Happy Christmas :)

Ever since my brothers and I became adults, our family never prepared much during Christmas Eve. Sometimes, it's because we don't have the luxury of time and energy to cook or even just buy something special. But most of the time, the reason was that we were rarely complete.

But this year, we just got the greatest news--- my brother Noel,who usually works during holidays, and my brother Albert who stays in a seminary in Baguio, would both be home for Christmas and New Year.

So even if we only had a simple Noche Buena and only had few gifts, the anticipation of being complete was more than enough to keep us smiling 'til January.

This was only part of the gifts and our Noche Buena, don't worry. :) 

And to cap off the night, we had a drinking session as a family. Mama had one glass of Black Label with Coke, I had two, while my brother finished everything that was left. 

By about 5 am in the morning on Christmas Day, Kuya Albert was already home. We woke up early to go to mass, went back home to welcome relatives and friends who came to visit us and then, we got ready for our Christmas dinner. 

Most of the restaurants were closed but luckily, Mesa, the modern Filipino-themed restaurant, was open! 

We had 7 different dishes, mostly seafood, rice and different drinks. It was such a sumptuous dinner that I didn't feel guilty that I ate too much! By the end of the night, we felt so warm, fuzzy and happy because we were so full. 

Hence, these crazy wacky photos. 

I am very thankful to God for letting me be a part of a family that fills my heart with so much joy and contentment. I am just amazed as to how they make a weekend seem like a long, crazy vacation. 

I love my family so much and I wouldn't ask for more. They're the best Christmas gift I have ever received. 

So I'd like to share the love I'm feeling right now. 

Merry, merry Christmas from our family to yours! 

December 12, 2011

           I spent my Sunday evening with Steve Morgan and hot cup of white chocolate dream latte. I tried so hard to be busy I didn't notice that by one in the morning, they were already closing the coffee shop. 

It's December 12. Everyone already packed their bags and left.The barista was already bringing the cups 

downstairs. The lights were dim and all I can hear was the janitor whistling a tune. 

I went down and stood in front of the door. I stared at the dark road and drowned myself in its silence. 

Half of me was happy to be out alone in a place we never knew together; my other half still wished you were here.

Planner for a Cause

     I finally got my 2012 Starbucks Planner yesterday at 8: 52 pm before I watched Happy Feet 2 with my brother and sister. I'm very grateful to Kuya Noel and Sir Josh for helping me get this. 

Some people may say that this planner's overrated and it's others people way to show that they are rich enough to buy 17 coffees worth 100 bucks or more each. But for me, it's been a wise decision getting this planner every year. Because aside from the fact that I just have to enjoy drinking my coffee to get this planner, I also get to help SparkHope, a charity that enriches children's live. 

So, kudos to Starbucks for helping other people for years and for making coffee lovers like me very happy. 

For THE Michael Josh Villanueva

Last Friday night, as you tried to put a red wig on my head, I fought the urge to cry. 

I suddenly remembered that April morning, I was at work and someone from the desk section told me I got a phone call. Clueless, I took the phone and it was you on the other line. You knew I had a fight with my dad and you told me to go upstairs to your office and tell you what happened. 

I told you I still had scripts to write so you went down to the newsroom to see me. That time, I didn't need tissues, you being there for me, and letting me cry while hugging you was more than enough. 

I never got to tell you how much I appreciate what you did, and how thankful I am for everything you've done for me, so here I am, being a coward and writing it all down instead of talking to you personally. 

You may not be my boss but I want you to know that I really look up to you. 

I admire how you work, how you love the people around you, how you stay strong despite of all the dilemmas you have. I admire how you love Team Awesome like they're your own kids. You are the best boss I've known. 

I admire how you love your friends like family, how you'd come to the newsroom, see a friend then hug them right there and then. 

And I am thankful that even if you've only met me for a year, you've treated me like I'm your good, old friend. You've been like a brother to me. 

You are such a great person that's why I don't get it why some people treat you so badly. 

But I just want you to know that you don't have mind them anymore. They don't deserve any of your time or emotion. They're like dark clouds but you're like the sun, and you'll always shine no matter what happens.

For the next few days, it would really be hard not seeing you and hearing you talk or laugh but I'll just always smile at the thought that you finally got that fresh new start that you so deserve.

I'll always be here for you, Sir Josh, whenever and if ever you'll need me.

I am very grateful that I met you in this lifetime. I'm sure I'll never meet another you or even someone like you.

You're incomparable and irreplaceable.

Thank for everything and cheers for more moments together!

You truly deserve all the happiness and love in the world.


Love,
The ever innocent Apple

Steve Morgan

Saved up for him for 1 year and 7 months. 

And finally, I got him last October 25, 2011. 

Around 6 in the evening at Digital Hub, Vira Mall, Greenhills. 

Thank you sir Charlie and sir Josh for helping me get my baby. 

Now, I'd like you all to meet Steve Morgan. 

And we've been falling in love with each other everyday. 

P.S. Alex, you'll always be loved and remembered. 

He

He knows who I am. With just one look, he knows if I’m elated or sad. And when he looks deep within my eyes, he clearly sees right through me.

He’s aware as how simple life is for me. How a late night stroll around his school with him would make me happy and how losing my ID for even just a few hours could make me upset.

He loved me just as I am. Before all those makeup, parties, dresses and success, he was there with me.

He understands me more than I could ever understand myself.

He was always there through the best and worst times. No matter what happened, he was there for me, listening to me and caring for me.

He was always himself when he was with me. No pretensions or exaggerations, and I gladly fell for him for who he is, and will fall for him for whoever he will be.

He let me in his life. He trusted me with his heart and loved me when I almost though that he shut himself from love. He knew in his heart that I love him sincerely that’s why he let me love him just as I wanted and could.

For all these and for countless things I could never put into words, I love him.  

Working with Danger

At the strike of twelve or even earlier, our team leaves the newsroom everyday bringing our equipment, gadgets, and our fear and excitement for another episode waiting to unfold.

Yes, I'm one of the writers/producers sent out everyday for Jiggy Manicad's new program, GMA News TV Quick Response Team. We go out of our comfort zones everyday to help the best field reporter get the freshest and biggest news and serve it to our audience.

I admit working on remote isn't easy. My parents are a bit worried and my brother clearly disagrees with what I do.  I understand that he just really cares for me but I love what I'm doing.

I may have felt sick and tired, been squished or toasted alive but I'm happy. I'm grateful that I get to be with a team that is eager to learn and give our audience a great and exciting episode everyday. I'm grateful that I get to learn from them and from one of the best reporters in our country. And I'm very happy to be of service to people.

Yes I know, it's dangerous but I'm willing to take the risk because all the fear and excitement that I feel everyday feeds my hunger for adventure and fulfillment.

I'm ready to embrace this job and I hope God continues to give me the strength and will to survive everyday.