CCF 25th Anniversary

This is already an uuuuuubbbbbeeeeerrrrr late post. But I still wanted to blog about it because it's one of my memorable experiences for 2009.

----------

Date: August 30, 2009
Location: Araneta Coliseum


It was CCF’s 25th Anniversary and I have decided to attend. And it had been a great experience all in all.



CCF.

Anniversary.

25th.

Araneta Coliseum.

17,000 capacity.

2 services.

Kuh Ledesma.

Gary V.

Music.

Worship.

Testimonials.

Scripture.

Glory.

Honor.

God.


I was happy to have attended. Though it would have been better if those that I had invited were able to come with me so I could have shared the experience with them.

I had been almost discouraged to go after seeing the long line of people waiting to go inside the coliseum. It was free but a ticket is to be given so you can go inside. But something told me to stay. So I went to find the end of the line, which looked as if it would take you forever to get inside. It was hot and I was carrying loads of stuff because I came from a photoshoot earlier in UP Diliman (Again, I will tell the story in another blog). I wanted water. I wanted aircon. But I stood firm and waited. And after a couple of minutes, I was inside. That had been fast.

Araneta Coliseum. Audience capacity of 17,000. And out of that thousand, I am one of them. It was overwhelming to be part of such a huge celebration.

It was like a free concert. Kuh Ledesma was there. She sang “Above All” and was a very touching rendition. Later on Gary V. was there for his “Take me out of the Dark” – very inspiring. Then there were two testimonials. I’ve heard Ivan Tan’s testimonial before in St. Francis and it’s one of those stories that make you shake your head from left to right out of rue yet make your hair stand to its end out of piety. Truly, he had a life-changing experience and he serve as a living inspiration to all. And it was a well-deserved testimonial to be featured for the church anniversary.

I am no devout and I admit that. I had my backslides, my indifference and shortcomings when it comes to my faith but I do not forget. I may not have surrendered everything yet to Him but I am getting there, slowly, a step at a time and through His guidance. He has never forsaken me and I have always known that. I do not want to be called a hypocrite or a Pharisee. I am a sinner yet He has blessed me and saved me.

I have much to thank Him for. And He knows what is inside my heart. My imperfections and failures are as much a blessing from Him as my successes and my talents and I lay them both at his feet. May He use me and guide me for his purpose. I have a long journey ahead of me and I shall rely on his light to see my path. May all the glory be His – my God and my savior.

Happy Anniversary CCF!

♫ PS. I am posting one song which I really like. I really love the lyrics. It goes well to the change that has happened to my life this year. Everything has been really different. Enjoy.



----------

mood: excited. for tomorrow's CCF service.

34th Branch Anniversary

Last  September 22, we celebrated SM Makati’s 34th anniversary. And I am very much happy to be part of it.

I designed the stage backdrop. I was also the designer for the branch anniversary shirt. I was the creative photographer. And I was the fashion adviser for one candidate who apparently won the contest. LOL. People here are now recognizing me as me – the weird girl who is into graphics, photography , cosplay, ukay-ukay and all the kakikayanan there is to be.

It had been a long day actually because my Tuesday started at 4am when we had to go to GMA 7’s Unang Hirit for a cosplay stint. Lol. I was with my friends and we had fun. (I’ll discuss this in another blog.) Anyway, after UH, I was dropped off in Ayala and I literally had to run even if I knew there is no point because I was 20 minutes late already. T_T. Uh-oh, there goes my record. Oh well. Just once. LOL.

The day had an exuberant feeling and everybody was excited for the upcoming program. For this year, they decided to make the theme “Hot Momma’s” wherein they featured employees who were 50 & above to be candidates for the beauty pageant. Yup. 50 & above. (Don’t be surprised because stability-wise, SM would really make you stay).

Incorporated in the program was the awarding of employees for their dedication & loyalty. Counting from 5 years up to 25 years. Whoa! That long? Yup. That long. You will be amazed when you get a chance to see these people because you will see in their eyes that they really love their job. And somehow, it would make you admire them more.

There was also a short endearing moment during the awarding when those who have availed of the ERP (Early Retirement Program) were called and given recognition. It’s a sad moment. The awardees were a bit teary-eyed because they will be leaving the company they have given their life to. You can still see the passion in their eyes, how they loved their job, how they cared for the people they have worked with and that alone is enough to touch a heart. You will also see how their co-workers loved them and would truly miss them after. They have contributed well to the success of the branch and of the company and it was truly appropriate that they be given proper recognition for their hard work & perseverance.

Anyway, after the awarding, the main event – that everybody was waiting for – was up. Hot Momma’s in the house! LOL. It was a fun event because the candidates were game. They had a sports wear category, talent portion, evening gown competition and of course a question & answer portion. I just watched until the talent portion as I had to come down every now & then because after all, there was still work to do. LOL. The candidate I lent my clothes to won! Yay! She had been ever thankful to me and called me and my so-called kikay stuff lucky. Haha. She won 10,000 pesos just by strutting. Hehe.

There was food (OVERFLOWING), a lot of photo ops and just pure fun even if at the same time everybody was on duty. That’s one way to celebrate the hardwork that everybody has pitched in for the branch. (Okay, I pigged out and now I’m on crash diet T_T.lol.) I am very happy and thankful to be part of it. I found a second home and a family. Who would have thought I would end up here?

Here are a few more photos during the event. The rest will be uploaded in my Facebook, Multiply & probably Flickr so do check it out.

----------

mood: yay! i designed that shirt y'all! weee!