Just when I thought Christmas is over, I received a card from my sponsored kid in World Vision today. It’s a thank you letter for what he received last Christmas. 
Like what I’ve always been doing, I’m sharing the letter with you.
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Related Entries:
I know this post is kinda late, still it’s better late than never, right? As a New Year entry, and like what I did last year, I’ll be posting the list of the people who have touched my life or in any way influenced my way of living or the way I think or feel.
My previous year may never be perfect, but I’m glad I never felt that extreme pain which almost took my sanity in 2008 anymore. That has to be one of the biggest blessings I have received last year.
Again, after mingling with thoughts coming in my head, I have finally come up with the list of the People of my 2009 and here they are:
MY FAMILY
Like I always say, friends and lovers may come and go.. but family will always be there. I’m glad we always stick together even physical separation doesn’t stop us from being close. As we mature, my sister and I become understanding and stop fighting a lot anymore. My younger brother became caring and sensitive of how I feel. My Mom and Dad finally realized that I am no longer a kid who needs curfew and restrictions. 
And there goes Mikee, our little angel who never fails to make me smile.
GOGOLOSH + DUCHESS
Need I say more? They have always been the subject of my blog entries and “photoshoots”. That’s how they mean to me. I’m just so happy that God gave me the best set of friends in the whole wide universe. They even give meaning to the word “family”.. and I love them for that. I always will.
CAPTAIN SID
Well, what else can I say.. even if everything was just short-lived (or perhaps didn’t mature due to vicious circumstances), I still thank you for bringing back the smile on my face even just for a short period of time. You had my 1st Quarter of 2009. We may have lost a lot of things because of our poor attempt at being romantically attached, but I know in my heart we tried our best to become really good friends. May you find peace and contentment that you truly need.
WORLD VISION & JOHN LISTER
I truly believe that every child has the right to be educated. However, not all Filipino families afford to send their children to school. Thanks to those Non-Profit Organizations that help people in need, just like World Vision where I found the joy of sponsorship. I started sponsoring John Lister around June of 2009 when a fellow blogger, Mark posted something about World Vision in his blog. Actually, I was really keen on joining World Vision as I wanted to help that won’t require much of my time. FYI, I have been delinquent member of Hands on Manila since college due to my forever tight schedule. I know I made the right decision when I chose World Vision, coz they not only send children to school.. they also help the community help themselves through livelihood programs.
NORTEHANON
Believe it or not — I have no idea about her real name, her age and her whole identity.. what I only know about her is that she’s from Northern Samar, hence, Nortehanon. But even how clueless I am of how she looks, I know in my heart she’s beautiful inside and out. It amazes me that there’s someone like her who genuinely helps less fortunate people even without going public (and when I say public it’s a lot like what most politicians do.. errr…). She inspires me to lend a hand to people in need. Eversince I “met” her, I’ve been actively supporting her advocacy, Pens of Hope. It’s a little project that aims to give pens (even other school supplies to children in Samar. Last I heard there’s another group in Davao that organized a POH “Chapter”). For more info about the project, click HERE.
B1 & B2 (NOEY & JOSH)
I just miss being with these two crazy girls. My angels in my previous job. We went through a lot in the corporate world but they always made each horrible experience a funny one. Best wishes, Josh.. and Goodluck on your career, Noey! I miss you both. 
EMERIO
I have yet to know all of them as I’ve only been with the company for barely half a year but I’d like to believe I made the right decision when I decided to enter this company. It’s good to know that while they have a common goal — that is to achieve the team’s targets and help the company progress, they don’t forget how to have a good time. And yeah, so far I’m having a good time. It’s fun being with these guys.
GB LABRADOR
Who doesn’t love this balding giant? He’s everybody’s sweetheart. Too bad he doesn’t have a sweetheart to call his own. (Calling the attention of all the single ladies out there 
) He is the most patient, most caring and most optimistic person I have ever met. Come to think of this, he used to live in Provident Village in Marikina. They almost lost everything when Ondoy hit Metro Manila. But he didn’t give a damn.. he still managed to smile and have fun with us despite what happened. He always reaps treasure out of junk. Also, he always sees the good in every person, even the bad ones.. I’m one of those. And I love him for that.
THE COMICS
Thanks to my dear friend, GB, for introducing me to these people. They make my Tuesday and Friday nights pleasurable. Keep on making people laugh, guys! I support Pinoy Stand Up Comedy.
Our bond never ends during Open Mic Nights, it goes beyond drunken and crazy nights.
GB – the guy who made things possible. Thank you for dragging mo to your events.
Noel & Richie aka Dos Abogados
Chino, the hunk
Marcelle, the Magician
Ryan aka Hugh Jackman
Raffy, the Emo
Alex, the Headliner
Nace aka the Loverboy (hahaha! )
Not only did they give me free entertainment — I found good friends in them… and a lover, too. Hahaha!
[Shameless plug] Catch them: Mondays at Spicy Fingers – Greenbelt 2, Tuesdays at Alchemy – Silver City Ortigas, Wednesdays at Sidebar El Pueblo, Ortigas (though the bar’s undergoing renovation, the show’s gonna resume around March, I think. Also, we are still finding a place to be our haven, our next Ditzy Diner every Friday.) PM me for more details
TUESDAY CLUB
I met this gang late 2008, it was then The Thursday Club. We usually go to Alchemy together on a Thursday night, listen to En Masse’s jazz music then watch the comics perform. The club stopped operating for a while and when it opened again, our hang out night eventually changed, and so did the performers/program. En Masse found another place to perform at while its sessionist/vocalist Jessica brought her own band, Melo Manila and perform acoustic hits every Tuesday. Hence, we are now called the Tuesday Club. It’s great because we get to enjoy our weeknight without worrying about our work the following day. I guess the good company stops us from thinking about serious stuff like work.
FRIDAY CLUB (DITZY GANG)
An excerpt from my Facebook/Multiply Account:
I wasn’t keen on going to Ditzy Diner during its first few stand up comedy shows (despite GB’s being DEMANDING) since I found the area too far from where I work/live. After much requests (demands, actually) from him, I finally obliged. Together with my best buds, we watched the show. Good thing, we enjoyed the night (though we often see them at Alchemy, Ditzy’s ambiance is superb).. That was around March of last year, I guess. Since then, it became a routine for my friends and I — DITZY DINER OPEN MIC NIGHTS.
Not only did I enjoy the food, booze and entertainment there. It actually became a means for me to find new set of friends. Not just the superficial ones — but those who can get crazy with you yet you can share serious stuff with. In fact, I have come to realize that this place has been a very remarkable one, something that is etched in my heart. For life.
Thank you for the LOVE… as in LOOOOOVE! ? ? ?
I’m gonna miss you all! *sniff sniff*
(Awww.. ang CHEESY ko pala??!!)
For those of you who have seen my old posts, you’d surely realize how much this place means to me. This is where I celebrated my 25th Birthday while raising funds for street children; this is where we did a lot of charity events; this is where I made a lot of new friends, even the staff, crew and resident band became my friends; this is where my bestfriends and I hang out every Friday.. and most of all, this is where I found love. It’s kinda sad coz the diner is closing on the 30th, a new establishment is about to come out.
Thank you for being the best company: Lovely (teneeeeennnn!!!), Caca, Anne, Mel, Jimmy, Wal, Mae, Jaypee, JC, Benjie, Kyle, Kuya Glenn, Teddy.. Mark & Fritz, the resident band.. Jay-ar, Ditzy’s owner and his staff Reg, Claire and Jhigz.. My boy friends: Alex, David, Patrick, Robert… and a lot more. I hope I didn’t miss anyone.
DR. LOVE
Here goes the most special part of my 2009. The best gift I have ever received.
He came along when I almost gave up on love. As cliche as it may seem, but love hits you when you least expect it. He’s more than what I asked from God. He always goes beyond what is expected and just. When I met him I began to appreciate failure and heartaches in the past coz that’s when I realized something good’s bound to happen after every downfall — one perfect example is him. And his love that heals all wounds. I’m looking forward to a wonderful 2010 with him.
So there, I already shared the list of my people last year. I hope I didn’t miss anyone…
Happy 2010, my dear friends!
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Related Post:
A few days ago, I got my very first Christmas gift for this year. It was simple yet meaningful; inexpensive yet priceless.. it’s a Christmas card from my sponsored kid in World Vision.
I am quoting here what he has written in this card:
Dear sponsor,
Maligayang pagbati po sa inyong sana maunawain ninyo ang sulat ko wag p kayong mag alala hidi ko kayo malilimutan sa tolong ibinigay niyo sa aming mga bata. Sana marami pa kayong matulungan na bata. Ipinapanalangin ko po na bigyan ka pa nang maraming biyaya para patuloy kang magsuporta sa amin maraming salamat po maligayang pasko at manigong Bagong Taon.
Nagmamahal,
**** ****** **********
Ain’t that sweet? Well, you can never go wrong with personalized Christmas greetings.
It all started on my Birthday last August, now my friends are enthusiastically doing benefit shows for people in need. I may not be doing Stand Up Comedy nor singing my heart out infront of other people but I’ve always been a passionate supporter and promoter of their shows. Apart from being my friends, they are my idols when it comes to making people laugh.
Through them I learned that you can share your talent while lending a hand to less fortunate people. It may be tiring (I religiously attend Open Mic Nights!), but believe me.. it’s all worth it. Stress buster at its finest!
One of the recent shows that they did was I Helped Katrien Hear the Laughter.
Little Katrien, is a cute and talented girl with hearing problems. Her Mom practically does everything to raise funds for her operation.
Below are some of the photos from that night’s event.
November 28, 2009
Ditzy Diner, Quezon City
Poster (Di ako gumawa nyan) 
Ditzy!
Cutie Katrien
Katrien & Mom
Katrien & AC bangag
Benjie Tech
GB Labrador
Noel Gascon
Trian Lauang
Marcelle Fabie & his Magic
Raffy Taruc
Ryan Rems Sarita
Victor Anastacio
The crowd... and Victor's back
The crowd again
The jolly staff of Ditzy
The comics & I with Katrien & her Mom
God Bless you all!
For more photos, click HERE
Okay, So once again I am playing my usual role in my friends’ shows/events. Just so you know, I am their PR Chick. You know, someone who’s doing the promotions and blackmailing inviting people to come and watch especially those events for a cause. I’m fine with this, actually. Like I always say, it’s my favorite thing to do – be an advocate of goodwill.
Kidding aside, this post is an invitation for you, my dear friends/co-bloggers/readers.
Tomorrow night we’re going to have a show for my dear friend’s dear friend. He is Ninoy, their helper of a couple of years. As of this moment he’s fighting for his life at East Avenue Medical Center. He had a stroke and unfortunately, he’s in a critical condition. He’s the type of guy that you’d want to help because he has proven his loyalty and good heart to people around him. I have actually heard of his story and I got teary eyed.. however, I couldn’t compose a sensible post to tell you all about his story. Bottomline is, he deserves to be given this kind of attention. Help us all in praying for his survival..
Here’s an excerpt from my friend’s post:
This is a fundraiser to help a friend who suffered a severe stroke last Monday Oct 26, 2009.
Florencio “Ninoy” Cordova Jr.
We all do what we can to help a friend in need, I don’t have that much to aid him financially and this is the only way I know– how I can help.
With the help of my closest friends we will put on a show for Ninoy. We will have acoustic performances by Mr. Benjie Tech, Dave Hofer and yours truly along with performances of today’s rising stars of Stand Up Comedy Mr. Alex Calleja, Mr. Richie Fernandez, Sir Raffy Taruc, Ryan Sarita, Noel Gascon, Kel Fabie and a lot more.
This is a show fueled by love for friends and you can be part of this event by a mere donation of Php150.00
Thank you to everyone who’s helping me make this show happen! Jay-Ar of Ditzy Diner and the Purple Tree Peeps, Anna, Amae and the list goes on.
I hope to see everyone there. This will be a night full of music, laughter and love.
God Bless!
Please refer below for details (I know it’s kinda short notice, nevertheless, I still want to try my luck)
“Para sa Kaibigan” Wednesday Oct 28 @ Ditzy Diner 8pm (Php150 Donation). A night of Music (Acoustic Performers), Laughter (Stand Up Comics) and Love (You). Seneca Plaza Bldg. 1152 E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave. New Manila, QC Tel Nos.: 584-2979 / 414-4737.
For more details, you may PM me via Facebook, mobile (in case you have my number) and/or leave a comment here.
I hope to see you guys there!
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Another charity event coming up:
mio l mArt
Mio + my Art: A benefit concert + one stop showcasing PurePinoy Art dedicated to a 5-year old artist and cancer survivor.
November 13, 2009, 7PM onwards
Cafe La Carmela, 38 Jupiter St., Bel-Air, Makati City
Our friends, GB Labrador (it’s gonna be his debut performance as a professional.. ahem ahem.. singer???) and Glisten will perform along with other artists.
To know more about Mio, you may check this website.
Tara na! Instant EB to.. aaliwin ko pa kayo, pramis. Hahaha!
Thank you in advance!
God Bless you all!
Bound and Gagged
A Night of Magic, Comedy, Music and so much more.
October 23, 2009
PETA Theater, Eymard Drive
Quezon City
I was here last night. I enjoyed the show even if I didn’t get to finish it as I was starving to death (and headed off to Ditzy Diner during the intermission). Well, at least I was still able to watch our friend, Richie, do stand up comedy. Kaso suma-total: tumakas ako sa show. 
The show featured the comic duo host slash magician, Kel and Jay with guest performances from: the Philippines’ Premiere Ventriloquist Ony Carcamo and Ventrillusionist Wanlu; two comedians from the Comedy Cartel – winner of 2009’s Tawa ng Tawa Richie Fernandez and Mike Unson from TV 5’s Front Act; and bands like Giniling Festival (one of the coolest bands I’ve ever watched on stage) and Grin Department.
I don’t have much pictures to share though.. I wasn’t able to bring my camera. I just took a shot of our Pambansang Kamao (using my phone), none other than…
Pacman singing: Para sayo.. ang Vitwater na to.. ooohhhh.. Wapakkkkkman! LOL
Parang nakakaloko naman tawa ni Pacman dito
Too bad I wasn’t able to have our picture taken when he passed by my seat (I was starstruck — seriously )
One thing I liked about this show is that it’s a benefit show. As you all know, I’ve been supporting charity events as much as I can. Proceeds of this went to Real Life Foundation and to those who were affected by Ondoy.
It was really a FUN FUN NIGHT. Like I always say: Nag-enjoy ka na, nakatulong ka pa.
Looking forward to more events like this.
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…. mawawala ba naman ang party after the event? Of course, nanjan pa rin ang Friday bonding at Ditzy Diner. Too bad, Kel didn’t get to celebrate with us.. his phone was stolen. Sad. (Wala nga lang ako pictures, I wasn’t feeling well.. di nga ako nag-iinom eh — sa maniwala kayo at sa hinde. Yun na yata ang pinakamatinding temptation na mahirap labanan.. ang umaapaw na beer sa harap mo pero di ka makainom. Tsktsk. )
