define valet

search online and one of the definitions you'll run into is this:
"Parking arrangements provided by a commercial establishment, such as a restaurant, whereby patrons leave their cars at the entrance and attendants park and retrieve them."


bottomline it is an extra service for added convenience to avoid the hassles of having to find your own parking space in a commercial area. Apparently, our idea is different than those in MOA. If you tell someone who had to put up with a 2hour traffic, rounded up the place twice already to look for a parking space and is running late for an event that they can try another "valet area" since the one you queued up for is already full, you're pretty sure to get somebody pissed off. This is especially if that someone came across an empty parking lot reserved for valet parking and the guard at the area referred you to the exact place telling you that it's already full. Don't even try to argue that if the two valet areas are not separate how would you know where your car is parked. That's BS! When you're availing the service you don't care where it's parked! You leave your keys, they park it for you and when you're ready to leave, you pay the bill and they get it for you!

Also if somebody is already irritated with the "complicated" system that deviates from the normal or generally accepted idea asks a question make sure to get back at them when you can't give them an answer right away. Don't leave them hanging!

Make sure to put up signs to indicate where the line is and if it is full so people are not misled.

Follow these and you don't have to deal with angry people with raised voices requesting as a last resort to file a complaint.

That was exactly what happened to us at MOA for the John Mayer concert. I am still frustrated with how they do things but feel sorry for those who had to take the beating from us. They were kind enough to put up with us and it's sad that should we have filed a complaint they are most likely the ones to suffer consequences when in fact it is the system that we are complaining about. I sure hope they simplify things and put more order into it. My brother thinks the organizers of the concert are partly to blame as well.

10.10.10

so while others decided to make 10.10.10 all the more memorable by marrying their special someone or participating in civic-related activities, my brother and I decided to participate in HSBC's promo.

to kick off my day, I finally jogged again with my sister at the UP Acad Oval. I just love jogging there especially on Sundays when all four lanes are open for joggers and bikers. We didn't last though so after a little over an hour we found ourselves in Mcdo frontera verde eating breakfast. ZCM was about to get another car wash at Big Bert's since we were already in the area after trying to convince my sister. But the queue was long and I couldn't get my sister to wait any longer so we left and headed home anyway. On one hand, I was also anxious to find out whether or not I won my first ever Ebay bid. Whether or not it was a successful transaction remains to be seen when my friend gets the item on my behalf...  This venture deserves another entry altogether. Obviously, at this point, I've already forgotten the HSBC promo I was looking forward to if not for a text from a friend. When I tuned in, it was already too late as apparently it was only for an hour and it already takes around 10 minutes just to get to the main roads from where we're at. But the catch amongst all these is that one of the participating stations was at J. Vargas! It's just about 500 meters or less from where Big Bert's is! If I had gotten the car wash, I would have probably been able to gas up at Caltex for just 10/liter. never mind that I almost never gas up at Caltex and I have consumed more or less just 15 liters (max is 30 liters). It's a pity but not one of those things you'd feel too bad for a long time.

flashback the night before, my brother's GRP fuel indicator is flashing. He doesn't have much cash so he'll just gas up with what he can spare, 100. I chipped in an extra 100 but of course it didn't do much. What am I getting at here? Well, obviously my brother who is still a student doesn't have much cash to spare to allow him to get a full tank considering that his card has expired and he's yet to receive its replacement.

When he wakes up and finds out how true the promo is, he figures he needs it. I was not feeling well enough even to drive a stick so I just went along with him to lend him my card. thanks to twitter we got a tip on one of the sites. It seems many people still underestimate the power of twitter but heck, it's real time and word sure spreads fast! Actually, I think we were also just darn resourceful because there was just only three tweets that said something about the station being a potential promo site. I think we got there an hour before it was set to kick off and boy it was craazy out there. I kind of feel for the organizers who had to deal with the added pressure of the news leakage. It was fun though. We didn't get into too much trouble for nothing and though we had to wait for almost two hours, GRP got its taste of a full tank. 39 liters of Caltex Gold for just 700+. And since its caltex and HSBC you still get a rebate. Cool huh? even though I am not the one who benefited from the cheap gasoline, I am having second thoughts at giving up my HSBC. Those kinds of promos make you think twice.

Now I wonder, what's in store for citibank cardholders? I am not one yet but it seems like it's a race for enticing promos and freebies among the different credit card companies. I am pretty sure it was an effective campaign for HSBC considering the stations they chose are "strategic" areas if you consider the demographics and it's probably a matter of time when one of the other credit card companies launches their own gimmick. I hope BPI comes up with a good one though. But as much as I hate to say it although I am not liking the "perks" from BPI so far, I would probably stick with them though... if they grant my application once  I decide to get a skymiles card...

playing dress up...

like i said, I like dressing up... if only I have the money, sense+style, courage and reason to... nevertheless, here's one of those rare moments I felt brave enough to wear a dress...

simple but boy it felt good. I guess a little confidence goes a long way because I thought I carried it pretty well. Never mind though the way I smiled on the bottom left. By the way, my curls suit me don't you think? although it's starting to look limp and straight...

can't get enough of...

first was the le pliage... now shoes!

let's start with the le pliage, first it was just mere curiosity until it gradually became an addiction. I would spend so many hours hopping from one site to another looking, liking, disliking the price etc. Since, I didn't really get myself anything yet for my birthday, I figured I might as well get myself one. And then I spent more hours looking for the  size, color and price combination that suits me fine... I did manage to find a reasonable one but I'm still waiting if that risk I took will pay off... *fingers crossed* hopefully they're not frauds

now, after having scored that stella luna heels at just 2k, I want more!!! especially the pumps with a satin bow... but darn, they are way out of my budget (as it is I'm already over budget) or price I'd like to spend on a pair of sandals/shoes. BUT heck I can't stop thinking about them. All of a sudden I remembered the Charles and Keith pumps/slingbacks I have that are waiting to be replaced. You suddenly find yourself justifying and finding reasons to want (or more like have) to buy more. This is even after I've told myself I would not buy any more. For someone like me, (I don't claim to be up there just right in the middle), I think I've already purchased more than what is necessary for this year. Now, I also want a melissa lady dragon and an espadrilles (suenodespadrilles). I ran into espadrilles at Greenbelt 5 and was ready to get myself one until I saw the price. (I was in a way wanting to get myself one) It was 4k more than what I was willing to spend. Goodness! Why am I running into these brands? I should stick with the old ones so I don't get wide-eyed and drool like this! Maybe, other brands have similar styles and I should probably get it from there. But the lady dragon and stella luna... tsk! guess I'll have to keep on dreaming (and maybe praying that they'd have some sort of price drop or something)... but it's looking like the target is to get myself a slingback, pump and an espadrilles-ish like wedge by the end of the year most likely from another (cheaper) brand... good luck to me! hahaha

arigatou subarashiki sekai!

what makes a birthday memorable and happy?

a fancy celebration?

making wishes?

receiving gifts?

blowing candles?

people remembering?

meeting that special someone?

maybe

but ultimately it's when friends and family make you feel loved. Thanks much!

I was not looking forward to celebrating this year. I didn't want add another year just yet-not until i find/meet that special someone. I didn't want to count the days. I was not mindful of the days intentionally. And in the end, because there were no expectations or anything, the simplest of things all added up and gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling inside. thank you Lord for all the blessings! thank you Lord for family, friends, acquaintances, and even the trivial things... 

I have to be patient and understand that it might not yet be the time for the one I've been hoping, praying and craving for... but You showed me even without that I can be happy. still i must say, I hope someday soon... whenever that would be... :)

In another part of the globe it still is my birthday... Arigatou Subarashiki Sekai!

silver +1 now =)

Does anybody know how to hold my heart?

can't wait for Sara B's new album! :) i like king of anything and hold my heart so far... :)

Hold My Heart

I never meant to be the one to let you down
If anything, I thought I saw myself going first
I didn't know how to stick around
How to see anybody but me be getting hurt

I keep remembering the summer night
And the conversation breaking up the mood
I didn't want to tell you you were right
Like the season changing, oh, I felt it too

Does anybody know how to hold my heart
How to hold my heart?
'Cause I don't want to let go, let go, let go too soon

I want to tell you so before the sun goes dark
How to hold my heart
'Cause I don't want to let go, let go, let go of you

I'm not the kind to try to tell you lies
But the truth is you've been hiding from it too
I see the end sneaking in behind your eyes
Saying everything no words could ever do

Does anybody know how to hold my heart
How to hold my heart?
'Cause I don't want to let go, let go, let go too soon

I want to tell you so before the sun goes dark
How to hold my heart
'Cause I don't want to let go, let go, let go of you

Is anybody listening?
'Cause I'm crying
Is anybody listening?

Does anybody know how to hold my heart
How to hold my heart?
'Cause I don't want to let go, let go, let go too soon

I want to tell you so before the sun goes dark
How to hold my heart
'Cause I don't want to let go, let go, let go of you

lollipop!

it really looks yummy and i'm trying to find reasons to justify that it is not just some uncalled or wasteful spending for me! hahaha

LG lollipop

and they said it's target market is for 17-23 yrs old! hmmm... i can still fall under that right??? hehehe

counting down the days...

it'll be only a few days more until i turn silver+1... although i've said i stopped aging, here i go again.

restless
anxious
agitated
just like last year...
and now i'm having trouble sleeping... :(

I was dreaming/imagining things...
when I'll go home early because of a date
when I will be dressing up especially for someone (including dresses and skirts... i am really into girly stuff but not too keen on being teased etc)
when I have that special someone...

*sigh... oh well...

here's to hoping that this year's better than last! (not too much QLC i guess is a start...) Although I will not forget nor not acknowledge that despite everything there's so much to be thankful for...

now, please let me sleep rather nap... :(

Finish Strong

Derek Redmond- 1992 ollympics.....NEVER GIVE UP

This week's homily was really touching and hits a nerve. It was so nice of father to share with everyone the clip about Derek Redmond and the lesson that we can learn from his example. Although on reading some of his thoughts as to why he persevered despite the hamstring problem, saying that it was a selfish act on his part... overall, he showed the ability of the human spirit to triumph amidst seemingly insurmountable obstacles. In the end, it doesn't matter whether we finish first or last. It is how we survived and still manage to finish. A lesson so easy to forget when faced with trials and hardships. On top of it all, He is there ready to give us a helping hand, a shoulder to cry on, a body to lean and depend on. As I live through this life, I hope I embrace and live a strong, meaningful life. Let's all work towards that goal: whether we have to limp, hobble or crawl our way to the finish line, never give up and finish strong!

beautiful

since I rarely get the chance to update or I'm just plain lazy, here's a nice thought for this Friday the 13th :)

sonia's garden tagaytay. 7.17.2010

*~*~*~*~"He makes all things beautiful in His time"~*~*~*~*

special month

August. even though i'm following JP's example by keeping in mind and telling other people that "i've actually stopped aging", I have mixed emotions about my birthmonth. Don't get me wrong it will always be a special month but sometimes when people, things make you feel your age or old for that matter it kind of sucks. I am grateful for the life I have and there's really no point in complaining. My family's the best and so far I have friends who I know I can run to and count on. Add the fact that they know me well and look out for me (when they get the chance). Sometimes, I actually don't really feel I am "that old" already but then it seems that it has its own way of catching up to you.

This year, I am not making plans. I am excited to celebrate another year and a special day but I am not excited when the numbers come into play. So in case, don't remind me! :) Here's my wishlist though: (hahaha)

iphone4
jackie ohh
lucy black/gold
scoob stripes
le pliage
shoes, shoes, shoes
and what else?
you should know if you know me. :) pray and wish that for me... I will definitely appreciate it... :)

makeover?

well, i'll be honest...
it started with the contacts
then the braces came off
then i got curls...
sana naman db...

so anxious and sad right now though... feel like i need a drink or company else i get depressed again...

butterfly love

ever since i can remember i've been drawn to butterflies... if only, my life particularly my love life would be as colorful right now...

i hope and pray that one day, i will transform into that butterfly that will enchant someone- enough to try and catch me or lure me into its sweet embrace...

gremlin to gizmo

how do you turn a gremlin back to a gizmo? i just realized that as years went by i actually might have changed for the worse and my attitude stinks so bad it reeks gremlin...

i didn't realize i've transformed into this ugly monster until lately... the thing is i am not too sure how i can go back or at least be transformed into a gizmo... i've been telling myself to take it lightly and be more friendly/happy but so far i've been failing... i can't help it if i get irritated easily... i am too moody... i am a control-freak who worries too much and gets stressed easily. and as many of my closest friends would agree, it's better to just back off when i get into these foul moods... :( *sigh* that's my dilemma right now....

still i'm hoping... there's still hope for someone like me...