Jo_Anne | http://jocamet.blogspot.com

Underneath are the Everlasting Arms:

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. - Deuteronomy 33:27

(source: Just for Today by Harold Sala)

Every rejection is a chance to improve yourself. Every frown is a chance to smile. Every single moment is a chance to do our best and leave the rest to God. Every single day, I am learning and I am being faithful to God even more. Not just because I know I am at my lowest point right now, but I feel that even if at the lowest point, I still have to be thankful and there's still a reason to be thankful. Even if I'm unemployed right now, there are a lot of reasons that keep me going: my dream, my family, my friends, and  GOD. I believe with Carrie Underwood when she sang, Jesus take the wheel. These are just challenges that I know I can surpass, of course with the help of God.

I've been very active at twitter. I've been "tweeting" a lot. I've read one of Karen Davila's tweets about Raissa Laurel, the law student who lost her legs on the Bar Exam bombing. Despite what happened to her, she remained strong and she even said, "laban lang tayo" which Karen Davila tweeted. Why give up right? Every challenge and every problem is a chance to be strong and gather more strength. Why give up on your dream when you encountered your first rejection? The first NO will not always be a NO and will not remain a NO forever. Let's just believe that God is still preparing us for the best that is yet to come.

Weeks ago, my friend, Chai told me about this cafe located at Taft Avenue. She asked me if I've heard about Cafe Noriter, I said it sounded new to me, maybe it was not there yet during the time I was at La Salle. She said the place looked cool and it would be a perfect place for us to take our pictures. So I checked the place via google and results said it was located at the 2nd Floor of Tapa King. Now, I know, and now my answer was right, it wasn't there before I graduated.

From the cafe's website:
Noriter(Korean Term) meant Playground.
From the name itself, Cafe Noriter would be a good place to chill and have fun.

After attending the 11 am novena at St.Jude, Chai and I had our lunch at KFC and then later on headed to Quiapo to look for something. After battling the heat at Quiapo, we're all set to check out Cafe Noriter.

As expected, I had some sort of reminiscing my La Salle days. I missed my alma mater and would definitely miss it now that I'm back home. The traffic situation at Taft Avenue was just the same as before, there had also been some changes like Cafe Noriter, California Berry, Deco's etc., and I would like to mention the renovation of University Mall (U.M.).

Cafe Noriter, like what I've mentioned was at the 2nd Floor of Tapa King (Estrada cor.), across DLSU and if via Estrada St, it would be across Tropical Hut. You wouldn't miss Tapa King. It was the company's second branch, first was at Dumaguete.

The place was not jam packed when we arrived, well, less than what I expected. Before we ordered, we took photos first then photos again while waiting for our blended Frappucino. By the way, they also had smoothies, so if you're not into coffee, better try fruit drinks. Starbucks had more varieties and a little cheaper. They also had pastries but I would still crave for Cinnamon Roll and Cinnanmon Swirl.

Although I'm already 22, I'm still a kid by heart :)
I appreciate the express-yourself-cups near their "kitchen".


You could design your cups, just ask for assistance:


Unlike all other coffee shops, Cafe Noriter, was and I think, the only place where I saw students sleeping. Yeah, literally. Anyway, I still appreaciate the place giving a carefree, free spirited, cozy and playful aura. The white walls reminded me of the Korean TV Series, Coffee Prince.

We could not help but notice the tables. I like the idea of putting pictures of some landmarks, random photos and drawings of whatever. Pouring out your creative juices would not be so bad!

another table

In a way, the place looked like a classroom / laboratory too with the rectangular black board on the side and a long table.

The place,when it comes to the interior was really far from all other coffee shops that were of minimalists. Cafe Noriter would not be the best place for you to study. Different voices enveloped the place. You could never memorize even a single sentence from your lesson if you would want to stay there before your quiz. Stay at the library instead, or maybe at Starbucks, but not at Cafe Noriter. The place was not conducive for serious tasks or matters. :P If you just want to hang out or catch up with your long lost friends, they're open from Monday - Saturday,(9:00 am-11:00 pm from Mondays thru Fridays and 11:00 am - 10:00 pm every Saturday) .

*photos courtesy of Chai

I just discovered a new place at MOA - Cafe 5845. I had no idea when it started but it was only this morning that I first saw that at the Entertainment Mall. It caught my attention not just because it was new to me; but because I've thought of Europe, particularly, Paris. According to the results Google provided me,the term "guinguette" meant Open-Air Cafés.

My friend and I decided to see the menu when we passed by the cafe to check if we could afford the food and coffee. At first, you'd think the prices were like that of Starbucks' or higher than that, but it was not! Everything was affordable, sad they did not have frappuccino which I really missed now. I just settled for an Iced Mocha (Iced coffee - 67.00 - regular and 73.00 - tall) and vegetarian pizza (56.00) .

Guinguette in Paris:


Cafe 5845

view from the 2nd floor

The cafe would look like a doll house when you view it from the 2nd floor. I loved those laces on the umbrellas. If you would notice there's an Eden logo under the numbers 5845, after another search via Google, Cafe 5845 was Manila's First Cheese Restaurant, collaborated by Kraft Foods Philippines and the Magsaysay Center for Culinary Arts (you may click HERE to read an entry about Cafe 5845). Once you had your seat, the service crew would approach you and hand you their menu with the Eden logo on the cover.

iced mocha

Vegetarian Pizza

We waited for minutes before the pizza arrived, but, at least, the food was still fresh from the oven.

If you feel like you're always at Starbucks and wanting a new ambiance, or if you think, it was always jam packed, try hanging out at Cafe 5845 for a change.

source:
Guinguette Image

There's something in Tagaytay that made me fall in love over and over everytime I set foot on the said city - maybe the cool breeze that sets a romantic mood or the overlooking image of the smallest volcano in the world, I could not say which of the two was the main reason. Either or, it wouldn't set a problem, as long as I enjoy the place.

Before I share some photos from the trip,I wanted to give a short history of Tagaytay. I never posted facts about the place in my previous post. According to wowcavite.com :

Legend has it that the word “Tagaytay” came from “TAGA” meaning “to cut” and “ITAY” which means “Father”. A father and son were said to be on a wild boar hunt when the animal they were chasing turned and attacked them. As the boar charged towards the old man, the son cried “TAGA- ITAY”. The boy’s repeated shouts reverberated in the valleys of the ridge. Heard by the residents, hunters and wood gatherers, the cries became the subject of conversation for several days among the people in the countryside. In time, the place where the shouts came from became known as TAGAYTAY.

Even though I hate the Cavite traffic, in a way, I'm thankful I live 3 towns away from Tagaytay. Last Tuesday, I was able to get to our first destination in less than an hour, but I bet, my dad and my other friends could beat that time (driving only 80-90 km/h at Aguinaldo highway).

Our First stop: Summit Ridge

Summit Ridge Hotel

The place was owned by Robinsons Land Corporation. The photo above was the hotel and beside it was an open air commercial center with: a number of restaurants and coffee shops to choose from, a supermarket, appliance store, shops and bank.

My friend and I arrived minutes before 1 p.m., still on time for lunch. We ate at Shakey', ordered bunch of lunch and later on had our dessert at Razon's.

 Second Stop: Pink Sisters Chapel and Convent

Also one of the famous landmarks when you're traveling at Tagaytay.
My friends and I would always include this in our 'itinerary' during the Holy Week. At first, I was hesitant to go straight and park at the space but I saw a car at the back and at that moment,I was sure, it was really open for everyone during off peak season.


Since it was just an ordinary Tuesday and the week had just started, the place was not jam packed. It was a good thing because you would get to pray more seriously because silence was around the place, not like when all the people were all over the place to do Stations of the Cross.


You could also drop your petition letters and the nuns would be praying for you. Go to the leftmost side of the chapel. If ever you haven't written any letter, don't worry, papers and pens were provided.

Third Stop: Tierra de Maria


Two years ago, when I went to Glorietta, I was able to pass by an image of Virgin Mary. I wrote my petition and prayed. I got a flyer with a Make a W.I.S.H. and expect miracle to happen message at the top. A website was mentioned in the flyer and I visited it, there, I found out about the gigantic image of Mama Mary at Tagaytay. I wanted to go to the place but never got the chance.


Finally, last Tuesday,I was able to see the place in person. At first, I didn't know the exact location, I knew it was on the right side if you're coming from Rotonda. My friend and I were looking at every church/chapel we passed by, I said, " I know, you wouldn't miss it because of the huge image of Mama Mary". It was just across Development Academy of the Philippines, and just near Picnic Grove.

Before going inside, you could stop on the wishing well and drop your coin. You could also offer a candle or candles for your petitions.

It was my first time to be at Tierra de Maria. I was awed by the place. I've been to chapels and churches but that was, for me, the most intimate. I was laughing at hyper the whole time I was driving and taking photos, but when I got inside, silence enveloped my system. I was observing the images. I was awed by everything the chapel offered me. Seriously, you would really feel the presence of God, not that you could not feel God's presence on other chapels and churches, I felt like my heart was really touched everytime I hold the images. I knew at that very moment, I was talking to God and God was telling me to leave my worries behind and say what I wanted to say. There's another corner inside that caught my attention, another prayer corner with lots of rosaries hanging.

On our way out, my friend and I got a bible scripture:
The message I got was very timely:


Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. - Matthew 11:28



We also went upstairs and visited every floor.

The calendar will welcome you on the 2nd floor

You'd see the liturgical calendar on the second floor. It was educational and had some facts on every date and it was also a form of "special fund raising". You could put your names on your birth date provided you'd donate a certain amount of money which I failed to remember.

Lars beside the 50 ft Mama Mary

At the third floor, you could hold the hand of the 50 ft Mama Mary. Go straight and you'd also have a nice view of the Taal Volcano.


If you want some alone time or a place where you wanted to release all your stress and worries,I suggest you visit Tierra de Maria and have some moments with God.

Fourth Stop: Mushroom Burger

 It was my first time to have a taste of Mushroom Burger. We just bought burgers because we still have one more place to visit. Mom advised me to go home early because she was thinking of my safety, I just want to be an obedient daughter so there would be a next time for road trips :p

Mushroom burger was located near Casino Filipino and Taal Vista. You'd pass by those two first. Reviews said it was hard to park at Mushroom burger during weekends and peak seasons.

Aside from the burgers,they also have other dishes at a very affordable price.


Fifth Stop: Cliffhouse 


Now,I understand why this place had a parking fee of 100 Php - because of the romantic scenery! The fee would be waived if you present a validation from any of the restaurants inside.

If you want an Italian brunch, go to Buon Giorno.

Craving for crepes? Have a stop at Cafe Breton.


If you want to feel the cold breeze more, take your pick, either you buy an ice cream at Fruits in Ice Cream or have a Fling.

Other restaurants would include Fire Lake Grill,Domicillo and Platito.


After I parked the van, my friend and I had our pictures first. We could not resist the beauty of the view. If I have a boyfriend, I'd tell him we spend time at Cliffhouse. We'd sit on the white benches facing the taal lake, I'd lay my head on his shoulders while we hold hands and talk of our priorities, future plans, dreams,etc. OOOokay, enough for the imagination. haha.



Anyway, my friend and I had a Fling for 85 pesos.



It's been months since I had a taste of frozen yogurt and I missed it. The craving was satisfied last Tuesday and with a bonus of course - a great ambiance.

The trip was only half day, started driving by 12 noon and by 6:00 pm we're on our way back home, but it was really worth it! By the way, before I end this post, for you travelers out there, buy boxes of Amira's Tart for your pasalubong.

I hope I was able to bring Tagaytay to you! :)

Teasers! Will post a detailed entry tomorrow. :)

Two of my girl friends and I planned a little summer getaway! Our first plan was to go to La Union but it did not pursue. We ended up going to a resort not distant from the city - CLUB MANILA EAST.
We arrived around almost 9 am and the place was starting to be jampacked, but due to the vast area and several pools, there were some parts that looked like the resort's had just opened. Before plunging, we tour around and took some photos.
Let the photos do the story telling (all photos courtesy of Timmy):
At the entrance


(with Michi and Timmy)

Battling the heat at the ocean wave! They also have the surfing area at the far right side. They offer Surfing Lessons for 1500. The man made waves were not yet operational that time we had our photo taken.
We're not the girls at the second photo. :p It was just the picture of what we had on our first stop.
(L-R): Michi, I and Timmy
Burning the fats. Kids at heart. Man made falls plus the mushroom shade at the Kiddie Pool.

 Practice makes perfect. I tried applying what I've learned from my SJ1 lessons at Bert Lozada Swimming School. We spent an hour or more at the lap pool.



Saying we had so much fun was given and obvious. So let me just say, Summer would always be great and complete if you would spend time with friends.

• For the first day, these are the usual requirements:
• 4r photo (whole body in sky blue background)
• passport size photo (in sky blue background)
• resume
•  should come in business attire

When you have your photo taken at any Great Image branch, the photographer will really help and instruct you on how you will project. I have tried other photo studios but some will not even tell you what to do, so if you really do not have an idea on how will you project, you'll feel like your photo could have been better only if you choose another photo studio. Prices on Great Image are higher than other photo studios but their service is better than other studios I've gone to. Prices may also vary per (Great Image) branch.


source:
http://www.qatarairways.com/global/en/cabincrew-dates.html

**
Ad from today's issue of The Philippine Star
I apologize for the blurry photo
Good luck ladies!

The December 20-21 Get Together slash Christmas Party!

Packing lite was never my thing! I always bring a lot of things whenever I get out of the house. I woke up as early as 5:30 am just to pack my things.



I waited for Sunday because it was the date of our long-been-planned high school friends together and Christmas party minus the exchange gift portion :)

My friends and I were supposed to meet by 10 am but since I used to attend the 8-9 am mass, I asked my friend if it would be possible to meet an hour late and so we agreed to meet by 11 am.

The get together happened at Banio Kreek located at Pulong Bunga, Silang, Cavite. It was hard getting there because even if we were living in Cavite ever since, we were not familiar with the whole place of Silang. I never imagined Silang would be that big. We kept on asking some natives for directions. When we got to the place one of my friends said, "para talagang ganito yung setting ng mga slasher films", I could attest to that since I was a fan of it, I couldn't understand myself too, haha. I think I was quite different because I'd rather watch slasher/horror/suspense films than romantic movies. Anyway, when my friend already parked his car, we still waited at the parking space because we were not sure of our check in time, it was only there and then that we found out that our check in time was 8 pm, we were 3-4 hours early, but we were allowed to put our things inside and just wait for the time the poolside (the place we reserved) would be available.


Three of my friends bought their DSLRs and so most of the time, we were taking pictures: solo, group, candid, etc. We also had the "games" portion where I was one of the planners. Being a game planner was one thing I enjoyed. I had been one of the masters of the game I think, twice or thrice during our high school years.




We: I, Jana, Bry, Vinch and Bobbie Jo could not join the first two games since we planned them.

First game: Memory Recall
Mechanics: Recall the high school memories.
Directions: Recall them by heart :)

I was the one who typed the questions but I was not the only one who thought of it. We were laughing the whole time because my friends could not answer some of the questions.


Game Two: Pinoy Henyo
Mechanics: Recall the high school teachers
Directions: Again, recall them by heart. Every group would be given 30 seconds to think of the answer

This was quite the same with our first game. The only difference was we only concentrated on our high school teachers.

Game Three and Four: Charades
Topic: Movies and Series.
Directions: Each one would be given the chance to act whatever was written on the piece of paper

Finally, I was able to join the game. We decided to have themes movies and television series. We lost twice haha, but it was okay, at least I enjoyed. This was also the time that I realized that I knew a lot of Old Filipino Films even if I haven't seen them like "Sa Iyo ang Tondo, akin ang Cavite"; "Inday at ang Mahiwagang Bibe" and "Ula, ang batang gubat". My friends were laughing a lot since and they got crazy when I was able to guess Juday's Ula. Hahaha. They even asked: ka edad ka ba talaga namin Joanne?

Semi Despedida
After the games, we presented our mini AVP for our friend, Bryan, who was fixing his papers for his Norway journey. He would be leaving us for Norway, and there's no definite date yet of departure. He was surprised because we were not saying that the party was partly a despedida for him.


The last part of the night? or should I say, we did swim till dawn. The water was freezing, I said:
"daig pa nito ang lamig ng swimming pool ng DLSU!". My friends gave me some swimming lessons since they knew I wanted to be a flight attendant and that some airlines prefer that applicants for FA post know how to swim. My friends advised me to enroll in a swimming class which I think I would. I alreadyinquired at Bert Lozada Swimming School and classes would start this January 9.

At around 2:30 am, I decided to get out of the pool because I could not stand the cold water. My friends and I decided to go upstairs and have some chit-chats.
I also thought of sleeping because I haven't had enough of sleep, and seeing some of my friends sleeping as well enticed me to take a rest too. At 3:30, I decided to sleep. I woke up at around 8 am, it was raining outside and it was cold, too bad, I brought a short and not a pair of pants. Thank goodness, I was able to put a jacket in my bag.

We were "lowbatt" during the morning and we decided to go home early because some of my friends were sleepy and tired.

All in all, the party was filled with fun! Take 2 please?? :))

###
photos courtesy of Bry, Vinch and Jolo.

I missed blogging for a few days because I've had attended an event, and and overnight get together and oh an initial screening for cabin crew application and did my last minute christmas shopping.

Saturday, December 19

I went to my brothers' school to witness their performance and to visit my elementary alma mater as well. I was able to see my grade school teachers and observed how my previous school looked different now. That day, the school celebrated their 24th Foundation Day, (it was founded 1985, just 3 years before I was born so it would be possible to say that I was one of their firsts students since I entered the school on the year 1992, hehe). This year, they had MJ's THIS IS IT as their theme, so all of the songs played were all from the late Michael Jackson. My brothers' class danced Jackson 5's ABC wearing shorts, tshirt with matching suspenders, knee hi socks, plus plus plus lollipop on their mouth while performing. I wanted to laugh the whole time they were dancing because it seemed that my brothers were bothered because the lollipop our mom bought was quite big.


I also made use of the school's wifi. That was great because I was able to tweet almost the whole time I was there. I was just unsure if the wifi would only be for that day or for good. I hope it would be permanent so that students could make use of it, it would be an innovation for the school.

The program did not start on time and as expected, it ended up late, so I was a bit hungry, but since I enjoyed the songs, I was able to ignore my hunger. I really wanted to dance when I heard MJ's smooth criminal, I did not know why :))

Sunday - Monday, December 20-21

Blow My Speakers Up, The Party Won't Stop! ( this was the title of our party)

I would be making a separate post for this because if I would include it here, this entry would be too long.

A glimpse: This was the long been planned high school get together and christmas party. Every
year, my friends and I see to it that we would meet during the holidays.



Tuesday, December 22

I haven't had enough sleep but I decided to go to MOA and bought new clothes that I'd be wearing this Christmas. I also did my last minute Christmas shopping and spotted the Sally Hansen Airbrush legs.



I was walking around the mall for like 4 hours, with no lunch haha. But it was okay at least, I could burn the calories I had during the overnight party.

Wednesday, December 23

I asked my friend, Jaymee to come with me at Cebu Pacific. Yes, I applied for their cabin crew post. I arrived around 10 am, there were only few ladies sitting. There were lesser applicants unlike when I went to IPAMS, I guess it's because many were really dreaming to be an International Flight Attendant rather than be based here in the Philippines, anyway, who does not want to be an International Cabin Crew, I, myself also wanted to fly with Qatar or Emirates Air.

The INTERVIEW:
The lady, Ms. (I forgot her name), did not measure my height, she said, it was obvious that I was
quite tall. She just asked me to remove my blazer and checked my legs and arms. She also asked me to give my best smile (even if I was smiling already the moment I entered the room) so she could check my teeth.

These were some questions I could remember (in random)

• Introduce yourself to get to know you better
  
• Why do you want to be a cabin crew?
• What can you say about Cebu Pacific?
• Why did you resign from your previous work?
• If we would not hire you, what would be your plans? ( I knew it! Sana man lang tinanong muna niya ko ano pwede kong gawin kapag na-hire ako, bakit naman ito agad! )
• What is your expected salary since you already have a previous work?
• What if we could not meet your expected salary, would you still work for us? ( I could remember my answer, I said yes! For me, it would not matter whether I'm paid high or not, as long as I am doing my dream job)
• What would be your advantage among other applicants?

The lady told me to wait for the call (only until Wednesday Night), if I did not receive a call, it means I was unsuccessful and could reapply after 6 months. Whew! That would be a long wait.

This was my another failed attempt to reach for my dreams and my last attempt for
the year 2009. I would not deny that I was disheartened because I did not receive a call last night. I felt that the year 2009 was not my year. I felt that 09 was a total disappointment for me. Sometimes I wanted to ask myself if being a cabin crew was really for me or am I meant to
be working in the field of media since it was my first love; but it was my dream to fly and be
a flight attendant. I guess, this was not just the right time. God made my the attempts (QR, EK and 5J application) unsuccessful because He had a reason and I knew it would be for my own good.

I failed QR twice; once for EK and Cebu Pacific but these attempts would not stop me to reach for my dreams. I may have failed Cebu Pacific but this would open more opportunities to be an International Cabin crew. I only have PAL as my last choice to be a domestic flight attendant but I was neither expecting nor hoping for them since I knew they were very strict but who knows? :) Did I say last? I might be wrong, I might try Zest Air also, I was still unsure of pursuing Zest Air.

My screening was done before 11 am, Jaymee and I decided to go straight to Baclaran Church. I was a devotee of Our Mother of Perpetual Help since high school. But when I worked for BPI, I was not able to attend the novena every Wednesday.

After the novena, we went to MOA to have lunch. Jaymee and I ate at Tokyo Tokyo since I was craving for Maki since Monday. I ate a lot because I didn't have time to have a breakfast.

I also visited Astroplus and Odyssey to spot some old films.
I also cut my diet for that day! We decided to stop at DQ and settled for the Chocolate Chip blizzard. :)

We went home around 4 pm.

I saw this one while browsing the site of work abroad

30 FLIGHT ATTENDANT

Safat, Kuwait

Expires on: Feb 8, 2010

Agency Information
Agency Name:	EASTGATE MANPOWER CONSULTANTS, INC.
POEA License No.:	POEA-140-LB-051308-R
Address:	MEZZANINE FLR. RM. M102 , 169 EASTGATE CENTRE EDSA MANDALUYONG CITY - PHILIPPINES, Metro Manila
Tel. No.:	5336101 LOC 111
	View Complete Agency Profile | Other Jobs From This Agency
Qualifications
Gender:	Female
Age:	21 - 28 years old
Education:	at least Bachelor's / College Degree
Experience:	2 year(s)

Job Information - FLIGHT ATTENDANT

Principal/Project:

KUWAIT AIRWAYS CORPORATION

Job Description and Requirements

POEA REG. NO. 10011704 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: "> FEMALE, SINGLE, BETWEEN 21 - 28 YEARS OLD "> HAVING GOOD KNOWLEDGE OF WRITTEN AND SPOKEN ENGLISH "> GOOD APPEARANCE AND PHYSICALLY FIT "> MINIMUM HEIGHT OF 160CM.; WEIGHT MUST BE PROPORTIONATE TO HEIGHT "> PREFERABLY WITH TWO (2) YEARS EXPERIENCE IN AIRLINES OR CUSTOMER SERVICE RELATED INDUSTRY ============================================== INTERESTED APPLICANTS MUST APPLY IN PERSON AND SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS: 1. Detailed Resume 2. Photocopy of Passport (at least one year valid) 3. Photocopy of Diploma and Transcript of Records 4. Photocopy of Employment Certificates 5. Photocopy of Training/Seminar Certificates 6. 2 pcs. passport size picture 7. 1 whole body picture (corporate attire) Our office is located at MEZZANINE FLOOR, RM. M102, EASTGATE CENTRE, 169 EDSA, MANDALUYONG CITY (along EDSA in between Shaw Blvd. and Boni near Polymedic Hospital). We will accept applicants from Monday - Friday, 9:00AM - 4:30PM only. REMINDER: DO NOT APPLY IF YOU DO NOT MEET THE ABOVE MENTIONED REQUIREMENTS. Applicants in or near METRO MANILA are preferred. ***NOTE: INTERESTED APPLICANTS SHOULD BE WILLING AND AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS AT DATES DETERMINED BY EASTGATE MANPOWER, AND MUST ALSO PROVIDE AN ACCESIBLE CONTACT NUMBER

the agency's website:
http://www.emci-ph.com