by witsandnuts on May 17, 2008
I took the CIA exams in November 2005 and incidentally a Filipino (Duchess) topped the exams worldwide. Duchess was my sectionmate/classmate during the CIA review held in PLDT Towers during saturdays. Aside from her, my sectionmates that time included the Internal Audit Head of GMA Network, a Finance Officer from ABS CBN, department heads from different private and government institutions in the Philippines, etc. As I recall now, I was among the younger reviewees in our block.
Duchess is 3rd from left.
My review then (and exams package actually) was company sponsored, together with my other previous officemates. It was much fun going back to school every saturdays, though I was absent for four consecutive weeks when I was assigned for work in Naga and Tabaco (in Bicol) the whole month of August. Our facilitators/lecturers were all dedicated, and I will never forget when the facilitator for Part 1 said, “To be an internal auditor is a calling”. That day a lot of realizations came.
I also enjoyed the lectures as the elder/seasoned reviewees shared their views in some points. It was funny when our classmates from ABS CBN and GMA Network would kid on some stuff, including the rivalry on primetime shows. Until we had our mock exams and the actual exams in RCBC Plaza. I was in an-out-of-town assignment again when the results were released in last week of January 2006. My heart was stumping when my result was sent through fax. Gladly, I made it.
It was during the testimonial dinner at the Intercon that I met my review classmates again. A few of them I am still in close touch till now and we even became friends.
Until I decided to take CFSA exams in November 2007 and I was already in my second day here in Abu Dhabi when the results were announced. The scanned copy of my result was emailed to me and gladly I cleared it. Again, a Filipino topped the exams worldwide.
It is interesting to note that coincidentally or not, the first names of the Filipino topnotchers resemble or are associated with royal origin:
Ryan (of Gaelic origin, and its meaning is “King”)
Duke (of Old German and Old English origin, and it is a title of nobility, along the lines of Earl and Duke)
Duchess (female title of nobility)
Elisheba (“Princess” in the early biblical days)
Yesterday, an article titled “Filipinos on Top of the World” appeared in Philippine Daily Inquirer. There is no copy in the online version of Inquirer. But a copy is preserved in here, site of and writer of the Article, Ms. Edel Mary D. Vegamora, CIA Country Coordinator in the Philippines.
Popularity: 2%
by witsandnuts on April 26, 2008
The Firm held its annual party in Al Sahra Dessert in Dubailand (they started calling it that way instead of plain Dubai) the other night. I came in with so little preparations, a summery top, a vintage necklace and eyebags on the side… and yeo, ready to go! Jumana Show: The Secret of the Dessert was the highlight of the annual party. It aired for 65 minutes. More photos here and video here.
The dinner was set in an arabic ambience and food was more of a combination of a little oriental and persian.
I enjoyed exploring the sweets that I met the first time in my life, except for the fruit salad (which I explored too, since it got a twist of strong wine in it, tasted great!).
The dance floor was throroughly occupied and while the DJ mixed 80% of indian songs that night with reggae on the side, other nationalities have blended so well. It is quite interesting to discover other moves in the dance floor, with a Mc Donald’s step, hulabaloo and such that Filipinos are mostly influenced by western moves.
We were back home at 3am. While the highlight of the party is the Jumana show, for me it was each minute spent with all the Filipinos as those from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai offices gathered. It felt so much like home.
Popularity: 2%
by witsandnuts on March 27, 2008
When I learned that a colleague from previous office was coming here, I requested for some “contrabands”, i.e. 8 boxes of vitamins (with 2010 expiry) and 3 packs of chocnut.
Yeah, after all the luxurious and trivial chocos and other sweets that I met here. I would always be a chocnut kid.
I am now finishing my second pack. Only a pack would be left tomorrow.
Can I just say that I am so happy? 
Popularity: 1%
by witsandnuts on December 17, 2007
Apartment 1B, One Lafayette Square
Why the name? This over 11-month old place is owned by Marivic Diaz-Lim. The “1B” is catchy but it is actually the location/name of the unit in One Lafayette Square which used to be the Confusion Bar. Early this year, this was turned into a homey, as in HOMEY gourmet kitchen through the help of Popi Laudico.
This is my best food find this year. And I just so love everything. Bring your family, friends, and dear ones here and you would never go wrong! Be sure to make a reservation at least a day before your intended dining and you will be fine. It is ironic and good that this place is not yet known to many, it really prides on the word of mouth. And a sharp coincidence, I was dining here the same moment with some smart and gracious people at the next table that I might probably just be interacting with everyday if serendity played on me.
This is the first floor’s area:
Very nice kitchen counter, isn’t it?
At 11:00 AM, before the guests arrived.
Classy furniture. You may dine outside, too.
Upstairs
I’m amazed with the florals. They are set-up elegantly at the right places.
As you go upstairs, you will see this cozy table set-up with sofa hairs:
This is usually reserved to a group of at least 4 pax.
I think this table at the end is the best place for privy and cozy talks.
There’s a considerable-sized televison. Interesting!
And the waiters are friendly, too.
Crabcakes with a nice raspberry vinaigrette salad.
French onion soup.
The best samosas in the country! =D
Roast chicken, a must try!
Distinct carbonara. =D The best.
Frozen pie, current best seller. Heavenly!
White toblerone cheesecake: KILLER DESSERT!!!
I want more! =D
Apartment 1B, One Lafayette Square, GF, UNit 1-B, 132 L.P. Leviste
corner Sedeno Streets, Salcedo Village Makati City
Landline: +63 2 43 4075
Email: apartment_1b@yahoo.com
(More photos here)
Popularity: 2%
by witsandnuts on December 1, 2007
On my table 2 weeks ago. Thanks to ICC Team!
I have travelled a lot locally but I have never been to Cagayan De Oro (CDO), work or off-work based. I’m glad that this didn’t preclude my chance of getting a bite of CDO’s yummies. Thanks to these wonderful people (you know who you are!) who never forget to get me some pasalubong.
Aside from Cheding’s peanuts, I love the mouthwatering pastel. How I wish that these would be available in Metro Manila through franchise, like Roli’s of Bacolod. Now, it is incorrect to say that it is orginally from CDO (only a branch) since VJANDEP is from Camiguin. VJANDEP means Virgilio Jose AND Eleonor Popera, the business owners.
Originally the pastel was only available in Camiguin, which was then produced by the Bollozo’s family. It was such in demand during their town fiestas, that one family member, Eleanor Jose-Popera, saw some business prospects in commercializing this native delicacy. In tandem with her husband, Ret. Lt. Col. Virgilio Jose who provided a small capital, they produced their first three boxes of pastel in1990. The fast growing demand for their products pushed them to look for financial assistance. They were assisted by DOST and the current packaging and label design was also provided through the Packaging Research and Development Center of ITDI-DOST. Amazing beginning!
I experimented on some “yema thing” months ago. You can try boiling an unopened can of condensed milk (I used Alaska). You will come up with a yema and use this as a spread/filling to a pandesal, loaf, etc. It works. Of course, VJANDEP’s will always be better. :p
Good news, they deliver pastel anywhere in the US now!
Pastel Food, Inc. 2616 W. Street Gertrude PI, Santa Ana, CA 92704, 714 435 9697.
Email: pastelfood@yahoo.com, Website (under construction): www.pastelfood.com
Popularity: 1%
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