The Graduation

It was a fun and emotional day for me. I graduated today, WITH HONORS!

It's been more than two months since I took my OCE and got the magic words - "you passed!" After that I knew, I'll be graduating this October. Before leaving for my business trip to the US last July, I made sure all my graduation requirements - application to graduate, clearance, graduation fees - have been taken care of. A week before I got back, a text from a friend woke me up, congratulating me for graduating with distinction. I was surprised since I never thought my grades were good enough. When I read my emails, it was confirmed - I made it to the honors list!

While going down the stairs during the processional, I started to become emotional. This is it, I'm about to end another chapter of my life. What I will miss the most are the people I met in school - good friends, networks, prospects, hehe. I will especially miss one person. After our group picture with our class, he gave me a tight hug and a kiss on the cheek. He was saying good bye as if we will no longer see each other. The thought of not seeing him again made me sad. But in 3 weeks, I will definitely see him again during our outing. And after that, baka sumama siya sa Boracay in December! :)

Anyway, before this entry becomes all about him, I was also happy to see some old friends. I am especially happy for Nico. He was the first person to encourage me to get an MBA degree. He also graduated with honors. The more important thing is, he found his soul mate, too, while taking his MBA. Sana ako makahabol! :)

Anyway, I'll post some of the pictures soon!

Stacey's and Dilbert

Judy Gallagher and Kathy Kelly took me to lunch at Stacey's. It's a cute little place located on Main Street in downtown Pleasanton, California serving Fresh California Cuisine.

According to Judy, the owner of the place is also the author of Dilbert, Scott Adams. No wonder, the menu has some funny anecdotes and side comments. Just read their philosophy:

Our Philosophy

No matter how finicky you are, our servers are trained to resist the urge to slap you senseless. Feel free to ask for changes to your meal. We can add garlic, delete spices, remove meat if you’re a vegetarian, whatever change you like as long as it’s legal. And if no one is watching, we’re flexible on the legal thing too.

A sample from their lunch menu:

They were also selling Dilbert dolls.

Judy got one for me!

Passion in Photography

From http://www.robertknightgallery.com/photographs.htm

Filipinos in the US

I went to lunch today with Norma Acaba in FP&A and she was very happy to meet another Filipino travelling to the US from Philtech. Later in the day, Dorothy-Ann Rouse, asked me to go to dinner with her. Nahiya na ko sumama coz she's always paying for me. Dami ko na utang sa kanya! I hope I can do something for her before I go, or at least give her something. It's nice to see how Filipinos in the US are so eager to help other Filipinos who go to the US.

Miche!

Kevin sent me an IM today at work and gave me their house number so I can call Miche. It was so nice of him. I even forgot that Miche is already here. Called her after dinner and had a fun time reminiscing things with her and updating her with what's happening in Philtech. We might have a sleepover at their house when Elaine and Jaja arrives.

BB8 Mania

Lorma goes to Seattle

I originally planned to go to New York alone. But, I'm glad I got to talk to Jazel who invited me to visit Seattle instead.

I arrived at 10:30 PM on Friday, Sept 2 at the Tacoma Airport where Jazel, Eric and Jansen picked me up. We went to Applebee's and had dinner with the rest of the gang. Nate and Torise notoriously asked me silly questions about guys, first dates, and even shampoos. We went home at almost midnight. I stayed at Jazel's place where we spent the night catching up on things. We slept at 4:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, we were ready for the day.

We first went to the City Center where Ianne works.From their office floor, 33rd floor, we could see the Seattle skyline where the Space Needle stood out. It was a great view.

Then, we went down the street to catch bus #33 to go to the Space Needle. We had to wait for 20 minutes to kill so we took goofy pictures around the area.

Finally, our bus arrived. I didn't realize that riding a bus could be a lot of fun. Our driver was sooo goofy that we didn't want to leave the bus if only I had more than a day to stay in Seattle. We finally made it to Space Needle. And it was a wonderful structure to behold. Jazel just kep on snapping my pictures while we were there.