Amara Strategy Planning

Working on a new center, a new account, there are expected issues that rose up which are causing the company some losses. Therefore, our director proposed a strategic planning on our rest day for all officers.

It wasn’t as organize as one would picture a strategy planning would have been. Maybe it’s a Filipino habit of some sort: company outings or business related trips have “non-work” related moments, which tend to drag the event more. However, despite that hot weather, the location was awesome, including the food and the midnight swim. (Yes, quite a Filipino habit isn't it?)

Amara, was quite a pricey place. I could say, if I lived there or have a house there? I’d probably look for a work-at-home internet related job.

Bark for Love 2012

Despite the lack of sleep and a hangover, picked up my sister at Lexmark so we could go to Mactan Shrine for the Bark for Love 2012 dog event.

I told a number of friends to visit, specially those with dogs since there were free immunization, castration, de-worming and checkups.

‘Couldn’t stand the castration process though. I couldn’t go near their booth to take a photo. The one time I did see what was happening, I felt faint already. I’m not really the queasy type of person that easily faints at the sight of blood or needles. It broke my heart, watching dogs administered with anesthesia that seems to make them sleep while they are being castrated. Rebel and Tinker are both male dogs. I cannot imagine putting them through that.

Aside from the castration booth, basically I loved the event.  Being held in such a historical sight, with the ocean and shrine’s picturesque setup and adding the festive mood, it was definitely fun and a great event to meet old friends and possible new ones. I mean, what’s a good way to start up a conversation but dogs?

The organizers were really set on the rules and had the assistance of the local government. There were a number of police officers on the area to prevent and act on any theft or criminal activity that may occur as well as to monitor kids and dogs who were swimming nearby. A number of the cleaning aid were also present to immediately clean up the area. Since the entire shrine area was mapped out to have the organization booths,vet stations, food and beverages and dining area in separate parts, it was easier for people to navigate around. SO definitely a kudos to the organizer and the local government of Lapu-lapu City.

 

 

Taking a Breather

Ever had moments when your days have become routine? Work, eat, sleep the only cycles in general and a few minutes of respite. Slight deviations seem regular and routine as well.
Lane and I have been telling each other the same thing over and over and over again. “We need a break from work”. Getting fed up with the same conversation, and adding the fact that we started talking about cameras and photography, we randomly and out of the blue decided we would on a trip to one of the provinces of the island. Somewhere with a waterfall. Or the magic ball application on Lane’s iphone came first before the required waterfall. Whichever.
At first, we opted for Kawasan, and when I invited Steph, if she wanted to go with us, she suggested Barili since it was nearer and we needed a day trip. The magic phrase was: “Be back before dark”.
So right after my Friday shift and with no sleep for all three of us, we met up, had breakfast and went on our merry way to the bus station (via Taxi since we started late and there wasn’t a jeep that would take us to the bus station). It took 2 hours for us to arrive at Poblacion, Barili, Cebu. Despite the crowd and the noise on the bus; stayed awake and enjoyed the ride. (the headphones and my loud music helped me to tune out the world, while Lane and Steph slept on).
When we got there, we each took a motorcycle ride. (lol) Seeing the green pastures and hearing the quiet…no other vehicle noise or people talking or loud music…it was bliss.
And the waterfalls? Brilliant! We had fun taking photos of everything and anything. Enjoyed bibingka while sitting near the water, watching the waterfalls, feeling the water mist on our skin, taking shelter from the sun under a tree and talking about anything. I tell you, bliss.
Felt all my stress fade. All my worries, all the bullshit, and even all my anger were forgotten.






Checking out the town after visiting the waterfalls, was also an adventure. Loved the fish and chips place we found and had lunch at as well as the pizza place with the awesome venue.




I am thankful for the fine weather. The sunburn was definitely worth it.