uninhibited

2009-08-09T11:45:00.001+08:00

On Hiatus

[will be blogging more here for the meantime]

Waiting for the Calm After the Storm

2009-07-15T09:51:00.004+08:00

In keeping my silence I am trying to be still, putting my faith where it is supposed to be.

Sometimes in my most lowly and lonely times, I find nowhere to turn to except to Him. He hasn't failed me and I know this time, He won't as well.

This may or may not be the worst of times, but I know He won't give me something I can not handle.

These too shall pass as they say. And I know when that happens, I'll be a better and stronger person at that.

Spring Awakening in Manila

2009-07-13T11:40:00.002+08:00

I remember getting this video's link from Ronnie 2 years ago but forgot about it soon after.

Only to be reminded again last weekend.

Apparently, Atlantis Productions, after staging the repeat of Spelling Bee, will have a run of this Tony Award-winning musical play from September 25 to October 17 at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium.

Now, to find who will want to watch with me...

Carolina Liar Who?

2009-07-11T02:23:00.002+08:00

After playing White Horse non-stop for 3 consecutive days (i am not kidding), I have found a new song to play on a repeat mode. Although I might complain about the band's name not making a strong impression (it just doesn't sound like a band name), I'm loving the song because of the words and music. I actually heard this from the radio one time and from our Sunday Worship service during breaks and liked it since then.

Show Me What I'm Looking For - Carolina Liar

Wait, I'm wrong
Should have done better than this
Please, I'll be strong
I'm finding it hard to resist
So show me what I'm looking for

CHORUS
Save me, I'm lost
Oh Lord, I've been waiting for you
I'll pay any cost
Save me from being confused
Show me what I'm looking for
Show me what I'm looking for…oh lord

Don't let go
I've wanted this far too long
Mistakes become regrets
I've learned to love abuse
Please show me what I'm looking for

CHORUS
Save me, I'm lost
Oh lord, I've been waiting for you
I'll pay any cost
Save me from being confused
Show me what I'm looking for
Show me what I'm looking for…oh lord

Show me what I'm looking for
Show me what I'm looking for
Show me what I'm looking for

CHORUS
Save me, I'm lost
Oh Lord, I've been waiting for you
I'll pay any cost
Just save me from being confused
Wait, I'm wrong
I can't do better than this
I'll pay any cost
Save me from being confused
Show me what I'm looking for
Show me what I'm looking for
Show me what I'm looking for
Show me what I'm looking for…oh Lord

Happy Birthday to My Dad

2009-07-08T00:39:00.007+08:00

I am re-posting a 5 year old long entry instead of just posting a link to it because to me, it is worth the space.

Someone very important is celebrating his birthday today.

Because of this, I wanted to write a piece about him. But while I have a lot, (and i mean, A LOT) of things to say, I am stumped as to where and how to start.

I want to tell about how sad his life story was and how it could give all the teleserye's a run for their money. About how at the age of 9, he had to work his ass off moonlighting as a"bote-garapa"/gasoline/barker/shoeshine boy (there were more menial work he did) to fend for himself and his family. About how it broke him apart seeing his mom hurt by his dad's "extra-curricular activities" and how one day he arrived home to see his mother lying lifeless (she was just 30+ at that time). About how grief-stricken he was when his youngest brother soon followed her mom. About how his aunt took him and his siblings under her care but life still didn't come any easier for him. About how he got to finish high school and started with college, only he eventually had to stop 'cause he chose to be a full-time employee.

I want to tell how people have the wrong impression of him at times. They think he's shy and timid, and that he's too serious. Or that he's a snob. But that's just what they are, impressions of him. What they don't see is how he can strike up a conversation with any one he meets on the streets. A few thought him as a coward before. Some were suggesting years back that he go abroad and earn his living there. Instead, he opted not to for the very reason that he didn't want to be separated from his family. Some wanted him to start his own hardware company since he already knows the ins and outs of the business. He didn't listen to that one either (and up until now, he still works for the same company he entered 30 plus years ago). Back then, I couldn't comprehend his reason for not considering that idea. I then realized later on that he wasn't afraid to be considered as someone "na may mahinang loob" or someone who didn't want to take a risk, he was more afraid of his kids' future. He'd rather that he work for other people for the meantime as long as he has enough for his family's needs (and just so people know, it is a no-no for him to borrow money from anyone - not because of pride or anything. he just believes that to borrow money means you're living beyond your means).

I want to tell about how he influenced and taught us many things. He was the one who instilled in his kids the love of books. His daughters were reading Funny comics at age 3 and moved to Archie comics before hitting the age of 4. He was the one who introduced them to Nancy Drew and to John Grisham and to Erich Segal (and a whole lot more). He spoiled his children to the max. He said he wanted them to be not left wanting (the exact feeling he had during his childhood). He taught his children how to discuss things not centered on only one topic. He may not have finished school, or that he may not be a professional right now, but proved to everyone that grades and titles do not matter.

I want to tell of how he can be irritating at times. He can be controlling and too paranoid for his own and his family's good. One incident was when he found out that his youngest daughter went to join one of the EDSA rallies. He left the office as soon as he learned of it and went straight to Ortigas/Edsa to look for her. He went around on foot, looking hard for where she was in that crowd. That time I thought he was over-reacting. But again, I thought of how he must have felt and that's when I understood why he did that.

I want to tell how her eldest daughter, as a child won't sleep unless she was cradled in her father's arms. About how many times she has disappointed him but remained to be the most forgiving father she knows. About how she regrets to have not graduated with honors in college, that would have made him mighty proud of her. Just the same, he is proud of both her children, i know that for a fact. I think that he believes that he may not be the richest man alive, but he sure does have other riches to be proud of. And he has nothing to thank for but the Lord and himself. After all, it was he (and his wife) who planted the seed.

I want to tell more of him. But words wouldn't do justice for what he has done and what he has been and is to me and my mom and my sister.

I may not need him to lull me to sleep anymore. But I need to pester and bug him and make him "kulit" (until he shoos me away as if i'm an insect) at night before i can say it is complete. I still sleep with him at night during weekdays (it's only us during weekdays after all, remember?). Sometimes I look at him while he's sleeping. And I am overwhelmed at the thought that there's this someone who pampered us, cared for us, and loved us unconditionally for many years. I am reminded of how the Lord has blessed me truly to have not only the best dad in this world but the best mom and sister anyone could ask for. To say that my family is the most important treasure in my life (next to HIM) is really an understatement. I love them so much and they are my life.

Life's Reality

2009-07-05T07:48:00.005+08:00

A highschool friend's facebook status reads:

It is a sad reality in life that in some friendships, your 'friend' is just not that into you as much as you are to him/her. The sooner you accept that, the less disappointments you'll have. - C. C.

Apparently, someone can relate.

Sad fact is, friendship like a relationship needs the same degree of 'being into the other person' for it to work. Anything less is probably unacceptable.

Really.

Why? Because no matter how we say we shouldn't expect and we don't expect, we always end up doing just the opposite.

From One Anniv to Another, One Promo to Another

2009-07-04T02:03:00.007+08:00

Brothers Burger recently had their flashback-rollback promo last June 23. They rolled back the price of their 2 most-known burgers, Big Brothers Burger and Brother's Pounder to their prices back in 1999.

Me and my office friends were excited when we learned of the said deal. Unfortunately for us, we weren't able to do so. Initially, when we dropped by the Highstreet branch, we were already overwhelmed by the line of people waiting to take part of the opportunity that we decided not to buy anymore. After a half hour or so, we tried to check the joint again because the line we saw earlier were nowhere to found. We went inside thinking the management was able to perform damage control. We were disappointed though, because we saw rows of reciepts of the orders plastered on the wall. Apparently, it would take us 1 and a half hours for our orders to be served. That was the time we finally said we'd head to McDo instead.

It seems that this year marks not just Brothers' anniversary but also Krispy Kreme's. Krispy Kreme will give away a free Original Glazed doughnut for any purchase/s made on July 13.

Now, if only I'm not watching my weight. :-/

Being Cultured

2009-06-25T11:17:00.009+08:00

ano ba? :)) we're so cultured :)) but yes, sige im in ;P

This morning, I received an email with that message from one of my girlfriends. It was in response to another girlfriend's email asking us if we wanted to watch another play on August for our monthly meet-up (considering we're set to watch a play for our July meet-up already).

I'm scheduled to see these:

Spelling Bee - July 3, 2009

The Fantasticks - July 17, 2009

Jack and the Beanstalk - August 8, 2009 (date to be discusssed)

These may put a dent in my wallet but they're also reasons for me to smile. One can't really put a pricetag on the happiness that a good company brings, right? And if it would help in one being considered cultured, then why not?

LSS of the Day

2009-06-23T09:26:00.003+08:00

I wasn't into Taylor Swift's Love Story but I loved Teardrops on My Guitar. White Horse would probably come in second now. :)

White Horse – Taylor Swift Music Code

White Horse

Say you're sorry, that face of an angel
Comes out just when you need it to
As I paced back and forth all this time
Cause I honestly believed in you

Holding on, the days drag on
Stupid girl, I should have known
I should have known

I'm not a princess, this ain't a fairy tale
I'm not the one you'll sweep off her feet
Lead her up the stairwell

This ain't Hollywood, this is a small town
I was a dreamer before you went and let me down
Now it's too late for you and your white horse, to come around

Baby I was naive, got lost in your eyes
And never really had a chance
I had so many dreams about you and me
Happy endings, now I know

I'm not a princess, this ain't a fairy tale
I'm not the one you'll sweep off her feet
Lead her up the stairwell

This ain't Hollywood, this is a small town
I was a dreamer before you went and let me down
Now it's too late for you and your white horse, to come around

And there you are on your knees
Begging for forgiveness, begging for me
Just like I always wanted but I'm so sorry

Cause I'm not your princess, this ain't a fairytale
I'm gonna find someone someday who might actually treat me well
This is a big world, that was a small town
There in my rearview mirror disappearing now

And its too late for you and your white horse
Now its too late for you and your white horse, to catch me now

Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa
Try and catch me now
Oh, it's too late to catch me now

Hana Yori Dango vs Boys Over Flowers

2009-06-22T16:05:00.004+08:00

[x-posted somewhere]

Meteor Garden was the in thing back then. Being the non-conformist that I was (and still am), I didn't join the bandwagon. I did give it a chance by watching one or two episodes, but the actors' acting abilities (or lack thereof) turned me off.

Then came Hana Yori Dango.
The Japanese doing their adaptation of their own manga was a welcome treat for me. Maybe I am just being partial because I've always been more of a JDrama fan than a Taiwan or Korean series fan.

Now, here comes Boys Over Flowers.
Not surprisingly, I didn't like it. This will teach me not to give in to my sister's cajoling next time she asks me to watch something.

Maybe I am still being biased but HYD still rules over BOF. Here's why:

- HYD is funny and touching while BOF tends to be too melodramatic at times.
- The chemistry of HYD's Domyouji and Makino is incomparable.
- HYD's Inoue Mao as Makino is cute and adorable as opposed to BOF's Koo Hye-Seon as Jan Di who looks old as a high school student.
- HYD's F4 aren't as good-looking as BOF's but I learned to love their characters just the same. Maybe because the Japanese actors were able to carry their roles well.
- HYD's Oguri Shun as Rui fits the role to the T. Plus he looks cool when he's wearing that white suit. I admit that BOF's Kim Hyun-Joong as Ji Hoon is really pretty but his eyes, most of the time, looked empty and blank. Acting-wise, I won't compare because I know that Hyun-Joong is a first-timer.
- First season of HYD included 9 episodes only while BOF had 25 episodes.
- I didn't appreciate BOF's soundtrack being boybandy.

I'd say the only redeeming factors of BOF are Kim Bum playing the role of Yi Jung and Kim So Eun as Jan Di's best friend, Ga Eul. In fact, it was their love story that I was able to see it through.

That being said, how about a Filipino adaptation, anyone?

beauty and madness

2009-06-15T10:56:00.003+08:00

when you're usually the one who cheers people up... who will brighten your mood when you're down?

Late Bloomer

2009-05-13T14:54:00.007+08:00

def. People who develop more slowly than others in their age group but eventually catches up.

I had my first taste of cotton candy when I was in high school already... a time when most of the students my age, if not all, probably had outgrown their liking to this.

I learned how to commute after I graduated from high school. The only public transportation I knew that time was the LRT. Learning how to commute through other means came later on. That was when I figured I needed alternatives on how to get home after 9pm.

When everyone else was being in a relationship, the idea of me being with someone seemed foreign to me. I decided to take a plunge in this thing called love when I reached mid-20s.

While most of the people born in the same year as mine know of famicom, I didn't have that chance to play with one. Instead, I was busy reading Archie comics and Nancy Drew. Now, I'm trying to catch up by playing the games that were once available in famicom and other game consoles on my DS.

I am one of those hooked to Pet Society and Restaurant City applications on Facebook. Hooked in a way that I tried cajoling my girlfriends into creating their own pets so that I'd have more pets to visit (means more daily profit for me). Apparently, at one point in their lives, all of them got addicted with Neopets (same concept with Pet Society but on a different platform) except me. -_-'

With all these that's been mentioned... does this mean that once a late bloomer, always, will be one? :p

All I Really Need To Know...

2009-04-10T01:59:00.009+08:00

All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten is a book of essays written by Robert Fulghum that I've only heard about but haven't laid my hands on yet.

The book's title apparently came from the first essay which enumerates the things the author learned in kindergarten which he thought should be practiced by everyone. Having read that, I was inspired to come up with my own kind of list...

All I Really Need To Know I Learned While Being In A Relationship

- Be honest but tactful. Words can hurt and it's not like we can take back anything that's already been said by just a mere 'sorry'.

- Accept that no two persons are the same. As much as there are common things that we share with our partners, there are differences that can prove to be an annoyance to us as well. What we have to know is that we're never going to be able to change someone if that's how or who he/she really is. From somewhere in the internet it says:

"It's like living with our own body. Sometimes it's a blessing, other times a nuisance. Sometimes it gives us a lot of satisfaction. Other times it drives us mad, but there is not much we can do about it cause it's our own."

Strive... to enhance or improve someone, not overhaul.

- Maintain levelheadedness during arguments. I know it is never easy. Oftentimes, we think that what we believe and feel is right and our partner's - wrong. We hope that they be able to know our minds work and understand how we think. Then again, it's important that we also understand that what may seem obvious to us may not be for them so take time to explain well where one is coming from.

- Be more understanding. When times get rough and stressful, it's not impossible for someone to be moody and high tempered even when dealing with people. We should not take it personally against them and just be 'there'.

- Do not expect. Most of our disappointments come from expecting someone to do something for us just because that's how we think it should be. Be happy and appreciate little things. Those little things mean the most.

- Never take things for granted. Subconsciously we might think that no matter what, our special someone won't stop loving us. With that, we tend to make uncalled-for actions thinking there will be no consequences soon after. We think that it's better for them to see all our flaws because they should be loving us for who we are. But that's not how it goes. Instead, we should remember that they too can get hurt even if we know and say that we won't do anything to hurt them.

There's probably many other things supposed to be included here. Some I might have forgotten... or some, I'm still about to learn.

4 Things

2009-04-01T22:09:00.002+08:00

I swiped from Facebook and posted it here instead.

A) FOUR JOBS I WANT IN MY LIFE:
1. pyschologist
2. personal shopper/fashion consultant
3. travel journalist
4. events organizer

B) FOUR MOVIES I WOULD WATCH OVER AND OVER AND OVER:
1. A Walk to Remember
2. Love Actually
3. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
4. Serendipity

C) FOUR PLACES WHERE I HAVE LIVED:
1. Tayuman, Manila
2. Novaliches, Quezon City
3. Siu Sai Wan - Hong Kong
4. Kyoto - Japan

D) FOUR TV SHOWS I LOVE TO WATCH:
1. House
2. How I Met Your Mother
3. Prisonbreak
4. JDramas :p

E) FOUR PLACES I HAVE BEEN ON VACATION:
1. Isabela
2. Baguio
3. Bangkok
4. Macau

F) 4 WEBSITES I VISIT DAILY:
1. my social networking accounts: facebook and multiply
2. my email accounts: yahoomail and gmail
3. blogs i follow
4. inq7.net

G) FOUR OF MY FAVORITE FOOD:
1. sushi
2. pesto pasta
3. takoyaki
4. spicy chicken

H) FOUR PLACES I WOULD RATHER BE AT RIGHT NOW:
1. Greece
2. Vietnam
3. Hongkong
4. Japan

I) FOUR THINGS THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY:
1. most important people in my life (God, family, friends and boyfriend)
2. writing
3. yotsuba and cinnamoroll
4. shoes and bags

Tomomi

2009-03-31T22:12:00.012+08:00

Tomomi happens to be a kimmidoll character that means friend.

Consequently, I named my newest purchase, Tomomi. Aside from it being my new buddy, it has become a remembrance of some sort from my closest friends from the office.

And so, my macbook will always remind me of:

Che (and Mon) - because they willingly bought it from the recently held IT Show in Singapore last March 14. Mon then brought home the said item when he came here for a vacation. Last 26th, I met up with Mon to pick it up.

Ronnie - because he 'dressed' and 'protected' it. He bought the clear hard cover case, screen protector, and touchpad protector.

Kenneth, Snow and Billy - because they gave me this cute laptop tote bag.

See, I had every accessory I needed all from these dear people. It is also for this reason that I consider Tomomi a memorable birthday gift.

Overjoyed

2009-03-25T20:56:00.005+08:00

I was thinking last night how thankful I am for everything that I have now.

I'm thankful for my family because even if we do have our share of family problems from time to time they still remain the biggest influences in my life.

I'm thankful for my dear friends because through time and distance, I can take pride in the knowledge that these friends are my truest friends. I'm glad I have these ties with my guy friends and girlfriends.

I'm thankful for ronnie because he's got to be the most patient person I know (aside from my family). I'm not the easiest person to deal with when my mood swings kick in but even if he's already frustrated, he does not give up on me.

I'm thankful for the opportunities I've had, for the experiences I've gained, for the challenges I've faced, and for the mistakes I did. I know for sure that these all will help me be a better person.

I'm thankful for Him because it's Him who gives me everything. I have always believed He has given me so much than what I deserve, for that, I am very much grateful.

Tomorrow, I'm turning a year older. I'm taking a birthday leave but I don't really have plans on what I'll do to celebrate. (Pretty ironic since I love preparing for surprise birthday events or treats). I'm ok with it. What's important is that I have all these things that I mentioned and I have more than I can ask for.

:)

FX Pet Peeves

2009-03-25T08:40:00.005+08:00

1. Inconsiderate co-passengers that play loud music on their mp3 players. - I don't understand how some people can listen in such a very loud volume. Very loud volume means that even the other passengers can clearly hear the song being played. It makes me think that they should not have bothered using earphones if they wanted to share music to everyone inside the public vehicle. The thing is, the experience of hearing music straight from a speaker (i.e. car radio) is different from hearing it second-hand from earphones. The latter proves to be such an irritating ordeal.

2. Inconsiderate co-passengers that tell their romantic lives in loud voices. - Can it be considered a violation of right to freedom of speech if I wished for my co-passengers to speak in small voices during their conversations? It's puzzling how some can act like they want everyone to know of their affairs and make them a public concern, really.

Rekindling Old Flames

2009-03-21T23:27:00.008+08:00

They say old loves die hard and I'm not going to argue with that. How could I, when I'm finding myself going back to the things that I love these past few weeks?

I used to lose myself in reading. Used to spend hours curled up in bed, enjoying a good book and listening to my favorite radio station. Used to visit Powerbooks and buy their magazine monthly.

I used to get caught up in one series after the other (House, Grey's Anatomy, PrisonBreak, Heroes, Gossip Girl... also japanese dramas if i may add). Now, I've become ignorant of the latest series around.

I used to watch out for upcoming musicals showing in town. I may not be able to watch most of them, but I was updated.

I used to write and post in this blog almost every day. Used to have something I wanted to write about most of the time. Used to want to write as much as I wanted to.

Somewhere along the line... I found myself not being able to do these things. Life got busy for me. Then, there were times when even if I had the time to read, or watch, or write, laziness got the best of me. Somewhere along the line... I lost the drive to do these things.

Suddenly, I wanted to learn how to cook. I wanted to keep fit. I wanted to watch more animes. I wanted to check out as much NDS games available. As much as wanting these aren't so bad at all, I feel like a part of me had gone. Those I mentioned above may be passive activities but those are what define me. I am and will always be a bookworm and a frustrated writer at heart.

And so...

Recently, I've picked up my first novel for this year (The Time Traveler's Wife as suggested by my sister). I have yet to get to half of the said book as I try to read at least one chapter a day.

Last March 9, I went to see Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah The Musical at the CCP Little Theater with Ronnie and 4 friend-officemates. To say that I missed being inside a theater is an understatement. I'm looking forward to watching another play sometime soon.

Just hours ago, I finished Bambino (made me want to cook more). I'm thinking of catching up on House next. It sure feels like forever since I last watched a House episode.

Lastly, here I am blogging my first post for 2009. Hopefully, I get to do this as often as before.

I'm going to keep doing these again, I promise. As well as... to try cooking dishes even if it's only on weekends, to include 30minutes of cardio exercises in my daily routine, to watch/finish the Saint Seiya anime I started since January, and to start playing Chrono Trigger on DS (I really ought to finish FFIV already!). There's a plethora of other things I still want and plan to do, but I'm not going to rush and won't be discussing that now. Maybe next time, when I've already got them in action. ;)

For now, I'm just happy rediscovering and discovering old and new interests, respectively.

Returning Home

2008-12-24T22:53:00.002+08:00

6 long months....

I can't believe I've neglected my good old blog for that long. I promise to work on a new layout and revive this thing by next year. :)

Just So There'd Be An Update

2008-06-21T22:03:00.007+08:00

this blog is considered officially neglected. :D i'll try to update from here onwards.

for the time being, i'm copying che's latest post.

Fifty Random Things That I Like
1. japanese street fashion - it's laid-back but stylish.

2. french fries - with mayonnaise! will always be my number 1 guilty pleasure. uh... make that number 2 because my number 1 will have to be...

3. chocolates - without nuts of course. favorites include meiji products, cadbury black forest, twix, tootsie roll, milky way. royce chocolates are goooood although expensive T_T

4. writing - this thing is a given, especially for those who really know me

5. bags - a girl can never have enough bags.

6. starbucks - java chip frap, green tea frap, chai tea latte, iced signature chocolate, mint tea, dark mocha frap, belgian waffle, cinnamon swirl. i like spending my alone time there. i happen to have a barista crush, too. hahaha

7. mandy moore - from way back. because she's pretty and nice and seems down-to-earth and she hasn't changed image even if her contemporaries already did.

8. shopping - who doesn't? it's not just about shopping for me, it's also shopping for ronnie that i enjoy :)

9. food tripping - i can be as glutton as i can be if i really want it especially if i am pms-ing. i love japanese and italian and mexican food! plus sweets and junk foods. hahaha

10. bumming around the house on a rainy day - what better way to spend one, right?

11. fruits basket - it's the first anime series that i saw in 2003. got me laughing and crying at the same time. i highly recommend it just because it's a touching anime and because of that, i am re-watching this since last week.

12. cafe breton's blueberries and cream crepe - speaking of crepes, i prefer the rolled up ones compared to the cone crepes.

13. black - on clothes these days and i really don't know why. then again, i also like

14. pastel colors - especially blue and pink and green and purple :)

15. wishing on a star - it's a habit i got back in college: there was a period when every time i hoped and prayed for something and i happen to go home at night, i'd look up and find the first star i see. proved to be a soothing experience.

16. watching the clouds - because there's something about the clouds' movement that calms me.

17. powerbooks - i can spend a whole day in there. it's a haven.

18. cerealicious and bubble tea - one offers yummy cereals, the other, yummy bubble tea with pearls. two places me and my sister discovered in The Block last year.

19. alone time - as much as i enjoy being with my friends, i also enjoy hanging around somewhere and eating alone (just no watching movies alone).

20. cinnamoroll - didn't grow up as a Sanrio fan but lately, i've developed a liking for this cute character. :)

21. House M.D. - one of the best series for me.

22. japanese/korean/hk inspired clothes - oversized shirts, mini dresses, chucks, high socks, shorts. i also like it that they don't have to be branded and expensive and mass produced.

23. Pacey - of Dawson's Creek. I actually fell in love with his character.

24. ballet flats - i'm a shoe addict but flats i really love.

25. korean movies - because they know how to entertain you first and then make you cry in the end. :)

26. essays - nothing beats a written work that lets you in on someone's inner thoughts and feelings.

27. Five Cows ice cream cakes - ice cream cakes' aren't usual here and their cakes are the best. recommended for sharing though.

28. japanese dolls - they're nice to look at and so i collect them. that and kokeshi dolls, too.

29. r&b - for the words and rhythm.

30. Chef to Go - i like watching cooking shows but this is my favorite (shows on Qtv 11 every Sunday). yes, i happen to find the chef cute.

31. sundays - because: it's church day, family day and slow jam night on wave 89.1 and magic 89.9 hehehe

32. colored pens and cute notebooks - inspires me more to write and write and write. sometimes, i just like buying and collecting them.

33. green tea ice cream - only FIC has this and in UP Diliman's Shopping Center, a scoop costs 20 bucks only when in malls, the price is doubled.

34. supermarkets - here or in hong kong. :) doesn't matter if there's something that i have to buy or not. just looking around the shelves (alone or with company, especially my mom) is a happy time for me.

35. being in hong kong - i can be on my own there. plus i can go home anytime and still feel safe. also brings good memories to me when i'm there.

36. Ichiban - japanese resto that happens to be ronnie's discovery and favorite. why not? when it offers good japanese food at affordable prices. :)

37. channel surfing - a bad habit for others but it works for me. i have short attention span and so during commercial breaks, i like jumping from one channel to another hehe.

38. double deck buses - i like car rides, not so much on bus rides. but if the buses are like those in hong kong, i'd have to say otherwise.

39. staying up late - because it's peaceful. if only i don't have to pay and have my face full of pimples, i'd be doing this every day. then again, it's not healthy i know.

40. contemporary lit books - they're deep, serious, and realistic.

41. watching basketball games - i'm not a sporty person that's why i end up just being a viewer. i used to be updated with pba and nba but lately, not so much anymore. i try to keep up though.

42. reading the newspaper - as much as it's full of bad news, there's the need to be informed and be aware. plus, there's always the lifestyle section that one can enjoy.

43. a walk to remember - the only movie i remember having watched a dozen times in one year. :p

44. Christmas - best season for me.

45. reflexive games - i'm not a gamer and the only games i really enjoy are those that challenges my reflexes.

46. jdrama - since they're normally fast-paced (some series have only 9 episodes).

47. ruffles - most liked potato chips.

48. scrabble - started playing this way back in elementary and i'd play with my dad and my sister.

49. college days - i had the best time of my life in college. enough said. :)

50. kulit moments with ronnie - :)

Awaiting...

2008-03-02T00:44:00.009+08:00

Ajisen Ramen was introduced to me by ronnie. He said he discovered this ramen joint in ShenZhen before and loved their Seafood Fried Rice. He found out that there were branches in HK as well and so far, it's one of those Japanese restos in HK that he favored (together with Yoshinoya and Ichiban, the last being his number 1 as of the moment).

l-r: feb 2007 @ ajisen causeway, july 2007 @ ajisen shenzhen (there's ronnie's seafood rice :p which isn't available in ajisen hk branches)

Just recently, while we, together with our officemates were checking out the newly built Midtown Wing of Robinsons Place Ermita, we were surprised to see an Ajisen Soon To Open banner somewhere in the 2nd or 3rd floor. This wouldn't be the first branch in the Philippines though as we learned September last year that there's a branch in Alabang Town Center already. Then again, going to ATC just to eat there would be inconvenient for us. At least this time, it'll just be a few minutes walk from our office. :)

~ o 0 o ~ o 0 o ~ o 0 o ~ o 0 o ~ o 0 o ~

Another resto that ronnie introduced was Ruby Tuesday. He first talked about it when he and two bosses had dinner there. When I went on a trip to HK first quarter of last year, he then brought me there for the Chocolate Shortcake (super yummy!). In September last year, we went there with another friend/officemate for the same dessert. :D We only know of one branch and it's not that near to where we are staying that is why we get to visit the place only once in a while. Besides the fact that prices don't come in cheap.

our favorite

If our eyes weren't playing tricks on us, ronnie and I saw a Soon To Open banner as well in TriNoMa around December last year. I haven't checked if it's open already or if there will really be a Ruby Tuesday branch there, but hey, just like with Ajisen, it's a welcome surprise. :)

I'm actually psyched for these two to open just because those happen to hold pretty good memories for me. :)

Rekindled

2008-01-27T15:56:00.000+08:00

I started learning the Japanese language around 2004. Since then, it was an on and off study. And for almost a year, I thought I'd stay away from it already. There's not much people to converse with as a practice, so I said why pursue it? Around November last year, me and sister found a flyer in UP offering Japanese language courses starting January the next year. And yes, it made me excited in an instant. Soon after, I asked my close buddy if she also wanted to study and she said yes!

We've been attending classes in UP Diliman thrice a week for almost a month now. Tuesdays and Thursdays, I leave the office at 4:30pm for my 6-8 class (she attends Mondays and Wednesdays on the other hand :/). Saturday classes are scheduled 9-11am for us both (but we're still not on the same class). So far, it makes me think that it was a good idea for us to sign up because 1. we get to spend more time with each other now, 2. i have someone to practice with now, 3. i get to meet new people, 4. i can appreciate jpop and jdramas better, and 5. makes me live that part where i want to be a student once again. lol.

music albums "bucho" lent me

~ o 0 o ~ o 0 o ~ o 0 o ~ o 0 o ~ o 0 o ~

I collect DVDs (not originals, just to be honest). But because I am aware of many movies are coming out every month, I know I wouldn't be able to save any if I go buy everything. And so I decided to limit my collection to Asian movies only (Korean, Japanese and Chinese to be exact). I used to buy somewhere in Makati when I was still working in that area. When I moved to another company, I wasn't able to buy from there anymore. Sometimes I'd buy in HK instead when I'm there. There, sometimes I'd settle for VCDs especially if they don't have a DVD for a certain movie that I really like and which, I'm sure I won't find here.

And then lately, since my sister started working in Makati and has recently discovered the same place where I used to purchase, it would seem that our collection would continue to grow once again. :D

Recent buys are as follows (they're mostly romance comedy just because she's a sucker for that):
1. 200 Pounds Beauty (I've seen this one in HK with ronnie and billy already but we have to have a copy still).
2. Daisy
3. The All-Powerful Romance a.k.a. The Strongest Romance
4. Seducing Mr. Perfect
5. I'm a Cyborg, But That's Ok
6. Too Beautiful To Lie

DS Mania

2008-01-18T20:51:00.001+08:00

A year ago, i was still bent on purchasing a PSP. I remember chatting with a friend about this when he told me to get an NDS Light instead because it seemed like it matched my personality better than the other one. I had to research and check out the difference between those two as well as the games available for each one. I later found out that some people think that DS is for kids while the other is not. If that's what my friend meant when he suggested DS for me, I can only guess. :p

Eventually, I decided that I'm getting a DS. Why? Cause the unit had pastel colors that I liked and I thought the games were cuter and more fun than those for PSP. I was eyeing a pink one before just because it looked girly. And then an officemate, the first one who had a DS in the office, bought a white one and made me rethink of getting a light-colored DS. I ended up with the idea that black is better. When I was about to buy the unit, ronnie decided to surprise me by giving me one. :D Couldn't get any happier, I tell you.

I bought a case to protect the unit itself. Thinking that I wanted my DS to stand out, I asked ronnie to draw something for me so that I could put it on the cover. Fortunately, he indulged. :) It looked good with a green silicon cover before and since I changed the silicon cover to white at the start of the year, some of my friend officemates were joking ronnie to draw a new one to match the new cover, lol. let's see if he gets the hint.

Anyway, the first few games I played were Mario Kart, Cooking Mama and Trauma Center - all among the list of best DS games. I discovered Diner Dash for DS which became the first game I got to finish. Early on, there were only two of us playing against each other in Mario Kart (the game can have 8 players race against each other). Later on, one officemate after another bought their own units as well. Thus, around September last year, me and 7 other officemates were able to compete against each other. Imagine that.

mario kart session in watami, hk (addict talaga!)

For a time, the craze waned.

And then, during Christmas vacation, I tried my hands on playing Ouendan, a Japanese rhythm game. Ronnie and first DS-owner officemate were crazy with the game while I, cannot even finish 1/4 of a song. I wanted to challenge myself that I downloaded Ouendan 2 (because ronnie finished ouendan1 already) and found myself hooked! I downloaded Elite Beat Agents (English version of the above mentioned game) as well, just out of curiosity. And what can I say, Ouendan is still waaaaaay cooler than EBA.

Recently, we're now having Ouendan sessions instead of Mario Kart sessions (only downside is that Ouendan allows a maximum of 4 players only :s). These sessions have become bonding moments for us officemates plus it helps me not lose interest with my toy. I don't know how long this'll keep up, I guess I'll just enjoy this for now.

ouendan session in the office

Mall Rat

2008-01-01T18:02:00.000+08:00

Aside from the fact that December was such a busy month, it also happens to be the month that I found myself inside the mall almost 50% of the time. I've just went through my planner and here's what I meant:

I'll probably need time away from any mall for January, methinks.

2008-01-01T11:55:00.000+08:00

Happy New Year!!!

Christmas Rush

2007-12-24T15:57:00.000+08:00

Schedule this whole December is so tight. I really wish I'd be able to rest.

Seriously. >.<

Saturday Date

2007-11-27T15:12:00.000+08:00

My sister already started working first week of this month and so far she's enjoying herself. Fact remains that she only has saturdays and sundays to relax now. She was really looking forward to watching Walt Disney's Enchanted (either with me or with mom). I decided to go with her instead because mom had to go to her therapy session and it's been some time since we two went out. I recently read from a blog that this local film One More Chance is a good one. It piqued my interest and told sister I also wanted to watch it. She then seconded that most of the people in her office have seen and are talking about the said movie.

It was settled then, we first saw Enchanted and then One More Chance. I really don't have much to say about the first one. It was a nice feel good movie. Something you'd expect from a Disney film. I liked the lead actress and how she portrayed someone who came out from a fairy tale. I liked the scene when she started singing How Does She Know and how it turned out to be like a Disney parade of some sort. I liked seeing James Marsden although there's not much to like in his Prince Edward character. I liked Pip, the chipmunk who provided comic relief at times. As for the second one, well, yeah i'd say it was a good filipino love story movie. I think the last movie that I actually liked (as in see the movie more than once) was Angelu and Diether's Bukas na Lang Kita Mamahalin. This one can come in second maybe (but i'm not too sure about that). One thing that worked in here is the two characters' chemistry and acting. And then there's the good supporting cast (their barkada who most of the time provided the funny lines). Lastly, the story itself, being realistic at that. Me and sister had this conversation after:

me: i really can't sympathize with maja (salvador) in there. she knew that john lloyd couldn't possibly just get over those 5 years he spent with bea and yet she still entered in a relationship with him. it's like she caused herself her own pain.
siobe: yeah well. there's always that part of us when we think we could be the one to change someone, to be that someone's answer to his prayers. that's what maja probably felt too.

Food tripping was also included during that day. From Mrs. Fields Cookies, to Oliver's Sandwiches, to Five Cows (yummy yummy ice cream cake).

Last stop before we called it a day was at Powerbooks for some book shopping. :)

We can probably do the same things over and over, but it's one of those things that i won't ever get tired of. :)

2007-11-22T16:27:00.000+08:00

It's so hard to forget pain, but it's even harder to remember sweetness. We have no scar to show for happiness. We learn so little from peace.

- Diary by Chuck Palahniuk

2007-11-21T20:54:00.000+08:00

i can think of 101 topics to talk about and yet my last post was a month ago.

gah.

will update soon.

Realigning Priorities

2007-10-29T19:34:00.000+08:00

It seems my priorities are in disarray. I think I may be putting things in "first place" when they shouldn't be. I need to make a review of the things that I value soon enough.

Loot for the Day

2007-10-24T16:30:00.000+08:00

Cutesy stuff from friend/officemate who just got back from a vacation in Singapore. (thanks che and snow!!)

1. cellphone holder for me - from snow
2. hard rock cafe shotglass for me - asked snow to buy one for me, to add to my collection :)
3. stirrer for ronnie - from che (another friend and ex-officemate now)
4. shoelaces for me - i can probably find these in here but then again i haven't bought printed shoelaces up to this time and it's from che so yey to that.
5. bell timer for ronnie - from snow. since ronnie likes to cook, he'll probably make good use of this (methinks also).
6. bottled Starbucks strawberry frap - from che. this one's for the three (me, ronnie and snow) of us to share, complete with instructions on how to consume it at that (for 'bonding' purposes this is).
7. banana milk candy - also from che. supposedly for snow only because she loves bananas, then again it'll be too much for her so she'll be sharing this to us. :D

2007-10-21T21:32:00.000+08:00

I was chatting with an ex-officemate who's currently in japan right now about what happened last friday. What he said may be silly but is seriously true.

Condolence

2007-10-20T22:17:00.000+08:00

Last time a bomb incident happened somewhere in Makati, i was still working in that area. I remember how I didn't mind that the place we (me and my girlfriends) were meeting up were just near the scene. We still went on to have our annual Valentine's date.

With yesterday's incident, the fact that I wasn't anywhere near where it happened doesn't make me less affected though. It came as a shock when I learned that 3 of the 9 fatalities were people I know - people that I worked with. People that were my officemates before and could've been still my officemates now. :(

Sad news indeed, and I just can't help but feel angry as well to whoever is/are responsible to this (and to every other bombing incidents).

Down Time

2007-10-18T14:06:00.000+08:00

Second week today that I'm not doing anything in the office. I decided to create a list of the things that I can do instead.

1. Upload pictures to my multiply account. - This is actually pretty tiring. The uploading part isn't really troublesome. But the part where I have to decide which ones to not include and putting captions on each one, that takes most of my time. It took me a day to work on one album alone and i have 5 albums to work on. Thankfully I'm down to the fifth one today. *whew*

2. Create list for the upcoming Christmas season. - I will have to list down the people and what to give just so I can make sure I don't miss out on anyone.

3. Do my Christmas shopping. - When? Every now and then. I hope I get to do this before 3rd week of November because I'd rather be done with it even before December comes.

4. Catch up on my to-read list. - I have more than a couple of books that I didn't get to finish. What is wrong with me?! This year has got to be my most unproductive year (in terms of reading of course).

5. Finish pending series I said I'd watch. - So far, I am currently right on track for this one. And with the 3-day holiday next next week, yeah, I definitely will be able to accomplish this sooner than I thought. (i hope so!)

6. Update my blog layout. - Needs change (simple as that).

Not Just a Mistake

2007-10-12T22:09:00.001+08:00

People make mistakes. It's a common fact. Truth is, one reason why I decided not to take up medicine was because it was harder to commit mistakes when you're in the medical field.

The last time I left for HK was September 7. Days before that, my mom had cough already. Since I got back and up till now, her condition hasn't improved. Reason enough to have herself checked. Last Saturday, she had an x-ray at this certain hospital in Manila. She couldn't wait for the result so she asked my dad to just get it for her. As soon my dad got the result, he texted my mom of what was written on the piece of paper that accompanied the x-ray film. Next thing we know, me and my sister were greeted by a teary-eyed mom hours after to tell us that she has tuberculosis.

Both of us didn't take her seriously though. We weren't that alarmed because we thought that tb is not something that can't be cured. We can't say the same for our parents though.

We sent an sms to our physician aunt to inform her of the x-ray result just so we'd know if it really was tb. She said it was but she too, wasn't alarmed. She told my mom to have her phlegm examined for three days. Aside from this, sister told mom to go see a pulmonary doctor just to be sure.

Guess what. The three days examination of her phlegm proved to be clear of anything and last Tuesday, pulmonary doctor informed mom that she doesn't have tb and suggested that she can bring her x-ray film to the chief radiologist in another hospital to read it. You could just imagine how relieved my mom was. Still, she followed what the doctor suggested and apparently, according to the chief radiologist, there's no way my mom has tb.

When you think about it, there's nothing to discuss about anymore. At least my mom's ok, right? Then again, we wonder if the radiologist who read incorrectly may have read another person's x-ray film. What if that person should be the one to be treated instead? What if my mom didn't ask for a second opinion and just took whatever that was written? Maybe we can still take it sitting down now because it wasn't that life-threatening, but what if it had been worse?

I know we all make mistakes. Still, doesn't mean we shouldn't be careful that we do commit one.

One of the Boys

2007-10-05T17:20:00.000+08:00

I've been to HK three times this year. For those three times, I had only guy officemates to be with. I recently realized that the last time I went on a trip with (a) girl officemate(s) was last end quarter of the previous year.

Now, I'm used to hearing them talk about toys and games that I treat it as additional knowledge for me. I've acepted that I can't just drag them to go shopping with me anytime I want to because we all know how it is with guys and walking from store to store. I can't always act like a damsel when I'm with them, instead be the opposite (believe me, I try to. :p). I may not have some girl friend to share excitement with when I see something cute/pretty but at least I have someone to share talks with when it comes to japanese or chinese entertainment. I guess having guys as companions will always have its pros and cons. Bottomline is, I enjoyed spending time with them.

(Another thing that just dawned on me, three trips = three hairstyles :p)

Love Ko 'To

2007-09-06T17:15:00.001+08:00

When you're in Hongkong, most would probably prefer not to eat at fast food restos such as KFC or McDonald's because one would like to try out real food that HongKong has to offer. Right?

Wrong (speaking for myself).

It seems this thought was overshadowed ~~the last time~~ when I was in HK a couple of months ago. ~~I was~~ We were inside McDo almost like thrice a week (I stayed there for four weeks). Mainly because of:

1. Milo McFlurry. It. was. simply. addicting. Super yummy. Even at past 11 in the evening, I would ask ronnie to go with me to buy this one. It was that delicious, I tell you.

2. Hello Kitty and Friends Toys. There were 12 pieces all in all. Initially, I thought of getting only those characters that I liked. When I realized I got 10 out of the 12 already, ronnie bought the remaining 2 just so I'd have the complete set. ^_^ They're so cute.

So now, some of our bags look like these:

Ronnie's From Black and White to Colored Me

2007-09-06T12:15:00.001+08:00

Good Times

2007-09-01T21:54:00.000+08:00

August 23

I have never, for once, been one to attend meet-up events. But Thursday, 2 weeks ago, I found myself being one of the attendees of this blog party. What changed my mind? (1) it's a new experience for me, (2) it's good venue to bond with some of my officemates (went there with kenot, che, mon, jet, marhgil, and billy) and to see the faces behind some of the blogs that i read, and (3) there's free food. It was a fun night and I did enjoy myself. Adding fun was the photobooth (provided by cliquebooth) that offered no fees for photo ops, much to our group's delight :).

~ o 0 o ~ o 0 o ~ o 0 o ~ o 0 o ~ o 0 o ~ o 0 o

August 25-26

Ever since I got back from HK sometime first week of August, I haven't spent quality time with my family yet. Until two Saturdays ago that is. Sister and I visited our dentist for our teeth cleaning session, though we first dropped by the nearby salon to have our haircut (yes, i got tired of my hairstyle that i had it changed once again ^_^). Detour was at this new refreshment stand just across the said salon - called Nomimono, a japanese word that means "beverages". It's a must-try, ask my sister :D (we tried this Grape Juice with Aloe Jelly that reminded me of a similar drink that had aloe jelly as well from a certain mango dessert place in HK and another drink I forgot what because sister had it all to herself :p). Right after coming home, mom and I went to have our facial next.

The next day was family day and so after attending church service, we had lunch and then went straight to the supermarket (bonding moments with the family includes doing the grocery).

I wasn't able to bum around these two days but who's complaining? The day after was a holiday anyway, I still had the time to devote myself (although i wasn't able to chat with ronnie as much as i wanted :-s).

~ o 0 o ~ o 0 o ~ o 0 o ~ o 0 o ~ o 0 o ~ o 0 o

August 29

Aside from not spending time with my family, there's my friends whom I haven't seen for a while now. Vowing to myself that I'd see each one of them, I started with the one who's just near me. Met with carrots for dinner last Wednesday and I'm mighty glad we did as we had to do major catching up. I believe we both needed that time to see each other. And to say that I missed her is an understatement. Really. :-|

~ o 0 o ~ o 0 o ~ o 0 o ~ o 0 o ~ o 0 o ~ o 0 o

August30

August is Powerbooks month. From the time Powerbooks started having their annual sale, I've made it a point to take advantage of that. This time though, it seemed that I couldn't fit in my schedule to go to any of their branches. Good thing I finally decided to open this email that Powerbooks sent me (i kept on ignoring it for days already) before sending it to the trash folder. It's when I learned of this Book Fair event. As much as excitement was creeping in me, I had to compose myself and consider these 3 things: (1) when will this be? (2) where will it be held? (3) who'll go with me?

The flyer said it's at World Trade Center. Location's not a problem since it's not far from our office. Check on item 1.

Will happen from August 29-September 2, still according to the flyer. Works for me because I wanted to go on a weekday. Again check on item 2.

I told kenot of this hoping he'd agree to go with me and thankfully he said he's free anytime. Check on item 3 too!

Last Thursday, we headed to WTC and I, to use kenot's words: "felt like i was heaven". We may have left the office late (we only had less than an hour to wander around) but I went home with these:

Everyone Worth Knowing (Lauren Weisberger) - been a long time since I last read a chick lit
Saving Fish from Drowning (Amy Tan) - missed Amy Tan as well
My Sister's Keeper (Jodi Picoult) - sister wanted The Pact from this author but it wasn't available, I got this one instead
Play Dirty (Sandra Brown) - sister's request
Emotional Rollercoaster (Claudia Hammond) - nice book cover and title itself made me interested

As if it wasn't enough. The day after, soon after lunch, I asked my lunchmates (billy and kenot) if we could drop by Powerbooks for a minute. Was able to buy a couple more:

Noble House (James Clavell) - sister also wanted this one
Oh My Gosh! The Incredible Lightness of Being Burgis (April Timbol Yap) - the essays-sucker in me kicked in

I know there's still a pile of books waiting for me, but what the heck. Books are simply hard to resist, what more when they're discounted?

Living Up to My Nick

2007-08-29T18:14:00.000+08:00

I came across this certain person's blog a year ago. I liked what I read that I went over each of his entries.

I'm not feeling ok as of late and I knew that re-visiting his blog now won't help but I still did.

True enough, there was this entry that I liked so much, it made me want to cry.

There's nothing more saddening than seeing through a person who's trying to convince the people around him that he's ok when he's really not.

Japanese Treats

2007-08-28T18:42:00.000+08:00

I don't think I lead a healthy lifestyle. I don't get 8 hours of regular sleep or drink 8 glasses of water or exercise daily. Most of the time, I don't eat dinner anymore. I'm not into a well-balanced diet. Most importantly, I think I eat more sweets and junk foods than normal meals. It's not really something that I should be proud of and yes, I know I have to do something about it.

Anyway, one the things that I enjoy is to try out food places (restos or stalls, it doesn't matter). And I tend to be biased when it's a Japanese establishment.

I remember when I first read about Beard Papa's from Lucy Torres' article, I wondered how delicious those cream puffs were and wished that I'd live to see the day when I can have a piece of it as well (Lucy discovered these heavenly treats when she had a trip in Japan). Lo and behold, there opened a Beard Papa's store in the mall (SM North) just near our place. For a time, I was addicted to those puffs (and I am craving for one right now). Though I'm not much of a frequent buyer now than before, I'm still happy as a kid that they're available here. :D

On a related note, last June, while Ronnie and I were wandering inside Megamall, there was this mini-tarp that caught my attention. It showed that Bubble Tea store is now open (too bad their website is under construction). Unfortunately, we didn't have enough time to look for its location. :( Fast forward to sometime in July, my siobe told me of her drink discovery - yummy strawberry milk tea with tapioca. What do you know? It's one of the many milk teas available in Bubble Tea. Apparently, they also recently opened a branch at the mall near us once again (THe Block). And just last Saturday, sister and I dropped by to take out Royal Milk Tea, Japanese Green Milk Tea and Kiwi Green Tea - all of which were consumed in less than 15 minutes I think (supposedly it was for mom, me and siobe but mom just had a sip and so those three were left for us both. much to our delight of course :D). I loved the place. It had cute colors and nice interiors plus cool machines. I loved what we had (especially the royal milk tea because it reminded me of the milk teas in hongkong). I will have to go back (Ronnie has got to see it as well).

Speaking of which, I am reminded of the picture I took a month ago:

1. Meiji Milk Chocolate - that big one at the back came from ronnie as a surprise :)
2. Glico Pocky Decora - pasalubong from che, my friend officemate :D
3. Meiji Rich Strawberry - pasalubong from che and snow (batchmate and friend officemate as well)
4. Meiji Mariages - (behind Galbo) another pasalubong from che and snow(?)
5. Pocky Milk Flavor - pasalubong from carrots
6. Pocky Crush, Pocky Green Tea, Pocky Strawberry, Pocky White Chocolate, Meiji Galbo Mini - i bought in hongkong

^_^ Hmm, I wonder, what will my next obsession be?

sumisenti

2007-08-27T01:09:00.000+08:00

malalim na gabi

sad songs sa radyo

sari-saring palaisipan

natapos na naman ang isang araw

bukas

ganito kaya muli?

Thinking Aloud

2007-08-27T00:39:00.000+08:00

I used to be an avid fan of the series 7th Heaven, until I missed a few episodes and eventually lost track of the those i missed. There was this episode where Rev. Camden said something like "it's still better to be harmless than be helpful."

Kasi, oo nga naman, sometimes, even if have all the good intentions in us to help others, nakakasakit pa rin tayo. Minsan pa nga mas nagugulo pa natin yung situation. At least pag harmless ka, you avoid the possibility of hurting people. Pero, pag harmless ka, does that mean that you don't care at what goes on around you? It appears that you're just happy and contented doing your own thing. Which is something that I don't think people can really do because I believe nature na rin natin ang tumulong at ang pagnais na makatulong. Then again, I ask myself why do we help? What is it for us? Kelangan nga bang may mabenefit rin tayo? Ang naiisip ko minsan, somehow we have this ulterior motive: na we think and believe that not everyday is our day and if we help, baka pag tayo na ang mangangailangan, there'll be at least a single person to lend a hand. Question is, is it wrong to have that kind of thinking? I don't know. But that's what happens now. Proof of that is that we have this "utang na loob" concept. We help those who helped us one time or the other. It's a cycle.

But there's a much better scenario and it's one wherein someone performed a good deed for us and we, on our part do not wait for an opportunity para maibalik natin yun to the same person. Instead, help others who are in need hoping that they'd do the same ("pay it forward" concept).

Is that even possible?

Lesson for the Day

2007-08-26T23:30:00.000+08:00

*When all else fails, turn to your friends.

(*because i had to ask favors from friends just to get online today.)

kanina

2007-08-26T00:31:00.000+08:00

...nadaanan naming magkapatid yung paaralan namin nung elementary at high school. pati na rin yung simbahan kung saan kami nag-aattend ng Sunday service nung hindi pa kami quezon city residents.

namiss ko tuloy bigla

classmates kong bibo sa english classes, classmates kong makukulit sa chinese classes, mcdo bilang tambayan, pagpunta sa canteen kahit wala kong mabili, chikahan sessions habang nagpapalit ng p.e. uniform., scouting tuwing sabado, mag-uniform, kulitan bago magstart ang klase, paminsan-minsang pagccut ng classes, pagtambay sa kung saan saan after ng chinese classes (sa hagdan ng simbahan, sa tabi ni manong guard, sa tindahan ng pagkain o tindahan ng school supplies, sa room), aling nene na may-ari ng kinakainan namin tuwing tanghalian, school bus kung saan madalas kong antayin si kristine (best friend kong babae), araw-araw na pasahan ng sulat ng kaibigan, card-giving pagdating ng Christmas, pang-aalaska ng mga kaibigan kong lalaki, pag-decorate ng classroom kasama ni charmaine, pagiging class officer, hagikgikan habang may klase, pag-memorize ng chinese lessons ng d naiintindihan, worship service tuwing wednesday, discipline officers na naninita kapag sobrang haba ng skirt o d naka-pin ang i.d., best friend kong lalaki na si brian, paggawa ng script para sa skit, class presentations at Christmas contests/programs, admission slips na kelangang ipasa sa first day of class, panonood ng intrams para manlait este mang-cheer, chinese calligraphy na pahirap sa min nun, paggawa ng essays at book reports (akin at di akin), music lessons, short/long quizzes at final exams, reviewers, homeroom advisers

yan at marami pang iba.

haaay.

at bakit umuulan na naman kasi?

Life's Like A Play

2007-08-25T23:21:00.000+08:00

Life is short... or so they say. 'They' because I can't quite agree with them since life for me can never be short or long. It all depends on how we look at it and how we make of it. But if i'd have to choose between a short but colorful life and a long but ordinary life, i'd prefer the former. Colorful.... doesn't mean a life filled with utter bliss but the opposite. It's having been able to live the ups and downs of life and yet learning many valuable lessons.

The idea is for each and everyone of us to make the most out of what He has lent us. Since we know how time flies and that it won't wait for us to get our act together, we should

1. learn to set our priorities straight.
2. enjoy simple things.
3. do something worthwile and meaningful.
4. be more appreciative of the things and the people around us - to not take anything or anyone for granted.

In short, live life to the fullest - to seize the day and treat each day as if it the last day of our lives. Let's not be like those people who live day by day wandering around aimlessly, not knowing what to do, not knowing where to go. These are people who don't know what they want out of life that's why they see it as one big bore.

After all, as my title suggests, it matters not how long the action in a play is spun out, but how good the acting is.

Quote for the Day

2007-08-22T10:32:00.000+08:00

me: d ko lam kung mas tama na mag put off minsan pero, minsan ok din na enjoy ko na muna kesa mag isip
debz: agree.

Late Anniversary Post

2007-08-20T17:28:00.001+08:00

It was 5 years ago when I first came across a blog. At that time, the internet only meant this to me: a means for me to do research (I was still a college student back then), to chat (i used to frequent the irc) and to browse and post to PEx.

I had (and still have) the traditional notebook as a journal. I liked writing down my thoughts every now and then. And the internet offered me something that eventually made me start my own blog: that I am able to write my thoughts for not only myself to read while still be anonymous.

Having said that, it leads one to ask the most common question a blogger is asked: Why do you blog?

Why do I blog?

I blog because I want to remember events that transpired, feelings that i went through, lessons that I learned and people that matter. It's because as much as I want to believe that I could make someone out there feel that he or she isn't the only one in this world, I also want to believe that I am not the only one in this world (it helps ease the pain when you know you're not the only person going through something). It's because even if I do not want people to not know me well, there comes a point when I just want to let all my guards down and tell them that "hey, this is me" (then again, there's the question of how much of ourselves are we willing to expose?). There's that plain answer to the question: i blog just because.

These days there are too many different kinds of blogs: photo blogs, recipe blogs, tech blogs, travel blogs, and much more. Mine will probably remain as is, just a simple personal blog. For how long? I sure can't tell. Truth be told, I never really thought I'd be able to maintain this blog for such a long time. I always thought there would come a day when I would just tire of this and neglect it altogether. And for a time, I did feel like I wanted to erase everything from the net. Surprisingly, it's still alive and those people who started reading it, are still here, checking on it every once in a while (at least that's what I am led to believe haha :p).

It maybe five years of trivial posts for others, but it's been five years of unadulterated posts for me. :) More years of blogging? So long as I'm still enjoying it here, (to borrow from a chinese friend we know) sure... why not?

Missing Posts

2007-08-14T10:30:00.000+08:00

I owe something like a thousand and one entries in this blog.

I haven't written about:

1. marking my one year in this present company.
2. missing my girlfriends.
3. being addicted to the toy *howe gave me.
4. staying for a month in hongkong.

Those are just what's on top of my head and there are others still in between. I wish I can get my drive back on writing sensible entries soon.

Series Update

2007-06-18T16:42:00.000+08:00

~~Kyle XY~~
~~Brother Beat~~
~~Taiyou no Uta~~
~~Attention Please!~~
~~Heroes (i adore Hiro Nakamura <3)~~
Hana Yori Dango 1(not the anime)
~~1 Litre of Tears~~
~~Gokusen 1~~
House Season 3
Prison break Season 2
~~Grey's Anatomy Season 1 (will give it a try because some people are urging me to do so)~~
Veronica Mars Season 1 (i can't seem to continue watching this, but i will try to finish this one just because my sister said so)
*Hana Yori Dango 2
*Gokusen 2
*Grey's Anatomy 2

*additional

New Toy

2007-06-08T17:14:00.001+08:00

Santa just gave me this. :D

Random Thoughts

2007-05-28T15:27:00.000+08:00

Last night, i took a mental note of the things that i was supposed to do today.

My watch tells me it's 3:45 in the afternoon now.

i think of what i've accomplished so far.

none.

And here i thought i'd start the week right.

Then again, the day's not yet over.

~ o0o ~ o0o ~ o0o ~ o0o ~ o0o ~ o0o ~

i want a day of seclusion.

How Would You

2007-05-18T12:12:00.000+08:00

spend the last day of your life?

I don't know. Probably the same way as i do with the other days.

Kaya nga dapat live, love and learn as if there's no tomorrow na diba?

Catching Up on Series Watching

2007-04-11T11:20:00.001+08:00

Of the 5 non-working days, 4 days i spent at home just watching series (one day i spent at his house, watched Lilo & Stitch and The Guardian and tried playing Burnout 3).

Anyway, my Series List is as follows (mostly jdrama and hollywood):

~~Kyle XY~~
~~Brother Beat~~
~~Taiyou no Uta~~
~~Attention Please!~~
Heroes (i adore Hiro Nakamura <3)
Hana Yori Dango 1(not the anime)
1 Litre of Tears
Gokusen
House Season 3
Prison break Season 2
Grey's Anatomy Season 1 (will give it a try because some people are urging me to do so)
Veronica Mars Season 1 (i can't seem to continue watching this, but i will try to finish this one just because my sister said so)

Only after this (if i ever get to finish them) can i move to either watching those dvds waiting to be seen or those books waiting to be read.

24 hours a day is not enough, i tell you.

2007-04-02T19:18:00.000+08:00

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

March 23, 2004 Post

2007-03-27T12:28:00.000+08:00

Ask me what I fear the most and one probably won't hear the end of it.

one fear is that I won't have the right attitude when my faith is put to the test.

Some people has this notion that when problems arise or if they find themselves in a difficult situation, they'd think that it's a punishment for their wrongdoings. Although at times, He uses that to teach us a lesson, there are times when He allows bad things to happen because He wants His children to be closer to Him and to see if they will still on hold on to Him no matter what.

Apart from knowing this, I also know that I have to make Him the controller of my life (i.e. to give him the free rein) when I accepted Him as my Savior. It means that I surrender my everything to Him. Thus it scares me, that one day, He might test me and strip me off with everything that I have right now (just like He did to test Job, who proved his faith to Him was strong). I'm scared because I'm not too sure how I will react.

So what do I do? I pray, pray that I'd be like Job when that happens.

It's Been 4 Months

2007-03-23T09:48:00.000+08:00

since that day i decided to take the plunge.

and in those months, i wasn't only knowing another person, but also knowing myself better. :)

there'd been times when i compared how it was when i was still single. there'd been times when i wondered why we were having arguments. there'd been times when i'm stressing on little things when i shouldn't be in the first place.

but i guess all are but part of the process.

i'm learning and i'm happy & thankful it's him who's learning with me. :)

2007-03-16T09:51:00.000+08:00

When was the last time i last updated? Feels like years ago. :s

From Postsecret

2007-02-08T10:02:00.000+08:00

"Every single person has at least one secret that would break your heart. If we could just remember this, I think there would be a lot more compassion and tolerance in the world"

Concerned

2007-01-22T19:00:00.000+08:00

I think i'm worried and scared that i might disappoint those people that i love.

Lyric Person

2007-01-15T17:29:00.000+08:00

"I've got this theory that there is two kinds of people in the world, there are lyric people and music people. You know the lyric people tend to be analytical, you know, all about the meaning of the song, they are the ones you see with the CD insert out like 5 minutes after buying it pouring over the lyrics interpreting the hell out of everything, and then there is the music people, like Brooke, who could care less about the lyrics as long as its got a good beat and you could dance to it. I don't know sometimes it might be easier to be a music girl and not a lyric girl, but because I'm not let me just say this, sometimes things find you when you need them to find you, I believe that, and for me its usually song lyrics." - Peyton's Podcast

Long Time No Post

2007-01-10T11:35:00.000+08:00

So many things to write about that I don't know where to start.

1 Month and 3 Days

2006-12-12T10:22:00.000+08:00

Got my Starbucks planner today! :D

oo nga...

2006-11-29T15:49:00.000+08:00

sabi ni stephe:

"u finally found someone who u didnt push away"

Latest Starbucks Collage

2006-11-28T18:16:00.000+08:00

after a week

2006-11-01T12:30:00.000+08:00

i haven't had decent sleep since we arrived. on the average, we sleep around 2-4 in the morning regardless if it's a work day. during weeknights, we head out at around 8 in the evening. weekends, sometimes early in the day or sometimes afternoon already.

we might have work today (november 1) but last monday was holiday. decided to check out Lan Kwai Fong because officemate heard from her cousin that there'll be halloween celebration there. went there mostly to people watch and roam around.

last night, we were supposedly to have our rest day but because of an unexpected invite, we found ourselves at some bar in Wan Chai drinking the night away.

we planned our itinerary the first night (or was it second night) we came. but it seems we've been changing most of what's in it oftentimes which is actually good. great even!

can't believe our 13-days stay will be over in a few days.

Best Things

2006-10-31T03:42:00.000+08:00

Main advantage of going on a business trip is that you get paid to enjoy and shop, (unless of course you buy more than what your allowance permits you).

There are other perks as well, and one of them is that I get to go home late (early morning, that is) on a work day without my parents nagging me to come home already (just like now).

Anyway...

Happy Halloween!

pictures to be uploaded on multiply when i come back

Name Variations

2006-10-19T14:42:00.000+08:00

Everytime I order something from Starbucks, I tend to check my name's spelling. Its a hit and miss actually. Most of the time, they spell it incorrectly, and then there are times when they write a totally different name.

Just recently, I decided I'd take pictures as some sort of a collection. First installment is this.

cutest thing

2006-10-09T08:23:00.000+08:00

yahoo messenger for mac is so cute! i love it! :D

Happy For You

2006-10-04T10:40:00.000+08:00

To make a relationship work is itself not an easy task, all the more when both parties are at different sides of the world. Takes extra effort to do just that.

There are long distance relationships that do not work and there are those that do. And when LDRs succeed, it's always a blessing (basically, any relationship that is).

To you: Congratulations and regards to you both! >:D<

3 Days and Counting

2006-10-02T11:58:00.000+08:00

and a half actually.

Tuesday afternoon, lights went out in the office. Building has generator but not capable of supporting our computers. We were then allowed to leave office early (just in time because i was planning to go on an undertime to watch a movie).

Thursday was Milenyo day. Didn't go to work and boss eventually announced that there's no work.

On Friday, I was the earliest to come to the office only to find out that we still have no power (i was super shocked to see the sight - uprooted and toppled trees, fallen branches and twigs, crushed walls, etc on the way to the office because whole day thursday i was just inside my room, did nothing but sleep and review a little). By 10am, we were allowed to go already. Me and a friend decided not to go home yet so we trooped to the nearest mall. Wrong move as it was super hot in there. Oh well. At least we were able to kill time.

Today, we were all surprised to find out that power hasn't come back yet.

I wonder if tomorrow it's business as usual for us. We should probably be rejoicing because we get paid for days now without not really working. But then there's project schedule that we're trying to make it on time.

Lifehouse Prayers

2006-09-19T11:43:00.000+08:00

These are not just songs. They're prayers. My prayers.

Everything

Find Me Here
Speak To Me
I want to feel you
I need to hear you
You are the light
That's leading me
To the place where I find peace again.

You are the strength, that keeps me walking.
You are the hope, that keeps me trusting.
You are the light to my soul.
You are my purpose...you're everything.

How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?

You calm the storms, and you give me rest.
You hold me in your hands, you won't let me fall.
You steal my heart, and you take my breath away.
Would you take me in? Take me deeper now?

How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?

Cause you're all I want, You're all I need
You're everything,everything
You're all I want your all I need
You're everything, everything.
You're all I want you're all I need.
You're everything, everything
You're all I want you're all I need, you're everything, everything.

And How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?

How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?

Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o
Take Me Away

this time what I want is you
there is no one else
who can take your place
this time you burn me with your eyes
you see past all the lies
you take it all away
I've seen it all
and it's never enough
it keeps leaving me needing you

take me away
take me away
I've got nothing left to say
just take me away

I try to make my way to you
but still I feel so lost
I don't know what else I can do
I've seen it all
and it's never enough
it keeps leaving me needing you

take me away
take me away
I've got nothing left to say
just take me away

don't give up on me yet
don't forget who I am
I know I'm not there yet
but don't let
me stay here alone

this time what I want is you
there is no one else
who can take your place
I've seen enough and it's never enough
it keeps leaving me needing you

take me away
take me away
I've got nothing left to say
just take me away

take me away
take me away
I've got nothing left to say
just take me away

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o
It makes me both happy and sad that no matter how many times I hurt Him, He's just there to welcome me with open arms.
I may fall into a pit of emotional burden. But I will always, always be rescued by the assurance that there is this God who will never never leave me.

reminder

2006-09-19T11:28:00.000+08:00

For the nth time, I am reposting this. Not for anybody but for me to server as a reminder. So that whenever I backread, I get to stumble on this and knock some sense to me.

journal entry last August 26, 2001 (12:46pm)

I find myself lost once again. I've let my world be the materialistic world that we are living in, drawn in the happiness that is temporal, brought by the accumulation of material things. I've forgotten once again of Him. I may remember and give a short prayer only when I'm about to embark on something I'm not too sure where it would lead me. After I have safely landed to that place or after I've successfully done what I'm supposed to do, I completely forget Him as well as to say a thank you prayer, assuming that it was I who made that "thing" be possible. I've become engulfed with the problems of other people, giving them more time than Him. I'd think about my problems, the loneliness and emptiness I feel, the wish that I have (which I think will never be granted) hoping that there will be someone to listen to me and understand me. But I keep forgetting the fact that I can always always turn to Him.

Maybe it is time. It's time that I find my way back to Him. Even if it's step by step, slowly but surely. Maybe I've become complacent of the fact that He has always been there for me that I've always taken Him for granted. Maybe I have to reassess my relationship with Him and how am I doing as His child. Maybe I should be more focused on the idea that He would be coming soon and that I would want to be ready to face Him on that day.

I know I might once again get lost while I find my way back to Him but I know He won't leave me. He won't let me go astray totally just like what He did to the lost sheep. I know He loves me and I know He will always. I know He understands me and feels for me. I know He is sad and crying just seeing me like this. I know He is happy at the same time because I realized I am drifting away from Him and I want to do something about it. I know it won't be long when I'll meet Him face to face and live with Him for eternity. I know He knows I am thankful for all the blessings He has continuously showered me. I know He knows I love Him.

With that, I am ready to walk with Him again.

getting tired

2006-09-12T15:47:00.000+08:00

emotionally.

things are slowly eating me up. i'm not sure for how long i can wear this mask. sigh.

i really have to get a grip on myself.

Revisiting An Old Blog

2006-09-09T00:37:00.000+08:00

I've been backreading and stumbled on these posts. Some things never change:

Aug. 5, 2003
Umuulan na naman. Parang alam ng mga ulap na nalulungkot ako... na gusto kong umiyak.

Ayoko 'pag umuulan. Siguro, ayoko yung pakiramdam na parang nakikiramay ang ulap sa akin.

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o

Untitled I
There are things we believed
when we were young and naive
things we thought were real

years pass...

we realized they were
nothing but make believe
they are the things
that made us what we are today...
skeptical...
jaded...

Aug. 6, 2003
scared

I know i want to move on, break away from the past and to let go of things that are holding me back from doing so.

But I'm afraid that if I do, i might stop remembering and eventually forget.

And I don't wanna forget especially now that memories are all i have.

Aug. 7, 2003
Minsan iniisip ko, bakit ba ko nagsusulat?

Sa dami ng journals na sinusulatan ko, para namang ang dami kong pwedeng isulat. Pakiramdam ko tuloy, trying hard ako. Nagpipilit maging manunulat. Hindi naman.

Minsan makakabasa ka ng mga sulat ng iba, ang gaganda, ang gagaling. Nakaka-insecure tuloy.

E ba't nga ba ko nagsusulat? Hindi naman dahil may gusto akong patunayan sa mundo. Kundi dahil baka mawalan na talaga ako ng bait kung hindi. Kumbaga, it's one thing that keeps me sane. Nagsusulat ako kasi pakiramdam ko mas maiintindihan ako ng tao, mas maiintindihan ko sarili ko.

Ewan. San ba patungo itong sinusulat ko?

2006-09-05T18:13:00.000+08:00

"People like talking about people. Makes us feel superior. Makes us feel in control. And sometimes, for some people, knowing some things makes them care." - House (House Season 1)

"Well, we're all wounded. We carry our wounds around with us through life and eventually they kill us. Things happen that leave a mark in space, in time. In us." - Brenda (Six Feet Under Season 1)

random musings

2006-09-05T11:00:00.000+08:00

i think it was friday night when i spent hours just looking up at the stars. it's been ages since i last did this. reminded me though of how i'd use to look for the first star i see so that i could make a wish. last night, i was hoping i could catch one, but it rained so there. :(

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o

i got to spend time with the girls last saturday which made me both happy and sad. happy because spending time with them always equates to laughter and chikahan. then days after, i realized things aren't as before and it looks like it'll again change. when ja got married and had kids, we understood well enough that she wouldn't be able to go out with us as much as she used to. now, angge has plans of trying it out in singapore. leaves us to only 3. sigh.

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o

i wonder if we can only write our own love story and make them happpen, would it be better? or easier? i think i subconsciously has written my own and i'm probably dreaming that i can make it happen.

Weeklong Update Part 5 (and the last!)

2006-08-31T09:56:00.000+08:00

aug. 11 - back to manila office. had to because there was a meeting scheduled. other than that, i guess we still had that hk hang over. and although i really lacked sleep, i wasn't allowed the opportunity to hit the sack early because i still had to unpack and pack again. slept at 2 in the morning.

aug. 12 - with only 3 hours of sleep, i was off to the office to meet with the rest of the people (i was actually the last person to arrive haha). it was around 10am when we got to cavite. walked around before having lunch. activities afterwards and then swimming (i preferred the beach over the swimming pool). showered and then dinner. walked around and bonding moments followed by the infamous drinking session.

aug. 13 - woke up at 5 in the morning hoping to catch the sunset and walk alone. unfortunately for me, it was raining that time. waited till 6 for the rain to stop but it looked like it won't so i just decided to go back to sleep. woke up again in time for breakfast. breakfast was filled with the drinking session shame stories. another set of activities for us and then back to swimming and banana boat riding (insert funny incidents here). lunch followed and then we had to shower and get ready to leave the place. 5pm we're back at the office lobby and ready to take a rest.

it was such a super hectic week (prior to this week, we've also been going home late) but i couldn't complain cause i had such a wonderful time (still am). :D

IOU

2006-08-29T16:05:00.000+08:00

1. haven't finished my weeklong updates. sometime this week, promise. [edit]- done last week! finally. :p[/edit]

2. haven't replied to a few people. will get to it, this week also (probably). [edit]- mission accomplished just now. and i hope i make someone smile, too. :) [/edit]

3. haven't taken the powerbooks sale opportunity and i only have very few days left. [edit]- remind me to grab the opportunity of a month-long sale early. i went to two different branches on different occasions last week (29th and 30th) and everything i was looking for were already out of stock. pfft! anyway, i managed to get that perks of being a wallflower book though and some other (for my siobe as well) :)[/edit]

[edited 11:39am, 090506]

Weeklong Update Part 4

2006-08-24T15:24:00.000+08:00

aug. 10 - unlike the previous days, we decided to have our breakfast outside the flat thus we got ready earlier than usual. around 8, we were at kfc ordering their breakfast meal (how come ours don't?). looked like our team leader had been having his breakfast there and was surprised to see us up early LOL. anyway, reported for work for 3 hours only because today was our last day. and since it was our last day... we had to do last minute shopping also even if we don't have our lunch anymore. us 3 girls agreed that we'd meet the others at 2:30 to catch our bus ride going to the airport. guess what? it was already 2:20, and we're still going around the shops in island resort! lol. by the time we got to our meeting place, we saw our team leader's hands on his waist with matching shaking of his head. LOL at the airport, what to do but still look around, right? our flight got delayed and we didn't know why. we were just there enjoying sitting, clueless that there has been something going on. flight was much better. met with jun and wee who fetched me from the airport :) and then slept late (what else is new?)

1.KFC 2.Breakfast Meal - 3 Pieces of pancakes, Omelette, Chicken, Coffee 3.Last Look 4.Swimming Pool We Never Got Around to Take a Dip 5.Trash Bin that Had Filipino Instructions (look closer) 6.Really Cute Store 7.Last Minute Shopping Still 8.The Only Incorrect Screen Among the Counters 9.Our Hand-carries (taking pride that we know how to pack! lol)

Weeklong Update Part 3

2006-08-23T11:42:00.000+08:00

aug. 9 - because we went to sleep really late, i couldn't bring myself to wake up the same time as the previous days. ended up to be the first one to wake up (*is proud*). went to the office to attend a short meeting, and that was it. spent most of the day doing nothing there hehe (was kinda surprising that i wasn't sleepy the whole day, considering i only had 2 hours of sleep). for lunch, we went to One restaurant inside island resort. it was our last night there so we wanted to cover two places and as much as possible ride their other mode of transportations. we were a bit worried though because it looked as if it was going to rain. nevertheless, decided to head to tsim sha tsui first by taking the ferry. at tst, we gave ourselves only an hour to go around harbour center mall because we were to go to our 2nd destination: mongkok. took the mtr on the way there. once we set foot, we heeded to the call of our tummies. it was already 10 in the evening when we had our dinner (at Eat Together haha). after that, it was the Ladies' Market that we checked out. again, like the previous nights, they were about to close stalls already. walked around nathan road while we find our way to the bus stop that would lead us back to our flat. caught sight of the specific bus just as the rain started to fall. unluckily for us, even if we were already running, we weren't able to catch it. luckily also, we waited for a few more minutes and lo, another bus came (we were worried there won't be any of that bus that would pass by and we'll have to take a cab). got back to our flat past 1. slept at almost 3am eventhough i know we'll have to wake up early.

1. Day 3 Lunch - Beef Brisket Noodles 2. Day 3 Lunch - Shrimp Dumplings 3. At the Office (Chatting lol) 4. Ferry Sign to TST 5. City Sights While Onboard the Ferry 6. HRC at TST 7. Street Directions at TST 8. MTR Going to Mongkok 9. Mongkok 10. Where We Had Our Late Dinner 11. Yummy Dinner - Noodles, Porkchop, Dumplings, Soya (for me) and Milk Tea (for snow) 12. Ladies Market 13. Nathan Road

Weeklong Update Part 2

2006-08-16T18:03:00.000+08:00

aug. 8 - same as the previous day, still woke up at around the same time. continued our training session. had lunch back at island resort and had individual orders for a change(at Steak Expert this time). after training, i attended a meeting for a few minutes before leaving the office. our destination: causeway bay. so many people around and in every shop you'll see this SALE word plastered. after checking out a few stores (and it took us hours to do this), we checked out this dessert place that offered nothing but mango. went inside Times Square mall and unfortunately, some of the stores were already closed. and again, just like yesterday, we left just when all the stores were closed. there was this street food stall where we had to first try what it had to offer before deciding to call it a night (well, almost). got back to our flat at 12 midnight. later than the previous day but less tired (maybe because we didn't do as much walking). spent hours of talking that we didn't realize it was already 5am.

1. Steak Expert's Dining Utensils are Packed :), 2. Day 2 Lunch - Set Meal (costs 30 something hkd) Includes Bread and, 3. Soup (cream Soup - if i remember it right) and a Drink of Your Choice (Milk Tea shown) and, 4. The Main Course A - Hawaiian Pork something (Snow's order), 5. The Main Course B - Spareribs something (Che's order), 6. The Main Course C - Chicken something (mine), 7. Mango Pudding Store in Causeway Bay (people swarmed this place), 8. Menu, 9. What We Ordered: Mango Pudding with Bird's Nest for 33hkd. Definitely Recommended!!!, 10. Times Square Facade, 11. Streetfood Stall, 12. Coming Back to our Flat (bus terminal at island resort)

Weeklong Update Part 1

2006-08-15T15:47:00.000+08:00

I can't believe it's just only a week that went by. Anyway...

aug. 6 - we arrived at hk airport around 4 in the afternoon (kinda got scared during the plane ride because we were almost bouncing in the air). from the airport, it took us almost 2 hours before we got to siu sai wan where we were to stay (island resort hotel). wasn't a least bit tiring because it took us only one bus ride to get there. went straight to tower 5, 39C. Left our luggage to go around the building and do a quick stop at the grocery. [The place where we stayed was a one-stop shop. it had restos, clothes stores, home stores (japan home), grocery and convenience stores (parknshop, circle k, 7-11), basically, you don't have to go outside for the things you need!]. Going back to our flat, we decided to just stay there and... clean up the place! (imagine that). we were left tired but we still ended up sleeping at 2am.

1. Near HK, 2. HK Airport's Visitors' Brochures, 3. A12 Bus Ticket Going to Siu Sai Wan, 4. Double Decker Buses, 5. Island Resort at Night, 6. Island Resort in the Morning, 7. View from our Flat At Night, 8. Cute Trinkets Store at the First Floor, 9. Kawaii Store on the 2nd(?) Floor, 10.Signage

aug. 7 - woke up at around 6 in the morning. took a bath, had breakfast, prepared stuff for work, and then by 8:45, we left our flat. our office was just a mere 10-15 minutes walk (so convenient!). so on with the training. the whole morning we tried hard not to fall asleep while we listen to "portlet" sounding like "porkleg" and other funny sounding words. lunch time, we went back to island resort to eat at Maxim's. it was such a good thing that all three of us girls were dieting that we came up with the plan of sharing whatever we order (their food serving was HUGE! i wouldn't be able to finish it on my own, seriously). that way we get to divide our food expenses and still try out the food. back to the training after lunch. lecture wasn't really that bad because there was this cute guy who were also with us (he was wearing a pink long sleeved shirt and pulled it off well <3). us three girls were really hoping we won't extend till 6pm so that we could make gala already. Fortunately for us, we were dismissed by that time. Aside from that, our project leader allowed us not to attend a meeting with him :) We decided to head to the Peak Tower and to the Wax Museum. Stayed there till shops were almost closing. Walked around while we looked for the bus that was supposed to take us to our place. Arrived home still early (around 11pm). Rested, showered and stayed up till again 2am just staring stories.

1. Our Training Manual, 2. Day 1 Lunch at Maxim's - Spicy Ramen (around 28hkd), 3. Day 1 Lunch at Maxim's - Chicken something and Rice (Lemon Tea not shown), 4. On the Way to Admiralty, 5. Street Directions (On the Way to the Peak), 6. Peak Tram, 7. One of the Wax Personalities - Andy Lau (looked real!), 8. Another Wax Personality - Einstein, 9. Hongkong Skyline - View from the Peak, 10. Gelato Just Before Heading Home, 11. Another View of the Gelato Store, 12. What We Had - Black Sticky Rice, costs 22hkd for one scoop (really yummy! the guy from the store even let us had taste test first and it seemed he didn't give us only 1 scoop too).

Home Again

2006-08-11T16:05:00.000+08:00

5 days of the supposed OB trip was a blast!

I will have to post the day-to-day or summarized update some time next week though. The same goes with the uploading of the pics (500+ in all!).

Things Looking Up

2006-08-05T14:24:00.000+08:00

The sun's been smiling the past few days, enough reason for me to feel better.

This week had been fun (except Monday when I posted my last entry). I met with people I haven't been seeing for a month or two. I'm enjoying my friends company at work. I got hold of the complete season 2 of House (i can't wait to watch each ep). Just when I was thinking of buying a flash disk, someone just gave me one. Friend lent me her cousin's Mandarin textbooks (way helpful than the phrasebook i bought). I learned of other features of my mobile phone. It's Powerbooks' anniversary sale once again. Most important of all, I think I'm actually getting my groove back! :)

Feeling Blah

2006-07-31T11:46:00.000+08:00

It's been what? The 2nd or 3rd week that had rainy mondays? It sucks especially because I hate the rain.

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o

It's final. I have cancelled the trip to Cebu. End of discussion. I don't want to talk about it anymore. (I think this'll be the first time I'm going out of the country not at all excited).

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o

Really feeling super crappy. I must be pms-ing.

saturday numbers

2006-07-17T17:10:00.000+08:00

6 food items (gluttony during weekends you see):

1. mom's kiam pung
2. fuits in ice cream (green tea!)
3. cellos' doughnuts (they're having an anniv promo)
4. floring's pancit and bbq
5. breadtalk
6. italiannis' ravioli and chocolate cake

5 places:

1. home
2. UP
3. katipunan
4. gateway
5. shopwise

4 activities:

1. tambay at UP
2. window shopped
3. watched Pirates and Initial D (again :p)
4. food trip

3 people:

1. mom
2. siobe
3. cousin

2 little annoyances:

1. long line at the ticket booth
2. too many people at the mall

1 word to describe:

1. enjoyable

call me shirley, and i'm a geek

2006-07-10T09:44:00.000+08:00

at the mrt station, instead of asking my friend if he already has a stored-value card, i asked him: "may stored procedure ka na?"

inside national bookstore, there was this young boy near me and my sister. he wasn't really staring but he kept looking. when maybe he couldn't keep it any longer, he asked, "shirley? kaw ba si shirley sa series?" huh? i just smiled at him while we went on our way. then sister asked: "shirley who kaya? shirley fuentes?" LOL

Hair Talk

2006-06-30T16:55:00.000+08:00

I got my hair permed December last year which means, my hair's been this way for the last 6 months. I didn't think my curls would stay for long considering I have "bagsak" hair.

But it's ok. I'm still pretty happy with it.

I haven't actually "discussed" the reasons behind the perm, so here goes (according to their importance):

1. out of boredom - i don't remember exactly when i started to pick on my hair whenever i felt restless. there was just this time when i looked at the mirror and saw that i needed a new look. i wasn't sure what i wanted with my hair overall so i had to settle for the bangs first which i cut on my own. while i was working on it, i knew it could either be good or bad. but i've gotten confident with how i look that i don't really care anymore. if it turned out bad, i could probably pull off something to remedy it. but it turned out ok, thats why i still have my bangs up to this time. (sometimes i go for fringes too). and then one day, i realized it's all getting pretty boring once again and so i listed my other alternatives. one of which was to have my straight hair be permed.

2. because they told me not to - as early as middle of last year, some people knew that i wanted to have curls. most of them told me to not go through with it. their common retort was: "sayang yung buhok mo, ang straight straight pa man din". i understand where they're probably coming from. they must be just worried that the chemicals might damage my hair. but i guess some of them just prefer straight hair, simple as that. but you know me...

3. i wanted to prove a point (it's not something i just wanted because curls are in) - that it doesn't matter whether you have straight or curly hair to look good. we were brought up with this idea that having straight hair is nicer (just look at all the shampoo commercials out there, would you?). same reason why we can't blame girls that are bent on having their hair straightened (be careful of the chemicals too). if you've got straight hair, well and good. if you don't, hey, who said it's such a bad thing? why you can still wear a handband, or a clip, or tie it in a ponytail (half-up/half-down or cheerleader or sleek or even pigtails). it's just about being contented and knowing how to make things work with what you have. so yes, when people ask: "bakit ka nagpakulot? sayang." i reply: "bakit? maganda nga kulot e."

I think I'll stick with this till the year ends.

On second thought....

Who knows? I might be bored sooner than that.

...

2006-06-27T16:29:00.000+08:00

yesterday, an ex-officemate texted me with this: "starbucks tayo! antok ako!"

today, another ex-officemate instant messaged me with: "merienda tayo, mcdo"

ooook.

i smell some sort of connivance here. they didn't have a talk or something, did they?

or maybe they miss me (cause normally i'm the one to invite them for these "quick" breaks)

will have to meet with them soon.

speaking of starbucks, someone asked me what i usually order.

actually, it depends on the time of day.

mornings, it's either caramel macchiato or white mocha.

onwards, it could be: green tea frap or coffee jelly or mocha frap or tazo tea. i used to be a rhumba frap addict but they took it out. apparently, it's made a comeback, as java chip frap now :)

Dance-off

2006-06-26T12:33:00.000+08:00

The concept of Shall We Dance on local tv's abc-5 is not new because there's a Dancing with the Stars show in the US.

Nevertheless, I've been a viewer of this show since it first aired (thanks to my dad who insisted that we try watching it). It was actually a welcome change from the tv shows that are available from local tv channels.

Then comes a new show on one of the top tv networks. We saw the first episode and didn't quite like it. But we again saw the second and third (last night's) thinking maybe it will get better. Besides, we wanted to see the celebrity dancers (as to how good were they)

I'm sorry but last night as I was switching channels (it was SWD's championship night), I realized that I prefer SWD much much better.

First, there are the hosts. I think UCD's hosts are trying hard. Female host can probably dance but I think there are other personalities who can do the job better - dance and most importantly, host. Both male co-hosts of SWD and UCD aren't really dancers, but Dominic is funnier.

Second, the judges. One has to listen to the comments of the judges from SWD and UCD and you'll know what i mean. (Maribeth used to judge in SWD but was replaced by Regine Tolentino later on, probably because maribeth chose UCD. But regine's a good judge, imho.) They provide better insights and advices unlike the other show's. An example was last night's comment by ms. tanga queen: "ang napansin ko lang, sumasabay kang kumanta habang sumasayaw. pero aside from that, maganda naman." Excuse me but am I the only one who didn't get what she wanted to say? Was it good or bad that she was singing along while dancing? It doesn't help that my dad always comments that jhong is a jamie king wanna-be (i miss dance fever and jamie king!) but i don't really agree with him though.

Third, SWD's concept is clear and straightforward - it is a ballroom dance competition show. The other one? I'm not so sure (include the judging criteria as well).

Fourth, it seems that the celebrity dancers of UCD are limited to their own talents (for sure) which is why SWD has the edge because they can invite talents from both networks. And SWD has invited even basketball players as contestants too.

Fifth, the show's stage is more serious-looking. Whenever I watch UCD, it's like I'm watching a noon time variety show. :S

I therefore conclude that SWD will still get my interest during Sunday evenings.

first step

2006-06-25T17:52:00.000+08:00

I knew it was coming. I just didn’t know when exactly. True enough, around the 2nd week of June, I finally heard myself ask “what happened to you?” Still, I did what I thought was best at that time – ignore it.

Days went by but the question hounded me, thus this post. But even if friends already asked about it, I continued to avoid it as much as I could.

Up until Thursday last week, that is.

On Thursday he asked me: why was there a “what happened to you” question in the first place?

It’s because I haven’t been doing anything for the past few months. I haven’t been reading, I haven’t been writing, I haven’t been studying, I haven’t been working, oh you get the drift.

The last time I read a book was I think around March. There were days when I realized this and so one day, I decided to get one novel from my huge pile of to books waiting to be read. And how far did I go with it? Not even to the first page, because all I did was just bring it inside my room and put it on my night table.

My last entry in my actual journal was April 22. It feels like ages since I wrote a decent entry in this blog as well. I want to write but when I’m about to do it, I just think, “oh nevermind”.

In short, I seem to be unmindful of the things that I normally enjoy doing. Most of the days, I find myself just wasting my time away: sitting and watching tv.

It’s as if I don’t want to do anything anymore.

He further asks: Why? Why won’t you want to do anything anymore?

I really do not know. It’s actually weird. It’s like I’m only existing and not living my life the way I want to live it. I feel like I’ve lost my drive.

He insists that there must be a reason why I’m like this so he asks: Since when did you start losing track of yourself?

Probably around March. Same time that I suddenly found myself not tied up with work. When it seemed like I had more time to do other things. Which is again why I find it weird. Before when it seemed that a single day isn’t enough for everything I wanted to be done, I felt alive. Now, when I have all the time to do just those, I’m restless.

Wait!

Maybe it’s that! Maybe it’s because I usually am more active when I know that I have to manage my time if I want to do all the other things that I wanted to do. Maybe now that there are lesser stuff to keep my hands full, the more I get to feel complacent.

Yes, I believe that’s it. It’s part of me being weird. Like how it is when I get 8 hours of sleep. Instead of feeling well-rested, I spend the day more sleepy. Unlike when I get only 3 or 4 hours of sleep, I am more hyper-active (not meant to be taken literally).

So now, I’ve resolved the issue. I’ve taken the first step of finding myself. But for me to actually look for me, I will wait a few more days or weeks probably. I think I’ll enjoy my present catatonic state for now.

tagal naman

2006-06-20T11:50:00.000+08:00

mag june 25

gusto ko na mapanood high school musical!

questions and answers

2006-06-17T15:50:00.000+08:00

The Who's

Who is in the house with you? - depends when. mons to thurs - only dad, fris to suns - whole family (with cousin)
Who was the last person to IM you? - snow
Who are you thinking about now? - no one
Who did you last talk to on the phone? - dad
Who's house did you last go to? - house in manila
Who do you sit next to in your 2nd period class? - can't remember anymore
Who is you favorite teacher? - i have many favorite teachers
Who's birthday is next? - stephe and debz
Who do you wish you were with right now? - no one
Who's you favorite relative? - my cousins (mom's side)
Who gets on your nerves the most from your school? - won't mention names here

The What's

What was the last thing you ate? - famous amos chips
What was the last thing you drank? - water
What color pants are you wearing? - not wearing pants right now
What kind of cell phone do you have? - an asus clamshell phone
What is the closest item near you that is blue? - my sister's dermatograph holder
What do you like about school? - a lot! allowance, hang-outs (before/after/during class), extra-curricular activities
What is your gender preference (guy or girl)? - guy
What are you wearing on your feet? - slippers
What instant messaging service do you use? - ym, msn, jabber, gtalk
What is your favorite color? - blue, pink and white
What is your screen name? - depends
What is your most used away message? - none... just 'away' or 'idle'
What is your favorite website? - pex
What is your favorite shoe brand? - celine
What do you wear more? - smart casual clothes (i have to)
What is the last movie watched? - my brother (korean movie)
What song do you currently hear? - anticipation (mandy moore's)

The When's

When did everyone become obsessed with myspace? - i'm not sure... around the same time everyone became obseesed with friendster?
When did you start school? - 1986?
When did you meet your current best friend? - 1995
When is your birthday? - march
When did you last go to the mall? - thursday night
When did you last buy a new pair of pants? - last sunday
When did you last burn a candle? - last november (i think)
When were you last at school? - december 2004
When did you last see your dad? - last night

The Where's:

Where do you go to school? - not go but went, dlsu
Where do you live? - manila on weekdays, novaliches on weekends
Where is your phone? - inside my room, battery's dead
Where are your parents? - mom's downstairs, dad's at work
Where do you sleep? - inside my room
Where do you shop the most? - the most? no specific mall...
Where did you get the shirt you're wearing? - hmm mom made it
Where did you last take a car ride to? - un ave.

The Why's

Why are you taking this survey? - because i want to
Why do you have a xanga? - i don't have one
Why did you pick your myspace user name? - cause it's what i normally use
Why are people labeled (like emo, goth, prep etc.)? - because people like to label people
Why is wood brown? - cause that's how God made wood to be
Why do the people on the news repeat the same stuff over & over? - cause the root of the problem doesn't get solved

Cool off

2006-06-16T10:58:00.000+08:00

how we met: months ago, sister kept blabbing about this new series. told me to catch an episode because it was really a must-see. the stubborn me wouldn't listen of course.

during a rare occasion, few friends dropped by the house sometime in march and sister was talking with one of them about this series no less. while sister is still in the first few episodes, friend here has 'finished' the series.

still, i wasn't into watching it because i am not a fan of this type of series (i wasn't into Alias, 24, and even Lost).

one saturday evening though, i (plus dad) had no choice but to sit with my sister watching this (she missed the tuesday schedule so she needed the replay).

right then and there, we understood what sister had been telling us.

current situation: every week, me and dad looked forward to Tuesdays (and dad's not into tv shows before). but then it looked like crime/suspense will not be finishing the whole season 1 anytime soon. fortunately, dad got a copy of the last 9 episodes and we finally saw the cliffhanger ending of season 1 last weekend.

i'm in a rollercoaster of emotions. i should be happy for some of them, but i can't help but feel that they weren't worthy of what happened to them. i am sad and still hoping that some of the things aren't what they seem. i am wondering - what happened to the others?

i'm having withdrawal symptoms. i wish it wasn't a series or that there'd be no season 2 anymore. that way, i won't have to be anxiously waiting for what will happen next. it looks like i'm even going to wait for a while because season 2 will start airing in the states on august.

while i wait, i decided to finally give Lost a try. we tried watching it last weekend and although i'm still not a fan, we're going to finish all season 1 this weekend hopefully.

where am i?

2006-06-14T18:29:00.000+08:00

i think i've lost me.

First Day High

2006-06-06T10:17:00.000+08:00

parang first day of school ko talaga kahapon. iba't ibang 'variation' ng pagkakamusta ang natanggap ko (na ikinatutuwa ko naman).

it was a good first day i'd say.

like i told carrots, it was a breeze commuting to and from the office. it was really this commuting thing that i was pretty concerned about. but it's all good.

and since there were two people i know already, i didn't really feel like such a newbie.

although it got delayed, i had my pc set up by afternoon. because i'm still waiting for my accounts, i've still no task to keep me really occupied.

ayun, ayos naman. :)

sunset/[almost]sunrise

2006-06-01T19:14:00.000+08:00

taking time off

2006-06-01T18:46:00.000+08:00

the week's almost about to be over. i feel like a week off from work is insufficient. maybe i should have opted for a two-weeks break neh?

anyway, i've been busy the past days. i haven't had the time to really bum.

friday night - met a few people to say goodbye before proceeding to meet carrots and ton at waltermart for xmen3 (i didn't know there was a cinema in waltermart!). movie was ho-hum. i still liked it though but not as much as x2. stayed overnight at carrot's place.

saturday - woke up really early for the zambales trip. it was actually joy and her officemates outing, but because makapal ako and i badly wanted to at least enjoy the summer, i tagged along. we had lots of stop-overs before we got to the resort and when we finally arrived at the place, it looked like it was going to rain already. it did rain and there went my hope na umitim.

sunday - again woke up early because of the strong wind. it was such a good moment to pass up and since i wanted to wait for the sunrise, i decided to get up from the bed already. took a long walk and almost everyone didn't want to take a swim anymore, good thing may isang gusto rin magpaitim. (i did get dark cause there are tan lines but according to carrots, konti lang oh well). and then it was time to head home. still, there were stop-overs once again. [to those who know of my multiply account, picture are there ;)]

monday - helped inside the house. i also did the laundry (mostly clothes i brought with me).

tuesday - even if my body's kind of aching, i still went to do household chores. cleaned the aquarium with my sister, which felt like a major workout for us.

wednesday - woke up early because we wanted to be at the sss office really early. then went to makati to do three things: drop by the office to get my coe, pig out with my mom and sister, and shop.

thursday - cleaned and organized my stuff.

hopefully tomorrow, i can just eat, sleep and watch tv.

spectator

2006-05-30T19:00:00.000+08:00

a chapter ends

another one awaits