Life is Sunny...

HIATUS

2011-09-12T18:13:00.000+08:00

Hello friends. It has been so long since my last post. I don't know, but for some reason, I just could not bring myself to write again.

I have been traveling. Now I'm back in Manila and I finally found myself a regular job. Plan B! It's something that keeps me busy, perhaps so much that I'm starting to feel a little sad about it. Knowing that you are stuck in the country for the next couple of months is really not something to perk you up, yeah?

So many things have happened, I've lost a lot of loved ones in such a short time. I feel like I'm moving away from my ultimate dream job. I want to get the next plane out of the country but can't. Yes, I am very much depressed. In time, I can finally find the strength to talk about what I have been through. I am looking forward to sharing my travel stories with you all.

A TOUGH PLACE, INDEED

2011-07-23T11:30:00.001+08:00

Yesterday, I was chatting with my Grandma about current news in the US and the Philippines. As always, I was almost too ashamed to say that nothing much has changed, things have actually gone worse since the last time she was here. She asked about my asthma so I had a chance to vent my frustration with the ridiculously polluted air we breathe as well as the crappy public transport system that makes traffic insufferable. I wanted to show her a picture of the EDSA traffic so I searched the web and somehow came upon BBC's documentary, "The Toughest Place To Be A Bus Driver."

BBC's TOUGHEST PLACE TO BE A BUS DRIVER

I've heard about it months ago but never got a chance to watch it, so I did. It is a great documentary and a must-watch especially for every Filipino. I found it both heartbreaking and eye-opening.

For a while, I worried that when I travel and people hear that I'm a Filipino, they might think I live in the slums and eat "pagpag." I still remember when the word Filipina was defined as a housemaid or domestic helper. There is nothing wrong about being a domestic helper but a lot of Filipinas also excel in other fields like medicine, education and even politics. I just don't think it's fair to stereotype someone based on what you might have seen. It's like saying Russians are spies, Japanese are tech geeks, and Chinese are counterfeiters.

But I digress. I wanted to share my insights about the documentary. While watching it, I felt really guilty for all the petty things I always complain about: how my Twitter and Friendly for iPad hangs all the time, how slow my internet connection is, how my hard drive crashed and I cried as if I lost 350GB of my life, things like that. I realized I'm being too shallow. How can I relentlessly bitch about wanting a new pair of shoes (when I have umpteen pairs in the closet) while some people can barely make ends meet.

While others might argue that the documentary only depicted the life of a jeepney driver living in the slums of Manila, the fact that a large number of Filipinos is stuck in a similar situation can not be denied. I read the comments on the documentary and some say it is too harsh and there is no need for a blatant display of such depressing situation. I ask, why? Would it be any better if the rest of the world is kept in the dark? Has nonchalance ever did us any good?

We have been in denial for so long and it's like we've sunk deeper and deeper into a blackhole of social and political problems where we will soon disappear into. The problem with the Philippines is that while many have expressed their grievances, those in the government know nothing but point accusing fingers at one another. I am starting to wonder if it was a good idea after all to ask for independence from the United States. I mean, just look at our pathetic excuse for a government.

On the bright side, the documentary also showed how strong Filipinos are. I must have cried a bucket of tears on the part where Mang Rogelio said something along these lines: "Sometimes I wonder why there is rich and poor, we all work everyday. I work twelve hours every day and I'm still poor. If I can, I would work twenty-four hours but I know I'll still be poor." I was amazed how determined he is to provide for his family no matter how physically taxing it can be. Now that is something to be really proud of.

I don't think I could ever live one day in his shoes, which makes me all the more grateful for the roof above my head, the food on the table, the clothes I'm wearing, and for the parents and grandparents who made sure I got everything I needed and wanted in life. Although there are some Filipinos who are poor just because they are plain lazy, there are still some who try to earn a decent living everyday. I look at people like Mang Rogelio with great admiration. His children should be very proud of him. They should not be ashamed of being poor. You know who should be ashamed? Those pigs in the government stealing taxpayers' hard-earned money to buy mansions, luxury cars, yachts, and to pay for their trips abroad! Those pigs are the very reason why we don't have a safety net for those who are sick and can not work. The money is being stolen from those who actually need it by those who don't deserve even a cent of it.

Days ago, I was ranting about how jeepneys should be outlawed because they make traffic really worse and they make the air dirtier. Now I feel sorry for ever thinking that way. Well, I still think jeepneys are major pain in the behind, but now I don't want them to be outlawed. Besides, I have resigned to the fact that a bus system will never work here because our roads our extremely small. Talk about lack of urban planning, but that's an entirely different story.

Another major thing, the issue of family planning was touched by the documentary. I wonder if members of the CBCP have seen this. Well, I don't think it would make any difference because for sure, they see poor people all the time. I don't know if they are drugged or jaded or what, but do they really think having a dozen starving uneducated kids is a blessing? For fifteen long years, the reproductive health bill is still, well, a BILL. Perhaps it's because the legislators have no balls to go against the church. There is separation of Church and State but I'm afraid that's just in writing.

I am not Catholic but I have always respected every religion. However, the way I've seen some heads of the Church behave recently makes me wonder if they're worthy of respect. I can not forget how the bishops went through all the trouble of filing a case against Carlos Celdran. Whatever happened to the "forgiveness and loving your enemies" that they always preach about? Anyway, they say the RH Bill is evil and against God's law. Well, what could be more evil than letting a poor couple with no stable source of income have one too many kids in a makeshift house in a dirty environment, eating food from the garbage? Would the Church feed the children? No. Would the Church pay for their school? No. Would the Church take them in when their house is being demolished? Hell no. Who suffersmost after all? Your so called blessings, the children. Ironically, they don't seem to be blessed at all, do they? Then those kids would grow up uneducted, will live a life similar or even worse than their parents, would have more kids, and the poverty will just go on and on all because the parents did not know any better. It is all because they have been denied proper information and they were not given a choice. Their church leaders have forbidden them to exercise birth control. Now THAT is pure evil. Don't even bring up the issue of morality here. I've heard enough of the abstinence crap. Abstinence? Well, tell that to those priests who secretly fathered children of their own. Tell that to those priests who rape minors.

After all of those things and scenarios I have mentioned and you are still convinced that RH Bill is evil, well, I'm sorry but SCREW YOU. Screw you and your twisted reasoning based on what your church leaders say. They say it's what their god wants. Oh really? Is it the same God who wanted sports utility vehicles? Well, if so, then I certainly do not want anything to do with that god.

Let us all count our blessings. I hope we will have a heart for those who are less fortunate in life. Allow me to be obnoxious and remind you once again to appreciate the things we have in life. We may be so used to the comforts of everyday life, that we hardly notice them anymore but to someone else on another part of the city, it could be one great blessing. While you're sipping your frapuccino while smoking at Starbucks, one kid is digging through the garbage to fill his empty stomach. Oops! Was that a guilt trip? Take it any way you want, I'm just saying a little reminder from time to time does not hurt.

A blessed weekend to everyone!

NO PROMISES

2011-07-22T13:13:00.002+08:00

I’m only 23 for another hour give or take,
I’m a fan or yours and I need a good mistake.
I’m not a sinner or preacher, all I have is Sleight of Hand.
I do magic tricks for all the boys in the band.

Baby can I be the rabbit in your hat?
I’d swing if you’d hand me, hand me the bat.

I’m on the road of least resistance
I’d rather give up then give in to this.
So promise me only one thing would you?
Just don’t ever make me promises, no promises.
Oh, no promises.
I’ve never done this before, promises promises.But I’m enjoying the illusion and the things my body says.Now you see me, now you don’t.Oh how well you disappear.What are you running from? And may I interfere?

FORGET APOLOGIES

2011-07-21T13:45:00.000+08:00

Sorry. It's one word that is so easy to say or write. That one word alone could go from meaningful to degrading to insulting. It is meaningful when uttered with much remorse and genuine feeling. It has the power to at least lessen someone's pain. I don't know about other people but for me, I feel a tad degraded when I have to say sorry for things I didn't even do. Then why say it? Because sometimes, it is the only way to keep the peace. Sometimes you just want the drama to be over so you'll just apologize to make the issue go away. When is it insulting?

Sorry is insulting when the person has yet to cry foul and explain how he has been hurt before the offender offers an apology. It's like stepping on someone else's toe and the person has to cry out load and say "Ouch! That's my foot! Look down! See? My toes are all red and swollen and left with your shoe marks! It hurts!" Only then will you say sorry, but too late. I mean, how pathetic! Didn't you feel that you're stepping on something soft? Didn't you feel that it's not flat?

There's no hope for people who keep hurting you the same way over and over, and each time you call their attention on it, they apologize profusely only to repeat the same thing after a week or two. People who have no regard for others' feelings and only sees themselves in the picture. Do they even realize that saying sorry is like throwing a salt bomb on a wound?

Forget it. I am just so sick of apologies. If apologies were worth a hundred bucks each, I would have a Ferrari now.

Seriously.

ANYEONG HASEYO

2011-07-14T11:24:00.000+08:00

Almost three weeks ago, we accompanied some Korean friends to Anilao, Batangas. Yes! Diving! I have always been scared of the sea despite my love affair with the beach. I argue that those two are different. My idea of going to the beach is just baking myself silly in the sand or beach bed, walking along the beautiful shore, eating grilled barbecue and sipping refreshingly great fruit shakes, frolicking in the water...

My friends think otherwise. They wanted to get up close and personal to the mysterious sea creatures. Lucky me, I had girly reasons to stay dry. Hahaha. So I just stayed in the boat while they went down down down the sea floor. Ick. I get heebiejeees just thinking about it.

Speaking of the boat, I have always been scared of being on a boat in the middle of the water. Again, it's because I can't really swim. I know, I'm such a loser. Surprisingly, the water was really calm and I didn't panic or get scared at all as we went to the very small, uninhabited island to cook lunch. pork barbecue, shrimp, jasponica rice and of course, KIMCHI. How cool!

I felt like a modern-day castaway. Only thing missing was Wilson. *wink* I ate lunch sitting on a wooden stump, I would have used my hands to eat but I make a total mess so I used the fork. Hehe. Not so castaway-ish that way, I guess.

I had a lot of fun and it was really the first time I enjoyed the sea itself. I wish it will always be that calm so I wont be scared anymore. I WISH! Anyway, I just took photos as my friends dived and dived and dived. I was a happy camper. Or should I say, boater?

P.S.

Look, I even made a new friend! I love dogs! I super miss my black Labrador retriever...

DON'T LET THE APPLE BITE

2011-07-12T10:46:00.000+08:00

short hair, long to-do list

My plan to keep this blog updated has obviously failed again. My to-do list, unlike my hair, is still really long. I've been trying to figure out what keeps me from writing like I used to. I can't really say I'm busy in the strictest sense of the word. I have a lot of time on my hands yet my blog, among other things, have been left ignored and unattended for so long. Lack of inspiration? Lethargy? Boredom?

I have surplus of time and shortage of motivation, I guess. Perhaps I should point an accusing finger to technology, particularly the iconic Apple. Amazing how much time I can waste every day just ranting on micro blogs, taking pictures and playing silly games with those gadgets. Productive? Not at all. I wish there's a job that will pay you for just taking pictures or playing games, but that's far-fetched.

Honestly, my days have been spent downloading apps for the iPad, updating my iTunes, tinkering with my phone and uploading pics on the laptop. Technology is like a blackhole that just swallowed me whole and kept me from doing more important things. Yes, I got bitten by the Apple. Darn.

I will not make another promise but for the umpteenth time, I will try my best to start writing again. What else? Oh.. I also need to get my PLL groove back. Anyone here watches Pretty Little

Liars? I have the last episode of season one on my hard drive along with season two's episodes one, two, three, and four. Yes, I still haven't watched them no matter how much I am smitten by Ashley Benson.

Another thing I really miss is watching Modern Family. It used to be my dose of happiness everyday. I love that show! Now, I hardly watch local TV. I haven't even seen the news for the longest time, but they are mostly bad news anyway so no regrets on that/ At least I get to read the news on CNN, Time and a bit of Inquirer. When I turn on the TV, it's dead set on the Travel and Living Channel (TLC) all day. Talk about fueling up my wanderlust. The more I watch TLC, the more my list of places to visit gets longer. Sheesh!

I hope you guys are all doing great. Happy weekend!!

I LOVE YOU, I LOVE THEM NOT

2011-07-05T10:01:00.000+08:00

Just when I was declaring my love for this country, I was driven to frustration once again by greedy cab drivers. One of things I hate most about Manila is the lousy transportation system. I am fortunate enough to have access to personal vehicles but there are times when it seems more convenient to ride a bus, the MRT or even the infamous jeepneys. Oh, yes, tricycles for short distances within small villages or streets are good too. Also, there are horse-drawn carriages on some parts of Manila that are being used as means of transportation as well.

The Philippines is a third world country so I'm not even expecting infrastructures at par with other Asian neighbors like Japan, Singapore and South Korea. As I've said before, I love my country despite its flaws. The thing is, something is really wrong with the people's mentality. Don't get me wrong, Filipinos are generally helpful, honest and nice people. Unfortunately, since a substantial part of the population lives in poverty, there are some who would cheat and steal from others just to get ahead. Shame!

Take for example the simple things such as cab fares. I have yet to see one cab driver who would give the exact change down to the last centavo. Most of the time, they want to keep the change and demand the passenger to pay extra because of traffic or heavy rain. Duh! It's not my fault if it's traffic or if it's raining hard. I mean, that's why there's a meter! However, there are times when we voluntarily give extra as a consideration for the driver's great effort to get us safely and quickly to our destination.

There's obviously lack of urban planning and proper zoning but the government has been trying hard to alleviate the terrible traffic condition in the Metro by assigning designated bus lanes and bus stops, enforcing the number coding scheme, constructing foot bridges and elevated U-turn slots, etc. Again, it's the people's lack of discipline that fails. You can still see a lot of them jaywalking, flagging and getting off jeepneys and buses anywhere they want, violating traffic laws... The list could go on and on.

Before, I didn't really mind when the cab driver does not give me change. Maybe because I'm always in a hurry or just too tired to argue. After watching an episode of Reporter's Notebook the other day, I felt a greater sense of appreciation for everything I have, yes, even the couple of peso bills in my wallet. Why? I saw how people are being transported illegally to Malaysia via an island in Mindanao by means of a small boat. Apparently, they think they have more chances of a better life in Malaysia so they pay the boatman a small amount of money and brave the sometimes treacherous waves of the sea to cross borders illegally. Oh, there were children too! Take note, it was just an ordinary wooden fishing boat, not an outrigger boat. There wasn't even one life vest in sight. My heart goes out to those people who put their life at risk just to escape poverty.

Yes, I am ranting. It pains me to see so much potential for this beautiful country being ruined by sheer lack of discipline and initiative of the people. Here, they just think about themselves. See how Koreans support their very own local brands like Samsung and Hyundai. See how Singaporeans adhere to their strict laws in exchange of cleanliness and orderliness. See how Japanese people behaved during the devastation of the tsunami. How I wish Filipinos could learn from our neighbors. I know there are a lot of good citizens here. I do hope that we could all learn to love our OWN some more. All these laws are here for a reason, and it's for a common good. You may not see a lot of improvement in a day but collective effort could get us to progress soon enough.

One last thing, it is really irritating to see a hefty sum of money taken away from your pay check because of taxes while corrupt officials are driving away in their luxury vehicles to their mansions full of ill-gotten wealth. Sigh! Shame on them.

Looking forward to write good news and more progress soon. A loving citizen can dream, yeah?

MY BELOVED PILIPINAS ;)

2011-06-26T14:44:00.008+08:00

Philippines: My country. My home.

Yes, for me, it's that simple. I must admit, though, that I do not really know my country well. It's a shame how I sometimes feel like a foreigner in my own country, sometimes, even in my own city. I have never been to Baclaran, Quiapo, Tutuban, and so many other popular places in Metro Manila. Why? Maybe because I know it's just near so I never bother to really make it a point to visit. And that's where I'm wrong.

We have some Korean friends visiting Manila and I'm at a loss on where to take them. First thing that popped into my head is Carlos Celdran's walking tour of Manila. Unfortunately, he's not in the country right now. I'm wracking my brain for nice places and things to show the visitors. I'm also wondering what would be a nice gift to give them. Something that is very Filipino, a miniature jeepney? Local delicacies? What restaurant serves the best and most authentic Filipino food? Where to take the visitors aside from Intramuros and Luneta? Hay. I should watch less TLC and more Trip na Trip (some kind of a local travel show), if that's still airing.

Speaking of Carlos Celdran and Intramuros, I went with Pepper and my siblings to Luneta Park last Black Saturday and that was only my second time there. I think it was my first time to get really close to the Rizal Monument and walk around the park. My first time was probably on one of the educational tours back in elementary school and I can hardly remember it. See? And yes, I have only been to Intramuros thrice. First was with my family when we had American visitors, second was during Miss Earth for press presentation, third was last week to have dinner and watch the cultural show at Barbara's. I am looking forward to joining Carlos Celdran's walking tour as soon as he comes back.

Sorry about the blurry photo. I was showing off my dancing skills. It was too fast that my generic point-and-shoot auto settings camera was not able to keep up. LOL!!! See? I told you I'm Pinoy! I can dance Tinikling =))

I checked out the cozy hotel Carlos Celdran has been mentioning.

Barbara's (not Bam's. Or is it? *wink*)

Posing with the cultural dancers. I wish I look as good in those costumes. I remember how I look totally odd in baro't saya, in Maria Clara and in any traditional Filipina costume. Must be my eyes and facial features that does not go with the whole authentic look. Haha..

Despite it's flaws, I love the Philippines. There are times when situations get really frustrating and it makes me want to leave the country for good. When I calm down and think about how life is in other countries, I change my mind.

But I digress. I actually want to talk about the things our visitors noticed. Here goes:

1. Why are the roads so dark and small?

2. Why are there lots of security guards? Even McDonalds have security guards?!

3. Are there still cabs without airconditioning? If none, why do cabs have AIRCON painted on the doors. (Yeah, this really piqued my curiosity)

4. People are so relaxed and are always eating

I can't remember so many other things they noticed. I would like to share this article written years ago by a British journalist. I have read this many times in forwarded emails but I really find it hilarious and very true. Enjoy!

====================

Matter of Taste By Matthew Sutherland

I have now been in this country for over six years, and consider myself in most respects well assimilated. However, there is one key step on the road to full assimilation, which I have yet to take, and that’s to eat BALUT.

The day any of you sees me eating balut, please call immigration and ask them to issue me a Filipino passport. Because at that point there will be no turning back.

BALUT, for those still blissfully ignorant non-Pinoys out there, is a fertilized duck egg. It is commonly sold with salt in a piece of newspaper, much like English fish and chips, by street vendors usually after dark, presumably so you can’t see how gross it is.

It’s meant to be an a phrodisiac, although I can’t imagine anything more likely to dispel sexual desire than crunching on a partially formed baby duck swimming in noxious fluid. The embryo in the egg comes in varying stages of development, but basically it is not considered macho to eat one without fully discernable feathers, beak, and claws. Some say these crunchy bits are the best. Others prefer just to drink the so-called ‘soup’, the vile, pungent liquid that surrounds the aforementioned feathery fetus…excuse me; I have to go and throw up now. I’ll be back in a minute.

Food dominates the life of the Filipino. People here just love to eat. They eat at least eight times a day. These eight official meals are called, in order: breakfast, snacks, lunch, merienda, merienda ceyna, dinner, bedtime snacks and no-one-saw-me- take-that- cookie-from- the-fridge-so- it- doesn’t-count.

The short gaps in between these mealtimes are spent eating Sky Flakes from the open packet that sits on every desktop. You’re never far from food in the Philippines . If you doubt this, next time you’re driving home from work, try this game. See how long you can drive without seeing food and I don’t mean a distant restaurant, or a picture of food. I mean a man on the sidewalk frying fish balls, or a man walking through the traffic selling nuts or candy. I bet it’s less than one minute.

Here are some other things I’ve noticed about food in the Philippines :

Firstly, a meal is not a meal without rice – even breakfast. In the UK , I could go a whole year without eating rice. Second, it’s impossible to drink without eating. A bottle of San Miguel just isn’t the same without gambas or beef tapa. Third, no one ventures more than two paces from their house without baon (food in small container) and a container of something cold to drink. You might as well ask a Filipino to leave home without his pants on. And lastly, where I come from, you eat with a knife and fork. Here, you eat with a spoon and fork. You try eating rice swimming in fish saucewith a knife.

One really nice thing about Filipino food culture is that people always ask you to SHARE their food. In my office, if you catch anyone attacking their baon, they will always go, “Sir! KAIN TAYO!” (“Let’s eat!”). This confused me, until I realized that they didn’t actually expect me to sit down and start munching on their boneless bangus. In fact, the polite response is something like, “No thanks, I just ate.” But the principle is sound – if you have food on your plate, you are expected to share it, however hungry you are, with those who may be even hungrier. I think that’s great!

In fact, this is frequently even taken one step further. Many Filipinos use “Have you eaten yet?” (“KUMAIN KA NA?”) as a general greeting, irrespective of time of day or location.

Some foreigners think Filipino food is fairly dull compared to other Asian cuisines. Actually lots of it is very good: Spicy dishes li ke Bicol Express (strange, a dish named after a train); anything cooked with coconut milk; anything KINILAW; and anything ADOBO. And it’s hard to beat the sheer wanton, cholesterolic frenzy of a good old-fashioned LECHON de leche (roast pig) feast. Dig a pit, light a fire, add 50 pounds of animal fat on a stick, and cook until crisp. Mmm, mmm… you can actually feel your arteries constricting with each successive mouthful.

I also share one key Pinoy trait —a sweet tooth. I am thus the only foreigner I know who does not complain about sweet bread, sweet burgers, sweet spaghetti, sweet banana ketchup, and so on. I am a man who likes to put jam on his pizza. Try it! It’s the weird food you want to avoid. In addition to duck fetus in the half-shell, items to avoid in the Philippines include pig’s blood soup (DINUGUAN); bull’s testicle soup, the strangely-named “SOUP NUMBER FIVE” (I dread to think what numbers one through four are); and the ubiquitous, stinky shrimp paste, BAGOONG, and it’s equally stinky sister, PATIS. Filipinos are so addicted to these latter items that they will even risk arrest or deportation trying to smuggle them into countries like Australia and the USA , which wisely ban the importation of items you can smell from more than 100 paces.

Then there’s the small matter of the purple ice cream. I have never been able to get my brain around eating purple food; the ubiquitous UBE leaves me cold.

And lastly on the subject of weird food, beware: that KALDERETANG KAMBING (goat) could well be KALDERETANG ASO (dog)…

The Filipino, of course, has a well-developed sense of food. Here’s a typical Pinoy food joke: “I’m on a seafood diet. “What’s a seafood diet?” “When I see food, I eat it!”

Filipinos also eat strange bits of animals — the feet, the head, the guts, etc., usually barbecued on a stick. These have been given witty names, like ADIDAS” (chicken’s feet); “KURBATA” (either just chicken’s neck, or “neck and thigh” as in “neck-tie”); “WALKMAN” (pigs ears); “PAL” (chicken wings); HELMET” (chicken head); “IUD” (chicken intestines), and BETAMAX” (video-cassette- like blocks of animal blood). Yum, yum. Bon appetit.

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches”– (Proverbs 22:1)

WHEN I arrived in the Philippines from the UK six years ago, one of the first cultural differences to strike me was names. The subject has provided a continuing source of amazement and amusement ever since. The first unusual thing, from an English perspective, is that everyone here has a nickname. In the staid and boring United Kingdom , we have nicknames in kindergarten, but when we move into adulthood we tend, I am glad to say, to lose them.

The second thing that struck me is that Philippine names for both girls and boys tend to be what we in the UK would regard as overbearingly cutesy for anyone over about five. Fifty-five-year- olds colleague put it. Where I come from, a boy with a nickname like Boy Blue or Honey Boy would be beaten to death at school by pre-adolescent bullies, and never make it to adulthood. So, probably, would girls with names like Babes, Lovely, Precious, Peachy or Apples. Yuk, ech ech. Here, however, no one bats an eyelid.

Then I noticed how many people have what I have come to call “door-bell names”. These are nicknames that sound like -well, doorbells. There are millions of them. Bing, Bong, Ding, and Dong are some of the more common. They can be, and frequently are, used in even more door-bell-like combinations such as Bing-Bong, Ding-Dong, Ting-Ting, and so on. Even our newly appointed chief of police has a doorbell name Ping . None of these doorbell names exist where I come from, and hence sound unusually amusing to my untutored foreign ear.

Someone once told me that one of the Bings, when asked why he was called Bing, replied, “because my brother is called Bong”. Faultless logic. Dong, of course, is a particularly funny one for me, as where I come from “dong” is a slang word for well; perhaps “talong” is the best Tagalog equivalent.

Repeating names was another novelty to me, having never before encountered people with names like Len-Len, Let-Let, Mai-Mai, or Ning-Ning. The secretary I inherited on my arrival had an unusual one: Leck-Leck. Such names are then frequently further refined by using the “squared” symbol, as in Len2 or Mai2. This had me very confused for a while.

Then there is the trend for parents to stick to a theme when naming their children. This can be as simple as making them all begin with the same letter, as in Jun, Jimmy, Janice, and Joy.

More imaginative parents shoot for more sophisticated forms of assonance or rhyme, as in Biboy, Boboy, Buboy, Baboy (notice the names get worse the more kids there are-best to be born early or you could end up being a Baboy).

Even better, parents can create whole families of, say, desserts (Apple Pie, Cherry Pie, Honey Pie) or flowers (Rose, Daffodil, Tulip). The main advantage of such combinations is that they look great painted across your trunk if you’re a cab driver.

That’s another thing I’d never seen before coming to Manila — taxis with the driver’s kids’ names on the trunk.

Another whole eye-opening field for the foreign visitor is the phenomenon of the “composite” name. This includes names like Jejomar (for Jesus, Joseph and Mary), and the remarkable Luzviminda (for Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao , believe it or not). That’s a bit like me being called something like Engscowani” (for England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland ). Between you and me, I’m glad I’m not.

And how could I forget to mention the fabulous concept of the randomly inserted letter ‘h’. Quite what this device is supposed to achieve, I have not yet figured out, but I think it is designed to give a touch of class to an otherwise only averagely weird name. It results in creations like Jhun, Lhenn , Ghemma, and Jhimmy. Or how about Jhun-Jhun (Jhun2)?

How boring to come from a country like the UK full of people with names like John Smith. How wonderful to come from a country where imagination and exoticism rule the world of names.

Even the towns here have weird names; my favorite is the unbelievably named town of Sexmoan (ironically close to Olongapo and Angeles). Where else in the world could that really be true?

Where else in the world could the head of the Church really be called Cardinal Sin?

Where else but the Philippines !

Note: Philippines has a senator named Joker, and it is his legal name.

THANK YOU TATAY. MAHAL KITA!

2011-06-19T12:33:00.000+08:00

...or Papa.. or Tatay... or Ama... or Papang... or Itay... or Pop... or whatever name you call your father and father figures... Cheers!!

Speaking of names, I remember I used to call my stepdad Papa Nongning. I was 5 years old when my biological father, a soldier, was killed. My stepdad happens to be my Ninong (godfather) and he has always been around even when my father was still alive. Years after my Papa's death, he married my Mama, packaged with me and my little brother. Haha.. We have three more siblings now. I never felt like an outsider. Never once did I feel like I'm not his own daughter. In fact, he has proven over and over that "Charlie wants, Charlie gets!" Oh, back when I was still working, he would drive me to and from work because I don't know how to cross the street and I'm afraid to use the public transport. Hay. Sometimes, I even feel guilty about asking for too much material things, demanding too much of his time, attention...

My little brother calls him Tatay so over the years, I learned to call him Tatay as well. My half siblings call him Papa and sometimes I get to call him Papa too. So confusing. Anyway... We always felt like one whole family, only our surnames are different. He treated us like his own flesh and blood. My Tatay has always been supportive with anything and everything. I still get what I want, much to my Mama's annoyance. Like now, I'm 26 and FUNemployed. I know I'm supposed to be on my own now but I'm still living off my parents' help because somehow, I'm still stuck in this elusive dream of flying. And I don't mean just skydiving or traveling. Sigh! I feel quite ashamed and looking at it closely, I wonder if I'm already being selfish. Still, he tells me to just follow my heart and go after what makes me happy. He says it's okay and that I should pursue my dream. I have not yet succeeded so far.

Tay, thank you for my eye surgery, my spiffy makeup brushes, my awesome library, my cellphones, my lovely shoes, my pretty clothes, my bottles of perfumes and lotions, my stash of Nutella and chocolates, the roof above my head, my cushy bed, my lovely room... I gotta stop now. I can go on and on. Above all, thank you for the unconditional love and understanding. Thank you for believing in me even if I'm beginning to doubt myself. You give me strength to keep fighting and to dust my knees off when I stumble. I love you!

I FORGIVE YOU

2011-06-02T12:12:00.004+08:00

"The most desired gift of love is not diamonds or roses or chocolate. It is focused attention."

- Richard Warren

GOODBYE SUMMER

2011-06-01T10:48:00.010+08:00

Despite the temperature that seems to be getting higher every hour, I believe summer has officially ended. Perhaps because it's already June and in the Philippines, June = classes. Argh! That's the least of my problems though as I have said Adios! to school some years ago. Ha! I remember how I always looked forward to buying new school supplies, bags and shoes to show off on the first day of classes. Haha..

Anyway, I still obviously have not done what I'm supposed to do with this blog. I planned to post something everyday, following a specific class for each day. Say, movie Monday, trash talk Tuesday... Nah, scratch the trash talk Tuesday. But you get my drift, yeah? I'm gonna do something like that just so I can organize my thoughts. There's so much going on that my head is virtually spinning with confusion.

How have you all been? I'm still disappointed for not being able to really work on my tan h this entire summer. Boo! Don't ask me why, don't even get me started. Trust me, the person/s who caused my misery have been heavily berated. Here's the silver lining though... I was able to spend almost the entire summer with my family. Let's just say we closed summer with a bang. I loved our luxurious grand vacay in a hotel. It is so relaxing to just wake up with no worries.. Everything was great: buffet breakfast, swimming pool, room service, housekeeping service, gym, sauna, jacuzzi, casino, shopping. The only thing I hated about the hotel (which I wont name anymore) is the freaking frowning faces of the receptionists. Hello! Their guests are paying them handsome bucks and those front liners have the nerve to flash their sorry sulky faces or just don't great their guests at all. For a while I wondered if I was invisible. I'm pretty sure they are being dealt with because I made quite a long remark on the guest comment card. Bleh!

Sharing some pics taken during the summer.

Hong Kong street food.. Love!!

I've always wanted to do this for real.. Guess it will never happen.

Other aspects of my life are still on the unsteady side but I'll get to that soon. One day at a time, yeah? Now I'm counting the days til I have to leave the country again. Not so excited yet, but I'll surely be. Few more months til winter. I can hardly wait.

Shout out to Ced who's having a grand time in HKG right now and in a few days in MFM. I officially hate you. Haha.. Nah, you guys have a good time!

Thank you to my dear FAA friends and blogger friends who sent me their regards during the time I was on a hiatus. I feel so loved. I missed you all too. How was your summer? :)

BEEN A WHILE

2011-05-20T21:52:00.004+08:00

I don't know if this is the longest I've gone without posting anything here. I sure missed blogging. I have not even visited my own page for so long that I almost forgot what it looked like and what my password is.

So many things have happened since my last post. Things that were a tad too sad or too special to share. Honestly, it's more on the former, and since I vowed to lessen the melodrama in this page, I opted not to post anything anymore. Now I'm writing again. It took a while to regain my footing but now I'm back. Hopefully I can get on with my plans for this blog.

Funny how you tend to have so much going on inside your head, how many things you are aching to try, how big you dream, yet you can't seem to move. It's like you're stuck in your seat, semi plastered and just half conscious of time passing swiftly. Then you feel something like a powerful nudge and you wake up only to be surprised how everyone seemed to have moved on and you just got older without accomplishing anything. Sad.

Enough with the melancholy. I promise tomorrow and the days after that will be better and sunnier. As sunny as Bora Bora and Maldives combined. Yey!

R.I.P.

2011-04-08T10:39:00.000+08:00

Love never dies a natural death.

It dies because we don't know how

to replenish its source. It dies of

blindness and errors and betrayals.

It dies of illness and wounds; it dies

of weariness, of withering, of tarnishing.

~ Anais Nin

JAPAN BOUND

2011-04-04T16:32:00.007+08:00

no more. At least not anytime soon.

I've been dreaming of a hanami party and while fares to Japan have dropped big time, I don't think this is the best time to go. My heart goes out to the Japanese people. I've been glued to CNN since the earthquake and tsunami. Admittedly, after several days of seeing images of the destruction, I could not watch anymore. I remember dreading to turn on the TV each morning for fear that there is another catastrophe or worse, that there's no more Japan. I've become paranoid about the seemingly worsening news everyday.

GRACE UNDER PRESSURE. That's what I noticed about the Japanese people. Despite all the bad things that has been happening, they display a great sense of composure. They look so much in control and I really admire them for that. I do not mean to criticize my fellowmen but it is so much different from how we, Filipinos, normally act in times of grief.

In our country, public display of grief is very common. It's like the degree of outburst is a measure of someone's goodness as a grieving relative, partner or friend. Recently, three overseas Filipino workers were executed in China for drug trafficking cases. I am also against death penalty but I think we should respect other country's laws. I am disgusted with the local media for playing too much with the people's emotions. I just think they were being too intrusive on the workers' families. It's like these media people are on the lookout for any cathartic response so they could air it on national TV.

This made me think of the Japanese people's stoicism. While others might think of it as unhealthy, I personally think that sometimes, being quite and trying to exercise restraint in times of emotional situations is very helpful. Perhaps it is not a suppression of feelings but, as they say, a means of turning inwards to reflect and think deeply. We should ask ourselves what led to such things and what we could do to keep them from happening again. Maybe we should take after the Japanese.

Just saying.

Sigh. This is why I hate contemplating. I lose my zen thing. So.. let me just share this with you.

About three weeks ago, I was walking along this street lined with "resting" trees. I don't want to call them "bald" (they don't have leaves because it's winter) so let's just say they're resting. Besides, they look too pretty to be called bald. Anyway... I was wondering about the bird droppings on the pavement. I mean, seriously! How many days' worth of bird droppings are those? Wont anyone clean up? I looked up and to my surprise, flocks and flocks and flocks of crows were on the tree limbs. Halfway down the street, I had to do be really alert to avoid getting some bird icings on my head. It was like some sort of dance move. Jeez.

It would be really nice to sit under the sakura tree with a bottle of sake and bento box of meals, gaze at the beautiful blossoms and think about beautiful things. Hmm.. Maybe next year. For now, I'll just try to get a good tan by hitting the beach. I might even cut my hair short. Then it will be autumn, I'll dye my hair soft blonde and rock it in a chic foreign city. Then another winter, I will be a curly brunette but I'm not quite sure where I want to go. Then spring again. Hopefully, I will be in Japan with jet black hair and bangs. See you in Tokyo!

Seasons change. We should too.

FOODIE FRIDAY

2011-04-01T10:57:00.002+08:00

I'm sitting in front of the computer munching on my leftover pulled pork sandwich from Borough. I had dinner there the other night with Pepperoo (while EJ stood us out.. Grrr) and despite being really hungry, I was not able to finish my food again. Argh. That is why I need to be with hearty eaters all the time. I have a huge appetite but I can only fit so much in my stomach. Boo!

From time to time, I post reviews about restaurants and certain food places. I feel good about sharing foodie secrets with you guys but most of the time, I forget to take pictures or I get too lazy to blog. Besides, there are so many food blogs out there. Their pictures are professional quality and their comments are, well, sort of professional as well. Haha.. You could only get girly crazy rants and raves for me as I don't really bother to go as technical as the food's texture, etc. Ack. I'm gonna post random food stuff nonetheless and I decided to do it every Friday. I just hope I remember to do so :D

For my first Foodie Friday entry, here goes....

CAVEMAN AND YETI shaved ice and toasted mochi - I've tried most of their flavors and combinations and I really like it. I think it's less fattening than ice cream. Take note of the "less." All those syrups, sugar, tapioca balls and whatnots could still make one fat if eaten too much, okay? The toasted mochi is good too, not as good as the real Japanese thing but good enough. Yum.

BAGUIO COUNTRY CLUB banana loaf or banana cake or whatever banana you want to call it - Early last year, we had a loaf of this in the fridge. It sat there for about a month or two, tucked away in the corner, unopened, forgotten and ignored. One day I saw a friend's post about the best food per category he had ever tried. This, according to him, is the best banana loaf ever. So, I rushed home to see if it's still in the fridge. Too bad because the maid threw it away that same morning. Argh. So when we had two loaves of BCC banana cake last Christmas, I took one all for myself. YES, it was fluffy and so so so yummy! I like eating this cold. Feels like thick fluffy ice cream in my mouth. But that's just me.

Okay, I know it's supposed to be a foodie post and the two pictures above are not food. I made them from clay, not polymer clay, but just the kiddie modeling clay. I was so bored and hungry one time, I was craving for all sorts of food. My siblings were playing with clay so instead of ruining my diet by calling for delivery, I channeled my gluttony into something I wish is creative albeit still mildly gluttonous.

Just for today, I beg for your indulgence. Let this also be a FOOTIE FRIDAY. I just feel the need to give some sort of testimony for this pair of shoes' beauty and comfort. Hats off (or maybe shoes off?) to Michael Kors for his Gansevoort Platform Sandals collection. I've worn these several times and despite the five inches of heels, my feet did not hurt at all. It must be because of the platform that you feel like you're just wearing three inches of heels. Just be careful if you're not so used to wearing high heels because you might feel like you're walking on stilts on these. They're hot hot hot though!

That's it. I'm gonna finish my brunch now. Have a lovely weekend you all!

HELLO PILIPINAS

2011-03-27T17:52:00.000+08:00

“No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.”

WINTER

2011-03-12T15:27:00.002+08:00

There is a privacy about it which no other season gives you.... In spring, summer and fall people sort of have an open season on each other; only in the winter, in the country, can you have longer, quiet stretches when you can savor belonging to yourself. ~Ruth Stout

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA

2011-03-09T18:46:00.001+08:00

Mom is sulking because today is her birthday and I happened to be out of the country. Ack. Sorry mother dear. I shall make it up to you... gifts and whatnots.. Cheers!

I love my mother

as the trees love water and sunshine -

she helps me grow, prosper,

and reach great heights.

~Terri Guillemets

Good thing my Mom is not into designer stuff, or I would have to buy the real thing. Argh.

OFF I GO....

2011-03-07T03:53:00.001+08:00

“When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money”.

A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving. ~Lao Tzu

Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe. ~Anatole France

Half the fun of the travel is the esthetic of lostness. ~Ray Bradbury

Birthdays are nature’s way of telling us to eat more cake.

2011-03-05T15:07:00.001+08:00

or maybe drink more booze!!! Yeah!!!

my twenty-somethingth birthday at Seventh High

uhm, more..

Thank you God for another year of life and happiness. Thank you to my family and friends for the love love love.

My birthday wishes:

1. Good health and more blessings for myself, family and friends

2. More promo fares from airlines and hotels around the world

3. A huge slab of baby back ribs and a huuuuge bottle of vodka

..... okay fine, I'll add this as well...

4. WORLD PEACE

Moomba with the usual suspects!!!

surprise bday dinner at Oscarritos

GOODNIGHT FEBRUARY

2011-02-28T11:23:00.003+08:00

Amazing how time flies... Few more days and it will be my birthday. Gah. Anyway, I've been a tad busy and distracted, hence, the lack of new posts. Twitter and Cityville is not helping either. I miss writing but I can't really bring myself to sit down and blog properly. Hope you all had a lovely February. I did.

Sharing some pictures. xoxo

Mediterranean food trip at Ziggurat

rubber ducky not

bottoms up! Red Box night

that's my little brother

I don't find Golden Spoon so golden.

Oh, I love my Crocs. Bleh!

at Orchard Road with Jass and Mitch

summer girls in bronze and tan glory

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEALTHY HELTON!

2011-02-26T21:20:00.000+08:00

Age is something that doesn’t matter, unless you are a cheese.

SPREAD THE SHOPPING LOVE

2011-02-16T14:37:00.004+08:00

Click the photo and LIKE STOiC on Facebook ;)

image SIMON ANDRE SORIANO
styling IETH INOLINO
hair and makeup SYREL LOPEZ
shot on location at HALO and ALAN'S
special thanks to REDEL ROMERO

super duper special thanks to my gorgeous friend JONAH GUZMAN

FEBRUARY FEVER

2011-02-14T15:38:00.010+08:00

Just so I wont be called a party pooper, let me just greet you all: Happy Valentine's Day!

Now, let's talk about something else. Hahaha... Sorry, I am not a big fan of February 14. I hope you're all having fun though.

Almost a week of sleep deprivation is finally taking a toll on me. I've only been getting about an hour or two of sleep for the past week that my eyes are becoming bloodshot. My complexion is becoming vampire-ish (not the Twilight kind though.. just a blotchy kind of pale) and dark circles under my eyes are looking worse. I don't know if it's my insomnia acting up again or it's just my addiction to Cityville and Jean's Boutique that's causing the sleepless nights.

My weekend was quite busy. I did another shoot for STOiC the other day. Let me share some of the pics with you. I think this looks better than the shoot last year. We shot on location and we had something like a story board this time. Last year was okay but it was more like a catalog shoot. I really had fun working with Ieth and the new team though I wish my friend Jonah was there with us.

I felt really bad for the makeup artist because I showed up with fugly dark circles under my eyes. The only consolation is that I don't have pimples or breakouts with made her work just a tad easier. I also realized that I'm in bad need of a haircut. I felt guilty having too much hair because I was sweating profusely and she had to wipe the sweat off my hair and face at one time. Hiya ako. Super. I could have done a much better job if I had my hair cut and my nails done. It would have been so much better if I had enough sleep. I could not really come up with nice poses because my brain was trying to shut down. Argh. I swear I'll try to get my body clock fixed. Fixed! As if there's a service center for body clocks. Haha..

I had a date with my little big brother after the shoot. We went to Gateway and for the first time in a long time, he bought me a nice huge dinner at Burgoo. Haha.. Then we had dessert at The White Hat and he offered to buy me a nice pair of shoes. Yey!!! We were on our way to Starbucks when he noticed how his headset was dangling in front of his shirt. To our horror, we realized that his iPhone was no longer in his pocket. Well, that's life. We tried calling the number but the person who "found" it was not picking up and when he did, he was not talking. Well, what do you expect? It was actually foolish to even assume that he just dropped the phone because we both know it was in his cargo pocket and the pocket had a freaking button. There was no way it would fall out. Filipinos are nice and honest people. It's just a shame that there are some who are totally greedy and DIRTY. Some would even kill for a few thousand pesos, yeah? Fine! My brother doesn't really care about the phone, he just feels bad about the contact information, pictures and other important messages. I told him it must be karma because he hasn't been calling my Mom. Hahaha.. When we realized that the person wont return the phone, I told him to go online and change his FB and mail passwords as those are kept open on his phone. Gawd! The idea of someone else going through my mail and FB and is absoeffinlutely creepy.

I got home around 1230 AM which was technically a Sunday. I fell asleep around 2:30AM and woke up at 3AM. Left the house at around 3:45AM for the 16th HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL in Clark, Pampanga.

It was SUPA FUN!!! I was with some members of the JCI Manila and the Smokey Mountain football team. Those kids are really cute and it was heartwarming to see the happiness in their faces.

I just realized how big that event was. How I wish I was able to bring my family, well.. next time. There were lots of different activities, booths and whatnots to keep everyone busy. If you plan to go there next year, come early as in super duper early. This year's ticket was priced at Php150. You might also want to bring umbrellas, tents, mats, baskets of food. There were plenty of food options and there was a VIP tent that served buffet breakfast, lunch and merienda for Php 750 per adult and Php 375 per child. The VIP tent was probably the best place to see all the action, I guess. As you might already know, I am fascinated with everything that flies. I really had a lot of fun. Happy camper. Plus, I got to ride a balloon. Yipee!!!! It sure made me forget how sleepy and tired I was :))

Oh, while I'm in the mood to post photos, I might as well share the ones from Chinese New Year.

I hope you all had a lovely weekend. Oh, and I hope we all have a prosperous year of the Golden Rabbit. ;)

OMAN AIR PRE-SCREENING

2011-02-10T16:13:00.005+08:00

Hey girls.. I got an email from Miss Nora of Mayon International. Apparently, Oman Air is hiring again and the agency is now screening applicants for FA. Final interview will be held anytime within this month. I could barely remember the time I went to Mayon, I don't remember when I applied via www.workabroad.ph too. Been a while, I guess. I don't think you still need to apply online but if you want to, CLICK THIS LINK.

As per the email (and as usual, hehe..) interested applicants must report to their office at 2nd Floor, MH Del Pilar, Malate Manila in full makeup, business attire and no stockings. Bring the following:

1. Resume with detailed job description

2. Certification of Employment

3. Trainings/Seminar if any

4. College diploma

5. Transcript of Records

6. Birth Certificate

7. Copy of Passport

8. six pcs 2x2 picture with blue background

9. two pcs whole body colored picture in business attire

*Ang OA naman sa dami ng pictures. Duh! I remember last time they only asked for four 2x2 and one whole body pic. Boo! Oh, and I'm not quite sure if you still have to bring two sets of the required documents because that's what they wanted last time. There was a long line when I got there, good thing I tried to get past the men and asked one of the ladies. FA applicants don't need to fall in line unless there are also other girls to be screened. I was ushered inside and asked to fill up an application form, then they took my documents and filed it along with the other envelopes in a rather disorganized shelf. They measured my height and weight and sent me home. Haha..

I don't know if it's the same procedure now. Just go there. To be sure, call them at 468-4203 or mobile number 09228644685. Oh, don't forget to bring your own pen.

Good luck to all aspring FAs ;)

Cheers!

P.S. No, I'm not going. Some change of plan or something. Share your application stories, will you? Thanks!

FOR ONE MORE DAY

2011-02-01T12:21:00.000+08:00

HELLO LOVE MONTH!

I never really cared much about Cupid and his Valentine's Day. February is more about Chinese New Year and a reminder of my birthday next month. Whoah! I sound like a bitter singleton. But honestly, with or without a boyfriend, Vday is not a big deal for me. I wont say no to chocolates though. I love chocolates! Flowers? Sakto lang. Haha.. Dear Universe, roses are fine but my favorite flowers are tulips. Okay? Tulips!!! *parinig??*

Speaking of flowers, I remember how someone used to send me lots and lots of flowers at work or at home even on a perfectly ordinary day. How sweet, yeah? I was going through my stuff one time and came upon those little cards that go with flower deliveries. Mementos. Haha.. Is there any raffle for that? With the amount of little cards I have, I might win! It made me think of the guy who used to send them. I hardly ever think of him anymore, and when I do, it is with fondness and gratitude, a little sadness but definitely no more sense of loss, doubts and what-ifs and could-have-beens. It was a beautiful relationship that ran its course.

Anyway, I'll spend the rest of this day listening to certain songs on my iPod. Tomorrow, they'll be gone. If you've been visiting my blog for quite a while now, you know how I usually change the first song on my playlist here. Well, I try to match it with my mood. For the past few months, I've been feeling a bit dramatic, hence the PJ Olsson song from the Dawson's Creek series (way back high school.. haha..) Then the lyrics of The Band Perry's If I Die Young hit me so it's the one currently playing. Same goes with my iPod. Unfortunately, there are some songs that really make me sad when I hear them so I guess I better get rid of them for good. Call me emo. Yick.

I'm looking forward to positive things in life. There really isn't any use for dwelling on the past. I still read my old posts from time to time though. Amazing how I can now laugh about the past. I can now just poke fun at myself for being so bitter, sad, dramatic, heartbroken... It's nice to see in writing how much my life has changed. Writing is therapeutic. It has helped me a lot to deal with what then seemed to be a profound sense of love, joy, defeat and so many other emotions. But then, you can only talk about something so much, then you have to move on and talk about something else. Or else, you will rot with old memories. Old. Very old.

Now, I can say I'm healed. Totally. I have no regrets though, and there is no way I would opt to live my life differently. Thank you for taking this journey of life, love and learning with me.

MUST READ: FANNIE FLAGG

2011-01-31T11:59:00.001+08:00

I just finished reading Fannie Flagg's Can't Wait to Get to Heaven. This is not the first book of hers that I've read. I remember how much I enjoyed Standing Over The Rainbow and Fried Green Tomatoes at The Whistle Stop Cafe. Yeah, I know she's quite big on long titles. I noticed that too. Haha..

As most of you already know by now, I am so much in love with books. That said, I read almost anything and everything as long as I find it interesting. I have a lot of non fiction books and biographies. I have a huge collection of Robert Parker's Spenser novels, some Nicholas Sparks, a lot of John Grisham, a couple of self help books (although I hardly ever read them) and many more. Oh, I also have to mention how much I'm hooked with Kristen Hannah. Like Fannie Flagg, her novels are always heartwarming and so moving.

So what's about Can't Wait to Get to Heaven that I find so moving? EVERYTHING. It hits so close to home. Some might find it boring or dragging but I find it rather enjoyable. It was like watching a movie. In a way, it answered most of my recent musings about life.

It says that life is like a big circus. We just have to sit back and enjoy the show. That seems to be easier said than done but it could be true. Thinking about it now, I realize how most of us feel stressed and anxious about life because we are trying so hard to be in control, just like myself.

I have figured long ago that, yes, life is like a roller coaster ride. We go through twists and turns. In my haste to find my purpose in life, I tend to overlook a lot of more beautiful things. It's like I'm trying (and failing) to steer the roller coaster. Am I making sense? But that's how I see it now. The reason why I wear discontent like a second skin is that I yearn for things that aren't there, instead of enjoying what's right before my eyes. Well, that's human nature, isn't it?

Now I sit here wondering if the things I value so much or long for with all my heart are really that important to my sense of being. Would those things still mean as much to me in, say, ten years? Would it help to be remembered as a successful person who spent almost her lifetime chasing after a beautiful career, prestige and more money? Or like the character in the book, I could choose to be someone who touched the lives of so many people by being a cheerful neighbor, loving relative and jolly friend.

When I was in high school, I wanted so much to be a beauty queen. Haha! Then when I was already in a major beauty pageant, I felt tired and bored. I saw just how unglamorous it could be behind the stage. Uh huh. I wanted to be a model. Now I get really stressed every time a project comes my way. I am tired of always having to conform to a certain standard of beauty. It's like people expect me to be slim and beautiful and hot all the time. Duh!

Now I wonder if I'll feel the same way I feel now about flying once I'm up there serving passenger after passenger. I am so doubtful because I know how I hate being bossed around. Argh. I'm so used to having someone do things for me that I can't really say if I'm capable of being the one on the receiving end of the orders :(

So here: I'm still going to turn in my application but it will no longer be my priority. This year should be about appreciating the many albeit simple things in life like the sunrise, sunset, home cooked meal, a nice movie... According to the book, life is a gift. It is, indeed! What better thing to do with a gift than enjoy and make the most of it, right? This life was given to us so we can be happy and not be worried all the time.

I'm not saying we should all slack up and just sit around the house, wait for food to fall down from the sky. NOT THAT KIND. I mean, we should make the most of what we currently have, out of the opportunities that come our way. It's not wrong to dream but we should not OBSESS about it. As the saying goes, "God answers prayers. " Do not be mad if you don't get what you ask for because it only means He has something better for you. Just wait and see. Let's sit back and relax. Enjoy what the universe has in store for us.

Think about it. Oh, and read the book!

xoxo

GOOGLE TRANSLATE FAIL!

2011-01-26T15:02:00.002+08:00

IF I DIE YOUNG

2011-01-21T11:19:00.005+08:00

...bury me in satin

Lay me down on a bed of roses
Sink me in the river at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song

Lord make me a rainbow, I’ll shine down on my mother
She'll know I’m safe with you when she stands under my colors, oh and
Life ain't always what you think it ought to be, no
Ain't even grey, but she buries her baby

The sharp knife of a short life, well
I’ve had just enough time....

And I’ll be wearing white when I come into your kingdom
I’m as green as the ring on my little cold finger
I’ve never known the lovin' of a man
But it sure felt nice when he was holding my hand
There’s a boy here in town says he’ll love me forever
Who would have thought forever could be severed by
The sharp knife of a short life, well
I’ve had just enough time

So put on your best boys and I’ll wear my pearls
What I never did is done

A penny for my thoughts, oh no, I’ll sell them for a dollar
They're worth so much more after I’m a goner

And maybe then you’ll hear the words I've been singin’
Funny when you're dead how people start listenin’...

The ballad of a dove
Go with peace and love
Gather up your tears, keep ‘em in your pocket
Save them for a time when your really gonna need 'em oh...

***

Nice song, huh? It may seem a bit morbid but I really like it. I gotta warn you, this is the part where I unload my emo baggage so you might as well stop reading now.

Those who kept reading, thanks. Funny in a sometimes pathetic kind of way how I find solace in this little corner on the web. This blog has been a tad short of my best friend for years. About the song, don't get the wrong idea. I'M NOT THINKING OF SUICIDE. Hell no! I'm not gonna doom my mortal soul and break my parents' hearts. That's surely not how I want to go. I haven't even really thought about dying although I've thought about getting old many times. I cringe each time I imagine myself stooped, wrinkled, slow, almost blind and deaf. Now it makes me think if I'd rather want to die young. Phew!

Anyway... My iPod was on shuffle last night and I heard that song by the Band Perry. It made me wonder about so many things. Once again I was reminded that anything can happen in this life. One could live to be as old as dust or have "forever severed by the sharp knife of a short life..." I wonder if I can also say "I've had just enough time."

With the rate things are going in my life right now, I haven't really done anything close to a milestone. A lot of people say I look really young for my age and yes I even feel young most of the time. There are just days when I feel so much like a failure because so many years have gone by and here I am still stuck in my youth, no major change in life whatsoever. It's actually embarrassing seeing my friends change. Some have kids of their own, married (some are even separated and annulled, gawd!), working abroad, having nice jobs in the country, etc.

It feels like so many years have gone by yet it looks like I still haven't had enough time. I know I did and I DO have all the time in the world. I just can't come up with something to do. I mean, something MAJOR to do. For the umpteenth time, I have to say it all comes down to "the dream." I know some of my FAA friends could relate to this. I do not wish to rub this off on you. I'm just contemplating.

I can't help thinking about last year. What was my state of mind at this exact day and time last year? I wonder what I was doing, eating, wearing, planning. Maybe not enough because right now, I'm in an almost the same state. Who knows, I was probably thinking what I was doing last last year too. If so, then this is utterly redundant. Well, we know it is.

I gotta end this post now. I promise to come up with something nice to say on my next post.

Cheer up everyone! As they say, this too shall pass...

xoxo

LMFAO!!!

2011-01-20T09:44:00.004+08:00

Yes, as in "Shots," "I'm in Miami, Trick!" (or B**ch!, whatever you want..LOL) and "La, La, La." Uhm, clubbers will know what I'm talking about. So.... Let's?!!!

Live tonight at Republiq...

Oops! Limited slots only so I hope you all got your tickets early. If not, it's still worth a try. Call them NOW NA! Ticket prices are Php1,000 and Php1,500 (that's with two consumable drinks.)

See you!!

OMG OMG OMG!!! Ehmsoeggzaiteddd!!!

WORDY WEDNESDAY

2011-01-19T16:10:00.006+08:00

Today is supposed to be WORDLESS WEDNESDAY. I intended to just dump silly pictures here but I am too happy I can't freaking shut up.

I used to think hamsters are boring pets. Why? Because I thought they just run around their wheel all day, wait for food, sleep, burrow under wood shavings. Well they do but I've found ways to bond and play with them over time. I've always had dogs as pets so it was a great move when I decided to have hamsters for a change. And I'm glad I did.

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you'll know about my hammies and you probably think I'm nuts. Maybe I am. I can't describe how happy these little creatures make me. As I've said many times, this is as close to motherhood as I can be. Not that I don't plan to have my own family, but I just don't see myself getting married and having kids anytime soon. My gawd. It's challenging enough to take care of my dogs and hamsters. I'm so not ready for bawling babies with wet diapers.

Moving on... I just wanna share some new photos of my pets. My dog Barbie gave birth to three little pups and I named them Buco, Fuco and Fifi. Please don't roll your eyes, you might knock something loose in there. I think they are super cute! I just love how puppies smell!

My hamsters are getting old and I have to admit that whenever I leave the house, I feel a bit scared to find one of them dead when I come home. I remember that dreadful day when I wanted to bring the hamsters but decided not to since I'll only be gone for a day. When I came back, I found one of them dead. Worse is that he seemed to have just died minutes ago. I was in pure agony thinking about how Wilmer the hamster would still be alive if I brought them with me or if I got home an hour earlier. After about a minute, I checked on my other hamsters and found another one dead. It was really terrible.

Now I try to enjoy them as much as I could. This must be insane but I always put them on the bed and let them run around and play under the pillows and sheets. Here's one cute picture of Fred grooming Tony. I would call it bromance but they're just hamsters so let's cut them some slack.

My teddy bear hamsters have gotten so huge that only one of them can fit in that little house inside their cage. It's quite a challenge to keep them clean and odor free so I make sure to change their beddings and wash their cage every week. I've also found a way of keeping their weewee off the floor and wall. I now tape bond paper onto the corners of their cage where they pee to keep the eiewey weewee inside.

So that's it. Sorry I don't have anything philosophical to say. I've totally given up on trying to decipher the world. After all, we're as clueless as these hamsters in the world's grand scheme of things. We may never know the real score about everything and we can't really say for sure what's gonna happen next. Might as well just enjoy the simple things in life. Simple things such as pets.

Have a good week everyone!

MY LOVE-HATE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE OCEAN

2011-01-14T11:53:00.006+08:00

Let me share my first ever sailing experience. You probably know that I love going to the beach, but here's the thing. I don't exactly know how to swim. Funny, yeah? I just bask in the sun's glory and walk around the beach hoping to get skin cancer, err, I mean a good tan. I swim but I don't dare get too far away from the shore. The deepest I ever dared to go was up to my chest only. I'm a sissy and I know it. Anyway, given that situation, I never bothered with water sports and whatnots. I just want to frolic and sunbathe.

Last month, my friends talked me into sailing with them. I didn't want to be a party pooper so I hopped into the sailboat to the tune of my heart beating so loudly I was afraid it will pop right out of my chest. Several feet away from the shore, I was feeling slightly nauseous and for a while I thought I was gonna be sick.

What kept me from fainting was the thought that my friends will never get me into trouble. I have faith in my friends especially when John said it's fun, safe and they've done it many times before, plus we got the best boatman in the island to boot. So there! I was so freaking scared of the waves as it felt like I was in the movie Narnia.

Anyway, I was holding on to the ropes really tight while screaming my insides out. I was like a siren. I could have given Mariah Carey a run for her money with the way I was screaming. It was so scary watching the boat slice through the deep water with the giant waves coming towards us. While I was busy screaming, my friends were having fun taking pictures and all. Goodness! It was terrifying but exhilarating. As Joan put it, I was like the little piggy that went "weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!" all the way home. Hahaha..

John and Jass said I did well considering how scared I was and it being my first time to sail. Mind you, it was not a scenic sail. We were sailing really really fast! Oh gawd! I had fun but it's something I'm planning to do again. Maybe not anytime soon. Or maybe I'll do it if you'll bribe me. Haha!

One of the reasons why I am so scared of the water is that it seems very mysterious. We may see water creatures on Discovery Channel but I can not really know for sure what could happen out there. Like many other people, I am scared of the unknown. It's not like I'm living a make-believe life. It's just that I grew up a bit sheltered. I'm used to knowing where I'm going, who I'll be seeing there, what I'm supposed to do... Only after college did I see office politics, poverty on the streets, disasters, failure, broken relationships.. I saw the harsh reality. Apparently, life is not always about comfort and security. More often, it's about facing the unknown. It may not be a big feat for others but sailing on the open ocean was a big challenge for me. Come to think of it... It was life or death. Back there, it was like being in limbo. I was neither safe nor in danger. When you leave the shore, you don't really know for sure how the wind and waves are going to be when you're already out in the middle. You can only count on your past experiences and your boatmen's sailing skills. As for me, I brushed the fear aside and put my trust on my friends and the boatman.

This beautiful photo was taken by John Scoggins

Back to the safety of the shore, I was thinking how life is so much like sailing. It is good to be careful and cautious with every step you take but sometimes, you need to take a leap of faith. Let go of your fear and trust the ones around you. Just hold on tight and let the wind guide you.

Oh, I also learned something from John. When I was undecided about joining them in Boracay, he flipped a coin and said, "Heads - you're going. Tails - you're not." Then we got heads. He said sometimes when you're not sure what to do, you might as well just let the universe decide for you. And I agree.

“It's fear of the unknown. The unknown is what it is. And to be frightened of it is what sends everybody scurrying around chasing dreams, illusions, wars, peace, love, hate, all that--it's all illusion. Unknown is what it is. Accept that it's unknown and it's plain sailing. Everything is unknown--then you're ahead of the game. That's what it is. Right?” - John Lennon

P.S.

Thank you Jass and John Scoggins. You guys taught me a very valuable lesson. Here's to infinite friendship! Cheers!

POST-HOLIDAY POST

2011-01-08T13:07:00.010+08:00

I know we're already into the second week of the new year but let me greet you all nonetheless.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

So, what have I been missing? Guess I'll find out in a while as I visit your blogs one by one. I have actually become the mistress of backreading. Yeah! I miss writing so much, but for some reason, I could not bring myself to write anything. My thoughts, especially during the holidays, were totally disorganized to the point of forgetting the simplest things I had to do. Perhaps it was the holiday fever. At least I didn't go postal in a shopping mall like the lady I saw on the news.

The weeks before and the actual day of Christmas and New Year really wore me out. However, seeing my Mom and my siblings happy is not just a consolation but the prize itself. I would do anything for my family. During Christmas, I thought about our father who's in snowy Canada. This was our second Christmas apart and I have to say that no amount of imported chocolates or designer stuff can match the kind of happiness we have with our father around for the Christmas Eve dinner.

For the first time, Mom didn't cook for Noche Buena. We already opened our gifts before leaving the house in the boondocks. We had a feast at a Chinese restaurant and I stuffed my face silly with dimsum and chicken feet. We marveled at the beautiful Christmas lights on Policarpio Street in Mandaluyong. Too bad we weren't able to go inside the House of Santa because friggin ABSCBN was filming that time. Boo!! On Christmas day, visited Smokey Mountain for Happy Jesus Day. It was another project of the JCI Manila. I thought we were running late for lunch but when we came to pick up Mom and my brothers, they just got out of bed. Apparently, they've been talking to my Aunt via Skype. I'm happy that my Mom got to talk to her sister. We talk to only few relatives nowadays. I've always told Mom that sometimes, it is better to just keep the distance if only to maintain peace and avoid drama. I stand by my words and I'm surprised that my Aunt feels the same way too. We have no use for real-life drama.

Pepper invited us over to their house for a late lunch then we went to the mall and yes, it was a bad idea. It was so freakin crowded! My sibs had fun though because they got to play at Quantum. Kids! I meant to post something about my latest fave dessert a month or two ago. It's Caveman and Yeti shaved ice. My sibs loved it! I don't know about my Mom. She's been sulking a lot lately. Sigh!

The days after Christmas were spent with my sibs. I took them out to amusement parks, malls and whatnots. We also had a get-together with some friends. More food! Oh noes!

As for New Year... I don't know. I was never really excited about it even back when I was a child. I hated the noise, smoke and the mess. I still do. For the last couple of years, I switch between celebrating at home and outside with friends. This year, I had New Year's Eve dinner with my family and left to la la land Newport City. I love New Year countdowns at clubs or hotels. Plus the fact that you can see lovely fireworks display sans the smoke. Pepper and I went to Republiq with friends. Unfortunately, I got bored. Too many foreigners and the music was so so. Surprisingly, we didn't run into Marc Nelson. I always see him whenever we go out whether it's in Boracay or in clubs. Haha.. Speaking of clubbing, I miss the old Embassy days, as in the old one. Encore is okay but it's not as fun as it used it be. Member's Only could be boring too. Oh, I miss chilling out at Establishment. I gotta visit soon. And yes, my clubbing is mostly within The Fort area because I like the crowd. I also feel safer there. Hmm.. Lately, I've been getting bored or tired easily. Maybe I need to go somewhere new. Or maybe I'm getting old and slowing down. Hahaha..

Anyway... I'm struggling with my weight again. Before and during Christmas, my weight was down to about 109 lbs. Now I haven't found the courage to step on the scale but I know I gained weight. I can tell by the flabs around my waist. Sigh! It's almost impossible for me to stay away from the cookies, chocolates and all the food from the holidays. I gotta blame those who gave me food as gifts. Kidding. I have an incurable sweet tooth. I promise to lay off on sugar as soon as I finish eating these goodies. Oh, I haven't been working out too. Gawd. Tell you what. I was deeply motivated to stay fit and healthy by The Biggest Loser. Yes! This is not just about vanity. This is about living a healthy life and taking care of our body. Seeing all those people work hard for their so-called "second chance" is very inspiring. Unfortunately, I was too busy to watch the show during the holidays that I unconsciously went back to scoffing all the grub in sight. Jeez! Thinking about the amount of food I've been eating is quite disgusting. If I haven't been doing a lot of long walks and sprints at the mall during the holidays, I would be well about 14o pounds by now.

How was your holidays? Give me a holler, will yah? I miss the traffic on my chatbox. I missed writing on this blog too. My thoughts used to be expressed by paragraph after paragraph. Now, it has been reduced to 140 characters. Thanks to Twitter. *end sarcasm* On the upside, it enables me to be in constant touch with my FAA friends. I get to tease Prince everyday about PAG-IBIG.

Time to end my first post for 2011. I could go on forever but I know I'm boring you. So, til my next post. xoxo

HECTIC DECEMBER

2010-12-30T13:18:00.018+08:00

Hello friends! I am caught in the holiday craze. Much as I miss writing, I didn't have time to actually sit down and make a lengthy post. You'll see what I mean as you read on. December is all about catching up with friends and whatnots. Mine was about parties, get together, out of town with friends, spur of the moment decisions, impulsive buying, shopping, etc. I've been out of my wits trying to plan my family's holiday as we all don't want to stay home. Argh. But it's all great.

December 2 - Dinner with friends at Dong Garden. Yes, for a change we had Korean food. No comment. We had desserts at New World Hotel and much to my annoyance, I was fit to be hung unto the tree as they had this candy land motif and I was wearing a very candy-ish pink blouse. Gawd.

DECEMBER 8 - Dinner with friends at Dampa Macapagal. Our friend had a Canadian visitor so we went to Dampa for fresh and huge seafood and fruits. With EJ around, I expect to be bloated and stuffed like a turkey. Really. But I'm not complaining ;)

DECEMBER 9 - RADIO TOUR. We visited radio stations to plug the upcoming Premium Brands Sale. I was surprised and disappointed with one particular radio station. The DJs were downright boring and unaccommodating. I wanted to say, "Hello, we're here!! How about talking to us?" It's not like they're busy saving the world, if you get my drift... Anyway, a lot of other DJs are nice. I especially liked Shouk Suzuki of Jam 88.3 because he was very candid and you can see that he's really into his job. Some were just going through the motions. Boo! And of course there's our friend Tina Ryan who used to be at 99.5 RT. Helton used to text her and she'll great me on the radio. Haha.. She's now into a "masa" station and I had so much fun hanging out at the booth.

DECEMBER 11 - Jo's wedding at Shangri La. I missed the church ceremony because we went to a wake the night before. I arrived just in time for reception :))

My lovely friend Jass and her hunk husband John came home from Hawaii so we met with them at Greenbelt for dinner and we partied til dawn. Oh gawd. Good times. I was so happy to see her again because she's been away for almost two years. Gee!

Helton and I also met Joselyn's lovely sister Joan and her boyfriend Ken. We had fun of epic proportions. As we were trying to burn the calories from dinner by walking around in sky high shoes, we ran into our friend Nina who was spinning that night for Izakaya. So yeah, we went up to party. Good company plus bottles of sake plus awesome music = fun fun fun.

Last stop was Red Box for our contribution to noise pollution. Oops, I mean, just mine. I was the only one with a bad voice. Hahaha.. We were there until 3AM and we left only because it was time for them to close. We were the last ones out.

DECEMBER 12 - Surfing in Zambales. Call time at friend's house was 4AM so we went there right after the very long day of partying. The grease and fats from McDo's sausage muffin and hash brown plus the caffeine kept me functioning the whole day though I felt my head buzzing every once in a while.

This is why I hate wearing knits. It makes me look faaaat.

We sort of carpooled to Zambales and a saboteur left my board shorts in the other car in Manila. Hence, I wasn't able to go surfing. I was out in the sun taking pictures instead. Gah!

DECEMBER 13 - I was on a sulky mood because I looked really terrible. SUPER. I was sleepless and tired so we went straight to the spa from Zambales. I had shower and steam bath before the massage and I must have dozed off for about 30 minutes. When I opened my eyes, they feel different. I couldn't really open them as they felt really heavy. So I closed them again for the remainder of the massage. I was dozing on and off. When the massage was over, I was shocked to see my face in the mirror. Boy it was like Manny Pacquiao gave me a jab on both eyes. PUFFY to the highest level that they were almost shut. Waaaaaahhh!! I looked like the purest of all Chinese people. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with that but the thing is, I didn't look like myself anymore. Jeez! My eyelids where stretched beyond recognition and my nose kinda felt funny too. Argh! For a while I thought someone had cast me with an evil eye. So I spent the day at home cleaning up and trying to act normal while checking out the mirror every few minutes. Huhuhu.

My face was almost back to normal come night time so we had dinner with Jass and John at Eastwood City. That's when they asked me to come with them to Boracay. Departure? In less than 48 hours. SERIOUSLY.

DECEMBER 14 - It was a tough call because Pepper couldn't join us. We almost always go to Boracay together. As in. Pepper said I should go and I figured as much. I was thinking it would be quite a long time again before I get to see Jass again so yes, I decided to go. I'm not a stranger to spontaneous trips but this one is different because I am totally unprepared. Good thing I have this suitcase at home stuffed with all my beach essentials so it was easy to gather up what I need.

DECEMBER 15 - Early flight to Caticlan. WOW. This made my year. Thank you Jass and John for inviting me. I've always thought that you guys are friends for keeps, and I am absolutely right. Thank you Joan for being a great company. Like your sister, you're beautiful inside and out. I had a great time. Thank you Pepper for helping me decide on this. Hopefully Ken and Pepper can join us next time. Who knows, maybe we can party in Maui. Yeah!

DECEMBER 21-23 - Mad dash to the mall in my effort to finish up my Christmas shopping. If you want to lose weight, just walk and walk and walk. That must be why I didn't gain weight despite all the binge eating. ;p

I'll make a separate post about my Christmas with mi familia next time. I gotta run. People to see, places to go.

I hope you all had a happy Christmas. Cheers to the coming 2011!!

P.S. The last photo was not just about me being caught in gelato binge. Upon landing in Manila, Joan and I drove to Makati and had lunch with Ken and Pepper at Gelatone where JCI Manila was having a fund raising project "A Scoop for their Dreams." Hence, the three scoops of gelato. Or maybe I'm making excuses. Gah!

PEACE. LOVE. HAPPINESS.

GOODBYE NOVEMBER

2010-11-30T15:18:00.003+08:00

Wow! So I only had a total of five posts for this month, that's including the one you're reading right now. I wish I could say I've been overly busy being productive. But nah. That was just laziness. I have also been more inclined to micro blog via Twitter lately as I can't really update this one using my phone. I could download the Blogpress app but I think blogging on a touch screen sucks. Nothing beats the sound of keys being pounded by my rather angry fingers. I feel the same way about iBooks or e-books or whatever you wanna call them. I have a bunch of iBooks and have read only one so far. I didn't even enjoy it. The smell of books and the sound of a page turning is TRUE LOOOOVE.

Speaking of books and turning of pages, November is ending. Today. Actually, it's gonna be over in a matter of hours. Still, I find myself in limbo. I might have asked and said the exact same things months or even a year ago. But I still have no idea what I'm doing. I'm still on this FIGURE-MYSELF-OUT stage. Blimey! At least I'm happy. This could be a cliche but happiness is indeed a choice. I still stand by my opinion that my cup is half full.

I may still be complaining about how I need a dozen pair of new shoes or a wardrobe revamp or who knows what else, but that's just me being a girl. I can never have too many of those things. Other than that, I am very happy with the people I chose to be in my life. I am happy being surrounded by positive people who have much love and support for me. But of course, it would have been nice if I won the P740 lotto jackpot last night. Haha.. I could use a couple millions for my trip to Maldives. Gawd!

Seriously, I am saying goodbye to November. I might have fibbed a little when I said it was only laziness that stopped me from blogging. Uh huh. It was a lot of things but I don't want this page to reek of drama and nonsensical emo whinings so I'll cut the crap and just get on with December. Haha.. I am turning the page and putting all the bad things behind. Out of the scene, out of my head. Yup! I'm not shooting for perfection as I know I'm light years away from it but I'm trying to be as good as I can be. One thing I'm sure of is that hatred has no space in my heart.

As for me being a flight attendant... I'm not going to divulge the details because there are a lot of crazyheads out there starting to wreak havoc in the blogosphere again. Out of envy or insecurity maybe. Why can't you just be happy for other people's success and look at them as inspiration?Case in point is the one that happened to Star. Jeez! I still shudder each time I think about it. That was nasty and totally rude. Only a person who's missing a couple of nuts and bolts in the head could say such things. I don't think anyone has the right to judge other people based on what they read or see. Besides, she earned and worked for whatever she has. She has every right to do whatever she wants to do with her money and anyone would be so proud with achievements like that. Ha! Talk about mad world. Don't hate her for being so pretty and very accomplished. I sure hope she wont be affected by those kinds of hurtful bashing. Anyway... I'll tell you this... My friends and I are very much excited. We've already planned who's treat it will be on our first layover in Paris. Ha! *cough cough* Prince, are you reading? Oh, we've also decided on who's gonna foot the bill for our send-off party. *cough cough* Prince, you still there? Bam will be so happy to see us..

Hahaha... Life is good. We'll all fly with you soon. Inshalla! :)

JEEZ LOUISE!

2010-11-22T14:59:00.004+08:00

November is coming to an end and I barely had any decent post. Again, I've been slacking on so many different things. I feel like my life is in limbo. I know exactly what I want but I'm just not sure how to get it. Or maybe I'm just lazy.

I just came from a week-long hiatus with mi familia in the boondocks. It felt good to breathe fresh air and be away from the noise of the city. I loved everything about home. Oh, except for the friggin roosters that made so much noise outside my bedroom window. Mind you, it's not the fancy COCKADOODLEDOO noise. It's the BOKBOKOKOK noise. The real deal! Imagine how annoying could that be! I'm pro nature and all, I actually love animals. But jebus fries! Those roosters were making so much noise I was left feeling murderous. I would have jumped over the fence and strangled them one by one. But I didn't. I don't want blood on my hands. Gah!

On the upside, one of my dogs gave birth to three cute little pups. I took the liberty to name them Butter, Burger and Buchi. I would have named the last one Bopis but it's sounds kinda off compared to the others so I ditched the idea. They are so so so cute. I gotta take pics the next time I come home. Too bad I had to leave a few days after they were born. I'm excited to see them when their eyes are open and when they no longer crawl around on their bellies. Another thing, I super love the smell of puppies. They're like babies in a way... YUM! Haha..

Not much has changed during the weeks I missed updating this blog. I still hate my Mom's neighbors. My to-do list is still as long as it used to be, or maybe longer. I'm still trying to lose weight. My Christmas gifts list is still a LIST... and so on. Oh, traffic is so much better in EDSA since they imposed number coding scheme on buses. Yey!

I'm gonna end this post right now because I obviously still don't feel up to the task of writing. You know, mood swing and whatnots. Let me share a few pics here for color. Don't you just love Photobooth? :)

my brothers

nice teeth. thanks to our dentist :)

me being my usual evil self :))

MORE GRIEF :(

2010-11-08T21:56:00.003+08:00

"With eye upraised his master's look to scan, The joy, the solace, and the aid of man: The rich man's guardian and the poor man's friend, The only creature faithful to the end."

Farewell Butchoy...

Thank you for 16 years of love and loyalty.

I will miss you everyday.

I love you forever.

GOODNIGHT AUNTIE RIA

2010-11-06T11:34:00.000+08:00

You and I will meet again,

When we're least expecting it,

One day in some far off place,

I will recognize your face,

I won't say goodbye my friend,

For you and I will meet again.

†

Ria Velasquez

Jan. 15 1976 - Nov. 6, 2010

I'M BACK AND I MISSED YOU

2010-11-04T14:49:00.003+08:00

Really.

Between being sick and keeping my sibs happy during the sem break, I no longer had time to update my blog page. Good thing there's Twitter. But as we all know, blogging for real only happens here. Even Facebook notes can't compare to the sense of personal space I get here on Blogspot. *drama much* haha..

So, how did your Halloween go? For the first time in a long time, I was not out partying. I was still too chickenshit to risk inhaling second hand smoke in clubs that I decided to just stay home and spend time with my siblings.

A lot of times I realize just how lucky I am to still be single. Having kids must be really expensive. Just going out with my little sister and little brother costs a lot already, how much more if you have kids to send to school, feed, clothe, etc. This is why I can't understand those who get married really early, say my younger cousins. I don't get it. AT. ALL.

Okay, the Christmas tree needs work. Haha.. Speaking of Christmas, I am stressed out over Yuletide plans. I really should have booked tickets and hotels months ago. Now almost all the nice places are fully booked, airfares cost an arm and a leg, and I'm so running out of time. I need to move like the Energizer bunny or else we will end up spending Holidays at home staring at each other and being bored. Jebus fries! Gotta go, tell me how your weeks are...

Cheers!

GOODBYE SICKBED

2010-10-27T17:23:00.004+08:00

For weeks, I've been bored out of my wits because of flu. Man it was utterly insane! I couldn't get out of the house, even dragging my sick butt out of bed to use the loo was very strenuous. Liquid seemed to be coming out of every hole in my body: I had runny nose, awful teary eyes that wont stop and made me look like I've been crying for real, sweating, coughing. What can I say? Terrible. My hamsters had to be kept away from me as well.

For amusement, neither the computer nor the boob tube was an option as it only makes my headache and nausea worse. My TV time is limited to one hour a day for Top Chef. Totally no computer time, I had to resort to micro blogging via Twitter instead using my phone. Even the tinsy screen strained my eyes.

I'm feeling a lot better now. I just wish my cough would go away. My sides, tummy and chest hurt big time and I get tired just hacking away. Gawd! For weeks, Nyquil and Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa have been my best buddies and lifesavers. I am glad to be finallly separated from my sickbed. I can already walk around and go out without feeling sick. I remember going all the way to Greenbelt during the first week of my flu just because I was bored. Bad idea. I will never pull off something like that again.

Anyway, how are you? I missed the blogosphere to pieces. Again, I have a lot of back-reading to do. Thank you to my blog friends who followed me all the way to Twitter :)

I'll post pics soon.

Peace, love and happiness!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSH

2010-10-09T17:14:00.003+08:00

Happy birthday little big brother. I love you! Today, I ask you to do three things...

EAT

PRAY

SLEEP

I know you wouldn't feel like partying. And I dare not ask you to LOVE. Not right now. Let me, Mom and Jem be the only girls in your life right now. Let's party next week! Mwah!

P.S.

I still refuse to believe that we look like each other. Bleh!

POST WEEKEND BLUES

2010-10-08T23:20:00.001+08:00

Several days have passed sans any new post. Sorry. I've been terribly busy since last weekend when I had my sibs over. As always, they monopolized the use of the computers and I was left with my handheld device which was ideal for tweeting and browsing facebook but not really as good as a laptop for posting blog entries. Uh huh.

I took the kiddos to the zoo last week and they had so much fun. I would have uploaded the pics in a heartbeat but the other laptop where I transferred the files too just went bonkers and wont start up. Gawd. How many laptops does a person needs? I am actually nervous about it not ever booting up again and that I might lose the other 320gb of my life. Waaaaah! I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

My sibs took Monday off school because we got home real late on Sunday night. Another day of playing Facebook games was actually to their advantage. We drove home Monday night and by the time I got back to the city, I was oh so knackered. I would have spent the night with my family but I had loads of stuff to attend to. Besides, they will all be school the next day and my Mom will be busy with her paperwork so it was pointless to stay.

The rest of the days passed in what seemed to be a white blur. I am actually surprised that it's Friday again. Right now, I am thinking how much I turned into a hermit. I no longer have a social life (Twitter not counted) and I do not really look forward to Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights anymore. Those used to be my clubbing days. Well, guess I'm getting old. Haha! You know how one just mellows out as age comes...

Let me share this photo with you... The chaos which was my bed.

First, I was listening to music while loading apps on itunes. While waiting for it to finish, I decided to watch Chinese movies on DVD but I had trouble picking which one I like so I ditched it. Then I tried to do origami, got bored and switched to re-reading Harry Potter. Got bored again so I took my new books and planned to remove the price stickers. The stuff kept getting on my nails and I got irritated so I took my Spanish book to practice instead. Then I remembered I was trying to practice Chinese calligraphy so I took out the materials. I couldn't find a suitable pen so I rummaged through the contents of my bag. One of the puppies started whimpering so I picked him up and played with him on the bed. That's when I saw how much mess was already on the bed. Gawd. I actually tried to do many things but since I kept getting bored every ten seconds or so, I ended up not finishing anything. Shame.

Tomorrow's Saturday. Happy weekend everyone! Eat, pray, love. As for me, I'll EAT, TWEET, WATCH TV.

Cheers!

CHEERS FOR CARLOS CELDRAN!

2010-10-01T15:47:00.013+08:00

Yesterday, I was caught between cheering for the Blue Eagles and thinking about Carlos Celdran. For those who do not know him, he is a performance artist and a health advocate. He is the man behind the popular walking tours in Manila, the same man who "is trying to change the way you look at Manila - one step at a time."

He also adopted one of my doxy pups, Monty. Haha.. You gotta appreciate a man like him. For me, his advocacies make perfect sense. His love for this country and his desire to boost up tourism is very admirable. He is very down to earth for a person with such status.

Yesterday, I was laughing at his tweets about what to write on his placard and about being an Ibarra. I thought he was kidding. Apparently, he wasn't. A little past 4:30PM, I saw an Inquirer tweet about Carlos Celdran's arrest. Incredulous! I thought it was a mistake because I checked his Facebook page and there was nothing on it. I must have been one of the first few to read the tweet. It wasn't even on the flash news report. So I thought it was another joke or part of a show or something. Nope! He was detained for staging a protest against the Church during an ecumenical service at the Manila Cathedral. In attendance were various policemen and the notorious Mayor Alfredo Lim. Wearing an outfit similar to that of Jose Rizal's, Carlos was said to have walked along the aisle of the church carrying a placard that says, "DAMASO," in reference to the villainous friar in Rizal's novel Noli Me Tangere. When the people didn't seem to get the message, he stood in front of the altar and said, "Stop getting involved in politics!" Lim ordered his arrest and he was brought to the police station in front of Lyceum. If you watched the news last night and this morning, you probably know what happened next. Bottom line, he spent the night in jail and he's still detained as per his tweet this afternoon. I read on his Facebook SUPPORT PAGE that his family will post bail and hopefully, he will be out before 5PM today. I sure hope so!

Photo by Mariz Umali of GMA news

(taken from Free Carlos Celdran Facebook page)

While many people have sympathized with him and shared the same sentiment, there are others who are gravely offended by what they call "antics" and are criticizing what he did. This is a free country, so be it. As for me, I believe what he did was sensible although he could have chosen not to do it inside the church. Just because they are not in favor of the RH Bill, the cardinals, priests and bishops threatened the President with excommunication. They also made threats of civil disobedience. Talk about giving CBCP a dose of their own medicine. Now they have an idea about civil disobedience right in their own backyard.

At 8PM last night, CBCP filed charges. I am not a lawyer so I will not go into detail about Article 133 of the Revised Penal Code. But the phrase "notoriously offending the feelings of the faithful" really makes me want to throw up. Don't you think listening to a sermon being given by a morally corrupt priest is worse than "offending the feelings of the faithful" by disrupting the service? Honestly. I sure hope that the government will stand firm on this issue as the church needs to face the reality called SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE. They still don't seem to get it. This is a big test of Pnoy's mettle as President.

Who feeds the people? Who sends them to school? Who foots the bills and pays for medication? Who pays the rent or provides shelter to the people? Not the church! They should just keep feeding the people with spirituality and God's words instead of sticking their noses with government affairs.

Kudos to Carlos! That man has balls of steel. A modern day patriot who stepped up against those ever meddling priests and bishops. I have much respect for the Catholic church but the people running it have clearly overstepped boundaries. For some reason, they think we're still in the 19th century and they're playing the role of Padre Damaso to heart. It's such a shame because there are still good priests out there. Not all of them are crooked and hypocrites. However, the CBCP's intervention with the government is getting major flak from both Catholics and non-Catholics. We are no longer in Rizal's time when they could easily use excommunication as threats. Duh!

Personally, I think we need more people like Carlos Celdran instead of cassock-clad men who preach about morality and abstinence yet are guilty of sexual molestation and illegal gambling. Enough with the hypocrisy! It is frustrating how the church insists on abstinence as a solution to the ballooning population. Abstinence? Really? Tell that to their brethren who engage in illicit sex and child molestation. How come several priests have sired children of their own if they walk their talk about abstinence? Unfortunately, we are not in Maria Clara's time anymore when sex was taboo. Sex is a reality and if you can't stop unmarried people from doing it, how much more can you stop married couples? Let them explain abstinence to people living in shanties and slums. Better yet, since they are so much against the RH Bill, why don't the church just clothe, feed, send children to school and provide them shelter? Nice? It's sad how they use religion to influence the way people live. CBCP seems to be a control freak. People especially women should have options about family planning. Preventing pregnancy through artificial methods is a crime? Well how about letting children die of starvation or disease? How about letting children live in rat-infested shacks? Come to think of it, those bishops and priests do not have the slightest idea of having and raising a family. They are SUPPOSEDLY sworn to celibacy, hence they have no right to curtail people's right to plan their family.

Okay, I must be blowing off steam out of my ears. This got me all worked up and mind you, this isn't even half of the issue. I just hope that these bishops and priests will stop acting silly. I wonder if they realize that by trying to paint themselves in the righteous corner, they're putting the Church in bad light. I am not Catholic so I don't have to worry about excommunication. No priest or bishop could stop me from worshiping and communicating with my God. I believe it our faith in God and not our religion that will save us. I support the RH Bill! I support Carlos Celdran!

In his interview with Saksi reporters, he said "I really am sorry for the method but I hope you heard my message loud and clear. My message is unapologetic. But for interrupting the mass and ruining your day, sorry about that."

Hats off to Carlos! He was apologetic yet defiant with his message. Rizal would be proud! :)

It's the first day of October. Christmas is coming soon. Let's all hope for the best.

Love and peace!

Charlie

==============

P.S.

Tell me what's so bad about the Reproductive Health Bill. Nothing! Here are its elements.

1. Maternal, infant and child health and nutrition;

2. Promotion of breastfeeding;

3. Family planning information end services;

4. Prevention of abortion and management of post-abortion complications;

5. Adolescent and youth health;

6. Prevention and management of reproductive tract infections (RTIs), HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmittable infections (STIs);

7. Elimination ofviolence against women;

8. Education and counseling on sexuality and sexual and reproductive health;

9. Treatment of breast and reproductive tract cancers and other gynecological conditions;

10. Male involvement and participation in reproductive health;,

11. Prevention and treatmentof infertility and sexual dysfunction; and

12. Reproductive health education for the youth.

GOOD THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES

2010-10-01T11:49:00.000+08:00

I am currently having a love affair with sea salt so when I saw this bag of chips on the racks of 7eleven a couple of weeks ago, I knew I just had to buy it.

I was utterly disappointed when I opened it because it turned out to be a bag of air instead of a bag of chips. Look!

Total waste of Php65! I checked it out on the supermarket after a few days and it was just Php55, but since I bought it at 7Eleven, it was priced higher. I wouldn't have felt annoyed if it was at least half full. Nope! The chips barely reached quarter level. Boo! I should have bought Cheetos instead. Next time, I wont be fooled by the packaging. I made a spicy dip to go along with it and tried to pair it with white wine. Fail! I was totally out of my mind. Good thing I found some gourmet cheese in the fridge. Ha!

On the other hand, here's something that doesn't look so fancy but tastes oh so heavenly...

Yup, that's the much talked about ensaymada from Diamond Hotel. It's best enjoyed right there at the hotel. Have it served hot and browned a little, pair it with a cup of coffee and you're on to epicurean bliss... But if you're just gonna take it out or have someone buy it for you, make sure to heat it until the cream melts and the cheese on top slightly comes off. Yum! You'll love how the buttery soft bread with melting cheese on top sits on the smooth warm cream. Oh gawd! I feel like going all the way to Diamond Hotel right now. FKDIHGPLEIKADMCNZBAVBWEUY. Yup, because I don't think the letters O, M and G are enough to express my delight over this sweet treat.

Sorry, my pictures don't do it justice at all. I took these right before I took a bite. The photo was actually just a second thought, I was dying to eat it! Haha..

By the way, you can get hold of these badass treats from The Cake Club by Diamond Hotel at Powerplant Mall in Rockwell. You really really really should try this!

ATENEO MAKES HISTORY

2010-09-30T18:09:00.003+08:00

Yes, I knew it! The Blue Eagles triumphed over the Tamaraws on Game 2 of the UAAP Finals. Three-peat champions!

AD MAJOREM DEI GLORIAM!!!

With that, I would like to share this very cool version of the Ateneo hymn by Rico Blanco. Enjoy!

A Song for Mary
We stand on a hill between the earth and sky.
Now all is still where Loyola’s colors fly.
Our course is run and the setting sun ends Ateneo’s day.
Eyes are dry at the last goodbye; this is the Ateneo way.
Mary for you! For your white and blue!
We pray you’ll keep us, Mary, constantly true!
We pray you’ll keep us, Mary, faithful to you!
Down from the hill, down to the world go I;
rememb’ring still, how the bright Blue Eagles fly.
Through joys and tears, through the laughing years,
we sing our battle song:
Win or lose, it’s the school we choose;
this is the place where we belong!
Mary for you! For your white and blue!
We pray you’ll keep us, Mary, constantly true!
We pray you’ll keep us, Mary, faithful to you!

ANOTHER MOUTHFUL

2010-09-30T13:55:00.004+08:00

For the past couple of months, I've been hooked on Cable TV trying to catch reruns of Top Chef. Oh gawd. It's just so addicting. And in doing so, I've been seeing lots of Oprah, Ellen and Tyra as well as Glee and Tim Gunn. Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to announce that I have formally gone back to being Garfield. Yes, TV time and munching most of the day. And yes, I still hate Mondays. So there.

Next time I go to Metrowalk or GH, I'll try to score DVD copies of Top Chef. I sure hope they have it. I tried watching it on www.bravotv.com but it can only be viewed in the United States. Boo! No choice but look for DVD. Watching that reality show, I realized just how lucky I am not to be a chef. There seems to be too much to learn. Techniques, presentation, food texture, pairing, blah blah blah. I am contented being a foodie with a hearty appetite. No complications, just an appreciation for all things yummy.

I have lost count of things I'm supposed to do so I took the liberty of ditching my To-Do list. I always end up not doing everything on it anyway. From now on, I'll just do what I remember to do. Now that does not sound good at all but there doesn't seem to be anything of extreme importance on my previous list. Ha! Liberty!!!

Can't believe it's Thursday again. Friday is still my fave day of the week but Thursday comes in close second. Perhaps we should call it "Almost Friday" instead. I'm excited to spend another weekend with my sibs as we're gonna raid my brother's pad and force him to take us shopping. It's payback time young man! I sure miss my Mom to pieces so I think I'm gonna head to the boondocks on Sunday and be back next week. That means I'm gonna be in another hiatus. My mother hates seeing me on the computer at home. Talk about quality time.

While on vacation, I might as well take the opportunity to get back in shape since I'll be away from fastfood deliveries, drive-thrus and all the temptations of the city. I recently got a new yoga mat from Pepper (thanks!!) and my exercise ball is now dust-coated in the storage room. I promise to lose ten pounds in one week. *rolls eyes*

Oh, tell you what. I was a cross-stitch junkie years ago. I stopped when my terrible eyesight got worse. I think I'll get back to stitching now. I still have unfinished projects at home and I would hate if my tools and threads would just go to waste. Okay, that's another addition to my things to do. Ack.

I gotta go. Have to clean up a little and get ready to watch Game 2 of the UAAP Finals: Ateneo vs FEU. Yey! 3-peat 3-peat 3-peat! This is gonna be one big fight!

P.S.

There's a Qatar Airways OD in Cebu on October 10 and I'm still weighing my options. I'm not sure if I really wanna go. Well, whatever. I'll let you know. Who's going? :)

PRE-DXB PARTY

2010-09-28T16:13:00.006+08:00

Hello everyone! I missed blogging and tweeting during the weekends because my sibs came over and monopolized the use of the computers, laptop and desktop. They were too busy playing games on Facebook during the day and playing Hotel 626 from 6PM onwards that it was impossible to interrupt them for a few minutes just so I can update my blog. I knew that was not gonna happen so I kept myself busy fussing over them and making them snacks and whatnots. I was like the official nanny for two days. Come Sunday, I offered to take them to the mall but they preferred to stay home and play. Oh gawd. Kids!

When they left on Sunday afternoon, I was feeling so lethargic that I practically spent most of the day in bed watching DVD, channel surfing, and eating junk food. Don't be surprised if the next time you see me on national TV, it will be on THE BIGGEST LOSER ASIA. That's a far cry from Miss Philippines but yes, I am doomed to obesity if I keep this sedentary lifestyle.

I'm feeling kinda woozy right now because I only got around five hours of shut-eye. I was pre-occupied with Top Chef, Ellen, Oprah and random shows on cable TV and I didn't notice the time. I must have dozed off around 2AM then woke up 2:30AM then resumed my channel surfing. I went to bed at a little past 4 in the morning (and that reminds me of Gwen Stefani's song) and woke up around 9AM to the sound of my phone. Why on earth does my Mom like calling me in the morning? Maybe because she knows I'm not a morning person and she likes to annoy me. Hahaha.. That sounds like my Mom. Whenever I'm home, she would always wake me up at 7 or 7:30AM. Forced breakfast. Don't you just love mothers? I love mine heaps!

Anyway... Friday afternoon was spent with four wonderful people who share the wonderful dream of flying (one already living it!) I had an awesome time with Mai, Prince, Joanne, and of course Bam who took time to see us amidst her busy schedule. It was so nice to just talk about your common dream especially over delicious food and bottomless iced tea. Haha.. Gumbo was a good choice. We all loved the Sicilian favorite kembot (sorry, I can't remember the exact name) and I also enjoyed the jambalaya and clams thingy. It felt so much like a pre-departure briefing because of the barrage of questions we asked Bam. I am so happy for that girl. Hopefully, we'll be joining her in DXB soon :)

Pictures to follow! I am looking forward to the next get together. Send-off party courtesy of Prince. That has been set whether he likes it or not. Hahaha.. Hope you all had a great weekend.

Oops! Thanks Bam for the mini Emirates aircraft. I love the flashing lights and the sound. Oh so kilig!

ALONG CAME POLLY'S

2010-09-23T11:32:00.009+08:00

Uh huh.. As in Polly's Chocolate Cake of gas station convenience store fame. Haha.. I''ve been reading quite a lot about this chocolate cake but haven't really found the time and energy to go all the way to Shell Magallanes which sells the much tallked about 8" round cake. Fortunately, I found out Polly's has a store in Robinson's Galleria. Pepper surprised me with this:

Anyway... I was quite disappointed when I saw that it was just one slice of cake. Hmp! Hahaha.. (Ungrateful bitch?) The first bite prevented me from sulking because it was oh so good. The second bite was even better. I only got as far as the fourth bite. Enough sugar for the day. See? I didn't even finish one slice. The cake was so dense and the icing so smooth and of the right sweetness. Yum. I finished the remaining half the next day.

I'm fond of giving desserts as gifts. Last time, it was a Dulcelin Chocolate Cake with Caramel Sauce for a friend's birthday. It was a hit. That was a 9" cake and we weren't able to finish it. I actually think the 6" cake would have been better since a very small slice of that cake is enough to satisfy an entire week's sugar craving. It's the best chocolate cake in Quezon City. Check out their website HERE. Make sure to call in advance because they don't have a store. You have to pick it up from the house in Times Street.

This is the actual picture of the cake after we ate several slices. Sorry. We were too excited to try it we didn't think of taking a picture first. Haha.. By the way, if you don't like chocolate cakes, you might like Estrel's Caramel Cake instead. Yes, it's the one with rose icing. I love those too! Click HERE for their Facebook page.

Now I'm sure I'll give Polly's Cake to whoever celebrates a birthday soon. Desserts get me really excited. Do you like desserts too? ;)

HEAR YE! HEAR YE!

2010-09-22T11:11:00.004+08:00

WHAT: Grand Get-Together ;)

WHO: FA aspirants, blog friends, Twithearts, kindred spirits

WHEN: Friday, September 24; lunch time

WHERE: tentative (Text me or send me a message on FB)

This will be a wonderful day! Let's talk about flying over lunch and coffee. Let's hear the wonderful stories of Bam, whom we used to know as FAwannabe. Let's fire away all our questions and whatnots. Let's!!!

As for me, I've been looking forward to it since last month. I am so excited to see Bam again. Gawd how time flies! I can't believe it has been almost a year since we were together in Cebu buying short-sleeved blouses and dried mangoes. Haha.. I missed her despedida so I'm not gonna miss this get-together for anything. I am looking forward to seeing Joanne, Ced, and Mai again. We will all be glad to meet other blog friends there too.

See you all!

Uhm, no haters allowed. Bleh!

I AM ONE HAPPY MONSTER

2010-09-21T23:16:00.000+08:00

I really feel like crawling back to bed and burying my head under the pillows. I lost precious hours of shut-eye because I had a massive attack of allergy last night. I'm not really sure what triggered it but I started feeling the swelling and itching sensation a little past the witching hour. It started on my palm then on my fingers. After a while, I felt my arms going numb and my underarms feeling really itchy. Yikes. Then my lips started feeling funny like it has been injected with collagen. Perhaps if it made me look like Angelina Jolie, I wouldn't be bitching. But it sure made me look like an oversized goldfish. It was so freaking itchy I couldn't sleep. Reading or watching TV was not an option since I was too distracted to focus on anything. I must have consumed the entire bottle of alcohol last night just pouring it all over my body. It was after a couple of hours when my meds kicked in and I was off to snoozeland without me even knowing it. Good thing I'm no longer She-Hulk when I woke up. I was afraid I needed to go to the hospital. Gawd.

Nevertheless, I woke up cranky and bitching about the black out curtains not doing its job. I also sulked over breakfast. My mood improved when I ate this huuuuuuge hopia. Look! It is actually bigger than my face. I was so tempted to eat it like I would a normal hopia but nope. Manners dictated me to cut it into small pieces. Tse! Ang KJ ni manners kahit kailan.

I got into another fit when I could not access the internet. I was so ready to cuss PLDT to oblivion but I couldn't get through their Cust Care hotline. Grrrrr... My temper went beyond boiling point so when I finally got through, I told them the problem. The poor girl on the line wanted to walk me through the troubleshooting but I am so sick of it. They do that all the time I can actually do it on my own. But this morning, I was being totally cross and told her I don't want to do it because I know there's nothing wrong with our computer it's just that their service sucks big time. Bwaaahahahah.. MONSTER. Then I realized I was the only one in the house without internet. I checked the wireless router, it was working. Why the hell can't my laptop detect any signal? What to do? RESTART. Then surprise! Hello world wide web. Now that is totally embarrassing. I would apologize to the girl if I could. Hahaha.. Anyway, I'll blame it on my allergies last night. Got me into my monster mode. Now I'm so happy I could do the Hi-5 Happy Monster Dance.

Last night, I read somewhere that scrimping on shut-eye slows down metabolism. Oh snap! I think I only got 4 hours of sleep. Yick! But then, I couldn't go back to bed after breakfast because I just had a lot of pancit, pan de sal, hot chocolate, taro jelly and hopia. Heavens help me, I just can't stop eating in the morning. As I've said umpteen times, it's my fave meal of the day. Sigh.

Another thing I read last night is that I'm supposed to get off my sorry backside and spend more time walking around or standing up. Not that I'm not aware of that. I'm just being a lazyhead. Okay, so today, I'm staying away from the bed and from my laptop and cellphone and books. I will try to stay in the living room or at the rooftop with only my iPod so I can at least listen to music and log in to Twitter and FB. Yey! Well, that's the plan.

Before I go, I'l bombard you with photos of what you should never forget to buy if and when you find yourself in Chinatown. Shop away!

WHO DIED AND MADE YOU KING?

2010-09-20T12:17:00.007+08:00

Yesterday, I mentioned going back to school. Now I'm only having tiny qualms about that because it means more expenses for my parents. Haha.. I'm supposed to be on my own now making money and even giving them some. But gee! Going back to school means putting them in the same position they were in a couple of years ago. Well, it was actually my Tatay who suggested it to me and my Mom says I should go for whatever makes me happy. I couldn't get any luckier with parents like that. They are so full of unconditional love and they trust me enough to let me make my own decisions. They let me be who I want to be. How I wish everyone's parents are like mine. This world could use more open minded people.

It is usually in the morning when my thoughts flood in. My brains are hyperactive especially during breakfast. So this morning, much to my annoyance, I thought about the sorry people around me and my family who seem to have no purpose on earth but to snoop on our affairs. One of the things I hate about this country is that there are too many hypocrites. People who pretend to follow the old fashioned norms yet can't even wipe their own slate clean. People who are so freaking self-righteous that they regard things done differently as wrong. Talk about BACKWARD mentality. We're already a decade into the 21st century, if you dumdums haven't noticed! How about minding your own beeswax?

Listen closely to the song playing right now. How I love this song. I could sing this at the top of my lungs but I don't think that would be enough. Some people just don't get it.

Just because you're a neighbor, or a friend, or a relative does not give you the right to tell people what to do, who to become or how to behave. Well, maybe the latter could be done by parents to their children up to a certain age. Either way, you don't call the shots on someone else's life. I just realized how important it is to draw the line when it comes to meddling with other people's lives. Unfortunately, it is mostly those we keep close who often go beyond that line.

I guess this is how I'm very much different with my Mom. She cares too much about people and she loves really easily. She opens her heart and willingly shares her life to people. She values their opinion so much and usually puts their best interest at heart. Me? I have just a few friends. The number of relatives and neighbors that I like and speak to are even fewer. It's not that I'm miserly with my love and affection. Aside from being naturally aloof, I just refuse to be dictated upon. I don't see the point of constantly trying to please other people for the sake of keeping the relationship I have with them. Sometimes, it is even healthier to keep things unsaid between people and keep some of them at bay just so you can remain civil. It doesn't mean you stop loving them. I am enjoying my unnerving yet exhilarating freedom. It feels greet making decisions based only on what I want. That doesn't mean I've gone wild or something. I am so far from it. I may not be downright religious but I know what's right and wrong. Some people should grow up and stop judging others based on what they see and how they see them. Screw conformity! Let other people have their happiness.

My brother and I have been talking my Mom into moving back to the city. Living outside but close to the border of the city may be good but it could also get boring and the familiarity sucks now. I told my Mom that next time, she better not get too close to neighbors because they become to freaking nosy to the point of being impolite. Whatever happened to manners and social graces? Friends who talk behind your back or judge your actions easily are not worth keeping. They are like garbage. Waste of time, waste of everything. Relatives who are abusive and on the constant lookout for your mistakes should not be disowned but should be ignored. We also told her that it's okay to stop talking to people if the conversation only stresses her out. We should only surround ourselves with positive vibes and ditch whatever or whoever it is that does not give you the time of day.

Here's to you! Bleh! (How mature.. hahaha)

In the words of the wise Bob Marley:

“Who are you to judge the life I live? I know I'm not perfect and I don't live to be. But, before you start pointing fingers, make sure your hands are clean.”

I thank God for FLYPZ. We go a long way back, I may not be in touch with them at all times (I rarely see them actually) but I know they are true friends who love me no matter what and no matter how many birthdays or Christmas parties I miss. Much thanks to Erika for being my friend through thick and thin, with or without boyfriend, with or without work, broke or bucks up. Thank you to my newfound friends and kindred spirits Bam, Ced, Joanne, and Mai. You guys are fountains of positivity and inspiration. Also, to my other friends who share their life with me (no need to enumerate, you know who you are), thank you. I LOVE YOU!

Nosy, gossiping, insecure, judgmental, hateful people should take a long hike to Mt. Everest and never come back. Better yet, free fall into the pits of Mt. Kilauea and burn alive. You are neither needed nor wanted.

Ciao!

ONE BIG FIGHT!

2010-09-19T22:38:00.005+08:00

Make that two!

My throat still hurts from all the cheering and chanting. I watched basketball with my lil big brother today. It has been quite a while since I last watched UAAP live in Araneta Coliseum. It felt really good to be back in the sea of blue and white. Yes, Ateneo had two major victories yesterday. The Blue Eaglets defeated UST Tiger Cubs and bagged the Juniors championship trophy while the Seniors sacked Adamson Falcons making it their 13th year of losing against the Eagles. My legs hurt too since most of the second half of the game was spent standing and jumping and looking ridiculously merry.

We had Patron tickets but some undisciplined people shamelessly took most of the seats down there so we ended up sitting on Lower Box A. Duh! We came in about 15 minutes before the start of the game but regardless of what time we arrived, there were supposed to be vacant seats there. And we weren't alone. A number of people with Patron tickets ended up in Lower Box A too. Boo! As one of the students said, "Kapalmuks ng mga bumili ng Lower Box tickets at umupo sa Patron area!" Hahaha..

I am stoked over the fact that it will be FEU vs ADMU for the finals. Waaaaahhh... My brother graduated from FEU but is currently teaching and studying again in Ateneo. That makes him half tamaraw half eagle. LOL. I wonder if we'll still be on the same side this time. This is war. Haha!

Anyway... I was totally awed with Blue Eaglet Kiefer Ravena. Wow! The future is looking bright for that boy. If he keeps playing that way, being a first draft pick on PBA is a big possibility.

Being there made me miss school spirit. And for that, a thought crossed my mind. If this FA thing does not pan out til March of next year, I might as well just go back to school and pursue my Master's Degree. I'll still try to go to ODs and screenings and if it still does not work out after I got my MBA, I'll shoot for PhD or a Law degree. Seriously. I mean, I originally planned to take up law but things came up and it never happened. Aside from that, I've always wanted to fly. This explains why I have a prob holding on to a job no matter how high my salaries were. There was no real happiness and fulfillment. My desire to do something else was dragging me down and causing me to burnout real quickly. I figured that if I can't fly, I'll be a lawyer or a college professor or an author of academic books.

Yes. I probably have "EXTREMES" as my real middle name. I can be really outgoing and social and a free spirit, hence my desire to be a flight attendant. I hate staying in one place for so long and doing the same things over and over. BUT... Here's the exception... I can endure long hours of silence just reading books and writing about things that interest me. Confusing? Let's put it this way. No matter how much I love writing, I am not giddy about writing business letters, filling up boring office forms, etc. I love reading but I have no patience with reading office circulars, memos, business correspondence, stock index, blah blah blah. Get my drift? Whatever. To put it simply, I only want to be any of these two: FA or ATTY. Uh huh.

Let's just put that aside for now. I just really miss going to school and being a student. I was so good at being a dork I don't mind being one all over again. Haha.. I was the kind of student who was not much into extra curricular activities and who would spend break time inside the library. I was never the type to linger after class hours or hit the mall or go somewhere with my classmates. I was entirely a loner. Typical dork. And I hardly let others borrow my books and notebooks back then. LOL.

Oh, going back to the Ateneo game. I was amused by a couple of things back there. There were a lot of doting parents but an aged Grandma stood out. She was cheering ferociously I was afraid she'll dislocate some bones :)) Basketball really has the power to draw a crowd from all age groups. Come cheering sessions during halftime, UST cheerleaders failed big time to execute their routines. Major lift fail. I was glad nobody got hurt despite the number of times the young girls fell down. Tsk tsk. Well, practice makes perfect and I bet those girls will be the next members of Salinggawi and they will probably reclaim their UAAP Cheerdance throne. Lastly, I saw a banner that says "MAS MALAKI BIRD NAMIN SA INYO!" And I'm sure that goes out to the Adamson Falcons. LOL!

I had so much fun especially because I got to hang out with my brother after the game. We just bummed around Gateway, stuffed ourselves silly with Taco Bell and Big Chill before my toes finally acted up. The perpetual OUCH when I walk around too much wearing the wrong foot wear. PULIKAT is a bitch. Instead of feeling sorry for me, my brother found my pain excruciatingly funny. Grrr!

After I left my brother's pad, I found myself in GH making my way to My Dollar Store. Got my fave vanilla cookies and decided to try some strawberry filled chocolate cookies. Yeah, sweet fix. I'm on a high!

I'm gonna end this post with a picture. A yummy one!

Mango Banana Tower from Chef Robert

LET'S SULK NOT

2010-09-15T12:42:00.003+08:00

"After all, computers crash, people die, relationships fall apart. The best we can do is breathe and reboot."
-Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City