So, for 2016....

I now look forward to 2016.  I wish you all the blessings there can ever be...

so that you're never lonely during a holiday, a vacation or a spell of illness,
so that your fridge is always stocked with food the other can reheat or cook from scratch for you,
so that your smiles, laughter and contentment are all the other wants,
so that your grammar and punctuation may never ever be at fault,
so that your ice chest is always full of drinks to share,
so that your sucky on-sale and always late Cebu Pacific flights become worth the hassle because you spent the trip with someone very interesting,
so that great sex is shared in slow motion and in repeat mode and not taken as commercial breaks to life,
so that you are loved past your looks and your bank account,
so that your choices only improve your station in life,
so that you are able to express in all possible love languages how you feel about each other---and be perfectly understood,
so that you feel extra-cared for after the end of very long work days,
so that you are given many beautiful, awesome surprises during the week (i.e. jewelry, foot rubs, trips, ice cream, etc.)
so that you don't ever feel neglected nor shortchanged,
so that even bad coffee is still good coffee,
so that breakfast is always a shared meal,
so that your health may never be an issue,
so that bad breath or BO may never be an issue,
so that you have precious time that is never wasted and is always remembered,
so that your life becomes an inspiration to and for others,
so that traveling home through horrendous traffic is all worth the kilometers,
so that you have time to feel grateful and appreciative for all of God's love,
so that you can rightfully conclude that YOU are the most special living thing on this Earth!

So Let Me Review My 2015

And so, Christmas is here.  Merry Christmas, everybody!

#Bitter?

I'd set out to be more positive in 2015 but I wasn't quite successful in being it.  I will try harder this 2016.

Looking back and Im not thinking in monthly order, I was able to hold more Zumba classes than ever before.  When one contract ended, another magically appeared!  I was busy and productive car-eographing lots of the new songs especially during my duty days to and from Daang Hari, Las Pinas.  I was able to teach a lot of classes using my favorite formats: Aqua Zumba and Zumba Kids

I also choreographed another wedding (Ralph and Jacq Rapacon), family day (Miriam 7-Alvero), Alex Lichauco's birthday video.

and I was able to get quite a few private corporate classes into my schedule, as well!  For every "kembot", I was able to save the envelopes.  I had a good number of them to open when I was in need of extra cash!  ZIN NOW, the digital music download possibility, came to fruition and its made life a little better for ZIN members.

The Little Apprentice Evia bloomed.  We had more enrollees than the past two years, that we opened an afternoon slot for the Toddler level.  More stores are up and running at Evia, including Vanilla Cupcake and Friday's--both which I frequent with much gusto.

The parking lots suddenly became not free parking slots so that was the down side for Evia.  I wish they'd hurry up and open all the stores that the management promised would open December of 2014! This year, we hired AJ, Erika, Amira, Chesca and Joey.  These new teachers are great and caring and talented as well!

I jumped off a building :) during a Team Building trip to Sandbox, Porac Pampanga with the TLA Teachers.

TLA Aspen was slower because it suddenly "became smaller" and construction for a neighboring building started so parents were wary about safety.  We hope to move elsewhere soon.  I'd rather open a third preschool than move the main preschool somewhere else.  Tetet, my business partner, finally got engaged :)  Good times!  Let's see what happens here.

I also made a new website for TLAP.  Click the link here or www.thelittleapprentice.com.

The Roxy Events Place (TREP) entrance was tiled last few days of 2014.  The Orlina Water Fountain Entrance Feature was cracked by Clients during a near beer brawl so we took the glass out entirely.

 

TREP was booked quite frequently.  There was a fire last JULY 25 during a party, by an outside caterer but thankfully that was contained.  I remember having had to forfeit security bonds due to a urinal that was pulverized (not broken, pulverized by some drunk college student), and due to holes made to our walls.  All in all, the events were nicely decorated and attended :)  More wedding receptions occurred this year. After I changed the Kid's Party Package, I had less hosting commitments and buying sprees in Divisoria!  The Bubble Tea, upstairs, fixed its pipes which was only somewhat helpful to us.  Mom and Lisa finally agreed that I can make The Roxy bigger, to take up siblings, Karin's and Ditin's unused spaces,

KLIK Eskuela commitments were quickly reduced.  Dept. Ed. made its colors known yet again. They're directionl*ss and yet gr**dy.  Our original plans haven't been carried out yet.  I am enjoying making lesson plans--but the only thing stopping me is that moment when I need to find at least three clear hours in the day or night to start and finish..

I would compete in Latin ballroom every quarter but just start rehearsals shortly before each competition.  This really foretold our placement in the finals BUT yes, still made finals every time :)  Partner and I returned to being coached by Ronnie Vergara and it's amazing how much technique you forget when you're not dancing as often as before.  Hahaha!  Those were expensive review lessons :)

I appeared in Mark Logan and Amy Perez's radio show on DZMM (JAN 5)

JAN 10, I watched Beauty and The Beast with the Amio kids at CCP Theater.

My AUGUST 7 birthday party giveaway and caricature :)  Still a dream body but it's always nice to dream.  Libre pa!

I learned all about Shrimp Bucket through Winston Abello.  Daaaaym!  Mussels in Mardi Gras sauce and Shrimp in Salted Eggsperience are the bomb!  I've been averaging once every two weeks here :)

Tried house hunting in the South at least five times. starting  FEB 4,  I haven't been so fortunate.  I'm really thinking of where my savings should go:  to a new house, to a new The Little Apprentice branch or to remodeling The Roxy Events.  Choices, choices, choices!

Collaborated with the Philippine Twiinz for La Mordidita video contest.  Click here
or go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_tI2wHEZZ8

Our "Sigue Moviendo" Zumba Video entry with Gail De La Cruz, shot at Thunderbird Resort, Ilocos. We didnt win but we had so much fun (free food and accommodations).  Click on the link below :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEX_fweiyZk

I traveled quite a bit this year!  Not in order -- Boracay with ZIN friends during Holy Week,

Tacloban for a Zumba event with my close friends, sometime June 20-22.

twice to Cebu (for KLIK Eskuela and for Sugbu Dancesport Competitions SEP 18-20, Placed Third in TS3DL and Sixth in TS4DL) and then to Bacolod (with dance partner and his whole family NOV 12-16) also for competitions (Placed 3rd, 3rd and 5th).

HK and Macao with Mom and Lisa for the third time in a few years.  The trip was very pleasant.  We weren't late for anything (flights nor functions).  Mom tried being "wheelchaired" around town :)

Malaysia with my TLA business partners to meet up with Peaches Aberin-Ong last JULY 10-13

I finally invited friends over to my condo.  I managed to clean up a lot so that the place could look somewhat presentable to guests,  I'm super glad they weren't so judgmental about my housekeeping.  Hehehe, truth be told, I thew everything in my Crafts Room--now bodega!

I spent quite a few Sundays with the Indays--Atty. Gail De La Cruz and Tyn Weber Reyna.  On Sundays, we'd go to the spa or have our nails done or eat somewhere nice.  Together, we helped produce the I Can Dance I Can Serve Events.

In memoriam, I lost a Zumba rubber shoe during a jeepney and trike ride from Miriam College, Katipunan to The Roxy Events on T. Morato :(

I have a few Dubsmashes.  Here's one.

I tried Yin Yoga.  I couldn't concentrate so I know I need to practice how to focus.

I joined two ZIN Jams with Marlex Pagalunan.

My boyfriend and Zumba boss, Beto Perez, came to town and I had a blast!  Private class for a chosen few on MAY 9, dinner at Silk for the "donors" then the outdoor dance fitness concert on MAY 10 at The Circuit, Makati City.

I tried using Tinder to see what I could find over there, without much expectations.  Other people have reported success in love on it but I wanted to find out for myself.  I met interesting fellows on it:  One had wit and grammar I fell in love with--but happily married and just wanted to fool around if we could find attraction on the first coffee date.  The next, a banker, wanted to hie me off to Singapore every few weeks, to be his "activity partner".  When I asked him what was in store for me, he replied, "it's a thankless job unless you enjoy smart conversations, respectful sex and good company."  He was hell-bent on getting my full name out of me--for a bank credit check, perchance? He did not seem to get my sense of my humor.  Assuming that this banker is too serious for bunny rabbits and unicorns thoughts he tackled my bullet points so I could ultimately make an informed decision.  Theeeeeen, he called me "facetious".  And that was the end of that.  The third, was a chef--now Teacher, I actually Facetime-d with.  Nothing sexual--just cheaper than getting in the car, moving through Christmas traffic and spending on coffee.  Not yet attracted to him.  He was straight forward.  English was acceptable.  The latest, a single dad of three.  We exchanged light-hearted banter for a couple of hours...then a curious silence on his part.

If there were a Tinder app that was for honest, looking for possible love and not just hook ups, I'd be looking through it.  I even joked for someone to make me such an app, called "Tender".  Cheesy ba?

Zumba APEC Tour with Atty Gail De La Cruz, Joshua Juniller, Tyn Weber Reyna in Bulacan, Baguio and Pangasinan NOV 17-19

See me doing a Merengue at Body Base here or go to :https://www.facebook.com/zumbawithroxyaraneta/videos/1660528347528646/?video_source=pages_finch_thumbnail_video&theater

Steve Boedt and Loretta visited the country and I was happy to have performed on stage with them!

 

While in Bacolod for the competitions. I managed to insert three Zumba events.  The one without a poster was at Premier 888 Mall with Ching Alcala.

Other Zumba events will follow, according to when I can locate pictures to go with titles:

Twiinzified, Tiendesitas, _______, partnered with Gail De La Cruz and came in Game of Thrones outfits with entrourage.

I Can Dance I Can Serve : PINK3D, OCT 18 at Meralco and OCT 22 at Fairview Terraces for the benefit of I Can Serve Foundation

Glamour MonZters, NOV 7, Tiemdesitas, dance partner, Winston Abello, and I won for ZIN Category: Monster Movers.

Padyak at Indak, DEC 26, Amoranto Sports Complex, raised money for four pedicabs for his Tacloban friends.  See video here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSnekqbb9oE&feature=youtu.be

Seminars I took included lessons in Productivity, Dramatically improving my Fitness Career in 9 Hrs., Sunrise Yoga and Pilates.  Seminars and demos I gave were for: EduPlay School in San Juan/Mandaluyong, KLIK Eskuela at La Panday Bldg., in Clark Pampanga, in Cavite and in
Cebu/Tacloban.

I of course must make mention that I was noticed quite a bit by friends over my continuing OLX presence up until October.  It is reported that there are a few ads still milling the metro, which should lead to "extension fees".  Let's see what happens :) .

 

Grace Poe got disqualified in the presidential line up.  It's a presidential race where I don't like the bets.  Binay--corrupt daw.  Parang nahuli na nga e pero siya parin ang in denial.  Roxas--no appeal to the masses, Duterte--looks serious about changing the Philippines for the better but at what violent costs?  Santiago--could die midway due to her cancer and then Bong Bong Marcos gets to be president.  No fucking way!!  Excuse my French.  No fucking shit!!

In other news, the Philippines won the Miss Universe pageant through Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach (spelling?)--in the end--against Columbia.

A few typhoons such as Nona, Egay and _____ screwed with our islands and provinces.  We have hover boards--self balancing handle-less Segways or skateboards,  AlDub became big and set a Twitterverse record.  Paolo Ballesteros got a lot of attention for being able to make himself up and become different celebrities.  Pope Francis visited the Philippines. Nepal got hit with major earthquakes.  We saw how Mars looks like.  APEC Summit ruined a lot of good moods.  Same sex marriage was legalized in many countries, including USA.  Bruce became Caitlyn Jenner.

I was present for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, in costune :)

For more 2015 Events, click here

So Let Me Give You Some TIPS & REMINDERS RE ZUMBA (R)-EVENTS

TIPS & REMINDERS FOR PEOPLE HAVING Z-EVENTS:

1. DONT POST YOUR JPG-TICKETS ONLINE (Posters will do). Unscrupulous people can reprint your ticket and sell fake ones under your name and earn from this.

2. IF YOU POST THE PRICE ON THE TICKET OR POSTER, There are more chances of your being TAXED for this.

3. NON-ZIN MEMBERs shouldn't present. This portion says a lot about your character (CHARACTER IS HOW YOU BEHAVE, even when alone, no audience, no authority figure is present) considering YOU SIGNED A DEAL with ZUMBA LLC when you became a licensed instructor.

4. ALWAYS prepare a LIABILITY WAIVER and have your guests sign in with their REAL NAMES, to protect you, your business and your profit.

5. When doing Fundraisers, INDICATE the BENEFICIARY unless you want it perceived as a "For the benefit of my pockets" event. Have someone count the money and present the proceeds to the beneficiary after the last song has been danced to, if possible.

6. Please provide at the very least, water for your presenting crew. Bananas are optional but very appreciated. Catered food, wine and giveaways are bonuses and should not be expected unless announced beforehand or unless used as a way to repay you.

7. TAKE GROUP PICTURES BEFORE the dancing begins because the crowd will have thinned down by the end of the party. You'll want a memento to show for all your hard work and to show future sponsors that you can pull in a crowd.

8. If you have raffle prizes and awards to give away, mention these at the get-go so the participants can prepare (i.e. costumes, spiels, dance steps, their psyche, etc.) for "battle" and win.

9. DONT reproduce the Z-LOGO for t-shirts, awards/trophies/plaques. Posters, tickets and backdrops should be enough to promote Zumba without offending the company.

10. Please always use latest Z-logo in their ORIGINAL size color proportion and font.

11. Add this Zumba LLC license credits somewhere in your poster:

“Zumba® and the Zumba Fitness logos are trademarks of Zumba Fitness, LLC, used under license.”

12. Discourage fake ZWear from being worn at your event.

13. Disallow full dance videos being taken at your event. If you want fake instructors to make more money using/copying your choreography, then disregard Tip#13.

14. Add ZIN (TM) to names of current ZIN members only. I check with www.zumba.com.

15. Posters that will be found on this site will need all the correct elements BEFOREHAND.

Hope these help the clueless and and the first timers :)

INFORMATION IS POWER! I have lots to share :) Old timers and producers may add to my list, and are welcome to do so :)

As always, if I’m wrong, you may correct me nicely.

Share with my permission. NO NEED to ask me anymore.

Roxy Araneta

So Let Me Enlighten You About Inquiring

Warning : ANGRY RANT AGAINST IDIOTS

I, Roxy and am the only person answering emailed queries for The Roxy.

I've noticed that EVERYONE puts on the email's subject field, "Party" or "Inquiry" or "Bday" or even "The Roxy". BEING THE SAME AS EVERYONE ELSE makes it hard to refer back to you or find you again when I'm trying to reply to your concerns.

Also, could you, pretty please, be more specific, instead of asking for a "package good for 80" (which could be a kid's party, a seminar, a debut, a wedding reception, a baptismal gathering)?

Some helpful Subject/Headings could be:

"March 30 Wedding Reception for 20 Heads"
"Lola Ading's Surprise Birthday"
"Half Day Seminar Query"
"Family Reunion for 120 Adults and 60 Kids"
"Pls. cost the following:..."

Having this better version of a subject saves us all at least two exchanges of me having to clarify matters so I don't overwhelm you with unnecessary attachments and of you having to supply simple details such as date/time (which you should have, in the first place).

Why do we need to be specific?  Allow me to enlighten you.  This way, you realize that there is a lot in the making of a proposal.

When you specify the

DATE, I can tell you right off if we are booked.

TIME, I can then charge you accordingly, since we have daytime or night time rates.

NO. of ADULT vs. YOUNG ATTENDEES, then I can compute for their separate buffet set ups.

70 heads and below get you a smaller room and rental fee
Food for kids will be cheaper than the adults' fare.

EVENT THEME, I can suggest decors we already have in stock or have rented out from subcontractors before, as part of your package.

BTW, we have "initial packages" or generic packages or bato-bato sa langit packages on our website: www.theroxyevents.com.  This means that you can check these out first because chances are, you just want the rate of the venue, which is already published.  If perchance, you wanted a customized package (and by package, we mean a "combination of items at our best price"), then please please please enumerate what your combination of items are so we can compute for you right away!

So Let's Exercise My Sense of Positivity

October 4, 2015, Sunday

I woke up on my own (usually, I get calls as early as 7AM for inconsiderate folks wanting to inquire about The Roxy or Zumba or The Little Apprentice).  I cleaned up a bit (the lysol and water kind). And now I know I certainly need a walis and a few containers to store my DVDs, the curtains of The Roxy.

I got to The Roxy before the rain.

October 3, 2015

October marks my 10th month of not drinking softdrinks, soda or pop!  Yessss!  Its out of my system.  I look at Coca Cola, iced and fizzing and I feel a tiny pang but no need to try it. Next step is getting the commercial/fast food iced tea out of my system.

October 2, 2015

I spent mostly in bed, sleeping.  The body needed to reboot.  I didnt feel well.  How do I know this?  I finally get to Shrimp Bucket and I couldnt even down a cup of rice.  I may have eaten a fourth cup with a few mussels.  That was a sad waste of P1200 for me.  The positive spin here is that I actually HAD a day to rest.

July 21, 2015, Tuesday

Wow, I completely forgot to blog in all this time!  I was surely busy!

Today, I asked Beyond Yoga Greenhills if they still wanted me to finish my July Thursday stint there (I started last January).  In the last month, due to rains and heavy traffic, I'd been getting very disappointing attendance.  This is the negative part but the positive part is that Id been able to talk myself into remembering that only I can get myself down.  I remember and call forth all my accomplishments re Zumba and I was able to see friends' FB walls complaining that they'd been stuck in traffic for four hours whereas I was dry, online and within eating distance of Laksa King.  Sorry to feel better because others are feeling bad, but at least I can see the bigger picture sometimes.

Ill post this na now (else it may not get posted at all!!), and of course, more, as I go through the year!

November 11, 2014, Tuesday

My IPhone 5S came at noon.  No security guard downstairs kasi he was on his lunchbreak so I went down and got it.  I brought all my documents but manong did not need to see the original ones, as instructed by the Globe operator.

Im loading it with my songs and apps and STUFFS (hehe) from my ITunes.  I was able to use a client's gift for the casing, a Chanel strap-y "bag".  I didnt have to instantly buy a casing so that's savings for me right there!


November 10, 2014, Monday

I spent an hour and 19 minutes on the phone with a Globe Operator who was very accommodating!  Good job!  During this time, I was able to decide and order my IPhone 5S and get a "recontract" with the phone company.

I was at The Roxy at my sofa chair from 1:30pm to 11pm.  While seated here, I managed to entertain about 4 inquiries for the venue, consume 4 pandesals with cream cheese pimiento from Dayrit's. 

So There's A Difference Between Bullies and Teachers

Bullies hurt you or play with your mind because of no other reason than to feel superior or to make you feel small so they can feel big.  You didn't do anything.  You were just conveniently there.

Teachers will guide you and correct you, hoping to open your mind, because you didn't know or you did something incorrectly.  They may be superior in the beginning because they know more but you can change that by becoming better than the teacher.

Teachers target those who can learn and pray they do learn by a lot of means open to the teacher.  Some ways are gentle and funny and interactive.  On some days, they are harsh, dramatic, even calculated to be shocking but all are meant to be effective.

How you rise and improve from a mistake measures how much you've learned.  To repeat the mistake in spite or otherwise shows your immaturity.

To resist the good because of who the teacher is shows your immaturity.

To admit there was a lesson learned and to live your life differently because of that lesson, is the teacher's most valuable achievement.

True Teachers cannot turn off the teaching because it is a calling.  When the opportunity presents itself, teachers will seize the moment to impart a lesson.