Stay Sunny!

The rain's been pouring for more than ten days now but it should not stop us from doing what we're supposed to be doing.

IT'S GONNA STOP, SOON.

It's Monday--the start of the week, and a start of the new month. Let's all start it the good way.

Even though bad stories happened last week and much tears were shed as July ended, we have to welcome the new month with high hopes and more love to give. 

I honestly miss the times when my everyday life ends at 6PM. No home works, no other things to do and to think of. But I also have to admit that I like how I'm asked to go to work on a 10PM of Saturday and go back to it on a 7AM of Sunday. It gives me the feeling of maturity. And who am I to complain if I'm surrounded by "friends"? I'm thankful to be working with the BusDev group. :)

But of course, despite my hectic schedule, I have to spend time with my family and loved ones. We make sure to go out for lunch/dinner when given the chance.

Sundays with the family.

And dinners, if kaya pa ng schedule, with Paolo. 

Hope you're loving my hair color and my collar necklace as much as I do. Let's all keep dry and stay sunny despite the wild weather!

♥,

Marianne

da.u.de

Across our office building in The Fort is a new classy tea lounge named da.u.de [da-you-deh]. The facade is very inviting it will make you want to try it. Colorful jars give life to its black, white and silver interiors and tea leaves displayed by the window show they serve real tea. 

Despite my numerous attempts of going down during break time at work, I didn't get the chance to visit da.u.de until that Friday night when Toto decided to visit me. Finally I got to try our neighborhood tea! Mia came in a bit late, too, and enjoyed her berry beer! 

A beautiful scene and a courteous staff will welcome you at this not-so-secret hiding place.

YUM!

Well, Young, Spike -- that's how they define their teas. I love how brilliant the idea is. I actually want to try them all! But what makes da.u.de much more exciting is the fact that it's managed by a Filipino. Renee Sebastian is the country's first Certified Tea Master. Let's talk about professionalism despite the countless tea shops in and out the metro! 

With my dear Toto while waiting for our resident nocturnal, Mia. 

Mia finally arrived! And puyat si girl. Haha!

<3

It's a Monthly Period day tomorrow! I hope to see the rest of the group this week! I think it's a good idea to spend time together at da.u.de. Whatchuthink?

Know more about da.u.de by clicking this link. Follow them on Twitter, too: @lovedaude

Have a great week ahead!

♥,

Marianne

Safely Home

"When you lose someone that you love, take comfort in knowing that they are now with God."

Three deaths in three weeks. First, my high school classmate, Niqquo. Then Tito Dolphy. And now, Tito Bobie, the father of my good friend Kim.

I don't know what death means. I cannot define it unless I'm in the situation. But when I'm already there, how will I know? 

My friends and I shared a lot of happy moments together. Birthday parties, wedding days and other special gatherings, times of laughter and cheers. But now feels so different. Today is the first time we were all brought together to mourn, to grieve. And today we realized how important it is to celebrate life.

It's very hard for me to write this post. No words are coming out from my mind. What I want as of the moment is to comfort and hug my friend but I want Kim to take her time with her family. 

Losing a parent is something I cannot bear. I'm too afraid to accept the fact that one day it will also happen to me. I don't even want to think about it. I feel a pinch inside and a mini heart attack whenever I put myself into the shoes of others who are suffering from the loss of someone so important. 

Everyday, I guess, we should live life as if it's the last. Live for today, show our love to our dear parents in numerous ways. Let's hug them, kiss them, cherish them and appreciate them. For we will never know when they will be taken away from us. There may be times they annoy us and drive us nuts, but let us not forget who they are. 

To my dear Kimmie, we are here with you no matter what. We will always pray for you, for Ate Aron and Tita Amy. I also want to take this opportunity to share something to you and I hope it will make you feel better. It may not be now, but I hope, sooner. I love you.

SAFELY HOME

I am home in Heaven, dear ones;

Oh, so happy and so bright!

There is perfect joy and beauty

In this everlasting light.

All the pain and grief is over,

Every restless tossing passed;

I am now at peace forever,

Safely home in Heaven at last.

Did you wonder I so calmly

Trod the valley of the shade?

Oh! But Jesus' love illumined

Every dark and fearful glade.

And He came Himself to meet me

In that way so hard to tread;

And with Jesus' arm to lean on,

Could I have one doubt or dread?

Then you must not grieve so sorely,

For I love you dearly still:

Try to look beyond earth's shadows,

Pray to trust our Father's Will.

There is work still waiting for you,

So you must not idly stand;

Do it now, while life remaineth--

You shall rest in Jesus' land.

When that work is all completed,

He will gently call you Home;

Oh, the pleasure of that meeting,

Oh, the joy to see you come!

♥,

Marianne

So Far, July!

Little happy things that made my July worthwhile <3

Nei-Nei!!!

Kim, Susie, Rachel and I with Nei-Nei a week after our Subic trip. Too bad I missed Mommy Tine and Soyti.

Inside a lift with my new teammates. Minna, why so cute? 

One Friday night with some of TV5 Heads at Agave :) 

With THE Eddie Garcia. Catch him on Third Eye!

Here you go! May we all have a wondrous weekend. Enjoy the rain, too!

♥,

Marianne

TV5 Press Launch

What we worked for over a week was the TV5 Press Launch which happened last Tuesday at Elements in Eton Centris. 

TV5 launched its new primetime programs: Enchanted Garden, Third Eye and Artista Academy. Raffle prizes, gorgeous giveaways and different pakulo were all present in the event. 

It was the first (formal) event I attended with my new team. As you know, I was transferred to Entertainment from Broadcast Operations. I'm really happy and thankful to have bosses who value the career growth of their people. :)

Everybody, please meet my new Kapatids from the Business Development team of TV5 Entertainment:

Jo-Jo, Jay, Nico and Iya. 

The famous women of TV5 Entertainment with my new boss/mom, Mommy Ris (in blue). Pretty no? <3

One of the boyzzz.

With our Iya-belly because our Minnakins was sick. 

With Myk and M and Chuck of TV5 Corporate PR. 

And of course you know I love photo booths:

Jay feeling his fake hair!

Iya's jeje pose!

Enchanted Garden inspired.

My new family with Habibi :)

I'm so happy to have a new family without leaving TV5. But to be honest, of course I really do miss my Nova family. Konting tiis-tiis lang magkakasama kaming lahat ulit sa Reliance. :)

♥,

Marianne

P.S. -- Please support Artista Academy, Enchanted Garden and Third Eye on TV5 Primetime!