What did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before? --> I travelled by myself from Kobe to Nara to Osaka and back to Kobe, all in one day!
Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year? -->I didn't have New Year's resolutions last year..
Did anyone close to you give birth? --> Piah and Ingrid gave birth to adorable baby girls!
Did anyone close to you die?--> Nope
What countries did you visit? --> Japan, Singapore, Indonesia
What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007? -->uhh...a boyfriend... seriously, be more disciplined, I guess.
What date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? --> July 2... our Gillette Japan Project had cutover. Work hours were crazy.. it was exhausting but rewarding.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?--> Finally getting my own room... going to my dream country.
What was your biggest failure? --> Failing myself.
Did you suffer illness or injury? --> Was sick for 3 weeks last November/December... worst feeling in the world. I told my mom I couldn't take a sick leave and just catch up on rest by HP shutdown. My mom retorted back: will you still be alive by then?!! =(
What was the best thing you bought? --> My cellphone.. I've always wanted a flip phone
Whose behavior merited celebration? --> mine. hahaha!
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? --> A certain officemate. The ultimate orc.
Where did most of your money go? --> credit card bills
What did you get really, really, really excited about? --> Going to other countries! I'm a travel junkie... and talking to my Ideal
What song(s) will always remind you of 2007? --> Suicidal.. =)
Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? -- happier
ii. thinner or fatter? -- thinner!
iii. richer or poorer? -- richer
What do you wish you'd done more? --> Wrote more about my travels and experiences this year.. lately I don't have time anymore to write...
What do you wish you'd done less of? --> Buy coffee... drinking
How many one-night stands? --> None
What was your favorite TV program? --> Prison Break and Grey's Anatomy.. helped me through SIT and BAT phases of Gillette
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? --> yes....
What was the best book you read? --> Band of Brothers; Harry Potter book 7
What was your greatest musical discovery? --> i dunno
What did you want and get? --> To travel to Japan (finally!)
What was your favorite film of this year? --> Transformers! Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? --> Turned 22 and treated my officemates to dessert.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? --> Liking my job.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007? --> Feminine chic in the office... college look in the mall.. a total babe at parties (haha, that's just me)
What kept you sane? --> Friends... sleep... knowing there's a tomorrow to dump my troubles in before going to sleep
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? --> Johnny Depp
What political issue stirred you the most? --> senators winning the MMFF....
Who did you miss? --> Toby
Who was the best new person you met? --> ideal... *giggles*
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007? --> what you want may not be what's best for you... so just find other ways to get it (think out of the box)
What was the nicest thing someone told you about yourself? --> that I was irreplaceable =)
The most touching experience you've had this year?--> my PM defending me
What did you like most about yourself this year? --> Doing more than what I thought I could handle.
What did you hate most about yourself this year? --> financially struggling
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year? --> In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee. In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife. In 525,600 minutes - how do you measure a year in the life? How about love? How about love? How about love? Measure in love. Seasons of love. 525,600 minutes! 525,000 journeys to plan. 525,600 minutes - how can you measure the life of a woman or man?
Was 2007 a good year for you? --> definitely!
What was your favorite moment of the year? --> getting a vacation!
What was your least favorite moment of the year? --> getting broke!
Where were you when 2007 began?--> at home
Who were you with? --> family
Where will you be when 2008 ends? --> probably still at home
Who will you be with when 2008 ends? --> still with family... and maybe with ideal on the side
Do you have a new years resolution for 2008? --> yes
What was your favorite month of 2007? --> Feb.. experiencing winter in Japan for the first time! no snow though...
Did you lose anybody close to you in 2007? --> yes... a few friends fell along the way...
Did you miss anybody in the past year? --> Hyung and Jem
What was your favorite record from 2007? --> none
How many concerts did you see in 2007? --> *gasp* none!
Did you drink a lot of alchohol in 2007? --> I drank more than the previous year
Do a lot of drugs in 2007? --> no
You do anything you are ashamed of this year? --> many... i forgot them all
How much money did you spend in 2007? --> a lot!
What was your proudest moment of 2007? --> Being praised by my Japanese counterparts. I blushed that moment.. and I tell you... I don't blush!
What was your most embarrassing moment of 2007? --> Being wrong at something I thought I was so sure about...
If you could go back in time to any moment of 2007 and change something, what would it be? --> none. I loved every minute of it, mistakes and all!
What are your plans for 2008? --> Learn new roles. Be more engaged and proactive.. at home and at work.
How are you different now that the year has ended? --> I've learned how to deal with different people. More tolerant and culturally sensitive... I'm more serious about saving up for an apartment... More fashion conscious... Learning to love my curvy body
What are your wishes for the new year? --> To get to travel again.. either for business or pleasure
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
War Chronicles and Band of Brothers
I got hooked on this series when I was in high school. They were being shown in HBO every Saturdays after the 9PM blockbuster screening. Unfortunately, the first time wasn't so appealing. It was the episode called Bastogne. If you've watched the series, you can agree with me that this episode was one of the most dramatic, probably the climactic part of the story. It was 10 episodes long, averaging about 50 minutes per episode.
Since the series showed around 11PM, you can just imagine the lengths I had to go through to stay up late (during high school, I was already off to la-la land by 9PM). Towards the end, it got pretty boring and I was very much interested how the story kicked off. That time, I didn't have the opportunity (and the money) to buy original VCDs. I didn't know that it was based on a book by Stephen Ambrose. I settled for another war movie, Saving Private Ryan. It was more accessible and since it was shot at the same time as Band of Brothers (both were produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks), it gave me the same feeling as watching Band of Brothers.
Another opportunity came up when we were in Jakarta. There were more pirated VCDs there than in Manila so Dad was able to buy the entire series. I watched it but was turned off by the grainy quality. I just settled to watching other war movies.
I was already in college when I got to buy the DVD set and was able to watch the entire series. I spent my evenings at home during the weekends in front of the TV and DVD player. The cinematography was just incredible. It felt like I was also in Normandy when they first jumped out of burning planes, falling from the sky towards enemy territory. I felt the cold winter chills when they were fighting in Bastogne and Foy (with me doing research that it was more known as the Battle of the Bulge). There was also the relief of finally capturing Berchtesgaden and being able to come home with more baggage they could handle.
Another opportunity presented itself to me while I was in transit to Singapore. I saw in one of Changi's bookstores some of the books written by Stephen Ambrose. I decided to get the title, Citizen Soldiers because, let's face it, WWII was all about citizens becoming soldiers. Civilians plucked from their peaceful lives to take part in the biggest campaign the world has ever seen since Alexander the Great.
Finally, during one of my WFS(tarbucks) day, I spent the afternoon doing SAP in Starbucks inside Fully Booked. There, sitting in the shelf under authors A-C, stood a lone book. I picked it up and began to read the 1st few pages, when the coding lifted by 7PM, I purchased the book, finished my work for the day and went home. I curled up in my chair and began to read one of the best memoirs (relatively speaking, of course.. I haven't read much war documentaries).
Band of Brothers was one of the best war stories I've ever encountered. Full-Metal Jacket was just too gory (in the eyes of an 8-yr old, anyway). Empire of the Sun was about the war but focused on Christian Bale. Pearl Harbor was too blockbuster-y. The older war movies were great. Some of the best I've seen were All Quiet on the Western Front (I just can't find the DVD here...), A Beautiful Life (love it! love it!), Der Untergang (German: The Downfall) and Schindler's List.
Or maybe because Band of Brothers had more air time than these films. After all, it takes more effort to convince a crowd to love a 2 and a half hour movie. 9 hours of air time gives the audience to connect more to each and every one of the characters, their trials and personal demons.
I just finished reading its book equivalent. It gave me more insight than the series.. of course, I've never heard of a movie that surpassed its book.
Recommended Movies:
:: The Longest Day (Sean Connery--> about the failed Market Garden operation)
:: U-Boat --> German movie on U-Boats.. a must-see for suspense junkies
:: U-571 --> U-Boat's Hollywood equivalent
:: Flyboys --> RAF vs Luftwaffe over the British Channel
:: A Very Long Engagement (Audrey Tatou -->WWI French drama and romantic epic)
:: Flags of our Fathers --> Battle on Iwo Jima
:: Letters from Iwo Jima --> Japanese POV on the Battle on Iwo Jima
:: The Great Escape --> Allied POWs in a German prison camp
:: Enemy at the Gates --> WWII from the Eastern front. A Russian sharpshooter (Jude Law) vs. a German corporal (Ed Harris)
I'm looking for WWII movies set in Africa.. mostly on the story of the Afrika Corps and Gen. Rommel. I've been reading up on him and it seems like he's one of the best German officers. He was also found guilty on Hitler's attempted assassination.
Check out some of the novels written by Ken Follet (Eye of the Needle, Man from St. Petersburg, Hornet Flight, Jackdaws), Fredrick Forsythe (Jackal, Odessa Files). Most are stories set on WWII. I'm more of a Ken Follet fan than Fredrick Forsythe, but I love them both!
Since the series showed around 11PM, you can just imagine the lengths I had to go through to stay up late (during high school, I was already off to la-la land by 9PM). Towards the end, it got pretty boring and I was very much interested how the story kicked off. That time, I didn't have the opportunity (and the money) to buy original VCDs. I didn't know that it was based on a book by Stephen Ambrose. I settled for another war movie, Saving Private Ryan. It was more accessible and since it was shot at the same time as Band of Brothers (both were produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks), it gave me the same feeling as watching Band of Brothers.
Another opportunity came up when we were in Jakarta. There were more pirated VCDs there than in Manila so Dad was able to buy the entire series. I watched it but was turned off by the grainy quality. I just settled to watching other war movies.
I was already in college when I got to buy the DVD set and was able to watch the entire series. I spent my evenings at home during the weekends in front of the TV and DVD player. The cinematography was just incredible. It felt like I was also in Normandy when they first jumped out of burning planes, falling from the sky towards enemy territory. I felt the cold winter chills when they were fighting in Bastogne and Foy (with me doing research that it was more known as the Battle of the Bulge). There was also the relief of finally capturing Berchtesgaden and being able to come home with more baggage they could handle.
Another opportunity presented itself to me while I was in transit to Singapore. I saw in one of Changi's bookstores some of the books written by Stephen Ambrose. I decided to get the title, Citizen Soldiers because, let's face it, WWII was all about citizens becoming soldiers. Civilians plucked from their peaceful lives to take part in the biggest campaign the world has ever seen since Alexander the Great.
Finally, during one of my WFS(tarbucks) day, I spent the afternoon doing SAP in Starbucks inside Fully Booked. There, sitting in the shelf under authors A-C, stood a lone book. I picked it up and began to read the 1st few pages, when the coding lifted by 7PM, I purchased the book, finished my work for the day and went home. I curled up in my chair and began to read one of the best memoirs (relatively speaking, of course.. I haven't read much war documentaries).
Band of Brothers was one of the best war stories I've ever encountered. Full-Metal Jacket was just too gory (in the eyes of an 8-yr old, anyway). Empire of the Sun was about the war but focused on Christian Bale. Pearl Harbor was too blockbuster-y. The older war movies were great. Some of the best I've seen were All Quiet on the Western Front (I just can't find the DVD here...), A Beautiful Life (love it! love it!), Der Untergang (German: The Downfall) and Schindler's List.
Or maybe because Band of Brothers had more air time than these films. After all, it takes more effort to convince a crowd to love a 2 and a half hour movie. 9 hours of air time gives the audience to connect more to each and every one of the characters, their trials and personal demons.
I just finished reading its book equivalent. It gave me more insight than the series.. of course, I've never heard of a movie that surpassed its book.
Recommended Movies:
:: The Longest Day (Sean Connery--> about the failed Market Garden operation)
:: U-Boat --> German movie on U-Boats.. a must-see for suspense junkies
:: U-571 --> U-Boat's Hollywood equivalent
:: Flyboys --> RAF vs Luftwaffe over the British Channel
:: A Very Long Engagement (Audrey Tatou -->WWI French drama and romantic epic)
:: Flags of our Fathers --> Battle on Iwo Jima
:: Letters from Iwo Jima --> Japanese POV on the Battle on Iwo Jima
:: The Great Escape --> Allied POWs in a German prison camp
:: Enemy at the Gates --> WWII from the Eastern front. A Russian sharpshooter (Jude Law) vs. a German corporal (Ed Harris)
I'm looking for WWII movies set in Africa.. mostly on the story of the Afrika Corps and Gen. Rommel. I've been reading up on him and it seems like he's one of the best German officers. He was also found guilty on Hitler's attempted assassination.
Check out some of the novels written by Ken Follet (Eye of the Needle, Man from St. Petersburg, Hornet Flight, Jackdaws), Fredrick Forsythe (Jackal, Odessa Files). Most are stories set on WWII. I'm more of a Ken Follet fan than Fredrick Forsythe, but I love them both!
Saturday, December 22, 2007
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
^_^ Merry Christmas everyone! ^_^
** My brother passed his thesis this December so he's sure to graduate this January 2008. Two down, one more to go!
** My sister celebrated her 19th birthday with sore eyes and a very sore throat (keyword: sore). We had lunch at Paseo Uno in Makati Mandarin. Food was delicious! My stomach was already bursting and I really forced myself to eat at least half of the desserts!
** This year, I think I attended 5 Christmas parties.. all of them included food fests! I think I packed 8 pounds just by attending those parties. But I guess since it is the holidays, it's ok to indulge once in a while.
** Despite my project being in the Japan market (again!), this time, I'll try not to open my HP laptop and really enjoy the holidays (like it's supposed to be!)
** We're having our annual Charades competition among us cousins this month. We're trying to step up the game! Go us!
** I was lector during our Christmas Midnight Mass! I'm so happy I was part of that very memorable celebration of the Eucharist. Not many people have the honor and the privilege of reading the Christmas scriptures.
** Movie and DVD marathons once again! I'm watching Will & Grace (one of the best sitcoms ever!). Somehow, series with gay characters in them make it more hilarious. No offense to them! In fact, I think their characters give the extra "oomphff!" to the punchlines. Jack McFarland is one of the funniest characters I've ever encountered!
I just finished watching Criminal Minds (go Spencer Reid!) and I'm shifting from drama/suspense to comedy.
** This Christmas, I met my two goddaughters. Sophia just turned 4 months (her birthday's Aug.24, 2007) and Kylie wil be 5 years old on Feb.6. They are just both adorable. Yeah, I fell in love with Sophia's toothless grins and Kylie's innocent inquisitiveness! I can't wait to have babies of my own...hmmm... now all I need is a good man with good genes! *patch*patch*
Monday, December 03, 2007
Replays
It's like the LSS... no matter how much you'd like it to disappear from your brain, it never ceases to haunt you every waking moment.
I can't sleep. Whenever I think about it, it gets my blood pumping with dread. It's that terrible feeling at the pit of your stomach... like a feeling when you're in a tournament. Those butterflies really give hell.
I think about it whenever I'm not thinking of something good enough to block it out for a second. How I should've reacted, what I should've said. I think of useless things that I should've done, just to appease myself. I hated myself for what I did, for giving in. I should have fought... morally, I should've done that. But I didn't. I didn't want to spend another moment there. It was hell.
And now, knowing that I did that just to get away, I couldn't help but miserably remember every second spent there. And it sucks. It really really sucks.
I'm really gonna look like shit in the office tomorrow...
I can't sleep. Whenever I think about it, it gets my blood pumping with dread. It's that terrible feeling at the pit of your stomach... like a feeling when you're in a tournament. Those butterflies really give hell.
I think about it whenever I'm not thinking of something good enough to block it out for a second. How I should've reacted, what I should've said. I think of useless things that I should've done, just to appease myself. I hated myself for what I did, for giving in. I should have fought... morally, I should've done that. But I didn't. I didn't want to spend another moment there. It was hell.
And now, knowing that I did that just to get away, I couldn't help but miserably remember every second spent there. And it sucks. It really really sucks.
I'm really gonna look like shit in the office tomorrow...
Monday, November 26, 2007
More for you.. less for me
I spent my Saturday walking with God.
We went to the different communities outside the village and did a survey for our Parish. Our assigned place was Sitio Sampalucan. It was given that name because everyone in that neighborhood sell sampaloc candies for a living.
We started out very early (for a Saturday morning) around 9am and met with the coordinators. I was dressed down (as always) in tshirt, jeans and rubber shoes. I was wearing sunblock and that was it for 'makeup'. We went to each of the houses and interviewed people. What they do for a living.. how many children they have.. are they married in the Church... it was like Marketing all over again. Demographics is one of the most labor-intensive surveys ever! For us lectors, we were given a task of surveyin 140+ families! That morning, we were only 9 and every one had to interview at least 10 families.
Their houses were very small. It had the most basic of necessities. Some homes have 4 families living in them. Their rooms were smaller than mine and it already housed the living room, dining room, kitchen, toilet and bedroom. Let us not forget the fact that they have 4 children or so per family.
Outside was no different. There were rats outside and I was fortunate enough to see a rat dying from poison with children staring and playing with it until it breathed its last. Trash was everywhere and there was a creek under them. Some even had animals and the smell made you gag. The smell was foul. I tried to be as neutral-faced as possible. I didn't want anyone to feel that I offend them with my reaction to their place.
As noon was approaching, I was feeling quite sad. A lot of people I have interviewed here lived way below the poverty line. Only 1 parent was working and the single income was not enough to provide for the basic needs. Some were already widowed and had to be father and mother at the same time. For them, life was like that. It's either you work hard or you get hungry.
We went home around lunch time. We were glad we finished more than half of the target number. At that time, I was starving from walking around and my throat hurt from all the talking and questioning. My feet ached as we had to walk the whole way back to the church.
I groaned again when I realized I had to go back in the afternoon. It was one of my duties to make sure that an officer is present in all the shifts. It was just my bad that I was the only officer available in the afternoon. This time there were only four of us left. We wanted to finish the survey quickly so we don't have to go again the next day. If we wanted to finish today, we have to accomplish 15 families in less than 3 hours. I had to leave by 4pm because I was supposed to serve at the 6pm mass.
This time, I was taken to the deeper levels of the community. To get to the other side.. you had to pass through someone's house. It was so weird. We were saying, "Paumanhin, makikiraan lang po," to the family that lived there as we used their house to get to the other side. One the other side, there were more families, huddled in one-room apartments with 4 children playing outside. It was a sight I would never forget.
******
A friend of mine asked.. "If there is a God, why is there suffering? Why are there people in pain?"
One this is for sure. It was not God that brought suffering to man. It was man who did it to himself. It was man who did it to his fellow men. Had there been no free will, we lived according to God's divine plan. To be good humans who feared God and respected His creation.
But man was given free will. The freedom to choose between right and wrong. Most of the time, man will choose what is good for him... and most of the time, what he chooses may be good for him but not for other. He becomes selfish and materialistic. Doing everything he can to be "happy"... even if it meant stepping on other people for his own good.
Man is not evil. Man is actually inclined to the good because he was created in God's image and likeness. Sometimes, he forgets that there are other people affected by his decisions and they pay for his 'good'.
That is why we see suffering. Of course, it is not our intention to hurt people. If possible, we would avoid making other people get hurt. But most of the time, we have to hurt them to get what we want.
With those in mind, it will take more than time to stop the hurting. It needs a radical change of heart. A change to think beyond what is good for oneself and to involve others and make them happy as well.
What a fantasy.. =(
We went to the different communities outside the village and did a survey for our Parish. Our assigned place was Sitio Sampalucan. It was given that name because everyone in that neighborhood sell sampaloc candies for a living.
We started out very early (for a Saturday morning) around 9am and met with the coordinators. I was dressed down (as always) in tshirt, jeans and rubber shoes. I was wearing sunblock and that was it for 'makeup'. We went to each of the houses and interviewed people. What they do for a living.. how many children they have.. are they married in the Church... it was like Marketing all over again. Demographics is one of the most labor-intensive surveys ever! For us lectors, we were given a task of surveyin 140+ families! That morning, we were only 9 and every one had to interview at least 10 families.
Their houses were very small. It had the most basic of necessities. Some homes have 4 families living in them. Their rooms were smaller than mine and it already housed the living room, dining room, kitchen, toilet and bedroom. Let us not forget the fact that they have 4 children or so per family.
Outside was no different. There were rats outside and I was fortunate enough to see a rat dying from poison with children staring and playing with it until it breathed its last. Trash was everywhere and there was a creek under them. Some even had animals and the smell made you gag. The smell was foul. I tried to be as neutral-faced as possible. I didn't want anyone to feel that I offend them with my reaction to their place.
As noon was approaching, I was feeling quite sad. A lot of people I have interviewed here lived way below the poverty line. Only 1 parent was working and the single income was not enough to provide for the basic needs. Some were already widowed and had to be father and mother at the same time. For them, life was like that. It's either you work hard or you get hungry.
We went home around lunch time. We were glad we finished more than half of the target number. At that time, I was starving from walking around and my throat hurt from all the talking and questioning. My feet ached as we had to walk the whole way back to the church.
I groaned again when I realized I had to go back in the afternoon. It was one of my duties to make sure that an officer is present in all the shifts. It was just my bad that I was the only officer available in the afternoon. This time there were only four of us left. We wanted to finish the survey quickly so we don't have to go again the next day. If we wanted to finish today, we have to accomplish 15 families in less than 3 hours. I had to leave by 4pm because I was supposed to serve at the 6pm mass.
This time, I was taken to the deeper levels of the community. To get to the other side.. you had to pass through someone's house. It was so weird. We were saying, "Paumanhin, makikiraan lang po," to the family that lived there as we used their house to get to the other side. One the other side, there were more families, huddled in one-room apartments with 4 children playing outside. It was a sight I would never forget.
******
A friend of mine asked.. "If there is a God, why is there suffering? Why are there people in pain?"
One this is for sure. It was not God that brought suffering to man. It was man who did it to himself. It was man who did it to his fellow men. Had there been no free will, we lived according to God's divine plan. To be good humans who feared God and respected His creation.
But man was given free will. The freedom to choose between right and wrong. Most of the time, man will choose what is good for him... and most of the time, what he chooses may be good for him but not for other. He becomes selfish and materialistic. Doing everything he can to be "happy"... even if it meant stepping on other people for his own good.
Man is not evil. Man is actually inclined to the good because he was created in God's image and likeness. Sometimes, he forgets that there are other people affected by his decisions and they pay for his 'good'.
That is why we see suffering. Of course, it is not our intention to hurt people. If possible, we would avoid making other people get hurt. But most of the time, we have to hurt them to get what we want.
With those in mind, it will take more than time to stop the hurting. It needs a radical change of heart. A change to think beyond what is good for oneself and to involve others and make them happy as well.
What a fantasy.. =(
Time to catch a shooting star
I spent the weekend contemplating on my life. Last week I though everything was falling apart; and a lot of people seemed to notice it. I won't even try to describe how I looked... ^_^
But I'm very happy that I'm finally seeing the light. It's as if I solved a math problem I've been trying to crack for days. The whole time it was already staring at me in the face. Had it been a human, it would've given me a broken nose for being so stupid to see it.
It started last Tuesday night. Mom and dad noticed I was feeling down when I got home. They decided to cheer me up by watching a movie with them. We've never really sat down as a family and watched DVDs at home. It was usually every man for himself. If you wanted to watch, just pop the DVD into the player by yourself. No one's obliged to watch with you.
We watched The Notebook. As corny as it sounds, I've never watched the movie, despite the high ratings it got. I guess I didn't have the time to watch it back then. It was one of my Mom's favorites. It was also a surprise that Dad watched it with us! He was never a movie-person. Or usually, he'd watch at his own pace. We fixed the sofa bed in the living room and my mom and I sat on it, with legs stretched out in front of us, with pillows and Pagong. It was the works.
Dad had a beer in his hand and sat in his recliner. The lights were off too, as if we were in a movie house. It was such a sweet movie. I cried buckets that night. It was one of those movies that you would avoid watching in a movie house coz you'd go out with a very red face with swollen eyes. Still, watching with my parents, I tried hard to supress the sobs... I don't really like crying in front of people (and will do everything in my power not to do that!). It was really gross. I was holding Pagong and the top of his head was damp with my tears.
As soon as the movie ended, I quickly said goodnight and went up to my room and let it all out. Supressing sobs makes my head hurt. At least I could cry in the comfort of my room... but nooooo....
Mom called my cellphone, she asked me if I could go down and turn off the blasted DVD player and TV. Of course, I had to go down and teach them how to eject the DVD and turn it off... seriously, it was either they're too lazy to do it or they really don't know... and I'm desperately hoping it's the former. They saw my very red nose and teary eyes and asked why I cried.
"It's because the movie was cute. They died but they were in each other's arms. I could never ask for a sweeter death when I'm with the man I love."
The next night, dad invited us to watch The Godfather Trilogy. I myself have been intrigued with such a classic and critically acclaimed film. This time, my brother was with us. Dad was now in the sofabed with mom and me while Pat took the recliner. The 1st part was 3 hours long but it was really good.
The night after, we watched the 2nd part and it was almost 4 hours! I nearly fell asleep right then and there! Some parts were boring but I wanted to look out for those intense scenes and dialogues. I was really zonked after watching the movie.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to watch the last movie. Though they watched that Friday night, I had preferred to watch Enchanted with my officemates. It was a feel-good movie, as Kathy said. ^_^
Yes, I'm starting to feel better now.
But I'm very happy that I'm finally seeing the light. It's as if I solved a math problem I've been trying to crack for days. The whole time it was already staring at me in the face. Had it been a human, it would've given me a broken nose for being so stupid to see it.
It started last Tuesday night. Mom and dad noticed I was feeling down when I got home. They decided to cheer me up by watching a movie with them. We've never really sat down as a family and watched DVDs at home. It was usually every man for himself. If you wanted to watch, just pop the DVD into the player by yourself. No one's obliged to watch with you.
We watched The Notebook. As corny as it sounds, I've never watched the movie, despite the high ratings it got. I guess I didn't have the time to watch it back then. It was one of my Mom's favorites. It was also a surprise that Dad watched it with us! He was never a movie-person. Or usually, he'd watch at his own pace. We fixed the sofa bed in the living room and my mom and I sat on it, with legs stretched out in front of us, with pillows and Pagong. It was the works.
Dad had a beer in his hand and sat in his recliner. The lights were off too, as if we were in a movie house. It was such a sweet movie. I cried buckets that night. It was one of those movies that you would avoid watching in a movie house coz you'd go out with a very red face with swollen eyes. Still, watching with my parents, I tried hard to supress the sobs... I don't really like crying in front of people (and will do everything in my power not to do that!). It was really gross. I was holding Pagong and the top of his head was damp with my tears.
As soon as the movie ended, I quickly said goodnight and went up to my room and let it all out. Supressing sobs makes my head hurt. At least I could cry in the comfort of my room... but nooooo....
Mom called my cellphone, she asked me if I could go down and turn off the blasted DVD player and TV. Of course, I had to go down and teach them how to eject the DVD and turn it off... seriously, it was either they're too lazy to do it or they really don't know... and I'm desperately hoping it's the former. They saw my very red nose and teary eyes and asked why I cried.
"It's because the movie was cute. They died but they were in each other's arms. I could never ask for a sweeter death when I'm with the man I love."
The next night, dad invited us to watch The Godfather Trilogy. I myself have been intrigued with such a classic and critically acclaimed film. This time, my brother was with us. Dad was now in the sofabed with mom and me while Pat took the recliner. The 1st part was 3 hours long but it was really good.
The night after, we watched the 2nd part and it was almost 4 hours! I nearly fell asleep right then and there! Some parts were boring but I wanted to look out for those intense scenes and dialogues. I was really zonked after watching the movie.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to watch the last movie. Though they watched that Friday night, I had preferred to watch Enchanted with my officemates. It was a feel-good movie, as Kathy said. ^_^
Yes, I'm starting to feel better now.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Yuletide Gushings
Last Saturday, I spent the night decorating the house with Christmas lights, decors and the Christmas tree. Unbelievable as it sounds, I've never decorated a Christmas tree so this one's my reluctant masterpiece. Our theme for this year was golden yellow and burgundy... so I kinda spent my Saturday evening jamming glittery and shiny Christmas balls into the poor tree. We added some simple yellow lights and mom made the finishing touches by adding ribbons to the tree.
Mom fondly told us that when we were little, she was always so hyped up on decorating the house during Christmas. She loved to see our faces smile whenever the lights are on. And those days, we'd have a competition who got the biggest and most number of gifts. We'd try to collect and count them and then wait for midnight on the 25th. And we always saved Santa's gifts for last. Coz they were always the biggest, heaviest and best gifts we ever got. :)
Last Saturday, I had a hardcore session on Christmas decors. I admit that I'm not domesticated but I guess it's not so bad to start now. Especially since I'm planning to get an apartment in the not-so-distant-future. Hello I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-C-E!
************************
I remember October-November last year... we were forced out of our house and then stayed at this old yet neat apartment in Makati. It was soooo much like in the 80s movies I see in Cinema One. The furniture was very old school and it reminded me so much about my childhood. It was a fun time last year. I got to commute everyday! It's fun at first but then it gets tiring, especially since I had to bring a laptop every single time.
At the very least, I find myself very much drawn to the mall across the street. I was in Glorietta every waking moment I'm available! The shops were so near... the cinemas were so convenient (one time, Mao and I watched a movie coz he had to wait for his gf to finish work.. the movie we watched was Cake) ^_^ oohhhh the memories! At that time, all you needed was money!
I have a lot more to gush about... but I'm to sleepy now.. I'll continue tomorrow.
Mom fondly told us that when we were little, she was always so hyped up on decorating the house during Christmas. She loved to see our faces smile whenever the lights are on. And those days, we'd have a competition who got the biggest and most number of gifts. We'd try to collect and count them and then wait for midnight on the 25th. And we always saved Santa's gifts for last. Coz they were always the biggest, heaviest and best gifts we ever got. :)
Last Saturday, I had a hardcore session on Christmas decors. I admit that I'm not domesticated but I guess it's not so bad to start now. Especially since I'm planning to get an apartment in the not-so-distant-future. Hello I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-C-E!
************************
I remember October-November last year... we were forced out of our house and then stayed at this old yet neat apartment in Makati. It was soooo much like in the 80s movies I see in Cinema One. The furniture was very old school and it reminded me so much about my childhood. It was a fun time last year. I got to commute everyday! It's fun at first but then it gets tiring, especially since I had to bring a laptop every single time.
At the very least, I find myself very much drawn to the mall across the street. I was in Glorietta every waking moment I'm available! The shops were so near... the cinemas were so convenient (one time, Mao and I watched a movie coz he had to wait for his gf to finish work.. the movie we watched was Cake) ^_^ oohhhh the memories! At that time, all you needed was money!
I have a lot more to gush about... but I'm to sleepy now.. I'll continue tomorrow.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Musings of a Happy Girl
I remember it's been a year since we moved to an apartment in Makati. It was a nice experience but under difficult circumstances..
Our house was still under renovation when a very destructive typhoon hit our city. We didn't have power and water.. all our stuff were being put into plastic and moved around. As each section of our house was torn, we had to huddle into the unaffected parts until the whole place was uninhabitable and it was making a mess of our lives... physically, psychologically, hygienically!
Anyway, it was fun taking the train from the apartment to the office. And the weather wasn't so hot so I enjoyed walking out. The apartment had electricity included in the rent so we got to enjoy the aircon every night. Oh joy!!
It was the moving and the packing that sucked... I was never an organized lady *cough* and my mom would always tell me my room is as messy as a boy's. I could never get my room organized.
Anyway, I'm enjoying the comfort of having my own room. Everything included!
***********************
I saw this site of a friend. I just couldn't help but laugh. I'm sorry, he's such a good friend but... hell! He sucks at pictures. It's the same 'pa-cute' pose over and over and over again. It really doesn't suit him! All of the pictures he takes with his girlfriend is the same. I can never stress enough that all of their poses are the same. The only thing that tells you that this is another day and place is that their clothes are different.
He's such a weirdo!
**********************
Yes... I'm happy today.
Our house was still under renovation when a very destructive typhoon hit our city. We didn't have power and water.. all our stuff were being put into plastic and moved around. As each section of our house was torn, we had to huddle into the unaffected parts until the whole place was uninhabitable and it was making a mess of our lives... physically, psychologically, hygienically!
Anyway, it was fun taking the train from the apartment to the office. And the weather wasn't so hot so I enjoyed walking out. The apartment had electricity included in the rent so we got to enjoy the aircon every night. Oh joy!!
It was the moving and the packing that sucked... I was never an organized lady *cough* and my mom would always tell me my room is as messy as a boy's. I could never get my room organized.
Anyway, I'm enjoying the comfort of having my own room. Everything included!
***********************
I saw this site of a friend. I just couldn't help but laugh. I'm sorry, he's such a good friend but... hell! He sucks at pictures. It's the same 'pa-cute' pose over and over and over again. It really doesn't suit him! All of the pictures he takes with his girlfriend is the same. I can never stress enough that all of their poses are the same. The only thing that tells you that this is another day and place is that their clothes are different.
He's such a weirdo!
**********************
Yes... I'm happy today.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Suicidal
I indulged myself with really rich hot chocolate, twice! The feeling was ecstatic. It was bliss. That's coz I'm on vacation. :)
Vacations give me an excuse to let go. To be free from self-imposed restrictions such as dieting. Especially when I'm on out-of-town trips where the food here is unlike anywhere else's! So of course you try taste as much of the local food here as possible. Suicidal! Suicidal!
Damn all these delicious food! That's why my diet will never work.. you had me suicidal! Suicidal!
Tomorrow we'll be going back to Manila. It was a well-deserved rest and relaxation. :) Too bad we won't come back here on December. I would have enjoyed the Christmas feel up here.
******************
I like roadtrips. There's a certain sense of uncertainty, and of course, the bonding that will happen in the car, in the coffeeshop, in the gas station... it's like a roadtrip is there because of the journey, not the destination.
I've always loved roadtrip with my family. We try to leave the house early in the morning, eat breakfast somewhere, continue on with the trip, stop at a gas station for CR breaks, eat lunch 5 towns away until finally arriving at the destination. At that day, the energy is spent on the journey and most of the time, the destination is just the finish line, not the starting point.
The longest roadtrip I've ever been to is when we went to Albay and Vigan. Both trips had us sitting on our asses for 12 hours... the 12 hours had included the stopovers and the occasional wrong/missed turns. At the end of a long drive, we'd be very glad that we finally arrived at our destination and just look for the inn we're supposed to stay. And then we'd just plop down on our beds and doze off.
There are still a lot of places we haven't been to. And with dad working out of the country, we only have a few options on when we can leave.
Sagada...
Banaue...
Tuguegarao... hmm, anong makikita dun?
Cagayan Valley... heard there's white water rafting there...
Corregidor... this isn't really a road trip but I really really really wanna go there!
Hidden Valley... just so I can say I've been there
La Union/Zambales.. I've always wanted to try surfing.
Thinking about it, there are a lot of places in the Philippines that are worth the roadtrips. It's also cheaper than going shopping in Hong Kong and Singapore and gambling in Macau. You get to be in touch with nature and the natural wonders we learned in Hekasi during our grade school years. Sometimes, going to those places are worth it. The pictures in the textbooks do not do justice to the beauty of our country.
Someday, I'll go to all of those places and do all of those things with my family, with my significant family and my family.
Vacations give me an excuse to let go. To be free from self-imposed restrictions such as dieting. Especially when I'm on out-of-town trips where the food here is unlike anywhere else's! So of course you try taste as much of the local food here as possible. Suicidal! Suicidal!
Damn all these delicious food! That's why my diet will never work.. you had me suicidal! Suicidal!
Tomorrow we'll be going back to Manila. It was a well-deserved rest and relaxation. :) Too bad we won't come back here on December. I would have enjoyed the Christmas feel up here.
******************
I like roadtrips. There's a certain sense of uncertainty, and of course, the bonding that will happen in the car, in the coffeeshop, in the gas station... it's like a roadtrip is there because of the journey, not the destination.
I've always loved roadtrip with my family. We try to leave the house early in the morning, eat breakfast somewhere, continue on with the trip, stop at a gas station for CR breaks, eat lunch 5 towns away until finally arriving at the destination. At that day, the energy is spent on the journey and most of the time, the destination is just the finish line, not the starting point.
The longest roadtrip I've ever been to is when we went to Albay and Vigan. Both trips had us sitting on our asses for 12 hours... the 12 hours had included the stopovers and the occasional wrong/missed turns. At the end of a long drive, we'd be very glad that we finally arrived at our destination and just look for the inn we're supposed to stay. And then we'd just plop down on our beds and doze off.
There are still a lot of places we haven't been to. And with dad working out of the country, we only have a few options on when we can leave.
Sagada...
Banaue...
Tuguegarao... hmm, anong makikita dun?
Cagayan Valley... heard there's white water rafting there...
Corregidor... this isn't really a road trip but I really really really wanna go there!
Hidden Valley... just so I can say I've been there
La Union/Zambales.. I've always wanted to try surfing.
Thinking about it, there are a lot of places in the Philippines that are worth the roadtrips. It's also cheaper than going shopping in Hong Kong and Singapore and gambling in Macau. You get to be in touch with nature and the natural wonders we learned in Hekasi during our grade school years. Sometimes, going to those places are worth it. The pictures in the textbooks do not do justice to the beauty of our country.
Someday, I'll go to all of those places and do all of those things with my family, with my significant family and my family.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Resolution
This will be the last time I'm posting something like this. I have come to terms with myself never to dwell on such insignificant and obscure topics such as a guy. I have never felt something like this that's why I'm making such a hassle out of it... in my blog that is. Of course, there was the initial confusion, indifference, shock, anger and sadness but above it all, I have learned not to make a lot of fuss about it. It's a waste of time, energy and just gives me and the people around me negative energy. And all of this just for a guy??? Hello?!?! Ang feeling mo naman!
I thought about relationships, and the eventual lifetime partnership.. and I'm thinking...
A guy who should be worth my tears is someone who will never make me cry. This one is not.
I thought about relationships, and the eventual lifetime partnership.. and I'm thinking...
A guy who should be worth my tears is someone who will never make me cry. This one is not.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Failure??
He was very upset and disappointed with me. I was angry with myself, thinking how I could've missed it. I had known about it for a long time... and it was perfect timing that I had to get sick. Of all the days.... it had to be that day.
And he had been honest with me and confronted me. I like guys like that. They have the balls to tell me; unlike other people who just walk away without a single word. I feel more insulted when people don't tell me things. I feel that they think I can't handle the truth.. or at least their version of it.
I'm trying to make up for it. I'll really make him happy and blow his mind away. After all, don't we get to have second chances?
And he had been honest with me and confronted me. I like guys like that. They have the balls to tell me; unlike other people who just walk away without a single word. I feel more insulted when people don't tell me things. I feel that they think I can't handle the truth.. or at least their version of it.
I'm trying to make up for it. I'll really make him happy and blow his mind away. After all, don't we get to have second chances?
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Honestly..?
Is it wrong to ask for the truth nowadays? Or people just tend look away and pretend nothing happened..?
It's very unhealthy. And it hurts to know that people who you think you trust just leave you with nothing but an empty soul. It's confusing, it's painful and tiring. It's a charade you have to go through everyday.. and at the end of the day, I feel more tired than ever.
When will the pretending end? It hurts, you know. It friggin' hurts.
It's very unhealthy. And it hurts to know that people who you think you trust just leave you with nothing but an empty soul. It's confusing, it's painful and tiring. It's a charade you have to go through everyday.. and at the end of the day, I feel more tired than ever.
When will the pretending end? It hurts, you know. It friggin' hurts.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Of Organs and Chords
Before I started playing the guitar and the bamboo flute, I got a glimpse and first hand experience of music from the electric organ. We were supposed to buy a piano one day in 1991; but we were fascinated when the electric organ can belt out sounds of other instruments and even have accompanying music to intensify one's piece. So yeah, it was decided that we get the technologically-sound, all-in-one instrument.
I took lessons when I was in grade 3 and even had a recital. It was the best worst feeling ever. My fingers were numbed and at the same time tingling with nervousness... hoping Murphy's law wouldn't happen for the next 5 agonizing minutes of my life. Needless to say, it did happen and I never played the organ after that.
____________________
Lately, I felt like feeling the keys again. Ebony and ivory live together in perfect harmony, says a song; and yes, I miss playing with my keys. We had it fixed today and now I'm tapping away at the keys as if I just had my music lessons yesterday. :) I was very glad that I still remember my chords and the rhythm of some of the pieces I studied.
Right now, I'm starting to study some Christmas songs. It would be a nice change to play some tunes during the holidays instead of playing them in the ipod, right? :)
I took lessons when I was in grade 3 and even had a recital. It was the best worst feeling ever. My fingers were numbed and at the same time tingling with nervousness... hoping Murphy's law wouldn't happen for the next 5 agonizing minutes of my life. Needless to say, it did happen and I never played the organ after that.
____________________
Lately, I felt like feeling the keys again. Ebony and ivory live together in perfect harmony, says a song; and yes, I miss playing with my keys. We had it fixed today and now I'm tapping away at the keys as if I just had my music lessons yesterday. :) I was very glad that I still remember my chords and the rhythm of some of the pieces I studied.
Right now, I'm starting to study some Christmas songs. It would be a nice change to play some tunes during the holidays instead of playing them in the ipod, right? :)
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Grateful
When was the last time you said, "thank you" to your parents? The 2 people who have been by your side since you started your first breath? It just seems awkward at first, since they have always been your mentor, guide and friend and helping you seems second nature to them.
I started saying "I Love You" to my parents when I was in college. It was the first time I left home and lived by myself. Every night I call home, telling mom that I'm already in the condo. I was in 2nd year that I said, "Goodnight, love you". My mom immediately replied, "I love you, too". It was the warmest, fuzziest feeling ever!
************
Early this morning, I woke up with the painful urge to go to the bathroom. Around 10 minutes after, I started feeling nauseous and lightheaded. Worse was the pain was there, steady and lucid. I crawled back to my bedroom and cursed my bed which was elevated 3 feet from the ground. I curled up on myself and started to cold sweat. Despite the fact that I was feeling faint and my vision drifted on and off, the painful sensation would not leave me. It felt like the butterflies in my stomach grew fangs and talons and began to scrape at my insides.
I thought that time would ease the pain but it just began to get more painful. I swear, if this will be anything like child birth, my husband will do all the diaper-changing and cuddling the baby to sleep at 3am!
It was the worst and longest 2 minutes of my life. Luckily, my phone was beside me and called my mom. I put it on speakerphone because I could not bear to lift the phone to my ear. I cried out to her in a very soft and pained voice to come upstairs. It was a relief to me when she came to my room, but the pain did not subside. She ran to my side and saw my sweat-soaked hair, tank top and boxers. At this point in time, modesty did not cross my mind. She hurriedly turned on the aircon and used my towel to wipe the sweat from my face and neck. Her hand was an anchor. As I grabbed it with my now freezing hands, I cried. I broke down like a little girl and cried to my mom. I told her not to leave me and gripped her hand as tight as I possibly could at that time.
She used my phone to call downstairs and asked for medicine and some brew to be brought up. Sitting up to drink the medicine was hell. My arm supporting me was so weak it was shaking. I was able to lean against the wall as I swallowed the medicine. And then, I fell down again. I never felt this weak in my life. It immediately reminded me of people getting shot down and left to die. It's scary, knowing that you're dying and yet you desperately, futilely, cling to life. By then, I was already hallucinating.
My dad came up and checked up on me. He asked how I was. My eyes were closed but I was still conscious. At this point in time, modesty kicked in but I didn't know how to cover myself. Mom, always the supermom, grabbed my blanket and covered me with it. My dad asked if there was anything he could do to help. They were already contemplating bringing me to the hospital.
At that point, I was really thinking mundane things: I haven't even brushed my teeth! Washed my face! Am I wearing nice underwear?
I then told them to wait until the medicine kicks in. Mom reluctantly agreed but said that if I don't get better in about 30 minutes, they're rushing me to the ER, ribbon boxers and all! Damn you medicine, if you don't work, I will sue your company!
Thankfully, the color returned to my face and I stopped having cold sweats. I was able to sit up and drink ginger brew. By then I told my mom I can manage by myself and that I will go down for breakfast. As she gathered the stuff she had to bring down and opened my door, I said in a loud and clear voice, "Thank you, ma".
She didn't turn around but said, "Ok, let's eat breakfast, I made pancakes for you."
I felt her smile when she was talking. A smile grew on my face as well. I love pancakes!
I started saying "I Love You" to my parents when I was in college. It was the first time I left home and lived by myself. Every night I call home, telling mom that I'm already in the condo. I was in 2nd year that I said, "Goodnight, love you". My mom immediately replied, "I love you, too". It was the warmest, fuzziest feeling ever!
************
Early this morning, I woke up with the painful urge to go to the bathroom. Around 10 minutes after, I started feeling nauseous and lightheaded. Worse was the pain was there, steady and lucid. I crawled back to my bedroom and cursed my bed which was elevated 3 feet from the ground. I curled up on myself and started to cold sweat. Despite the fact that I was feeling faint and my vision drifted on and off, the painful sensation would not leave me. It felt like the butterflies in my stomach grew fangs and talons and began to scrape at my insides.
I thought that time would ease the pain but it just began to get more painful. I swear, if this will be anything like child birth, my husband will do all the diaper-changing and cuddling the baby to sleep at 3am!
It was the worst and longest 2 minutes of my life. Luckily, my phone was beside me and called my mom. I put it on speakerphone because I could not bear to lift the phone to my ear. I cried out to her in a very soft and pained voice to come upstairs. It was a relief to me when she came to my room, but the pain did not subside. She ran to my side and saw my sweat-soaked hair, tank top and boxers. At this point in time, modesty did not cross my mind. She hurriedly turned on the aircon and used my towel to wipe the sweat from my face and neck. Her hand was an anchor. As I grabbed it with my now freezing hands, I cried. I broke down like a little girl and cried to my mom. I told her not to leave me and gripped her hand as tight as I possibly could at that time.
She used my phone to call downstairs and asked for medicine and some brew to be brought up. Sitting up to drink the medicine was hell. My arm supporting me was so weak it was shaking. I was able to lean against the wall as I swallowed the medicine. And then, I fell down again. I never felt this weak in my life. It immediately reminded me of people getting shot down and left to die. It's scary, knowing that you're dying and yet you desperately, futilely, cling to life. By then, I was already hallucinating.
My dad came up and checked up on me. He asked how I was. My eyes were closed but I was still conscious. At this point in time, modesty kicked in but I didn't know how to cover myself. Mom, always the supermom, grabbed my blanket and covered me with it. My dad asked if there was anything he could do to help. They were already contemplating bringing me to the hospital.
At that point, I was really thinking mundane things: I haven't even brushed my teeth! Washed my face! Am I wearing nice underwear?
I then told them to wait until the medicine kicks in. Mom reluctantly agreed but said that if I don't get better in about 30 minutes, they're rushing me to the ER, ribbon boxers and all! Damn you medicine, if you don't work, I will sue your company!
Thankfully, the color returned to my face and I stopped having cold sweats. I was able to sit up and drink ginger brew. By then I told my mom I can manage by myself and that I will go down for breakfast. As she gathered the stuff she had to bring down and opened my door, I said in a loud and clear voice, "Thank you, ma".
She didn't turn around but said, "Ok, let's eat breakfast, I made pancakes for you."
I felt her smile when she was talking. A smile grew on my face as well. I love pancakes!
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
What I REALLY wanted to be when I grow up
I was very much fascinated with the stars. Before perverts entered our neighborhood and became our neighbors, I used to go outside our house and look up. It was so serene... the bright, simple spots in the sky was very calming. It was silent communication between me and the heavens. I would stare at the sky for hours, reflecting, contemplating, discerning.
There was no internet that time, and so I only relied on our science textbooks and the library. Compared to the generation now, research back then was hardcore! Kids nowadays do not know how the dewey decimal system works. It's such a shame that they only know google or wikipedia. :(
I tried to learn more about the skies, the planets, the asteroids, the galaxies and the different theories. I was only in grade 3 then. And then...
Mom bought a set of encyclopedias. At that time, having an encyclopedia set was already google. You have a shelf of man's common knowledge. Call me a nerd, but yes, there was a time when I browsed through encyclopedias for interesting articles, persons and terms. I like the part on the human anatomy...
It was already a haven for everything I wanted to know about the heavens. The pictures were fantastic (they were colored!) and at the end of each write-up, they would place similar terms for me to look up. It was a roadmap of information.
After the encyclopedia mania, cable came.... and I loved Discovery Channel (yes, I'm inclined to geekiness). I took note of programs that showed the solar system, eclipses, the space race and everything in between. I made sure I wouldn't miss it.. or if I did, I'd check the schedules for replays.
It was then that I knew what I wanted. I wanted to be an astronaut. To go up there and explore beyond my bubble. A dangerous beauty, and I wanted to know her more.
There was no internet that time, and so I only relied on our science textbooks and the library. Compared to the generation now, research back then was hardcore! Kids nowadays do not know how the dewey decimal system works. It's such a shame that they only know google or wikipedia. :(
I tried to learn more about the skies, the planets, the asteroids, the galaxies and the different theories. I was only in grade 3 then. And then...
Mom bought a set of encyclopedias. At that time, having an encyclopedia set was already google. You have a shelf of man's common knowledge. Call me a nerd, but yes, there was a time when I browsed through encyclopedias for interesting articles, persons and terms. I like the part on the human anatomy...
It was already a haven for everything I wanted to know about the heavens. The pictures were fantastic (they were colored!) and at the end of each write-up, they would place similar terms for me to look up. It was a roadmap of information.
After the encyclopedia mania, cable came.... and I loved Discovery Channel (yes, I'm inclined to geekiness). I took note of programs that showed the solar system, eclipses, the space race and everything in between. I made sure I wouldn't miss it.. or if I did, I'd check the schedules for replays.
It was then that I knew what I wanted. I wanted to be an astronaut. To go up there and explore beyond my bubble. A dangerous beauty, and I wanted to know her more.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Allow me this moment of selfishness...
Thanks to Marco for the pics. :) I never knew I'd look like this... hehehe
This was taken last Sunday night at Boni High Street. May I just boast that this particular night I wasn't wearing any makeup???
This was taken last Sunday night at Boni High Street. May I just boast that this particular night I wasn't wearing any makeup???
Waiting for my Mr. Right... *sigh*
Kars: It wasn't meeee....
Sa Globe, posible! /or/ HP Invent
Kars: Hey there, cutie! I've been waiting.
Effects of too much caffeine
Kars: Care to join me for a walk? *sly smile*
Kars: Come closer.. I've got something to say...
The hat was always on coz my hair was a mess. I didn't have time to fix it and it was a miracle that it kinda complemented my very casual hoodie. ^_^ All in all, the whole ensemble was just 2 minutes. Hurrah for those moments that it's a cinch to look pretty.
It was a nice break. I am happy now. Thanks guys!
Friday, September 28, 2007
Breaking
I'm feeling down lately. I just need someone to tell me things will be ok (..hey, it's nice to dream once in a while). And lately, the person I need support from the most is the one person I feel detached from.
I feel lonely...
I feel lonely...
Monday, September 24, 2007
Lalaki sa Parola
It's a gay indie film. The characters are not celebrities... probably seen by the casting director while s/he was on vacation in a province. It was amateur. The sex scenes looked really wrong... and the actors looked tense and conscious of themselves.
The story was somewhat confusing.. until then end when we realized the parallelism of the old man cleaning graves and the lead actor. At first, we didn't mind that the 'flashback' character looked so much like the lead actor.. they were one in the same... *insert nervous laugh*
The story spoke of a diwata.. a fairy in the lighthouse, where the lead actor was keeper. Right then, we had quickly deduced that the diwata did not mean a spirit. It was one's inner self. That innate characteristic of us that our consciousness tries to bottle up. Our primal instinct? Our deepest, darkest desires that are conveniently taboo?
That's what the movie was all about... releasing your inner demons destroys relationships, destroys your loved ones.. and in the end, you destroy yourself.
heh
heh
heh
Sorry, that was a shallow explanation for what the movie was trying to tell us.. unfortunately, I was feeling shallow for watching that movie with my sister. She could not handle the homoerotic scenes.. and I feel sorry for her. I spent more than half the time consoling her while she squirmed in her seat, scratching my arm, anything!
What I had reflected on the movie was this (yes, I actually analyze gay soft porn): Do not release inner demons when you are not sure of it yourself. Accepting yourself and who you are may give you a happy ending. This one didn't.
At first, he was happy with the relationship that he had with the guy from the city. But then, when faced with the fact that he is gay (he used to have a fiancee before running off to the city in search of his soon-to-be-boyfriend)... he turns the other cheek. He hurts the only person who loves him and tries to go back to his past he can never have.
The story was somewhat confusing.. until then end when we realized the parallelism of the old man cleaning graves and the lead actor. At first, we didn't mind that the 'flashback' character looked so much like the lead actor.. they were one in the same... *insert nervous laugh*
The story spoke of a diwata.. a fairy in the lighthouse, where the lead actor was keeper. Right then, we had quickly deduced that the diwata did not mean a spirit. It was one's inner self. That innate characteristic of us that our consciousness tries to bottle up. Our primal instinct? Our deepest, darkest desires that are conveniently taboo?
That's what the movie was all about... releasing your inner demons destroys relationships, destroys your loved ones.. and in the end, you destroy yourself.
heh
heh
heh
Sorry, that was a shallow explanation for what the movie was trying to tell us.. unfortunately, I was feeling shallow for watching that movie with my sister. She could not handle the homoerotic scenes.. and I feel sorry for her. I spent more than half the time consoling her while she squirmed in her seat, scratching my arm, anything!
What I had reflected on the movie was this (yes, I actually analyze gay soft porn): Do not release inner demons when you are not sure of it yourself. Accepting yourself and who you are may give you a happy ending. This one didn't.
At first, he was happy with the relationship that he had with the guy from the city. But then, when faced with the fact that he is gay (he used to have a fiancee before running off to the city in search of his soon-to-be-boyfriend)... he turns the other cheek. He hurts the only person who loves him and tries to go back to his past he can never have.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Bye Bye Jakarta
For nearly 14 years, we have always been going to Jakarta for the summer holidays. With Dad's new assignment, there won't be any reason for us to go there anymore.
So the 1st week of September, we went there for the last time... here are some of the things I'll miss in Indonesia:
- Right-hand driven cars -- I had been very confused the first time I got there.
- The very posh malls -- the socio-economic gap in Indonesia is wider than the Philippines.
- The very cheap clothing -- we buy overruns at Fashion Warehouse. You'd never guess that the branded clothes I wear were bought 80% off the original price
- The very tasty snacks -- I fell in love with Chitato (light blue) and Cheetos (grilled chicken and corn) while we were still staying in Malang (it's a province near Indonesia's 2nd capital, Surabaya)
- The communication barrier -- like Filipinos, Indonesians don't know how to be discreet when they see something fascinating.. in this case me and my siblings talking in Tagalog.. they seem mesmerized.. hahahah
- The DIY sundaes at AM/PM -- similar to 7/11 here. When dad was first assigned to Jakarta, his office had a convenience store at the basement. You can then make your own sundae for around 30 pesos. All the toppings, caramel and chocolate syrup and soft ice cream you can cram in your plastic cup!
- The very cheap manga -- Indonesians translate Japanese manga to Bahasa and are sold for around 20 pesos per book. My sister and I would scramble to buy and translate them.. hence our slight skill at using Bahasa
- The Sunday morning cartoons in Bahasa -- whether it's RCTV/SCTV/Indosiar and what not, we loved watching Bahasa-dubbed anime (Dragon Ball, Sailormoon, etc). For some reason, it looks funny when they speak Bahasa
- Trips to Mangga Dua -- a more organized and airconditioned version of Divisoria, trips to Mangga Dua are stifling hot, full of traffic with motorcycles zooming past you. In the end, we go home with plastics full of DVDs, PS2 games and software. For mom, very nice imitations of designer bags. It's the pirate capital of Jakarta.
- "Aduh!" -- a famous Indonesian word.. literally meaning ouch, it may also mean a foiled plan, expression of embarrassment, impatience, wrong move... just like Homer's "d'oh!"
- Spicy food -- no delicacy in Indonesia is too spicy... which is just too painful for us. Water isn't enough!
- Those Indonesian names -- yes, we have friends named Kiki, Titi, Dodo, etc.
- One-way traffic -- it puts Makati to shame.
- Sunday masses -- it feels like home. Most of the active members in Church as Filipinos. Even the choir's Filipino.
- Pretending to be Indonesian -- I must be pronouncing something wrong... I know how to speak Bahasa but whenever I open my mouth, they'd always exclaim I'm a foreigner.. there goes my intent to haggle for a better price!
- Anonymity -- I can be anyone I want! Nobody knows me here!
Maybe Budapest won't be so bad. I'll try to make a similar list when I go there. ^_^
So the 1st week of September, we went there for the last time... here are some of the things I'll miss in Indonesia:
- Right-hand driven cars -- I had been very confused the first time I got there.
- The very posh malls -- the socio-economic gap in Indonesia is wider than the Philippines.
- The very cheap clothing -- we buy overruns at Fashion Warehouse. You'd never guess that the branded clothes I wear were bought 80% off the original price
- The very tasty snacks -- I fell in love with Chitato (light blue) and Cheetos (grilled chicken and corn) while we were still staying in Malang (it's a province near Indonesia's 2nd capital, Surabaya)
- The communication barrier -- like Filipinos, Indonesians don't know how to be discreet when they see something fascinating.. in this case me and my siblings talking in Tagalog.. they seem mesmerized.. hahahah
- The DIY sundaes at AM/PM -- similar to 7/11 here. When dad was first assigned to Jakarta, his office had a convenience store at the basement. You can then make your own sundae for around 30 pesos. All the toppings, caramel and chocolate syrup and soft ice cream you can cram in your plastic cup!
- The very cheap manga -- Indonesians translate Japanese manga to Bahasa and are sold for around 20 pesos per book. My sister and I would scramble to buy and translate them.. hence our slight skill at using Bahasa
- The Sunday morning cartoons in Bahasa -- whether it's RCTV/SCTV/Indosiar and what not, we loved watching Bahasa-dubbed anime (Dragon Ball, Sailormoon, etc). For some reason, it looks funny when they speak Bahasa
- Trips to Mangga Dua -- a more organized and airconditioned version of Divisoria, trips to Mangga Dua are stifling hot, full of traffic with motorcycles zooming past you. In the end, we go home with plastics full of DVDs, PS2 games and software. For mom, very nice imitations of designer bags. It's the pirate capital of Jakarta.
- "Aduh!" -- a famous Indonesian word.. literally meaning ouch, it may also mean a foiled plan, expression of embarrassment, impatience, wrong move... just like Homer's "d'oh!"
- Spicy food -- no delicacy in Indonesia is too spicy... which is just too painful for us. Water isn't enough!
- Those Indonesian names -- yes, we have friends named Kiki, Titi, Dodo, etc.
- One-way traffic -- it puts Makati to shame.
- Sunday masses -- it feels like home. Most of the active members in Church as Filipinos. Even the choir's Filipino.
- Pretending to be Indonesian -- I must be pronouncing something wrong... I know how to speak Bahasa but whenever I open my mouth, they'd always exclaim I'm a foreigner.. there goes my intent to haggle for a better price!
- Anonymity -- I can be anyone I want! Nobody knows me here!
Maybe Budapest won't be so bad. I'll try to make a similar list when I go there. ^_^
Friday, August 31, 2007
Lost and Forgotten
Does chivalry still exist in this day and age?
If you ask me, I think it's long dead... that or nobody has proven to me that it still exists in this dog-eat-dog world. Today, many people take advantage of the kindness of other people. Unfortunately, I am guilty of that. But many people really do serious damage to bystanders who did nothing wrong except offer a helping hand.
My dad used to tell me to just ignore strangers who ask for help. Better safe than sorry right? And right now, ideologies like chivalry and valor and honor are only seen in your comfort zones... in places where you know people will not make you regret you helped them.
And I pretty much admire those people, who are aware of this, and still try to do the right thing. You know, it's easier to turn a blind eye to those who are helpless and powerless. Omission is easier than commission. Because doing the right thing isn't as easy as turning away. Sometimes, doing the right thing is the hardest and most painful.
A lot of people in this world do things for themselves. Again, I'm guilty of that. Individualism is at it's peak. But that's not a bad idea because in the long run, it will benefit a lot of people (is now doing research on the Invisible Hand Theory). And it is rarer to see people doing things for the sake of other people. By other people I mean the strangers you see everyday. I think those are what you call heroes. They are people who believe and fight for something people don't see as worth their time anymore. They are strong enough to be more courageous than most people. They exemplify what people can only dream about.
They define the very ideologies that have started to disappear from our society. At first, I thought they have become extinct.. but I guess you just have to search deeper, harder.
I just found one. ^_^
If you ask me, I think it's long dead... that or nobody has proven to me that it still exists in this dog-eat-dog world. Today, many people take advantage of the kindness of other people. Unfortunately, I am guilty of that. But many people really do serious damage to bystanders who did nothing wrong except offer a helping hand.
My dad used to tell me to just ignore strangers who ask for help. Better safe than sorry right? And right now, ideologies like chivalry and valor and honor are only seen in your comfort zones... in places where you know people will not make you regret you helped them.
And I pretty much admire those people, who are aware of this, and still try to do the right thing. You know, it's easier to turn a blind eye to those who are helpless and powerless. Omission is easier than commission. Because doing the right thing isn't as easy as turning away. Sometimes, doing the right thing is the hardest and most painful.
A lot of people in this world do things for themselves. Again, I'm guilty of that. Individualism is at it's peak. But that's not a bad idea because in the long run, it will benefit a lot of people (is now doing research on the Invisible Hand Theory). And it is rarer to see people doing things for the sake of other people. By other people I mean the strangers you see everyday. I think those are what you call heroes. They are people who believe and fight for something people don't see as worth their time anymore. They are strong enough to be more courageous than most people. They exemplify what people can only dream about.
They define the very ideologies that have started to disappear from our society. At first, I thought they have become extinct.. but I guess you just have to search deeper, harder.
I just found one. ^_^
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
I want to dance beneath the moonlight...
I remember a distant memory wherein my family went to Yogyakarta to see the famed Borobudur Temple. It was raining and the temple grounds were slippery. Some of the stone slabs would shift and slide as you step on it. Intricate carvings of illustrations of Buddhist/Indian principles were slowly chipping away. As you go higher, what seemed like bell-shaped structures had figures of monks in lotus position inside them. It looked so real and yet, something that is out of this world.
It took us about 15 minutes climbing the whole structure. And when we got to the top, I didn't realize I had let go of my umbrella until I felt the rain soaking me. The view was spectacular. Being the tallest structure within miles, I could feel myself gaping with awe at the four corners of that earth I had created in that single moment.
It had seemed I could not take everything.
My thoughts and voice lay huddled in the corner of my mind. I could only stand still and watch the view unfold before my very eyes. It was breathtaking, yet terribly overwhelming. I had felt like I am on top and at the center of the world. My knees were shaking not only because of the bitter cold but because I felt this sense of 'lula'. My whole being lay powerless and at the mercy of this vast space. What I had been feeling wouldn't even come close to what a Divine and Absolute Being feel.
That feeling I haven't felt eversince... and I'm craving for this tremendous and uncanny euphoria. Right now I feel bound. Bound by society's rules and norms.
I wish to be free.
It took us about 15 minutes climbing the whole structure. And when we got to the top, I didn't realize I had let go of my umbrella until I felt the rain soaking me. The view was spectacular. Being the tallest structure within miles, I could feel myself gaping with awe at the four corners of that earth I had created in that single moment.
It had seemed I could not take everything.
My thoughts and voice lay huddled in the corner of my mind. I could only stand still and watch the view unfold before my very eyes. It was breathtaking, yet terribly overwhelming. I had felt like I am on top and at the center of the world. My knees were shaking not only because of the bitter cold but because I felt this sense of 'lula'. My whole being lay powerless and at the mercy of this vast space. What I had been feeling wouldn't even come close to what a Divine and Absolute Being feel.
That feeling I haven't felt eversince... and I'm craving for this tremendous and uncanny euphoria. Right now I feel bound. Bound by society's rules and norms.
I wish to be free.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Thursday, August 09, 2007
It's that Special Day
A quick commercial...
Happy birthday KIM!!!!! She is now 2x years old! And I can still remember the first time we met... it was grade 1 and our surnames were one after the other. Since then we have been inseparable. It was until around grade 5-ish that we had a "cool-off" when we didn't become classmates. But we got back together when we were classmates during 1st year high school. Since then, we made sure we'd never be apart.
Happy birthday KIM!!!!! She is now 2x years old! And I can still remember the first time we met... it was grade 1 and our surnames were one after the other. Since then we have been inseparable. It was until around grade 5-ish that we had a "cool-off" when we didn't become classmates. But we got back together when we were classmates during 1st year high school. Since then, we made sure we'd never be apart.
Of course, there were times that we didn't get along... but we tried to compromise. And I guess it worked coz until now, she's still my very best friend. My bridesmaid... the ninang of my child... my girl soulmate till the end.
Happy Birthday Sis! I love you! :)
Sunday, August 05, 2007
???
I've been doing some thinking recently. And it seems that the more I think, the more confused I become.
Don't ask me what this is all about coz I'm not sure myself...
Maybe a distraction? A self-inflicted questioning of the mind??
Maybe now that I have more free time (thank God Japan Gillette's over!), I have more time to think about me. The Now-Me, the Future-Me.
Sometimes, I wonder what God wants for me. Because I'm not sure that what I want for myself would be what God wants for me. Would I be selfish to think that my wants are ultimately for me? That, let's say I've realized I like this person and would ultimately want him for myself... would he want me too? What if he doesn't want me, and yet I've been persistent about it?
Crap...
Re-reading this, I've generated more issues than TIME magazine.
A friend of mine told me I've been thinking too much. I guess he's right. Scrutinizing every angle and every detail won't do you much good. And since it's the first time this has happened to me.. every imaginable scenario has already entered my mind... I've become paranoid about doing the wrong thing.
Why can't life get any easier?
Don't ask me what this is all about coz I'm not sure myself...
Maybe a distraction? A self-inflicted questioning of the mind??
Maybe now that I have more free time (thank God Japan Gillette's over!), I have more time to think about me. The Now-Me, the Future-Me.
Sometimes, I wonder what God wants for me. Because I'm not sure that what I want for myself would be what God wants for me. Would I be selfish to think that my wants are ultimately for me? That, let's say I've realized I like this person and would ultimately want him for myself... would he want me too? What if he doesn't want me, and yet I've been persistent about it?
Crap...
Re-reading this, I've generated more issues than TIME magazine.
A friend of mine told me I've been thinking too much. I guess he's right. Scrutinizing every angle and every detail won't do you much good. And since it's the first time this has happened to me.. every imaginable scenario has already entered my mind... I've become paranoid about doing the wrong thing.
Why can't life get any easier?
Saturday, August 04, 2007
A New Adventure
The last time Dad came here for the weekend, he had a big surprise for us all...
He would be assigned to Budapest, Hungary for 2 years!!
It all started a few months back... he sent an email only to me, Pat and Anne, telling us that he got an informal invitation that he would be assigned as CFO in one of his company's ventures in Kiev, Ukraine. But until he got a final approval, he would only tell his family.
The dream of finally having a gateway to Europe, aka Ukraine, was overwhelming. For someone who has frequently traveled to only one or two countries, it was a dream to finally get out of Asia! ^_^ We were very excited when Dad became one of the 6 representatives to visit Kiev for an inspection and face-to-face meeting with their Ukrainian counterparts. The fact that he was the only manager with a background in finance was very promising.
It was that time when I was in Japan for a business trip. I was at the edge of my seat every time dad would update us. When I got back home on July 21, Dad told us he was coming home the next weekend from Ho Chih Minh City. When he arrived, he told us that he would be reassigned to Budapest instead of Kiev. And that his boss wanted him to be there mid-August! What a surprising turn of events! I blinked and stared for a good 3 seconds before screaming and hugging dad, congratulating him on this promotion. I was happy that he got what he wanted, and more! And we were happy too that a new adventure is about to start for all of us.
He showed us some winter clothing he bought at Changi airport, knowing that his new assignment would be a country that would terribly be cold during winter. He bought this kick-ass Burberry trenchcoat and sweater and looked very comfy even during a snowstorm. The price was ridiculously high but I guess it would be a good investment for him since he doesn't do well in the cold.
Anyway, we were all planning to take a vacation in Jakarta, for the last time, before Dad ships his stuff back home and then move to Hungary. We're planning to go there at least twice and then do some city-hopping along the way. I just can't wait!
He would be assigned to Budapest, Hungary for 2 years!!
It all started a few months back... he sent an email only to me, Pat and Anne, telling us that he got an informal invitation that he would be assigned as CFO in one of his company's ventures in Kiev, Ukraine. But until he got a final approval, he would only tell his family.
The dream of finally having a gateway to Europe, aka Ukraine, was overwhelming. For someone who has frequently traveled to only one or two countries, it was a dream to finally get out of Asia! ^_^ We were very excited when Dad became one of the 6 representatives to visit Kiev for an inspection and face-to-face meeting with their Ukrainian counterparts. The fact that he was the only manager with a background in finance was very promising.
It was that time when I was in Japan for a business trip. I was at the edge of my seat every time dad would update us. When I got back home on July 21, Dad told us he was coming home the next weekend from Ho Chih Minh City. When he arrived, he told us that he would be reassigned to Budapest instead of Kiev. And that his boss wanted him to be there mid-August! What a surprising turn of events! I blinked and stared for a good 3 seconds before screaming and hugging dad, congratulating him on this promotion. I was happy that he got what he wanted, and more! And we were happy too that a new adventure is about to start for all of us.
He showed us some winter clothing he bought at Changi airport, knowing that his new assignment would be a country that would terribly be cold during winter. He bought this kick-ass Burberry trenchcoat and sweater and looked very comfy even during a snowstorm. The price was ridiculously high but I guess it would be a good investment for him since he doesn't do well in the cold.
Anyway, we were all planning to take a vacation in Jakarta, for the last time, before Dad ships his stuff back home and then move to Hungary. We're planning to go there at least twice and then do some city-hopping along the way. I just can't wait!
Monday, June 25, 2007
Love Na Ba?
So, love mo na nga ba? A girl's guide to knowing he's the one... for now..
o My day isn't complete without a single 'hello' or 'how are you'?
o (Window) shopping alone isn't fulfilling as it used to be..
o Watching movies with my siblings feel so lame
o Everytime I'll get to see him, I spend another 45 minutes in the mirror
o Whenever I go to outings, I can't help but look for gifts to bring home to him.
o I'm trying to learn how to play basketball (or whatever sport he likes)
o Heels make my legs look slimmer eh...
o I try to flirt with other boys to see how he reacts to that
o I'm thinking of how to make my new signature with his surname
o I research his favorites, wish list, dislikes, etc...
o I make sure he gets what he wants during his birthday, Christmas, etc.
o I'm willing to let go of my independence (aka my car) just so he can bring me home
o I try not to let him know I'm onto him
o I beam from ear to ear when he's online...
o ...and hope he starts the conversation first!
Kars is feeling:
<-- giddy! I'd love to feel these someday...
o My day isn't complete without a single 'hello' or 'how are you'?
o (Window) shopping alone isn't fulfilling as it used to be..
o Watching movies with my siblings feel so lame
o Everytime I'll get to see him, I spend another 45 minutes in the mirror
o Whenever I go to outings, I can't help but look for gifts to bring home to him.
o I'm trying to learn how to play basketball (or whatever sport he likes)
o Heels make my legs look slimmer eh...
o I try to flirt with other boys to see how he reacts to that
o I'm thinking of how to make my new signature with his surname
o I research his favorites, wish list, dislikes, etc...
o I make sure he gets what he wants during his birthday, Christmas, etc.
o I'm willing to let go of my independence (aka my car) just so he can bring me home
o I try not to let him know I'm onto him
o I beam from ear to ear when he's online...
o ...and hope he starts the conversation first!
Kars is feeling:
<-- giddy! I'd love to feel these someday...
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Humiliation beats Pain
I am proud to say I was the first one to baptize the stairs.
The first to kiss her ass on the stairs... well, the last 4 steps. The humiliation overshadowed the pain as I laid limp and my arms and legs carelessly flung about. My hands were over my head and my toes were painfully curled from the pain in my butt and back.
I was on my way down the stairs to eat lunch. My vision was set on the living room and TV and suddenly, all I saw was our white ceiling. I shortly wondered why my vision was like that, until I felt pain flare up my backside. I vaguely heard the thudding of my body against the wooden steps. I've also asked myself when I'll stop falling down the stairs. And when I did stop, it felt weird. I couldn't move my body so I can get up, brush off the humiliation and pain with a laugh and eat lunch.
My dad was there to witness EVERYTHING... he and mom rushed to my side and gently cradled me, gently asking which part of my body was painful. I vaguely saw my brother looking at me. It was embarrassing, being seen like that. But I couldn't laugh at my stupidity and sheer luck. I couldn't breathe coz the pain in my butt was flaring wildly... I used to remember the good 'ol days when I used to punch my sister's butt and she'd react like a man starving for air. I'd snicker and snort loudly whenever she told me she couldn't breathe as I punched her butt.
Now, I have cold and wet ice on my butt...
Kars is feeling:
<-- embarrassed and humiliated
The first to kiss her ass on the stairs... well, the last 4 steps. The humiliation overshadowed the pain as I laid limp and my arms and legs carelessly flung about. My hands were over my head and my toes were painfully curled from the pain in my butt and back.
I was on my way down the stairs to eat lunch. My vision was set on the living room and TV and suddenly, all I saw was our white ceiling. I shortly wondered why my vision was like that, until I felt pain flare up my backside. I vaguely heard the thudding of my body against the wooden steps. I've also asked myself when I'll stop falling down the stairs. And when I did stop, it felt weird. I couldn't move my body so I can get up, brush off the humiliation and pain with a laugh and eat lunch.
My dad was there to witness EVERYTHING... he and mom rushed to my side and gently cradled me, gently asking which part of my body was painful. I vaguely saw my brother looking at me. It was embarrassing, being seen like that. But I couldn't laugh at my stupidity and sheer luck. I couldn't breathe coz the pain in my butt was flaring wildly... I used to remember the good 'ol days when I used to punch my sister's butt and she'd react like a man starving for air. I'd snicker and snort loudly whenever she told me she couldn't breathe as I punched her butt.
Now, I have cold and wet ice on my butt...
Kars is feeling:
<-- embarrassed and humiliated
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Dying in Shame
I wanted to die of shame yesterday! The gist of it was that I had thought the money was for me... spent it... and then realizing the money was not for me...
I'm in debt! I'm destitute! I'm broke!
And I can't wait till the next paycheck! May 10 seems so far away....
Karen is feeling:
<-- depressed and anxious
I'm in debt! I'm destitute! I'm broke!
And I can't wait till the next paycheck! May 10 seems so far away....
Karen is feeling:
<-- depressed and anxious
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Weekend of Debaucheries
Something sinful to think about...
We had a guest priest for our 6pm mass last Sunday. He was from Las Pinas and he brought his altar server with him. He was cute... could be in his late teens or early twenties.
At the very back of my mind, I was thinking that he may be just an altar server and nothing more... until Communion...
He started giving out hosts... like a priest...
I wanted to faint! If he were to choose between God and me, it's obvious who he would choose, ne?
~~~~~~~~~
Last Saturday, I had an immersion with Rich and Kathy at the dark side of Malate. After a nostalgic dinner at Sweet Inspirations in Katipunan, we started on our roadtrip to Malate.
To make the story short, we were treated to a night of men wearing ridiculously short, sheer and tiny shorts, skimpy denims and what not... dancing and being oggled by other men. ^_^
Rich made me touch one of the guy's tush, allowing myself this indulgence, screaming and squealing as we danced the night away. It felt liberating, dancing on top of the stage, uncaring if someone would harass me... it is a gay bar after all! Nobody would even give me a 2nd glance!
We went to shops and stared at gay films...some of them were critically acclaimed or porn~ish (ok fine, there were some hardcore flicks), mardi gras outfits, even toys!
Rich made us touch one toy, which was surprisingly soft... and real (according to the guy at the shop!). He even made it vibrate and made us touch it while the.... speed... increased.
It felt weird, that was it.
Oh, and Kathy fell in love with the gay co-owner of the bar we went to... so sad.. he seemed like the perfect guy to present to one's parents.
Life is short to waste on what-ifs and what nots. At this time and age, di na uso ang nene! Enjoy! Splurge! Have fun and live a life full of wisdom based on experience!
To Rich and Kathy: Please don't forget the vow you made for me! ^__^ aasahan ko suporta ninyo! hahahaa!
Karen is feeling:
<--wicked!!!
We had a guest priest for our 6pm mass last Sunday. He was from Las Pinas and he brought his altar server with him. He was cute... could be in his late teens or early twenties.
At the very back of my mind, I was thinking that he may be just an altar server and nothing more... until Communion...
He started giving out hosts... like a priest...
I wanted to faint! If he were to choose between God and me, it's obvious who he would choose, ne?
~~~~~~~~~
Last Saturday, I had an immersion with Rich and Kathy at the dark side of Malate. After a nostalgic dinner at Sweet Inspirations in Katipunan, we started on our roadtrip to Malate.
The 3 goddesses, drinking that traitorous drink at Cafe Havana
Yours truly. ^_^ Still needs dieting and exercise
To make the story short, we were treated to a night of men wearing ridiculously short, sheer and tiny shorts, skimpy denims and what not... dancing and being oggled by other men. ^_^
Rich made me touch one of the guy's tush, allowing myself this indulgence, screaming and squealing as we danced the night away. It felt liberating, dancing on top of the stage, uncaring if someone would harass me... it is a gay bar after all! Nobody would even give me a 2nd glance!
We went to shops and stared at gay films...some of them were critically acclaimed or porn~ish (ok fine, there were some hardcore flicks), mardi gras outfits, even toys!
Rich made us touch one toy, which was surprisingly soft... and real (according to the guy at the shop!). He even made it vibrate and made us touch it while the.... speed... increased.
It felt weird, that was it.
Oh, and Kathy fell in love with the gay co-owner of the bar we went to... so sad.. he seemed like the perfect guy to present to one's parents.
Life is short to waste on what-ifs and what nots. At this time and age, di na uso ang nene! Enjoy! Splurge! Have fun and live a life full of wisdom based on experience!
To Rich and Kathy: Please don't forget the vow you made for me! ^__^ aasahan ko suporta ninyo! hahahaa!
Karen is feeling:
<--wicked!!!
Sunday, April 15, 2007
I'm still alive...
...but not feeling well at all....
I think I did something wrong too... must have said a lot of crap...
go me... yey~
I think I did something wrong too... must have said a lot of crap...
go me... yey~
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Happy Ever After
The fairy tale is the first form of literature I encountered. This was before I learned about Disney. I remember when I was very young and my mom would always tell me Cinderella's story before going to sleep. I imagine a very pretty lady wearing a very beautiful white gown, going to a very nice elegant party, maybe play some parlor games (and winning some candies, too!)... she then realizes it was already late so she runs off. I guess girly shoes aren't much help when you're running... so she loses her shoe.
We admire those stories so much. Because it speaks of something very ideal. Something magical. But these only exist in our minds and in our imaginations. And these hold something special to us when we were children. We want to explore... to go beyond what is familiar to us.
But when we grow up...we grow old... we learn more about the world beyond our homes...
Life suddenly doesn't seem like the ones in fairy tales right? Well, not all the time.
Sometimes, we get tired of these tales... stories telling us of a utopia where everybody lives happily ever after. Life isn't really like that now, is it?
We admire those stories so much. Because it speaks of something very ideal. Something magical. But these only exist in our minds and in our imaginations. And these hold something special to us when we were children. We want to explore... to go beyond what is familiar to us.
But when we grow up...we grow old... we learn more about the world beyond our homes...
Life suddenly doesn't seem like the ones in fairy tales right? Well, not all the time.
Sometimes, we get tired of these tales... stories telling us of a utopia where everybody lives happily ever after. Life isn't really like that now, is it?
Friday, March 09, 2007
Kars Critics - 300
Other than the fact that it was an obvious sausage fest, the movie gave me a glimpse of the complicated situations we're faced with every single day.
The idealogies were simple. Honor, glory, justice... and yet, they seem to be the hardest to achieve, the most impossible to reach and the most painful because attaining these requires more sacrifice.
Depth aside, I loved the movie. Mainly because it showed half-naked men, weilding heavy swords, long spears and thick shields. How's that for subtlety? So sue me, I'm a woman. I love guys showing their assets, as do guys who love women in skimpy clothing.
The packs were amazing... they're too perfect, too chiseled to even be real, I reckon. I swear they even had bikini waxes, what and with their high-cut banana hammocks. Make up was flawless, as real as it gets.
The cinematography was unlike any other. It was a cross between a movie and a collection
of digital masterpieces. The hues used were uncanny and unconventional but it did justice
to the whole movie. A blend of gothic, warm and earthy tones.
The music made the mood as well. The bass-driven, rockish tones gave 'umpfh' to the action scenes. It complemented what was already happening.
I just had to notice the action. Their moves were as graceful as those in martial arts films. Usually, you'd think brutal strength would be raw and very masculine at that. But in this, the swings, the turns...each step is a beautifully-made choreography. The elegant side of battle.
The speed of the film also varied, which emphasized the raw strength of each Spartan. Their muscles rippling, sweat dripping as they pounded on the Persians and Immortals...
*stops nosebleed*
In our world today, especially my society, discipline and justice are merely propaganda... these words are used to beautify the sentence and nothing more. They are beautiful words but they don't hold power over people anymore... globalization promoted individualism and self-centeredness.
Sometimes, I'm thinking if we are more barbarians than the people who lived in ancient times.
The idealogies were simple. Honor, glory, justice... and yet, they seem to be the hardest to achieve, the most impossible to reach and the most painful because attaining these requires more sacrifice.
Depth aside, I loved the movie. Mainly because it showed half-naked men, weilding heavy swords, long spears and thick shields. How's that for subtlety? So sue me, I'm a woman. I love guys showing their assets, as do guys who love women in skimpy clothing.
The packs were amazing... they're too perfect, too chiseled to even be real, I reckon. I swear they even had bikini waxes, what and with their high-cut banana hammocks. Make up was flawless, as real as it gets.
The cinematography was unlike any other. It was a cross between a movie and a collection
of digital masterpieces. The hues used were uncanny and unconventional but it did justice
to the whole movie. A blend of gothic, warm and earthy tones.
The music made the mood as well. The bass-driven, rockish tones gave 'umpfh' to the action scenes. It complemented what was already happening.
I just had to notice the action. Their moves were as graceful as those in martial arts films. Usually, you'd think brutal strength would be raw and very masculine at that. But in this, the swings, the turns...each step is a beautifully-made choreography. The elegant side of battle.
The speed of the film also varied, which emphasized the raw strength of each Spartan. Their muscles rippling, sweat dripping as they pounded on the Persians and Immortals...
*stops nosebleed*
In our world today, especially my society, discipline and justice are merely propaganda... these words are used to beautify the sentence and nothing more. They are beautiful words but they don't hold power over people anymore... globalization promoted individualism and self-centeredness.
Sometimes, I'm thinking if we are more barbarians than the people who lived in ancient times.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
February 12
Since it was National Holiday in Japan, I decided to go sightseeing!
I went with Phoebe and her friend Diane (who has been staying in Japan for a few years now) to Himeji.
Himeji is the best example of traditional Japanese castles. Pictures of me and the castle (how conceited can you get!) in my multiply site.
We took a 1-hour train ride to Himeji station and took the bus towards the castle. It was very nice and very well-preserved.
*side comment* I'm eating Cadbury's Dairy Milk with Peppermint...it's like eating toothpaste with chocolate. A nice but weird feeling... weird, but nice...
I was shamelessly taking photographs of the castle from different views, angles and what not. Feeling professional...hahaha! I didn't care. As long as I got good shots, I'm ok with it.
We went inside and went up the 6-storey structure.
The castle had many gates... as well as defense structures. The inside was amazing. It's like going back in time. We were even asked to take off our shoes as we went in. We carried them with us in plastic bags and wore 1-size slippers. The stairs were HELL! The oversized slippers didn't help and it kept falling! It was very steep and the steps were spaced far apart... they're not that tall anyway! I think they were conserving wood, I dunno. My knees were shaking when we got up to the 6th level...
But my gawd! The view of Himeji town was just so breathtaking. I didn't feel my legs anymore (maybe I too much pain it just turned numb or I was too dumbfounded with the view I forgot all about it).
The olden days were right! When you are emperor, you are like a god. And it's true. The overwhelming feeling of being on top is humanizing. It's a feeling of realizing that humans are frail creatures and at the same time, a sensation of being god, of being a powerful creature.
Going down was just torture...pure torture. But eventually, we got down... in one piece or another.
The courtyard was very nice but because it's winter, the trees were bare. I'm just gushing thinking about the cherry blossoms flooding the gardens in spring.
There was a well that had a story of a concubine/ or lady-in-waiting (?) that was accused of something and then she was killed. Her body was dumped in that bottomless well. Reminds me of Sadako...*shudder*
Then there was a place where suicide or harakiri was committed. It's a simple place, actually... it was an open space with a stone slab in the middle. I can just imagine during wartimes the many samurai who would take their own lives to prove their loyalty to their (fallen) shogun.
After a two and a half hour tour, we headed back to Osaka to meet one of Phoebe's friends (again). We ate at a Japanese restaurant...something this country never runs out of. ^_^
*keeps sarcasm in check*
We shopped around and I stumbled across Gundam land. I was so tempted to buy this model kit from Gundam Seed Destiny but I have no idea where I will put it in my luggage...
We wandered down to the electronics section...something I'm always fond of. I bought a hub for my room (I sometimes turn on both my laptops and I want them all to have internet).
Yodobashi was such a haven for me...3 floors of nothing but electronics and goodies... too bad money is an issue for me...
I went with Phoebe and her friend Diane (who has been staying in Japan for a few years now) to Himeji.
Himeji is the best example of traditional Japanese castles. Pictures of me and the castle (how conceited can you get!) in my multiply site.
We took a 1-hour train ride to Himeji station and took the bus towards the castle. It was very nice and very well-preserved.
*side comment* I'm eating Cadbury's Dairy Milk with Peppermint...it's like eating toothpaste with chocolate. A nice but weird feeling... weird, but nice...
I was shamelessly taking photographs of the castle from different views, angles and what not. Feeling professional...hahaha! I didn't care. As long as I got good shots, I'm ok with it.
We went inside and went up the 6-storey structure.
The castle had many gates... as well as defense structures. The inside was amazing. It's like going back in time. We were even asked to take off our shoes as we went in. We carried them with us in plastic bags and wore 1-size slippers. The stairs were HELL! The oversized slippers didn't help and it kept falling! It was very steep and the steps were spaced far apart... they're not that tall anyway! I think they were conserving wood, I dunno. My knees were shaking when we got up to the 6th level...
But my gawd! The view of Himeji town was just so breathtaking. I didn't feel my legs anymore (maybe I too much pain it just turned numb or I was too dumbfounded with the view I forgot all about it).
The olden days were right! When you are emperor, you are like a god. And it's true. The overwhelming feeling of being on top is humanizing. It's a feeling of realizing that humans are frail creatures and at the same time, a sensation of being god, of being a powerful creature.
Going down was just torture...pure torture. But eventually, we got down... in one piece or another.
The courtyard was very nice but because it's winter, the trees were bare. I'm just gushing thinking about the cherry blossoms flooding the gardens in spring.
There was a well that had a story of a concubine/ or lady-in-waiting (?) that was accused of something and then she was killed. Her body was dumped in that bottomless well. Reminds me of Sadako...*shudder*
Then there was a place where suicide or harakiri was committed. It's a simple place, actually... it was an open space with a stone slab in the middle. I can just imagine during wartimes the many samurai who would take their own lives to prove their loyalty to their (fallen) shogun.
After a two and a half hour tour, we headed back to Osaka to meet one of Phoebe's friends (again). We ate at a Japanese restaurant...something this country never runs out of. ^_^
*keeps sarcasm in check*
We shopped around and I stumbled across Gundam land. I was so tempted to buy this model kit from Gundam Seed Destiny but I have no idea where I will put it in my luggage...
We wandered down to the electronics section...something I'm always fond of. I bought a hub for my room (I sometimes turn on both my laptops and I want them all to have internet).
Yodobashi was such a haven for me...3 floors of nothing but electronics and goodies... too bad money is an issue for me...
February 11
After my night out with the boys at a comedy bar in Greenhills...I was the only girl in the group, I went home to do some (futile) packing. Early that morning, dad came home for the weekend.
Before going to the airport, dad asked me to take some pictures of the house from outside. It was hot and I was already wearing a sweater for the flight.
My flight was at 2pm and I was outside in long sleeves around 11am, taking pictures of the house. There was a slight drama before leaving the house.
The key used to lock my big suitcase was missing. I trashed my room to look for it, only to find out it was already in my bag... such a hassle.
Anyway, my dad was sweet enough to accompany me in check-in. I mean, he even printed his own e-ticket just to get inside the terminal...which also makes the jobs of security guards posted outside to check tickets useless!
The guard who checked my ticket even asked if I was an OFW... haller!
Dad escorted me until terminal fee area (aka this money will never be used to improve the airport). I spent the time in pre-departure reading Cosmo. During boarding, I let all the other passengers board first (I know we'll all get stuck somewhere inside, waiting for some passenger to put his stuff up in the overhead compartment).
The flight was uneventful. boring~ During descent, I saw the city lights. I'm such a sucker for romantic settings.
Anyway, I didn't get to see much of the airport because I was just following the others how to get to immigration and baggage.
It's a very nice airport, considering it was built on reclaimed area... compared to ours....
I got out without hassle and boarded the limousine bus to Rokko Island.
I met with Steph at the hotel and we decided to go to Osaka. She taught me how to read the timetable and how to board which train on which platform.
It was so cold there. My teeth were shattering to the point of breaking/chipping away. But it's so nice there.... the bright lights, the trendy fashion of knee high boots and trench coats. The streets were really nice, unlike ours. Vending machines littered every street corner but too bad I wasn't able to see a vending machine with condoms on it. oh well....
We ate at this resto near the station and drank sweet sherry... it was very sweet and the alcohol was dizzying!
Anyway, we got back at the hotel around midnight.
It was exhilarating... my 1st night in Japan.
And I'm thinking what I'll be doing the next day since it's a holiday.
Otanoshimi ni...
Before going to the airport, dad asked me to take some pictures of the house from outside. It was hot and I was already wearing a sweater for the flight.
My flight was at 2pm and I was outside in long sleeves around 11am, taking pictures of the house. There was a slight drama before leaving the house.
The key used to lock my big suitcase was missing. I trashed my room to look for it, only to find out it was already in my bag... such a hassle.
Anyway, my dad was sweet enough to accompany me in check-in. I mean, he even printed his own e-ticket just to get inside the terminal...which also makes the jobs of security guards posted outside to check tickets useless!
The guard who checked my ticket even asked if I was an OFW... haller!
Dad escorted me until terminal fee area (aka this money will never be used to improve the airport). I spent the time in pre-departure reading Cosmo. During boarding, I let all the other passengers board first (I know we'll all get stuck somewhere inside, waiting for some passenger to put his stuff up in the overhead compartment).
The flight was uneventful. boring~ During descent, I saw the city lights. I'm such a sucker for romantic settings.
Anyway, I didn't get to see much of the airport because I was just following the others how to get to immigration and baggage.
It's a very nice airport, considering it was built on reclaimed area... compared to ours....
I got out without hassle and boarded the limousine bus to Rokko Island.
I met with Steph at the hotel and we decided to go to Osaka. She taught me how to read the timetable and how to board which train on which platform.
It was so cold there. My teeth were shattering to the point of breaking/chipping away. But it's so nice there.... the bright lights, the trendy fashion of knee high boots and trench coats. The streets were really nice, unlike ours. Vending machines littered every street corner but too bad I wasn't able to see a vending machine with condoms on it. oh well....
We ate at this resto near the station and drank sweet sherry... it was very sweet and the alcohol was dizzying!
Anyway, we got back at the hotel around midnight.
It was exhilarating... my 1st night in Japan.
And I'm thinking what I'll be doing the next day since it's a holiday.
Otanoshimi ni...
Battle for Broadband
The battle for internet connection supremacy is on!
My brother and I have been silently battling for the internet... after the PC broke down, the router settings were fracked up as well... we had to use a hub to re-route the internet connection to the other rooms. unfortunately, we are missing the router because the hub is totally useless!
We keep getting disconnected, especially when we're connected at the same time...so working here is useless... very useless.... i think i have to let my brother sleep first so I can use the internet properly.
It's been a long time since I had this problem. The last time this happened, I was still in high school and dial-up access was the trend. The connection was frustrating but we had to live with it. Now that DSL is in, i'm cursing everytime i get disconnected.
Damn you PLDT! Useless piece of....
My brother and I have been silently battling for the internet... after the PC broke down, the router settings were fracked up as well... we had to use a hub to re-route the internet connection to the other rooms. unfortunately, we are missing the router because the hub is totally useless!
We keep getting disconnected, especially when we're connected at the same time...so working here is useless... very useless.... i think i have to let my brother sleep first so I can use the internet properly.
It's been a long time since I had this problem. The last time this happened, I was still in high school and dial-up access was the trend. The connection was frustrating but we had to live with it. Now that DSL is in, i'm cursing everytime i get disconnected.
Damn you PLDT! Useless piece of....
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
I'm OK
Just to let everyone know I'm still alive...
Japanese are very different. Maybe because their economy is much more influential, bigger, stronger...
Their aircons are outside! Such a wealthy country! In Manila, our aircons are inside. In Japan, it's very hot inside buildings and when you go out, that's when you shiver and try to crawl inside your coats and thermal undies.
Hahaha, please don't take me seriously today.
Anyway, last night was crazier and I have one word that ran in my mind the whole night:
Japanese are very different. Maybe because their economy is much more influential, bigger, stronger...
Their aircons are outside! Such a wealthy country! In Manila, our aircons are inside. In Japan, it's very hot inside buildings and when you go out, that's when you shiver and try to crawl inside your coats and thermal undies.
Hahaha, please don't take me seriously today.
Anyway, last night was crazier and I have one word that ran in my mind the whole night:
EXORBITANT
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Butterflies in my Stomach
I'm finally going to Japan.
Yatta ne~!
It's more of a business trip than a tour though...but I guess anything is better.
I've been to Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong and South Korea but I've been dying to go to Japan.
And here I am, trying to get myself ready for next week. It's winter season there and all my life, I've only experience 2 seasons...wet and dry (I don't even know if those are considered seasons). I'm afraid I have a low tolerance to the cold. I can't stay outside for long whenever we're in Baguio, which is only 15 degrees.
I've talked with my business counterpart, Takai-san and she told me that it's warmer in Kobe this year compared to last year's. The warmer temperature she was talking about was less than 10 degrees.
I've been keeping tabs of the weather in CNN... Tokyo's colder, I guess as they have winds of about -2 degrees. I can't say I'm more thankful because the winds in Osaka-Kobe is only 0 degrees. Lesser of evils I guess.
I'm saddened because I may never have the time nor money to go to Tokyo... and I'm also complaining why P&G's Japan Headquarters is in Kobe and not in Tokyo or Yokohama. Anyway, like they say, beggars can't be choosers.
I can't say I'm very much intrigued and excited about tasting authentic Kobe beef since I'm allergic to 'em cows... but I'm bringing an arsenal of Claritins and a presciption from my doctor to administer Ventolin nebulizers in case of an attack...just in case my curiosity becomes overwhelming.
I haven't packed yet. I'm still not sure if the list I'm making is enough... or the winter clothing I have is enough to keep me warm and sane. I have yet to practice my Japanese... I'm thinking that Nagai-sensei will kill me if she knew I'll be speaking clumsy Japanese.
Of course, I don't want to look like a baka-gaijin (stupid foreigner) and violate all Japanese etiquettes available. I still have much reading and reviewing to do... and then make sure that the configurations from my side are ok before going there.
I'm also planning to create an itinerary for my trips to nearby cities, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka...maybe jog across the world's longest suspension bridge (Akashi-Kaikyo). My finger's going to be trigger happy once again!
I'm excited and nervous at the same time... this is my very first business trip...with only 6 months into the company. Sometimes, I'm thanking my stars above for giving me such an opportunity but sometimes I just can't hide my anxiety, thinking, "I might not be ready for something like this..."
Being a tourist is more fun than going there on a business trip. No offense to Japanese here (I think it's more of a compliment to them) but they are such hardcore hard workers! They work until the wee hours of daylight and are very much pressured and challenged to finish their work in record time and with quality. They expect nothing less and I'm more pressured to keep up with them.
Yatta ne~!
It's more of a business trip than a tour though...but I guess anything is better.
I've been to Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong and South Korea but I've been dying to go to Japan.
And here I am, trying to get myself ready for next week. It's winter season there and all my life, I've only experience 2 seasons...wet and dry (I don't even know if those are considered seasons). I'm afraid I have a low tolerance to the cold. I can't stay outside for long whenever we're in Baguio, which is only 15 degrees.
I've talked with my business counterpart, Takai-san and she told me that it's warmer in Kobe this year compared to last year's. The warmer temperature she was talking about was less than 10 degrees.
I've been keeping tabs of the weather in CNN... Tokyo's colder, I guess as they have winds of about -2 degrees. I can't say I'm more thankful because the winds in Osaka-Kobe is only 0 degrees. Lesser of evils I guess.
I'm saddened because I may never have the time nor money to go to Tokyo... and I'm also complaining why P&G's Japan Headquarters is in Kobe and not in Tokyo or Yokohama. Anyway, like they say, beggars can't be choosers.
I can't say I'm very much intrigued and excited about tasting authentic Kobe beef since I'm allergic to 'em cows... but I'm bringing an arsenal of Claritins and a presciption from my doctor to administer Ventolin nebulizers in case of an attack...just in case my curiosity becomes overwhelming.
I haven't packed yet. I'm still not sure if the list I'm making is enough... or the winter clothing I have is enough to keep me warm and sane. I have yet to practice my Japanese... I'm thinking that Nagai-sensei will kill me if she knew I'll be speaking clumsy Japanese.
Of course, I don't want to look like a baka-gaijin (stupid foreigner) and violate all Japanese etiquettes available. I still have much reading and reviewing to do... and then make sure that the configurations from my side are ok before going there.
I'm also planning to create an itinerary for my trips to nearby cities, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka...maybe jog across the world's longest suspension bridge (Akashi-Kaikyo). My finger's going to be trigger happy once again!
I'm excited and nervous at the same time... this is my very first business trip...with only 6 months into the company. Sometimes, I'm thanking my stars above for giving me such an opportunity but sometimes I just can't hide my anxiety, thinking, "I might not be ready for something like this..."
Being a tourist is more fun than going there on a business trip. No offense to Japanese here (I think it's more of a compliment to them) but they are such hardcore hard workers! They work until the wee hours of daylight and are very much pressured and challenged to finish their work in record time and with quality. They expect nothing less and I'm more pressured to keep up with them.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
You Will Be Utterly, Sincerely Missed
Aside from Pagong, I have never felt a connection unlike my bracelet. It had been in my possession for more than 10 years now.
I got it from a silver shop called Ansor's Silver in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. They have the finest silver jewelry in Asia. Craftmanship was superb and the designs were absolutely out of this world. I wasn't fond of jewelry or silver that time (I was in Grade 6) but as I laid my eyes on it, I fell in love. The swirl of silver around 2 mother of pearl ellipses were simple yet stunning.
Last week, I noticed it was starting to break in the middle. I was hoping that it can be fixed by just melting it and then forming it again, at least just to mold it back together. I went to a renowned jeweler in Makati, confident that the best can fix this. I had it appraised/inspected (?) and was saddened to know that the material itself had weakened, causing it to crack.
They told me that they can solder it back but they can not assure that it will be what it used to be. 2,000 pesos was very steep for me, coupled with the fact that anytime, it can crack and break again... If they can fix it back for 2,000 pesos, I would gladly pay 5,000 pesos for that.
Sadness... T_T
I got it from a silver shop called Ansor's Silver in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. They have the finest silver jewelry in Asia. Craftmanship was superb and the designs were absolutely out of this world. I wasn't fond of jewelry or silver that time (I was in Grade 6) but as I laid my eyes on it, I fell in love. The swirl of silver around 2 mother of pearl ellipses were simple yet stunning.
Last week, I noticed it was starting to break in the middle. I was hoping that it can be fixed by just melting it and then forming it again, at least just to mold it back together. I went to a renowned jeweler in Makati, confident that the best can fix this. I had it appraised/inspected (?) and was saddened to know that the material itself had weakened, causing it to crack.
They told me that they can solder it back but they can not assure that it will be what it used to be. 2,000 pesos was very steep for me, coupled with the fact that anytime, it can crack and break again... If they can fix it back for 2,000 pesos, I would gladly pay 5,000 pesos for that.
Sadness... T_T
Sunday, January 21, 2007
A Sense of Fulfillment
Finally, the Star Wars saga is completed (in cable, though). The feeling is different compared to watching it in the movies. Of course, the feeling is exhilarating when you watch it with other people in cinemas but the fact that it is being aired in cable is something else.
Anyway, I love Star Wars! <-- and I think I've said this for the nth time.
When I was little, I had this crush on Luke and Han. I'm thinking Princess Leia is so lucky. ^__^
****
My birthday turned out great! Well, any other birthday celebration is better than last year's. LOL! No major incidents. I'd like to give special mention to my officemates who wore red for me on my birthday: Aaron, Louie, Bev, Carlos (who changed into a black outfit that evening) and RJ. All my love for them!
Dad called that morning as well as I got emails and SMSs from my friends and relatives. I answered each and every one of them to let them know that I appreciate their greetings.
Ate with my officemates at my favorite resto, Ohana. We then had a celebration dinner at Dampa near Home Depot... which was from our victory from HP's Christmas Party. We then headed Eastwood where I treated them to desserts and drinks. There were a few dares, wherein most of them were wonderfully documented (thanks to handy dandy digital cameras).
That weekend, I spent my Saturday with Kim and Paulo. We met at Kim's place where she decided to change her clothes... I was in porma mode in a blue top, white skirt and strappies. They gave me a cute tissue holder and Pau gave me a model kit of Eternal (Gundam Seed Destiny).
We ate at Omakase in Tomas Morato with Pau as the financier of the lunch. We then went to Megamall where Kim and I had a girl bonding foot spa at Tips n Toes. We went to some of the arcades and played Guitar Freaks. Anne and I dropped them off at Robinsons Galleria before going home.
****
Yesterday, I met with my teammates, Ali, Paolo and Rach. We ate at Mister Kabab in Quezon Ave. We then met up with Jerwin, Val and their dates in Punchline. I went there before, with Dino and Rach on my 19th birthday. There, the gay comedians were making fun of poor boys sitting in the front.
"Paliligayahin kita..." (with fondling of the chest)
"Isang gabi lang ang kailangan at hindi ka na babalik..." (holding hands with the boy)
"Secure na ang kinabukasan ninyo sa akin..." (dedicating a song to the boy)
*shudders from the point of view from a poor boy*
After that, Rach and I decided to bond and spend more time with each other at Starbucks, Katipunan. We had so much to talk about; after all she was my buddy and roommate during college!
Anyway, I love Star Wars! <-- and I think I've said this for the nth time.
When I was little, I had this crush on Luke and Han. I'm thinking Princess Leia is so lucky. ^__^
****
My birthday turned out great! Well, any other birthday celebration is better than last year's. LOL! No major incidents. I'd like to give special mention to my officemates who wore red for me on my birthday: Aaron, Louie, Bev, Carlos (who changed into a black outfit that evening) and RJ. All my love for them!
Dad called that morning as well as I got emails and SMSs from my friends and relatives. I answered each and every one of them to let them know that I appreciate their greetings.
Ate with my officemates at my favorite resto, Ohana. We then had a celebration dinner at Dampa near Home Depot... which was from our victory from HP's Christmas Party. We then headed Eastwood where I treated them to desserts and drinks. There were a few dares, wherein most of them were wonderfully documented (thanks to handy dandy digital cameras).
That weekend, I spent my Saturday with Kim and Paulo. We met at Kim's place where she decided to change her clothes... I was in porma mode in a blue top, white skirt and strappies. They gave me a cute tissue holder and Pau gave me a model kit of Eternal (Gundam Seed Destiny).
We ate at Omakase in Tomas Morato with Pau as the financier of the lunch. We then went to Megamall where Kim and I had a girl bonding foot spa at Tips n Toes. We went to some of the arcades and played Guitar Freaks. Anne and I dropped them off at Robinsons Galleria before going home.
****
Yesterday, I met with my teammates, Ali, Paolo and Rach. We ate at Mister Kabab in Quezon Ave. We then met up with Jerwin, Val and their dates in Punchline. I went there before, with Dino and Rach on my 19th birthday. There, the gay comedians were making fun of poor boys sitting in the front.
"Paliligayahin kita..." (with fondling of the chest)
"Isang gabi lang ang kailangan at hindi ka na babalik..." (holding hands with the boy)
"Secure na ang kinabukasan ninyo sa akin..." (dedicating a song to the boy)
*shudders from the point of view from a poor boy*
After that, Rach and I decided to bond and spend more time with each other at Starbucks, Katipunan. We had so much to talk about; after all she was my buddy and roommate during college!
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Panic Button: ON!
Now's the time to be paranoid...in a good way (if there is such)...
I'm dreading my birthday right now... there seems to be a yearly trend for me especially January...
Like mom always says, 'Prevention is ALWAYS better than cure'.
A single moment of weakness can lead you to heavy repercussions. And I'm usually a person who does not let go of things/issues very lightly. It usually swims in my mind at night, when I'm alone and I have nothing better to do than ponder and think about what happened, what should have happened and what will never happen again.
Panic Button: ON~!
I'm dreading my birthday right now... there seems to be a yearly trend for me especially January...
Like mom always says, 'Prevention is ALWAYS better than cure'.
A single moment of weakness can lead you to heavy repercussions. And I'm usually a person who does not let go of things/issues very lightly. It usually swims in my mind at night, when I'm alone and I have nothing better to do than ponder and think about what happened, what should have happened and what will never happen again.
Panic Button: ON~!
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Losing and Finding
All our lives, we are always looking and searching.
Searching for our soulmate...
Searching for our mothers in a sea of people during Christmas time...
Searching for the perfect blend of coffee...
Searching for the perfect candidate...
Searching for our lost dog...
We're always searching and most of the time, it's when we are searching that we begin to realize how important it is in our lives. And it's when we finally give up hope in looking for it, it seems to appear out of nowhere, back in our lives.
January is a fickle month for me. Nevermind my birthday... it's always this time of the year when I am tested, punished, rewarded and surprised.
Today I bought some things for myself. By some weird circumstance (or sheer stupidity), I left it. When I went back to look for it, the guards told me that they were taken by someone else. I didn't have the heart to shout at them. It's always like this. But last year was worse. That one really tore me apart.
I had to go back to the store to buy those things again but didn't buy all of them. As I paid for them halfheartedly, I was telling myself not to celebrate my birthday. Now's not the time. I may be one year older but I don't think I'm one year wiser.
But there was also another realization. I did not buy (again) the things I didn't really need. I guess it was a sign never to buy impulsively because the things that you think you need... you really don't need them!
***
Just last Saturday, my guy best friend told me his dog had died on his mom's lap. I've known his dog, Erap. He'd been in the family for 10 years now. I first met him while I was in high school. He was very friendly, well-trained... he was loved very much. He and his mom were both depressed that time. Who wouldn't?
This loss is so much greater than my stupid impulses. Thinking about it, material loss is the shallowest loss ever. Losing some thing is nothing compared to losing your career, dearest pet or your loved one.
That's why, thinking about it all over again... losing my stuff isn't so bad... actually, it helped me take out things I don't need to be a better person.
Searching for our soulmate...
Searching for our mothers in a sea of people during Christmas time...
Searching for the perfect blend of coffee...
Searching for the perfect candidate...
Searching for our lost dog...
We're always searching and most of the time, it's when we are searching that we begin to realize how important it is in our lives. And it's when we finally give up hope in looking for it, it seems to appear out of nowhere, back in our lives.
January is a fickle month for me. Nevermind my birthday... it's always this time of the year when I am tested, punished, rewarded and surprised.
Today I bought some things for myself. By some weird circumstance (or sheer stupidity), I left it. When I went back to look for it, the guards told me that they were taken by someone else. I didn't have the heart to shout at them. It's always like this. But last year was worse. That one really tore me apart.
I had to go back to the store to buy those things again but didn't buy all of them. As I paid for them halfheartedly, I was telling myself not to celebrate my birthday. Now's not the time. I may be one year older but I don't think I'm one year wiser.
But there was also another realization. I did not buy (again) the things I didn't really need. I guess it was a sign never to buy impulsively because the things that you think you need... you really don't need them!
***
Just last Saturday, my guy best friend told me his dog had died on his mom's lap. I've known his dog, Erap. He'd been in the family for 10 years now. I first met him while I was in high school. He was very friendly, well-trained... he was loved very much. He and his mom were both depressed that time. Who wouldn't?
This loss is so much greater than my stupid impulses. Thinking about it, material loss is the shallowest loss ever. Losing some thing is nothing compared to losing your career, dearest pet or your loved one.
That's why, thinking about it all over again... losing my stuff isn't so bad... actually, it helped me take out things I don't need to be a better person.
Monday, January 01, 2007
Multi-cultural
To my multi-cultural visitors of my blog... Happy New Year!
I was surprised that there are many visitors from Europe, insular Asia, North America and even parts of Africa and Latin America.
Even if you stumble here in my humble and personal blog, I welcome you and shake you warmly by my virtual hand.
Actually, I'm not much in a blogger mode lately... or actually whenever I have thoughts, the internet is unavailable and whenever I actually have connection, I can't seem to piece my thoughts. Anyway, I'm leaving my discernment for another time.
Cheers and let's enjoy the holiday together!
I was surprised that there are many visitors from Europe, insular Asia, North America and even parts of Africa and Latin America.
Even if you stumble here in my humble and personal blog, I welcome you and shake you warmly by my virtual hand.
Actually, I'm not much in a blogger mode lately... or actually whenever I have thoughts, the internet is unavailable and whenever I actually have connection, I can't seem to piece my thoughts. Anyway, I'm leaving my discernment for another time.
Cheers and let's enjoy the holiday together!
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