2007 December 28 Aquaventure Reef Club, Anilao, Batangas

Went to Anilao with Billie for her annual dive. We got there quite early and had to wait for the divemaster to finish breakfast. When he arrived, it turned out to be Jake, the same divemaster from my previous dive. He asked us where we want to dive and we chose to dive Sombrero and Twin Rocks because he said he saw turtles there on his last dive.

Unfortunately, we didn’t see any turtles. But we did see some dolphins from afar on the way to Sombrero, an octopus (under a rock), a ray (my first sighting of one out in the open), a school of jacks, a school of juvenile barracudas, and of course the clouds of tiny colorful fishes. The last is always a very pretty sight. Who needs an aquarium when the sea is your aquarium, right?

Oh and I didn’t get majorly lost during the drive to and from Aquaventure. And no relying on my GPS unit at that. Just a good old map that I printed from the web. Or maybe it’s just that my co-driver/navigator has improved :))

Department Christmas Party

Yesterday, we had our Department Christmas party. We first went to Global Gutz for paintball. It was tough going there because of the horrific traffic. But we all eventually got there and Sir Sonny himself briefed us. We then played 2 rounds of capture the flag and 2 rounds of speedball. It was tiring but fun especially since I racked up 3 or 4 kills. It helped that everyone else were newbies >:)

After playing, we went to Marina, a nearby restaurant where we had a late dinner, an exchange of gifts, and a raffle. I got a 7-piece pitcher and glass set in the gift exchange but didn’t win anything in the raffle :P

After dinner, we proceeded to Malate. It’s my first time at Malate and I hated it. It’s like SM malls on a 3-day sale weekend except instead of shopping, the people were out to dance and drink. Maybe to eat too though there certainly are better places with better food to eat in. Maybe also to be seen but I can’t figure out how you could be seen in that crowd or why you would like to be associated with them.

I’ve decided not to drink and without the benefit of an alcohol-induced haze, I came to the conclusion that the whole damn thing is mindless. At one point, people started cheering when they heard the first few bars of Teriyaki Boyz’s Tokyo Drift. It’s actually something they always do before they start bouncing around to any overly-played bouncy song. Mindless.

Without anything better to do, I went off to sulk at a corner table and drank coffee till it was time to go.

I’m so not fun. Haha.

60th Anniversary Philippine-French Relations Commemorative Watch

Earlier this evening, Migs and I were talking about the raffle during the managers’ dinner at the big boss’ place. We complained that we don’t ever win at raffles. Well what do you know? There were two watches raffled out and he and I got both. Haha. Too bad they are not Orange Monsters but are rather commemoratives for the 60th anniversary of Philippine-French relations. No indication as to maker or movement. The value is in the unique and limited design. Definitely nice if you’re into such collectibles. Not me, so I think I’ll raffle it off.

Mini-Cakes

I’ve been meaning to give these cute mini-cakes away as Christmas presents since last year. But back then, there was too little time to make them so I had to order something else. But this year, Val had more time (either that or we’re better friends :P) and I was able to order and give them away. Get yours too here.