Jaded

Don't you just hate it when you can't avoid being disappointed in things out of your control? Is it just me? Am I expecting too much? I am trained to stay positive in spite of uncontrollable environment, apparently, I am but it's hard. DAMN!

For instance in doing business, if my proposal or request is turned down, I won't dare to try anymore I'm not pushy. If you don't want to, fine! I will not insist. My frustrations comes out whenever I am working on a project and while on the process of having it done, I basically have this idea in mind already of how it will turn out but something happens along the way that I totally have no control over and all that's left to do is make a contingency plan or better yet make the necessary adjustment.

At times I just want to go some place where no one can hear me and just scream out my frustrations and disappointment. Sigh. 

Drama Queen - Themed Photo Shoot

It's been more than six months since my last photo shoot with ALT X Productions merely because I was swamped with school activities plus my thesis. Photo shoots is a venue wherein I can unleash my creative side. My recent shoot was held at Oasis Hotel in Molino, Cavite last June 4, 2011.

Photographers: Archie Medes, Benj Aquino, Benj Cardoso and Bong Lopez

Model: Shine Severio

Accessories by: Gargantilla

Gown by: Bong Santos

Stylist: Kay Florentino

A Milestone In My Life

Indeed, I have traveled far, been through hell and back, faced road block after road block, been on a six-months roller coaster ride(figuratively), a ride which I thought I might not have the strength to get out of... but God is faithful. After all the struggles, sacrifices, sleepless nights and heartaches...  I passed my thesis defense.  I now have my MBA (Masters of Business Administration) degree.

My defense was held last May 13, 2011 which is Friday the 13th most people perceives it as bad luck, but to me it was the date that will conclude my future and that day turned out to be a blessing to me.

I dedicate my achievement to the following:

• My Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who gives me the desires of my heart ♥ always. He kept me together and gave me the strength to push on. 
• My mom and my brothers for their love and support.
• My Dad who always believed in me and what I aspire to be 
• Kathie Sobremonte CPA who willingly helped me with my financial projections. 
• Lesley Yu, MBA my Strama buddy we were each other's cheerer
• Jonathan Roque for my industry data  
• Jay Bautista (AGB Nielsen President) who willingly answered all my query
• Edgar Juan Surtida III, MBA my thesis professor who pushed me to be better by practicing critical thinking 
• My former officemates who never hesitated to assist me with regards to the data I needed for my paper and lastly, 
• All my friends who constantly believes in me and never failed to support and comfort me.

A milestone in my life that I will never forget.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7

To those I mentioned above, THANK YOU from the bottom of my ♥ I wouldn't be where I am now if it weren't for all of you.

- Karen Celeca P. Florentino MBA -

Term-ender Party at Attica Bar

What a way to end my last term in Ateneo but with great friends ♥ Migz hosted dinner at his condo unit in Bellagio, McKinley Hill, The Fort then we headed off to Attica for some dancing.

Letting Off Steam at Republiq ♥

Lately I've been hanging out a lot with my guy classmates from Ateneo and I don't feel awkward at all if I'm the only lady in the group.

It's fun and I enjoy it ♥

Year-Ender Party at Republiq

My idea of a great night out is hitting the dance floor with friends and it's a perfect way to celebrate the end of a grueling work week. 

Party at Republiq located at Resorts World is a perfect year ender. Spending a fun night with my MBA friends is always delightful since most of my weekdays lately was spent in school and a visit to a dance club is a refreshing change of scenery.

My Heart Says Thank You

Christmas is the perfect time to give thanks to the people close to my heart.. 

To my friends old and new thank you for the genuine friendship and love.

To my relatives who I don't get to see often, you are always remembered and treasured.

To my Mom and 3 brothers, thank you for the love and support.

And to the only man in my life who never broke my heart, who loved me unconditionally, the one I miss most, the man who knows me more than anyone else, my Idol and my no.1 fan..  


Merry Christmas Dad. I Love You. I will see you in heaven soon and when my time comes, we will be reunited and I'll be back in your arms again.

Ateneo MBA 1920's Christmas Party

A glamorous night of cocktails, caviar and delicious cuisines held at the Atrium of Enderun Colleges, Mckinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio last December 11, 2010. Photos courtesy of Job E. and Jon R.

 

Almost There

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 
2 Timothy 4:7

My 2 years of studying MBA (Masters of Business Administration) in the Ateneo Graduate School of Business and all my investment that goes with it boils down to my thesis. There were sacrifices made to get to where I am now. For instance the job that I loved for 5 years had to be given up because of the conflict in schedule. Aside from that, I have also incurred opportunity costs from turning down enticing job offers of some multi-national companies.

I only have 3 months to work on my thesis and my end goal is that I pass my defense. Failure is not an option I'm almost there,  by hook or by crook, come hell or high water I should pass or all my sacrifices and hard work will be in vain.

Success is the good fortune that comes with aspiration, desperation, perspiration and inspiration. - Evan Esar

1st Day On The Job

Ateneo Graduate School of Business's student council just had its 1st meeting of the year yesterday at Grams Rockwell. The meeting was set at 3:00 pm but I came in a bit late. =) Mark Lee initiated the meeting so the council members would get the chance to bond and get to know each other more.

The Board:

President: Mark Lee

VP Internal : Dr.Peter San Diego (Cardiologist)

VP External: Robert Manaois

Secretary General: Kay Florentino

Treasurer: Divya Ramchandani

MBA Standard Representative: Jeremy Banatin, Doms Carandang and Melody Wong

Middle Manager Representative: Chris Manuel

Regis Representative: Robert Pereja

MBA Representative / Health: Dr. Noel Cruz (EENT)

Biggest Mistake

Just last week Aug.24 Ms.Universe pageant was held on Las Vegas and it was the much awaited pageant of the year. Ms. Philippines, Venus Raj got in the final 5, her beauty was exceptional and unique, as expected Filipinos who are rooting for her are ascertain that she will win the title even the international press said that "She was favored to win" then comes the question and answer portion... the killer question came from William Baldwin "What is one big mistake that you made in your life and what did you do to make it right?

Raj replied "You know what, sir, in my 22 years of existence, I can say that there's nothing major major problem that I've done in my life because I'm very confident with my family, with the love that they are giving to me. So thank you so much that I'm here. Thank you, thank you so much." I guess we all know what the end result was...she didn't win Ms. Mexico won the title of Ms. Universe and Venus Raj got 4th place and the rest is history...

After watching, I began pondering on Venus's question... If it were me how will I answer it? Then without hesitation, I said to myself it would be the time when I went against my family for someone else. And the gruelling trade-off I got from that decision was when my dad passed away mad at me.


In a nutshell, my dad died due to heart failure. He died after his first heart attack which shocked the family and before that happen my dad wasn't talking to me at all (as if I don't exist) because he was really furious. The stubborn daughter that I am, I just ignored him which is MY BIGGEST MISTAKE. And then it happened... He died.

About the follow up question, what have I done to make it right?

I learned to never again NEGLECT my family. I started reaching out to my brothers and win my mom's heart again. So, whatever or whoever comes in my life, they would just have to come second because to me, FAMILY ALWAYS, ALWAYS COMES FIRST.