Madras Day

#Madrasinapattinam << ----- >> Chennai

#Madras #375 is the call of the day for 22nd August 2014 and #MadrasWeek 15th to 23rd August.
Am gonna share my take on #Madras #Chennai over the last 10 years of stay.

#Madras to me till the age of 18 were only two places – Central Station and Egmore station. In childhood / schooldays, when travelling from North India to Nellai, used to halt Central Station one whole day and catch the night train to Nellai. Still remember there used to be a huge TV in the center of the Station and Tom & Jerry cartoon used to be telecasted. The station always used to be buzzed with people moving up and down. On the other side, announcements of train arrivals & departures. I just used to wonder why people keep moving like mad here and there.

Magic of Tag Madrasi : Till I stayed in North India I had a tag name in my colony - #Madrasi. I used to get little irritated but now when I remember I feel happy and proud that I was called Madrasi even before I stepped in Madras.

2004-2014: My #Chennai Life. 
Year 2004, was a turnaround I stepped into a city called Chennai. I was a kid when I came and now what I am is all b’cos of Chennai. My Education, Friends, my Work, my Spiritual activities and loads more all bcos I put up at Chennai. During our initial days of college, I was so excited to explore Chennai mainly bcos I was away from home and had the full freedom to roam around any streets at any time.

Spencer Plaza: Our 1st hangout places during weekends would always used to be #SpencerPlaza. Ask me each and ever en-route of it, I would tell. During my college strike I used to go by cycle from Chetpet to Spencers daily with my friend Dinesh to kill time. The place was always alive those days bcos there were no other big Malls & used to be the best hangout place for guys like us. Me and friend used to have lunch on roadside opposite to Spencers under a big banner. Till now if you ask me which Mall do you like I would say I love Spencers but need to acknowledge the malls like #EA #Phoenix #CitiCentre etc. are the more attractive hub for young people. Last 10 years the expansion of malls, no words to say.

Beach: Ask anybody around the world, if you are coming to Chennai, the first place they would like to go is to #Marina Beach. This beach is kinda nostalgic to me. Guess, was in 5th grade I crossed via bus en-route to Trichy on Beach road, Dad showed me this is Beach my dear son. I was like AAAWWW. The more aaawww reaction was when I witnessed it in 2008. These 10 years I have visited almost all the beaches of Chennai. I had played and had enjoyed in all the beaches of #Chennai. Recently I am in love with the #ECR Side beaches. Those are just calm and very few people come and many aren’t aware of it. Most important are clean. Just love to spend time there.

EMU: Any person in Chennai would have traveled atleast once in #EMU. India is famous for one the largest network of Railways, and our Chennai #EMU is one of the most integral part of it. I have enjoyed a lot travelling by EMU. Ask me, I had got into the most crowded train of Chennai EMU. I have hung and have stood on the edges by holding the bar of the train with 3 fingers of the entrance quite a few times. Let the train move, jog and get into the train were the favorite moments for us. With the commencement of Metro Rail I am sure Chennai’s train network would be still more exciting to travel. Even once I blogged a post about EMU - http://djoephilip.blogspot.in/2010/03/emu-metro.html

Road-Side shops: These are the main business hubs of Chennai. #IdlyKadai #MuttaiDosai #Vadai #Soup #ChickenPakoda #Chicken65 #Briyani #Bajji etc. are the delicious Hot Spot for any road side eaters. Ask me I would have tasted every single shop on Tambaram –Velachery road till Pallikaranai. I have relished all the foods of road side shops in Chennai. One of the most delicious hub was “Alsa Mall Bread Omlet”.

Fast Foods & Restaurants: There would be many Fast Food famous cities in India. But I would say Chennai has one of the best hotels and restaurants. Fast Foods as the name suggested are dynamic in the Chennai city. It would make you think whether people cook food at their home. Take it weekend night all the prominent restaurants would be queued up with people.

LIC Building: See any old Tamil movie they show LIC building as one the acknowledgement to Madras. I once had a chance to go into the marvelous historic movie building.

Vandaloor Zoo: This place is one the most unique places in Chennai. Yes Chennai is crowded with people but there is one calm place which is Vandaloor Zoo. It may be in the outskirts of Chennai but people come prominently to visit the zoo. I would have visited with my friends say 25+ times and twice with my family. Still ask me to go tomorrow, I would love to go and have a good walk.

Kathipara Junction : This has become one of the prominent junction of the Chennai. Still remember, before the bridge there used to be a huge traffic till Airport and same would be the status on the other 3 sides for almost 3 kms in a stretch. After its arrival travel has been to ease crossing guindy to larger extent.

Full Meals: Take any South Indian, Lunch time 8 outta 10 would prefer always Full Meals. With the arrival of Saravana Bhavan, Vasantha Bhavan and many more chain restaurants Full Meals has always been the favorite order for Luncheon. I love the varieties and colorfulness in the food.

Ranganathan Street: This Street would be hardly 500 meters long and 20 feet wider, but people crossing this street are mind blowing. Take it festive season people don’t walk they float. During college days I have enjoyed walking the streets of Ranganathan street mainly for Rs.2 samosa, Sugarcane juice and Kulfi Ice-Cream of Saravana Store. All those were the famous time pass junks to grab.

Radio channel: I am not sure whether how many cities have popular Radio channels as Chennai city has. During my hostel days the only source of enjoyment was Radio. All old & new songs and NEWS channels were our entertainment.

Kaapi: Call it Coffee or Kaapi both may sound alike but it’s not the same. I have tasted many coffees from popular Coffee Hubs but none can match the Chennai Kaapi in the dubra cups. The strong aroma and taste, have just 5 sips you will be never forget the taste of Kaapi in your life. I have tasted almost all the Kaapi’s hubs of Chennai.

Climate : If you feel the Sultry and Humid being India then your Google map will point that you are at Chennai. One the most humid cities of India. I have experienced many cities around the world but none can match Chennai in humidity. But that is beauty of Chennai.

The Hindu : There may be many newspapers around worldwide, but come Chennai you will witness #TheHindu as one of the prominent newspapers among Chennai people. I personally like the language used in the newspaper. It gives you an awesome start to the morning.

Language: Being from Tirunelveli when I fist came I was total clueless about the pucca Chennai ppl's language. I would not understand even now to some extent. But chennai has taught some new which any other cities can't. #Machi & #Mappi these two words means alot among the friends circle. I donno how coined those words. Prefix Usage of "Da" is common in Chennai, there will be no doubt in future if Oxford accepts DA as a new word in their Dictionary.

Chepauk Stadium & Chennai Super Kings: These two have a strong connection between them. I haven’t gone to Chepauk stadium to witness India matches but more to witness #CSK matches.

#WhistlePodu moments for CSK are one of the prominent tagline of #CSK. The respect the crowd gives to the game of cricket is mind blowing. I have heard many commentators used to say, be it Chepauk they respect every opposition. Guess once when Pakistan won against India, the crowd applauded for the victory. My personal favorite match was #IndVsSA test match in which #Sehwag hit 300+, the memories are still fresh and nostalgic.

These are the few destinations and experiences which I have enjoyed in Chennai. There are few more experiences I would like to just tag them – Travelling in crowded Share-Auto, Theme Parks, Sathyam Theatres, Sitting in the upper portion of 18A Double Ducker Bus, Paani-Poori, British Council library, Star hotels etc.

Chalo, time to wrap up the post I will keep scribbling if asked to share more……

Whatever and However you call #Madras or #Chennai – it has been ma Second Home land. I have loved Chennai and will always love. Ask me to work in any other city than Chennai, I would never work.
The hospitality, the people , secured environment and lots more makes me Love Chennai every day more and more.

I loveee yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa #Chennai


Proud #Madrasi.

Wiki Link of #Madras day : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madras_Day

R.I.O

It's been long , I have had a companion to be in my room. The day was neva too long when I got him.

Just a mood sparkled in my mind to have a pet.

I am always fond of pet but unfortunately become lazy when time goes by and don't maintain them. Alas it's my dad who does it always. So at home dad never encourages me to have one. But I was determined to have atleast a Betta Fighter Fish which required less maintenance and less care taking.

Dad got ma Fish bowl from Nellai last week. I was damn happy.
I browsed through all the streets of Tamabram and alas found the destination near my home itself. I ordered an imported one bcos the one which they were having were too small and not elegant. Alas on Monday evening, I succeeded in getting it. When I had a first look at it, it wasn't so elegant and looked normal. But I was wrong.

My Word, the moment I put it in ma bowl it sprang into the waters and acknowledged its presence by spreading its wings and moving across the bowl.

I never had such a lovely and wonderful Betta Fighter fish with me.

I have named him RIO.

Rio as it name suggests is manly and cute bro of mine. So far he is happy with the environment, and has adopted with me. God willing Planning to get few more Betta of different varieties.

I thank God for giving me such a wonderful bro to me.

#PraiseGod

S.I.S.T.E.R.S

2014 – everything this year is turning out to be a decade celebration for me….

My life in Chennai started 10 years ago, My College life started 10 years ago, I started living alone from my parents 10 years ago and loads more….but there is one more nostalgic moment.

It’s a relationship, a relation called “Sister” which I had been getting all these 10 years. Being a single child, I got a Brother after 18 years my Chithi’s son. I love him to the core but always wanted Sister in my life too. I repeat sister, but God has been so kind that he gave few lovable Sistersssss and didn’t stop with Sister. How great is my God.

This blog goes about few special persons in my life and one person by in large. Hope I will not miss out few others sisters whom I got in the last 10 years….

Year 2004, we met in a common friend’s brother marriage. She was introduced by my friend Pradeep. She was charming and hailed from Chennai. I had a little hesitation in talking with her honestly bcos she was from Chennai. But I was wrong she was so soft spoken and fun loving girl. On usual note we shared loads of things and our bondage kept building stronger and stronger. Her families were so good natured and accepted me as son too. Mom was so kind that she used to prepare another lunch for me in college days and she used to bring two lunch boxes, one for me and one for her.

Really brings tears if I think about those moments. Her family never had hesitation in talking with me or sending her with me anywhere.  But as every relationship goes by we had our own fights and misunderstanding. We had been without talking for a period max of 7 months I guess. We had similar fights many times. We had all our ups and downs. During our college days many of us spoke ill about our r’ship but till now we never cared about those rumours or any such comments. We have a good circle of friends who believe strongly in our r’ship just as us, we respect their belief in us. She knows in and out about me and so as I know in and out about her. As our relationship touched a decade, we are matured enough now to larger extent, and now it was her decision to be forget immediately our fights and speak the next day. Of late still we have our own misunderstandings but we speak immediately. Every year she never failed to tie me rakhi, she always cherished that day a lot with due respect. She hardly calls me with respect its always been “Dai Anna” but I like that attitude of her. I will keep it short.

People call her Raghavi but I call her "Pappu". 

The next in the list is a naughty sister. It was God’s will that we got close. She is damn mischievous to the core that I call her “Vaalu” always. She always cherished me by calling like that.

The name suits her a lot. I donno how but we share another lovable bondage amongst us. The happiest moments are when we pull the leg of my frnd. She loves me, teasing him to the core and boosts me up. He too cooperates with me lol :p . The most unexpected thing in our relationship is when she has problem and when she is ill. So far, whenever she is ill my instinct pops up to ask her whether she is OK. She always say how come you know Anna. I say I donno, some intuition makes me ask and almost 98% I had been right. Its all His will. She is always comfortable in sharing me her moments with me. She never treated me as a new person, right from day 1 we started to talk and chat we had been gelling well together. Should appreciate my frnd who neva feel bad when I team up wid her and tease Him around. People call her Pinky but I call her Vaalu. 

The next sister is another special person. It was a certain circumstances which made me close to her. I don’t want to reveal any past but we share a special bondage. Even though she is well matured girl, I helped her out to come outta a difficult circumstances. I was so happy when she announced that she is getting married and even scribbled a blog if I am not wrong (http://djoephilip.blogspot.in/2011/12/shhhhhhhh-my-sister-getting-married-d.html) and (http://djoephilip.blogspot.in/2012/01/time-to-reveal-shhhhhhhh-my-sister.html) ….she is now happily married with an awesome person and I am really happy for her.

There are my chithi’s daughter too, but they are kids as compared to my age bracket but still they are always close to my hears as others. 

They are very younger to me but love me to the core. Well this is the chance to get down to their age bracket and play with them. Saronika and Caadu kutty are always my Chellams.

I have a Didi, an elder one in my list its - Mandakini Didi. An elder sister who was my additional guide for my Biotech project. She always used to call me chottu (brother) with kindness. She used to always guide right through out my Project work. I cherish her relationship always. It was her idea and motivation which made me to do MBA. I never had any idea about what to do after my BTech. She insisted to do give CAT and MAT Exams but it was too late, but asked somehow do MBA and told you are good in Organizing and managing stuff when she heard about my organizing skills. Love you Didi for every lil piece of advice which you gave me in those 3 months. 

There are few more but if I keep on writing this blog will never end…..:P Just wanna remind their names Sumitra, Anyathi Anu Vargheese all are sisters to and cherish their relationship with them. Sorry if I had missed anyone in the list. 

God has been always kind towards me for giving me such nice persons in my life. I will always cherish them and their relationship no matter whatever circumstance arise. 

Love you all my sisters :) 

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College Life Re-Lived ‘ 2014

A decade has passed but the memories of college still jumping to core in the hearts, guessing how?
It’s all b’cos of one single reason – F.R.I.E.N.D.S

Those 7 magical letters are the major junk of last 10 years of all our Biotech mates. Now shouldn’t that be celebrated??

We didn’t any had any second thought of leaving that day without making it GRAND. We celebrated that day in Style....the rest of the blog you guys decide whether it was celebrated in Style or not.

August 1st Sunday has a become a customary to Biotech Batch Mates to get-together. This year was a special one, it was a Hat-Trick of our G2G and also the celebration of #DecadeFriendship !!
On usual note, I was honoured to organize once again for the G2G but this year with more support and guidance of my other organizers. Without them this wouldn’t had been possible. I should acknowledge their support.

It started in the month of May when we started to look for Resorts. Our main focus was unique this time:
1. It should be comfortable for all the friends coming with their family & Kids
2. Guys coming single should have unlimited fun
3. Most important should be a Private Party

We had no option left but to go for Individual guest house and we freezed to Lakshmi Gardens. We booked it on time with Food.

Next was Cake, credit goes to ma closie who suggested the idea. #AMileStone theme cake. It was appreciated by everyone. Owe ma appreciation to her.

The big day was on 3rd of August 2014. To be honest was quite nervous. Made calls to everyone on the way and was confirming one by one. But ma frnds, didn’t let me down all were so enthu to make it to the day.
It started with usual Hi-Fi team up and candid photo shoots and followed with early Luncheon.

After a long time all guys assembled and were involved in activity. It was real challenge to bring together but again credit goes to them to be so cooperative. They all gelled well for all the rounds of activity.

This time we were sure not to leave the Couples out of out the party, we made sure they were engaged in a sportive game. It was a real fun filled game. All the couples just were rocking to the core.
Meanwhile all the kids were having fun in the swimming pool.

Then finally the big bash – The Cake cutting and Facials....
This time, we made sure not to do any cake facials with the cake so I ordered special Fresh creame’ just for the facials. The cake’s theme and taste was appreciated by everyone.
Everything we did on that day was turning out to be really appreciated. All thanks to God Almighty who was leading the day.

We didn’t miss-out the Grand day to be captured under SLR lenses. It took time to bring all within one frame but the fruit of waiting is always the tastiest. It was the best pic. of all when we all had the good bright laugh for the click.

We ended the day with sharing of our Momento :) I was quite finger's crossed about how guys would respond for the memento but luckily everyone were happy in seeing it.

Time was running fast as light but those who wanted to leave were slowly making the move but only with Heavy Heart and lil tears on the edges of their eyes.
Luckily the evening snack was on time and all grabbed it and made the move to their home.....

So here ends the day....

Did you think like that ??

The real party started when the family and all girls left the Guest House.
A bunch of 8 guys stayed back. Those last 3 hours of fun I would say was one those stuff which we failed in the last two years.

“Party on the Pool”. My word, we were going crazy and crazy. As the day was ending our party was getting louder. Balloon throw games under the pool, Kutthu Dance for Peppy song were the highlight of those last 3 hours of galatta. Only the guys who stayed back would know the feel. It ended with an early dinner and photo shoot and last hug of that day

Time was almost ticking 9 when I and other 2 fellaws left the Guest House.
Those 8 hours of Unlimited fun, my word....
One of my friend told “Best of all the 3 G2G”
One more friend told “One of the worthiest G2G of all”

Those words brought tears on my eyes.....as I acknowledged it wouldn’t had been possible with my fellaw organizers and my Leader God the Almighty. All Praise to God. Felt accomplished.

The nostalgic fever was heavy to the next days in our Whatsapp group and it has gone to the extent to take the G2G to next level i.e. to organize next G2G in Overseas or some outstation atleast. I mean it is not impossible, it needs oneness, gelling and one thought process to make that happen. God willing I would be thrilled to organize even that...

Chalo here ends the chapter of yet another G2G of party....the #3peat & #Hat-Trick of our #G2G and also the celebration of #DecadeFriendShip.

Owe my friendship to all those made effort to make it to the G2G. Spl appreciation who had been making to all the three G2G.

#HatsOff to all of them....

#LoveYaAll 

Khandani Rajdhani

Yes, I am a hardcore Nov-Veg lover and also feel why many are mad about Vegs but today I found out the reason why many love being Vegetarians.

It was a planned visit to Chamiers road with Deepak Bhaiya but really turned out to be an unforgettable day in my life. It was around lunch time and it was his plan to go to Phoenix Mall, Velachery and have lunch at "Khandani Rajdhani". To be honest I was not so keen being a Non-Veg lover but when with Deepak Bhaiya its always 100% Veg bcos he being an Vegetarian.

So finally went and opted for Thalli, my word the real treat of Food started from there.....
The plates were filled with many side dishes and some kind of tasty starters....The dishes in the pic were almost the same.

Sorry I don't remember all the dishes name..All were Rajasthani name, there was some kind of Juicy starter with Paneer kind of stuff soaked, then Sambar Vadai kind of stuff with Ghee toppings, then some Bonda.

Main dish was Rumali Roti with Ghee toppings....I was just grabbing it on full with mouth watering side dishes and didn't mind to stop....

In between sweets were going on its wish......Real tastier was Ras Malai my word, ate almost 6 pieces on will. Yes I repeat I ate 6 and Bhaiya too ate 6. We ended with rice with curd and bhaiya opted for Hot Dhal.

I was just waiting for the hand wash to come bcos the servers were just filling our plates on their will, I was asking what is the signal for Hand wash since they have a practice of signalling like 1, 2 etc. for dishes and for Hand washes....My Goodness....all foods were just Mouth watering and really tasty to the core. I bet you couldn't stop if you start eating.

Never had experienced such a wonderful service...At last we ended with a Big Drum beat signalling the food was awesome :) and they too greeted in their language like in the movie 300 - Aaahoo :P

The end of tale is that we both became like Big hippo with stomach full and unable to move :(
We were just moving inch by inch to get down to Parking floor to reach our car.

Unfortunately I had to drive the car to the destination and Bhaiya pushed back the seat and relaxed.

Really I regretted today that wish I was only a Vegetarian.......


p.s.: All you ppl, want to eat heavy Veg don't miss out to eat at Khandani Rajdhani....You will miss out a real treat and fun of food....and Healthy ones too :)

Say it in English

Yesterday after a long time had a chance to board in Chennai EMU from West Mambalam to Tambaram :)
I got a seat luckily because it was not peak hours of Weekend shopping. I noticed an old and poor man sleeping on the Train floor. He was very stale and had a long beard. He did not had any dress on him but a long bedsheet which he wrapped on himself.

The most hilarious incident when the station alighted at Pallavaram. The old man crawled across and went to the edge of the train door and halted there. A young chap from who was sitting opposite to me stood and about to get down.

The old man just looked up to that guy and asked "Time?". The young guy replied "Naaley Mukkaaal" - 4.45 in Tamil. "

The old man replied back "Say it in English". It took quite all the people who were noticing that incident to surprise. I was just taken aback. I mean that guy replied back with a little hesitation clearly "Four Forty Five". The old man listened and turned back and started on seeing outside. Such people if guided by right source could become achievable people in the society.

I don't know how many of us thought about such old people?

Are they Educated people who are left wandered on streets? or got Mentally Ill ? or are they some kind of Terrorist ?

Whoever could they be? It was a completely hilarious experience which I gone through yesterday.

Just prayed to God for a few seconds, God just take care of such people.....

I managed to capture that old man's pic, you people just see him and decide how could such a man speak clear English and make your own judgements......

He has Made Me Glad :)

He has Made Me Glad......


I am on the edge of this month and of this new year 2014 :) 

Right from the 1st day of Jan 2014, God has been leading me all through the roller-coaster rides which I have been facing in my Professional Life. It was a tough month, had some sleepless nights with loads of pressure. Learnt a lot of lessons, got backfires, faced Music from the Client and loads of late night calls. 


Only my buddy David knows each & every struggle I went through but I am glad at the blink of the next day morning always had a Hope and a Trust that He will be with me. 

It was a Fruitful, Challenging yet promising January for the months of come :) 

The month ran like a whisper with Pongal Holidays occupying almost a week......:) 

Hope you all had a wonderful Jan, wishing you all a Happy February 2014 :) 


I repeat He has Made Me Glad :) 

CASPER'S 1st Birthday

Howdy Buddies,

Yeah you saw the title right....My Casper is now 1 year old. It was an year back when she came into my life. She has given me wonderful experience over the last 365 days.....

1st want to #ThankGod for the wonderful gift which He gave it to me :)

Still remember it was on Jan 23rd 2013, I took and introduced her to my Mom and Dad :) My Young bro was the most happiest person on Earth to see his Bro's owning a Chevy Beat :)

Later only on Jan 27th only took her 1st time to Church. #ThankedGod and from next day took it to office. Still that day flashes in my Mind :) Was so careful and used to drive very slow and with mild pace.

It was in the month of Feb, took her to Nellore my 1st Long trip where she crossed 1000kms.

From that time she has just moved on with me and time ran like a Whisper. Later there were no big marathons but almost took me almost 120kms on average daily and all across the Industrial areas of Chennai and its outskirts :0

Casper in the due course of last one year got hurts and wounds though not big ones but small ones. Always feel whenever she gets even scratches :( My Chitappa told me, don't worry Joe all are scratchless and brand new only till it is in the showroom. Once its comes out don't bother about the scratches.

Since there was no heavy rains in Chennai last year she didn't experience the worst Chennai roads during the rainy seasons but surely experienced the Heat of Chennai.

On August 14th 2013, she went past 10,000 kms :) Felt happy that she had gone past a Good kms.

So far she has gone for 3 services and is in semma condition to give almost 23 Kms / Litre of Diesel with A/C/

She celebrated her 1st Christmas only this year. She got a wax and her Shampoo wash before her Christmas.

Almost she has become a part of my Family now because all my family including Chithi family 6 members comfortably can travel for a short distances around Chennai.

This March we have planned for a long trip down to Tirunelveli. #GodWilling will make it.

#PraiseTheLord once again for the wonderful gift which He gave it to me when it really needed.

Will continue more in the 2nd Birthday celebration with more exciting rides and zooms to share...

"My Caster after a Shampoo Wash "

"2 `J `0 `O `1 `E `3 " :) :D ;) B-)

2014 – A Year of Trust & Hope in God!!

Another year of 2013, passed away like a jiffy leaving behinds loads of Memories, Fun, Enjoyment, Success, Failures, Hard Lessons, New Life, New Relationships & Frnds to lead a hopeful 2014. Time to retrospect 2013.

2013 a year I would summarize as a year which has been a base of a wonderful 2014. It gave me a base of a strong Spiritual life which I am going to continue in 2014 in a big way. I want to Thank the Lord Almighty for giving me a blessed 2013 and now a wonderful start to 2014.

Family and Relatives:

It was a healthy year for my parents. Both Mom and Dad were blessed and I Thank God for giving them another year. Visited twice Nellai last year, in the month of May and in July. It was as always a wonderful and cherish able year time spent with family members. Got a chance to visit Manimuthar falls with family kutties.

Friends & Hangouts:

This year was a wonderful year with respect to Friends and Hangouts. May 26^th 2013, we were at Nellai for our bestie marriage Pushpa. Since all schoolies gathered, we got a chance to make a Trek. It was to Ulakai aruvi falls were we guys went had a fun trek. Following in July went to another schoolie’s marriage Sam. Year ended with another memorable trip to Cochin. It was a greeny and a trip to freeze.

Then came the big final bash of the year – College Life Relived on Aug 4^th 2013. Yet another time, with God’s grace organized and relived college life with all at Jade Resorts.

It was the second consecutive year which we made it for the Get-Together. This 2014 is gonna be the Hat-Trick if we succeed it through.

Apart from that, Get together with PG friends too got few occasions. After a long time got a chance to meet Vijay and Vivek on the eve of Diwali. Later went to Gobichettipalayam for Jeff’s marriage with Thilak and Roshan.

As on regular note met Pradeep and Dinesh may be 5 times for dinner’s and hangouts.

This year, apart from all these moved often with DJ bhaiya for sudden dinner trips and also with Anand Sir for quick dinners.

Social Networking:

Coming to Social Networking, spent loads of time in FB. My word, if I turn back and see I was addicted to it. I was seriously thinking on it to reduce in 2013 to some extent. I succeeded in it too and looking forward to reduce further.

This year hadn’t been a wonderful on Blogging but God willing will be writing more and more both on personal and spiritual blog.

Last, don’t want to forget to share about bro David. He is a real God’s gift to me. In 2013, among all my friends with him have spent the most of the evening. We both shared & sharing the stage in both the Youth Prayer Meetings and also in ACA Church for Sunday Services.

Spiritual Life:

2012 was the year which ignited Spiritual life within me. God’s will or plan whatever you call it as during my prayers something within me ignited to start a new Blog – Pursuit ofChristianity. It has kicked off well with very good response & comments.

Later this year, God gave me wonderful platform in many ways to play Guitar. Selva anna’s Friday prayer meetings lead me to on stage programs. Last year was part of Youth Prayer Meeting at two churches. In March 2013, myself and my bro David started playing in Wednesday in ACA Selaiyur church. Later that church developed and from April Sunday services started. Since then, we both are part of regular music leaders in ACA Church. It was a real blessed year. Really Thank God many times for giving me this opportunity.  

One of the biggest Life event was my CEZA - The Casper. Yes my Chevy Beat. It was a God's gift purely. So far have touched 17,000 odd kms in one year. He saved me through all the rough roads of Chennai and Highways. Thank God. 

Personal Life:

Still a Proud Single. But 2014 I am sure it is not gonna be the same. God willing soon will get my Life Partern. My parents has started to look for girl and before 2015 New Year will be changing my status from Single to Engaged / Married in FB.

Professional Life:

Something which 2012 brought a turnaround in a bigger way in my life is my Professional Life. From Business Head I was Partner at Chrisna Solutions. Later in 2013, got into Akash Ganga and Medilife.

Nut Shell:

Put it in a Short Note, 2012 was a beginning of Good things and now 2013 was a beginning of Brilliant things under His light and Blessings. I know God Lord has Life changing, superb and wonderful good plans for me in 2014, I know what I have to do – TRUST IN LORD, WITH ALL MY HEART, ALL MY SOUL AND ALL MY MIND.

2014 I am just waiting for Life changing things to happen with His blessings and plan.

I owe, thank and love you all folks for all your wishes, comments, tags, love and support which you folks showed in 2013, expecting the same in the upcoming 2014.

Sorry folks, if I have hurted you anytime with my words and behaviour. I always cherish all your relationship and friendship.

Happy New Year 2014.

Time with School Buddies always the best :) :D

It's always special if I spend quality time with friends, and on top of that if it is my School Buddies - The Dukes of Bell it is always the very special.

A quite roller coaster start it was, were late according to our plan but managed to squeeze through all the plans and boarded our train. Neva wanna share on blog regarding that comedy moments.

Our mate, Sunil boarded the train from Egmore and rest from Tambaram. A/C Coach and Side lower what else do you expect :P Long and late night chat was the most nostalgic.

Next day was the big day for our frnd Sam. It was a fun filled evening, with a good dinner though not authentic Christian marriage dinner we enjoyed to the core.

The next day was a special, went along a cooll drive with my buddy Ramesh to Kovilpatti. We both shared a a lot of things between us. May be last time we both shared lot was during our School days.

Rest what, return from Nellai to Chennai in Kanyakumari with Sunil and Abi alone. Again Side Upper berth, and yet again late night chit-o-chats :)

Few things couldn't be explained in detail but this post will bring loads of memories flashing in my buddies mind :)

Love u all my School mates :)

College Life Re-Lived ‘ 2013

Another year flashed after the wonderful event ---- http://djoephilip.blogspot.in/2012/08/college-life-re-lived.html

The venue, agenda, plans and organizing works began quite early from the month of June. The aim of this time g2g was that the message should spread to all the batch mates who are in the contact circle unlike last year were there was a shortage of time to spread the news to all. I managed to do it to larger extent.

The big day:

This year the feel and over all g2g had a completely different outlook and theme as compared to last year because more couples made it to the function as compared to last year. So we had to be quite little more decent.

The event kicked off with a welcome drink and then assembling. This time it was Arthi who took the initiative to arrange for cake, my mark my words it was an interesting and theme oriented cake. Tasty too ;)

The celebration of cake cutting never end without cake facials, yes we did it with No Mercy to all. It was very interesting coz’ all the girls who were in full-makes and all were wiped off cos’ of our cake facials.

Following which we all went to banquet hall, and we took our group picture. We had quite some time in conducting few games before we went for lunch. Following which it was Skakthi akka who kept us busy with her beautiful songs.

The time was ticking 4 and we were at Beach. It was a pleasant, calm and well maintained beach. We had real galla time with them.

Now you all guessing that event got over uh ?

There was a stoppage and waiting period may be till 6.30 for something special. It was a well planned & executed plan.

Here is what all they waited for:

My friend Sathya, told that all were literary exhausted but when we gave this memento all felt that the wait was worth. I hope the same from others, and also guess all were happy in having that.

Summary of the day was kinda so nostalgic, cos’ this year few new faces came to the party. It was so pleasure in meeting them after may be 9 years. Really I would say priceless moments of Life. I guess everyone were so happy seeing each other and re-kindling their college life. 

I want to use this platform to thank my buddies, Pradeep, Dinesh, Sathya, Arthi and others who supported me in each and every move to organize and made this event yet another time a grand success. It was my pleasure to organize one more year and also Thank God for guiding me in all tough situations.

We want to thank each one those who respected us and made it for the event, we owe our Friendship to you all. 

Love u All Friends……You are my Life 

Yaaayy I re-lived another time a day of College Life because of you all :) 

I have shared few nostalgic memories in FB so enjoy it !!!

P.S.: Again wanna mention, It’s not like that I am angry or upset with those who didn’t make it for the event. Few couldn’t make it cos’ of genuine reasons but others didn’t make it cos they were not interested. I would like to end by saying such moments in Life are Once in a Life Time Opportunity, when chance to get an enjoyment is there we should grab it and shouldn’t have hard feelings later on.

We shouldn’t show up our Ego’s, Past revenges and give away Silly & Childish reasons. 

I am just expecting atleast seeing all the pictures more ppl will pump in for the next meet.

TREK DE' ULAKAI ARUVI

It took 6 months to post 2^nd post of the year but I guess wait was good and now Life gave me an awesome chance to post now.  Sorry for the long post yet again but I feel you guys will enjoy.

This year Nellai trip was Memorable but unusual, thinking why ? Just cos’ this year didn’t spent much time with family but guess what wid my School Buddies.

It was a pucca pre-planned trip cos’ we all assembled on occasion of our Bestie’s Marriage Pushpakumar @ Nellai J . 24^th Night we folks started in a Bus & made it memorable. Last Seat Sleeper and 3 of our guys huddled inside & watched Movie + IPL Match.

Now 26^th the BIG DAY – TREK DE ULAKAI ARUVI :)

Our buddy Abilash had just one thing in mind that our trip should be somewhere wr only few has unleashed & obviously adventurous & new. So the destination was Ulakai Aruvi, a kinda dense forest in Nagercoil.

Guys huddled for the trek – Abilash, Ramesh, Navanee, Sunil, Syed & Me ;)  missed out 3 more guys :(

Since it was a reserved area we got prior permissions and had two members to escort us. They were local ppl and were aware of the dangers & paths very well. We started say something around 10 in the morning. As always started with enthu and energetic but hardly we would have trekked around 15 min, it was time was a Strategic Time Out :P . We stressed out only walking through the mud path but weren’t aware of the herculean path. Just as we trekked another 10 min, the path was full of rocks and rocks. My word I was wearing Jeans and it got wet wih sweat. We were stressed out & drank all the waters we had.

Path became rough & rough, and mark my words it was a beginner’s trek :P it was that time I realized that we guys are weak by living in the city life with no real stamina in us. Particularly me, I was quite over stressed out and was trekking the last and was keeping all the steps slowly and slowly with no big efforts.

Almost trekked for an hour, then came the small twist, there were two paths diverging. One was straight the path we walked & other was towards right. Myself and Ramesh had in our mind that we shud take straight and Sunil & Abi had in their mind that we shud take right. Highlight was we guys didn’t took the phone numbers of escorts cos’ we asked them to walk through long back.

It was kinda path walking around the hill, we had doubts but since we all were intact and walked through our instincts by walking right. Then came an awesome breath taking view point. We were almost 4000 ft. above the ground level and were enjoying the Nature’s bounty. Our last liquid left out was the Big Sprite bottle & it got empty in seconds. We guys had hope that we are going in right direction and at last we were right. Thanks to Google cos’ we had some glimpses of the final spot before we went so once reached the final hurdle we were sure. All got a big sigh when we saw our escorts who were waiting for us.

Next what, it was time to jump into the falls. Our escorts started to cook – Curry and rice. It was a small falls wr only one can get into it and take the shower. We went turn wise & were enjoying the cool waters. The climate so awesome and mild that we sat there & started our gossips. As on cards, were pulling our leg & reminding our school memories. It was one such priceless moment of 80 odd minutes which we will never forget. We guys thought okay lets finish but there was another twist, when one of the escort that there is one more spot above it. We had to climb on the rocks almost 200 ft. above and when we saw a small pool with falls. It was another one such Nature’s gift which we guys were gifted to witness. We didn’t carry any cam up there else would have taken a lot pics. The rocky path has something interesting the Dung of Elephant & we realized it’s really a risky area.

All came down and it was time for a Luncheon. It was one such mouth watery Chicken curry with Plain rice with Rasam & Egg. All sat together & relished our food. Later it was time to take some candid shots. We weren’t running short of time but still made our minds let’s trek down. That’s when myself, Abilash and Syed really trekked down slowly and were enjoying 360’ degree nature.

Successfully reached down with no harms and wounds, all Thanks to God Almighty for it. Visited Sunil’s home and came to Nellai before it was dark.

Same night, huddled up again at Ramesh’s home for IPL Finals. Next day was the Marriage and it was the end of our one of the most memorable trip we guys had ever had.

I would say, it was once in a life time opportunity to witness such beauty again into the nature.

Please check out the link of the album uploaded in FB:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151688798989105.1073741824.539564104&type=3