Tried and Tested

Finally!

2012-01-05T22:07:00.001+08:00

I don't know how to contain my happiness when I finally got in Cebu Pacific's website and booked our tickets for Laoag. My college barkada has been planning for this Ilocandia trip for so long and although some of us won't be able to join, I'm glad that majority of us could make the trip. Unfortunately though, I only got to book tickets to Laoag, as the return ticket is waaay out of our budget and what is left in my credit card. We'll probably figure out by the coming days how we'll get back to Manila.

Personally, being able to book the trip motivates me to think that I'll be able to finish my 2012 To-Do list. It seems like everything has been working out as planned and this year looks bright. I'm still keeping my fingers crossed for the others, especially the out of the country trips as I don't want to spoil them that much. If it happens, then good, if it doesn't well, the world ends by December 2012 so, I guess no more chances?

I'm excited to plan the itinerary for the group as I have been pushing them for this trip. Laoag and Vigan are two of my must visits in the country. As Apol would often say, she can already die once she sees the windmills in Ilocos. Ilocandia is my Cebu of 2012 (although I would love to go back to Cebu again this year, Cebu is my Baguio of 2011). I've never been this excited, although my friends, no matter how smart they are, are logistically inept, save maybe for Cha, Mon, and Apol (sometimes).

Ah, I don't know. January 5, you make my dreams come true!

Ten Things to Remember and One Thing to Never Forget

2011-12-31T01:56:00.003+08:00

We're already less than 24 hours away from 2012 and I guess a lot of people have already done their year-end specials. A batch mate made a year in the movies, Lian did a recap of the social media in 2011, DJ Earworm put together an awesome mix of 2011 pop tunes, some people are doing the "exit survey," while some do New Year's resolutions.

Others refer to their lists as resolutions, I'd rather call mine "To-do" just so it would sound demanding and a must, also I never really do NYRs, I just thought that maybe putting this out will motivate me to get my lazy ass off working and direct my powers to my goals.

1. Start Saving Money: Sure, I might have had more money this year, even got a credit card before the year ended (yey or ney?), but my savings account is not even half of my target amount. It's really embarrassing. I envy those people who were able to buy themselves iPads, Macbook, Cars, etc. with their own money. While I only aspired to buy an iPod Touch recently, I knew I could have bought one if only I knew how to handle my money well. For next year, I should remember to:

Not touch my savings account, unless necessary
Don't buy things just because
Think twice if I really need it or want it
Limit credit card usage

2. Get back to drawing: Blame it to Quoteskine and Moleskinelovers. I bought a plain Moleskine notebook to hopefully get me back to drawing again. Drawing came in handy during one of the horrible break-ups I had a few years back and therapeutic when I got depressed two years ago. I just have to:

Look for my unused Steadtler pens
Buy (look for) a good pencil

3. Go back to photography: My friend Chiara gave me two expired films recently and told me to take photos again. I don't know why I stopped taking photographs. I remember I used to keep albums of afternoon sessions I had one summer and completely forgot how I love capturing moments. I have two expired 135 films that I have yet to use plus two more (one coloured and one b/w) which Chiars gave me. I need to:

Get a new film camera (lighter one please)
Find time

4. See the world: I'm truly grateful to have travelled to some of the best places in the country this year. There's CamSur (almost got stranded last September), Cebu, Boracay, Baguio, Iloilo, and Zambales to name a few. Although I wasn't able to go to some of my target places this year (Davao, Bohol, Sagada, Ilocandia, and Palawan), I am crossing fingers that hopefully this year I'll be able to visit these places soon plus some Asian countries as well! I should probably:

Invest in a good backpack
Book flights early
Try to travel by myself
Save up for Asian tour OR European (keeping fingers super, duper crossed!!!)

5. Read more books: 2011 was a happy year for many bookworms as a lot of great books were published this year. Also, I'm truly honored to meet one of my inspirations this year, author Carissa Villacorta and have my Surreality signed! I'm happy to be able to buy some awesome books, and meet writers too! However, due to time constraints, most of the books I bought are yet to be finished (and opened! Yikes.) I should bookmark these book to-do's:

Finish a book in a week or two
Read books as scheduled
Don't buy books yet until all the pending are read
Meet Tweet Sering (please, please, please)

6. Me, me, me: Good company's always fun, but I think it's healthy to set aside some time to do things alone. Things I have to try by myself this year include:

Watching movie in a movie house
Going to museum
Travelling

7. Health is Wealth: Such a cliche, but actually true. I've lost count of how many times I went to see a doctor this year and my skin problem has gone to worse this year. I just got my supply of meds to last me a few months, but Mama told me that although I have all the medicines I need, I should probably lessen, if not eliminate the following in my diet:

Chicken (crying now)
Shrimp (no way)
Chocolates (maybe I can do this)
Chips and other salty foodies (huhuhu)

8. School is Cool: As the saying goes, a person never stops learning. I know I have made plans of going back to school, but never found time to finish requirements (good bye Ateneo grad school!) so in the meantime, I must save up (money never sleeps!) and enroll in any of the following:

Baking class (ah, the only cooking I want to learn)
German classes (my Deutsche is rusteh plus! You'll never know *winks*)
Driving school (still convincing myself)

9. Relax, See a Movie: I'm glad to say that I've seen those movies I initially planned to see this year (applause) and to continue this success, this year, I must:

See more movies
Go to film festival
Start a film journal (still waiting for my Moleskine film journal guys)

10. Jicky, You're a Star: Career wise, I can say that it was an okay year. A lot of things happened at work that pushed me to take responsibility of few things. With family, I can say better, just few glitches by the end of the year. Self, I can definitely do better. Although I have been truly grateful to all the opportunities, I have yet to see my potential this year and not just be OKAY for myself, my family, and others.

2012 is my year, because it's the year of the Dragon. Forecasts have been very good to us and I hope these translate to reality. Also, I wish world won't end on December 2012. I have yet to buy a house and get my love life shit together (LOL)

Despite how completely ass 2011 had been, it must be said that this year has taught me a lot of things about myself, the family around me, and the world. Although I may not completely understand it all the time, I must be forever grateful that I got through the year well, my family still with me, my friends all have their own jobs, and the country still going strong, in spite of the calamities, the political chaos, scandals, and intrigues we all faced.

I must never forget, like all the other years that went by, to thank 2011 for one hell of a roller coaster (space shuttle even) ride. Auf wiedersehen 2011!

Gee, that even rhymes! :-)

Weekend Yapping and other thoughts

2011-11-27T01:47:00.001+08:00

(my blog post title is hell yeah \m/)

On weekends, I have this tendency to stay up as late as possible. I know it's bad, considering the fact that I have to make up for all the lost hours due to waking up early or sleeping late, five times a week. I just want to make use of the time I have for the weekend and do whatever I want, say watch a movie, read, research on things that are not work related, etc. Although I am really a sleepyhead, I try my best to stay up all afternoon, just lying around catching up on shows I missed over the weekdays and take afternoon naps which is one of the things I love to do.

They say in a week, you die four times, and resurrect three times - all work from Monday to Thursday, all play (crossing fingers still) from Friday to Sunday (morning). I dread Sunday afternoons. Not only because shows get really crappy, but also it only means we're few hours away from dying again. I made it a point that if if I do have to work over weekends, I do them on Sunday afternoon, so it'd feel like it's already Monday... just to lessen the anticipation of what the week will bring. The only saving grace of the week would probably be on nights when I meet up with my friends, who are so nice to actually ask me to travel all the way to Quezon City, whereas I come from Makati (seriously guys, let's meet somewhere in the middle, not Timog or Tomas Morato next time)

No matter how many times my mother would always tell us to sleep early, it really takes me a while to close my eyes and go to sleeping Nirvana, especially on Saturday nights. Last week, I had to go to work early (like 2am early) and completely hated it because I only got to sleep two hours. I had to play Coldplay to lull me to sleep and by the time I woke up, Chris Martin is still singing. That's how long my sleep was, sarcastically speaking.

My laptop has this speaking clock, which reminds me what time it is every hour. She (it doesn't have an option to change it to male speaking voice so boo hoo) sounds bitchy. I have this feeling that on godly hours, she would sound better, but from 12mn onwards, she sounds irritated. Four minutes ago, she just said, "The current time is two o'clock a.m., the time is two o'clock a.m." with much conviction. I already feel guilty.

I cannot wait for next week. I think we have a holiday on the 30th, which means I get to probably do stuff I haven't finished this weekend or go out. Whichever is applicable to the weather.

It's October 3rd.

2011-10-03T23:07:00.001+08:00

Because it's rare that I post entries in a row

Hehe, okay.

It's already October 3rd and it only means that it's already too late for the annual Wish List for October 18. While I don't really get anything I wished for (except once probably from Lian), it is still exciting to write about the things you'd want to receive, right?

During a recent trip, I made friends with this Swiss/German dude after he made comments about my laptop's wallpaper. He then asked me if I own a blog in which I said yes. He then asked me what I blog about and I said stuff. He then asked what kind of stuff and I told him personal things, like for my upcoming birthday, I'll be writing my wish list and since we're already friends, he should drop by my blog or I'll tag him in my Facebook note so he can choose which item he'll give me. He just laughed about it. Meanwhile, I am serious.

What also makes this wish list a bit irrelevant is the fact that my friends and I all have work now,so it's either they will get them because they already have money OR they won't, because they know you can afford them. I still hope they get some of these for me. You know, I've been very sad lately.

And so, just trying out my luck, here's my Wish List 2011 (valid until December 2011 only)

1. Moleskine Film Journal: Because I intend to do a movie review project next year. I want to challenge myself into writing something relevant about a film I've seen. Plus it's so much easier to review something where there is already spaces for your thoughts.

2. Moleskine Tote Bag: I'm such a sucker for carry-alls and no-fuss accessories. I'm known to dump all my stuff inside my bag. This tote bag is so chic, it should be an everyday staple.

3. Earphones: I never really paid much attention to earphones, until the one that goes with my iPod bailed out on me over the weekend. I just want a pair that will get me through all the travelling I do. I don't need the fancy-schamancy type, but something that's grey (or white) and looks decent enough. Also, it has to be the earbud (?) type (seen in photo), not the in-ear (?) type.

4. Samsung 5" Galaxy Tab: Yes, I hear yah. You would say that it's better off to get iPad instead of of the Galaxy Tab, but Androids are huge this year. Plus, it's so small and lightweight. If I'd get an iPad, I might as well bring Berting Tae everyday.

5. Complete 30 Rock Seasons 1-5 Boxset: Since I already have Sex and the City Box Set, I'd want to get 30 Rock this time, hopefully before the season six begins.

So far, that's all I have for now. You'd probably notice the lack of books this year. Fortunately, I bought all the books I wanted to buy; unfortunately, I don't have time to read them. I'll update this entry when I think of other things I'd want to get. For now, let's end this post with Liz Lemon:

I love you, Liz Lemon.

And for the Opening Salvo

2011-10-01T23:51:00.000+08:00

/excess: I just finished a box of pizza tonight and it feels glorious.

For weeks now, I've been meaning to write something about October, the only month that makes me excited because it's my birth month.

When I was younger, there were years when I don't feel like celebrating my birthday at all, to the point of telling people that I almost forgot it's my birthday (sheesh, who would believe that?) I think this year would feel the same. Last night, while talking to my friend Dharel, in between 2nd and 3rd floor of Shangri-La, I felt really afraid that in less than two weeks, I'll be on my 23rd year. he has successfully rubbed in my face that a. I am getting older and b. it's scary to get old. While I kept my composure despite the inner fear, I thought about all the things he said and wondered, "Why must I be afraid?" I always used to say that age is just the number and that youth is a state of mind (and a noun). But the closer I get to the big day, the closer I realise that it's never going to be easy breezing through another year. That also, the fear of not being able to do anything, stems from the fear that in the next few years or so, you'd become too old to accomplish what you want to do, stay barren, and die of disappointment.

Looking back, I've always wanted to get older. I've always looked forward to turning a year old and acquiring more wisdom and maturity. But as the countdown to my next birthday begins, I am actually afraid to turn a year older without being wiser. Now that I am no longer getting younger, it's getting a bit scarier of making decisions and actions. When you're young, it's easy to make mistakes because you have years ahead of you to make them right. But 23 is not young anymore, so is 24, 25, and so on. Mistakes today are equal to bad evaluation, magnified by "adults" and their horrible reprimanding because they think you're "old enough" to do things right.

One of my wishes this year is for people and the world to be kind to us, twenty-somethings who want to make the best out of our lives.

Of course, there are other things I am wishing for, but I'll reserve them for next time!

Terrible Twenty-Three

2011-09-21T23:50:00.000+08:00

There are 90+ days before Christmas (I don't know the exact number of days since I stopped my countdown after 100th day mark) and just few weeks before October 18, my birthday - two occasions I actually pay attention to, that I had to make a countdown (although I've said I discontinued my Christmas countdown, too much math). As of 11:24 P.M., there are 27 days to go before the big day and although I am doing this mental countdown to my quasi quarter life, let it be known that I am not much of excited as I were, say 5-10 years ago.

I remember being eight and excited to be 12. I remember being 12 and wished I'd be 12 forever.

A lot of people say that age is just a number. That age has nothing to do with wisdom, maturity, growth, and responsibility. You can be 40-something, 4'10", be the president of the Philippines, and remain irresponsible (with initials GMA) or you can be in your tweens, 4 feet something, and be a hero. I'd like to think age is a benchmark for seniority and nothing else. It just makes you feel terrible adding up all the numbers and losing your hair.

Truth is, I'm scared to be twenty-three. I've gone two decades and two years of my life, but I still feel I haven't done enough. I can already hear people, sighing and shaking their heads, telling "you're too young to say that," but come to think it, if the day comes and something happens (of which I don't really want to think about, but who knows) and I've left a very unsatisfying life on Earth, I'd really feel bad. I'd look at myself and say, "what a complete waste of time." They say life is what you make it, that whatever happens to you is due to your actions and decisions, but what if you don't make anything? Or what if you're fated to be something, but decided beforehand that what you chose would be better. Turns out, it's the worse choice and it's already to late to reverse everything?

I have 27 days left before I turn 23. I have so many things that I would want to do before that day. I'm not sure what I would feel if I reach 24 and haven't done any of those. I hope I'd muster enough courage to finally fulfill what I'd want to do and make the last 22 years worthwhile, before I go on and add another year to my birthday candle.

---

Cheer up, my next post will be my wish list, hehehe

#thejeep

2011-09-17T23:19:00.001+08:00

My friends.

They let me wait for hours, despite feeling under the weather just to watch this video.

I love my berkede~

/laslas

2011-09-04T20:03:00.002+08:00

Troy Dyer of the movie Reality Bites said that all you have to be at 23 is to be yourself.

It could have been that easy, had I known what I to be at 23. Some people my age have reached great heights, achieved so many things, travelled far and wide. While I’m here, half whining and half feeling complacent at the speed of how my life is going.

When I was 12, I thought I knew what I wanted to be. I wanted to be a writer. I knew I had to be there, see the world for what it is and write about it. I was determined to have my name in newspapers in bylines. I knew I had to study hard, do well in languages so I can express myself in written words. I knew I wasn’t eloquent. Sure, I can carry a brief conversation, but I really don’t like speaking to other people. Even at a young age, they saw how talkative I was. But truth is, I’d rather write. I’ve always liked myself when I was 12, wide-eyed and ambitious, that’s why when people ask me how old I am, I’d always say I’m 12, because during that time, I like who I was.

Fast forward 10 years after, I hate to say this, but I still haven’t done anything close to what I thought I was to do. At 22, I’m in an office, in my cubicle, writing. But it isn’t the stuff I wanted to write about. It isn’t the thing I dream of doing.

What I am doing now pays for things. I am able to eat in places I want, buy the things I don’t necessarily need, drink what I swore won’t drink again, go to places; such things that I thought would make me happy. Deep inside, I feel empty. I feel ashamed of my 12-year old self who dreamt and promise she’d be somebody someday.

In few weeks, I’ll be 23. I don’t know what it is to be myself. It’s sad that I still don’t know what I want. I still don’t know what it is to be “yourself.” I don’t want to do an Elizabeth Gilbert, you know to “Eat, Pray, Love,” but maybe it’s something I need. To discover who I really am and who I want to be. I don’t think 22 is too late for self-realisation. Well, I do hope not.

Not too Carrie-d away

2011-08-30T20:01:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, probably without the so-called decision making skills, I've decided to buy the entire Sex and the City series, yup from season one to six. Partly because I was feeling off (also the reason why I decided to go out alone) and maybe also because of the conversation I had with my father last Sunday. He told me if you've been working hard, you've got to reward yourself. So I did. If I go broke for few weeks, I'll just say I'm an obedient daughter.

Nope, it doesn't look like this, though I hope it did.

Money makers might think that DVDs don't cost as much now as it did before. True. I got my set 75% cheaper than the original cost, but still if you're no longer living off from your parents' allowance, giving off thousand bucks would mean a lot of thing. Plus, I also bought three CDs and another DVD. Heh.

This afternoon, I decided to 'test run' the DVDs and watched season one and midway season two. Actually, I've started with season one last night, but was too sleepy to finish the entire box set so I continued today. I remember watching Sex and the City in grade six and unbelievably not bothered with the (ehem) scenes. I remember looking up to Carrie and as funny as it seems, she's one of the reasons why I wanted to be a writer. I thought writers lead a glamorous life, drinking with friends, beautiful shoes, and getting swept off by their own Mr. Big. Of course, that was the naive me. Until my Senior high school English teacher told our class one day that one of the poorest careers in the world are writers (journalists in particular) and I distinctly remember that on that moment, the entire class zeroed their eyes on me, as if judging me with my choice of career.

Naturally, as an ambitious teenager, I was determined to shoo away the naysayers and go on with my dream, to become a Carrie Bradshaw/Christian Amanpour. Okay? Fast forward to today, I'm single, not having sex with every single man I've met, and still doesn't have my Manolo Blahnik, only Blah-life.

So, as I go on with my DVD marathon, I started getting annoyed with Carrie. Episode after episode, I started to think why I chose to be Carrie Bradshaw. True, some five-six years ago, I wanted to be like her. I actually thought my ex-boyfriends are like Carrie's ex-boyfriends and that my Mr. Big and I are just on a hiatus right now (because we aren't talking). But right now, as I sit on the couch, watching, I always end up cringing in everything she does with Mr. Big. If some people would think Mr. Big was a jerk, I'd say Carrie's a bitch. Like this one time when she's asking him to come and join him to this party and told her he can't (but Big did come afterwards) or that time when she went to church because she wanted to meet his mother. Why? When Big didn't want to say that she's the one, because quite frankly, how does one know that you're the one in just few night outs and sex? Really? The list of "WHY CARRIE" scenes continues on. Currently, they are back together. Ugh.

Carrie's character is neurotic. I don't know, but if I base it on the book (Carrie Diaries) maybe the reason why Carrie's acting that way is because her high school sweetheart left her or that she has become jaded in relationships in her 30s and just wants to get marriage done (contrary to what she said in one episode where she said that she isn't the marrying type. We all know she got married in the movie though), but still, I still don't get her during the season one and (midway) two. I just don't.

I'd like to finish season two tonight and see what my 16 year-old self liked so much about Carrie Bradshaw and what makes my 22 year-old self hate her. Truth is, the 22-year old me likes Miranda more, though she dated the weirdest men and is a bit cynical about love.

And just when I thought I won't be talking to my Mr. Big...

Nev

2011-07-31T03:48:00.002+08:00

And there are those people who are catfish in life. And they keep you on your toes. They keep you guessing, they keep you thinking, they keep you fresh. And I thank god for the catfish because we would be droll, boring and dull if we didn’t have somebody nipping at our fin. -Vince , Catfish

Weeks after downloading (and saving in my flash disk), I finally got to watch Catfish, the other movie about Facebook. Of course we all know about The Social Network, the Academy Award and BAFTA nominated, Golden Globes award winning film about the founding of today's leading social networking site. We got to meet Mark Zuckerberg, Eduardo Saverin, the Winklevoss twins, the inspiration Erica Albright, and other highly illuminated characters. Facebook has made a huge impact in the way we socialize and has made the world smaller than what it seems. It has made us closer to anyone, virtually, just with an internet connection and the power (guts) to click "Add as a Friend."

Catfish, unlike TSN, did not employ seasoned actors. Instead, it has Nev Schulman, NY based photographer who met Abby, a young girl from Michigan through their exchange of messages in Facebook. Armed with their own equipment, Schulman, together with his brother Ariel and friend Henry Joost chronicled the entire "made from the pc" friendship with Abby and her entire family. The (totally) attractive Schulman eventually fell in love with Abby's older half-sister Megan and that's where the plot thickens. What happened next will either creep you out or fascinate you. I won't spoil you with so much information, as the movie is better watched than told. Just to tell you, the documentary (a fact still very much doubtful) encapsulates a relationship of meeting someone online, the validity of their identity, and the situations that may be raised (or not at all) after you "confirm."

Then it hit me.

Really, from almost hundreds, even thousands of those you have in your friends list, how many of those are:

1. You're friends with in real life

2. People who actually mean whatever they put online - such as photos, basic information etc.

3. Real people

4. Your REAL friends

I had this mistake of adding so many people, just as long as we have mutual friends in common, without even bothering of thinking whether or not I know them or even met them in real life. Good thing though, I have segregated them in a list aptly labeled as "Limited Profile" so they won't get to access my other personal stuff. I was thinking of getting rid of the list, but I thought some of the people there are those (without a doubt) I've actually met, but just don't want to get a hold of certain stuff about me.

The complexity of human relationship made more complicated as it gets tangled in the (world wide) web. It really doesn't take a stranger to make you feel uneasy about online relationships. Lest, it also doesn't have to be an online relationship to make you think about the way you relate with people. The concern is that how much of you is the real you, considering the fact that anything can be made up, online or not.

In times like this, it's so easy to create a whole new person to get accepted, to be liked, and to be loved. It's easy to pretend to be someone else you are not or be in places you haven't been to since it's relatively easy to build new information with all the possible resources you can find online. For those who wouldn't bother digging, it probably would work. But for others who would go as far as what Nev did, it would take forever or won't at all. Honesty, I'm afraid is hard to grasp these days.

Catfish showed the baffling truth about truth and the reality we have to face about ourselves, online and offline.

Anik-anik lovin'

2011-07-27T23:24:00.002+08:00

I've always been a fan of Anik-anik love, a blogsite that features work spaces of some of the country's most creative people. Maintained by ace photographer Mitch Mauricio, the blog lets you peek inside the room (or house or unit) where creative juices flow and also delve into the mind of a creative extraordinaire. She has featured some of the talents from Philippines' artistic set, including writer Yvette Tan (one of my favourite features), director Quark Henares, photographers Jake Versoza and Jay Tablante, sculptor Leeroy New, National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose, designer Kate Torralba, and one of my girl crushes, Audrey Carpio.

Apart from inspiring others to unleash their creativity, Anik-anik love also makes folks like me and you see ourselves in these artists as they show us their quirks and irks in the stuff they own and the interesting Q and A that follows after each photo set. I was surprised when I learned that Audrey likes cats too! (la lang!)

I am no artist. The only time I considered getting serious with painting was in high school when my mother brought me some gouache, watercolour, and acrylic tubes, probably in hopes of having a daughter who's artistically inclined. I probably did some pretty decent paintings then, or so I thought. I tried other sorts of artsy stuff, photography, drawing, dancing, singing, but all were left before I even got to finish anything (ladies and gentlemen, welcome to my minute attention span!)

Since I am probably far from getting featured, let me indulge (myself to your amusement, hah!) and answer the questions from the blog. Unlike the post though, I won't let you in my room because it's an unutterable mess as of the moment.

I hope it's okay to copy the questionnaire.

Please see below my pretend feature in the website:

Angelique Parungao

(San Juan City, Philippines)

Occupation: all-around PR person

Website: afparungao.blogspot.com

anjywanjy.tumblr.com

aboutme.com/afparungao

Favorite toy as a child: dollhouse, rag dolls, and train sets. Also handheld brickgame players

Favorite toy now: my Blackberry

Turn-ons: intelligence, creativity, and all things nerdy

Turn-offs: arrogance and dishonesty

What are 5 things that inspire you right now? (person) Mark Zuckerberg, fantastic movies and movie scores, creative people, and well written pieces

Top 5 movies: Silence of the Lambs, Wallstreet 2, Social Network, American Psycho, and Mean Girls

Top 3 books: The Bell Jar, The Tao of Pooh, Bossypants

Music you listen to: Some alternative pop, some indie, some new wave. I appreciate any kind of music, except those that aren't really music at all (a.k.a. screaming and belting out in singing contests)

On my current playlist: Kylie Minogue, Ingrid Michaelson, Whitest Boy Alive, The Drums, The Cure (always), Mike Posner, John Mayer, The Killers, Taken by Cars Social Network OST... the list goes on... I actually have different playlists everyday because I provide music in the office.

5 Favorite websites: twitter.com (fucking has everything!), tumblr.com, flickr's what's in your bag group, contemporist, and designismine

When you're not busy with work, what do you do in your free time? I sleep or spend hours in bookstores

If you were to choose a different job, what would it be? a dessert chef would be nice, primarily because I have insatiable love for sweets especially cakes!

If you can have any super power, what would it be? Power to read minds

What's the most important life lesson you've learned so far? Never, ever trust anybody

Most inspiring statement/moment (heard/said/read): Keep up the good work! (my daddeh) and The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams - Eleanor Roosevelt

Ah, as they say suntok sa buwan.

OHAI!

2011-07-22T22:23:00.007+08:00

Hello There!

Yo excuse me, can I talk to you fo' a minute?

Yes, you're here because:

You saw a link in my twitter
You saw a link in my tumblr (thanks for the photo, inothernews!)
You're subscribed to my Google Reader
You're wondering WTF this is
You miss me!!! C'mon admit eeet.

Whichever your reason is, well, I just want to say that I am back!!! :-) I'm happy I'm back, the squirrel's happy that I'm back, and you should too! But as if I have anything substantial to say. I'm a whole lot happier right now, as compared to the last time I wrote something here. Maybe because some things are slowly falling in their rightful places. Maybe, I've learned to accept things the way they're meant to be. Or maybe, there is something good for me in the future.

I can't believe we're already on the half of the year. I also can't believe I've already been working for a year without flailing my hands in failure. There are days when I could not even think straight, but we all know it happens to anyone. Anyway, I don't want to think again of the things that happened the last time. Let's all move forward and be happy.

And to start of, let me share with you videos that truly made my life worthwhile these past few days...

Randy Blue Boys Tribute to Kylie Minogue. Dibs on Nicco Sky.

Couldn't find a better version, because owner disabled embedding. Boo. Darrel, Can I have your number? (watch better version here)

Everybody, let's sing together Gooba Da Mwee (or in non-simlish speaking countries, Cooler than Me)

oh my sanity.

Excuse Me

2011-06-27T22:45:00.000+08:00

While I collect my thoughts again.

There are those days when you're looking for something to fill the space in between. But no matter how hard you try, you can't seem to fill it in. That elusive feeling of trying to close the gap, yet you don't know how.

I don't know what I want to do.

I really don't.

Help Please?

Of The Things I Miss

2011-06-11T20:26:00.003+08:00

It's been four weekends of non-stop work since we started preparing massive PR efforts for this certain client. Rain or shine, I go to shoots and events and missed spending extra time in bed to enjoy the bed weather. Truth is, I forgot how it feels like to have weekends because I've been going over time and working on Saturdays, as early as 7a.m.

Today feels different because I get to take a NAP which I haven't done in a while and tonight I am planning on hitting the sack early to make up on the almost sleepless nights or watching a movie and sleep til probably noon tomorrow. This morning, I had to go to a shoot with one of the ambassadors, but we had an early pack-up because he did extremely well with his lines. I still have a lot of pending to-dos, but I decided to work on the easier ones and do the rest on Monday. I would like to savour my weekend, thankyouverymuch!

So for the weekend, I decided to fix stuff in my new laptop (which I obscenely named Berting Tae because he's tough and brown--- will probably change to something else soon, but for now, I christened thee, BERTING TAE!!!) I have been ripping my CDs to my new laptop today. I finished Orange and Lemons' three albums and have been listening to them non-stop. They used to be my favourite band, more than Bloc Party and The Cure, I guess. One evening I got a text from a friend who's also a fan telling me my favourite band was breaking up. Up until today, few years after they broke up, I still don't know the reason why they did it. I miss going to their gigs, which though not religiously, I tried to go to every chance I got.

Right now, my favourite local band is Taken by Cars, which I also read somewhere was also on the verge of breaking up then, but good thing they released another album with really awesome songs! If you ask me, their first album sounds kind of different with their second. I was supposed to do a feature on them at The Daily Grind's site, but haven't had the time to. But I will. I hope Nach and the rest of the crew won't get mad that I'm turning in my story a month after.

I also miss Bamboo and Sugarfree. Why are the good bands breaking up these days? What happened to Cueshe, gais? (LOL I don't really care)

Watched Pretty Woman before I went on a nap. Gosh Richard Gere, wherever you are now, you must know that I love you, deeeym.

Have a great weekend everyone!

HELLO

2011-05-19T21:46:00.000+08:00

I miss my blog as much as I miss my laptop.

So, you must all know that Lily died three weeks ago and I am not comfortable blogging in some other people's computer. But here I am typing in my brother's PC because I really miss writing stuff here. There has been so many things happening that it's really hard to keep them all in pieces. But I will probably get down and jiggy with it as soon as I get my new lappytappy.

Also, I got to go back to Boracay (after 4/3 years) two weeks ago, this time with my girls!!! I'm sooo tan because I went to Anawangin a week before that and I'm peeling like P.Diddy in Boracay. Cha said I looked like I've been staying in Boracay for a month. Hilar. We didn't do the usual Boracay thing though. We ended up eating in Astoria, Lian getting drunk on the sands, and Apol dancing uhm, I don't know what it was in Epic. We also taught Lian how to Doguie! It was a fun 4-day break. I wish it will happen again SOONER.

I've been busy with werq~ Today I finished two personalities, one of which is Anton del Rosario who signed, kicked, and played with my ball... that would have sounded funnier (or awkward?) if I were a boy.

I'm getting sleepy. I just thought I needed to put something in here.

Have fun you, guys!

Ugh Adults.

2011-04-03T01:39:00.001+08:00

They say wisdom comes with age. But it's funny how some older people lose their values and sanity along the way. Case in point, Willie Revillame and Marlene Aguilar. Two of the world's most complicated adults.

We all know Willie, the TV host we all either hate or love who's actually no stranger to scrutiny. He's been all over places, got suspended, got up from all the tremors, failed again, got loved again, sued, etc. Whatever worst thing you can come up with, he's probably done or got into it at some point. Once again, Willie's been subjected to public examination after a video of a 6-year-old boy gyrating indecently became viral. The boy, dancing in Snoop Dogg's The Next Episode, dancing like (as what they call it) a macho dancer while crying created an online uproar, with DSWD, CHR, UNICEF intervening the issue. Willie said it was the parents and not him who are responsible to the behaviour. He also said that if advertisers pull out from his program, his viewers will boycott their products. He also told some celebrities off after tweeting (supposedly Jim Paredes, Bianca Gonzalez, and Lea Salonga) that they'd rather do something to their countrymen instead of tweeting.

I don't think Willie is in the right state of mind. Hiding behind the line of poverty and helping other people is two different story. It's good to help people, but do you actually have to tell the world about it? A lot of people help, but they never said "Ano bang nagawa nyo sa mahihirap?" They just do. I've seen Willing Willie countless times, because my father hates telenovelas and finds the show amusing. But it icks me when Willie says "mahirap" and parading his achievements. Kesyo nainterview sya sa Wall Street Journal. Do we even give a fuck? I don't think he realised why people hate him so much. It's not an excuse that he didn't see what the boy's audition piece is. It's not an excuse that the kid's parents wanted the kid to do it. He should know better. He should have called off the entire thing and reprimand the people behind it, on cam like what he does every freaking time. He's also a father, even a grandfather. If he had seen his children/grandchild doing that would he also laugh and make fun of the situation? I don't think so. Being outspoken that he is, I don't think he would let that thing pass. Also, saying that if advertisers pull out from the show, his viewers will boycott the products is plain degrading. What does he think of his viewers? Stupid? They aren't sheep. You're not even someone to tell them what they can and cannot do. I want to know what exactly has he done, aside from giving (not even his) money in his shows? The biggest question is, why, despite all of these, people still love Willie? WHY? TV5 currently suspended child participation in the show and like MTRCB, would investigate the whole situation. While Willie asks everyone why was he judged? From all you did in the past, ask yourself why we can't trust you anymore?

Marlene Aguilar has got some nuts in her head. Yes, parents would do everything for their kids and yes, parents would say the darnedest things, but she's got heaps. But telling the world you're willing to pay anyone, anything for your son, even pay someone to have sex with him is sick. I've long given up in understanding Marlene. For all I care, just put Jason Ivler in Camp Bagong Diwa and don't let him have parties. Please find someone who will put Marlene in her place because I don't think her husband can do that job.

There are a couple of really annoying adults. Those who want to be respected, but won't do the same. Those who tell you not to lie, cheat, and steal but commit the sin. Those who reprimand you for speaking your mind, and implying what they say is the universal truth. Those who judge you because you don't go to church, but they gossip non-stop after the mass.

Most people say that we should learn from adults. That they knew better. I've grown tired of hearing "Papunta ka pa lang, pauwi na ako" and "Marami ka pang kakaining bigas." What do these statements say, really? I don't think wisdom comes with age. Some people, no matter how old they get do not learn. other people even at young age show wisdom and understanding. They say young people now a days are hard headed, angry, and disrespectful. But they should also remember that what a child sees from adults will always be thought of as what is right. Kanino pa ba magmamana?

Thinking

2011-03-28T23:43:00.000+08:00

Perhaps when we find ourselves wanting everything it is because we are dangerously near wanting nothing.

Sylvia Plath

Meaning to write something here. Soon when I've cleared up my mind.
In the meantime,

I cannot wait for April to end, which is funny because March hasn't ended yet.

Highs of the Weekend

2011-03-13T20:34:00.004+08:00

It's been a while since I stayed home for an entire weekend to fix my room. My mom has been bugging me for months to do something about it, but I never got the time to do a major fixing.

Since it's already spring, I guess it's time to do some... (drum roll please!!!) Spring Cleaning (har har)

So I've thrown stuff, put away some more, and did something about compartments and clear boxes. Talk about an overhaul. But not so much really. If I had it my way, I would repaint my room, replace my bed, and put new lights. But I don't have the time and resources for that yet so I made semi-major changes.

One of those changes is my book case.

Before it looks like this:

Photo taken months before

And my books started increasing every pay day. If this looks chaotic to you, the more recent state would be more chaotic. Too bad I didn't get to take a photo.

Then I remember my best friend Lian's post about her new "book shelf." Although I don't believe it so much that it was her who thought about it and not her mother, as I know she isn't capable of fixing her things (JOKE) I took the idea as a springboard to my makeshift book case.

A photo of Lian's books on her loft ladder

My brother and I used to have a wooden bunk bed. But since we grew taller and possibly (because it may not look like it) heavier, our parents decided to get us a new double deck with metal frame. After a while, my they decided to sleep downstairs (of whatever reason) and told me to sleep in their old room instead. I used to make my part of the bunk bed my own room. Own little lamp, radio component, several books, pretend desk in my bed. Now that I have my own room, these things are no longer (well sometimes books are still in my bed) on my bed. We had the wooden bunk bed dismantled, but kept the ladder around because nobody seems to like it, except us.

Then an idea suddenly popped in my mind. inspired by Lian's bookshelf, I present to you, my new book case!!!

Now who would think that used to be a ladder, huh?

The first "shelf" is occupied by Filipiniana books, young adult books, and fiction.

could have arranged this one by color, aside from by height

Second "shelf" has hardbounds and some more fiction and some non-fiction

The third "shelf" carries more non-fic books and my older books. You'll see my Cosmopolitan recommended books there too. I used to collect those in high school hehe

My table is now occupied by writing books, female writers book, and some more fiction

My pretty decent (in my own appreciation)collection of writing/journ books

My favourite female writers: Anne Sexton, Sylvia Plath, Camille Paglia, Simone de Beauvior
Meg Cabot, Jeannette Winterson, Elizabeth Wurtzel, and Candace Bushnell

Coelho, Ellis, Marquez, Hoff, and Love Letters

On the wall are some of my favourite photos and abubut

What's on the Wall:

a. A bookmark with my fave Eleanor Roosevelt quote: "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams"

b. My HS barkada photo

c. Kuya and I when we were kids

d. Flyer for Capoeira class I need to sign up to

e. Flyer of some music fest

f. picture of my dog Raskie
g. A proof that I'm ArtLet 2010 graduate

what else I need to put:

a. Family picture

b. The Jeep Picture, #fantasticfour picture

Next week if I'm free again, I shall look for more projects!

Can't wait for Monday /sarcasm.

Writing this with Black Swan in the Background

2011-03-08T23:10:00.003+08:00

It's been a while since the last post, wasn't it? Fucked up internet connection is an ass. Been enjoying my work lately. Went to CamSur for two consecutive months this year. I guess I've already been used to going to CamSur that's why it wasn't much of a big deal anymore. I also like that I get to spend some time clients, just like last Friday. It was work for almost 10 hours and almost endless chat til about 11pm. It was fun to talk about politics, entertainment, history, etc. with Gov. Lray, Ms. Lara, MJ, and sir Wilson. I wish it will happen again, but I hope it won't be in Alabang anymore because it brings a lot of memories. Kidding.

Anyway, it seems like I've already adjusted with work life. Seven freaking months wasn't easy and it's great that I am actually surviving. I've started to love my job. People say that if you love your job, it doesn't come as work anymore. I wish the feeling lasts because it would totally be disappointing if at the middle of everything, I suddenly lose interest in what I am doing. There's the unending desire to know everything. It may not look like it, but I am willing to learn everything about PR, even if in the history of my classes in UST, I almost flunked (LOL I really did) my PR class because I'd rather watch John Lloyd movies and loiter in library than listen to professor.

But despite all that, my wanting to go back to school re-emerged (hehe with the word). I don't know. It suddenly dawned on me that I wanted to go back to school, but not to master in Communications or Journalism. I know, that was the original plan. But I've became fascinated again with Psychology, Sociology, and Philosophy --- three of my other choices for undergrad courses. I wanted to study again, but I don't want my parents to pay for it anymore, if ever. I don't want to study here also. I've been asking my cousin if he knows anything about scholarship grants in Germany and Switzerland where he's staying and he told me he'll tell me if ever. I am hoping it pushes through. I have been saving some of my salary for my future education, because I'm determined to really go back and study.

If it won't happen, I can spend my money travelling. That's another way of learning new things.

And for an inappropriately added GIF, just because.

Good Night!

My Thoughts on the Proposed AB Uniform

2011-02-14T22:24:00.002+08:00

So this morning, some of my twitter friends (namely @_celestial, @TheDeniseFoz, and @thecatisabrat) started talking about the new AB uniform. When you're from AB, it's natural (or some acquired characteristic) that you are usi.

@_celestial started describing the new uniform:

Because the Lebron BG is kewl.

I'm not a fashion guru, but the color combination screams, Ho-hum. I don't know why they have to put black in random places when Arts and Letters is already known for Navy Blue (?) colour. So I asked @TheDeniseFoz to show me the picture. And she tagged me in a Facebook photo that looks similar to this:

Personally, as an alumna of the Faculty, I think it's hideous. I don't know what they thought when they designed this uniform. You see, I'm not particularly a fan of our current uniform

Miss you guys. :-(

We have an A-line skirt-blouse combo that screams Elementary/Highschool student all over. I heard stories of other ArtLets who were not allowed to go inside a mall because they look like minors (guys, first What are you doing in the mall? Second, Isn't that a complement, they think you still look young? KIDDING). But aside from that, our uniform is one of the most comfortable uniforms I've ever seen in UST. It allowed us to move around, sit anywhere, get stained (period or not period, but still icky) and not get noticed, and run with ease. I don't get why some AB girls would rather have their skirts in pencil cut when it's so fucken hard to move in those skimpy skirts. AB girls, (guys let's be honest) are not particularly demure, unlike the ITHM girls, most of us are galawgaw. There might be a handful of them who aren't, but most of us run in the corridors and sit anywhere like mad.

Our uniforms were designed for a purpose. Just look at the evolution (taken from Sir Ipe's Facebook):

Weren't you just glad it's less stiff and flowy today? Tas gusto nyo ulit masikip? Labo.

The proposed AB uniform is far cry from the traditional design. I don't exactly know why they want to change it so bad. Okay, our uniform isn't that bad. I can name other colleges that have bad uniforms, maybe AB is just one of those, but guys this proposed uniform is ridiculous. As @jamietalon (who I believe has a very good taste) said, it's hilarious.

I don't get why they need to put vests. Seriously, VESTS? Why is there a sudden obsession with vests? In Philippines where it's sunny everyday? That's funny. Although I heard AB has new aircon units in classrooms, it's still fracken hot outside. Plus the colours black and navy blue spells: M-A-I-N-I-T. The only time it gets cold in UST is during November to February. The uniform looks like a rip-off of every college, okay just CTHM, San Beda and probably Commerce. But guys, really? I know a lot of people who are not particularly fond of their uniform, although they go to those colleges.

I know people in Arts and Letters are intelligent and creative enough to come up with something better. We always have AB shirt design contest, why not have a propose an AB uniform uniform design contest? If you really want to change the uniform (and if it's really necessary) otherwise, forget the change. I read one answer from a forum who I think makes sense. "Wala sa uniform yan, nasa utak yan." Exactly.

Champion naman tayo sa Pautakan maski ganito ang uniporme natin 'di ba? :-)

In Spirit of Valentine's Day

2011-02-13T22:30:00.002+08:00

Technology really does exciting things (not that I'm not yet aware of that)

We all know Azkals wonder boy Phil Younghusband asked Angel Locsin on twitter if she could be his date, which sent twitter world (or only their fans) in chaos. I initially thought it was annoying, but Phil said he didn't have Angel's number so the next best thing is a tweet. He got turned down for Valentine's, but Angel said they'll go out next time, maybe.

Being pokers of fun, my friends and I mocked the gesture and asked out our crushes who have Twitter accounts to become our (virtual) Valentine's day dates. Lian asked out a lot, but got nothing. What's funny is that she even asked out our friend Jeric, who eventually got something special tomorrow... There goes her chance. Her last resort is to pull someone from GMA Artist Center, preferably with the name Aljur Abrenica.

Cha asked out Wesly Gonzales and Paolo Bugia. Not challenging if you ask me. They reply to ANYONE and I mean ANYONE.

I asked out three, Rafe Bartholomew, Val Emmich, and Edgar Allan Poe. Let the screen grabs guide you.

This is for Val Emmich:

In which he replied with:

This is one for Rafe Bartholomew:

I believe he liked it.

I sent this to Edgar Allan Poe, yup the dead writer.

I hope he rises from death for Valentine's day and date me.

Thought I should no longer send any to my Azkals crush Anton Del Rosario, but while I was washing dishes, I thought of something clever.

I hope he sees this and he replies.

This is so fun. No actual boyfriend to tell you anything. I wanna tap their asses. SERIOUSLY. As Liz Lemon would say it,

Admit it, PR writers are the most creative ones out there. HEHE

Tomorrow, I shall be tweet-inviting someone. Wish me luck. HAHA

Temple n' Basilica

2011-02-04T23:10:00.001+08:00

Because there is nothing more fascinating than visiting two places of worship in one day.

Taoist Temple and Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
Cebu, Philippines.

Gong Xi Fa Cai! Metal Rabbit for Earth Dragon

2011-02-03T11:44:00.000+08:00

Because I don't believe in anything, I take everything I read in to consideration. I like reading/listening what's in store for me.

So I stumbled upon this site for Dragons and learned that we'll have a relatively lucky year.

What are the horoscope predictions for those born in the Year of the Dragon in 2011? What will the general luck outlook be for the dragons in the Year of the Rabbit? For those with dragon as their Chinese zodiac animal sign in 2011, the dragon can expect a rather good metal rabbit year. The fortunes of the dragons in rabbit year 2011 will be better compared to 2010. The dragons will have better wealth luck, better health and better career star in their path. The 2011 Chinese astrology predictions for dragon indicate that the dragon person will have a good luck level which will wash away all the unlucky fortunes that has been following the dragons.

The horoscope 2011 Year of the Rabbit predictions for the dragon forecasts that while there may be inauspicious stars in the life chart of the dragon in 2011, dragons will have many lucky stars escorting them in 2011. The positive stars in 2011 will outshine the unlucky stars in the rabbit year for the dragon. Dragons will see things moving more smoothly in 2011 metal rabbit year as the dragon will obtain positive results in the changes they made in this Year of the Rabbit. The dragons will see their fortunes become better and their feng shui in 2011 will also become better. There will be considerable mainstream income but a little less on windfall gains for the dragons in 2011. Even the dragons will have their wealth star shining brightly in 2011, they are advised to be careful when going into new ventures as there will always be unpredictable risk associated with new investment schemes.

The career star in 2011 for the dragons will shine brightly in the Year of the Rabbit. In the Chinese astrology 2011 forecasts for the dragon person, the career of the dragon will see major developments. For dragons hoping to become entrepreneurs in 2011, well, this is the best time to go for it. Doing well at your business will see you gaining more wealth in the rabbit year. There may be promotions at the corner in 2011 for the dragon peron. There are good chances for you to obtain monetary benefits as well as fame in 2011 for the dragon person. Dragons in 2011 can have a good 2011 feng shui by getting to know more people in the rabbit year in order to open new opportunities and expand their business. Dragons must not be arrogant as this action will caused other to despise you and thus making you feeling uneasy.

Dragon in Year of the Rabbit will have good wealth luck but what about the dragon’s health luck in 2011? Dragons will see their health greatly improved in the metal rabbit year but they have to watch their diet and hygiene factor closely. In order for the dragon person to stay fit in the rabbit year, they must eat more healthy food and exercise on a more regular basis. To stay safe in 2011, the 2011 dragon horoscope predicts that the dragon may face some danger in water sports. In the relationship area for the dragons in the rabbit year, couples will likely have a good time together. The dragon in metal rabbit year must get rid of their poker face in 2011 and be more frank with your facial expression. A gentle smile will allow the dragons to have a better romance with their partners. The compatible animal sign in 2011 for the dragons include the rat, monkey and rooster.

What can the dragon do in 2011 do to get rid of bad luck in the Year of the Rabbit? What are the ways can the dragon carry out to attract more wealth in 2011 and have a better 2011 feng shui? The 2011 horoscope readings in rabbit year suggest that the dragon should put lucky amulets that belong to the dragon and rooster zodiac animals at the wealth position of the house. The dragon should also place a wealth beckoning ingot there too. The main reason for carrying out this feng shui procedure is to harness the wealth luck and thus allow the dragons to accumulate wealth in 2011. If you are still unsure whether you are born with dragon as your Chinese zodiac sign, well, you are a earth dragon if you are born in 1928 while you are a metal dragon if your birth year is 1940. You are a water dragon if you are born in 1952 while you will be a wood dragon if you are born in 1964. If you have 1976 as your birth year, then you will be a fire dragon while you are definitely an earth dragon if you are born in 1988.

But you know what will make me really feel lucky? Tikoy.

Day 27 to 30 - Awkberg!

2011-01-31T23:02:00.001+08:00

A problem that you have had.

Something that you miss.

Goals for the next 30 days.

Your highs and lows of this month.

Because I still can't get over last week's SNL episode featuring Jesse Eisenberg. Opening spiel put together three Mark Zuckerbergs, The Real Mark Zuckerberg, Eisenberg who played Zuckerberg in The Social Network, and Andy Samberg who plays Zuckerberg in SNL skits. riot.

Since it's the last day of the month, it's rather fitting that I end the month-long challenge today. Isn't amusing how January went by so fast and before we know it, it's already December again!

One problem I've (always) had is skin problem. I have the most sensitive skin there is. During first year college, we had to make a compare and contrast paper and I decided to write about Atopic Dermatitis (my skin problem) and Eczema. My research paper went 93 (or something higher, but definitely not lower /cocky) and I learned it will never be cured. Bummer. Sucks that you can't eat anything you want, which includes shrimp. But I don't care. I just had shrimps last weekend.

Here's a screen cap of something I miss:

My goal for next year is to get through February alive.

High: Cebu

Low: Waking up early in the chilly morning to go to work.

Sucks right?

Day 26 - Attraction

2011-01-29T23:02:00.001+08:00

What kind of person attracts you.

It's hard to pin down my type because I have nothing specific physically. Unlike Cha who likes boys bald and buff and Lian who's attracted to dirty (I bet she'll say rugged or scruffy) guys, my type ranges from tall to short, fair skinned to moreno, bald to hairy, buff (or chubby LOL) to payatot.

I guess their common denominator would be brains because I like guys who know a lot. I hate it when I ask something and he ends up asking "ano yun?" (but if I really like you, I would go and explain but that rarely happens). I like guys who are wide readers. I like him witty and street smart. I like guys who are passionate. I like workaholics (HAHA). I like guys who are good in math (or numbers in general). I like guys with thick eyebrows and can dance (regardless if he's good or awful--- awfully cute that is).

I can go on and on with what I like, but I know it's hard to get all of that in one person.

Day 24 and 25 - Serial Killers

2011-01-28T23:48:00.000+08:00

Your favourite movie and what it’s about.

Someone who fascinates you and why.

Figured it won't be too much of a cheating if it kind of talks about the same thing, right?

If I tell it again, it would be a redundancy. You can use search box in my blog to know why I like Silence of the Lambs and also why I consider it my favourite movie.

I don't have an exact person in mind, rather I have a set of persons. I have also written about it them in a previous entry, albeit briefly. As I've mentioned in an older post, my fascination with serial killers started after watching Silence of the Lambs (1991). Although I know I was a really young for that movie when I first saw it, I developed a really weird interest with serial killers. There were several documentaries in Discovery Channel years ago about serial killers and I would sit through an entire episode, eyes glued on screen. If I somehow acquired better aptitude in science, I would have probably taken up Psychology and also I would have excelled in anything about serial killers, if there were any topic or subject (hooray if there were a subject on serial killers!) I have books about them, with "The World's Greatest Serial Killers" as my favourite.

I just thought it would be amazing to get through a killer's mind. For someone who finds reason in everything, I find a killer's mind intriguing and I want to know what led them to do killing people. Reading about how serial killers do their things weirds me out, and at the same time amazes me. I wonder how they do it ever so cunningly. How they play minds (most notable of course was Jack the Ripper and Zodiac Killer) is amazing. Don't confuse my interest as glorification. Killing should be condemned.

Hope this fascination won't scare you though.

Day 23 - You Guyz.

2011-01-26T23:20:00.004+08:00

Give pictures of 5 guys who are famous who you find attractive.

The reason why I chose this challenge is because of this category. I was kind of excited to do this one because I appreciate beauty, especially beautiful boys. When I was younger, I would write a quarterly ranking of the boys I had a crush on, with averages as if they are competing for the top honours in class. I can still show you the list if you want.

It's a bit hard to just give five gorgeous men because there are a lot. I hope the others won't get jealous. Guys, you're still beautiful in my eyes. And so the top five are:

1. Mikhail Baryshnikov

Had to find a photo when he was still not over 50. If I were to choose if I want a man who can sing or dance, I'd choose the latter. Just imagine how exciting nights would be if a guy can flex, just like Misha.

Ballerinas so sexy!

Here he is now:

CERTIFIED DILF

2. Andrew Garfield

Hi Bibi, don't do that. Heeeh.

The new Spiderman. We know how flexible Spidey can get right? Nevermind that it's quite awkward to say I have a crush on Andrew because that's also the name of my brother. One look on this lovely boy and you get your panties wet in an instant.

3. Lukas Podolski

He's one of the reasons why I rooted for Die Mannschaft during the World Cup. He's a sexy football god that even German fans have a song for him.

This is how our baby will look like, exactly like his father.

4. Hideo Muroaka

Suddenly, the Bra-panese (Brazilian-Japanese) models are here! There's Aki, Daniel, and Fabio (Ide) but the one who truly stood out for me is Hideo. I've seen and worked with him a couple of times and in between running and captioning during events, my eyes still get glued on Hideo. Regardless if he's married or not (which I think he is) he's still my baby daddy in my dreams.

5. Piolo Pascual

I don't freaking care if same-sex marriage is not allowed in the Philippines. I'd still marry Piolo in a heartbeat. Whether he's gay or not, he's still one of the most gorgeous men I've ever laid my eyes on. I can watch Don't Give Up on Us all day even if I hate his hair there.

Runners-up:

Jericho Rosales - actor

Kaka - Brazilian football player

Matthew Morrison - Actor/Singer, Mr. Schuester from Glee

Tom Court - Kiteboarder from UK

Nick Taylor - Wake Skater from USA

Luvyewguyz.

Day 18 to 22 - Cheating Nth Time

2011-01-25T22:46:00.001+08:00

Your beliefs.

Disrespecting your parents.

How important you think education is.

One of your favorite shows.

How have you changed in the past 2 years?

Although I have committed myself to making this the start of regular blogging, everything got caught up in the last five days. As much as I wanted to update my blog in the hotel we stayed in at Cebu, it seemed like every night I'd just rather sleep than think after downing vodka. Anyway, apologies for this one time, big time post.

I believe god doesn't need a name and he's totally fine with it if we don't capitalise the first letter of his name when we refer to him. I believe books are the greatest treasure, so as education. I believe that sleep cures bad day. I believe we are responsible with our own actions and we don't have to blame other people for our misfortune. I believe there are no ugly people, only lazy ones. I believe I am one of the lazy ones. I believe in the beauty of a mess. I believe in soul mates and twin hearts flame. I believe food is the greatest invention of mankind. I believe everything happens for a reason. I believe that the glass is half full, not half empty. I believe that Tina Fey is a genius. I believe that sometimes dogs are smarter than humans. I believe cats are the boss. I believe in a lot of things, you wouldn't actually believe in, but who cares, I believe we're meant to be together.

I disrespected my parents a lot, especially my mother when I was younger. Now, I don't do that anymore. I only tell them my side, which they still think (especially my mother) is disrespectful.

Let me give you this quote on education: Only the educated are free (Epicetus)

One of my favourite TV shows is 30 Rock, which I think I already blogged about before.

My life has not changed drastically over the last two years, but it did go through some phases. I also think this blog perfectly chronicled what went through over the last couple of years.

Day 17 - 2010

2011-01-20T23:56:00.000+08:00

Your highs and lows of this past year.

Highs: Travel, Job, Books,

Lows: Break-up

I actually said all of these in a past entry, I think. No need to elaborate.

Cebu in few hours!!!

Day 15 and 16 - Cheat II

2011-01-19T16:20:00.001+08:00

Your favourite tumblrs.
Your views on mainstream music.

Doing this while waiting for the riders briefing here in CWC again. I'm travelling often for work and mostly it's here in CamSur. The weather's unpredictable, one time it's hot, then it's cold. Now it's raining. I wonder how will it be tonight though.

I'm sorry, I'm going to cheat again as I don't have much time in my hands these past few days. Been juggling accounts and events. Anyho, doing yesterday's and today's because I might not be able to do one tonight. By the way, I'm leaving CamSur also tomorrow so I gotta meet (and talk to) Nick Taylor tonight, probably get some pictures taken too. Heeeh.

My favourite tumblrs in no particular order:

Helgaholic
Fuckyeahblack
Sophiacoppola
sexmusic
fuckyeahnicolerichie
themargaritaqueen
pelikula
inonthernews
unomagazine
popculturebrain

Mainstream music is not for everybody. But if someone likes it, let them be. Walang basagan ng trip.

Day 14 - Memory

2011-01-17T22:50:00.001+08:00

Your earliest memory

My earliest memories will always be the ones with my dad. We practically do everything together when I was young. I remember the first song I ever memorised and sang was a Sinatra song because of him.

Day 12 and 13 - Cheat

2011-01-16T21:00:00.000+08:00

Bullet your whole day.

Somewhere you’d like to move or visit.

Was not able to do this yesterday as I was in Subic so I am cheating with two entries in one.

Woke up from a good night sleep and exciting dream
Ate breakfast, morning talk with the Parungao Couple
Washed dishes
Looked for the online copy of the news that made me Facebook famous
Let the Parungao couple watch and laugh about it
Take a bath and prepare my stuff for Fontana swimming
Left late for Clark
Met up with the other Parungao-Capistrano-Manalad
Ate late lunch at Tapa King Total NLEX
Everybody's too late to even go to Fontana swimming (bummer!)
Met up with Ramos-Clemente
Hung-out with Ramos-Clemente-Manalad
Ate spaghetti and garlic bread
Took the Montero for a spin
Got a bit lost in Clark while playing cheesy Tagalog songs
Went to SM Clark for dinner
Fooled Congo Grill to get free dessert
Took photos
Met with the older crowd
Drive back to Manila
Stop over at NLEX 7-11
Stop over at Jollibee
Home

Always and forever, I want to go to Berlin.

Day 11 - Shuffle

2011-01-14T15:09:00.002+08:00

Put your iPod on shuffle and write 10 songs that pop up.

Because I may not be able to do this tonight as I am in for a night of food and laughter (LOL)

Peace Man - Bamboo
Alejandro - Lady Gaga
Young Forever - Jay- Z feat. Mr. Hudson
Eveybody's Changing - Keane
You and only You - The Softies
Big Yellow Taxi - Counting Crows
Flashing Red Light Means Go - The Boxer Rebellion
Song for the Slowpoke - The Juliens vs Pia Lina
505 - Arctic Monkeys
Mint Car - The Cure

Although The Cure played in the last, I swear I didn't cheat. Haha!

Day 10 - Firsts

2011-01-13T23:13:00.000+08:00

Discuss your first love and first kiss.

My first love came when I was in Grade 1. Back then, I didn't know that was it. It/he disappeared and came back when I was in Grade 5. I still didn't know it was it, until in HS. Until now, after almost 10 years, I still couldn't believe I am in love with him. Puppy love, first love, whatever you call it.

My first kiss wasn't that romantic. After prom from an all-boys school I was invited to go to, somebody kissed me and my feet didn't pop. Sigh.

I don't wanna discuss details.

Day 09 - Future

2011-01-12T21:45:00.002+08:00

How you hope your future will be like.

In the future, I want my family and #theJeep to have happy and stable lives. I hope my friends and I will still be together every birthdays and Christmas parties like the one we had last year. (With Chiara)

Obviously here, you can't see our costumes

Is Cha Sidney Bristow or Jessica Alfaro?

I guess she's Jessica Alfaro this time.

In the future, I want Lian to marry Niel Etheridge so they'll have a cute baby boy and her baby and my baby will end up together provided her son isn't eating booger

Lian Berry

I want Cha to continue giving us free samples of shampoo so we won't have to put that one in our shopping lists

In the future, I want the #fantasticfour to remain fantastic and that we continue travelling together

In the future, I hope my HS friends and I will still regularly watch movies and do-sing alongs often

And in the future I want a lifetime of happiness with Andrew Garfield

or my own Mr. Big

While acting like a boss

HEHE.

Of course a nice house and money won't hurt too.
All these after 2012 please. Thank you!

Day 08 - Satisfaction

2011-01-11T23:22:00.000+08:00

A moment you felt the most satisfied with your life.

I guess that one moment when I felt truly satisfied was when I graduated in college. It's nice to finally accomplish something long-term (or sorta).

Now, I am easily satisfied with Auntie Anne's original pretzel.

Day 07 - Libra

2011-01-10T23:05:00.003+08:00

Your zodiac sign and if you think it fits your personality

This isn't too negative, isn't? LOL

According to Astrology Online, Librans in a nutshell are:

Diplomatic
Urbane
Romantic
Charming
Easygoing
Sociable
Idealistic
Peaceable
Indecisive
Changeable
Gullible
Easily influenced
Flirtatious
Self-indulgent

I bolded those I think are my traits (LOL) 6/13, not bad I guess?

In addition:

They have elegance, charm and good taste, are naturally kind, very gentle, and lovers of beauty, harmony (both in music and social living) and the pleasures that these bring.

They have good critical faculty and are able to stand back and look impartially at matters which call for an impartial judgment to be made on them. But they do not tolerate argument from anyone who challenges their opinions, for once they have reached a conclusion, its truth seems to them self-evident; and among their faults is an impatience of criticism and a greed for approval. But their characters are on the whole balanced, diplomatic and even tempered.

Librans are sensitive to the needs of others and have the gift, sometimes to an almost psychic extent, of understanding the emotional needs of their companions and meeting them with their own innate optimism - they are the kind of people of whom it is said, "They always make you feel better for having been with them." They are very social human beings. They loathe cruelty, viciousness and vulgarity and detest conflict between people, so they do their best to cooperate and compromise with everyone around them, and their ideal for their own circle and for society as a whole is unity.

Their cast of mind is artistic rather than intellectual, though they are usually too moderate and well balanced to be avant garde in any artistic endeavor. They have good perception and observation and their critical ability, with which they are able to view their own efforts as well as those of others, gives their work integrity.

In their personal relationships they show understanding of the other person's point of view, trying to resolve any differences by compromise, and are often willing to allow claims against themselves to be settled to their own disadvantage rather than spoil a relationship. They like the opposite sex to the extent of promiscuity sometimes, and may indulge in romanticism bordering on sentimentality.

Their marriages, however, stand a good chance of success because they are frequently the union of "true minds". The Libran's continuing kindness toward his or her partner mollifies any hurt the latter may feel if the two have had a tiff. Nor can the Libran's spouse often complain that he or she is not understood, for the Libran is usually the most empathetic of all the zodiacal types and the most ready to tolerate the beloved's failings.

The negative Libran character may show frivolity, flirtatiousness and shallowness. It can be changeable and indecisive, impatient of routine, colorlessly conventional and timid, easygoing to the point of inertia, seldom angry when circumstances demand a show of annoyance at least; and yet Librans can shock everyone around them with sudden storms of rage. Their love of pleasure may lead them into extravagance; Libran men can degenerate into reckless gamblers, and Libran women extravagant, jealous and careless about money sometimes squander their wealth and talents in their overenthusiasm for causes which they espouse. Both sexes can become great gossipers. A characteristic of the type is an insatiable curiosity that tempts them to enquire into every social scandal in their circle.

In their work the description "lazy Libra" which is sometimes given is actually more alliterative than true. Librans can be surprisingly energetic, though it is true that they dislike coarse, dirty work. Although some are modestly content, others are extremely ambitious. With their dislike of extremes they make good diplomats but perhaps poor party politicians, for they are moderate in their opinions and able to see other points of view. They can succeed as administrators, lawyers (they have a strong sense of justice, which cynics might say could handicap them in a legal career), antique dealers, civil servants and bankers, for they are trustworthy in handling other people's money. Some Librans are gifted in fashion designing or in devising new cosmetics; others may find success as artists, composers, critics, writers, interior decorators, welfare workers or valuers, and they have an ability in the management of all sorts of public entertainment. Some work philanthropically for humanity with great self-disciple and significant results. Libran financiers sometimes make good speculators, for they have the optimism and ability to recover from financial crashes.

Libra governs the lumbar region, lower back and kidneys. Its subjects must beware of weaknesses in the back, and lumbago, and they are susceptible to troubles in the kidneys and bladder, especially gravel and stone. They need to avoid overindulgence in food and especially drink, for the latter can particularly harm the kidneys.

In conclusion, Librans:

The finer things in life
Sharing
conviviality
Gentleness

DISLIKE

Violence
Injustice
Brutishness
Being a slave to fashion

Copy-pasted everything for reference. LOL.
More here
Specifically October 18 people are here

Day 06 - Facts

2011-01-09T23:18:00.002+08:00

Write 30 interesting facts about yourself.

There have been numerous occasions when I wrote down random things about me. The most recent would probably be that one in the last meme I did, although it just asked eight. This one's going to be a challenge because it asks 30. But it should be a bit easy because it's supposed to be random, I guess. Let's begin:

I, specifically speaking we, own seven dogs. The oldest one is Raskie, a lhasa-shitzu. We have four mutts (askal) with very showbiz names, Matet, KC, Frankie, and Miel. I named the last three dogs. We have new puppies, which are Raskie and Frankie's girls, I call them HrrHrr and Hongkie, everybody calls them Mara and Clara.
I am both OC and Messy. My password used to be ocmessy, then I changed it (would be really stupid if I said my password here)
My favourite colours are black, grey, white, and red.
I use British spelling ever since I can't remember.
I like, rather am fascinated (intrigued) with serial killers. It started after watching Silence of the Lambs.
I wanted to be a detective when I was young because I want to be Clarice Starling. Then on Hannibal, she got her finger cut off. I realised I can't bear getting my finger cut off and kissed my dreams goodbye.
I value honesty and loyalty above all.
I have a few books about feminism that I have yet to read. Although I am not a feminist in its formal sense.
I feel empty when I go to bookstores and don't buy anything.
I cannot live without my lip and cheek tint.
Carine Roitfeld is my favourite fashion magazine editor-in-chief in the whole, wide, fashion world (too bad she left her position recently). Kate Lanphear is my second, although she's not an EIC.
I like looking inside other people's bags, that's why one of my favourite sites is "What's in your bag?"
My mom's Xmas gift to me is a Clavic Brace.
I still want to be a ballerina, after almost 18 years of declining my mother's offer to send me to a ballet class.
I like reading things about social ettiquette
Formal dining scares me to death, especially if it involves a lot of forks, spoons, and table knives.
I need a bookshelf.
My favourite among Carrie Bradshaw's boys is Aleksandr Petrovsky because Mikhail Baryshnikov is my crush.
I don't like getting flowers, but I'd really appreciate it if they are daisies or carnation.
My best friend and I share the same birthday.
My next big purchase will be a Mac book Air. I am keeping my fingers crossed (but I still love my HP)
Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) is my hero.
My favourite poem is Mirror by Sylvia Plath
One line that struck me ever since I read it: Cheaters Never Prosper. I think it's from an RL Stine book. I hate Cheats.
I miss playing Sims. I even put Simlish in the languages I speak in Facebook, but they didn't put it in my profile.
My boyfriend's name is Andrew Garfield. Haha.
My mentors call me Rachel. I still have no idea where that came from.
My child will be named Simone, after Simone de Beauvior
I already have the final designs for my tattoo.
I like telling random things about myself to strangers.

Done!

Day 05 - End

2011-01-08T23:12:00.000+08:00

A time you thought about ending your own life.

Haven't thought about that and I don't think I'll ever will despite my mild obsession with Sylvia Plath.

Day 04 - Religion

2011-01-07T23:14:00.001+08:00

Your views on religion.

I don't know. Sometimes I think Karl Marx was right:

Religion is the opium of the masses

Growing up schooled in Catholic institutions, I thought I knew what I think and feel about religion. Sad isn't?

Day 03 - Drugs and Alcohol

2011-01-06T21:28:00.000+08:00

Your views on drugs and alcohol

Today's category personally hits me as someone who used to be a part of my life (laughing inside) had issues regarding this. It's a bit tricky to talk about drugs and alcohol, actually.

Let's just say that anything in excess is bad, which goes to both of these. Though I am in no right to judge anyone (as to what reason they have on why they are on excessive consumption of these) I would say that these things are made for a reason and if not used properly, will create a big trouble.

I have friends who do drugs, tried using drugs, and swore off drugs in their life. I drink, have friends who drink, friends who don't and friends who have called it quits on alcohol. If it doesn't work for you, it doesn't mean it should not work for others.

I don't really have a strong views on drugs and alcohol as you can see.

Day 02 - Decade

2011-01-05T23:34:00.003+08:00

Where you’d like to be in 10 years.

People know me as "the planner" because I plan things ahead of time. Like for instance, for our Cebu trip, I convinced my friends to plan the JANUARY trip one OCTOBER night. I cannot schedule anything at once, I need to have at least a week before I can actually confirm. I feel unprepared with unplanned anything. So it won't surprise you if I already have a 10-year plan. I do have one, no I think I DID have one.

My plans were kind of re-planned recently with the fast change of everything plus the nearing end of the world. (LOL) I once said I wanted to get married when I'm 28, but I don't think that will happen in six years or anytime in 10 years. I also once wanted to have kids, but I suddenly had a change of heart and decided if I'll have offspring, I'll probably just have one (still a girl whose first name will still be Simone). I also said I wanted to travel in three years, but look at me now, planning my trips after a year of saying that. There goes the life plan. What a complete success.

Probably I've decided to just let the time take its course and let things be. I can probably plan short-term, like meetings (heh) but I probably cannot do lifelong, even 10 years. There are probably dreams, just to keep me focused, but I won't plan anything. I will be wherever I have to be in 10 years. I am afraid if I don't get to be the person I see myself in 10 years, I will be disappointed with myself. I don't want that. Wherever I end up, whatever I get, whatever it is I'm doing in the next 10 years is still unknown. Time can only tell. My future has yet to be written. (Butt load of cliché, anyone?) We don't know what the next two years, five years will give us, so what more with 10, right?

Though in 10 years, I'd probably be a ballerina in Russia married to Andrew Garfield

/as if.

Day 01 - Relationship

2011-01-04T21:08:00.004+08:00

I think I'm beginning to be unfair to this blog because the only time I get to write something here is when I answer meme. But it's kind of fun to do those, right? Especially when you're itching to write something in your blog, but got no things to yak about.

So for the first day, the 30-day blog challenge wants to know:

Your current relationship, if single discuss how single life is.

Truth is, I no longer want to talk about my relationship because the more I talk about it, the more it gets screwed up. I used to be really mushy, talking about it all the time whenever I have the chance to. I write my love letters online to my partner's delight (or embarrassment?) But after the last one, I kind of got tired of it. I have this rule of not deleting what I wrote online because what's the point of having an online public diary if you'll delete it anyway? But after I see my ex-boyfriend's name in my tracker (people still search about him, about us, etc.) from people who have not completely moved on with the break up, I've decided to delete posts and stop writing about my relationships completely. Plus, I was told that somethings are not meant to be written online for everyone to see. Let's just quote a Nicole Scherzinger feat. Will.I.Am song to answer today's challenge:

You're my old school love

You're my new school love

And it's so true

You're all I'm thinking of

Hope this answers everyone's constant bugging regarding my relationship status.

Legally though, I'm single.

A-yo, Got to Let Go!

2010-12-31T18:42:00.001+08:00

Because a lot of people will agree that 2010 was a so-so year, but not as bad as 2009. Personally, if I press rewind and look at what 2010 gave me, it was pretty decent. There were the best of things (graduation, travelling, new job etc.) and there were the worst of things (break-up, a month of depression etc.) I guess it just happens to most of us, we really cannot have it all. Although we try our best every January 1st to start the year right, there is got to be at least two unfortunate things that are bound to happen within the year.

But instead of complaining, why don't we take time and reflect (yes, that's the word) on things we learned from all these experiences. Instead of moping and whining, probably it is best that we should be thankful of all the great things that happened in the past year and learn from our mistakes. That's the better spirit!

2010 was something worth celebrating because:

My Family, in all ways
Our pets: a total of seven dogs, thanks for being stress busters
My College friends who despite having different schedules took time to celebrate each other's birthday and the fantastic Christmas party
My High School friends, forever supporting my career as a professional dancer and always taking time to plan a meet up and always trying to make them happen
Dave, in which I will no longer detail why and what I am thankful for
My work which gives me money to help pay the dues and buy my books and of course my terrific workmates and bosses
All the people I met, I loved, hated, inspired me, I inspired, and learned from
My growing collection of books. More books, more knowledge
The weekends
For all the wonderful trips this year. I cannot express how happy I am that I get to discover the country more and hopefully get to see the rest next year
All those I forgot, but will forever be grateful for

And for all those bad things that happened, may we all shake off the excess (hatred) and learn. Let go and let live.

May 2011 be a new year of hope and happiness to everybody!

See you all next year. :-)

Just because

Holidays 2010

2010-12-26T13:58:00.000+08:00

For those who don't know, I really have a bad memory. In fact, I cannot memorise to save my life. But if there's one thing amazing about my memory that amazes me to no end is that it remembers things which happened eons ago and I have fantastic photographic memory (according to people I talk to). Really.

But maybe my memory only chooses what it wants to remember. Because I can't remember when I started having bad Christmas. Those years when I'd rather sleep through an entire Noche Buena because I don't feel like celebrating. I know those were pretty recent Christmases because my childhood memories of Christmas were all fun. I think people who are getting older really fast are those who don't enjoy Christmas as much. Not until something really great happens to them and that's when they start believing about Christmas again.

Truth is, I thought I'll have one of those Christmas again. Having a not so great 2010 which I won't be detailing anymore, I was ready to have another fucked up Christmas. Fortunately, I didn't. I don't know what made it worth celebrating. Despite a whirlwind of unfortunate events, December redeemed the entire year of booboo.

We didn't have a grand celebration, but it was fun to sit down and laugh with the family which is something we haven't done in a while. Maybe also this time, the Christmas shopping got me on a high! It was fun to give presents and although it will leave you cash strapped, the look on their faces are priceless. It's also great to reward yourself once in a while, especially if you know you deserve them. Being appreciative of what you've accomplished instead of whining is the best way to go.

And so for the first time after years of dreading the holiday celebration, I was actually happy!

I hope everyone had a great Christmas too :-)

Day 10- One Thing That Reminds You of “Love”

2010-12-13T22:40:00.000+08:00

This has got to be the cheesiest of all the ten items in this meme. Apologies for the late post. My flight back to Manila yesterday got cancelled and interwebz connection in CWC sucked so much. I was also too tired and pissed to do anything last night, I ended up spending my time watching TV, swimming, and having massage. Just got back this morning, went home, and slept five hours straight. It was blissful. I woke up with aching arm muscles. Good Job.

Anyway, what could be that one thing that reminds me of love?

I couldn't put it in A THING. Love manifests in EVERYTHING.

right?

Day Nine- Two Things That Inspire You

2010-12-11T22:36:00.001+08:00

Despite being unbelievably tipsy (or drunk already), I will put something here tonight. But don't expect much details because I can't think clearly. Like the one yesterday, I'll put something else as soon as I have decent connection and I'm not drunk. HEH.

1. Art

2. Some mundane things that unexpectedly turn extraordinary.

Day Eight- Three Places You’d Like To Visit

2010-12-10T23:15:00.000+08:00

Writing this in my (freaking) own cabin in Camsur Watersports Complex. Maybe because I know I'll be often here for work, maybe I should have one of these wooden cabins reserved under my name. LOLJK.

The wi-fi isn't so great so if I don't get to post this today, I'll be very disappointed, seriously.

Anyway, funny how I had this same question asked by my airplane seat mate (the Joey Villar of Phil Star) awhile ago. I gave him three international destinations. Maybe I should separate local and foreign places for this one.

Foreign:

1. Berlin

2. London

3. South Africa

Local:

1. Batanes

2. Siargao

3. Siquijor

I shall say why and put some pictures here soon once I get a decent connection. Tonight, I'm going to watch Factory Girl before I go sleep.

Day Seven- Four Songs that Mean A Lot To You

2010-12-09T23:37:00.001+08:00

Again, one of those ~*serious*~ categories. Laying four songs here that in someway, somehow, meant something in my life. SOME. HEHE.

1. Pictures of You (The Cure): I remember I was 18 and I thought I was in-love or maybe I really was? He's 12 years older (do the math). Quoting Serena van der Woodsen in the latest episode of Gossip Girl, " It felt good to have someone who paid attention to me for a positive reason." I was a college freshman and he's (until now) a member of a group (because saying what group he belongs to will just be a giveaway). He kept me awake until 3a.m. even though I had classes in the morning. Things were doing good, great even. There were nights of poetry, music, and art. There were days when all I could think of is being with him. But I doubt my parents would approve, because he's not like any other boys (men). Then there was that day that kind of ruined everything. Days became bleak and the next thing I knew, he got himself a girlfriend.

This song, among other songs we exchanged means a lot because it's the first time I've ever cried over a boy and over a song. You see, I'm no crybaby until Senior Retreat and I'm a pain-in-the-ass type of girlfriend in my 'heydays.' I didn't see the point of crying over someone until him. One afternoon, my iTunes randomly played this song and I found myself in tears while looking at his pictures. SAWRY.

/shitthatwasawful.

2. (I've Got You) Under My Skin (Frank Sinatra): This song is my childhood. Growing up with a father who's old enough to be my grandpa (sorry pa, hehe), we got all the oldies but goodies played during weekends. Also because he owns the car, he gets to choose which songs are going to get played. When I was younger, he plays a lot of Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Johnny Mathis, Tony Bennet, and the rest of their batch mates. However, it was my boy Frankie who got me. I got to memorise one of his songs and my dad and I used to do duets, especially on New Year's/ his birthday parties. Aside from this song, there's also "Love and Marriage," Strangers in the Night," "Blue Moon," and the infamous "My Way" in our repertoire.

3. Marching On-Timbo version (Timbaland feat. OneRepublic): If there's a song I'd listen to over and over on bad days, this has got to be it.

4. Your Song (Tres), I Could Not Ask for More (Edwin McCain), and Five Candles (Jars of Clay): In one number, just because. The first song is something he wrote for me, the other two are some of the songs he used to sing. That was almost two years ago. How can something written for you not mean anything? You guys.

Day Five- Six Reasons to Keep on Living

2010-12-08T22:54:00.001+08:00

OT: Philippine Football Team Azkals made it to semi-finals! Hoorah, Hoorah! As per Lian's tweet, they'll be heading home tomorrow. Why must my flight be on Friday? But then, my friends and I are going to Bacolod next year. I wonder when they'll go there (hopes it will be on April/May)

/edit: They'll play on January. K. Nvm.

I had a mistake of answering what's for day six yesterday. I know, numbers and I don't mix well. (excuses! Your mother will be very disappointed, young lady. You should start wearing your glasses again!) So here's what's supposed to be for day five.

Today's theme is really ~*serious*~, I don't know how ~*deep*~ my answers should be.

1. My dreams

2. My dreams

3. My dreams

4. The three other guys in my family (Ma, Pa, and Kuya + pets probably)

5. My friends

6. I still haven't found the One (lol on capitalisation)

If you got no dreams, what's the reason for living, Ayt?

/why am I Gangster tonight?

Day Six- Five Fictional Characters You Can Identify With

2010-12-07T23:46:00.002+08:00

I guess this one is rather predictable if you know me in real life because I talk about these characters and how my life seems to mirror them in reality. Okay, not all the time, but most of the time. Maybe I just thought so? Anyway.

(Excuse my inability to count properly. I skipped what's really meant for today)

1. Carrie Bradshaw of Sex and the City- Oh yes. I believe most of the SATC addicts can identify most with Carrie. She's the mix of the three girls in the series, don't you think? She can be romantic, aggressive, and headstrong at the same time. Like Carrie, I think I ponder things a lot, usually most of the time. If only we can have her Manolos and Jimmy Choos, raid her closet, be in her apartment, and drink Cosmopolitan with her and the rest of the gals. Like Carrie, I want my own Mr. Big (dumidumdumdum) and like Carrie, I've had horrible relationships that can pretty much match each of her ex-boys. I was planning on writing something about that, but I guess it's not YET the best time.

2. Liz Lemon of 30 Rock- This girl and I, we're like twins. Although I wish my life won't be as hell as hers, most of the things she does are almost the same with what I do. We're both awkward too, disastrous even so you can just imagine us being together is probably like hell on earth, or we can both go to coma because we're both clumsy like that. Liz Lemon is tactless. Not her best characteristic, but it makes her charming. She also echoes what I want my future partner to be.

I want someone who will be monogamous and nice to his mother. And I want someone who likes musicals, but knows to just shut his mouth when I’m watching 'Lost.' And I want someone who thinks being really into cars is lame, and strip clubs are gross. I want someone who will actually empty the dishwasher instead of just taking out forks as needed - like I do. I want someone with clean hands and feet and beefy forearms, like a damned Disney prince. And I want him to genuinely like me. Even when I’m old. And that’s what I want. -Liz Lemon

3. Charlie of Perks of Being a Wallflower- I'm really not a fan of Young Adult lit, but this book got me. Reading Perks of Being a Wallflower is like going through my mind say a few months back. Specifically during March/April this year when I pondered a lot about the people around me. I may not have any problems (or thought about) suicide, abuse, or much about sexuality, but Charlie's thoughts came through me. His were honest musings about life. Maybe the thing about Charlie that I can identify most is he's always thinking about a lot of things- sometimes clouded, often clear.

So, this is my life. And I want you to know that I am both happy and sad and I'm still trying to figure out how that could be. - Charlie

4. Laida Magtalas of A Very Special Love and You Changed my Life- The noble editorial assistant-girlfriend of Miggy Montenegro. Who could forget these movies? I couldn't because I cried when I watched them. Heh. It's funny how we both pine for that person who everyone thinks is hard to love. Someways, we could be that person who loves someone so much we sometimes forget about ourselves. (That's us, Laida, that's us)

We also want that, John Lloyd.

Mahirap? Yan mahirap? Subukan mo kayang magmahal sa isang katulad mo nang malaman mo kung ano ang mahirap? -Laida Magtalas

5. Esther Greenwood of The Bell Jar- This book is said to be a semi-autbiography of Sylvia Plath, one of my favourite authors. I got my copy of The Bell Jar from a friend who owned it since forever. It took me a really long time to find one and luckily, I was given my own copy (an old edition at that). It became one of my go-to books. There was a time when I was depressed, that I read it religiously. Some of my friends thought it was bad that me being on a rot, was reading something like that. But it gave me relief. Esther Greenwood thought she knew what she wanted, then she became lost. There were a lot of things that happened to her character- from entering a mental institutuion to attempted suicide, to her thoughts on being a woman. This book has been very significant for me, especially now that I'm in the "real world." There were a lot of things we're (eerily) alike, most of them I marked in my copy.

I took a deep breath and listened to the old brag of my heart. I am, I am, I am. -Esther Greenwood

Day Four- Seven TV Shows You Remember From Your Childhood

2010-12-06T23:44:00.000+08:00

If I hadn't said it too much, I'm going to say it again. My childhood was spent mostly in front of TV. We used to live in a building and my brother and I were not allowed to go out because no. 1: we might fall down the stairs and no. 2: if we go out, we might get hit by vehicles traversing Aurora Blvd. As much as our parents wanted us to go out and meet the world, we couldn't so most of the time, we're in front of the TV flipping channels, fed VHS player with tapes, and built communities with my doll house and my brother's train set.

Things did not change when we move to a new apartment. Although we no longer live near highway and we can pretty much go out and meet our neighbours, my brother and I chose not too. Instead, we flipped channels, fed VCD/DVD players with CDs, and played Sims. Exciting.

As siblings, we watched TV so much that at one point, our parents hid the remote so we'd take a nap instead. Of course we didn't. So you could just imagine us, getting all the program schedules to a T. No need for TV guide because we got your back. Although we don't watch as much TV now as we did before (due to the scarcity of anything worthy of watching), we still get to watch TV shows, not technically on TV, but downloaded series (rar! rar! rar!) If I get to watch TV, I'd stay tuned most of the time to JackTv.

So I will take you back to the days when I had more than two channels to watch and give seven TV shows I remember from my childhood.

1. Sineskwela- If some of us wanted to be scientist at some point of our lives, it must be because of this show. We all stay glued in front of the TV by 9:30am everyday and watch Agatom, Anatom, Gat Puno, Buknoy, and the rest of the other characters that made us wish we'd also shrink to get inside small intestine. Science was fun with Sineskwela. We all wished our classes were taught with songs and visuals just like in Sineskwela. Also, we wished our teachers dressed up like Christine Bersola. By the way, the opening notes of Sineskwela's theme song sound so much like Lily Allen's Fuck You (very much? not sure of title)

2. For Kids Only- I don't know if I'm the only one who remembers this show. When I talk about it, most of the people I speak to often give me a blank face. Don't you guys remember Ms. April? How she needed to explain the way toys work? How those (lucky) kids get to play every toy we wished we had? No? Okay. But I remember it, too bad you can't.

3. Daria- Daria Morgendorffer, where do I begin with you? This show kind of made me excited about highschool. Thought it was fun to sit with poker face and observe people hah. Thank heavens I don't have a sister like Quinn. I was kind of flattered when my boss told me I look a bit like Daria. Nananana... Still couldn't find DVD set of Daria in Manila.

4. Diary- "You think you know, but you have no idea..." the famous opening line of this show. If you want to know things about your favourite pop stars, watch Diary. I remember it being shown every 4:30 pm on Saturdays. I also remember Christina Aguilera's because it was shown often. I'm not so sure though if MTV still has this show. Here's part one of Christina Aguilera's Diary, pre-Dirrrty. Watch the rest here

5. Sarah, Ang Munting Prinsesa- Admit it. You wake up early in the morning to watch this. We all rooted for Sarah, hated Lavinia and Ms. Minchin, cried with Lottie, pitied Becky, and most of the girls my age wanted to be Sarah in their circle of friends, or Lavinia if you wanted to bitch out as a kid. By the way, don't pretend you did not watch the movie version. Heh.

6. WWF- I spent Saturday nights watching fights between the greatest fighters of our time. Mr. Perfect, Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, Gold Dust, Steve Austin, Mankind (Mick Foley and his deadly socks) Undertaker. Royal Rumble was my favourite wrestling event, so was Wrestlemania. Wrestlers today are all show (although they were also all show then, but I'm biased hehe) I got tired of watching WWE because most of them are whiners. Most of us grew up watching Eddie Guerrero lie, cheat, and steal but did not do so with death and Chris Benoit's star's descent.

7. MTV Alternative Nation- Long before MTV Pilipinas and its lousy set of VJs, MTV Southeast Asia used to feed our local MTV with shows from US, then Singapore after some time. It was the glory years of MTV, dominating music channel kingdom, until there was Vid-Ok which eventually became Myx. I loved the older MTV, especially this show. I hated the fact that I got to get home around 4pm from Mondays to Thursdays because I don't get to watch this. I also stayed up late, to catch up for the 10:30pm airing. Foo Fighters, Garbage, Smashing Pumpkins, The Cardigans, Alanis Morissette, and the like. I'm not so sure if I saw Nirvana here first too.

Honestly, I'm quite enjoying this meme.

Day Three- Eight Movies that Changed Your Life

2010-12-05T23:37:00.004+08:00

As much as I wanted to take this 10-day meme seriously, I cannot find it in my heart to answer properly. Especially this one. Although I guess there could be eight out of gazillion movies I've seen that changed my life, my memory won't function well tonight.

So maybe, I should just list down eight of my favourite movies? That's more rhetorical.

1. Silence of the Lambs- Watched this movie for the first time when I was nine or ten when Pa brought home some VHS tapes from this place we used to rent movies near our former abode. He said this movie is good, won some Oscars and being the type who would watch ANYTHING on TV, I sat next to him and went through the movie. After two++ hours, I was speechless. It was a fuckin' awesome (Did not say the F word then, but it was!) I watched it second, third time and it officially became my favourite movie of all time, Jodie Foster became my favourite actress for some time, and I became fascinated with killers. What a childhood.

2. Mean Girls- It's been a while since we've had something REALLY funny in the big screen. Probably since Mean Girls. If there's one movie I can say random lines at most random times, I'd say a lot from Mean Girls. There was a time when I'd watch this movie over and over (It was summer before fourth year HS I think?) I also got the "Jingle Bell Rock" dance steps memorised. I'm just waiting for a right time and the right boy to show this sexy dance moves to. Rawr. Funny how in high school, some of my batch mates called me Queen Bee, when I wasn't as bad ass as Regina George, but I wish I was. College was extra terrific because one of my girls, Nachi had the lines memorised too! (I love my friends!) I also heard they'll be a Mean Girls 2. Argh. Guys, forget it. Stop saying SEQUEL, SEQUEL isn't gonna happen.

3. Pretty in Pink/Sixteen Candles/The Breakfast Club a.k.a. my favourite John Hughes movies- We all know 80's as decade of fishnet stockings, punk rock, and new wave music. We also know 80's as the decade of teen movies directed by John Hughes (RIP). I know, I should only list EIGHT, but I cannot help it. I just got to list these movies in the same number and pay tribute to one of the best directors there is (was). All three movies got Molly Ringwald (once wanted to be like her), all three movies had teen angst, all three movies had cute boys. Heeeh. Funny the guy in Sixteen Candles had the same name with one of my ex-MU in HS. Plus, who would forget "Don't you, forget about me/don't/don't/don't/don't while throwing fist in the air? I recently watched Easy A and found they had references on most John Hughes movies. Like Olive, I wish John Hughes wrote my life, but he didn't.

Wanted to be Sam, Andy, and Claire.

4. Sleepless in Seattle/You've Got Mail- These Nora Ephron movies never fail to make us all giddy, don't they? Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks have this chemistry that despite having these movies filmed years apart, they still get audiences feel warm and fuzzy after watching. I love them! Makes us think that there is someone, somewhere waiting for us and we'll meet them, despite the means and distance. Hay, sappy love stories.

I like to start my notes to you as if we're already in the middle of a conversation. I pretend that we're the oldest and dearest friends -- as opposed to what we actually are, people who don't know each other's names and met in a Chat Room where we both claimed we'd never been before. -Kathleen (Shopgirl) to Joe (NY152)

5. Notting Hill- The mother of all princess loves a pauper story of our generation! I don't know anyone who hates this movie, even those who are men enough to cry over happy endings. There was a time when HBO showed it almost every day and every hour that almost all the people I know were watching it, crying. Even Dave enjoyed quoting it so much, it was weird that in almost two days, we exchanged quotes from the movie.

I'm just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her -Anna Scott to William Thacker

6. Wallstreet- It's old, I know. I first saw this movie in HBO (or Star Movies?) and I was sick to my stomach. Did not understand pretty much everything finance related, but it was a good movie. Then I watched it the second time after downloading one (rar rar rar!) The movie's wicked. It made me think how crazy finance is, and oh, Greed is Good. By the way, the part two is good also, but it's not as hardcore as the first one. It's got a bit heart (lulz) because aside from numbers, it got family stuff about Gecko. P.S. Number dude(s), I can marry one anytime, especially if one looks like Shia in motorcycle.

7. American Psycho- Blood grosses me out, fortunately despite how bloody (and morbid) this movie is, I never get tired of watching it over and over. I finally got the book, but I haven't started reading it yet because I have so much to do. Hopefully by Christmas break or something. Christian Bale, where do I begin? You got some hot butt exposure. Boobs are everywhere. Well written satire. Don't bother watching the part two though. It's horrible.

8. Going the Distance- Probably the best Drew Barrymore movie I've seen in a while, plus Justin Long is so adorbz. I wonder why they broke up? It's hard to date someone who's very busy, but it's harder to date someone from another place. The perils of long-distance relationship chronicled in this movie. My girlfriends and I ended up "awww"-ing in most scenes. The movie has a wonderful soundtrack too. The Boxer Rebellion, anyone?

It was hard to come up with eight movies if you got tons of others that you equally love. I want to know yours. Not necessarily movies that changed your life, just your favourites.

Day Two- Nine Things You Have Learned About Yourself This Year

2010-12-04T23:15:00.000+08:00

There is definitely nothing new about myself this year, I think. Believe it or not, my life has been a cycle of the things past. But in the spirit of the challenge, I will try my best to remember what I learned about myself this year.

1. Unconsciously, despite people telling me I am gregarious in real life, I want be left alone most of the times. I eat alone for lunch, spend my lunch break walking around Legazpi Village, or going to bookstores alone on Friday nights because that's how I roll.

2. If I had to choose people I hang out with, they must be the same folks I hung out with since forever (or four years ago). I also think letting them go will be very hard for me as much as making new friends again. (#thejeep, maldita)

3. If I really like something, I make it happen.

4. My patience has exceeded my expectations. It was tested so much this year and it wasn't an easy feat.

5. I love someone too much and I leave a lot of things for people to see. Later on, I realised I should keep to myself and to whoever I am sharing something with the things we do because people don't really need to know so much. Plus, in the end they'll use it against you. Sad reality.

6. I have a tendency to be very sentimental. For example, the scrunchie I am using everyday, it means a lot. I cannot afford to lose it, but I don't want to leave it at home. One time, I thought I lost it, I almost went to tears. Crazy.

7. It's fascinating that I find myself believing in 11:11 this year. Some of the wishes I made worked, other didn't. But I still do it.

8. I have been liking the same person for almost 10 years and counting. I hope I do not gross that person out.

9. My comfort food will always be from McDonald's.

Day One- 10 Facts About Yourself

2010-12-03T23:31:00.001+08:00

I have succumbed to this Ten Day Challenge to keep this blog going. I hope I can keep up with this. It's just 10 days, not even 30--- Can you just imagine my commitment?

1. If you ask me about my childhood, I will most probably tell you about the TV shows I watched as a kid. At a young age, you can definitely say I'm a couch potato. I spent so many hours watching TV. I even have some commercials memorised, like the one from Wet Set Inflatables which I wonder nobody remembers. Also this TV show called "For Kids Only," which was responsible in that point of my life when I perpetually asked my parents to get me My Baby All Gone doll.

2. Remember your first crush? I do! It's even weird that at such a young age, I admit that I really have uncanny taste in men (Not that someone I like right now is weird. It's just that my taste varies, unlike some of my friends who like bald, muscular guys, or untidy boys--- Cha and Lian respectively). My first crush was a wrestler. Yup, I watched WWF (before it became WWE) when I was a kid, even staying up just to watch it (Disclaimer: This doesn't mean I have awful parents who allowed me to stay up late, Ok?) One time, during a match, Mr. Perfect was beaten up so badly, I cried to my mom and told her to stop the fight, which of course she can't do. My dad who was taking a bath at that time, had to wash off the soap quickly to tell me that it's not real. There goes my childhood, ruined.

You're my old school love, RIP

3. I buy books more often than I buy clothes (which I think is pretty obvious). If I had to buy new clothes, I go to three (it used to be just two) stores: Bench, Nafnaf, and Zara. If I don't have money, I go to thrift shops. If you ask me, I'd rather shop in Ukay or in Cubao X, than in malls.

4. When I'm mad, I don't talk and I cry.

5. I like my bread toasted twice. The more toasted, the better, then I put butter. During my first trip to Camsur, I ate a lot more toasted bread than say, Laing Pizza even if I know it's supposed to be must-taste because it's their specialty. I eat toasted white bread on a regular basis. I don't like wheat bread because I am not weight conscious. Truth be told, I wanna get fat.

6. When I make decisions, I usually talk to myself out loud, in English.

7. I hate borrowing stuff from other people, as much as I hate lending my stuff to them--- except if I know you're someone I can share things with like Lian.

8. If I could, I would like to move out of our house and live on my own. I have been wanting to get an apartment/unit and probably bring home some boy(s)--- KIDDING.

9. I am dying to get a tattoo. I know I have the craziest skin ever. But all I can think of is getting myself inked one of these days. I have already decided what I want to put, like my favourite word (starts with F if you want a clue) on my right wrist, tattooed in white ink. The words "I am, I am, I am" from Sylvia Plath's Bell Jar somewhere I haven't decided yet or "This is not an exit" from American Psycho. I also thought about putting wayfarer on my nape, heh something without any significance really. My former mentor Ms. Eva got some really cool tattoos and she showed them to me. I especially liked the one on her legs. I'm envious.

10. I need something to believe in.

2010 in 40

2010-11-28T23:00:00.001+08:00

Figured there are still 30+ days before the year ends, but who cares. From Tumblr.

1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before? Did a lot of out-of-town trips without telling my parents. Sneaky like that.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I do not do New Year's Resolutions

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? None

4. Did anyone close to you die? No one, thankfully

5. What countries did you visit? Unfortunately, I haven't visited any country this year. Been to new local places though, like Bolinao, Pangasinan and Camarines Sur

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009? Regular job, definitely

7. What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory and why? March 29, graduation

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Graduating, landing a job, earning enough money for travelling

9. What was your biggest failure? My everyday short comings (Obviously, I'm a failure everyday at work)

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Is toothache from wisdom tooth accepted?

11. What was the best thing you bought? Blackberry. Heh. My books.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Everyday heroes we never really hear about.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Can I say Noynoy's?

14. Where did most of your money go? Books, pairs of shoes, and food

15. What did you really, really, really get excited about? My tattoo (which I hope happens before the year ends)

16. What song will always remind you of 2010? Empire State of Mind -Jay Z feat. Alicia Keys

17. Compared to this time last year are you:
Happier? I think I was happier last year
Thinner? I don't see any difference
Richer? yeah. hehe

18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Save up

19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Worrying

20. How did you spend Christmas? Christmas is like 24(?) more days to go, but just like any other year, I'd celebrate it with the family

21. How will you be spending new years? Celebrating Papa's birthday

22. Did you fall in love in 2010? Always been in love with the same person for the past 10 years or so, which I realised now that I'm suddenly scared of.

23. How many one-night stands? None

24. What was your favorite TV program? 30 Rock (Glee, Gossip Girl, and Big Bang Theory)

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? Haha, yes.

26. What was the best book you read? Looking for Alaska by John Green.

27. What was your biggest musical discovery? The Boxer Rebellion

28. What did you want and you got? Him? But I can't say "got" because nobody really gets a person

29. What did you want and not get? Tattoos, I still have 30 more days.

30. What was your favorite film of this year? Going the Distance, Wallstreet Two (or Date Night)

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old did you turn? Karaoke Party, turned 22

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? More travels

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010? Neutral Palette

34. What kept you sane? My friends

35. Which celebrity did you fancy the most? German football star Lukas Podolski

36. What political issue stirred you the most? RH Bill and DOT brouhaha

37. Who did you miss? My friends who went abroad and haven't gone back yet

38. Who was the best new person you met? Mostly humble people I met from work

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010: You may think you already know someone, but you really don't. Even they themselves don't know who they are.

40. Quote or Song Lyric that sums up your year:
"Greed is Good"

Baguio be Blogged

2010-11-23T00:20:00.007+08:00

There is definitely something about Baguio that no matter how many times you go there (so much that you almost don't have any where else to go because you have been to every "must-visit" spot there is), you will always, always find your way back.

It could be the climate. Though it's not as cool as it was 10, 20 years ago, Baguio's 14 degrees Celsius is still better than Manila's 30 by mile.

It could also be the nice people. You go anywhere around Baguio City and your taxi fare won't reach P100. If it would, you probably won't think it's because the taxi driver did some hocus pocus. If you give excess amount for fare, drivers will give you exact change. If you go around and can't find your way, you can ask people and they won't be pissed. They will even lead the way, even coming with you just to make sure you went to the right place. I bet if Amazing Race were to take place in Baguio, contestants will be very happy.

My friend Apol said Baguio has healing powers. This I haven't tried yet, but based on her experience and my best friend Lian's, they both agreed that their recent Baguio trips helped them recover from whatever rot they had. I'm just lucky that after days of events and tiring work load, I was able to go and took a weekend off from Manila.

Lucky that I didn't have working internet and that my fone connection was going zonkers, because if it weren't for those, I'd probably be stuck with my laptop.

But we were actually stuck with my laptop because we were watching Glee over and over, trying to memorise "Forget You," until we realised that it officially became our weekend in Baguio song and we would randomly sing lines from the song (no matter how inaccurate the lines we're singing) in the middle of Session Road at 1 a.m.

Close second was "Two is Better than One" after this girl sang it so well in 108 Session Road Cafe and even if we had to leave by 5pm, we chose to stay and wait for her to finish the song. I expect that one of these days, one of us will record and make a version of this song. The last time I went to Baguio, it was "The Man Who Can't be Moved," that was stuck in my head after this local band fronted by this guy from a local singing contest, sang it in Giligan's.

And there's this new place we found on our last day, that it would be a shame if we didn't drop by.

Due to constant raving of Apol's Baguio friends, we dropped by Oh My Gulay- Artist Cafe in La Azotea, Session Road. The place is owned by Kidlat Tahimik. They serve vegetarian meals, thus the name. There were a lot of mixed-medium artworks by Carlo Villafuerte. This one's my favourite

Dreams

And there are some photos of us, on afternoons we got to go out

Excuse the Mr. Bean face, hehe

If I were to be asked where I want to settle when I get tired of Manila, I'd say Baguio in a heartbeat. I will go back to Baguio every week if I have the money and the means.

On the Road: Music Edition

2010-11-18T23:05:00.004+08:00

I was on my way home from an event tonight, taking a different route from my usual way home. My officemate dropped me off somewhere nearer my house, though I still had to ride a bus and a trike to get to my turf. Like most nights, tonight I went home alone.

When I know I should be scared, my playlist keeps me calm. I usually listen to my playlist saved in my Blackberry. It's so convenient to have a fone and music player in one unit, but I'd really love some iPod shuffle 3rd Generation. Yes, that thin one, that one most people found ugly, I want that. I don't like local radio stations, except probably NU 107 which recently signed off forever, in favour of more mainstream music of WIN 107. I haven't tuned in to that station, and I never plan to.

Though I know you'd never ask, I will be self-indulgent still and tell what I have in my playlist. They're usually from bands like The Cure, The Boxer Rebellion, and The National. My affinity for bands with names starting with THE is beyond my comprehension. Not that bands starting with THE are awesome, but most are, right? Songs from The Cure, being my most favourite band ever, are usually my most played. If BB music player has "how many times played?" counter, it'll probably lost count on my favourite song alone which is "Mint Car." My favourite song from TBR "These Walls are Thin." I can probably stop in Makati Ave in the morning during traffic and sing this song on top of my lungs. The National's "The Perfect Song" is perfect, hence the name, or just my thoughts?

My usual pick me upper are Glee songs. I have tons and when I mean tons, I mean TONS! I thank my brother for patiently downloading every single song they're singing in each episode. Last week, "Teenage Dream" was on my loop. This week, it's Gwyneth Paltrow's "Forget You." Although I would love them to get Ms. Paltrow and have her regularly in the show, I think that won't be possible because we'll eventually get tired of her character, true? My favourite Glee songS are those they sang at Sectionals--- Faithfully, Any way You Want It/ Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin', and Don't Stop Believing. If I wanted to dance some more, I listen to Taken by Cars or Alphabeat. Add some Bloc Party and The Killers and I'm good to go.

On way home, when it's traffic and the bus isn't showing TV Patrol (a.k.a. 24 Oras or some B-movie), I like to listen to India Arie's Heart of the Matter or Erykah Badu's Window Seat. James Morrison is also my favourite "bumper to bumper traffic" artist, also John Mayer. But if there's one song I will never get tired of listening to all day, even if my ears bleed, it'll be "Girl on TV" by LFO. Rest in Peace Rich Cronin. It was actually the song I immediately played when I heard he died.

There are A LOT more. I will gladly show them to you if we meet. That is if you're still interested, or e-mail?

My playlist saves me from boredom or endless talkies from DJs. Gone are the days when it's all music. Even music channels right now have VJs talking nonstop about nonsense, instead of music videos. Thank heavens for personal music players, it saves you from the hassle of enduring DJs solving other people's love problems for the entire duration of their program.

I'd like to know, do you have any on the road playlist? What kind of music? What bands?

Countdown to Cebu

2010-11-07T15:44:00.002+08:00

I expect that in the next two months or so, my trips to bookstores will no longer be as frequent compared to the last few months. I also expect that my weekends will be spent more and more at home (except probably if I were to be asked to go out for work or if I won't spend anything more than P100) and all the unnecessary fast food trips will disappear in few weeks. Since I have monthly dues to pay now, as much as possible I want to save up all the money I can get for my travels, at least for the last few months before January.

Yesterday, Lian, Cha, Mon, and I met to finally fix our itinerary and our supposed last hang out before we all hibernate and not see each other 'til January. Being the plan-freak and super excited to travel, I already drafted our itinerary complete with colour-coded markers according to dates and budget. I remember Dave telling me I plan way ahead of time. I don't know. I just think that the earlier things are planned, the lesser the possibility of getting unexpected problems along the way. I just like seeing things straighten out to avoid hassle and of course to budget our money.

If I compute all my earnings, minus the things I have to pay monthly, I can already have my budget if I save up a month's worth of salary. But knowing me, it's hard not to think about food and good book. But I will try my best to resist the temptation.

It's also kind of sad that the trip will only last for a weekend and we're trying to fit all the things we want to do and places we want to see in almost two days (we leave Cebu Sunday morning so there's no hope of going around then). But hopefully, the next time we go somewhere (like Cagayan de Oro or Davao hopefully next year also) we can already allot a week for R and R.

Excitement is actually an understatement. I can't help but count days and I wake up everyday thinking a new day means the nearer we get to January. I'm even more excited for this than Christmas (because I don't really look forward to Christmas--- don't judge. I just don't). But before the year ends, I think I have two more places to go to that require long bus rides or plane rides. That I will reveal when they're already approved!

In a Grown Up's World

2010-10-28T21:43:00.001+08:00

If there is something I won't be afraid of, it's responsibility. Sure, I get nervous whenever I'm given something to take charge of, but I'm not scared to take the lead. Not to brag, but I was Class President almost all years in my school or member of Student Body (I was once the student body president y'all). I don't know what kind of vibe I give off, but I was always, always put in charge of everything.

So it did not surprise me when Ma and Pa decided that it's time I take responsibility of things at home, like bills for instance. I don't complain. I got cable and water bills which are nothing compared to our electricity and telephone bill, but still. I sometimes don't know how I can fit bills, plus the things I spend for work, plus my impulse book buying with my salary. I mean, I have decent pay, but with all these things, I don't know how much I'll be able to save up in case. It's not like when I was still in school, when I get allowance from Papa everyday. My money only comes every 15th and 30th of the month.

You might think I am whining, but I'm not. In fact I kind of like that they gave me this so I'd learn how to budget my money. It's not like I spend on a lot anyway (for starters, I only spend a lot on books). It isn't bad to give a bit of my salary to them because it's just a bit of what they actually spent on me for the last 17 years. Imagine, 17 years! They could have bought a lot of other stuff with the money they paid for my school and other things I asked for (which isn't a lot actually).

So awhile ago over dinner, I told Papa that I'd like to add two more channels to our cable because I'm taking charge of the bill. Meanwhile, I will ask them to limit their bath time to five minutes, so we can conserve water and I don't have to pay much.

I, on the other hand will shower for more than 15 minutes because that's one of the perks of paying for the water bill.

I am serious.

The Mandatory Birthday Post

2010-10-25T20:29:00.004+08:00

It's on late night weekends like tonight when I am left with nothing significant to do, but to write something here. Things have been pretty great lately, except that I usually have no time for other things because of work. I can almost see myself sleeping through an entire week or not being bothered to wake up early, at least when vacation for a week comes. That we all have to wait for. If that happens, let's all rejoice!

Exactly a week after my rainy birthday and I still don't feel anything significant other than the books I accumulated, thanks to Apol and my best friend Lian who got me something I didn't wish for, but something I've always wanted to have, unknowingly. She gave me a book filled with love letters, enough to make me mushy (or squirm) while reading them. What I loved most was her dedication. Save for the useless dedication I persuaded an ex boyfriend to write in one of the books he gave me (which right now I wish he didn't write at all), I love all things personally written. This one in particular:

May you someday find your Mr. Big. In the meantime, settle for Beethoven.
"Ever thine, Ever mine, Ever ours"

That's actually my favourite, so happy she remembered it--- or I'll smack her in the face, kidding! Her gift, I haven't given her yet, because I was in a hurry and had a really bad morning last Saturday and stupidly forgot hers. But I hope she likes it.

We also had a party at RedBox Trinoma, because there's no videoke party like a "The Jeep Videoke party!" Okay, I hope that just made sense because I was laughing my head off writing that, in hopes of giving a Liz Lemon's mandatory party a run for her money.

So anyway, like some of the best parties we threw, it was (ahem) a success because, there's no videoke party like a "The Jeep Videoke party!"--- I just wanted to repeat. Here are some photos from Saturday

Lol at this very random screen cap. It's so funny, right?

This is me, tryna be whatever.

My best friends in the whole wide world, Cha and Lian
(plus Monica, but she was late)

Because we love taking photos

Fantastic weekend, yes?

On Getting Lost

2010-10-13T00:33:00.004+08:00

There are days when I wanted to get lost.

There were numerous occasions when I thought of going away for awhile and leave what I have right now to look for something. What bugs me is that I don't know what exactly I am looking for. This is probably the reason why this hasn't happened yet. I was thinking of going somewhere alone just for the sake of having time for myself. I forgot how it was to not think about anything, other than wandering off and getting lost. Lucky if I have money to spend and a destination to go to. But if I don't, I go and find some bookstore.

There were days when after a tedious day at work, no matter how tired I am, I would wander aimlessly, stopping by all the bookstores I can find and immerse myself to whatever I can get my hands with. I read books, those which are already ready for free reading. If I find a book that isn't open yet and it catches my fancy, I sneak in a corner and open it. In bookstores I can go to the past or fast forward to future. I can go back to high school or to my some home ticking off what I have already accomplished in my bucket list. I can jet set to fashionable cities of New York, Paris, Tokyo, Milan or I can go deep inside forest and scream my lungs out when I see the big, brown wolf. When I have books, I get lost. I get into somebody's shoes and read their thoughts. For a moment, I almost feel like I was somewhere and someone else. Leafing over through pages and pages of happiness, misery, triumph, and despair. I'm lucky that characters in most of my books and I think the same way ... or It's just me thinking we're all the same? (What a selfish thought). All of these I can do, at the comforts of some couch, carpeted floor, or comforts of my bed.

I get high smelling pages of books. A whiff of the book's paper gets me giddy. Sometimes, as weird as it sounds, I buy books based on how they smell. Often, I end up buying them regardless if they're already musty. What I like most is getting second hand books and ending up getting those that came from the other parts of the world. With small scribbles or underlined quotes from former owners. Makes me think why they did it. Funny how sometimes I find myself liking the same passages. It must be fate, or something.

I was told to take care of my books. There are times when I would meticulously cover them, spending hours and hours of covering them with plastic covers. But now, I have my books uncovered. I like how the embossed covers feel as I run my fingers to each letters-- smooth or textured , soft or hardbound. One of the things I was told not to do was to highlight them. But I get the satisfaction of sliding my fluorescent marker across passages to remember them. Specifically, I use green highlighters. It actually started when I read about people communicating with their books. Some people write on the margins. Some people, draw around their books. But since I write in script, often messy handwriting, I opted not to write anything. Instead highlight whatever I find is interesting. I feel a different connection with my books when I do this. Years after I highlighted a portion and some of the colour has faded, I re-do the marking while remember why I ended up choosing the specific line. Today, I highlighted the words, "French, Feel, Finger, Fuck." Good alliteration.

There are days when I wanted to get lost.

If I could go somewhere, I would. But until that day when I can finally afford a plane ticket to some far off destination, I guess the books will do.

---

Just so you know, right now I am in Culver Creek Boarding School, Alabama getting the shock of my life when I learned somebody died.