Memoir of a Monican HS Batch 91

My Sta. Monica days are simply described as such:

Elementary Years: 1984-1987

I was called a "Newbie" and the new girl on the block when I was a transferee from a Catholic School in Manila to a small private school in Baao. I automatically became a member of the "cool" kids, teachers were appreciative of my academic standing, my behavioral trait was awarded and I was having a great time - the only hassle was, it took me a while before I could speak the native dialect which most of my friends thought was great because they also speak Tagalog whenever with me.

...Now here's the bummer:

Before the award ceremony that I was supposed to accept the "Most Behave student", my beloved teacher told me that I was not getting it and I had to give way to a classmate who's been a benefactor to the school and on top of this frustration... I was informed that according to the other teacher who seemed to be "not so fond of me" that time... she told my section teacher that I was not that generous to her in terms of gifts and etc. Yeahh... tell me about it... I was such a Victim of a young age of what you call a "Teacher's Autocracy"!

But hey.. this thing is what you can call : Charge to Experience!

...On being a Gangster....

Little did I know that in grade four there were two powerful gangs present that time. One group was headed by DAD and the other was manned by MP. I was informed that if I need to be "In" in the group, I had to be a member. I was compelled to choose to be with DAD as I was in the same section with her.

All members had one important rule to follow: Once DAD was about to enter the campus, somebody had to take and carry her school bag and the same thing when leaving the school ground. Lucky me... I was only assigned to send Love Letters to the man of her dreams. I was so proud of my stint because I always knew what's the latest when it comes to the "love boat" and I got to be kilig as well.

...The highlight....

With my academic standing doing good and being the declaimer in Elementary, I always got attention and being assigned to be a leader of team projects, school activities and other perks you get once you're "kind-of" belong to the "Astig" kuno. Ha ha ha!

....And now the Sucker....

In grade six, I finally had my first Crush.. yeah girls.... I was a bit curious at this time regarding matters of the heart.. he he he.. I saw my first crush... PT - a Senior in HS. In my young eyes, I could see him with these traits:


Nice & Kind - He was assign to do a volunteer stint in our class for Religion in an hour once a week. He always made an effort to make us enjoy the class with a lot of stories and singing.

Dashing - The Moreno look and the killer smile!

I knew for a fact that a little girl will always just a "Naneng" to him.. I had to SUCK the idea to call him "Kuya" even though our families are never related, but because he and his friends were once close to my Aunts and Uncles that time.



High School Years : 1987-1991

...The Teasers.....

Our first year in High School was pure excitement because we now go to the rooms /bldgs. where HS can only go... wow.. that was cool....but also because we were officially wearing a long sleeve blouse.. what a changed! (ha ha ha). It was also such a tease because we had "newbies" that came from different school within Baao. I remember we had to peak to different rooms just to check the looks of those new batch mates. If I remember their names correctly, here's a list of some of those pretty and cutie newbies...(both freshman & sophomore)

Bella Romualdo and her sister Rosalinda , Gilma Bravo, Ruby Bricia, Reihnard Bracia, Gerry Glenn Servino, Aireen Explana, and Joy Fajardo

I knew that there were more .. I just remembered those names that I thought were the ones that stand out.. (for me lang naman)

...On being the Champ....

Sophomore was one of our best years... we won the first place in Cheer leading competition that first happened in SMA (inda sana so mga unang batches kadto). We thought we never had a chance as we did not know what to do and we did not have any funds to hire a coach like the Juniors that time who had help from the cutie Seminarista from Naga.

It was our very own Mr. Salvadora who encouraged us to be self-sufficient and to use our own creativity as he said our batch was one of the artistic, talented and resourceful students in SMA... and so we did. We wrote our Gigs... and for some miracle.. it was a team effort of the whole batch of 1991 that made our presentation the best.. we had the Sophies' Gymnastic group performing at the very back , The "Rappers" courtesy of Julius Penas and Delfin Barrachina and the rest volunteered to do all the props and etc...

I was awarded the best Cheer Leading Captain and our group received a Cash price which we used to fund our Victory Party at Centeno's La Medalla Farm... It was so much fun!

...The Brat...

Junior was a cloud nine for me because I was a fave of one of my teacher... I was always asked to read and explain the El Fili chapter (tama ba? El Fili a 3rd yr? - whatever di ko rumrom so usad) kaya to the point na I wish I'll be in her class on my Senior year.. this segment is to be continued...

On being bratty... I was asked by my BF then to be his CAT Sponsor, so when it was time for me to pick a dress and shoes.. it took me forever to choose what I wanted. BF and me (with chaperon) went to Naga to buy me shoes and I was happy to find one at Robertson, there was no other options that time. However, picking up a dress that will fit in the "theme" was such an ordeal.. (lalo na aarkilawon sana man.. ha ha ha)... we went to Iriga and found none.

My BF that time being such a gentleman and spoiler.. was so supportive. One time, we went that far to PILI (without a chaperon this time) to look for that specific dress. I tried several outfits and finally got what I like not knowing that it was getting late and realize that there were no jeepneys anymore going to Baao so we waited for a Bus from Naga. We came back to Baao at around seven P.M. and guess what had happened? Both sides were waiting for us in the house - katakot-takot na sermon inabot namo just for the heck of getting the dress!

... The trial for the Homo Genius Class...

Senior year was such a blur as I guess everybody was trying to dream about college. Most of us were busy taking exams to different schools and talking about non-stop comparisons on which one is best. However, there were two specific situations that I could not forget.

1. When we were at CSSAC to take our NCEE I passed out and collapsed during the last hour of the exam. Everybody was so concern if I was able to finish my test and if not... I may not be able to get a satisfactory grade to be accepted to a good University. When the school was releasing the result of the exams I was not into getting mine as I do not want to be frustrated and get embarrassed... did I have choice? none.. so there I went to the Admin office and a teacher handed mine with a sorry face. All my closest friend were quiet and waiting for my reaction... as soon as I opened the card.. I gave them the saddest face they ever saw of me... and showed them a score of 90.. yes, would you believe that??? I passed it with flying colors!

2. Since I was a fave in 3rd year of this nice Teacher, I was so frustrated when I had to go to St. Martin. Being so gutsy and naughty, I went to see the principal and asked for a transfer.

This was what she told me: Joanna my dear, are you not glad to be in the "Homo Genius" class? This is the first year that we are trying to consolidate the top 40 (top 20 girls & top 20 boys) among the graduating class. I know you want to be under with your favorite teacher - but look, hers is section 2 so go now my child.

I left the Principal's office with a big question mark in my head - what a B*** S****!

There you go my fellow Monicans.. I hope the stories you read brought back some memories of yours... and now it is your turn to share it with the rest of us...

Bottom line is - I am proud to be a MONICAN!

"My list of must haves"

For some reason, every person has their own list of things that they can't live without or simply said - a list of their "must haves" that they need to bring with them wherever they go.

These things could be as silly as could be but of course makes life fun and light. For me, adding humor to each categories are just for silliness' sake... because "Life is so Good" that I do not want to miss the fact that people buy or acquire things impulsively in a not so practical manner but also a sort of emotional therapy when they get hit by the " down in the dumps".

1. Electronic Gadgets for the Techie-Geek

2. Expensive accessories for the Fashion Victim (he he he)

3. Memorabilia for the Antique Collectors

4. Journals and writing instruments for both Legitimate Writers and Frustrated ones

5. Beauty and Body Kits for the Vain Population

6. Junk Foods and Sweets for Bored and Depressed

7. Books for the Bookworm and Entertainment Magazines for the Gossip Aficionados

8. Travel & Outdoor gears for the Nomads and the Outdoor Enthusiasts

10. Healthy Food Magazine subscriptions for the Anorexic (ha ha ha - can't help it because I am a lover of Food!)

11. Tobacco for the Pot Heads or "Stoners" and Liquors for the Alcoholic

I know that there a lot more categories that I can't think of ... but one thing for sure, I have my own list of must haves that I think are essentials for my everyday activities. You can identify me with any of the categories above.. but I care less.. it's my fun stuff!

There should always be a bottle of wine in the house - it's a rule! It's always nice to have a glass of wine after a hectic days at work, relaxing and bonding with my husband, watching a movie, doing work in the computer, and chatting through FB! Life is Good!

My Laptop and my 8 GB USB are one of the most important things in my list. It has all the personal files, pictures, documents, work projects, and of course for checking email messages. Imagine if I can't chat in FB- life would be devastating!

My Address book/Journal is always in my purse wherever I go. All the contact information of Family, Friends and Business associates are all written in this book with full details from home address, cellphone & land line numbers, and email addresses. I also write down things that I need to remember for the following day after a meeting, child's important activities, bills to pay, birthday parties to attend, and a lot more.

How could I exist without saying a prayers (no matter how short) everyday? This little Prayer book sits in my bedside table in the bedroom and in my purse when I travel. This was given to me as a present by Maritess Tantoco, the youngest daughter of Bienvenido Tantoco (Patriarch of the Rustans Group of companies) after a buying trip in Paris, France. The book was published by a Priest in Manila, who is her friend and said to be meant for the Busy and Career oriented people.

I was never been a person who likes wearing lipstick because of its sticky feel and smell of most of them. However, after I tried the above Lipstick cum Lip gloss - suddenly I became a fanatic of it that I always stock up with my three favorite colors and flavors. They only measure 1 1/2" in height, so cute and small that it fits to the smallest cosmetic purse you could bring in parties or events.

They are made from Fruit Nutrients that taste fruity and yummy when you happen to lick it, gives you a little sheen to make your lips always moist and full, they have the most Natural effect that you almost do not look like you are wearing a lipstick, and on top of it all, it looks good on any skin colors ( I have a Morena skin and I am loving the looks of it in my lips).

My fave shades are : Toffee Caramel (left), Rosy Pink (middle), Watermelon (right)

Pairing your luscious lips with the right shades of foundations and blushes are crucial. I am enjoying these products (same brand of my mini lipsticks) a lot. Very light and projects a natural look. I use a Powder Buff foundation in Honey shade , Hush Baby for my blush, and Pressed Powder (also in Honey shade) that blocks the oil and grease in your face but definitely won't clog in your pores.

Oh yeah... my pampering stuff... a combination of these two after bath... lotion and body mist in Moonlight Path scent available in Bath and Body Works. It smells heaven!

This is a 6 yrs. old Chanel sunglasses but it still rocks! I got this in a discounted price when I had the chance to visit the factory of Luxottica Group in Agordo Italy. I can no longer indulge in an expensive pair of sunglasses now a days because of 2 top reasons - being a Mom, there are more important needs to be taken cared of specifically when it comes to children's education - and the other reason is - hay maarbor sana! (amo na sadi di natutuda kanako.. so iba naarbor sana ka mga ngod and pinsan ko sadto Baao, ha ha ha).

This carry-on bag is good for my everyday work days. I can put inside my laptop, presentation folder, Business notepad, address book, and others. I always carry this with me during business and pleasure trip.

Font view and side view of the Black Banana Republic Pump. This shoes is best to use for any business meeting and nigh time occasion. It is made of suede material which projects formal if worn with a suit & a little black dress or casual-chic paired with a skinny dark jeans and evening tops.

This patent blue Max Mara bag is user friendly to me. It has a detachable straps that can turn it to a glamorous clutch. I bring it with me in a girls' lunch date during daytime , date dinner at night or even in a cocktail party by removing its strap. I love this bag!

Ballerina flats became such a hype. I have it in several colors (Black, Bloody Red, Brown, Pink and Apple Green). This white Bandolino flat is my fave because it is the most comfortable of all. I wear it with jeans and a simple top and can do all my errands or airport trip in nice and comfy strides.

I got these Majorica set during my buying trip in Barcelona Spain, where the Majorica office is located. They are perfect for a formal business meeting paired with a tailored black suit or could be as dainty and feminine worn with an evening dress for a party or date dinner.

On top is my favorite killer Balmain accessories that I use to a Girls' night out or gimmik. This makes me feel stunning in skinny dark jeans, nice pump, and a tube top. The light glitters brought by the earrings and the ring make your outfit chic and fab no matter how simple it could be.

I have a fetish of collecting nice watches, this is my favorite. It is a 7 yrs. old Raymond Weil watch, which I bought in Cannes, France during the TFWA convention. I am lucky to be able to keep some of the few expensive and nice ones which I acquired right at the time when priorities and obligations still allowed me to.

My ultimate must have... my snacks! I like snacking on Sky Flakes with Swiss Cheese and a bottle of Lipton Green Tea.

Above movies has been watched a lot of times. I bring the DVD with me to watch while waiting for a flight, in a hotel room or to watch in the house if time permits. These fave movies of mine have a similar stories that do not only make you kilig but also make you realize that love indeed has its own miracles and sacrifices.

There are probably more things that I believe I should include in my list, but at the moment, those above are what I could think of.

"Meet the F.A.R.M.ers"

F.A.R.M. Bracelets
Chic. Bold. Fabulous

Who started all the buzz and who became a fan?
These bracelets are chic, colorful, funky, glam and fabulous. They are rurally made from Baao, Camarines Sur, a small town that produced hundreds of talented people in their own different fields. They are the proud Baaoenos!

Let us meet Manay B, the creator of these hand crafted bracelets

An Artist, Passionate, Beautiful, Creative, and Smart. She is a friend
to many and a sister to few. She attracts positive views and knows how to
have fun, she dares to be bold and she challenges boredom through her
unwavering passion for doing things to make Baao one of the coolest place.

The F.A.R.M bracelets are now being handed and passed on to one woman to another. For the most part, these women who became such a huge fan are raised and a native of Baao. They speak of the bracelets as they created it by themselves, they adore each design, they flaunt it as if they are the most expensive piece of jewelry, they speak of it highly because they know in their heart that the hands who made belong to a new found friend to all of them.

"Let us meet the F.A.R.M. Girls"

Jane Barcenas-Bisuna. Susan Brigola-Nygard. Teresa De Los Santos. Yayet Bricia-Requintina. Weng Bricia-Briones. Gladys Barrameda-Sadang. Joan Judy Arroco-Darnayla. Mitch Batac-Menor.


*There are several facts that they have in common*

Raised and proud to be from Baao.
Beautiful. Gorgeous. Fun. Smart. Likable. Friendly. Witty. Desirable.
Mother. Wife. Sister. Daughter. Friend.

They are all the fabulous women who are now enjoying the beauty of being a F.A.R.M. ers. They are an avid fan of the bracelets and most of all a friend of Manay B.

There a lot more who are now spreading the word of the new found GLAM, and there will be more who can’t wait to get their own collections…

… I for one is anxious that my time is running slow to have my own….

Manay B, can I also be one of those F.A.R.M. Girls too?
(I am just a girl who also wants to have fun)

A Date To Remember

Imperial Fez Resto - Located in Peachtree Street in Atlanta, GA.

This picture was taken June of 2006 , a weekend get away that Tracy planned for my late birthday celebration. I remember my husband surprised me with an email of the reservation details of Hotel, Museum Visits, and Dinner in several Fine Dining Resto in Atlanta.

My favorite of all the places we went to eat was the Imperial Fez ( a Moroccan inspired Resto with a 2 hours of food and entertainment of sexy belly dancers). I guess it reminded me of the five (5) years living in Casablanca, Morocco from 1999-2004, during my working contract in this country. I was able to travel the whole of Morocco, neighboring countries like France (Cannes and Paris), Italy (Florence, Milan, Venice, Como), Spain (Barcelona and Madrid) and Germany. I was on top of my career as a MM/Buyer for High-End Fashion Brands and of course the non-stop pampering and enjoyment with friends and co-workers.

Oh well, gone are those free business trips, but memories are still fresh and I miss it. One thing for sure though, I love looking at this picture and knowing that I have such a wonderful husband who is my best friend, my lover, and my partner in everything.

Furniture Layout - Unit III

I am screwed! I still have 3 projects pending that I am trying to work on with my Unit II - Drafting class that needs to be turned in by 2nd week of March. They already sent me my Unit III - Furniture Layout textbooks, projects and tools last Friday afternoon.

I need to do something and be more pro-active otherwise, I can't make it to my deadline for my unit II which is due 2nd week of this month.

Oh my, my... what a school life!

Twilight Sequel

November 2008:

Two days after Thanksgiving, we went to Books-A-Million in downtown Nashville, TN area to kill time after family and relatives went back to their own hometown. We spent the whole thanksgiving weekend at Nashville (Dad-In-Law house) - 2 days after the Family Dinner was over. (where salivating foods were served from different Casseroles, Dressing, Sweets, and of course the famous Turkey) it was impossible to keep the high energy and excitement... although being a couch potato hours-of-hours in front of a TV watching movies will give you full entertainment at some point, but there will be time where something needs to be changed to challenge the boredom.

We opted for a downtown walk, had a nice brunch and got laid back in a book shop where we could browse and kill time at the same time. As soon as we enter the shop, we saw a jaw-dropping, high stack of Black Books in the middle of the bookstore. Women of all ages were flocking into it, picking up one book at a time, and buying them in set of four. It amazed me in particular and got curious - because I am a sucker of good Vampire movie such as Interview with a Vampire and the original movie of the The Lost Boys.

I was not aware on the Twilight buzz as well as my in-laws and husband - the only person among the family that would not stop talking about it was my husband's 20 years old cousin Olivia who is in college. She showed us her laptop where she saved a specific website for all the avid fans of the Twilight Sequel and was in total shocked that women from ages 9 to late 50's are members of the group and constantly sharing their opinions about the books, movie, Twilight actors/cast members, Summit entertainment (the maker of the movie), book's author, and any recent news about Twilight.

One Friday night last December 2008, my hubby and I went to see a movie after work since my Mom-In-Law was keeping our son that time. We took aside our mid 30's habit and office looks and jumped into washed jeans, sweatshirt and sneakers - and oh boy , how nice to be so comfy and back into your teeny bopper memories.... Twilight movie (cute & interesting), popcorn, sodas and of course M&M with Peanuts.

After watching the movie, I got into this big time curiosity of thinking how different the movie is from the novel. I kept on trying to buy the books but every time I plan on it, something always came up that I never had the chance to get it. Also, for comfort reason, when I feel like reading a book, I could always find something interesting to read from my husband's collections - so what the heck!

Tracy loves books. He has a massive collection of Art Books ( a Chinese chest holding a complete selection of expensive art books of his favorite artists), books about different countries/cultures, have an addiction to bid on ebay for a first edition or collector's novel books, his Law reference books, and others. With his books already stack neatly in the book shelves in our bedroom, office room, self-standing chest - I obviously has no room for any of mine - he always teases me on when I will going to pick up a book that I like to read and keep so I can get my own chest too and start collecting. (I guess a side table drawer in the bedroom is all I can use anytime at a pretty much substantial amount of time)

One day, Tracy, my husband, got tired of hearing my excuses and went home from work with the 4 books of the Twilight sequel. He said: " there you go sweetie, your first collection".

As soon as I got my hand on the first sequel, I could not stop and finished the 4 books in 3 weeks.

I enjoyed reading them but my favorite is the Twilight. The four books will be waiting for my teen daughter, YAYE as soon as she arrives here with us middle of this year. It will be sitting on top of her side table in her bedroom and surely, she will love it too.

F.A.R.M. Bracelets - More Pictures

* Fun & Playful colors

* Bright and powerful in shades of RED

* Refreshing and Cool in shades of Green

*Adorable Bracelets in different colors and button designs.

There you go my dearest, enjoy the luxury of looking at those pretty, funky and fabulous F.A.R.M. Bracelets.