

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A month ago, I formally started to look for a job here in Manila. I started going to interviews, sent resumes to companies and asked some friends for referrals. I wasn’t really sure what I really wanted then. But still, I made my standards with regards to the location of the workplace, attire requirement, salary and the like . I wrote them down and asked some friends to pray with me as I believe God for those I’ve enumerated. And I told myself that before June ends, I will get a job.

Upon entering this new season of my life, I claimed David’s prayer in Psalm 16. Especially the part where it says, “LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup;you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.”

Some weeks I got interviews, some weeks I didn’t. Some companies called me back, some never did (which made me a little bit sad). At first, the waiting part was quite bearable. It was easy to shrug off the pressure upon hearing my friends getting hired by the companies I also applied for, to smile while saying “Wala pa eh” whenever people ask me if already have a job, and to cheer myself up and to hope for another tomorrow.

Whenever I see the clock ticking and whenever I turn another page from my journal, I realize the time I have spent waiting. Questions started popping out, like “taga UP naman ako ah”, “Di ba sabi Mo God secular work muna?”, “Di ko naman pinabayaan ministry ko, okay naman tayo God, di ba?”. At some point, I entertained those petty lies. But then, God reminded me of His promise – thatHe has assigned me my portion and my cup; He has made my lot secure. Either I dwell on self pity and sob like a cry baby or believe His awesome promise for my life. I made the better choice of putting my faith upon His truth amidst the situation I face. I have made His word as a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. And it made all the difference.

There was more than enough joy in my heart each day. He has assured me of the days up ahead. Time was no longer an issue. I stopped complaining and started claiming His promises. And I never ceased in praying. ” Be joyful in hope,patient in affliction and faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12

My plans of getting a job before June ends didn’t happen. I could have lowered my range whenever companies ask me of my expected salary. I could have lied and said yes to some interviews whenever they ask if I like Finance. But I didn’t. I can’t afford to compromise and to settle for something that’s not from God knowing that He will fulfill what He had promised.

Last week, I got a phone call from one of my top three choice of companies. At first, I didn’t know what to do. I had butterflies in my stomach. I called my mom and my sister and asked for prayers. When I stepped into the room where I’m supposed to sign the contract, there was so much peace and joy in my heart. The job offer was similar to the standards that I have written and prayed for. It was the offer that I have been praying for. I can’t help but be in tears for too much joy. God again took me by surprise.

My whole family and friends were rejoicing with me that day. I HAVE AN AWESOME GOD!

He who promised is indeed faithful. (Hebrews 10:23)