What most people don't really know.

Trainings. More Fun in the Philippines

One of the many reasons I'm sticking with what I do... I love LOVE love the trainings :)

lollygagger
I'll zip my lips now.

Andy-ing Devotion

Every once in a while, a new discovery comes up and it becomes the latest craze that everyone can't stop talking about. Let me share the Xian Lim craze a.k.a. Andy Wu in My Binondo Girl. There actually came a time in the office when everyone's Skype profile was him, and everyone - Director of Sales included - would go home early to catch it on TV!

MBG has ended already, but I still can't help but smile whenever I see remnants of the Xian Lim craze that haunted the office. At a recent visit to the doctor, I was flipping through a local magazine and came across the "stars to watch out for" section. Who else could be in it but our young Xian? ;-)

lollygagger
I'll zip my lips now.

Two Months to Go...Leggo!

1:05 AM
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My sister is getting married in two months' time. I'm not sad, mad or feeling anything quite near those sentiments. In fact, I'm extremely happy she's finally settling down. I'll miss her when they leave for Malaysia though. But let's just say - I gained a new brother...and a new place to stay in Petaling Jaya ;-)

lollygagger
I'll zip my lips now.

The Ultimate Goal

12:53 AM
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I believe firmly in dream diaries, in writing down the things you want so badly, and in praying fervently for something you wish for. I have had a lot of instances in my life when I have written down goals or wishes for the future that I simply left in a forgotten notebook as I went on with my life. Although you don;t think that much about it, the wish is always a nagging thought at the back of your mind. And in the end, eventually, you realize it only when it finally comes true.

I am currently reading a travel blog whose author is based in Paris, and I realize - I ~~want~~ ~~need~~ ~~MUST~~ by hook or by crook go to Paris in this lifetime :)

lollygagger
I'll zip my lips now.

Birthday Surprises

7:35 AM
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Birthdays, they don't come by everyday ;) But when they do, and people do something out of the ordinary for you - it makes you feel extra special.

Thank you to all the well-wishers, and the people who made this day so much more meaningful :)

lollygagger
I'll zip my lips now.

Sinulog Weekends

7:15 AM
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This post is waaaayy overdue. My colleagues from Manila were still way too traumatized to go on another sinulog adventure since that unfortunate sinulog event last year. So Yvonne, Van and I decided to have a Sinulog sleepover at my house instead! - where all we did was laze around and watch cartoons, series and movies.

Here are a few excerpts from our TV marathon, pancit canton dinner, fireworks-viewing and finally retiring to bed as we had to go to work bright and early that monday.
Sinulog Sleepovers. Can't wait for next year! :)

lollygagger
I'll zip my lips now.

All Aboard!

12:47 AM
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And again, one of the many perks of being an employee of a five-star hotel. Here's to more sunset cruises... This is the life! :)

lollygagger
I'll zip my lips now.

Sick Leave Blues

3:06 AM
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Away on sick leave...

I'm flipping through the channels and cannot seem to find anything interesting to watch. I came across the Disney Channel just in time for the start of the Phineas and Ferb cartoon. I haven't heard their opening song yet, so I got quite a chuckle over the catchy tune and the fun lyrics. I got so entertained by the song that I actually googled it and even went as far as blog about it :D

There's 104 days of summer vacation
And school comes along just to end it
So the annual problem for our generation
Is finding a good way to spend it

Like maybe...
Building a rocket
Or fighting a mummy
Or climbing up the Eiffel Tower

Discovering something that doesn't exist
Or giving a monkey a shower
Surfing tidal waves
Creating nanobots
Or locating Frankenstein's brain

Finding a dodo bird
Painting a continent
Or driving your sister insane

As you can see
There's a whole lot of stuff to do
Before school starts this fall

So stick with us 'cause Phineas and Ferb
Are gonna do it all
So stick with us 'cause Phineas and Ferb are
Gonna do it all!

Hahahaha =D

lollygagger
I'll zip my lips now.

Back of the House

1:40 AM
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In the Hospitality industry, and as I believe exists in all other fields, we have those personnel known as the following people:

A. Front of the House - meaning those whose job involves concentrating on providing for the needs of external customers
B. Back of the House - those people you don't necessarily see, but are there and are involved in supporting the activities of the front people.

In one of our latest trainings in the Hotel, we were given the chance to recognize our hidden heroes, who in one way or another, have helped us in any way.

Stickers from training

Hidden Hero nomination sheet.

Just made me think... Everyday, we meet a lot of people who unexpectedly go out of their way to help us. These people may think what they did was menial, but it might have meant a lot for us.

So let me ask - How about you? Who's your hidden hero? :)

lollygagger
I'll zip my lips now.

Hola!

6:48 AM
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One of the perks of working in a five-star hotel - apart from the training and the experience you gain - are the following:

1. food
2. fooood
3. FOOOOOD!!!! :)

Here are a few excerpts from my latest trainings-slash-eating activities...

CHEF'S TABLE

We have one GREAT Executive Chef! And he came up with this great program to expose all his trainees - especially those at lower positions - to challenge their artistry and culinary mastery. He came up with the Chef's Table program, where a theme of the week is given, and a neophyte cook is given a chance to showcase his cooking prowess. He/she will then, serve to us who have no talent whatsoever in cooking - but end up making a lot of comments over their masterpieces. See a few dishes our "junior" masterchefs came up with during my Chef's Table duty.

Theme of the week: SPANISH!

Appetizer: Grilled vegetables and manchego cheese ^^

Main Course: Salmon fillet and paella negra

Of course, the Spanish meal would not have been complete without the specialty beverage: SANGRIA in the middle of the day! LOL

To top it all off...Dessert was: Pecan tart, cinnamon churros with honey, and Crema Catalan - which my officemate Cass has dubbed "is what creme brulee wants to be when it grows up"!

CHHEEEESSSSEEE!!!

I am a self-confessed cheese lover!!! So imagine my JOY when last week's chef training was all about - CHEESE!

Gouda, blue, feta, gruyere, brie, camembert, parmesan and the rest of the lot. But somehow, I still prefer my good old supermarket-bought Cheesemelt in a box! :)

FOODTASTING

A few yumyum treats from my most current foodtastings

COCKTAIL TASTING
Encouraged by my boss to learn a bit about the cocktails we serve.
Chambord and molecular drinks with Yvonne! :)

'Till the next few trips to the Chef's table!!!! :)

lollygagger
I'll zip my lips now.

Lea wants to start a travel blog!!!

5:19 AM
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Yes, the title of this post says it all..

What they say is true. That once you start something, it spurs you on to do more!
This said, I'd like to mark the start of my travel blog!

I'd have to find all the old pictures first, so let me start with... Indonesia 2010! :)

lollygagger
I'll zip my lips now.